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Alison talks to metal singer Ryan Skerrett about starting, quitting, and re-starting various forays into music. Ryan schools Alison on Nu Metal and Alison schools Ryan on how there are no quitters here.

In this episode, Alison speaks with RiShon Odel, the masterful bassist who has played with jazz stars and rock stars and gospel stars...He is a producer, writer, and arranger, and we were so happy to catch up with him on a recent evening. 

Alison Pipitone and Peter Burakowski discuss the Pan-American Expo of 1901, his songs based on that era, and the hero Jim Parker, whose name was almost erased from history. Peter also tells us about the time he was traveling for business and his wife called to tell him he was going to be the father of triplets. 

Alison Pipitone and Shannon Furtak discuss the fate of musicians during the Black Plague and the Spanish Flu, along with other equally lighthearted topics.

Alison interviews her brother-in-law/lead guitarist Graham Howes about pianos and guitars and motivation and family.

Alison interviews Matt Pszonak, a man who plays more instruments than there are consonants in his name. Matt talks about his upbringing and world travels, his influences, and the risks involved with a career in music. SUNY Music Industry Students give us a look at Reverend Gary Davis. 

Alison spends some time with Robbie Konikoff talking about - among other things - Devo, following your heart, and being open to change. Then SUNY Fredonia music industry students introduce us to the extraordinary Edie Lehmann Boddicker, who was born in Buffalo.

Alison and Marc W. Hunt talk about the bass and the studio and the Magic Kingdom. SUNY Fredonia Music Industry students introduce us to the pioneering record producer Lillian Shedd McMurry.

Alison and the wonderfully talented Liz Maltese discuss the fun and foibles of being a singer and songwriter. Our SUNY Music Industry students give us some background on the career of Ella Fitzgerald.

Alison talks to BFF Michael Skowronski about his younger years, all things music, and the late great Stan Szelest. 

In this final episode of Season One, we turn the mics around and the uber-talented Karen Taylor does the interviewing. Karen asks Alison about beginnings, struggles, and inspirations. The two singers also discuss the merits of performing original music and cover music.

This week Alison hands over the reins to Music Industry students at SUNY Fredonia. They talk about their love of music with all the passion you would expect from bright young people just starting their journeys. The students discuss the exciting, sometimes frustrating landscape of the music industry and their place in it.  

Alison interviews her good friend and bandmate Pat Shaughnessy, an accomplished and first rate drummer. They discuss day jobs, cover bands, and Bun E. Carlos. And…Pat absolutely kills a game of Mad Libs! 

Alison interviews Tom Stahl, an award-winning folk-rock musician, superb songwriter, and fellow Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee.  They talk about Tom’s long road to the stage and the effect a supportive partner has on the life of a working musician. Next they discuss their friend and mentor, Buffalo promoter and legend Michael Meldrum. 

Alison interviews the incredible George Scott of the George Scott Big Band and the historic Colored Musicians' Club in Buffalo, New York. They discuss the rich history of the CMC and the remarkable array of talent that has passed through its doors, including the Queen herself, Aretha Franklin. Alison and George discuss the history of musicians' unions in Buffalo and other major cities, as well as George's ancestral path to music.

This week, Alison interviews Robby Takac from the Goo Goo Dolls. Robby & John Rznezik formed their iconic punk/rock/pop band in 1985 and they’ve sustained an incredibly successful career ever since. Alison and Robby discuss a wide range of topics, including Robby’s important friendship with Buffalo legend Lance Diamond.

This week, Alison interviews ace guitar player Jamie Holka. They discuss the roles fate and sheer determination often play in the lives of working musicians. Jamie reflects on his work with Captain Beyond and as a solo artist, and then Alison and Jamie talk about the remarkable Rory Gallagher.

This week, Alison travels to South Pasadena, CA to interview the incomparable George Schwindt, former member of Celtic punk band Flogging Molly. In this interview George discusses his innovative drum style, his early choice to play Yamaha drums, the importance of education in a music career, and much more. 

Alison sits down with her brother Damon, who discusses his life as the founder of Los Angeles' only 80s/Irish/Dance/Rock band, Flogging Seagulls. Then Damon and Alison go back in time to remember their roots with their punk-ish, rock-ish  band The Monas.

Alison changes things up this week with award-winning singer-songwriter and fellow adjunct professor Maria Sebastian. The two musician/educators discuss Maria’s diverse music career and her poetry, then deep-dive into how contract and adjunct work has affected many sectors, including education.