60 Songs That Explain the '90s

Rob celebrates the song “Firestarter” while looking back at the electronic band the Prodigy. While contextualizing the band, he also discusses the backlash surrounding their song “Smack My Bitch Up.”

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Jeremy D Larson

Producer: Justin Sayles

Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah

Audio Intern: Kai Grady

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Rob looks back at the house-influenced 1997 pop hit that is “Together Again.” Along the way, he highlights the sensational career of pop icon Janet Jackson, and some of her best laughs on songs.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: DJ Louie XIV

Producer: Justin Sayles

Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah

Audio Intern: Kai Grady

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Listen as Rob delves into his most vivid memories of late-night video game binges with his band. Somewhere along the way, we’ll look back at Sunny Day Real Estate’s “In Circles” to fulfill our duties for The Ringer’s Emo Week.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Ian Cohen

Producer: Justin Sayles

Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah

Audio Intern: Kai Grady

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Rob dives into the Beastie Boys' evolution from frat boy rap group to enlightened men while he looks back at the anthem that is “Sabotage.”

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Jane Coaston

Producers: Justin Sayles and Devon Renaldo

Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah

Additional Production: Kai Grady

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Rob reminisces about the first time he heard “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails, the state of industrial rock during that time, and his deep love for Trent Reznor.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guests: William Hutson and Jonathan Snipes from .clipping

Producers: Justin Sayles and Devon Renaldo

Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah

Additional Production: Kai Grady

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Rob explores the making of Mary J. Blige and Method Man’s “I’ll Be There For You / You’re All I Need,” the pain in Mary’s music and real life, and much more when looking back at “Real Love.”

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Leslie Streeter

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

Audio Intern: Kai Grady

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Rob looks back at The Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony” and the band's legal battles over royalties owed to The Rolling Stones.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Niko Stratis

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

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Rob looks back at the Los Angeles based band Hole, the pain within the lyrics of “Doll Parts,” and Courtney Love coping with the death of Kurt Cobain.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Yasi Salek

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

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Rob brings the pod to Queensbridge this week as he looks back at the ‘Infamous’ rap duo that is Mobb Deep and their legendary song “Shook Ones, Part II.”

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Paul Thompson

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

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Rob looks back at the comedic punk rock classic that is “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)” along with much more from the Offspring’s catalog.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

.Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Zack Mykula

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

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Rob brings his own bass to the party as he looks back at Jane’s Addiction’s “Been Caught Stealing,” along with some of his favorite basslines in rock music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Karina Longworth

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

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Rob looks back at the heartbreak anthem that is “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” while also looking back at the phases of Bonnie Raitt’s lengthy career, as well as some of the biggest heartbreaks of his own past.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Emma Carmichael

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

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Rob looks back at Tag Team’s no. 2 charting single “Whoomp! (There It Is)” along with the controversy surrounding the song and 95 South’s release of “Whoot, There It Is.”

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Rodney Carmichael

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

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'60 Songs' returns for another batch of songs by covering the Big Bang of late '90s teen pop, Britney Spears's " ... Baby One More Time." Rob breaks down Britney's early career, how the media handled the young star, the song's perfect chorus, and much more.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Doreen St. Félix

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

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Rob closes out the first set songs with a heartfelt appraisal of Layne Staley via an exploration of the Seattle band’s tribute to vocalist Andrew Wood.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Chuck Klosterman

Producer: Justin Sayles 

Associate Producer: Devon Renaldo

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Rob explores the joy, terror, and fulfillment of fatherhood through one of classic rock’s dynamic frontmen, Tom Petty. Rob runs down Petty’s career, including his MTV music video impact, the ‘Wildflowers’ standout “It’s Good to Be King,” and how Petty prepared him for the most transformative experience of his life. Plus, a big announcement about the future of the show.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Stephen Rodrick 

Producer: Justin Sayles

Associate Producer: Devon Renaldo

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Rob Harvilla explores the legacy of Tupac Shakur, one of the most important figures hip-hop ever birthed and a person whose life was defined by contradictions. He breaks down Tupac’s rise in music and Hollywood and his latter-day stint at Death Row Records, including the mega-hit “California Love.”

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Andreas Hale

Producer: Justin Sayles

Associate Producer: Devon Renaldo

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Rob explores the history of Los Angeles rock band Rage Against the Machine and their debut single, “Killing in the Name.” By calling out police brutality and political corruption, the furious four-piece became one of the most rebellious bands of the 1990s and brought socialist and revolutionary ideas to the mainstream.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Sage Francis 

Producer: Justin Sayles

Associate Producer: Devon Renaldo

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Rob explores the memory of a lost love in Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor.” Tracking her rise to fame first as a member of the Fugees then as a solo star, he dissects how she spoke her truth and in doing so became one of the greatest singers and rappers ever.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Daphne Brooks

Producer: Justin Sayles

Associate Producer: Devon Renaldo

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Rob explores what happens when you make music your everything. Through the lens of Counting Crows lead singer Adam Duritz, Rob breaks down the band’s ballad “A Long December” before The Ringer’s Bill Simmons joins to contemplate Adam’s struggle to prioritize happiness.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Bill Simmons 

Producer: Justin Sayles

Associate Producer: Lani Renaldo

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Rob explores the radical and blunt nature of Fiona Apple. Nearly 25 years after “Criminal” made a jaded 18-year-old into an alt-rock superstar, Harvilla looks at the songstress’s outspoken antics, her views on exploitation, that infamous Spin article, and more. 

This episode contains content about sexual assault and eating disorders.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Katie Baker

Producer: Justin Sayles

Associate Producer: Lani Renaldo

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Rob explores the spiritual and sexy Carlos Santana. Assisted by Matchbox 20 vocalist Rob Thomas, Santana created what may have been the song of the decade, “Smooth.” Rob looks into the guitarist’s passion for collaboration and how record mogul Clive Davis took the ’70s rock legend and turned him into a 1990s Billboard chart-topping force.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Leila Cobo

Producer: Justin Sayles

Associate Producer: Lani Renaldo

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Rob explores the Fierce Five, a.k.a. the Spice Girls, who became the biggest-selling girl group in the world following the success of their smash hit “Wannabe.” Rob tracks their rise to international stardom, a failed film, and the attempt to spread “Girl Power” across the globe.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Laura Snapes

Producer: Justin Sayles

Associate Producer: Lani Renaldo

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Rob explores the spiritual genius of the late rapper DMX. He observes X’s power of prayer, recounts the rapper’s destructive childhood, and tells the tale of how the breakout hit “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” came to be.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Shea Serrano

Producer: Justin Sayles

Associate Producer: Lani Renaldo

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Rob explores the obsessive and eerily constructed hit “Creep,” which arrived on Radiohead’s debut album, ‘Pablo Honey.’ He discusses the origins of the track, the exhaustion caused by the song’s commercial success, and the power of ’90s rock.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Annie Zaleski

Producer: Justin Sayles

Associate Producer: Lani Renaldo

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Rob explores legendary Canadian vocalist Celine Dion’s blockbuster hit “My Heart Will Go On” by discussing her illustrious career, the sheer force she brings to every song, and the unapologetic attitude with which she approaches her music.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Leslie Gray Streeter

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores Cleveland rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s hit “Tha Crossroads” by discussing the origins of the quintet, their innovative musical style, and the power of singing about grief.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Israel Daramola

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

Associate Producer: Lani Renaldo

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Rob explores punk royalty Blink-182’s “What’s My Age Again?” by discussing the band’s unapologetic celebration of immaturity, their musical influences, and what so-called selling out meant for rock artists during that era.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Dan Ozzi

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores Billy Ray Cyrus’s smash hit “Achy Breaky Heart” by discussing the new traditionalist movement in country music and how it affected Cyrus’s career.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Holly Gleason

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores R&B sensation Aaliyah’s hit single “One in a Million” by discussing her meteoric rise to pop stardom at an early age, her innovative musical style, and her legacy.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Kelefa Sanneh

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores alternative rock band R.E.M.’s piano ballad “Nightswimming” by discussing the band’s musical journey and their songs’ frequent lack of lyrical coherence.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Jay Caspian Kang

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores legendary hip-hop duo Outkast’s hit “Rosa Parks” by discussing their deep roots in Atlanta and the change they brought to the then-bicoastal rap landscape.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Jewel Wicker

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores singer-songwriter Tori Amos’s hit single “Cornflake Girl” by discussing her performing prowess, her unique artistry, and her tense relationship with the press.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Maya Salam

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores Britpop icon Oasis’s enduring megahit “Wonderwall” by discussing the Gallagher brothers’ notoriously contentious relationship and the band’s place in the lineage of British rock.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Steven Hyden

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores the legendary R&B quartet Boyz II Men’s record-smashing single “End of the Road” by discussing the group’s universal appeal, their unprecedented success, and the massive footprint they left on the music industry.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Keith Murphy

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores rap-rock band Limp Bizkit’s signature single “Nookie” by discussing the rise of nü metal and how the genre centers around rage in its many expressions.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Brittany Spanos

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores Madonna’s ’90s house hit “Vogue” by discussing the Queen of Pop’s remarkable ability to reinvent herself, her meticulous involvement in her work, and how those within the ballroom scene received her musical homage.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Caryn Ganz

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores Los Angeles rapper Coolio’s megahit “Gangsta’s Paradise” by discussing the distance between the stark realities behind much of hip-hop’s lyrical content and rap songs’ public reception as pop music.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Christopher R. Weingarten

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores Cake’s hit single “The Distance” by discussing the Sacramento band’s quirky sensibilities, the role of sarcasm in their lyricism, and their eccentric production choices.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Sadie Dupuis

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores indie-rock darling Pavement’s critically acclaimed hit “Gold Soundz” by discussing their quirky charm, enigmatic lyrics, and unique fan following.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Chris Ryan

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores R&B stars Brandy and Monica’s legendary duet “The Boy Is Mine” by discussing the extent to which the two singers’ purported feud was true and how, regardless of its legitimacy, it shaped a compelling narrative around the song.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Naima Cochrane

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores San Francisco rock band Third Eye Blind’s hit “Semi-Charmed Life” by discussing front man Stephan Jenkins’s reputation, songwriting prowess, and unconventional appeal.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Max Collins

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor’s acclaimed rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” by discussing how she made the Prince-written song her own, her fervent commitment to activism, and the controversies that derailed her career.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Ann Powers

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores New Orleans rapper Juvenile’s bounce anthem “Back That Azz Up.” He discusses how Juvenile’s unique voice complements the bounce genre and delves into the origins of Cash Money Records.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guests: Micah Peters and Justin Charity

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores the indefinable Red Hot Chili Peppers’ hit single “Under the Bridge” by discussing the band’s tumultuous history and rambunctious identity.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: John Moe

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores the late great Whitney Houston’s iconic cover of “I Will Always Love You” by discussing the legendary vocalist’s life and legacy.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Gerrick Kennedy

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores Weezer’s acclaimed emo hit “Say It Ain’t So” by discussing the band’s unique identity within alternative rock and the story behind the song’s lyrical content.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Bobby Bones

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores Dave Matthews Band’s “Crash Into Me” by discussing the band’s immense musical prowess and artistry contrasted with their fandom’s reputation.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Yasi Salek

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores Icelandic musician Björk’s hit “Hyperballad” by discussing her unique artistry and the various ways she stretched beyond the conventions of popular music.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Rumaan Alam

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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Rob explores A Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario” by discussing the chemistry at the center of the group’s excellence and where the song ranks among the best posse cuts in rap history.

This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Shea Serrano

Producers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles

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