Episode 111 | Smile to the Heavens

Episode 112 | Sausage Gate

Bonus Fourth of July edition of the J. Bryson Podcast! J. kicks off the holiday weekend with a laid-back mix of hot takes, cookout talk, fireworks debates, baseball nostalgia, a look back at music in 2012, and a spirited rundown of ESPN’s top WNBA players. From bratwurst vs. hot dogs to the infamous Brewers sausage race, this episode brings the laughs, the opinions, and the holiday energy. Stay safe out there and enjoy the weekend. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2200535/support]

Episode 111 | Smile to the Heavens

In this solo episode, J. Bryson celebrates episode 111 of the podcast and reflects on the show’s four-year run, expressing gratitude for the listeners while joking about his own inconsistency and the long breaks he’s taken. He shares a frustrating update on his new mini PC after it crashed with a blue screen, leading to a refund process and renewed skepticism about customer service and tech support bots. The episode then shifts into music commentary, focusing on the BET Awards and praising standout performances from Kehlani, T.I., Nas, and the Lauren Hill tribute. Jay reflects on Lauryn Hill’s legacy, marveling at how she remains iconic after only one classic solo album, and he jokes about what a Lauryn Hill verse would cost today. A major section of the episode is devoted to revisiting the music landscape of 2011. Jay runs through the year’s biggest pop and rap hits, key albums, and the blog era’s influence on how music was discovered and consumed. He highlights projects like Take Care, Watch the Throne, Section.80, and House of Balloons, while also reminiscing about the social and cultural vibe of that era. He closes with sports talk, touching on NBA gambling controversies, joking about Drake as the Raptors’ unofficial GM, and discussing the LeBron/Bronny storyline. He also covers the WNBA Commissioner's Cup and gives a shoutout to the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx before ending on a grateful note about air conditioning during the summer heat. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2200535/support]

Episode 110 | You Got Some Nerve

J. Bryson is back to start the week with a solo episode and keeps it real in this candid, wide-ranging episode that blends tech failures, music, sports, and everyday chaos with humor and honesty. From taking new perspectives on tech failures and recording setup glitches to an in-depth, anticipatory discussion of TI’s new album, plus music from the 2010 era, NBA moves, Caitlin Clark vs Alyssa Thomas drama, Sophie Cunningham is a menace, and a few other random side topics, the conversation stays unfiltered and authentic throughout. It’s the kind of episode that turns setbacks, opinions, and off-the-cuff commentary into an entertaining listen. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2200535/support]

Episode 109 | Caleb Town

It's episode 109!! Discover how embracing your imperfections and unpredictability can actually strengthen your discipline. J. shares real tactics for bouncing back—whether it’s a missed streak or a creative rut—and why your inconsistency might be your greatest asset. He also dives into the power of mental resilience, practical ways to rebuild momentum, and the importance of celebrating small wins along the way. You'll break down the mindset shift that transforms adversity into growth, including actionable tips on resetting habits after setbacks and how to keep your passion alive when everything feels off-course. Plus, Jay reflects on his personal journey—dealing with health, equipment upgrades, and creative evolution—showing how embracing chaos can lead to clarity and fresh momentum. J. gives a check in on his physical goals, getting back on the horse, correcting some mistakes from last week, the Bulls draft night and some WNBA notes plus all the nonsense. Tune in to learn why dropping the perfect plan might just be the best thing you can do for your growth, and get reminded that success isn’t a straight line—it's a bumpy, unpredictable ride worth embracing. Ready to bounce back from your setbacks? This episode is your ticket to resilience and renewed purpose. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2200535/support]

Episode 108 | I Failed You

Failing to show up on Monday isn’t just a scheduling miss for J. — it’s a broken contract with the audience, and this episode opens with him taking full accountability. He breaks down what happened with the missed show, what went wrong behind the scenes, and how he’s deciding what the punishment should be as a way to own the moment instead of dodging it. It’s honest, uncomfortable, and very real: the kind of accountability that turns a setback into a defining conversation. From there, J. shifts into the excitement of leveling up, sharing the anticipation around a new computer and the equipment upgrades that will make the workflow smoother moving forward. He also takes time to honor Tay Keith, reflecting on his passing and recognizing the impact of his career and the mark he left on music. That conversation naturally flows into J.’s excitement about Tierra Whack’s new project, reminding listeners why her creativity continues to stand out. The episode also revisits music in 2008(YES 2008, J. KEPT SAYING 2009 DURING THE EPISODE BUT IT'S 2008) using it as a launch point to explore the beginning and rise of the blog era — a pivotal time when discovery, conversation, and culture were all changing fast. J. closes things out with a gratitude segment that brings the episode home on a reflective note, balancing accountability, music history, and forward momentum with appreciation for the journey and the audience that stays with him through it all. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2200535/support]