The Listening Party Podcast

R&B with KJ

We're joined this month by Denise's favorite comic to perform at the Chatterbox in Covina, KJ! You can catch him there Thursdays and Sundays. We're talking R&B love songs. Featured Songs: "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green "You Give Me Something" by James Morrison "Every Time I Close My Eyes" by Babyface ft. Kenny G Also in this episode: Detroit's Big Tire vs. Inglewood's Big Donut. Detroit style pizza. Is it a love song or a love-making song? Sleeping over at grandma's. John Leguizamo's first time with a black girl. Al Grits. Comedy scenes. Comedy origins. New vs. old relationships. Babyface on repeat. COVID, and more! KJ's links: Instagram | Bookings | YouTube Email the show: rod@lppod.comFollow Denise: InstagramMore podcasts: Talking Is Hard

Building Community with Tirzah

We continue Denise's favorites series, this time with one of her favorite restaurant owners, Tirzah! She is the co-owner of Tirzah's Mexi-Terranean in the heart of El Sereno, CA. She has over a decade of experience in the restaurant business and is an incredibly supportive member of the community. We figured no better theme than community songs. Featured Songs: "Everybody Everybody" by Black Box "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" by Backstreet Boys "Yes We Can Can" by Pointer Sisters Also in this episode: Running a restaurant is a labor of love. Mexi-Terranean origin story. Where did Backstreet Boys come back from? The love-hate relationship with delivery apps. Never ending societal struggles. Learning to cook. Building community, and more! Episode references: Cafe Calle in South L.A. | Coyotl + Macehualli (El Sereno lending library) Tirzah's links: Instagram Email the show: rod@lppod.comFollow Denise: InstagramMore podcasts: Talking Is Hard

Partying Like it’s 1999 with Johnny Roque

It's Johnny Roque month at the LPP. He's Denise's favorite comic that she's seen at Horseplay Comedy. When he's not posting reaction videos on the socials, you can catch him IRL at the World Famous Comedy Store, the Laugh Factory, or hosting his own comedy show at the Sunset Room in Hacienda Heights. Featured Songs: "Oh My God" by Guns N' Roses "All The Small Things" by Blink-182 "Sour Girl" by Stone Temple Pilots Also in this episode: Y2K. Conspiracy theories. The early Internet. Stand-up in 1999. Temp agencies. Time capsule music. Only bullies listen to Blink-182. Staying up late to watch music videos on PAX. Ska is making a comeback. Bar comedy shows. Aging out of things. Rich versus poor MAGA. Being an artist is hard. Good dick can change your life. Long-term partnerships. Success in comedy. Comedy logistics. Johnny's links: Instagram | Linktree Email the show: rod@lppod.comFollow Denise: InstagramMore podcasts: Talking Is Hard

Deconstructing with Steven Wesley Guiles

Self-described heart-on-his-sleeve songwriter Steven Wesley Guiles joins us for songs about deconstructing religion and not waiting for perfection. Featured Songs: "In My Mind" by Dubious At Best "I Was A Teenage Blood Sacrifice Cult Member" by Steven Wesley Guiles "Say" by Monica Martin Also in this episode: Covers. February Album Writing Month. The freedom to write a song about anything. Growing up Evangelical. Fear of everything. Current political climate. Misogyny. Building community. Still patiently waiting for Monica Martin's album. Lessons in teaching. Episode references: Monica Martin on The Third Story Podcast Steven's links: Instagram | Bandcamp | The Lounge Lazers | Future Kings Of Denmark | Pushstart Wagon | Linktree Email the show: rod@lppod.comFollow Denise: InstagramMore podcasts: Talking Is Hard

Jamz of 2025

We continue our annual tradition of Wrapping™ sharing our favorite songs of the year, 2025 edition. Featured Songs: "Jump Rope Gazers" by The Beths "Powerwalker" by Low Ceilings "The Ocean" by Against Me! "Macho Man" by Hell Tüpét - Music Video "Knifey" by Amyl and the Sniffers "Don't Take My Side" by The Psychotic Reactions "woke up knowing everything (opening theme)" by Open Mike Eagle "Play House" by Sweetmelk "Tiny Threads" by Deep Sea Diver "It's Raining Now" by sewerbitch! Also in this episode: the lonely male (and lady?) epidemic. Denise continues hating on everything. We'll never make it to Connecticut. Rod's finally taking drums lessons. Being an expert in a dying field. We finally clear up Denise's love of wrestling. Oceania gets a lot of love. We gush about Open Mike Eagle. Opening acts. Loud banging. We gush about sewerbitch! Email the show: rod@lppod.comFollow Denise: InstagramMore podcasts: Talking Is Hard