Episode Details

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes new friend John Mountain, a 64-year-old widower and longtime Bruce Springsteen fan, to discuss the music, shows, and stories that shaped him. John grew up in South Carolina before moving to Bakersfield, California, shares early influences like Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and recalls first hearing Springsteen through the 1981 No Nukes concert film, especially “The River.” A movie buff and horror fan, he talks Terrence Malick’s Badlands, Nebraska’s Starkweather connection, and directors like Mike Flanagan. John reflects on seeing Springsteen live three times, including a standout 1999 E Street Band show, and strongly supports artists speaking out politically. He names favorite Bruce songs across albums and answers the Thunder Road debate:

00:00 Show Intro

00:48 Meet John

01:59 Growing Up With Music

05:11 First Bruce Moment

07:58 No Nukes Deep Dive

09:24 Movies And Nebraska

12:25 Seeing Bruce Live

17:08 Politics And Patriotism

19:49 Move To California

21:27 Horror Movie Obsession

24:21 Mike Flanagan Favorites

27:20 Flanagan Cast Favorites

29:07 Samantha Sloyan Spotlight

31:36 Back to Music Talk

31:56 Nick Cave Murder Ballads

35:40 Modern Picks and Concerts

37:57 Springsteen Album Deep Dive

42:34 Thunder Road Mary Debate

44:24 Social Media and Farewell

46:11 Closing Reflection and Wish

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