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Heavy Stories Podcast

Matt Mills
Exodus
Propagandhi
Anxiety
Bay Area
Thrice
Svalbard
Ozzy Osbourne
Møl
Halestorm
Veganism
Einar Solberg
Leprous
Hellripper
Black Label Society
Thrash Metal
Engines Of Demolition
Anti-Fascism
United States
Canada

Every band has a story to tell. Join decorated music journalist Matt Mills as he interviews the biggest, best and most interesting artists in rock and metal. New episodes every Thursday morning.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes14Founded3 months ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Music

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Artwork for Heavy Stories Podcast

Latest Episodes

Ian Kenny is the lead singer of Australian progressive metal icons Karnivool. On episode 14 of Heavy Stories, he explains why the band took 13 years to make their new album, In Verses. From mental health issues to practical struggles and balancing li... more

It’s June, which means we’re already (nearly) halfway through 2026! The passage of time is as relentless as it is terrifying, but at least we can distract ourselves with all the top-notch metal we’ve been handed since the New Year. Join Matt and fell... more

The last few episodes have been heavy even by our standards, with discussions of war, anxiety, suicide, being attacked in the street, ADHD and attempted murder. So, for episode 12, we got Hellripper leader James McBain to talk about fast riffs and Sc... more

Dan Tompkins is the singer of British progressive metal luminaries Tesseract and rock two-piece Prince of Failure. On episode 11 of Heavy Stories, he talks about his recent diagnosis with ADHD and life as a neurodivergent person. We also discuss the ... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

James McBain
Leader of Hellripper, one-man blackened thrash metal project
Hellripper
Episode: HELLRIPPER TALKS SCORCHING RIFFS AND SCOTTISH FOLKLORE: James McBain on new album Coronach, Metallica vs Megadeth, Anthony Fantano, myth and more
Daniel Tompkins
Lead singer of Tesseract; member of Prince of Failure
Tesseract; Prince of Failure
Episode: DAN TOMPKINS’ JOURNEY WITH ADHD: Tesseract singer on neurodivergence, police past, new project Prince of Failure and more
Einar Solberg
Singer-guitarist of Leprous; solo artist
Leprous, Vox Occulta
Episode: HOW EINAR SOLBERG CONTROLS HIS ANXIETY: Leprous frontman opens up on mental health, confronting worrying thoughts, family, meeting Ihsahn and more
Nina Saeidi
Co-founder and lead singer of Lowen
Lowen
Episode: IRAN, RACISM, FAMILY AND MUSIC WITH NINA SAEIDI: Lowen singer on Middle Eastern heritage, bringing weapons onstage, US–Iran War, the time someone died on her
Chris Hannah
Singer, guitarist and co-founder of Propagandhi
Propagandhi
Episode: THE WORLD ACCORDING TO PROPAGANDHI: singer/guitarist Chris Hannah on American politics, annoying the KKK, going vegan, growing up on airbases, new album At Peace, aggravating punks, musical evolution
Lzzy Hale
Co-founder, singer and co-guitarist of Halestorm
Halestorm
Episode: LZZY HALE TACKLES THE BIG TOPICS: Halestorm singer/guitarist on songs about sex, coming out, being a woman in metal, turning away from the church, wildest fan encounters, firing her own dad and more
Kim Song Sternkopf
Lead singer of Danish black metal band Møl
Møl
Episode: HOW KIM SONG STERNKOPF ESCAPED FROM CULTS: Møl singer talks childhood under narcissistic preachers, oppressive communities, moving 50 times, discovering music, breaking from organised religion
Zakk Wylde
Guitarist, Black Label Society; longtime Ozzy Osbourne collaborator
Black Label Society; Ozzy Osbourne
Episode: 25 MINUTES ALONE WITH ZAKK WYLDE: guitarist talks Ozzy Osbourne relationship, new Black Label Society album, playing in prison, Yungblud, Robbie Williams, recording with William Shatner
Serena Cherry
Co-singer and co-guitarist of Svalbard
Svalbard
Episode: WHY SVALBARD ARE SPLITTING UP (AND WHAT IT SAYS ABOUT A BROKEN TOURING INDUSTRY): Serena Cherry on her band’s break-up, unseen difficulties of touring, work life vs music life, future plans

Host

Matt Mills
Host of Heavy Stories Podcast

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 7 ratings
  • Dustins interview

    This is easily the most enjoyable and insightful podcast I’ve ever listened to. Thank you to both of you ❤️

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dustys interview
    Australiaa month ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Interviews mix personal history with industry insight and career guidance.
This show brings authentic conversations from veteran musicians.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#176
United Kingdom/Music
Apple Podcasts
#160
Australia/Music
Apple Podcasts
#44
Norway/Music

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

HOW EINAR SOLBERG CONTROLS HIS ANXIETY: Leprous frontman opens up on mental health, confronting worrying thoughts, family, meeting Ihsahn and more
Q: Was there a turning point where you felt like you really conquered your anxiety?
He identifies early 2021 as a turning point, acknowledging that while anxiety may never be fully conquered, his worst period had passed and he now experiences fewer and less intense episodes, with meaningful strategies in place to manage it.
IRAN, RACISM, FAMILY AND MUSIC WITH NINA SAEIDI: Lowen singer on Middle Eastern heritage, bringing weapons onstage, US–Iran War, the time someone died on her
Q: What lessons would you share with listeners who feel like outsiders or children of immigrants?
Her core message is to trust your intuition, be kind to yourself, and practice radical kindness and empathy, rejecting the idea that you must fit into a predefined mold to be successful or fulfilled.
IRAN, RACISM, FAMILY AND MUSIC WITH NINA SAEIDI: Lowen singer on Middle Eastern heritage, bringing weapons onstage, US–Iran War, the time someone died on her
Q: Can you talk about the on-stage weapons and the backstage planning around that, and how audiences react?
She details the use of blunted antique weapons, the construction of a tech rider that includes daggers, and a history of a near-incident where a security guard intervened, emphasizing safety, legality, and the theatrical intent rather than malicious danger.
LZZY HALE TACKLES THE BIG TOPICS: Halestorm singer/guitarist on songs about sex, coming out, being a woman in metal, turning away from the church, wildest fan encounters, firing her own dad and more
Q: What was it like to be nominated for a Grammy and later learn you wouldn't win that year?
The nomination itself felt monumental, and the moment of learning Lamb of God had won was surreal and humorous; it energized the band to continue striving for more ambitious goals.
LZZY HALE TACKLES THE BIG TOPICS: Halestorm singer/guitarist on songs about sex, coming out, being a woman in metal, turning away from the church, wildest fan encounters, firing her own dad and more
Q: What were the early days like for you and your brother starting Halestorm in Pennsylvania?
They started as a family project with their dad on bass, playing small-town venues and church gigs, gradually building a following through relentless travel and live shows before moving to larger markets.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Household Income
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Frequently Asked Questions About Heavy Stories Podcast

What is Heavy Stories Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on deep-dive conversations with influential figures in rock and metal, focusing on the people behind the music—their origins, challenges, and the industry dynamics shaping their careers. Across episodes, listeners hear intimate stories about artistic journeys, touring stresses, genre evolution, and personal philosophies, often weaving in high-profile collaborations, industry anecdotes, and practical insights for aspiring artists and industry professionals. A notable pattern is the willingness to tackle tough topics—faith, burnout, business hurdles, and resilience—delivered through candid, storytelling-driven interviews that balance career milestones with behind-the-scenes realities. The program often features veteran music... more

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How many listeners does Heavy Stories Podcast get?

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Which podcasts are similar to Heavy Stories Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Heavy Stories Podcast:

1. The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
2. WHAT WENT WRONG
3. Chris DeMakes A Podcast
4. The Downbeat
5. Freakonomics Radio

How many episodes of Heavy Stories Podcast are there?

Heavy Stories Podcast launched 3 months ago and published 14 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Heavy Stories Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on Heavy Stories Podcast?

Recent guests on Heavy Stories Podcast include:

1. James McBain
2. Daniel Tompkins
3. Einar Solberg
4. Nina Saeidi
5. Chris Hannah
6. Lzzy Hale
7. Kim Song Sternkopf
8. Zakk Wylde

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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