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Jack Johnson joins Track Star* today to listen to a few songs and chat about the impact they had on his life, personally and professionally, and how those songs and artists continue to inform the work he does today. In this episode, Jack Johnson gets into the role music played in his childhood, his falling in love, and his life as a surfer, a filmmaker, and finally a musician. Exploring the power of music to make us laugh and cry, and to transport us to different times and places, Johnson emphasizes, above all else, the importance of love and hope in his music and in his life. Jack teaches…

The Track Star Podcast

by Jack Coyne · English · Music

The internet’s favorite music show, now in podcast form! Each episode explores a theme through a playlist of songs, taking listeners on a deep dive into a specific artist, genre, or era of music through the perspectives of musicians, historians, journalists and fans. Also available in video on YouTu

More from The Track Star Podcast

  1. 20 Jul 2026 · 33 min

    The Governor of Maryland was Built on Hip Hop Influences

    This week on the Track Star Podcast, Jack is joined by Maryland Governor and Music-Obsessed Wes Moore. In this episode, he sits down with Jack to unpack the songs that have shaped his life, from the music that soundtracked his childhood and helped form his identity to those that continue to inspire his work today. He reflects on his childhood, the influence of hip-hop, and how music became such a big part of his life. Sharing stories behind the songs and artists that left a lasting impact, they go from the cultural significance of The Notorious B.I.G. and A Tribe Called Quest to the messages…

  2. 17 Jul 2026 · 9 min

    Song Exploder’s Host Hrishikesh Hirway Plays Track Star

    Today we are joined by Hrishikesh Hirway, musician and host of the hit podcast Song Exploder, to listen to and discuss some of the songs that have influenced and defined his work, both in his music and his show. In this episode, Jack chooses a few songs to play for us, and Hrishikesh explains the personal and professional significance they have had on his life and career. Hrishikesh talks about his love for exploring and investigating the stories and influences behind songs, as well as what made him start his podcast, and how it reconnected him to music. Hrishikesh takes the time today to…

  3. 15 Jul 2026 · 45 min

    David Porter Recounts the Hits He Made At Stax Records

    David Porter, one of the key figures behind Stax Records, joins us today on the Track Star Podcast to discuss his role as one of the primary songwriters, hitmakers, and creative forces behind the Memphis soul movement. ​ Starting with his youth in Memphis, Porter brings us along for a trip through his life, exploring the complex influences that came together in Memphis in the early 60s to define the Stax sound. Porter explains the importance of Stax Records’ position as a collective movement coming out of a segregated Memphis at the time. ​ In today’s episode, David Porter tells a story of…

  4. 8 Jul 2026 · 45 min

    The Perfect Song Challenge ft. Este Haim

    Today on the Track Star Podcast, Este Haim joins Jack to talk about a few perfect songs. Este and Jack each brought 3 (ish) songs to the table to discuss what makes them perfect, the influences they have had, and the personal significances they carry. Taking us on a journey through time and genre, Este and Jack cover everything from transcendental meditation to Britney Spears’ Pop perfection. As Este walks us through a few of her perfect songs, she reveals the songs, artists, and moments that inspired her to make music, and how her family supported and encouraged that dream. In this episode,…

  5. 9 Oct 2026 · 20 minNew

    Testing Daniel Kaluuya's Music Knowledge

    Daniel Kaluuya joins Jack on Track Star to put his music knowledge to the test, with a playlist spanning American hip-hop, soul, UK garage, grime, and rap. From Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill to Skepta and Little Simz, the episode brings together classics from both sides of the Atlantic. The music moves from soul and R&B into the energy of UK club music, with Jorja Smith, Giggs, Jme, and D Double E. Jack and Daniel listen, react, and talk through the songs. Catch Daniel in A24’s Misty Green, out today. This Episode's Track List: Heart of the City – Jay-Z Ex-Factor – Lauryn Hill Blue Lights – Jorja Smith…

  6. 7 Oct 2026 · 1 hr

    Why Paul Simon’s “Graceland” Made Music History

    Music historian Ashley Kahn and bassist Bakithi Kumalo join Jack on the Track Star Podcast to explore the music, people, and stories behind Paul Simon’s Graceland. Drawing on Kahn’s new book, Days of Miracle and Wonder: Paul Simon and the Trials and Triumphs of Graceland, the conversation traces the album’s South African roots and the collaborations that helped shape its unmistakable sound. Bakithi shares his perspective from inside the studio and on the road, recalling his first meeting with Simon, his experience on the Graceland tour, and what it meant to perform alongside South African…

  7. 2 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 5 min

    Testing Elvis Costello's Music Knowledge

    Elvis Costello joins Jack on the Track Star Podcast to explore the music that has stayed with him throughout his life. From the sharp pop instincts of Nick Lowe and the blues-rooted rock of Fleetwood Mac to Randy Newman’s storytelling, Stevie Wonder’s soul and reggae grooves, and Bruce Springsteen’s rock anthems, the conversation spans generations, genres, and approaches to songwriting. They also revisit Costello’s own work and along the way, he reflects on the connections between listening, writing, and performing. Today, Costello releases the 49th anniversary box set of his 1977 debut…

  8. 30 Sep 2026 · 51 min

    Sheryl Crow Teaches Us About Her Top Music Influences

    On today’s episode of the Track Star Podcast, we are honored to be joined by a once-in-a-generation, 9-time Grammy-winning artist, singer, and performer. Jack is joined by Sheryl Crow, who launched herself into the forefront of the music world with her hit single, “All I Wanna Do”, and quickly cemented her superstar status by winning the Grammys for ‘Best New Artist,’ ‘Record of the Year’ and ‘Best Female Pop Vocal Performance’ just two years later. Since then, she has won six more Grammys and has become a major advocate for environmental causes and breast cancer awareness. Sheryl Crow…

  9. 28 Sep 2026 · 10 min

    Testing Queen Latifah's Music Knowledge

    Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing the legendary ‘90s rapper/singer Queen Latifah on some hip hop and soul tracks. As a New Jersey native, Queen Latifah has plenty of stories about her hometown classics. And through each song, she takes us down her musical journey while shocking us with her effortless music knowledge. ​ With each track Jack plays, Queen Latifah has an intriguing behind-the-scenes story about the artist, giving perspective on her own musical influences through fascinating anecdotes. This Episode's Track List: Rapper’s Delight - The Sugarhill Gang Me & Mr Jones - Amy…

  10. 23 Sep 2026 · 49 min

    Grandmaster Flash Explains How Rap First Started

    On today’s episode of the Track Star Podcast, we are joined by a guest who pioneered Hip-Hop and DJing as the lead of the legendary group Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, as well as through his groundbreaking dual-turntable techniques. Jack is joined by Grandmaster Flash, who revolutionized turntablism through various cutting, scratching, and backspinning methods, as well as the quick mix theory, involving two identical records played at the same time. In this episode, Grandmaster Flash shares his journey from falling in love with music as a child after discovering his father’s record…

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