Ear Buds Podcast

James Hwang (NYC) | The Truth About Nightlife - Ear Buds Podcast Episode 28 Part 1

Industry veteran James Hwang joins the buds to break down today’s NYC nightlife, from booking DJs and filling rooms to changing crowds and culture.

Episode 27 - The Buddy Awards - 2025 Wrap Up

The first Buddy Awards are here. The records that saved sets, the trends that burned out, the edits that carried rooms, and the moments DJs will actually remember from 2025.

Episode 26 with Rick Wonder (New York) - NYC Nights

A focused look at Rick Wonder’s rise from open format roots to a signature New York dance identity. He breaks down his approach to edits, reading rooms, and finding new music, plus the crew covers the month’s top trends.

Episode 25 with Knowpa Slaps (San Francisco) — Cookin’ Up the Culture

The buds are back with Knowpa Slaps, the chef-turned-DJ behind San Francisco’s R&B and RIBS. They break down the Bay’s soulful sound, the connection between food and music, and what’s next for his signature day-party series. Plus, this month’s Music News Minute, top-charting tracks, Throwback or Throw Out classics, and Halloween-season Quick Picks to keep your sets fresh.

Episode 24 with DJ Spider (Los Angeles) 2-Year Anniversary — From Clubs to the Carpet: The Open-Format Blueprint to DJing the Biggest Events

The buds celebrate two years of the pod with special guest DJ Spider! They cover everything from the MTV Video Music Awards winners and Song of the Summer nominees to the just-announced Coachella 2026 lineup — then dive into charts, throwbacks, quick picks, and 10 questions with Spider on what it takes to thrive as an open-format DJ today.

Episode 23 - Breakfast with the Buds (Live Recording from Los Angeles)

In this special live episode, the buds catch up fresh off the weekend and break down what’s happening across their markets—from rock’s resurgence and viral TikTok hits to the latest chart-toppers and must-play club records. Plus, a special live audience Q&A straight from SKAM Summer.

Episode 22 with DJ Kaos (San Diego) - Secrets on How to Get Booked

This month, the budders sit down with DJ Kaos—San Diego’s finest, Sirius XM selector, and the man running both the booth and the bookings. From throwing his own parties (Wish You Were Here), to touring with Pitbull, Kaos breaks down what it really takes to stand out in today’s open-format game. He shares tips for getting booked, how to move in your own market, and the dos and don’ts every DJ should know.

Episode 21 with Mike Taylor (LA/Philly) - From West Hollywood To The World

This Pride Month, the budders are joined by Mike Taylor—artist, DJ, and certified crowd-controller—for a deep dive into queer spaces, live sets, and running the night right. From West Hollywood to global stages, this one’s loud, proud, and live!

Episode 20 with Jason Smith (Boston/NYC) - Craft Over Clout

The buds catch up on what’s hitting in the clubs, on the charts, and in their cities—plus a few hot takes nobody asked for. This month, they’re joined by NYC legend Jason Smith—a DJ’s DJ who’s played everything from sweaty basement parties to the actual London Olympics. They chop it up about the love of the craft, what still keeps him fired up, and how he stays sharp in a scene that changes faster than a TikTok trend.

Episode 19 with Nitrane (Los Angeles) - The Hollywood Headliner

The Budders are back! From bottle service to Barack, the crew sits down with LA’s own Nitrane to talk tour life, club chaos, and why your crate needs therapy. Coachella tea, chart bangers, and heat edits inside.