The Wasting Time Podcast is a UK-based pop punk and alternative music discussion.With guests, music reviews and weekly topics.
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Brian Fallon has been someone we have wanted to have on the show for a long time, so this one has been a long time coming. We caught up with Brian whilst he was in Edinburgh to talk about his incredible career, from the early days of The Gaslight Anthem through to his solo work and everything in between. The conversation covers his upcoming album Not Bad For New Jersey, which we have had for a while now, and can honestly say is superb. We discuss his relationship with Bruce Springsteen, the artists he'd love to work with, and what it's like working with some of the best in the business, includ
The Wasting Time Podcast returns with a very special episode recorded at Jimmy Eat World’s headline show at Crystal Palace Bowl. Chris catches up with Jim Adkins, Tom Linton and Rick Burch to talk about the significance of playing such a huge show in London, the experience of returning to the UK, and the enduring legacy of Bleed American as the landmark album celebrates its 25th anniversary. The band also discuss British culture, their experiences of the UK and what keeps bringing them back. They also look back at an album that has remained hugely influential a quarter of a century after its r
The Wasting Time Podcast is joined by Australian-based British artist WALWIN. The conversation covers his journey to becoming a solo pop punk artist, the incredible tours he's been on, and what the future holds. WALWIN also teases an upcoming crossover between pop punk and UK garage, explains why singing in a UK accent is so important to him, and discusses working with the likes of Kid Bookie and Tom Denney. WALWIN's new single, Parasocial Princess (mixed by Tom Denney), is out now. In the intro, Chris and Nick discuss new releases from Driveways, Mayday Parade and The Menzingers. We also show
The Wasting Time Podcast is joined by Tom Keiger of pop punk favourites Houston Calls. Tom looks back on the band's journey from their early days through to becoming one of the most beloved names in the mid-2000s scene. The conversation dives into the stories behind the albums, life on the road, and the moment Mark Hoppus almost ended up producing the band's second record. The episode also explores what life looks like for Tom today, when the time felt right time for Houston Calls to return, and whether fans can expect new music. Along the way, Tom shares some great memories from touring the U
This week, we are joined by Dylan Guzman and Gabriel Muñoz of Super Sometimes. Gabe was mostly keeping his eyes on the road, so Dylan did most of the talking. The San Diego pop punk outfit have had one of those genuinely exciting couple of years, culminating in the release of their new record Show the World What's Underneath. We dig into their deep, real love of pop punk. Not the kind people perform for credibility, but the kind that comes from growing up in San Diego and absorbing everything the scene has to offer. Dylan walks us through the band's journey: where they came from, what shaped t
This week we are joined by CARR. A singer/songwriter and recent signee of Pete Wentz. She talks about how that signing came about and what it's meant for her, as well as diving into her new album CARRGIRRL, the stories behind it and where she's at right now. Sponsored by Local Menace Apparell. Head to their store and use the code 'wastetime' for 25% discount. The Wasting Time Podcast is part of The Never A Phase Network.
We headed to Slam Dunk Festival 2026 for a very special episode, and we got to do it properly, covering both festival sites across the weekend. It's a packed one. We had the privilege of chatting with the following artists: Comeback Kid Driveways The Menzingers zebrahead Allister Mike Herrera Hawthorne Heights Bayside A huge thank you to Slam Dunk Festival for having The Wasting Time Podcast along for the ride. This weekend is always one of the highlights of the year for us, and 2026 was no different. Listen now for all of our interviews and our review of the festival. Sponsored by Local Menac
This week, The Wasting Time Podcast is joined by Kevin Lyman for a deep dive into the history and legacy of the Warped Tour. Kevin reflects on building the iconic festival from the ground up, balancing its modern-day return with his role as a university professor, and what it was like bringing Warped Tour to the UK for the very first time. He also discusses the huge impact bands like blink-182, Pennywise and Less Than Jake had on the festival’s rise and its lasting influence on alternative music culture. In the intro, Chris and Nick look ahead to this weekend’s Slam Dunk Festival, discussing t
Matt Richardson joins The Wasting Time Podcast and it's immediately clear this is going to be a good one. The UK comedian, presenter and all-round emo/pop punk obsessive sits down to talk career, craft and chaos. He discusses his stand-up shows as well as his presenting gigs, interviewing movie stars and the likes of blink-182 for Virgin Radio. Matt also looks ahead to Slam Dunk Festival this year and why the lineup has him excited. He gets into his TikTok blowing up, what it's like when the algorithm decides it's your moment, and why the emo kid never really left. Chris and Nick open the epis
Some bands never get the recognition they deserve. Bottom Line were one of them. We were always fans. We followed this band through the early 2000s, watching them build something real, and waited on a record made with legendary producer John Feldmann that simply... never came out. In this episode, we finally get the answers we’ve been waiting for. Benjamin James Howard joins the show for a candid, no-holds-barred walk through those years. The sessions, the stories, the industry, and the album that got away. It's raw, it's honest, and is a conversation we loved. This is exactly why we make this
Hot on the heels of their latest album Eternal Youth, Kenny Vasoli joins the podcast for a brilliant conversation about life in The Starting Line in 2026. Kenny takes us through the band's history coming up on Drive Thru Records, what it was like working with producer Howard Benson, and how he reacted when Taylor Swift name dropped them in a song. In the intro, Chris and Nick dig into new music from WALWIN and Sleeping With Sirens. And after Militarie Gun's stunning Tiny Desk performance got them talking, they both reflect on their favourite acoustic performances — including an unforgettable n
The Wasting Time Podcast is joined by Rae Brazil, vocalist of Leeds alt-rock outfit Artio, to talk all things Soul Rot — the band's sophomore album, released January 21st via LAB Records. Rae talks about how the album came together, what it means to make a truly intentional body of work in an era that demands content over craft, and why listeners should experience Soul Rot front to back rather than on shuffle. And because no conversation with Rae would be complete without it — they get into their love of Tolkien, and what Middle-earth means to them. Plus, in the intro, Chris and Nick discuss n
Dylan Espeseth joins The Wasting Time Podcast to talk about his journey so far — from building a following on TikTok to stepping into the studio with legendary producer Aaron Sprinkle. Dylan shares how social media helped kickstart his career, the realities of navigating the modern music industry as a new artist, and the creative process behind his latest music. Dylan's new single Where’d The Time Go, is out now. His upcoming full-length album is out April 2. If you’re into discovering the next wave of pop-rock artists, this is one you won’t want to miss. The Wasting Time Podcast is part of Ne
On this episode of The Wasting Time Podcast, we’re joined by After Midnight for a conversation about momentum, identity, and putting Penang on the global pop punk map. The band break down their rapid rise over the past six months — how the buzz started, what’s changed, and how they’ve handled the jump from local favourites to building international attention. They open up about what it’s like being a pop punk band in Penang, growing a scene outside of the traditional US strongholds, and the realities of pushing the genre forward from Southeast Asia. We also dive into their US pop punk influenc
Jordan Pundik joins The Wasting Time Podcast this week for a deep dive into all things New Found Glory — past, present and future. Jordan chats about the band’s brand new album Listen Up!, reuniting with legendary producer Steve Evetts, and what it feels like to release a record nearly six years after the last one. He opens up about how his kids view NFG, the excitement around the upcoming tour with Yellowcard and Plain White T’s, and shines a light on some seriously underrated NFG gems that deserve more love. The conversation also explores balancing life inside and outside the band — includin
Matt Caughthran (Mariachi El Bronx / The Bronx) stopped by the show to discuss all things Mariachi El Bronx — from the brand new record to how they juggle two very different bands under one roof. Matt also discusses the upcoming shows where fans get both The Bronx and Mariachi El Bronx in one night, catching Oasis live, and the experience of being a podcaster himself. As well as the new Mariachi El Bronx album, Chris and Nick also discuss new music from Joyce Manor and Goldfinger.
This week on The Wasting Time Podcast, we’re joined by Saxl Rose. From blowing up on the internet to carving out a genuinely wild music career, Saxl talks us through his journey so far — how going viral opened doors, the grind behind the scenes, and what happens when online momentum turns into real-world opportunities. We get into what it was like stepping on stage with Paramore, hitting the road with Neck Deep and State Champs, and collaborating with Wiz Khalifa. It’s a conversation about timing, talent, taking risks, and figuring out how to turn moments into milestones. Internet famous, indu
The Wasting Time Podcast kicks off 2026 with a familiar face as Steve Soboslai of Punchline returns to the show. Chris and Nick catch up with their friend to talk all things Four Chord Music Festival, the magic of Pittsburgh, and take a deep dive into Punchline’s Somewhere To Land — an album that firmly landed on both hosts’ favourite records of 2025 lists. Punchline will also be on a killer tour in the US this spring with hellogoodbye and The Early November. From festival memories to songwriting reflections, this episode is the perfect way to start the new year with good friends, great storie
We’re closing out the year with an absolute legend. For the final episode of the year, the podcast is joined by Bill Stevenson of Descendents / ALL — a drummer, songwriter, producer, and one of the most influential figures in punk and pop punk history. Bill dives into the origins of Descendents, the band’s enduring legacy and how he sees their influence on modern pop punk. He also talks about his work as a producer at The Blasting Room, shaping records for countless bands, what touring looks like at this stage of life, and finding balance after decades on the road. Along the way, there’s time
On the new episode of The Wasting Time Podcast, we’re joined by the iconic Travie McCoy for a wide-ranging and fascinating conversation. Travie opens up to us about his wild experience in Yeovil, reflects on which Warped Tour legends he thinks could have made great rappers, and shares the story behind his global smash hit “Billionaire” with Bruno Mars. We dig into how Gym Class Heroes were received on the Warped Tour circuit, his breakthrough moments, and what it was really like collaborating with UK stars like Cheryl Cole and Olly Murs. We also take a nostalgic turn as we reminisce together a
The Wasting Time Podcast X Four Chord Music Festival — Recap Episode Four Chord Music Festival and The Wasting Time Podcast present a retrospective look at Four Chord 11. Chris and Nick are joined by festival founder and main man Rishi Bahl, along with Marketing Director Adam Valen, to look back on this year’s event, its history, and what makes Four Chord such a cornerstone of the pop punk world. This special also features full interviews recorded across the festival weekend, including conversations with: Patent Pending Bowling For Soup Jawbreaker The Wonder Years Home Grown Drug Church Punchl
In this episode, we are joined by Beth and Ande from As December Falls. The band share their story so far, the journey that led to their success as an independent act, and dive into the making of their brand new album, Everything’s On Fire But I’m Fine. Before the interview, Chris and Nick chat about some recent releases from Militarie Gun and Hit The Lights, and Chris gives his thoughts on the recent New Found Glory show that Koyo opened up.
This time, we’re joined by Cody Okonski from Millington. We chat about how the band first came together, how they crafted their unique ska-infused pop punk sound, and Cody’s experience interning for John Feldmann during the recording of blink-182’s California. We had a great time hanging out with Cody in Pittsburgh recently at Four Chord Music Festival. If you're not on the Millington train, get on it now! 'Better Safe and Sorry' by Millington is available everywhere now.
This time we’re joined by the legendary Atom Willard, drummer for Alkaline Trio, ahead of the band’s appearance at Four Chord Music Festival. Atom takes us inside what’s ahead for Alkaline Trio and shares his memories of Pittsburgh, a city that’s played a role in his journey. We also get into his recent time in the studio with Travis Barker, his unforgettable experience when Rocket From The Crypt performed on Top of the Pops, and his incredible career spanning some of the most iconic bands in punk and alternative music. If you love stories from behind the kit, tales from the road, and insight
In the build-up to Four Chord Music Festival, The Wasting Time Podcast is thrilled to welcome Jim, Zach and Tom from Jimmy Eat World. The band look back on their incredible career, their creative process, and what it means to still be connecting with fans decades on. They also discuss playing the festival this year and what to expect. The episode also features an intro segment with Adam Valen of the Four Chord team, where he joins Chris and Nick to chat about this year’s festival. They also dive into new releases from Good Charlotte, The Burnt Tapes and Sam Russo, and Nick shares his experienc
