Episode Appearances
DISGRACELAND · Feb 27, 2026
Bob Marley: Rasta Vigilante
“Head of Island Records who provided safe house for Bob Marley after assassination attempt”
Bob Marley's use of intimidation against radio DJs1976 assassination attempt on Bob MarleySmile Jamaica Concert political context
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A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs · Dec 18, 2025
Song 182: “Many Rivers to Cross” by Jimmy Cliff
“Island Records founder who signed Cliff, pioneered reggae's Western crossover, later managed Bob Marley”
Jamaican music industry structure and gatekeeping (1950s-1970s)Reggae genre development and evolution from ska to rocksteady to reggaeRacial discrimination in British music industry and housing (1960s)
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Call Her Daddy · Dec 3, 2025
Bethenny Frankel: Hustling, Housewives, & Online Hate
“Bethenny worked at Island Pictures under his leadership”
Intellectual Property Rights in Reality TelevisionEarly-Stage Entrepreneurship and Negotiation StrategyBuilding Personal Brands on Social Media
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SmartLess · Nov 10, 2025
"Tom Freston"
“Friend who traveled with Freston to Timbuktu music festival in Mali”
MTV Launch and Music Video Industry CreationComedy Central Competitive Strategy vs HBOYouTube Acquisition Decision and Missed Opportunity
View AnalysisA History of Rock Music in 500 Songs · Jul 25, 2025
PLEDGE WEEK: “Fruit Tree” by Nick Drake
“Island Records founder who initially rejected Drake but later released his albums and kept them in print”
Nick Drake's biography and musical developmentBritish folk-baroque guitar style and techniqueMental illness and suicide in musicians
View AnalysisA History of Rock Music in 500 Songs · May 16, 2025
Song 178: “Who Knows Where The Time Goes?” by Fairport Convention, Part One, Going Electric
“Signed Fairport Convention and other Witch Season artists after Boyd left Polydor”
Folk music electric transitionRecord producer role and influenceBand lineup management and member changes
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