This week, I’m joined by Sherry Thomas—music journalist and writer for The Aquarian Weekly—to curate a 20-song playlist exploring the cultural impact of radio and its role in shaping popular music.

Spanning classic rock, hip-hop, punk, new wave, pop, and alternative, these tracks reflect the many ways artists have responded to DJs, AM/FM airwaves, broadcast culture, and the rise of music discovery through the medium.From rebellious anthems pushing back against corporate control, to nostalgic reflections on late-night listening, hometown stations, and the voices that soundtracked our youth, this episode celebrates radio as the tastemaker, storyteller, and connective tissue between artists and listeners.

It’s a deep dive into the songs that captured the spirit of turning the dial—and why broadcast music still matters.

🎙️ Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review to help more music fans find the show! Then, scroll down to hear all of the songs discussed in this episode. 👇

Elvis Costello & The Attractions – Radio, Radio

R.E.M. – Radio Song

Run-DMC – Radio Station

LL Cool J – I Can’t Live Without My Radio

Donna Summer – On The Radio

Tom Petty – The Last DJ

Everclear – AM Radio

Presidents Of The United States Of America – Video Killed The Radio Star

George Harrison – Devil’s Radio

Eric Carmen – Make Me Lose Control

Rush – The Spirit Of Radio

Ramones – Do You Remember Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio?

NOFX – Please Play This Song On The Radio

The Hives – Rigor Mortis Radio

The Clash – This Is Radio Clash

Autograph – Turn Up The Radio

White Lion – Radar Love

Daryl Hall & John Oates – Portable Radio

The Selecter – On My Radio

Queen – Radio Ga Ga