This week, I’m joined by Weakened Friends’ Sonia Sturino to dig into Feels Like Hell, the band’s 2025 release that captures the emotional whiplash of modern life with biting honesty and melodic grit.

We talk about the mindset behind the album, how exhaustion, anxiety, and self-reflection shaped the songwriting, and why Feels Like Hell feels like both a breaking point and a breakthrough. 

From loud-quiet dynamics to lyrics that don’t flinch, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how the band translated real-world pressure into a record that resonates deeply — especially if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed but kept moving anyway. Sonia opens up about trusting raw instincts, embracing honesty in songwriting, and how that vulnerability has deepened the connection with fans.

We also get into the nuts and bolts: working with Don Giovanni Records, the surreal collaboration with Buckethead on “NPC,” song dynamics across the record, the band’s cover of Ednaswap’s “Torn,” and why Feels Like Hell was built to be experienced as a full album — not just a collection of singles.

This episode is about survival, growth, and finding clarity on the other side of burnout. Then there’s the incredible music!

🎙️ 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! 👇

Weakened Friends – Feels Like Hell
_{Use the menu in the upper right hand corner of the player to hear the rest of the album.}

Slothrust – Pony (Originally by Ginuwine)

Slothrust – Splish Splash (Originally by Bobby Darrin)

Slothrust – Sex & Candy (Originally by Marcy Playground)

Militarie Gun – Kick

MUNA – Dancing On The Wall

Prewn – System