December 2025 – Allen "Big Al" Tate

A Conversation with Joe Smith of Joe’s Records

December 22, 2025

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Season 2, Episode 1: https://joesrecords.com/

Joe Smith, owner of Joe’s Records, shared his extensive career journey in the music retail industry, from his early days managing Coconuts Music Store to opening his own record shop in 2004. He discussed the challenges and opportunities of running an independent record store, including the impact of digital downloads, the revival of vinyl, and the role of online sales. Joe also highlighted the importance of building relationships with customers and suppliers, as well as adapting to changing market trends. The conversation touched on various topics such as pricing strategies, the impact of tariffs on imports, and the challenges of managing a business in the music industry.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/bNNdPXi8jDs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5cxfOsYqP5SVIBUbQNPTXi?si=GloMMLUDRiClt5BknhDoxA

Find Big Al’s Rockin’ Podcast at any of the podcast outlets listed below.

Spotify · YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Podchaser · Amazon Music · Goodpods · iHeartRadio · Pandora · Audible · TuneIn · Deezer · Podcast Addict · RadioPublic · Pocket Casts · Castbox · Listen Notes · Player FM

The Sound That Haunts You: A Beginner’s Companion to Fleetwood Mac

Big Al

December 15, 2025

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Season 1, Episode 31: https://www.youtube.com/TimsVinylConfessions

Tim Durling returns to the podcast to discuss his new book “The Sound That Haunts You: A Beginner’s Companion to Fleetwood Mac” which explores the band’s different eras and lineup changes through detailed coverage of their albums and discography. He shares insights about his writing process, challenges in organizing the band’s early recordings, and his personal preferences for various Fleetwood Mac eras, while also discussing his appreciation for the band’s cover versions. Tim also provided information about his other music-related books and projects.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/vO1kvsCuafU

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5l3lSF0qz1sfGkYNZ0texK?si=WmnevhlhQEiCUv1BWHz2Pg

Find Big Al’s Rockin’ Podcast at any of the podcast outlets listed below.

Tom Petty: The Life and Music by Gillian Gaar

Big Al

December 8, 2025

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Season 1, Episode 30: https://www.facebook.com/GillianGaarWriter/

Veteran rock author Gillian Gaar returns to the podcast to talk about her book “Tom Petty: The Life & Music,” which covers Petty’s life and career, from his birth to after his death, including his breakthrough with “Damn the Torpedoes” and the unsolved arson attack on his house. The book concludes with Petty’s posthumous success, including a song featured in a popular video game that gained renewed popularity. She also briefly discusses the differences between approaching her publisher to pitch a book idea, in this instance the Queen book we discussed in a previous episode, and being asked to write this book.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/gZS_HXaIJh0

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ZIaQksdTOBEgD34eM0HHH?si=AK5ROzzAQBOMZdvy-SsoFg

Find Big Al’s Rockin’ Podcast at any of the podcast outlets listed below.