Load-In Through The Back
Hosted by singer/songwriter Troy Millette and Paul Varricchione of the “No Thought Required” and “Nights of the Round Table” podcasts, “Load-In Through the Back” is a music podcast with personality. An interview show that emphasizes human connection and camaraderie with a focus on the art of touring, recording, and generally enjoying music. Visit our official website, LoadInPodcast.com, and follow us @LoadInPodcast on Facebook / Instagram / X (Twitter) / Threads. Leave us a comment and a rating wherever you consume podcasts. Need to contact us directly? LoadInThroughTheBack@gmail.com.
2d ago
Drum roll please– it’s the Season 3 finale of “ Load-In Through the Back ,” and it’s an absolute BANGER. Tired of drum puns yet? Too bad! Our guest on Episode 20 is iconic rocker Josh Freese . Josh has been a percussive force for over three decades, lending his unmistakable groove to artists such as A Perfect Circle , DEVO , and Bruce Springsteen . He further cemented his legacy with the Foo Fighters , stepping into one of modern rock’s most high-profile drum chairs with both authority and musicality. Along the way, he’s shared stages—and album credits—with Nine Inch Nails , Guns N ’ Roses , The Vandals , and many, many more. Josh joins us to talk about his brand-new album of 60-second songs, “ Just A Minute, Volume 2” ; growing up in the orbit of the Walt Disney Band ; filling the shoes behind some of rock’s most iconic drum parts; and how his wife Nicole—who makes a bonus appearance in this episode—deserves credit for naming his latest release. Just because Season 3 has wrapped doesn’t mean the hustle stops. You can support the show by clicking “Follow” or “Subscribe” wherever you listen. Leaving a comment or review is another great (and free!) way to show some love. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads , and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook .
Dec 10
Bust out your sh*ttiest guitars– wait, I mean your sh*tar! Our guest on Season 3, Episode 19 of “ Load-In Through the Back ” is the esteemed percussionist of the Wood Brothers : Jano Rix ! Beyond traveling and recording in one of the biggest Americana outfits of the modern era, Jano is also a celebrated producer and songwriter. He recently teamed up with his father Luther ( Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue , Leonard Cohen ) to write, record, and release an album of New Orleans-inspired tunes entitled “ Legacy , Volume 1 .” As if that didn’t keep him busy enough, the Wood Brothers dropped their latest LP “ Puff of Smoke ” this fall and are currently supporting that effort on the road. Jano joins us to discuss carving your own path, the implied importance of timeliness, Steve Poltz , the New Orleans sound, his time in the Gabe Dixon Band , and joining his favorite living band. Make sure to check out RIX and the Wood Brothers wherever you consume music. You can stay up-to-date with Jano’s live performance schedule at theWoodBros.com. Support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to show some love. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads , and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook .
Dec 3
If you’re poking around Season 3, Episode 18 of “ Load-In Through the Back ” looking for soulful songwriting, honest reinvention, and the quiet power of independence — you’ve found it. Our guest is Nicki Bluhm , the Americana singer-songwriter behind Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers , who recently released a brand-new solo record crafted entirely on her Tennessee farm — tracked between hay baling, trail rides, and the kind of wide-open quiet that somehow begs for you to plug in a microphone. She joins us to break down how this recording process differs from her past projects, the magic (and regional loyalty) of SHEETZ , navigating the ever-shifting music industry as an independent artist, the undeniable power of a solid team, Steve Poltz , and what it really takes to tour more than 200 days a year. Nicki’s latest album, “ Rancho Deluxe ,” dropped October 3, 2025, and is available wherever you listen. Be sure to follow @NickiBluhm across social media to stay in the loop, and visit NickiBluhm.com for merch, tour dates, and more. You can support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to show some love. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads , and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook .
Nov 19
Another episode of “ Load-In Through the Back ” and ANOTHER return guest… Well, sort of. We’re chatting to ANOTHER iconic member from one of the most successful rock outfits of the 1990s and early-2000s: Will Turpin, bassist and founding member of Collective Soul on Season 03, Episode 17. BONUS FUN: spot the error / omission in the Cold Open and leave it in the comments. Collective Soul is the platinum-selling band behind hits like “ Shine ,” “ December ,” and “ The World I Know .” The group’s signature groove and rumbling sound has racked up nearly 10 million albums sold and scored multiple No. 1 songs on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Will joins us to discuss Woodstock ‘99 , recording in the Beverly Hills mansion of Elvis Presley , legacy, the family business, avoiding burnout, new music, Smiths Olde Bar , and more! Collective Soul released their latest album “ Here to Eternity” in 2024, as well as the brand-new Give Me a Word: The Collective Soul Story documentary. In early 2026 they head to Las Vegas for a three-night residency Feb 4, 6 & 7, 2026 at The Venetian. Stay informed by following @CollectiveSoulOfficial on social media and by visiting CollectiveSoul.com . You can support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to show some love. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads , and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook .
Nov 12
Some of you asked for it, some of you didn’t, but either way… we’re back with the second half of “Load-In Through the Back” Season 03! We’re kicking it off with an emotionally dense and wildly entertaining conversation with singer/songwriter Morgxn! A Nashville native by way of New York and Los Angeles, Morgxn got their start in the original production of Spring Awakening on Broadway. Chiseling their way into the popular music landscape featuring on tracks with Tiesto, Morgxn broke as a solo artist with his hit “Home” featuring Walk the Moon, earning a loyal fanbase drawn to his honesty and fearless self-expression. Morgxn joins us to discuss individuality and self-love, the writing process, evolution, unconscious biases, redaction, and how being a role model in the LGBTQ+ community has shaped their life and creativity beyond it. Be sure to visit Morgxn.com and follow @MorgxnOfficial on social media to stay up-to-date on live performances and upcoming releases. The “Heartland: Part II” EP is now streaming everywhere. Support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to show some love. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads, and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook.
Oct 15
As if being members of renowned Americana group Wilco wasn’t enough, Pat Sansone and John Stirratt create hauntingly beautiful and intellectually engaging throwback pop-rock a la Big Star under the moniker the Autumn Defense. They recently released a new record entitled “ Here and Nowhere ,” following an eleven year break. They are also our guests on Season 3, Episode 15 of “ Load-In Through the Back .” Pat and John join us via Zoom to discuss touring through winter weather, record shopping in Brazil, the pros and cons of social media during an album release campaign, and much more. The Autumn Defense’ s Fall Tour kicks off October 24th in Vienna, VA. Find tickets and more information by following @TheAutumnDefense on social media. “ Here and Nowhere ” is available wherever you stream or purchase music via Yep Roc Records . Support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to show some love. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads , and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook . FRIENDLY REMINDER! The podcast will be on a two week hiatus while Troy travels on his headlining solo-acoustic tour. Visit TroyMilletteMusic.com for dates and more information.
Oct 8
Today’s guest is hell on heels and then some. She is an artist. A singer. A mother. A survivor. She is Ashley Monroe , and she is our guest on Season 3, Episode 14 of “ Load-In Through the Back ”! A native of Knoxville, TN, Ashley and her family moved to Nashville to pursue music following the death of her father in her early teens. Ashley found success on country radio and beyond as a solo artist, a member of the female-fronted supergroup Pistol Annies with Miranda Lambert and Angaleena Presley , and a featured vocalist on Train ’s 2012 summer hit “Bruises.” Our conversation chronicles her return to music following a bout with cancer, the birth of a band in an Airstream, seven year towns, carpooling with Vince Gill, and much more. Ashley’s latest record, “ Tennessee Lightning ” was released in August of 2025, with a Deluxe Version pending. She is currently on the road with country megastars Little Big Town supporting that release. Find physical copies, additional merchandise, and tour dates at AshleyMonroe.com or by following @AshleyMonroeMusic on Instagram . Support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to show some love. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads , and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook .
Oct 1
Is it so bad to want a good life? We’re not sure, but it’s not so bad to want a new episode of Load-In Through the Back with New York songster and Top 4 member of the band Fantastic Cat : Brian Dunne ! Brian recently released a brand-new solo album entitled “Clams Casino” which is arguably Troy’s favorite record of 2025. In this conversation we dive into the obstacles of releasing music independently, avoiding van theft, chronic creating, Bruce Springsteen , the forthcoming Clams Casino Tour , and much more. You can purchase physical copies of the new record and find a tour date near you by visiting BrianDunneMusic.net and following @BrianDunneMusic across social media. Support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to show some love. We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads , and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook .