The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan

2d ago

Billy Corgan welcomes legendary actress and animal advocate Linda Blair for an intimate conversation that goes far beyond The Exorcist . Linda reflects on growing up as a child model who booked 75+ commercials , the surreal whiplash of becoming “the avatar of what’s spooky,” and what it really felt like being a kid inside a Hollywood machine that wouldn’t let her step off. From there, the episode opens into her deeper mission—how animals (and especially horses) became her sanctuary, how veganism and advocacy grew from pain into purpose, and why she’s still fighting for the voiceless. Then the conversation takes a wild holiday turn when Santa crashes the set with a rescued desert puppy—named “Billy.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 10

Billy Corgan sits down with legendary actor and storyteller Chazz Palminteri to retrace the unbelievable true story behind A Bronx Tale — a mafia murder witnessed at age nine, a Hollywood firing from Swifty Lazar, and the moment poverty and desperation pushed him to take control of his own destiny. Chazz reveals how turning down $1 million to protect his story led to a handshake deal with Robert De Niro that changed his life. Together they dive into the emotional core of the film — fathers and sons, loyalty vs. survival and share deeply human stories about parenting, superstition, faith, teaching their kids strength without the scars — and why “wasted talent” still haunts them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 3

Billy Corgan sits down with guitar icon Vernon Reid — founder of Living Colour and the Grammy-winning force behind miles of electric innovation — for a high-voltage conversation about rewriting the rules of rock. Vernon traces his path from discovering Coltrane to NYC’s avant-garde scene, as well as the precient rise of the Black Rock Coalition. He opens up about the lightning-strike creation of “Cult of Personality,” the surreal shockwaves of their SNL performance, and the pressures that come with success — from label politics to the creative toll on the band. They dive into AI’s existential threat to art, and how the “holy ghost” of a live show can turn a stage into a spiritual event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 26

Billy Corgan sits down with legendary rock producer Jack Douglas for an intimate, no-frills conversation that runs straight through the heart of classic rock history—from John Lennon and Yoko Ono , Imagine , and Double Fantasy to Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, Alice Cooper , the New York Dolls , and beyond. Jack tells the wild story of Lennon recognizing him from a Liverpool newspaper, pulling him into the studio to escape Phil Spector. He breaks down the making of Aerosmith’s first three albums, why some iconic solos on Get Your Wings weren’t Joe Perry, and how Cheap Trick at Budokan (actually Osaka) became a power-pop landmark through sheer studio ingenuity. Along the way, you get rare behind-the-glass insight into working with George Harrison, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan , and what great producers really do: protect the song, the band, and the vibe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 19

Billy Corgan sits down with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Simon Kirke (Free, Bad Company) for a sharp, funny, and revealing dive into 50 years of rock majesty. Simon traces his journey from growing up in poverty to the lightning-bolt moment drums grabbed him, the fateful coin flip that led him to Paul Kossoff and the creation of “All Right Now,” and then to forming Bad Company with Paul Rodgers and Mick Ralphs. Together, they dive into the grooves of Stax vs. Motown, the genius of Al Jackson Jr., Ringo Starr, and Charlie Watts, and the art of serving the song rather than showing off chops. Along the way, Simon shares stories about Jimmy Page, John Bonham, Steve Marriott, and Queen. It’s a masterclass in rock history and rhythm. Subscribe to the Magnificent Others YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BillyCorganTMO?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 12

In this powerful and emotional conversation, Wendy Dio joins Billy Corgan to share the brilliance of her late husband, Ronnie James Dio, from their first meeting at the Rainbow to the creation of Blackmore’s Rainbow, following Ozzy in Black Sabbath, and his breakthrough with his own band, Dio. Wendy reveals how Ronnie stayed true to his vision, refusing to chase hits, and how his humility, brilliance, and devotion to fans made him a legend. She and Billy discuss the origins of the devil horns, the making of “Holy Diver” and “Rainbow in the Dark,” and the enduring legacy Wendy continues through the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. Subscribe to the Magnificent Others YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BillyCorganTMO?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 5

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Billy Corgan sits down with world-renowned chef Curtis Duffy to explore the extraordinary journey behind his Michelin-starred career. From a childhood marked by tragedy to becoming one of America’s most celebrated culinary artists, Duffy opens up about how loss shaped his drive, creativity, and obsession with excellence. They dive into the discipline of the kitchen, the meaning of artistry, the pressure of perfection, and what it truly takes to be great at something. Duffy shares why there are no off days in his kitchen, and how each season feels like writing a new record. Subscribe to the Magnificent Others YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BillyCorganTMO?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 29

In this emotional continuation, Rudy Sarzo opens up to BillyCorgan about the heartbreaking moment he lost his bandmate and friend Randy Rhoads in a tragic plane crash, and why Ozzy had to keep moving to survive. They revisit the origins of Metal Health , Quiet Riot’s groundbreaking album that became the first debut heavy metal record to hit #1 , tracing its roots to Rhoads’ influence, Slade covers, and LA’s Sunset Strip and how success, MTV pressure, and bad deals fractured Quiet Riot. Sarzo also reflects on the Ozzy/Sabbath farewell that brought everything full circle. Subscribe to the Magnificent Others YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BillyCorganTMO?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices