Episodes

  • Sleep with Rock Stars: The Clash, The Only Band That Matters, Part 2
    Dec 16 2025

    Summary

    This episode digs into the legacy of The Clash, the band that took punk, lit it on fire, and threw it at the establishment. We’ll look at how they didn’t just play loud, they said something. Their lyrics punched back at injustice, their shows doubled as protest rallies, and they made activism sound like a killer hook. We get into the major moments. The highs. The feuds. The weird collaborations. And, yeah, the loss of Joe Strummer, a gut punch that marked the end of an era, but not the end of their influence. Musically, The Clash didn’t stay in their punk lane. They grabbed reggae, ska, and rockabilly, stirred it all together, and somehow made it work. Their sound was a rebellion you could dance to. So hit play, settle in, and let the story unfold. This is punk history as a bedtime story. Just with more distortion and a lot more heart.

    Show Notes

    • This episode time-travels back to when punk wasn’t a fashion statement, it was a full-blown cultural uprising
    • We dig into The Clash, the band that didn’t just play loud music, they made it mean something
    • Formed in the chaos of late-70s Britain, The Clash hit the scene like a Molotov cocktail, angry, stylish, and politically charged
    • They weren’t just a band, they were a middle finger to the establishment that somehow got played on the radio
    • From London Calling to Sandinista!, they stretched punk’s boundaries by mixing in reggae, rockabilly, dub, and whatever else they felt like stealing from the record shop that week
    • Their lyrics read like protest chants, calling out racism, classism, imperialism, and whatever other -isms needed a lyrical smackdown
    • We cover the highs, the chaos, the Hall of Fame nod, and the legacy that still influences everyone from indie punks to arena rockers
    • If you came for a quiet history lesson, sorry, this is punk storytelling with heart, noise, and just enough grit to keep you awake
    • Or not. Feel free to fall asleep to the revolution.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Sleep With Rockstars

    01:27 Transitioning to Rest and Reflection

    06:38 The Clash's Legacy and Reunion Talks

    15:36 The Clash's Political Legacy

    19:44 The Clash's Enduring Influence

    21:48 The Clash's Cultural Impact

    Takeaways

    • This podcast is your unofficial permission slip to stop doomscrolling and get some actual sleep
    • Replays are encouraged, think of it as Pavlov, but with punk rock and fewer drooling dogs
    • The Clash didn’t just play punk, they politicized it, guitars became soapboxes, and every track came with a message
    • Their legacy still echoes through modern music, even if half the bands they inspired have no idea where Brixton is
    • Reminder: this podcast exists to help you relax, not to crank your adrenaline, rebellion can wait till morning
    • We walk through the band’s major moments, from the chaos to the comebacks, and the loss of Joe Strummer, which hit like a power chord to the chest

    Links

    • Source en.wikipedia.org/wiki/the_Clash
    • You may also enjoy The Clash, Part 1
    • Join the Fan Club for exclusive benefits for as little as $3

    Mentioned in this Episode

    • Big Audio Dynamite
    • Havana at 3am
    • B.A.D.
    • Gorillaz
    • Rolling Stone
    • CBS
    • Public Enemy
    • Rancid
    • Anti Flag
    • Bad Religion
    • Green Day
    • Rise
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    28 mins
  • Singles Going Sleepy: Sleep Tips for Natural Sleepiness
    Dec 8 2025

    Summary

    This episode of Sleep With Rock Stars keeps the Singles Going Sleepy series rolling, because sleep isn't a to-do list item, and trying to force it never worked (just ask any insomniac with a bedside clock glowing like a microwave).

    Here’s what we’re laying down:

    • Rule #1: Only hit the sack when you’re actually tired. Revolutionary, we know.
    • If you’re just lying there staring into the existential void? Get up. Do something chill. The goal is calm, not clock-watching.
    • These small, repeatable moves help you build a personalized sleep toolbox—because no two nights (or brains) are exactly the same.
    • The real flex? Learning to trust your own rhythm instead of muscling through the night like it's a corporate deadline.
    • Sleep isn't a project. It’s a surrender. Let go, lean in, and let your body do its thing.

    Think of it as sleep advice for those of us who’ve been through Y2K, three reboots of Batman, and still can’t figure out how to “relax” on command.

    Links to Other Sleep Tips Episodes

    • "How to Sleep with Rock Stars"
    • "Singles Going Sleepy #1"
    • "Sleep with Buzzcocks" (Introducing "Singles Going Sleepy," taken from their record Singles Going Steady)

    Show Notes

    In this episode of Singles Going Sleepy, we unpack the art of building your personal “sleep toolbox," because better rest isn’t about one magic fix, it’s about stacking small, smart moves that actually work (eventually).

    • We break down sleep strategies that require patience. Yeah, we know, not sexy, but this isn’t a 90s infomercial. You’ve got to give these techniques a few weeks to do their thing.
    • The big one? Don’t go to bed just because the clock says so. Wait until you’re actually tired, like, eyelids-drooping tired.
    • Still awake after 20 minutes? Get up. Do something quiet. Staring at the ceiling while spiraling isn’t a strategy.
    • The goal is a healthier, less desperate relationship with sleep, built on trust in your body’s own cues instead of trying to strong-arm your way into unconsciousness.

    We wrap with a gentle reminder: sleep isn’t a task to conquer. It’s a natural process that happens when you stop trying so hard. Let go. Tune in. Sleep will show up. Eventually. Probably when you least expect it.

    Takeaways

    In this episode of Singles Going Sleepy, we dig into sleep strategies that actually make a difference: no crystals, no snake oil, just practical moves for the chronically tired. Here’s the rundown:

    • Consistency is key. These techniques need time. Think slow burn, not instant fix. You’re not rebooting a router.
    • Only hit the sheets when you’re truly tired. Lying in bed waiting for sleep is just unpaid overtime for your brain.
    • Still awake after 20 minutes? Don’t force it. Get up, do something mellow, and try again. Staring at the ceiling isn’t a strategy.
    • Trust your body’s rhythm. Sleep isn’t a productivity goal. it’s biology doing its thing when you let it.
    • Deep breathing helps. Not in a mystical way, just enough to trick your nervous system into calming the hell down.

    Because honestly? Rest isn’t earned through effort. It’s what happens when you stop trying so hard.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 - Improving Your Sleep Techniques
    • 00:54 -...
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    3 mins
  • Sleep with Rock Stars: Talking Heads Rock You to Sleep
    Dec 2 2025

    Summary

    This episode is a deep dive into the gloriously weird world of Talking Heads, the band that made it cool to be intellectual, awkward, and funky all at once. We rewind to 1975, when art school kids ditched the sketchbooks and picked up guitars, birthing a band that would go on to blend punk, funk, art rock, and world beats into something totally original, and totally danceable. Along the way, they teamed up with sonic wizard Brian Eno, dropped mind-bending albums like Remain in Light and Speaking in Tongues, and turned music videos into avant-garde performance art. We track their rise, their implosion in 1991, and the solo side quests that followed. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just Head-curious, we’re here to celebrate a band that didn’t just make music, they made a whole generation rethink what music could be.

    Show Notes

    In this episode, we crank up the oversized headphones and dive headfirst into the sonic rabbit hole that is Talking Heads, the band that made being smart, strange, and rhythm-obsessed something to aspire to. Here’s what we cover:

    • From RISD to CBGB: We trace the band’s art school roots, where David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth, and later Jerry Harrison ditched fine arts for fine-tuned chaos in 1975.
    • Genre soup, served hot: Punk energy, art rock weirdness, global rhythms, and a dash of existential dread. Their early sound was like nothing (and everything) you'd ever heard.
    • 'Talking Heads: 77': Their debut album dropped like a nervous breakdown on vinyl, introducing the world to a band that made anxiety sound oddly danceable.
    • Enter Brian Eno: The sonic sorcerer who helped turn their art-rock experiments into full-blown mind expansions, cue More Songs About Buildings and Food and Remain in Light.
    • Not just a band: a movement: They weren’t chasing trends; they were the trend. Their influence spilled into music, fashion, film, and probably your weird cousin’s zine.
    • Legacy check: We unpack how they stayed innovative without selling out, split up before things got sad, and left behind a blueprint for being cool without even trying.

    If you’ve ever danced to “Once in a Lifetime” while questioning your entire existence, this episode’s for you.

    Takeaways

    In this episode, we invite you to lie back, tune in, and zone out, because sleep is the new rebellion. Here's what we're whispering into your subconscious tonight:

    • Relax like it's 1989: We walk you through low-key relaxation techniques designed to gently pry your brain out of overdrive. No crystals, no mantras, just the spoken word doing its thing.
    • Let the words wash over you: Think of this as a bedtime story for people who grew up on mixtapes and existential dread. The goal? Drift, don’t overthink.
    • Talking Heads, talking sleep: Somewhere between “Psycho Killer” and Remain in Light, we explore how one band made being neurotic wildly danceable, and culturally essential.
    • Repetition = ritual: Listening to these episodes on repeat isn’t lazy. It’s a sleep strategy. You’re basically Pavlov’s dog, but instead of a bell, it’s David Byrne and bedtime banter.
    • Not every band hits: If Talking Heads isn’t your jam, no big deal. Your taste is valid. You're just...missing out.
    • Stay in the now: Forget the to-do list, the unread emails, and that thing you said in 2003. Right now, your only job is to exhale and let the day fade out like the end of a great album.

    Links

    • You may also enjoy these sleep tips,
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    30 mins
  • Sleep with Rock Stars: The Clash, the Only Band That Matters, Part 1
    Nov 18 2025

    Summary

    Tonight, we crank up the volume on The Clash, the band that didn’t just play punk, they weaponized it. Born in the gritty chaos of 1976 London, The Clash brought together the firebrand Joe Strummer, the guitar-slinging Mick Jones, and a crew of musical insurgents who didn’t care about rules, unless they were breaking them. They didn’t stick to just punk, either; they mashed it up with reggae, ska, and rockabilly, creating a sonic Molotov cocktail that captured the anger, hope, and dirty sneakers of a generation. From the raw rebellion of White Riot to the genre-busting brilliance of London Calling, we’ll track their meteoric rise, their inevitable implosion in ’86, and the legacy they left behind, one that still echoes through headphones, protest marches, and garage bands everywhere. So grab your safety pins and sarcasm, we’re diving into the glorious mess that was (and is) The Clash.

    Show Notes

    • This episode dives headfirst into the loud, messy, glorious history of The Clash, the band that made punk political and cool at the same time
    • Born in late-70s London, The Clash didn’t just ride the punk wave, they torched the rulebook and rewrote it in power chords
    • Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, and Topper Headon weren’t just bandmates, they were a dysfunctional family with guitars, drumsticks, and something to say
    • Sure, they started as punks, but they didn’t stay in the box, they pulled in reggae, ska, and rockabilly, like musical magpies with a cause
    • We’ll trace their early days, fueled by angst, idealism, and the kind of authenticity you can’t fake, even if you tried
    • Their lyrics didn’t just rhyme, they hit back at injustice, war, consumerism, and anything else that needed a good musical slap
    • More than just a history lesson, this episode asks: how does a band this loud still echo in today’s music and culture?
    • The Clash didn’t just make records, they made statements, and they made them stick

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Sleep With Rockstars

    02:22 The Clash: Formation and Early Years

    09:49 The Clash's Emergence

    15:44 The Clash's Rise to Fame

    21:13 The Clash: Rise of a Punk Icon

    32:30 The Disintegration and Breakup of The Clash

    Takeaways

    • In this episode, we kick back and unpack the chaotic brilliance of The Clas, the band that made punk smarter, louder, and weirdly danceable
    • Yes, you’re encouraged to relax, this is bedtime punk history, not a college lecture
    • If you drift off mid-episode, no shame, The Clash would probably respect your right to nap through the system
    • Repetition is your friend here; play it again and let your brain soak it in like a vinyl left on repeat
    • We trace the band’s rise from the grimy streets of ’76 London to the global stage, where their sound got bigger, bolder, and way beyond punk
    • Joe, Mick, Paul, and Topper didn’t just form a band, they built a movement with guitars and grit
    • Their music evolved, their message sharpened, and somehow they made rebellion sound both righteous and radio-friendly
    • This episode is part tribute, part time capsule, a salute to The Clash and the punk spirit that refuses to quietly fade away

    Links

    • Source en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Clash
    • You may also enjoy this bonus episode Sleep with Buzzcocks
    • Join the Fan Club
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    36 mins
  • Singles Going Sleepy: Sleep Tips for Building Your Sleep Toolbox
    Nov 10 2025

    Intro

    In this episode, we tackle the thrilling world of sleep routines because apparently, adulting includes going to bed at the same time on purpose. We break down why sticking to a consistent sleep-wake schedule isn’t just something your mom nagged you about in the '80s, but actually a cornerstone of better sleep. We’ll share practical tips you can add to your personal sleep toolbox (right next to your collection of broken remote controls and existential dread). Fair warning: these strategies work best when you actually use them, repeatedly, over a few weeks. But stick with it, and your circadian rhythm will stop acting like it’s jet-lagged from a rave. Long story short: routine equals rhythm, rhythm equals sleep, and sleep equals not feeling like a zombie in a cubicle. Let’s get some rest, with style.

    Show Notes

    In this episode of Singles Going Sleepy, we dive into the ever-thrilling world of sleep hygiene, because nothing says “living the dream” like fine-tuning your bedtime routine. We're talking real strategies for better sleep, not just lavender sprays and wishful thinking. The focus? Building a consistent sleep schedule and a toolbox of techniques that actually help you chill out and crash (without doomscrolling yourself into oblivion first).

    Consistency is the name of the game here—because your circadian rhythm isn’t just going to fix itself. The episode walks you through how to find the mix of habits that work for you, so your nights feel less like a caffeine-fueled rerun of insomnia and more like a warm, comforting blanket of REM. (We've got R.E.M., too--parts 1 and 2.)

    Bonus: there’s a guided meditation packed in, complete with calming visuals and breathing that won’t make you roll your eyes (well, maybe just a little at first). It’s a grounding, reflective pause that ties it all together with a Gen X-friendly reminder: sleep is a rebellion against chaos. Or at least, a way to stop feeling like a walking hangover.

    So if your relationship with sleep is more “it’s complicated” than “deep and meaningful,” this episode’s your new late-night companion. It's science meets chill, with a little side of snark.

    Takeaways

    In this episode of Singles Going Sleepy, we keep riding the velvet wave of sleep improvement, because burnout is so 1999. Here's what's up:

    • We’re dropping more legit sleep tips, because counting sheep stopped working around the same time as dial-up internet.
    • Dive into the full arsenal at sleepwithrockstars.com. It’s like a sleep mixtape curated, tested, and made to mellow your mind.
    • Real talk: these techniques need a few weeks to kick in. Instant results are for infomercials and boy bands.
    • A regular sleep-wake schedule isn’t just for the Type A crowd; it’s the backstage pass to better sleep quality.
    • Mix and match techniques on the rough nights. You’re building a custom setlist for your own circadian rhythm.
    • Sticking with it? That’s the real self-care. Not bubble baths. Not candles. Just a solid shot at waking up without feeling like a semi-truck hit you.

    Chapters

    • 00:32 - Building Your Sleep Toolbox
    • 01:00 - Establishing a Sleep Routine
    • 02:50 - The Gift of Consistency
    • 03:20 - Embracing Rest

    Recommended If You Like

    sleep tips, sleep improvement, improve sleep quality, sleep meditation, circadian rhythm, bedtime routine, sleep toolbox, consistent sleep schedule, sleep techniques, relaxation methods, restful sleep,...

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    3 mins
  • Sleep with David Bowie, Part 2
    Nov 3 2025

    Summary

    Put on your red shoes and relax… Again. "Sleep with David Bowie, Part 2"

    This podcast takes a dreamy dive into the chameleon-like world of David Bowie—rock’s original shapeshifter and patron saint of reinvention. From Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke, we trace the cosmic arc of a man who never met a genre he couldn’t bend to his will.

    We zero in on the Berlin Trilogy era—Low, "Heroes", and Lodger—where Bowie traded glitter for grit and helped rewrite the rules of music. Ambient soundscapes? Experimental funk? Existential sax solos? Check, check, and check.

    Whether you grew up blasting Changes on vinyl or discovered Bowie between Labyrinth reruns and late-night mixed tapes, this series offers a gently trippy tour through his legacy—with a mellow narration style perfect for drifting off.

    So get comfy, Gen Xers. Let’s turn and face the strange… and maybe catch a little sleep while we’re at it.

    Links You May Like

    • David Bowie
    • The source material for this episode is Wikipedia
    • "Sleep with David Bowie, Part 1"
    • Join our Fan Club for perks like early access, shoutouts (great for birthdays), and exclusive episodes

    Show Notes

    Cue the synths and grab your black trench coat—this episode dives deep into David Bowie's Berlin years, when he swapped glitter for grit and made getting weird an art form. We kick things off with Low, the album that had fans scratching their heads and future musicians taking notes. With its ambient soundscapes and fragmented funk, Low didn’t just break the mold—it set it on fire, then rebuilt it with circuit boards and saxophones.

    We track Bowie’s sonic left turn, explore how Brian Eno and Robert Fripp helped him color outside the lines, and unpack how Heroes followed Low like the cooler, slightly more optimistic sequel. Alienation, addiction, identity—Bowie spun it all into music that still feels like the future.

    By the time we get to Lodger, we’re fully in Bowie’s experimental zone, where genres blur, boundaries collapse, and nothing is quite what it seems (in the best way possible).

    It’s a love letter to reinvention, resilience, and one man’s refusal to play it safe. Whether you wore out your Heroes cassette in '77 or found Bowie on a late-night YouTube spiral, this episode’s for you.

    Takeaways

    • We ease into the eclectic musical journey of David Bowie—the original master of reinvention and a true Gen X icon.
    • Listeners are invited to unwind with soothing narration designed to help you relax, reset, and nod off.
    • We spotlight Bowie’s groundbreaking Berlin Trilogy (Low, "Heroes", and Lodger) a sonic shift that redefined music as we knew it.
    • Repetition is encouraged: re-listening helps your brain build sleepy-time associations (Bowie as your personal lullaby? Yes, please).
    • We reflect on his bold collaborations, including the unforgettable team-up with Queen on Under Pressure—because why be one legend when you can be two?
    • Throughout, we honor Bowie’s shapeshifting artistry and how his legacy continues to inspire the beautifully offbeat, the creatively restless, and the proudly nonconforming.
    • We wrap it all up with a gentle reminder: in a world that’s constantly changing, Bowie’s music remains a constant: timeless, transformative, and totally nap-worthy.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 -...
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    32 mins
  • Sleep with Prince, Part 3
    Oct 20 2025

    Sleep with Prince, Part 3

    Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast. You deserve a good night's sleep…or whatever.

    Relax and unwind while award-winning radio host and podcaster, Sloane Spencer, lulls you with soothing details about bands and musicians beloved by Gen X. Start with a calm meditation to train your brain that it's time to sleep, settle your headspace, and drift off with a low, mellow, sometimes whispering history lesson about the best bands to ever grace your mixed tapes.

    This Week

    • Prince's website
    • The source material for this podcast
    • Sleep with Prince, Part 1
    • Sleep with Prince, Part 2
    • Mixed tape of songs referenced in the podcast

    Summary

    We're diving deep into the purple kingdom of Prince, the one-of-a-kind genius who made us all want to wear velvet and high heels. We'll sift through the massive pile of music that's come out since he left the building, from those epic compilations to the legal smack downs over his estate. We're also hitting the rewind button on his entire career, checking out how a kid from Minneapolis became the Funky One. Get ready to discuss everything from his trailblazing tunes and boundary-pushing style to the way he shook up conversations about race and gender. And hey, while we're at it, we'll give you a chill vibe so you can drift off to sleep, maybe dreaming in purple.

    Listen, follow, share, rate, and review!

    • Listen anywhere for free
    • Let us know which bands you would like to hear on upcoming episodes by commenting on YouTube or select podcast apps
    • Share this episode with a friend. This is the #1 way to help our show.
    • Join the Fan Club for early access, thank yous, bonus content, and more!

    Learn "How to Sleep with Rock Stars" here and in our "Singles Going Sleepy" mini-episodes full of sleep tips.

    Takeaways

    • This podcast serves as a soothing bedtime reading that focuses on notable figures from the Gen X music scene.
    • Use this podcast as a tool to aid relaxation and facilitate a peaceful night's sleep.
    • Prince's estate has engaged in various legal battles over music rights and distribution agreements since his passing.
    • The discussion highlights the extensive influence and legacy of Prince within the music industry and popular culture.

    Companies Mentioned in this Episode

    • Universal Music Group
    • Warner Music Group
    • Sony Music Entertainment
    • Tidal
    • Random House
    • Pantone Incorporated
    • AEG
    • Billboard
    • Glam Slam
    • First Avenue

    Recommended If You Like

    sleep podcast, bedtime stories, Prince music, Gen X musicians, relax and sleep, music for sleep, bedtime reading, soothing podcasts, calming music, sleep...

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    45 mins
  • Singles Going Sleepy: Daysleeper, Sleep Tips 2
    Oct 13 2025

    Summary:

    This installment of Singles Going Sleepy, sleep tips for Gen X, from Sleep with Rock Stars emphasizes the importance of effectively managing auditory stimuli to enhance slumber. Lower the volume, creating an optimal environment for rest. Use a sleep timer to prevent abrupt awakenings caused by later audio content.

    Set your phone or app timer to conclude two minutes prior to the end of your sleep podcast. You can reduce disturbances, for a tranquil transition into sleep. You deserve a good night's sleep...or whatever.

    Show Notes:

    Remember when falling asleep meant the TV was blasting static at 3 a.m., and your only sleep timer was sheer exhaustion? Well, welcome to adulthood, where we pretend we're totally fine while clutching our third cold brew and wondering why we can't sleep.

    You may find our overview of "How to Sleep with Rock Stars" helpful.

    In this episode, turn down the volume. Lowering the audio on your sleep podcast might sound like a throwback to Grandma's “just close your eyes” sleep advice, but hear me out.

    We’ll get into the groove of sound management (very grown-up, very fancy), and I’ll walk you through the magical, often-overlooked power of the sleep timer. Set it to end before the podcast does, so you don’t jolt awake at 2 a.m. when the next episode launches into an enthusiastic ad for meal kits.

    Think of this as curating your bedtime vibe—less "midnight infomercial," more "Zen mixed tape from 1992." By the end, you’ll not only have the tools to drift off like a pro, but you might just start viewing sleep as the sacred ritual it truly is.

    So grab your Walkman (metaphorically, unless you’re really committed), lower that volume, and let’s reclaim rest like it’s 1984.

    Takeaways:

    • In this episode, we explore the significance of lowering audio volume to enhance sleep quality.
    • Setting a sleep timer is essential to prevent abrupt awakenings from subsequent podcasts.
    • Finding a comfortable position is paramount for facilitating the transition into restful slumber.
    • We emphasize the importance of allowing outside sounds to become a soothing background while drifting off.

    Recommended If You Like:

    sleep tips, restful night, sleep podcast, sleep timer, relaxing sounds, calming podcasts, sleep techniques, podcast for sleep, bedtime routine, sleep advice, gentle sleep sounds, how to sleep better, mindfulness for sleep, podcast sleep aid, quieting the mind, deep relaxation, getting better sleep, soothing sleep environment, managing sleep distractions, peaceful night's rest

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    2 mins