Waterproof Records with Jacob Givens - podcast cover

Waterproof Records with Jacob Givens

Jacob Givens
Host Jacob Givens reminisces about life-changing moments in music from his formative years in the 90s. Part of Pantheon Podcasts.
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Episodes

Ep. 102 - Five Eight with Patrick Ferguson and Marc Pilvinsky

This episode of Waterproof Records lands on the perfect date: 5/8… which means it’s only right that I sit down with Five Eight, a staple of the Georgia indie rock scene. In this inspiring conversation, I chat with drummer Patrick Ferguson and filmmaker Marc Pilvinsky about the documentary, Weirdo: The Story of Five Eight, surviving the chaos of the 90s alternative rock explosion, and why making art matters more than fame ever could. What starts as a conversation about an underground band quickly...

May 08, 20261 hr 24 min

Ep. 101 - Return of the Mac (Glocky)

In this episode of the Waterproof Records podcast, I sit down with the incredibly talented Zach MacLachlan (aka Mac Glocky)—the mind behind those viral “what if this song was done by that band” videos you’ve definitely seen scrolling through your feed. From turning pop hits into heavy rock anthems to building a massive following through sheer dedication, Zach has carved out a lane that’s equal parts entertaining and seriously impressive. But behind the viral moments is something deeper—a real mu...

Apr 24, 20261 hr 3 min

Ep. 100 - Aaron "P-Nut" Wills from 311

Episode 100… I still can’t believe I’m saying that. From the very beginning of Waterproof Records to right now—whether you’ve been here since day one or you’re just tuning in because of today’s guest—thank you for being part of this journey. This show has always been about the music that shapes us, the albums that change us, and the stories that stay with us forever. For the first time ever in the Waterproof Records studio, I’m sitting down in person with a guest—and not just any guest. Aaron “P...

Apr 10, 20261 hr 27 min

Ep. 99 - Explosions In The Sky - The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place

Episode 99 is here… and this one means everything. After 99 episodes, the new home studio is finally dialed in—and it feels like the perfect moment to sit back, relax, and talk about one of the most important albums of my life. Today, we’re diving into Explosions in the Sky – The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place . If you’ve ever been unsure about instrumental music… if you’ve ever thought, “I need vocals to connect”… I get it. But if you’re going to give one album a chance to change your mind, let...

Mar 27, 202650 min

Ep. 98 - My 90s B-Side Mixtape Vol. 1

Remember when making a mixtape meant something? You didn’t just throw songs together — you crafted a vibe. You built a story. And if you were like me, you probably spent hours deciding which track belonged where. So that’s exactly what I did here. This episode is Part One of my 90s B-side mixtape , a collection of deep cuts, soundtrack gems, and rare tracks from some of my favorite artists of the era. These are the kinds of songs you only discovered if you hunted down singles, B-sides, and compi...

Mar 13, 202644 min

Ep. 97 - Pantera - Vulgar Display of Power

Pantera’s Vulgar Display of Power is one of those albums that didn’t just play in the background of my teenage years — it hit me square in the chest. Released on February 25, 1992, this record arrived at a time when I was trying to figure out who I was. I was a young metalhead in Tulsa, Oklahoma, feeling awkward, small, and unsure of where I fit in. Then along came this cassette tape — Vulgar Display of Power on one side and Gish by The Smashing Pumpkins on the other — and it completely reshaped...

Feb 27, 20261 hr

Ep. 96 - The The - Dusk

How did it take me 96 episodes to finally talk about Dusk by The The?! This album has lived in my heart since I was a teenager, and revisiting it now hit me in a totally different way. In this episode of Waterproof Records, I dive deep into Matt Johnson’s 1993 masterpiece — an album that charted huge in the UK but flew under the radar here in the U.S. We talk about the haunting atmosphere of Dusk, the emotional weight of tracks like “Love Is Stronger Than Death,” “Dogs of Lust,” “This Is the Nig...

Feb 13, 202654 min

Ep. 95 - Two Feet / Bill Dess

On this episode of Waterproof Records , I sit down with the artist known as Two Feet (Bill Dess) for an intimate, honest, and deeply human conversation. Recorded back at Lazy Pickle Studios, this episode dives far beyond the hits. We talk about Two Feet’s rapid rise after “I Feel Like I’m Drowning” went viral, what it’s really like navigating massive success as a DIY artist, and how that moment changed everything. But the heart of this conversation is about sobriety, mental health, and vulnerabi...

Jan 23, 20261 hr 4 min

Ep. 94 - My Top 10 Albums of 2025

Happy New Year and welcome to 2026. In this episode of Waterproof Records, I’m kicking things off by reflecting on time, age, and how music continues to meet us exactly where we are—and then diving headfirst into my Top 10 Albums of 2025, along with a very necessary list of honorable mentions. This isn’t a critic’s list. There are no rankings, no hype chasing, and no obligation to agree with what anyone else says belongs here. These are simply the albums that found me this year—the records I ret...

Jan 09, 202659 min

Ep. 93 - Jacob's Christmas Mixtape

Merry Christmas — and welcome to a special holiday episode of Waterproof Records. Whether you’re listening on Christmas Day, sneaking away from family chaos with earbuds in, or finding this episode weeks (or months) later — this one’s meant to feel like a personal Christmas mixtape made just for you. In this special holiday episode, I share 10 Christmas songs that live a little outside the standard holiday playlist. Some are joyful. Some are nostalgic. Some are emotional gut-punches. And some mi...

Dec 25, 202550 min

Ep. 92 - Primus - Sailing the Seas of Cheese

Primus sucks. …or do they? 😏 If you know, you know. And if you don’t know, this episode is about to bring you fully into the weird, wonderful world of Primus . In this episode of Waterproof Records , I dive deep into Sailing the Seas of Cheese — the 1991 album that introduced a generation to Les Claypool’s alien-level bass playing, bizarre humor, nautical nonsense, and one of the most misunderstood inside jokes in alternative music history. Primus isn’t for everyone — and that’s exactly the poi...

Dec 13, 202557 min

Ep. 91 - The Smashing Pumpkins - Machina/The Machines of God

Smashing Pumpkins fans — this one’s for YOU. Today we take a deep dive into Machina / The Machines of God , the fifth studio album from the original Smashing Pumpkins era and one of the most fascinating chapters in the band’s entire history. From the chaotic label politics, to D'arcy’s departure, to the abandoned double-album concept, to the mythic story of Glass and the Machines of God — this episode unpacks it ALL. I even pull out my original Machina CDs, concert tickets, and memories from cat...

Nov 14, 20251 hr 12 min

Ep. 90 - 10 Songs You Need on Your Spooky Playlist

It’s Halloween, and I'm back with a special Waterproof Records bonus episode! This week, I'm setting the mood for your haunted house, late-night drive, or dance floor with ten underrated songs that belong on your Halloween playlist. Forget the same old Monster Mash and pop hits—these tracks go darker, moodier, and way cooler. From Poe’s haunted beauty to Nine Inch Nails’ chilling cover of Joy Division, from Portishead’s eerie orchestration to The Cure’s gothic masterpiece, I've got you covered w...

Oct 31, 202537 min

Ep. 89 - The Power of Music At Best Friends Forever

Sometimes a concert weekend hits you so hard it demands its own episode — and that’s exactly what happened at this year’s Best Friends Forever Festival in Las Vegas. From lightning storms and soaked sneakers to emotional sets from Mineral, Cursive, Knapsack, and Elliott, this weekend reminded me why I created Waterproof Records in the first place: to celebrate those transcendent, life-changing moments only music can deliver. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Oct 27, 20251 hr 1 min

Ep. 88 - Kellii Scott from Failure

From pounding out his first beats on pots and pans to becoming the rhythmic heart of Failure, Kellii Scott opens up about his wild musical journey, creative philosophy, and the emotional roots that shaped his drumming. It’s a funny, heartfelt, and raw conversation—filled with stories of 90s alt-rock, artistic purpose, and the joy of still creating. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 10, 20251 hr 17 min

Ep. 87 - 10 Songs That Give Me Life (90s Edition)

This week I’m trying something brand new on the podcast — I’m making you a 90s mixtape! These are ten tracks that never fail to wake me up, keep me energized, and remind me why music is pure fuel for the soul. Expect deep cuts, anthems, personal stories, and the kind of nostalgia only a true 90s mixtape can deliver. Whether you grew up blasting these tracks on a road trip, or you’re discovering them for the first time, these songs will give you the same rush they’ve always given me. Learn more a...

Sep 19, 202547 min

Ep. 86 - The Dirty Nil

This week, I’m thrilled to welcome Luke Bentham and Kyle Fisher of The Dirty Nil — a band I’ve been championing since their explosive debut hit my ears back in 2016. We go way beyond the music to talk about their almost 20-year journey as bandmates and childhood friends, their beginnings with basement jams, and their shared love for blistering riffs and emotional resonance. If you're into authentic rock stories, deep musical dives, and the spirit of DIY grit, this one's for you. Learn more about...

Aug 22, 20251 hr 16 min

Ep. 85 - Nirvana - In Utero

After a short break and a brand-new studio setup, we’re turning our focus to one of the most powerful albums of the 90s — In Utero by Nirvana. This episode unpacks the raw energy, rebellious spirit, and creative fire that fueled Kurt Cobain’s final masterpiece. From the thunderous Steve Albini production to the chaotic brilliance of “Scentless Apprentice” and the unforgettable visuals of “Heart-Shaped Box,” this is a full-blown nostalgia trip through a record that shook the world. Plus, I share ...

Aug 01, 20251 hr 18 min

Ep. 84 - Rome Ramirez

On this episode of Waterproof Records, I sit down with Rome Ramirez—the voice behind Sublime with Rome, collaborator with The Dirty Heads, and a musical force embarking on a brand new chapter of his career. Rome opens up about his journey from growing up in Northern California to becoming a central figure in Sublime’s legacy. We talk about the moment he discovered Sublime’s self-titled album, what that record meant to him as a kid, and how it changed the trajectory of his life. But we go deeper ...

Jun 27, 202556 min

Ep. 83 - Fiona Apple - Tidal

In this episode of Waterproof Records, we revisit the groundbreaking debut of one of the most unforgettable voices of the '90s—Fiona Apple. From the haunting vulnerability of “Sullen Girl” to the lyrical fire of “Sleep to Dream,” we explore how Tidal introduced us to a teenage prodigy with wisdom beyond her years. We dive into the cultural impact of the Criminal video, the controversy surrounding her MTV VMAs speech, and the maturity packed into lyrics written when she was just 14. This isn't ju...

Jun 06, 202558 min

Ep. 82 - Teen Mortgage

Punk rock is alive and well — and Teen Mortgage is leading the charge! In this episode of Waterproof Records, I sit down with the gritty DMV based duo as they pass through LA on tour. We talk about their journey from Craigslist connections to pink furry drums and their killer new album Devil Ultrasonic Dream. From childhood influences to chaotic tour stories, this convo is packed with raw energy, DIY ethos, and deep dives into the punk spirit that fuels their music. Learn more about your ad choi...

May 23, 20251 hr 10 min

Ep. 81 - The Crow Soundtrack (1994)

"It can't rain all the time..." unless you're living in the '90s and wearing your teenage angst like a badge of honor. In this episode of Waterproof Records, I explore the iconic soundtrack of The Crow—an unforgettable mix of goth, grunge, and industrial that defined a generation. From The Cure’s haunting “Burn” to Stone Temple Pilots, Nine Inch Nails, Rage Against the Machine, and more—this is a love letter to the music that helped us brood in our bedrooms and feel every ounce of heartache. 🖤 ...

May 02, 20251 hr 2 min

Ep. 80 - Ian Shelton from Militarie Gun

From garage band dreams to headlining stages, Ian Shelton of Militarie Gun joins me for a raw, hilarious, and insightful chat about his journey through music. We get into his pop punk roots, pandemic creativity, and how a 50-hour work week and an iPhone helped launch one of the most exciting bands of the 2020s. We also talk about male lingerie, drumming egos, and what it really means to “do it faster.” Plus, Ian shares the story behind his Waterproof Record—the album that lit the fuse and made h...

Apr 18, 202554 min

Ep. 79 - The Dumes

This episode is a special one—The Dumes are here! I met this band around a year ago when they opened for Louise Post at the Troubadour, so it was so cool to finally sit down and chat with the band. So welcome singer Elodie Tomlinson, guitarist Peter Recine, and bassist Liam McCormick to talk about their journey, their influences, and the music they’ve been working on. From the bands that shaped their sound to what’s next on their horizon, we cover it all in this epic conversation. Learn more abo...

Apr 04, 202554 min

Ep. 78 - Living Colour - Time's Up

Time's up! No, seriously—let’s jump headfirst into Time's Up, the second album from the legendary New York band Living Colour! This episode is all about the groundbreaking 1990 record that blew my mind as a kid and still holds up today with its powerful mix of rock, funk, metal, jazz, and thought-provoking themes. I share my personal connection to the album, my first experiences hearing it, and why Time's Up was the first rock record to open my eyes to politics, race, and social issues. Learn mo...

Mar 21, 20251 hr 6 min

Ep. 77 - Kevin Martin from Candlebox

I sat down with Kevin Martin to talk about Candlebox’s journey—from their explosive debut in the Seattle grunge scene of the ‘90s to their farewell album, The Long Goodbye. Kevin shares stories about the band’s rise, their biggest influences, and what it was like finding his voice. We also geek out about the modern music scene, female rock powerhouses, and why some songs never get old. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Mar 07, 202557 min

Ep. 76 - Shawna Potter from War On Women

In this episode, I sit down with Shawna Potter, the powerhouse lead singer of War on Women—a fierce punk band from Baltimore, Maryland. We talk about her journey, the impact of music, the fight for social justice, and, of course, the record that changed everything for her. A groundbreaking 90s album that inspired her to pick up a guitar and set her on the path to fronting a band that blends activism with raw energy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Feb 21, 20251 hr 4 min

Ep. 75 - Cody Hanson from Hinder

We’re sitting down with Cody Hanson, drummer and founding member of Hinder, to talk about 20 years of rock, life on the road, and what’s next for the band. Cody talks about Hinder’s journey, from their breakout album Extreme Behavior to their upcoming tour and new music. We dive into Cody’s musical influences, growing up in Oklahoma, and what he feels is his personal 'waterproof record.' Plus, a funny discovery about hidden rap skills! Hinder is hitting the road for their Back to Life Tour—catch...

Feb 07, 202537 min

Ep. 74 - Pump Up the Volume Soundtrack

Today, we’re cranking up the nostalgia and breaking down the legendary Pump Up the Volume soundtrack from the 1990 cult classic starring Christian Slater. This soundtrack was a defining piece of my youth, full of iconic tracks that pushed boundaries and opened doors to the alternative music scene of the '90s. This was also the soundtrack that introduced me to lyrics and themes that were edgy enough to upset my parents and make my teenage self feel rebellious and empowered. Learn more about your ...

Jan 24, 202554 min

Ep. 73 - My Top 10 Albums of 2024

Happy 2025! In this episode, we dive into my top 10 albums of 2024. From the intense energy of live performances to groundbreaking studio albums, I break down the music that defined my year. Plus, I’ll share some honorable mentions and stories from the festivals and experiences that made these picks even more special. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 10, 202557 min
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