Guitarist Alex Skolnick is known for his musical prowess in both heavy metal (Testament, Metal Allegiance) and jazz (The Alex Skolnick Trio). He also loves books, so I thought it would be fitting to meet him at the Strand Book Store in NYC to discuss all things literary. We wander the stacks, from fiction to pulp fiction to rare books, to discuss his favorite authors, titles, how he reads and even where. Our chat spans the gamut from the obscure to the popular, and we discover some great finds in the process. (Photo credit: Evelyn Steiweg.) Part of Pantheon Podcasts.

French electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre has toured the globe, sold an estimated 80 million albums, and holds the Guinness Book record for largest outdoor concert attendance (3.5 million people). He's also a down-to-earth person who loves painting, sci-fi, and movies. In this episode, we discuss those Side Jams and how they relate to his career. He and I also explore how artists engage the world, from our ever escalating aspirations to keeping up with the constant barrage of new releases. This interview was conducted in the rooftop bar of the Knickerbocker Hotel in NYC. (Photo credit: Peter Lindbergh.) This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.

Welcome to the debut of "Side Jams"! Joining me for this inaugural episode is Roger Craig Smith. You've heard this talented voice actor play many signature roles in animated shows, films, and video games over the years -- Batman, Captain America, Sonic the Hedgehog, Kylo Ren, and many, many more. When he's not cavorting with the voices inside his head, the L.A.-based actor loves to gaze at the stars, particularly from a place he has in the Tehachapi Mountains of Southern California. Here, he discusses his passion for astronomy, rocketry, and space travel, delving into the high-tech innovations that have enhanced his stargazing experience, along with sharing his views on NASA, Elon Musk, and more.