Episodes 32
Avg. Duration 34m
Activity Sporadic
Apple Rating 5.0 (28)
Since Jun 2021
Latest Episode Nov 2025

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Schedule
Every 2 Weeks
Format
Episodic
Hosting
feeds.simplecast.com

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About This Podcast

CHOONS tells the definitive story of some of music's most underrated anthems—songs that have endured the test of time and have connected with millions of listeners everywhere. On every episode, we explore the context, creative process, and legacy of these tunes with the people responsible for creating them: producers, arrangers, composers, remixers, and the performers themselves. Produced and hosted by journalist Diego Martinez. Executive produced by music savant Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo.

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Recent Episodes

S3E2 Disco legend D.C. LaRue and the legacy of "Cathedrals"

Nov 26, 2025 35m

More than half a century ago, a cultural and societal movement took root in the streets of New York City. Driven by the post-Stonewall sexual revolution and the masterful work of DJs spinning the…

S3E1 Information Society's Paul Robb on "What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy)"

Sep 10, 2025 35m

The “Minneapolis Sound” is eclectic at its core. From the funktified innovations of Prince and André Cymone to the polished productions of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and the alt-rock fire of The…

S2 Bonus Episode: People Getting Loose - The Music of Saturday Night Fever

Dec 14, 2022 25m Bonus

Back in December 1977, a young actor named John Travolta (by then only known for his role as Vinnie Barbarino on the TV comedy "Welcome Back Kotter) strutted across the streets of New York to the…

S2E12 O'Bryan Becomes An R&B Heartthrob With "The Gigolo"

Nov 30, 2022 38m

Before he graced the covers of Right On! and Black Beat, O’Bryan was a church kid with a stunning tenor tone informed by years of listening to Stevie Wonder, Donny Hattaway, Phyllis Hyman, and the…

S2E11 So Much Love: A Tribute To Joyce Sims & "Come Into My Life"

Nov 16, 2022 26m

Multiple tributes flooded social media channels and websites when Joyce Sims made her peaceful transition on October 13th, 2022, all noting the tangible influence she had on music and people's…

S2E10 Leee John Celebrates Four Decades Of Imagination's "Just An Illusion"

Nov 02, 2022 41m

As the glamour of New Wave made its way through the UK music scene with acts like Visage, Duran Duran, and Spandau Ballet, a band made out of three black men was making the most, sashaying into TV…

S2E9 How Snap's Penny Ford Reconciled With "The Power"

Oct 19, 2022 42m

On January 3rd, 1990, days after a unified East and West Berlin welcomed the new decade with a memorable New Years celebration a few feet away from Brandenburg Gate, German producers Luca Anzilotti…

S2E8 Zimbabwe's Own Alton Edwards Wants To Spend Some Time With You

Oct 05, 2022 30m

Back in 1980, Zimbabwe (formerly Southern Rhodesia) had finally gained independence from the British, marking the end of racial segregation after a protracted war of liberation that claimed many…

S2 Bonus Episode: Inside The Factory - Different Fur Studios

Sep 21, 2022 33m Bonus

Different Fur has been a landmark of the music scene in the Bay Area and at the cutting edge of studio technology since it was founded in 1968 by synth wiz Patrick Gleeson, who went on to play on…

S2E7 Junior Shares A Universal Message In "Mama Used To Say"

Sep 07, 2022 39m

Born Norman Washington Giscombe on June 6, 1957, Junior had been making the rounds of the London music scene, just as the Britfunk movement was bridging the gap of a racially-divided England with its…

S2E6 Swing Out Sister Talk "Blue Mood, Breakout and Beyond"

Aug 24, 2022 47m

In the mid-1980s, a new batch of artists emerged on the UK music scene, blending pop sensibilities, refined arrangements, and an understated sense of fashion. Among the likes of Sade, Prefab Sprout,…

S2E5 Carrie McDowell Says "Uh Uh, No No Casual Sex"

Aug 10, 2022 40m

In June of 1987, 24 year-old Carrie McDowell—the second white female artist signed to Motown Records—walked the stage of the legendary music show "Soul Train," and rocked the house with a performance…

S2E4 The Timelesness Of Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band's "Cherchez La Femme"

Jul 27, 2022 38m

It was 1976, and Disco was hot. While Donna Summer, Barry White, Gloria Gaynor, and the Salsoul Orchestra churned out the genre's early standards, there were also your usual oddities in the shelves,…

S2E3 From Portland to the World: The Story Of Nu Shooz's "I Can't Wait"

Jul 13, 2022 45m

Portland, Oregon is a place known for its access to the great outdoors, fine wineries and breweries, and a delightfully weird culture. It also cultivated a thriving music scene, supported by multiple…

S2E2 Princess & SAW Make Soul Magic With "Say I'm Your Number One" (Part 2)

Jun 29, 2022 33m

Princess' appearance at a London fashion show caught the eye of a member of the team working for songwriting and production trio Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman, who were eager to continue…

S2E1 Princess & SAW Make Soul Magic With "Say I'm Your Number One" (Part 1)

Jun 15, 2022 22m

As Princess (born Desiree Heslop) gets ready for her return to the stage, treating longtime fans with a first-ever performance of her debut album for Supreme Records, she looks back on the making of…

S1E13 CHOONS' Greatest Hits (So Far)

Dec 15, 2021 31m

It's been six months since CHOONS was unleashed to the world, and nothing has prepared us for the overwhelming response we've gotten from listeners around the world who share our love for these…

S1E12 Regina Richards Gets Playful On "Baby Love"

Dec 01, 2021 37m

Regina Richards is a force to be reckoned with in the music biz. Inspired by the sounds of Motown, the Ronettes, and The Beatles, she began a prolific career as a composer at a tender age. Richards…

S1E11 Alisha & Mark Berry Push Through With "All Night Passion"

Nov 17, 2021 31m

Back in the early ‘80s, Brooklynite Alisha Ann Itkin was pretty much your average American teenager. Outgoing yet a bit timid onstage, she shined as a cheerleader, and scored roles in school plays…

S1E10 The Friends Of Distinction Go "Grazing In The Grass"

Nov 03, 2021 36m

One of the most vocally cohesive groups of its time, The Friends of Distinction—Harry Elston, Barbara Love, Jessica Cleaves, and Floyd Butler—enjoyed considerable success and influence due to their…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does CHOONS have?

CHOONS has published 32 episodes since June 2021, covering topics in Documentary, Music.

Is CHOONS still active?

CHOONS is currently sporadic with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 34m.

How do I contact CHOONS for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for CHOONS, including email and social media links.

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