The Hook with Johni & Jess

Hosted by Jess and Johni, The Hook features candid conversations with musicians, artists, entertainers, and creatives of all kinds. We go beyond the surface to explore the real stories behind the art — the first spark, the turning point, the doubt, the obsession, and the moments that changed everything. Just like a hook in a song stays with you, every creative has something that grabbed hold and shaped who they became. This isn’t just about what artists create. It’s about why they couldn’t stop. 🎙 Interviews 🎸 Live performances 🎣 Real stories behind the craft Once you’re in, you’re in.

The Hook with Johni & Jess is a music podcast hosted by Jess Ellett & Johni Baird, with 22 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Jess Ellett & Johni Baird hosts The Hook with Johni & Jess, a music show with 22 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #3

  Mark Damon of The Pretty Reckless: Behind the Bass

  Oct 1, 20261h 23mS3

  Send Johni & Jess a text From dive bars to stadiums packed with 100,000 fans, Mark Damon has lived just about every version of the musician's life. This week on The Hook with Johni & Jess, we're joined by Mark Damon of The Pretty Reckless for an unforgettable conversation about life on the road, the evolution of the band, and what it's like sharing the stage with some of rock's biggest legends. Mark takes us behind the scenes of touring with AC/DC, opening for The Rolling Stones, and the incredible story of how The Pretty Reckless came together. He also shares what makes Taylor Momsen such a powerful performer, the musical chemistry that keeps the band together, and the challenges of recording their album Dear God while touring the world. With stories about Soundgarden, Foo Fighters, his decades in ska and jazz, and a hilarious speed round, Mark reminds us that even after years in the music business, it's still all about the love of music. From backstage stories to the secrets behind the bass, this is one episode you don't want to miss. Follow Mark Damon & The Pretty Reckless Keep up with Mark Damon and The Pretty Reckless for the latest music, tour dates, behind-the-scenes moments and more! The Pretty Reckless Website & tour dates: theprettyreckless.com Instagram: @theprettyreckless Facebook: The Pretty Reckless TikTok: @theprettyreckless YouTube: @TPROfficial Mark Damon Facebook: Mark Damon Music Instagram: @markdamonbass Artists & Bands Mentioned in This Episode: The Pretty Reckless | Taylor Momsen | AC/DC | The Rolling Stones | Soundgarden | Foo Fighters | Dave Grohl | New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble | The Toasters Clark Terry | Jazz legend with ties to UNH's jazz program | Listen Count Basie Orchestra | Musicians from the orchestra visited the program | Listen Duke Ellington Orchestra | Another source of visiting jazz musicians | Listen Joe Williams | One of the artists Mark recalls playing with | Listen Bob Mintzer | Among the musicians Mark names | Listen Frank Wess | Among the musicians Mark names | Listen Frank Foster | Among the musicians Mark names | Listen Bob Brookmeyer | Among the musicians Mark names | Listen Al Grey | Gave Mark a trombone lesson in his hotel room | Listen Support the show Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess. This is where music, art, and passion come together. We sit down with musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries to discover the moment they got hooked, the stories that shaped them, and the journeys that followed. Our mission is to give independent artists a voice. Stay Connected & Get Hooked! Visit our website to learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and discover more stories. Website: www.johniandjess.com Follow us on social media for new episodes, exclusive behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming guest announcements, and more! Facebook: The Hook with Johni & Jess Instagram: @thehookwithjohniandjess TikTok: @johniandjess Love what you're hearing? Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave us a review! Share your favorite episodes with friends and fellow music lovers. Every listen, share, and review helps us reach new audiences and continue bringing you the stories behind the artists you love. The Hook with Johni & Jess — Where passion begins with a moment.

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  Episode #2

  Coming to Richmond: RIFF 2026 + The Launch of Lightmakers with Heather Waters

  Sep 15, 202650 minS3

  Send Johni & Jess a text What happens when film, music and storytelling become more than entertainment — and start bringing people together? This week on The Hook, Johni and Jess sit down with Heather Waters , Founder and Producer of the Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF), as the festival celebrates its 15th anniversary September 22–27. Heather takes us inside the incredible story of RIFF — from launching the festival just one week after moving to Richmond to building it into an international event featuring 180+ films from 30 countries and 60 events . She also introduces Lightmakers , her newest venture using music, film and dialogue to build bridges across cultures and borders. We get into the story behind this year’s theme, “Story Is Our Blueprint,” the films and experiences you won’t want to miss, and the special Lightmakers pre-launch featuring panels, a VIP mixer and live music from Rodney the Soul Singer , Kyle Davis , The Joey Davis Band , plus appearances from Elana Lisa . Heather also opens up about her own unexpected path — from performing and touring to filmmaking, international relations and peacebuilding — and how the pieces that once seemed completely unrelated ultimately led her exactly where she was supposed to be. Richmond International Film Festival September 22–27, 2026 ️ View the festival schedule & purchase tickets/passes: riff.aventive.org Learn more about RIFF: RVAfilmfestival.com From red carpets and international films to live music and conversations that cross borders, this is a look at the woman behind one of Richmond’s biggest arts events — and what she’s building next. Heather Waters, you’re on The Hook. Music has the power to bring people together — and this September, Lightmakers is doing exactly that. Join the Richmond International Film Festival Thursday, September 24th for the Lightmakers Signature Series, a special night of live music featuring The Joey Davis Band, Rodney Stith and Richmond’s own Kyle Davis. It’s all part of RIFF’s 15th annual celebration of film, music and creativity happening September 22nd through the 27th. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess. This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed. Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at: https://www.johniandjess.com Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook. The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.

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  Episode #1

  Roots, Rebellion & Reggae: Christos DC

  Sep 11, 20261h 28mS3

  Send Johni & Jess a text What happens when a kid raised by opera singers finds his voice in reggae? For Christos DC, the answer became a life that has crossed genres, cultures and continents. From his Greek-American roots in Washington, D.C., to years on the road with reggae legends including Don Carlos and The Itals, Christos has built a career around something increasingly rare: making the music he believes in, on his own terms. On this episode of The Hook with Johni & Jess, Christos opens up about the loss of his brother that changed the course of his life, finding his place in a culture different from his own, the lessons learned from decades of touring, and why staying independent matters more to him than fame. We also get into Honest Music, his collaborations around the world, the unexpected connection between opera and reggae, the deeply personal song he may never perform live, and why he believes music can carry people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. Plus — India, Brad Pitt with dreadlocks, a reggae song born from a very unfortunate case of food poisoning, and a Reverse Cowgirl that somehow gets us into politics, Madonna, Michael Jackson and James Brown. This is reggae without borders — and Christos DC is on The Hook. Listen to Christos DC https://open.spotify.com/artist/6JI815CBvvt4BZAmdRw8e4 Follow Christos DC on Social Media: www.facebook.com/ChristosDC12 www.youtube.com/@christosdc5983 www.instagram.com/christosdcofficial Music has the power to bring people together — and this September, Lightmakers is doing exactly that. Join the Richmond International Film Festival Thursday, September 24th for the Lightmakers Signature Series, a special night of live music featuring The Joey Davis Band, Rodney Stith and Richmond’s own Kyle Davis. It’s all part of RIFF’s 15th annual celebration of film, music and creativity happening September 22nd through the 27th. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess. This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed. Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at: https://www.johniandjess.com Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook. The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.

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  Episode #10

  Smooth Groove with Richmond Music Legend Plunky Branch

  Aug 18, 20261h 38mS2

  Send Johni & Jess a text Richmond music legend James “Plunky” Branch joins The Hook with Johni & Jess for a wide-ranging conversation about more than five decades of music, creativity and cultural impact. From his early years in Richmond and time at Columbia University to the evolution of Juju and Oneness of Juju, Plunky shares how jazz, African rhythms, funk, soul and R&B shaped his unmistakable sound. He also opens up about his connection to the early development of go-go music, his path as an independent artist and label owner, and the experiences that have taken his music around the world. Along the way, we talk about creativity, family, race, community, technology and why Plunky continues to seek out new sounds and new ideas after all these years. It’s a thoughtful, surprising and often funny conversation with an artist whose influence reaches far beyond Richmond—and whose connection to his hometown remains as strong as ever. Mentions: Lonnie Liston Smith Melvin Ras Mel Glover Mighty Joshua WHUR 96.3 / The Daily Drum Experience Unlimited (E.U.) / Sugar Bear 725 Arts Connect with Plunky: Website: www.plunkyone.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/PlunkyandOneness X (Twitter): https://x.com/plunkyone ▶️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/plunkyb Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/artist/plunky-oneness/6315845 Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/0zeMpqW3Y0hyDOV6iQ6U9p?si=YYw70XuoQD6l8vKsp-MBgg&nd=1&dlsi=f660f15c79fa454b Support the show Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess. This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed. Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at: https://www.johniandjess.com Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook. The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.

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  Episode #9

  Building the Sound of REIN with Jordan Rein

  Aug 6, 20261h 29mS2

  Send Johni & Jess a text What happens when three incredibly talented musicians share a studio, trust each other completely, and set out to make the best music they possibly can? You get JORDAN REIN . In this episode of The Hook with Johni & Jess , Jordan Rein , Peter Wellman , and Maddox Bruce join us for an unforgettable conversation about the evolution of their Richmond-based power trio, their collaborative creative process, and the friendships that fuel their music. The band shares how they came together, why performing as a trio pushes each of them to new creative heights, and how every member leaves their fingerprint on the music. Jordan reflects on receiving his first guitar as a surprise Christmas gift, Peter talks about unexpectedly becoming a drummer before performing at the Grand Ole Opry with his high school show choir, and Maddox shares how playing bass during the pandemic and performing in church shaped his musical journey. We also dive into Jordan Rein's ambitious new concept album, 65432 , a deeply personal project exploring the five stages of grief through music, accompanied by an upcoming short film. Jordan opens up about the healing process behind the record, while Peter and Maddox discuss how emotionally invested they became in bringing the songs to life. Along the way, the conversation takes plenty of unexpected turns—from Jordan's experience performing at the legendary Whisky A Go Go alongside rock icons, to touring with musicians like Oliver Anthony and Joey Davis , the future of authentic rock music in the age of AI, Jordan's lifelong fascination with sharks, and the hilarious true story of building the world's fastest flying lawnmower. The episode also features three tracks from Jordan Rein, a live performance of The Star-Spangled Banner at Carmax Park and an always entertaining speed round, making this a must-listen for music lovers, creatives, and anyone who appreciates the stories behind passionate artists. Featuring: Jordan Rein (vocals/guitar), Peter Wellman (drums, keys, multi-instrumentalist), and Maddox Bruce (bass). Follow Jordan Rein on Social Media IG ww.instagram.com/rein.rocks FB www.facebook.com/ReinRadio TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rein.rocks River City Consulting River City Consulting is the the official website agency for The Hook podcast. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess. This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed. Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at: https://www.johniandjess.com Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook. The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.

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