The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan

Billy Corgan sits down with Soft White Underbelly creator Mark Laita for a probing, in‑depth talk about why Laita documents society’s “invisible” people. Laita traces the project back to his Chicago‑area upbringing, teen fascination with street life, and long career as an ad and music photographer. He describes approaching subjects without judgment, the adrenaline of gaining their trust, and the hard lesson that most don’t want help. The pair dig into systemic roots of homelessness and addiction, the fentanyl surge, why real reform must start with kids’ self‑worth, and the limits of charity. They also touch on ethics, Studs Terkel’s influence, and Laita’s plan to broaden his lens beyond Skid Row. The conversation ends on lighter ground with shared memories of Chicago rock shows, cheap‑ticket discoveries like Cheap Trick, and a jaw‑dropping early Van Halen set—underscoring how music and storytelling intertwine in both of their lives.

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Billy Corgan sits down with musical trailblazer Al Jourgensen for an unvarnished dive into four decades of boundary‑pushing music. Jourgensen walks through Wax Trax’s cash‑on‑the‑table sessions, the house‑mix side hustles at Chicago Trax, he unpacks leaving Arista via bankruptcy, reclaiming control on Twitch, and bringing Paul Barker back for what he insists will be Ministry’s final record and tour; the pair compare production habits and trade stories about Timothy Leary’s psychedelic “experiments,” psilocybin‑fueled hangs with Gary Numan, and the grind of touring versus the lure of studio life; they trace the influence of the Chicago scene on countless other artists, and debate writing politics that outlast news cycles; to wrestle with whether creativity comes from a universal signal or something like a digital matrix.

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In this episode, Billy Corgan sits down with Carnie Wilson for a frank, wide-ranging conversation that moves from childhood memories of blasting the family stereo with the Carpenters and Elton John to what it was really like growing up amid the Beach Boys’ orbit—falling asleep under control-room consoles while her dad and uncles spun out other-worldly harmonies. Carnie explains how that whirlwind of studio sessions, surfboard logos and late-night vocal stacks shaped her own ear, why she still relies on co-writers, and how Glen Ballard helped transform teenage harmony sessions into multi-platinum hits like “Hold On.” She opens up about ADD, body-image pressures, industry politics, family chaos—including her near-tragic rescue of sister Wendy—and the complex creative bond she shares with her father Brian Wilson.

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Billy Corgan sits down with Stone Temple Pilots’ Robert and Dean DeLeo for a frank, fast‑moving sweep across three decades of rock—scraping video budgets in the “last‑of‑the‑Mohicans” label era, MTV premieres, weathering addictions, lineup shocks, and even a near‑fatal on‑stage heart attack. Early rivalry dissolves into respect as Corgan applauds the brothers’ “guitar‑and‑bass telepathy,” the distinctly Americana road‑trip vibe woven through STP’s catalog, and Brendan O’Brien’s whirlwind sessions that bottled it all. Together they savor Scott Weiland’s genre‑hopping voice, honor Chester Bennington and Jeff Gutt, and admit that—older and battle‑scarred, their true fuel is the next left‑turn riff and the moment a crowd sings back every word.

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In this lively and revealing conversation, Billy Corgan sits down with Dale Bozzio, lead singer of the hightly influential 1980s band Missing Person, to explore the remarkable journey that shaped her creative life. Dale candidly traces her start as a fearless spirit raised in Boston, recalling how Frank Zappa discovered her, encouraged her bold vocal style, and effectively jumpstarted her career. She reflects on her near-fatal accident, time spent as a Playboy Bunny, her relationships with boundary-pushing figures like Prince, navigating a male-dominated industry and her fierce determination to stay true to her own artistic voice rather than conform to what others expected.

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Billy Corgan chats with Carrot Top about the evolution of his unique brand of comedy, tracing the path from a shy kid fascinated by joke structure to a veteran headliner with nearly two decades on the Las Vegas stage. Carrot Top describes the early challenges of being dismissed by club owners and even his own father, as well as the thrill and pressure of eventually selling out theaters and perfecting an act that combines classic stand-up with show-stopping visual flair. Their conversation explores the delicate balance between chasing approval, embracing creative freedom, and finding genuine joy in making people laugh, while also reflecting on the comedic influences that shaped Carrot Top’s persona—most notably the legendary Gallagher—and how that mentorship evolved into a mutual respect marked by occasional tension. 

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In this candid, in-depth conversation, Billy Corgan sits down with legendary guitarist, singer, and songwriter Richie Sambora. Together they dig into how success comes at different speeds, the real story behind life in Bon Jovi, and the balancing act that happens once the show is over and you head back home to family. They talk about cutting tracks in the old days, the headspace it takes to perform for 80,000 fans, and what truly matters when the stage lights go down. Richie’s honesty reveals a side of him few get to see—how fatherhood, heartbreak, and a raw passion for making music have guided his choices. No overblown rock myths here—just two musicians talking about their craft, the road they’ve traveled, and the personal challenges that shape them both on and offstage.

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In this episode, Billy Corgan welcomes Corey Feldman for a raw, often eye-opening conversation that transcends Corey’s iconic 80s filmography and exposes the deeper realities of life in the spotlight. Feldman shares intimate stories of survival—addiction, broken industry promises, and tabloid oversimplifications—while describing his unshakable creative passion for music. Billy digs into the near-miss roles, business pitfalls, and the resolve that drives Corey’s artistry while Feldman reflects on standing his ground after childhood fame robbed him of normalcy, grappling with public sobriety, and forging a musical path—critics be damned.

If you think you already know Corey Feldman, this conversation will make you reconsider.

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In this candid conversation Billy Corgan sits down with Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo who lay bare the real stories behind 45 years of music, marriage, and refusing to play by anyone else’s rules. They reflect on their Roman Catholic upbringings—incense, confessions, and all—and how that shaped them as restless creatives unwilling to settle. From the powerful genesis of “Hell Is for Children” to the revelation that struck when Pat first heard Neil’s guitar, they describe forging a distinct rock identity with no safety net.  They also get frank about living out of a Winnebago with a newborn in tow, the music industry’s disinterest in motherhood, and the intimate give-and-take that still sparks their writing sessions today. Whether it’s a new children’s book on grandparents, reimagining a classic in the studio, or standing up to label pressure in the ’80s, Pat and Neil share how trust, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose sustain them—onstage, offstage, and everywhere in between.

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Billy Corgan welcomes Howie Mandel for a revealing conversation that looks beyond the spotlight. Howie candidly discusses living with ADHD, OCD, and germophobia—often mistaken for comedic quirks—and explains why stand-up remains his most honest outlet, despite its nerve-wracking edge. They explore how childhood experiences drove Howie’s need for control, prompting him to build his own studio and work with family. He admits medication helps him function but sometimes numbs his emotions, and while hosting “Deal or No Deal” revived his career, it also overshadowed his identity as a comedian. Ultimately, he emphasizes that comedy and tragedy share the same roots, and that true fulfillment comes from embracing the present moment.

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Billy Corgan sits down with legendary songwriter Diane Warren for an unfiltered conversation about her relentless work ethic, creative process, and groundbreaking career. Warren opens up about her daily routine, the organized chaos of her longtime writing space ("The Cave"), and her strong preference for working alone. They explore how the music industry has shifted from talent-driven opportunities to data-driven metrics like TikTok trends, why true artistry isn’t about following trends, how resilience, defying doubt, and proving people wrong are ongoing themes in her music and much more.

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Billy Corgan sits down with Wolfgang Van Halen for a candid and far-reaching conversation about music, identity, and forging a creative path in the long shadow of one of rock’s greatest legends. Wolfgang opens up about his drive to earn every opportunity on his own merits, reflecting on the dual realities of carrying a famous name and longing simply to be recognized as a credible musician. He talks about his musical foundation—from pounding out blink-182 drum fills to honing a powerful and versatile lead vocal style—and how those early passions shaped the sound of Mammoth. He dives into the band’s whirlwind experiences supporting Metallica, the importance of maintaining a rock-solid live show without backing tracks, and the reality of navigating public scrutiny in the hyperconnected era of social media. Along the way, Wolfgang shares personal memories of his father, Eddie Van Halen, explaining both the encouragement and quiet expectations that fueled his ambition and helped him endure the commentary and comparisons that inevitably follow him and much more.

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Billy Corgan sits down with the iconic Sharon Osbourne—manager extraordinaire, TV personality, and the formidable force behind Ozzy Osbourne’s enduring career.

Sharon opens up about her incredible life in show business, starting with childhood memories of her father, notorious music impresario Don Arden, and all the mischief and magic that came with growing up around rock legends like Gene Vincent, Little Richard, and the Small Faces. Billy and Sharon also dive deep into the early days of Black Sabbath: from Ozzy’s first London gigs and sweaty club shows to the challenges and triumphs that reshaped heavy metal forever.

From the business battles that tested Sharon’s mettle, to the behind-the-scenes stories of how she helped Ozzy break away from an impossible contract to forge one of the most successful solo careers in rock, they cover near-disasters and triumphant comebacks, all fueled by Sharon’s fearless determination and her unwavering belief in the power of music.

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Billy Corgan sits down with Rage Against the Machine co-founder Tom Morello to trace the path from Tom’s earliest days as a KISS-obsessed comic-book devotee to his rise as a musical agitator on the biggest stages in rock.

Tom reveals how dropping into the Sunset Strip glam scene led to a short-lived major-label deal that taught him never to compromise his artistry. He recalls the explosive formation of RATM, “a ring of power that drives men mad”—and dives deep into why Rage’s politically charged fusion shook the world. You’ll also hear about his boundary-pushing work in Audioslave alongside Chris Cornell’s transcendent vocals, plus his acoustic alter ego, The Nightwatchman, born of a hunger for unfiltered activism.

But there’s more to Tom than riffs and revolution: he’s a proud father, film producer, and fierce defender of the unsung heroes of heavy metal, Judas Priest. Balancing a hardwired passion for justice with family life, Tom Morello offers a master class in remaining unapologetically true to yourself—even when that truth demands you stand front and center with a guitar in one hand and a protest sign in the other. If you’ve ever wondered how an avowed political rebel and virtuoso shredder finds his place in an ever-changing music industry—and in a world still hungry for change—this conversation is a must-listen.

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Billy Corgan sits down with the one and only Gene Simmons to probe beyond the kabuki makeup and monster riffs that made KISS a household name. From celebrating Gene’s triumphant final shows at Madison Square Garden to dissecting the band’s forays into disco and beyond, Gene opens up about his earliest days hustling in rat-infested lofts, his eye for shameless self-promotion, and the emotional weight of saying goodbye to a stage persona that defined millions of childhoods—including Billy’s. Meanwhile, Billy holds Gene’s feet to the fire on everything from KISS’s critical underestimation to the creative interplay that kept Gene and Paul Stanley’s partnership alive for half a century.

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Welcome to The Magnificent Others, the podcast where host Billy Corgan engages in profound conversations with extraordinary individuals who have reached the pinnacle of success in their respective fields. In each episode, Billy delves into the stories and insights of high achievers, exploring the multifaceted journey that leads to greatness.

Watch The Magnificent Others on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BillyCorganTMO