Premiere Networks and Buzz Knight Media launched “Jersey Made” on September 16, 2026 with iHeartPodcasts. It's a new podcast hosted by veteran media executive and consultant Buzz Knight.
The first episode features a conversation with former NBC News anchor Brian Williams, who discusses his pride in being a lifelong New Jersey resident. The second episode will feature musician, singer and songwriter Brian Fallon, who reflects on the authenticity and character of the people of New Jersey.
“Jersey Made” takes an in-depth look at how one of America’s smallest states quietly helped shape the sound of a nation. The podcast traces New Jersey’s musical legacy from the crooners of the early 20th century through rock, punk, hip-hop and global pop, spotlighting icons including Frank Sinatra, Frankie Valli, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Whitney Houston and SZA. Featuring revealing conversations with artists, producers, engineers, cultural commentators and proud New Jerseyans, the series explores the people, places and moments that transformed the Garden State into one of music’s most influential cultural forces.
“Every day, I get to wake up and pursue the fine art of storytelling,” shared Knight. “I'm excited and grateful to begin this new chapter with Julie Talbott and her team at Premiere and iHeartPodcasts, and with the ‘Jersey Made’ team, led by Executive Producer Vinny Steves, as we bring New Jersey's musical legacy to life.”
“New Jersey has produced some of the most influential artists and cultural movements in music history, and Buzz is uniquely qualified to tell that story,” said Julie Talbott, President of Premiere Networks. "Through engaging conversations and rich storytelling, ‘Jersey Made’ celebrates the artists, innovators and communities that helped shape generations of music. We're proud to partner with Buzz Knight Media on this exciting new podcast.”
“Jersey Made” joins Buzz Knight Media’s roster of iHeartPodcasts showcasing the art of storytelling, including: “Takin’ A Walk” hosted by Buzz Knight, a music history podcast with inside stories from musicians and insiders; “Takin’ A Walk Nashville,” a Nashville-based music history podcast hosted by singer-songwriter and podcaster Sarah Harralson; “Music Saved Me” hosted by Lynn Hoffman, exploring the transformative power of music in people’s lives; and “Comedy Saved Me” hosted by Lynn Hoffman, a podcast celebrating the healing nature of comedy.
“Jersey Made” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts. New episodes will be published Wednesdays on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. Visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen on your favorite device. Video episodes and highlights will be available on iHeart, YouTube and other social and digital platforms.
Buzz Knight is a media expert and innovator with decades of experience in the radio and podcast industry. As the Founder and CEO of Buzz Knight Media Productions, he previously served as a media executive for national radio companies before launching his own venture to focus on the evolving landscape of audio content. His company creates some of the most popular music podcasts in the United States. Flagship shows include: “Takin’ A Walk”; “Takin’ A Walk Nashville” hosted by Sarah Harralson; “Music Saved Me” hosted by Lynn Hoffman; and “Comedy Saved Me” also hosted by Lynn Hoffman. All four shows have partnered with Premiere Networks and are distributed by iHeartPodcasts.
Buzz Knight Media Productions also has multiple new shows in development, continuing to expand its portfolio of compelling audio content. Before founding his media production company, Buzz built an impressive career as a radio executive including roles as Executive VP of Strategy and Innovation at Beasley Media Group and SVP of Programming at Greater Media. His radio journey spans decades, with stops at legendary stations including WZLX/Boston, WNEW-FM/New York City, WNOR/Norfolk and WLVQ/Columbus, Ohio. Buzz has also contributed hundreds of posts for Radio Ink Magazine as an industry thought leader.
Buzz’s work spans consulting, content creation and media strategy, always with a focus on connecting audiences with meaningful stories through music, comedy, and authentic conversation.
Premiere Networks, a subsidiary of iHeartMedia, syndicates more than 100 radio programs and services to more than 8,600 radio affiliations and reaches a quarter billion listeners monthly. Premiere offers the best in talk, entertainment and sports programming featuring the following personalities: Ryan Seacrest, Glenn Beck, Delilah, Steve Harvey, Clay Travis, Buck Sexton, The Breakfast Club, George Noory, Dan Patrick, Colin Cowherd, Angela Yee, Granger Smith, Sean Hannity, Elvis Duran, Mario Lopez, Bobby Bones, Johnjay and Rich, Big Boy, Brooke & Jeffrey, Stugotz, Enrique Santos and others.
Philadelphia’s own blues and soul powerhouse Deb Callahan has been captivating audiences since the late 90s. She’s lit up stages at top festivals including Monterey Bay Blues Fest (CA), Springing the Blues (FL), Bayfront Blues Fest (MN), Briggs Farm Blues Fest (PA), and WXPN’s XPonential Music Festival in Philly. Her sixth studio album Backbone dropped in March 2023 to rave reviews, international airplay, and a six-month run on the Roots Music Report’s Top 50 Blues Albums—peaking at #2. Often likened to Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, and Etta James, Callahan’s sound is unmistakably her own. Backbone was produced by Philly’s Chris Arms and recorded live at Morningstar Studios. Her previous release, Sweet Soul, was helmed by Grammy-winning producer Tony Braunagel and featured top-tier L.A. session players alongside longtime guitarist Allen James.
Four great comedians, one night of laughs! Featuring Nico Carney (Late Night with Seth Meyers, Just For Laughs New Faces, and Netflix Is a Joke Festival), Yvette Segan (New York Comedy Festival and co-creator/star of Run Club: The Web Series), Josh Mandl (founder of Next Stop Comedy and creator of viral comedy videos with more than 1.5 million views), and your host Vinnie Brand (The Stress Factory Comedy Club, Last Comic Standing, and Comedy Central).
“HOLY JOHN HUGHES THAT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!!”
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Currently gearing up for their 50th anniversary year, Cheap Trick remain an indisputable, indispensable rock ’n’ roll institution, beloved everywhere for their instantly identifiable, hugely influential union of mischievous wit and maximum melodies, powerhouse pop hooks and razor-sharp riffs. Established almost half a century ago by Robin Zander (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick Nielsen (lead guitar), Tom Petersson (bass guitar), and Bun E. Carlos (drums), the Rockford, IL-based band has become part of the very fiber of American music, with more than 40 international Gold and Platinum certifications, myriad awards and industry honors, featured appearances on over 20 movie soundtracks, and total record sales now well in excess of 20M. Five decades on, Cheap Trick remains the same at its core as ever – four great guys, three great chords, and an unparalleled canon of tunes that will last an eternity, from “He’s A Whore,” “California Man” and “Dream Police” to “Surrender,” “I Want You To Want Me” and the worldwide #1 hit single, “The Flame.”
