Podcasts
Host John DeChristopher goes in-depth with the biggest names in drumming
Podcast Episode 246: More Listener Questions
In this episode, Mike and Mike work through a pile of listener questions, covering everything from cymbal selection to defining precision in drumming. Show Notes Modern Drummer subscription MikesLessons.com subscription Mike Dawson's Patreon page Modern Drummer Podcast With Mike…
Podcast Episode 245: Listener Questions Galore
In this episode, Mike and Mike work through a pile of listener questions, covering everything from music schools to affordable bop kit and how to practice playing quietly. As usual, the show concludes with picks of the week. This episode…
Podcast Episode 244: 5 Tips for Motivation, Jimmy Cobb Remembered, Welch Tuning Systems, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike celebrate the life and drumming of jazz great Jimmy Cobb. The education segment focuses on Johnston’s five tips to help you keep motivated during these challenging times. Up for review is an innovative new…
MD Podcast Episode 243: Favorite Studio Albums, Listener Questions, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike share four classic albums they wish they could have been in the studio at the time of the recording to witness the creative process from start to finish. After answering a few audio questions…
Podcast Episode 242: Adam Deitch, Offbeat Stickings, Sabian AAX Additions, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike feature contemporary funk/hip-hop/fusion drummer Adam Deitch, who recently released a new album, Resonate, with his band Lettuce. The education segment focuses on one of Johnston's favorite sticking exercises for strengthening awareness of offbeat 16th…
MD Podcast Episode 241: Drummer Scouting Reports, Doc Sweeney Pure Series Snares, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike share scouting reports on a couple legendary drummers: fusion great Lenny White and classic rock icon Charlie Watts. The education segment focuses on some things Johnston taught at his first virtual drum camp. Up…
Episode 240: How to Play Polyrhythms, Who’s the Greatest?, Evans UV2 Drumheads, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss how to understand three-against-four and six-against-four polyrhythms. They also discuss who should be in contention for the unofficial title of the world’s greatest drummer. Next up, shares his experience comparing the new Evans…
MD Podcast Episode 239: Clave Variations, Hi-Hat Mic Shootout, Contest Announcement, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss ways to create new rhythm motifs based on the son and rumba clave. They also introduce how to enter a new giveaway of a 22" Dream Gorilla ride. Next up, Mike and Mike…
MD Podcast Episode 238: Bottom Head Tuning, More Current Influences, Doc Sweeney Classic Series snares, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss more of their current influences and inspirations. The education segment focuses on how bottom head tuning affects the sound of toms and snare drums. In the gear section, Mike and Mike review a…
MD Podcast Episode 237: Live-Streaming Setups, Current Influences, Bucks County Prime Oak snares, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss their current influences and inspirations. The education segment focuses on various live-streaming setups using a few of Roland’s new products. In the gear section, Mike and Mike review a new 5.5x14 Prime Oak…
MD Podcast Episode 236: Tommy Harden, What is a Shuffle?, Online Teaching Basics, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss Nashville session veteran Tommy Harden. The education segment focuses on defining the shuffle. In the gear section, Mike and Mike talk about the basics of online teaching and how to deal with the…
MD Podcast Episode 235: Four-Stage Practice Method, Sugar Percussion Snare Comparison, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike dive deep into the four-stage practice method, which comprises a warm-up, creative exploration, main focus, and musical applications. The gear review segment compares two 6x14 Sugar Percussion snare drums, one made from mahogany and…
MD Podcast Episode 234: Virgil Donati, Real Vs. Sampled Tracks, Dream Earz DB-10X IEMs, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike dive deep into the extensive discography of modern prog-fusion master Virgil Donati. The education segment focuses on comparing real versus sampled drum tracks in pop music. Up for review is a pair of ten-driver…
MD Podcast Episode 233: Dry Vs. Washy Rides, Sepultura’s Eloy Casagrande, Meinl Stacks, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss heavy metal drummer Eloy Casagrande of legendary Brazilian band Sepultura. The education segment focuses on the differences between dry and washy ride cymbals. Up for review are the Meinl Super Stack and Crasher…
