Summary

Tonight, we crank up the volume on The Clash, the band that didn’t just play punk, they weaponized it. Born in the gritty chaos of 1976 London, The Clash brought together the firebrand Joe Strummer, the guitar-slinging Mick Jones, and a crew of musical insurgents who didn’t care about rules, unless they were breaking them. They didn’t stick to just punk, either; they mashed it up with reggae, ska, and rockabilly, creating a sonic Molotov cocktail that captured the anger, hope, and dirty sneakers of a generation. From the raw rebellion of White Riot to the genre-busting brilliance of London Calling, we’ll track their meteoric rise, their inevitable implosion in ’86, and the legacy they left behind, one that still echoes through headphones, protest marches, and garage bands everywhere. So grab your safety pins and sarcasm, we’re diving into the glorious mess that was (and is) The Clash.

Show Notes

• This episode dives headfirst into the loud, messy, glorious history of The Clash, the band that made punk political and cool at the same time
• Born in late-70s London, The Clash didn’t just ride the punk wave, they torched the rulebook and rewrote it in power chords
• Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, and Topper Headon weren’t just bandmates, they were a dysfunctional family with guitars, drumsticks, and something to say
• Sure, they started as punks, but they didn’t stay in the box, they pulled in reggae, ska, and rockabilly, like musical magpies with a cause
• We’ll trace their early days, fueled by angst, idealism, and the kind of authenticity you can’t fake, even if you tried
• Their lyrics didn’t just rhyme, they hit back at injustice, war, consumerism, and anything else that needed a good musical slap
• More than just a history lesson, this episode asks: how does a band this loud still echo in today’s music and culture?
• The Clash didn’t just make records, they made statements, and they made them stick

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sleep With Rockstars

02:22 The Clash: Formation and Early Years

09:49 The Clash's Emergence

15:44 The Clash's Rise to Fame

21:13 The Clash: Rise of a Punk Icon

32:30 The Disintegration and Breakup of The Clash

Takeaways

• In this episode, we kick back and unpack the chaotic brilliance of The Clas, the band that made punk smarter, louder, and weirdly danceable
• Yes, you’re encouraged to relax, this is bedtime punk history, not a college lecture
• If you drift off mid-episode, no shame, The Clash would probably respect your right to nap through the system
• Repetition is your friend here; play it again and let your brain soak it in like a vinyl left on repeat
• We trace the band’s rise from the grimy streets of ’76 London to the global stage, where their sound got bigger, bolder, and way beyond punk
• Joe, Mick, Paul, and Topper didn’t just form a band, they built a movement with guitars and grit
• Their music evolved, their message sharpened, and somehow they made rebellion sound both righteous and radio-friendly
• This episode is part tribute, part time capsule, a salute to The Clash and the punk spirit that refuses to quietly fade away

Links

• Source en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Clash
• You may also enjoy this bonus episode Sleep with Buzzcocks
• Join the Fan Club

Intro

In this episode, we tackle the thrilling world of sleep routines because apparently, adulting includes going to bed at the same time on purpose. We break down why sticking to a consistent sleep-wake schedule isn’t just something your mom nagged you about in the '80s, but actually a cornerstone of better sleep. We’ll share practical tips you can add to your personal sleep toolbox (right next to your collection of broken remote controls and existential dread). Fair warning: these strategies work best when you actually use them, repeatedly, over a few weeks. But stick with it, and your circadian rhythm will stop acting like it’s jet-lagged from a rave. Long story short: routine equals rhythm, rhythm equals sleep, and sleep equals not feeling like a zombie in a cubicle. Let’s get some rest, with style.

Show Notes

In this episode of Singles Going Sleepy, we dive into the ever-thrilling world of sleep hygiene, because nothing says “living the dream” like fine-tuning your bedtime routine. We're talking real strategies for better sleep, not just lavender sprays and wishful thinking. The focus? Building a consistent sleep schedule and a toolbox of techniques that actually help you chill out and crash (without doomscrolling yourself into oblivion first).

Consistency is the name of the game here—because your circadian rhythm isn’t just going to fix itself. The episode walks you through how to find the mix of habits that work for you, so your nights feel less like a caffeine-fueled rerun of insomnia and more like a warm, comforting blanket of REM. (We've got R.E.M., too--parts 1 and 2.)

Bonus: there’s a guided meditation packed in, complete with calming visuals and breathing that won’t make you roll your eyes (well, maybe just a little at first). It’s a grounding, reflective pause that ties it all together with a Gen X-friendly reminder: sleep is a rebellion against chaos. Or at least, a way to stop feeling like a walking hangover.

So if your relationship with sleep is more “it’s complicated” than “deep and meaningful,” this episode’s your new late-night companion. It's science meets chill, with a little side of snark.

Takeaways

In this episode of Singles Going Sleepy, we keep riding the velvet wave of sleep improvement, because burnout is so 1999. Here's what's up:

• We’re dropping more legit sleep tips, because counting sheep stopped working around the same time as dial-up internet.
• Dive into the full arsenal at sleepwithrockstars.com. It’s like a sleep mixtape curated, tested, and made to mellow your mind.
• Real talk: these techniques need a few weeks to kick in. Instant results are for infomercials and boy bands.
• A regular sleep-wake schedule isn’t just for the Type A crowd; it’s the backstage pass to better sleep quality.
• Mix and match techniques on the rough nights. You’re building a custom setlist for your own circadian rhythm.
• Sticking with it? That’s the real self-care. Not bubble baths. Not candles. Just a solid shot at waking up without feeling like a semi-truck hit you.

Chapters

• 00:32 - Building Your Sleep Toolbox
• 01:00 - Establishing a Sleep Routine
• 02:50 - The Gift of Consistency
• 03:20 - Embracing Rest

Recommended If You Like

sleep tips, sleep improvement, improve sleep quality, sleep meditation, circadian rhythm, bedtime routine, sleep toolbox, consistent sleep schedule, sleep techniques, relaxation methods, restful sleep,...

Summary

Put on your red shoes and relax… Again. "Sleep with David Bowie, Part 2"

This podcast takes a dreamy dive into the chameleon-like world of David Bowie—rock’s original shapeshifter and patron saint of reinvention. From Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke, we trace the cosmic arc of a man who never met a genre he couldn’t bend to his will.

We zero in on the Berlin Trilogy era—Low, "Heroes", and Lodger—where Bowie traded glitter for grit and helped rewrite the rules of music. Ambient soundscapes? Experimental funk? Existential sax solos? Check, check, and check.

Whether you grew up blasting Changes on vinyl or discovered Bowie between Labyrinth reruns and late-night mixed tapes, this series offers a gently trippy tour through his legacy—with a mellow narration style perfect for drifting off.

So get comfy, Gen Xers. Let’s turn and face the strange… and maybe catch a little sleep while we’re at it.

Links You May Like

• David Bowie
• The source material for this episode is Wikipedia
• "Sleep with David Bowie, Part 1"
• Join our Fan Club for perks like early access, shoutouts (great for birthdays), and exclusive episodes

Show Notes

Cue the synths and grab your black trench coat—this episode dives deep into David Bowie's Berlin years, when he swapped glitter for grit and made getting weird an art form. We kick things off with Low, the album that had fans scratching their heads and future musicians taking notes. With its ambient soundscapes and fragmented funk, Low didn’t just break the mold—it set it on fire, then rebuilt it with circuit boards and saxophones.

We track Bowie’s sonic left turn, explore how Brian Eno and Robert Fripp helped him color outside the lines, and unpack how Heroes followed Low like the cooler, slightly more optimistic sequel. Alienation, addiction, identity—Bowie spun it all into music that still feels like the future.

By the time we get to Lodger, we’re fully in Bowie’s experimental zone, where genres blur, boundaries collapse, and nothing is quite what it seems (in the best way possible).

It’s a love letter to reinvention, resilience, and one man’s refusal to play it safe. Whether you wore out your Heroes cassette in '77 or found Bowie on a late-night YouTube spiral, this episode’s for you.

Takeaways

• We ease into the eclectic musical journey of David Bowie—the original master of reinvention and a true Gen X icon.
• Listeners are invited to unwind with soothing narration designed to help you relax, reset, and nod off.
• We spotlight Bowie’s groundbreaking Berlin Trilogy (Low, "Heroes", and Lodger) a sonic shift that redefined music as we knew it.
• Repetition is encouraged: re-listening helps your brain build sleepy-time associations (Bowie as your personal lullaby? Yes, please).
• We reflect on his bold collaborations, including the unforgettable team-up with Queen on Under Pressure—because why be one legend when you can be two?
• Throughout, we honor Bowie’s shapeshifting artistry and how his legacy continues to inspire the beautifully offbeat, the creatively restless, and the proudly nonconforming.
• We wrap it all up with a gentle reminder: in a world that’s constantly changing, Bowie’s music remains a constant: timeless, transformative, and totally nap-worthy.

Chapters

• 00:00 -...

Sleep with Prince, Part 3

Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast. You deserve a good night's sleep…or whatever.

Relax and unwind while award-winning radio host and podcaster, Sloane Spencer, lulls you with soothing details about bands and musicians beloved by Gen X. Start with a calm meditation to train your brain that it's time to sleep, settle your headspace, and drift off with a low, mellow, sometimes whispering history lesson about the best bands to ever grace your mixed tapes.

This Week

• Prince's website
• The source material for this podcast
• Sleep with Prince, Part 1
• Sleep with Prince, Part 2
• Mixed tape of songs referenced in the podcast

Summary

We're diving deep into the purple kingdom of Prince, the one-of-a-kind genius who made us all want to wear velvet and high heels. We'll sift through the massive pile of music that's come out since he left the building, from those epic compilations to the legal smack downs over his estate. We're also hitting the rewind button on his entire career, checking out how a kid from Minneapolis became the Funky One. Get ready to discuss everything from his trailblazing tunes and boundary-pushing style to the way he shook up conversations about race and gender. And hey, while we're at it, we'll give you a chill vibe so you can drift off to sleep, maybe dreaming in purple.

Listen, follow, share, rate, and review!

• Listen anywhere for free
• Let us know which bands you would like to hear on upcoming episodes by commenting on YouTube or select podcast apps
• Share this episode with a friend. This is the #1 way to help our show.
• Join the Fan Club for early access, thank yous, bonus content, and more!

Learn "How to Sleep with Rock Stars" here and in our "Singles Going Sleepy" mini-episodes full of sleep tips.

Takeaways

• This podcast serves as a soothing bedtime reading that focuses on notable figures from the Gen X music scene.
• Use this podcast as a tool to aid relaxation and facilitate a peaceful night's sleep.
• Prince's estate has engaged in various legal battles over music rights and distribution agreements since his passing.
• The discussion highlights the extensive influence and legacy of Prince within the music industry and popular culture.

Companies Mentioned in this Episode

• Universal Music Group
• Warner Music Group
• Sony Music Entertainment
• Tidal
• Random House
• Pantone Incorporated
• AEG
• Billboard
• Glam Slam
• First Avenue

Recommended If You Like

sleep podcast, bedtime stories, Prince music, Gen X musicians, relax and sleep, music for sleep, bedtime reading, soothing podcasts, calming music, sleep...

Summary:

This installment of Singles Going Sleepy, sleep tips for Gen X, from Sleep with Rock Stars emphasizes the importance of effectively managing auditory stimuli to enhance slumber. Lower the volume, creating an optimal environment for rest. Use a sleep timer to prevent abrupt awakenings caused by later audio content.

Set your phone or app timer to conclude two minutes prior to the end of your sleep podcast. You can reduce disturbances, for a tranquil transition into sleep. You deserve a good night's sleep...or whatever.

Show Notes:

Remember when falling asleep meant the TV was blasting static at 3 a.m., and your only sleep timer was sheer exhaustion? Well, welcome to adulthood, where we pretend we're totally fine while clutching our third cold brew and wondering why we can't sleep.

You may find our overview of "How to Sleep with Rock Stars" helpful.

In this episode, turn down the volume. Lowering the audio on your sleep podcast might sound like a throwback to Grandma's “just close your eyes” sleep advice, but hear me out.

We’ll get into the groove of sound management (very grown-up, very fancy), and I’ll walk you through the magical, often-overlooked power of the sleep timer. Set it to end before the podcast does, so you don’t jolt awake at 2 a.m. when the next episode launches into an enthusiastic ad for meal kits.

Think of this as curating your bedtime vibe—less "midnight infomercial," more "Zen mixed tape from 1992." By the end, you’ll not only have the tools to drift off like a pro, but you might just start viewing sleep as the sacred ritual it truly is.

So grab your Walkman (metaphorically, unless you’re really committed), lower that volume, and let’s reclaim rest like it’s 1984.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we explore the significance of lowering audio volume to enhance sleep quality.
• Setting a sleep timer is essential to prevent abrupt awakenings from subsequent podcasts.
• Finding a comfortable position is paramount for facilitating the transition into restful slumber.
• We emphasize the importance of allowing outside sounds to become a soothing background while drifting off.

Recommended If You Like:

sleep tips, restful night, sleep podcast, sleep timer, relaxing sounds, calming podcasts, sleep techniques, podcast for sleep, bedtime routine, sleep advice, gentle sleep sounds, how to sleep better, mindfulness for sleep, podcast sleep aid, quieting the mind, deep relaxation, getting better sleep, soothing sleep environment, managing sleep distractions, peaceful night's rest

Summary

This episode’s all about the Indigo Girls, because yes, your mixtape from 1992 deserves a comeback.

We’re diving deep into the origin story of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, the Atlanta folk rock duo who gave us harmonies, heart, and a healthy dose of political fire long before it was cool. From open mic nights to major labels, from protest lines to platinum albums, they’ve never stopped marching to their own beat (in perfect harmony, of course).

We’ll break down how their wildly different songwriting styles somehow make perfect sense together, and how they’ve kept the magic alive through decades of change.

So whether you’re here for the nostalgia, the activism, or just need something chill to drift off to, press play, and let Indigo Girls lull you to sleep.

Show Notes

We start slow and mellow, easing into the roots of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, two Georgia kids whose grade-school friendship morphed into a decades-long creative force. From Emory University open mics to major-label success, their rise was equal parts grit, harmony, and stubborn integrity.

We’ll spin through their breakout albums like Strange Fire and the self-titled ‘89 classic that gave us "Closer to Fine" (you just hummed it, didn’t you?). Then we trace their bold shift from corporate studios back to indie freedom—because staying true to their sound meant rewriting the rules.

Of course, the Indigo Girls are more than music. They’ve long been at the frontlines of activism: fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, and always weaving purpose into melody.

As we reflect on their legacy (and their still-going-strong career), it’s clear: these aren’t just folk-rock icons; they’re cultural changemakers. So whether you’re tuning in to learn, reminisce, or drift off under the stars, this episode is your acoustic blanket.

No need to stay awake—just stay present.

Takeaways

• The podcast introduces the Indigo Girls, a notable American folk rock duo originating from Atlanta, Georgia, and discusses their significant impact on music.
• Listeners are encouraged to utilize the podcast as a tranquil aid to facilitate relaxation and improve sleep quality through soothing storytelling.
• Repetition of listening to the podcast can create a mental association that signals the brain to prepare for rest and tranquility.
• The Indigo Girls have a rich history, having formed during their high school years and achieving notable success in the music industry over several decades.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of letting the soothing words wash over you, facilitating a peaceful transition to sleep rather than demanding active engagement.
• The episode emphasizes the importance of taking time for oneself to unwind and release the day's tensions, contributing to overall mental well-being.

Links

• indigogirls.com
• Wikipedia
• Mixed tape playlist from this episode

Mentioned in this Episode

• Indigo Girls
• R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe (You might also like this episode "Sleep with R.E.M.")
• Epic Records
• Hollywood Records
• Vanguard Records
• Watershed
• Flying Biscuit Cafe
• Daemon Records
• Honor the Earth
• Greenpeace
• P!nk
• Ellen James Society
• Lilith Fair
• Emory University
• Tulane University
• Vanderbilt University

Recommended If You Like

sleep podcast, Indigo...

Summary:

In this episode, we hop in the DeLorean and cruise back to the early ‘90s to bask in the purple glow of The Artist Formerly Known as Prince—yes, that’s the unpronounceable symbol guy your parents warned you about. We're talking 1991 to 1996, a transformative stretch where Prince dropped bangers like Diamonds and Pearls, gave the record label execs a collective migraine with his name change, and basically redefined what it meant to be a musical rebel without a pause.

We break down the high notes, the wild wardrobe choices, and the kind of creative genius that made the rest of us wonder if we should just stick to our day jobs. Prince wasn’t just ahead of his time—he broke time, rearranged it, and added a killer guitar solo.

So grab your Walkman, light some incense (or at least pretend to), and let this episode be your chill soundtrack to remembering a legend who didn’t just play by his own rules—he rewrote them in purple ink with a heart-shaped quill.

Don't miss our first episode featuring Prince.

Show Notes:

Gen X Hearts Prince – The Bold, the Purple, and the Unpronounceable

Let’s rewind to a time when flannel was in, mixtapes were sacred, and Prince was busy blowing our collective minds—again. In this episode, we dive deep into the wild, genre-bending ride that was Prince’s evolution from the early to mid-'90s. We're talking Diamonds and Pearls, The Gold Experience, and all the brilliance in between. If you remember staying up to watch MTV just hoping they’d play “7” or “My Name Is Prince,” this one’s for you.

This wasn’t just Prince making music—this was Prince waging an artistic rebellion in real time. From his legendary (and let’s be honest, delightfully petty) war with Warner Bros. to the moment he changed his name to a symbol and made every music journalist collectively lose their minds, Prince was showing us what it looked like to fight for creative control with style, sass, and a gold lamé jumpsuit.

We break down each album, track the twists and turns, and sprinkle in some behind-the-scenes stories that’ll make you nod, laugh, and maybe throw on your old raspberry beret. Also, yes—we talk about the eyeliner. Because of course we do.

Bottom line: This isn’t just a podcast episode. It’s a love letter from one Gen Xer to another, honoring the artist who taught us that being fabulous, bold, and unapologetically yourself was the real path to greatness. Blouses win. 💜

Takeaways:

• This podcast episode explores the profound impact of Prince's music on the Gen X generation, highlighting his enduring influence on contemporary culture.
• Listeners are encouraged to allow the soothing narratives about musicians to wash over them, facilitating relaxation and promoting restful sleep.
• The episode emphasizes the significance of repetition in listening, which can condition the mind to associate these stories with a tranquil state conducive to slumber.
• Prince's illustrious career is recounted, including his groundbreaking albums and cultural milestones that define his legacy in the music industry.
• The hosts articulate the importance of a good night's sleep, reminding listeners that their time dedicated to rest is both deserved and necessary.
• Throughout the episode, listeners are reminded that the podcast serves as a calming backdrop, rather than a source of entertainment, allowing for peaceful disengagement from the day's stresses.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Prince's Wikipedia...

Summary

Tonight on Sleep with Rock Stars, we’re diving headfirst into a cosmic party that started way back in 1976—when a group of beautifully weird souls from Athens, Georgia, formed one of the quirkiest, most beloved bands in rock history: the B-52s.

With Fred Schneider’s deadpan sass, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson’s galactic harmonies, Ricky Wilson’s twisted guitar tunings, and Keith Strickland’s rhythmic genius, this crew crashed the mainstream with a sound that felt like a B-movie dance party in a UFO. From the surf-spiked chaos of “Rock Lobster” to the karaoke anthem that is “Love Shack,” they carved out their own neon-lit lane in music history.

We’ll boogie through their beginnings, bask in their big hits, and trace the evolution of their sound, all the way to their recent not-so-farewell farewell tour. So slip on your bouffant wig, grab a flaming volcano drink, and get comfy—because we’re celebrating the band that made weird cool, and turned every misfit into a rock star.

Show Notes

This episode of Sleep with Rock Stars dives into the glittery, offbeat world of the B-52s—the band that crash-landed into our ears in 1976 after an impromptu jam session in Athens, Georgia, and never looked back. With Fred Schneider’s sprechgesang swagger, Kate and Cindy’s cosmic vocals, Ricky Wilson’s mutant surf guitar, and Keith Strickland keeping the groove weird, they built a sound as out-there as their thrift store wardrobe.

We trace their rise from underground oddballs to MTV darlings, from the surreal brilliance of “Rock Lobster” to the cultural juggernaut that was “Love Shack.” Along the way, we dig into their lo-fi beginnings, their genre-hopping evolution, and the creative resilience that carried them through personal loss—especially the heartbreaking passing of Ricky Wilson.

Fast-forward to today, and they’re still serving kitschy cool on their farewell tour and Vegas residency. This episode celebrates the B-52s not just as icons of new wave, but as the ultimate party band—equal parts camp and catharsis—who turned weird into wonderful and left a beehived mark on pop culture.

Takeaways

• The B-52s formed in 1976 in Athens, Georgia, bringing an offbeat mix of surf rock, dance rhythms, and new wave flair to a music scene that didn’t see them coming.
• Their quirky, genre-blurring sound helped define the early new wave movement—and set them apart from just about everyone.
• In 1985, the band suffered a major loss with the passing of guitarist Ricky Wilson, a creative force behind their signature sound.
• Despite the tragedy, the B-52s kept moving forward—evolving their music while staying true to their joyful, off-center roots.
• Their 1989 hit “Love Shack” became a pop culture milestone, turning the band into household names and proving that weird and wonderful could top the charts.
• Through lineup changes and shifting trends, the B-52s stayed relevant, adaptable, and unmistakably themselves.
• In 2022, the band announced their farewell tour—bringing a legendary, genre-defying run to a celebratory close.

Links

• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/the_B-52s The source material for this podcast, fully credited at the end of the recording
• The B-52s
• You may also like "Sleep with R.E.M. Part 1" on Sleep with Rock Stars
• Join the Sleep with Rock Stars Fan Club for early access, shoutouts in shows, exclusive bonus content, and