Set Lusting Bruce: The Bruce Springsteen Fan Podcast

In this episode of the Set Lusting Bruce podcast, host Jesse Jackson welcomes back one of his favorite guests, Ken Womack, an English professor and popular music expert from Monmouth University. They dive into a discussion on Bruce Springsteen's iconic song 'Jungleland,' its musical and lyrical depth, and why it stands out as one of Springsteen's most significant works. Womack also shares his experiences with the Born to Run Symposium and other Springsteen-related events he has helped organize. The conversation touches upon recent Springsteen tours, upcoming music projects, and the impressive Monmouth University music program. Join them for an insightful and heartfelt conversation about 'The Boss' and the lasting impact of his music.

01:32 Introducing the Guest: Ken Womack

02:28 Reflecting on the Born to Run Symposium

04:31 Ken Womack's Background and Connection to Springsteen

05:05 Discussing the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music

06:45 The Unique University Record Label

08:34 Thoughts on the Bruce Springsteen Movie

13:33 Analyzing the Song 'Jungleland'

24:01 The Energy of Live Performances

24:59 Iconic Imagery and American Wasteland

26:21 The Specialness of 'Born to Run'

28:38 Festival Experiences and Preferences

34:29 Anticipating Bruce's Future Projects

37:16 Upcoming Personal Projects

39:48 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Jesse Jackson welcomes back fan-favorite guest Tammy Collier. The episode is a delightful catch-up session. Tammy shares her significant life changes, including moving from Jersey to Denver, and reminisces about her Bruce Springsteen fandom journey since discovering him during the 'Born in the USA' tour. The duo delves deep into memorable concerts, especially the standout 'See Here Now' event. Tammy also shares her experiences of near-misses with Bruce in Jersey, her thoughts on recent Springsteen releases, and both discuss the impact of the 'Deliver Me From Nowhere' film. Ending with a hopeful note for 2026, they touch on broad personal reflections and mutual support in both Springsteen fandom and life.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:21 Catching Up with Tammy Collier

01:16 Tammy's Journey and Bruce Springsteen Fandom

03:08 The See Here Now Festival Experience

06:16 Memorable Moments and Highlights

08:15 Reflections on Bruce's Impact

10:55 The Born to Run Symposium

13:33 Thoughts on the Box Set and Movie

22:00 Looking Ahead to Bruce's Future Plans

22:58 Upcoming Album and Tour Speculations

23:29 Dream Concert Venues and Experiences

24:03 Red Rocks Venue Insights

24:49 Tramps Like Us: A Personal Experience

25:24 Born to Run Symposium and Premier Invitation

26:22 Spring Nuts and Serendipitous Meetings

27:11 Film Reflections and Audience Impact

31:12 Movie Watching Habits and Industry Changes

34:30 Near Misses with Bruce Springsteen

40:02 Final Thoughts and Political Reflections
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In the final episode of the year, join us as we reflect on Bruce Springsteen's significant moments throughout 2025. With insights from Joyce, Caroline, and Shawn, we discuss everything from the release of Tracks 2 and the impactful Land of Hope and Dreams tour to the Nebraska expanded edition and the new biopic. We also touch upon heartfelt tributes to lost legends like Joey Ely and Jimmy Cliff, and dive deep into Bruce's enduring political and musical legacy. Tune in for an in-depth recap of a monumental year in Springsteen's world.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions
01:02 Reflecting on the Year in Springsteen
01:30 Meet the Panelists
03:38 Joyce's Springsteen Journey
05:26 Kicking Off the Year in Review
09:14 Remembering Sam Moore
17:21 Light of Day Winter Fest Highlights
23:15 Nugs Live Archive Series Returns
29:50 Bruce's Music in Commercials
37:22 Podcast Highlights and April Fools Fun
39:06 Tracks 2 Announcement
54:42 Honoring Tinker West
59:31 Bruce's Political Statements in Europe
01:04:26 Bruce Springsteen's Tour Performances
01:05:46 Negative Feedback and Tour Recap
01:06:58 Bruce Springsteen's Political Statements
01:12:19 Brian Wilson and Sly Stone's Influence
01:20:50 Tracks Two Release and Pricing Issues
01:46:03 Born to Run's 50th Anniversary
01:53:50 Reflecting on Born to Run and Podcast Recommendations
01:55:18 Symposium Highlights and Personal Experiences
02:00:01 The Influence of Peter Pan on Bruce Springsteen
02:11:51 Bruce Springsteen's Legacy Award and Solo Acoustic Performance
02:15:33 Reactions to the Bruce Springsteen Biopic
02:28:59 Nebraska 82 Expanded Edition and Electric Nebraska
02:44:23 Year-End Reflections and Hopes for 2026

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In this episode, host Jesse Jackson speaks with Denise Green, a dedicated Bruce Springsteen fan and scholar. Denise discusses her recent presentation on how Springsteen's songs can be seen as modern Christian hymns. She shares her personal journey with Springsteen's music, including how pivotal tracks provided comfort during difficult times. The conversation delves into Denise's unique perspective on Springsteen's lyrics, the thematic structure of his music, and its profound impact on her life and scholarly work. Denise also reminisces about attending various Springsteen concerts and meeting fellow fans from around the world.

02:20 Meet Denise: A Lifelong Springsteen Fan

03:53 Growing Up in a Strict Household

06:55 Discovering Springsteen and College Life

11:16 Springsteen Concert Memories

14:26 Springsteen's Songs as Christian Hymns

23:57 Exploring the Depths of Springsteen's Lyrics

25:31 The Power of Music and Community

26:35 Springsteen's Influence and Gospel Inspirations

27:22 Personal Reflections and Fan Experiences

29:24 Springsteen's Songs and Their Impact

32:27 Analyzing Springsteen's Music and Lyrics

39:03 Future Projects and Scholarly Interests

43:57 Final Thoughts and Farewell
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Return guest Alex Markham and I discusses Alex's extensive writing portfolio. The conversation dives deep into the Nebraska Box Set, its historical significance, and the creative process behind it. They also analyze the new film about Springsteen, comparing it to other artist biopics, and discuss the love interest subplot, Stephen Graham's performance, and the portrayal of familial relationships. Final thoughts touch on the film's overall coherence and its multiple narrative strands.

02:32 Welcome to the Episode

02:43 Introducing Alex Malcolm

04:58 Discussing the Nebraska Box Set

06:34 The Myth of Electric Nebraska

10:29 Creative Processes and Editing

18:38 Impact of Nebraska on Springsteen's Career

21:43 Exploring Artistic Evolution

23:58 Transition to the Film Discussion

24:31 The Bruce Brand and Personal Reflections

25:04 Initial Thoughts on the Film

27:06 Comparing Biopics: Bruce vs. Dylan

27:50 Casting Choices and Performances

30:27 Love Interest and Subplots

40:10 Audience Reactions and Final Thoughts

43:48 Where to Find More Content
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