Strong Songs

Kirk Hamilton

Music: it's good. On each episode of Strong Songs, host Kirk Hamilton takes listeners inside a piece of music, breaking it down and figuring out what makes it work.

Episodes

"Holy Wars... The Punishment Due" by Megadeth

My past erased, no more disgrace, no foolish naive stand.

Apr 17

59 min

"Both Sides, Now" by Joni Mitchell

I really don't know life at all.

Mar 20

58 min

"Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie

This is our last dance.

Feb 20

1 hr

"Rosanna" by Toto

Meet you all the way.

Jan 16

1 hr

Season Eight Announcement!

Strong Songs Season Eight will kick off on Friday, January 16!

Jan 2

5 min

The Jazz Pianist's Perspective, with Peter Martin

Kirk talks with jazz piano legend and Open Studio founder Peter Martin.

Nov 28, 2025

1 hr 26 min

The Fearless Fela Kuti, with Jad Abumrad

Jad Abumrad joins Kirk to talk about his new podcast series, Fela Kuti: Fear No Man.

Nov 14, 2025

1 hr 56 min

Super Mario Bros: Koji Kondo's 8-Bit Masterpiece [Twenty Thousand Hertz]

From the springy jump sound to the iconic Overworld Theme, the sound of Super Mario Bros. is instantly recognizable.

Oct 31, 2025

33 min

Our Favorite TV Themes, with Leigh Sales

Kirk and special guest Leigh Sales basically just list a bunch of TV theme songs they love.

Oct 17, 2025

1 hr 18 min

Strong TV Songs: HBO Edition [Recast]

The Wildlings are south of the wall, the robots are rising up, Seventh Kavalry's on the move, and two percent of the world's population has vanished. Time for another edition of Strong TV Songs!

Oct 3, 2025

1 hr 8 min