Mark Ronson is one of the most influential music producers of the past two decades. Starting out as one of New York’s most in-demand DJs in the 1990s, he went on to produce for Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, Adele, Dua Lipa, Jay-Z, Paul McCartney, and more. He also co-wrote Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk”—one of the defining hits of the 21st century, and most recently curated The Barbie soundtrack.
In his new book Night People, Ronson reflects on the unpredictable rhythm of his career—from early acclaim as downtown New York’s “It DJ” to post-hype setbacks and creative reinvention. The book also serves as a love letter to a city that no longer exists: a grittier, unpolished New York during hip-hop’s golden age.
In this episode, we dive into the unwritten rules of DJing, why you should never play a hit to an empty room, and the thrill of turning a skeptical crowd into a sweaty, euphoric mess. Ronson reflects on the rise of bottle service, Giuliani-era crackdowns, and how NYC nightlife shifted from chaotic melting pot to velvet-rope exclusivity.
Don’t miss this candid, wide-ranging conversation with a man who has shaped the sound of modern music—both from behind the decks and inside the studio.
Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay at: theplugpodcast.jj(AT)gmail.com
https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/
https://justinjay.com/
HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii’s North Shore by Justin Jay:
https://www.hi1k.com/
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53:56
MC SERCH
MC Serch made his mark as one-half of the legendary rap duo 3rd Bass. With classics like The Gas Face, Brooklyn Queens, and Pop Goes the Weasel, the group left an unmistakable stamp on hip-hop. In ’94, Serch went on to executive produce Nas’s groundbreaking debut, Illmatic, cementing his place in rap history. But that’s only part of the story. In this encore episode, Serch takes us inside his wild early days — from battle rapping in Far Rockaway, to a life-threatening clash with MC Hammer in LA, to the lessons in growth, learning, and positivity that continue to drive his entrepreneurial success. Don’t miss this conversation with one of hip-hop’s most enduring figures.
Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay at: theplugpodcast.jj(AT)gmail.com
https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/
https://justinjay.com/
HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii’s North Shore by Justin Jay:
https://www.hi1k.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1:01:48
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1:01:48
LISA ANDERSEN
Lisa Andersen is a Surfing Hall of Fame inductee and a 4 time consecutive world champion. As a teenager, she left behind a troubled home life in Florida to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional surfer. By 25, she was ranked the best female surfer on the planet. With her aggressive yet elegant style, she helped transform the entire perception of female competitive surfing. This episode we sit down to discuss the emotional challenges of being the subject of a documentary film about your life, we hear some hilarious behind the scenes stories from her years on the professional surf tour, and we learn how opening the door for an entire generation of female surfers didn't necessary translate to massive economic success. Tune in for a compelling story of perseverance and determination from this true icon of the sport.
Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay at: theplugpodcast.jj(AT)gmail.com
https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/
https://justinjay.com/
HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii’s North Shore by Justin Jay:
https://www.hi1k.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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45:35
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45:35
LEO FITZPATRICK
Leo Fitzpatrick is a New York-based actor best known for his breakout role in the groundbreaking 1995 film KIDS. To mark the 30th anniversary of this controversial classic, we’re bringing back our conversation for an encore release.
Leo’s debut in KIDS—a raw, unfiltered look at the downtown NYC skate scene—was as jarring as it was unforgettable. With its explicit portrayal of sex, drugs, and youth culture, the film felt disturbingly real, and the aftermath for Leo was intense. In the years since, he’s built a diverse career in TV and film, but today his focus has shifted to his longtime passion: fine art.
In the middle of the 2020 pandemic, Leo opened Public Access Gallery on the Lower East Side, aiming to recreate the sense of community he once found among skaters—only now through art.
This week on The Plug w/ Justin Jay, Leo reflects on the legacy of KIDS, his transition into the art world, and why you should never feel intimidated walking into a high-end gallery.
Tune in for some authentic stories from the gritty heart of '90s New York.
Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay at: theplugpodcast.jj(AT)gmail.com
https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/
https://justinjay.com/
HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii’s North Shore by Justin Jay:
https://www.hi1k.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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51:15
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51:15
IONE SKYE
Ione Skye is an actress best known for her standout performances in the classic films Say Anything, River’s Edge, Gas Food Lodging, and many others.
But behind her breakout success was a far more complicated coming-of-age story — shaped by a turbulent teenage relationship with an older man battling addiction, estrangement from her famous musician father, and periods of self-destructive behavior.
In her new memoir Say Everything, she pulls back the curtain — recounting everything from her on-screen crush on Keanu Reeves, to raw, revealing stories involving cultural icons like Madonna, River Phoenix, Matthew Perry, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
So what was it really like growing up as the daughter of ’60s pop legend Donovan, the wife of a Beastie Boy, and the romantic lead in some of the most beloved films of the ’80s and ’90s?
In this episode, we sit down with Ione for a conversation about her immersion in the creative chaos and cultural energy of the late 20th century — from dating Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis to her marriage to Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz.
Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay at: theplugpodcast.jj(AT)gmail.com
https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/
https://justinjay.com/
HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii’s North Shore by Justin Jay:
https://www.hi1k.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Plug w/ Justin Jay is a bi-monthly arts and culture podcast offering unfiltered, long-form conversations with the artists, entertainers, and innovators shaping today’s world. Tired of sound bites and PR-driven content? Each episode dives deep into the career challenges, inspirations, and current projects of these cultural trailblazers from music to politics. The Plug is your antidote to short-attention-span culture. New episodes drop every other Thursday.
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