Denis Leary

Denis Leary

Author: Alternative Press February 4, 2026 Duration: 1:13:05
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Denis Leary. Leary specializes in sharp, rapid-fire comedy, honed while coming up through Boston’s local clubs. “There’s something about Boston comedy crowds — it’s a combination of knowledge and enthusiasm, but they’re also tough,” he said in a local interview. “They can smell blood. They can smell fear. I always felt like it was trial by fire in the Boston clubs in the best possible way.” He’s gone on to create famous sketches about cancer and coffee, even crossing over from stand-up into TV and film (Rescue Me, Ice Age, etc.) while maintaining his biting humor. This week, he stops by the Artist Friendly studio for a conversation about his wide-ranging career with Madden. ------- Listen to their Artist Friendly conversation on ⁠⁠Spotify.⁠ ------- Follow Artist Friendly! IG: @artist.friendly TikTok: @artist.friendly YouTube: youtube.com/@artist.friendly ------- Host: Joel Madden, @joelmadden Executive Producers: Joel Madden, Benji Madden, Jillian King Producers: Josh Madden, Joey Simmrin, Janice Leary Visual Producer/Editor: Ryan Schaefer Audio Producer/Composer: Nick Gray Music/Theme Composer: Nick Gray Cover Art/Design: Ryan Schaefer Additional Contributors: Anna Zanes, Neville Hardman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a familiar rhythm to most conversations with musicians, but Artist Friendly with Joel Madden deliberately breaks that pattern. Hosted by the Good Charlotte frontman and founder, this podcast from Alternative Press operates from a place of shared understanding. Joel isn't just a host; he's been in the exact seats his guests occupy, navigating the complexities of life as an artist, performer, and entrepreneur. That unique perspective allows him to bypass the usual promotional chatter and get to the heart of what a creative life actually entails. Each episode feels like a candid backstage conversation, where today's most compelling breakthrough artists-from chart-topping names to those just on the cusp-feel comfortable revealing the real stories. They discuss the pivotal breaks that seemed to come from nowhere, the crushing failures that ultimately redirected their path, and the specific, often unglamorous, insider moves that truly made a difference in their careers. Listening, you gain an authentic masterclass in creative survival, straight from the people living it. This isn't about surface-level anecdotes; it's about the gritty, practical, and human experiences behind the music and art we love. For anyone curious about the reality of building a life in the arts, this podcast offers a rare and genuinely insightful window.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 183

Artist Friendly with Joel Madden
Podcast Episodes
MIB Agents [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:51
This week on Artist Friendly, Joel Madden has an inspiring conversation with two members of Make It Better Agents, a leading pediatric osteosarcoma nonprofit. Last October, the Artist Friendly host had the opportunity to…
M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:41:14
Acclaimed frontman M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold joins Joel Madden for an in-depth conversation -- an exclusive Artist Friendly and Alternative Press collaboration featured on the cover of AP's 2023 summer issue. Aveng…
Tyler Posey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:46
This week, actor and musician Tyler Posey, who’s known for his solo work, former pop-punk bands, and role on Teen Wolf, joins Joel Madden on Artist Friendly. Posey, who’s been a fan of and making pop-punk music his entir…
KXLLSWXTCH [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:26
Join Joel Madden as he sits down with KXLLSWXTCH, rising hip-hop artist who hails from Orange County. KXLLSWXTCH started releasing music in 2017 and quickly gained a following on SoundCloud, with fans drawn to his intens…
DRAIN [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:41
Listen in as Joel Madden chats with rising hardcore group DRAIN in the latest episode of Artist Friendly. The Santa Cruz-based trio, who’s known for their thrash hardcore-punk sound and just released their sophomore albu…
Leah Kate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:04
This week on Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Leah Kate. The episode drops just days after Kate shared her latest single, “Happy.” The pop star, who makes sharp alt-rock-inspired pop anthems with confessional ly…
Gabe Saporta [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:31
Join us on Artist Friendly as Joel Madden is joined by Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship and Midtown. Saporta made a huge mark in the 2000s. After getting his start in the New Brunswick pop-punk outfit Midtown, he went on t…
Anti-Flag [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:36:19
This week on Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Chris No. 2 and Justin Sane of Anti-Flag. In the episode, Madden and the members of Anti-Flag discuss providing an inclusive environment at their shows, why Irish mu…
Ben Lee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:39:18
This week on Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Australian musician Ben Lee. With over 10 solo albums to his name, Lee has remained busy since kicking off his musical career in the alt-rock outfit Noise Addict in…
Pete Wentz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:42
This week on Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Fall Out Boy bassist/lyricist Pete Wentz. Fresh off the release of their incredible eighth studio album, So Much (For) Stardust, the Fall Out Boy member stopped by t…