Tim McIlrath

Tim McIlrath

Author: Artist Friendly Media September 23, 2026 Duration: 55:28
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden sits down with Tim McIlrath of Rise Against.Rise Against formed to inspire change for the better, taking the torch from Bad Brains, Minor Threat, and 7 Seconds to create their own political anthems. From the raw sound of 2001’s The Unraveling to the complex themes spread across last year’s Ricochet, it’s apparent that the Chicago punks try to empower everyone around them. Along the way, they’ve championed the new wave of alternative, bringing Koyo, Destroy Boys, and Spiritual Cramp on tour with them. Before hitting the road with Alkaline Trio later this year, the Rise Against frontman stopped by the Artist Friendly studio to discuss what’s next. (0:00) – Stories as Bridges(0:54) – Getting to Know Rise Against(4:14) – The Next Generation Always Shows Up(4:50) – Politics Without Preaching(5:45) – Straight Edge, Vegetarian, Unapologetic(6:49) – Authenticity(7:27) – Building a Rise Against Community(9:17) – Meeting Fans Still Hits Different(10:14) – Fans Who Turned Music Into Impact(13:52) – Refusing to Be Silenced on Stage(16:38) – Building a Space Free From Hate(18:12) – Music's Power to Change Minds(19:52) – What Fans Hear That Artists Miss(25:46) – Being Flawed in Public Through Songs(29:11) – Stories Connect a Divided World(30:10) – Changing How They Release Music(34:29) – New Rise Against Music(35:10) – Chicago: Community Over Competition(37:18) – Patrick Stump at Rise Against's Debut(43:59) –Ambition Has No Ceiling(46:56) – Letting Fans Define the Band(49:56) – Giving Your Life to Art(51:21) – Not Everyone Is Your Audience 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: 50

Artist Friendly with Joel Madden
Podcast Episodes
Deryck Whibley of Sum  41 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:27
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Jordan Pundik of New Found Glory [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:27
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Matt Quinn of Mt. Joy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:57
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Denis Leary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:05
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 c…
Johnny Famiglietti of HEALTH [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:06
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Richard Marx [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:06
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Corbyn Besson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:15
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Justin Pierre of Motion City Soundtrack [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:44
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Justin Pierre of Motion City Soundtrack. Last year, Motion City Soundtrack released The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World, their first studio album in a d…
Adam Levine (Rerun) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:15
On this week's rerun episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Adam Levine. As the frontman of Maroon 5, a coach on The Voice, and an ⁠occasional saxophone player⁠, Levine has brought his charismatic presence…
Wiz Khalifa (Rerun) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:11
On this week's rerun episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by ⁠Wiz Khalifa⁠. Between ⁠writing smoked-out anthems⁠, ⁠criticizing weed stereotypes⁠, and releasing his own ⁠Khalifa Kush⁠, the Pittsburgh-bred MC…