The Stereo Image
Join host Mike Jones as he discusses music in the lives of creative and interesting people! Mike talks 1-on-1 with the various people he has met as a jazz pianist and music director for Penn & Teller.
Music plays a part in how creative people are inspired, whether someone is an accomplished musician or just listened to their favorite album on repeat in school. With humor and curiosity, Mike talks music with some fascinating people!
Episodes

Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Jon Bates: Experiencing pivotal moments in music history
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
This week, Jonesy and Jon Bates explore the profound impact of music on personal experiences, the cultural shifts of the 1960s, and the journey of navigating a career in the music industry. Jon shares his early influences, the significance of live music, and the challenges he faced, including addiction.
The discussion highlights the importance of mentorship, networking, and understanding the business side of music, all while celebrating the universal language of music that connects us all. In this engaging conversation, Jon Bates shares vivid memories of his experiences in the vibrant jazz scene of New York City, particularly around Christopher Street during a transformative era. He recounts his time working at Chiaroscuro Records, the challenges and triumphs of navigating the music industry, and the impact of substance abuse on musicians.
More information about topics in this episode:
Chiaroscuro Records
Louie Bellson on Wikipedia
Buddy Rich on Wikipedia
Christopher Street in New York City
More on Jon Bates:
The Jon Bates Band

Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Eric Montzka: Music doesn't breathe anymore
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
In this conversation, Eric Montzka shares his journey as a drummer in the Chicago music scene, discussing his early influences, professional experiences, and the evolution of live music. He reflects on the importance of wedding bands, the impact of technology on music, and the future of jazz performance. The discussion highlights the challenges and joys of being a musician in today's world, emphasizing the enduring love for music despite industry changes.
More information on topics from this episode:
Eric Montzka Discography
The Green Mill in Chicago
Patricia Barber
Pink Floyd's Breathe - open in YouTube

Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Todd McCaffrey: The Future is what we and AI will make of it
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
This week I talked with Todd McCaffrey. He is a fantasy and science fiction author and an AI enthusiast. Todd took a break from packing up to move to Ireland to get a degree in Cyber Psychology to talk with me. We discuss his upbringing and how he got into writing along with his mom, Anne McCaffrey.
Over the years he has served in the military, been a computer programmer, become a pilot, written almost 100 books, and so much more. He has helped continue the fantasy series his mom started, The Dragonriders of Pern, and written several of his own. I hope you enjoy my talk with Todd McCaffrey!
Todd McCaffrey's website
Rocket City Boys - the book that inspired Todd to study Cyber Psychology
Anne McCaffrey on the Pern Fandom Wiki
Dragonriders of Pern series

The Stereo Image
Join host, Mike Jones, as he discusses how music fits into the lives of creative and interesting people. Every week, Mike sits down with a different guest to discuss what music they love and how it influences them. Each guest is notable in their own right but not necessarily for their music. We discuss what music has meant to them and their endeavors.