Chart Beat

Chart Beat

Who’s Had the Best Year Ever on the Hot 100?

Sep 20 • 65 min

The Beatles in 1964? Michael Jackson in 1983? Drake … in 2018? Gary Trust and Andrew Unterberger (filling in for Trevor Anderson) dig through 60 years of Hot 100 history.

Guest Tori Kelly on New Gospel Album

Sep 13 • 62 min

Kelly muses about her first gospel album, “Hiding Place,” and her recent Country Airplay chart top 10, “Take Back Home Girl,” with Chris Lane.

The Hot 100’s All-Time Top 100 Hits, Nos. 25-1

Aug 22 • 69 min

The finale of a 4-part countdown celebrating the Hot 100’s 60th anniversary, with smashes from Usher, Ed Sheeran, LeAnn Rimes, Chubby Checker and more.

The Hot 100’s All-Time Top 100 Hits, Nos. 50-26

Aug 16 • 54 min

Part 3 of a 4-part countdown celebrating the Hot 100’s 60th anniversary, with smashes from Mariah Carey, The Police, Adele, Rihanna and more.

The Hot 100’s All-Time Top 100 Hits, Nos. 75-51

Aug 9 • 51 min

Part 2 of a 4-part countdown celebrating the Hot 100’s 60th anniversary, with smashes from Kanye West, Meghan Trainor, Whitney Houston and more.

The Hot 100’s All-Time Top 100 Hits, Nos. 100-76

Aug 2 • 47 min

Part 1 of a 4-part countdown celebrating the Hot 100’s 60th anniversary, with smashes from Ed Sheeran, Michael Jackson and more.

Lori McKenna on Writing Smash Country Hits

Jul 26 • 63 min

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Lori McKenna chats about her new album, “The Tree,” and performs two songs from it live at Billboard: “People Get Old” and “A Mother Never Rests.”

Hot 100 This Week in 1988 With Richard Marx

Jul 19 • 46 min

Richard Marx chats about his first Hot 100 No. 1, “Hold On to the Nights,” his thoughts on social media and his new version of the Grammy Award-winning “Dance With My Father,” which he co-wrote with Luther Vandross, who originally made it a hit in 2003.

Lauren Daigle on New Album, ‘Look Up Child’

Jul 13 • 35 min

Daigle sat down for a special Billboard podcast with Christian chart manager Jim Asker to discuss her new album, “Look Up Child,” her upcoming tour and dealing with the expectations of following a wildly successful debut LP.

Cardi B’s No. 1 & Guest Mike Adam of WNEW

Jul 5 • 59 min

“I Like It,” by Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin, tops the Billboard Hot 100. Plus, Gary & Trevor welcome WNEW (Fresh 102.7) afternoon talent Mike Adam, who discusses radio in New York, interviewing President Obama & Kanye West & more.

BTS, Cardi B, Drake & More: Best of 2018 … So Far

Jun 28 • 54 min

Who’s the MVP? What hits should’ve been bigger? And, what stories may have gone under the radar? From BTS to Camila Cabello, Cardi B, Drake, Ella Mai and more, Gary, Trevor and Billboard senior editor Andrew Unterberger muse about the year in music so far…

Justin Tranter on Writing With Imagine Dragons

Jun 21 • 60 min

Part one of a two-part chat with the artist & social activist, won songwriter of the year honors at the 2018 BMI Pop Music Awards for the second consecutive year.

Hot 100 This Week in 1990 With Roxette’s Per Gessle

Jun 14 • 80 min

Roxette’s Per Gessle is our special guest, as we count down the Hot 100’s top 20 this week in 1990. Plus, chart chat about the newest Hot 100, where Post Malone’s “Psycho” hits No. 1 and three songs enter the top 10.

Florida Georgia Line on ‘Meant to Be’ & More

Jun 7 • 59 min

Country superstars Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley and BMLG president Jimmy Harnen chat with Billboard’s Nashville-based senior chart manager Jim Asker about Florida Georgia Line’s smashes “Meant to Be,” “Cruise” and “H.O.L.Y.” and new hit “Simple.”

BTS Breaks Through Again With ‘Fake Love’

May 31 • 35 min

KJYO (KJ103) Oklahoma City program director JJ Ryan returns to discuss BTS’ latest chart achievements, as well as potential songs of the summer.

Ed Sheeran, Drake & Bruno Mars: 2018’s Stars So Far

May 24 • 55 min

Dave and Yael Penn of Hit Songs Deconstructed return to analyze the key trends in the Hot 100’s top 10 in the first few months of 2018.

Camila Cabello’s ‘Havana’ Deconstructed

May 17 • 59 min

Hit Songs Deconstructed’s Dave & Yael Penn analyze Cabello’s smash. Plus, chart chat about Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” & a flashback to one of Janet Jackson’s biggest hits ahead of her Icon Award coronation at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards.

Drake’s Domination & Your Chart Questions Answered

May 10 • 36 min

Drake, Post Malone & Camila Cabello infuse the Hot 100’s top 10 and, for our special 100th episode, the 212-493-4021 Chart Beat Podcast hotline debuts!

Will Ariana Grande Get Her First Hot 100 No. 1?

May 3 • 62 min

Billboard’s Andrew Unterberger chats about Grande’s chances. Plus, special guest Bill Danoff, who co-wrote John Denver’s classic “Take Me Home, Country Roads” (as interviewed by another special guest).

Drake’s Domination, with The Ringer’s Victor Luckerson

Apr 26 • 59 min

Victor Luckerson, staff writer for The Ringer, joins Gary and Trevor to chat about what he’s dubbed … The Drakeover. Plus, we have a new Chart Beat Podcast Hotline: call 212-493-4021 to leave a comment or question and be on an upcoming episode!

ACMs Recap & Bad Wolves on ‘Zombie’

Apr 19 • 56 min

Billboard’s West Coast editor Melinda Newman recounts her conversations with Jason Aldean and others at the ACMs (April 15) and Bad Wolves’ Tommy Vext discusses the band’s hit cover of The Cranberries’ classic “Zombie.”

Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation’ at Pop Radio

Apr 12 • 55 min

As latest “Reputation” single “Delicate” climbs the Pop Songs airplay chart, radio expert Sean Ross stops by to discuss Swift & the state of top 40.

The Beatles’ 1964 Hot 100 Fab Feat

Apr 4 • 65 min

A flashback to April 4, 1964, when The Beatles set a Hot 100 record by monopolizing the entire top five. Renowned collector and Capitol Records vet Dave Morrell shares stories and folk-pop duo The Well Pennies perform a fab cover.

Mary Chapin Carpenter on New Album & More

Mar 30 • 29 min

Carpenter muses about her many country hits & deep-cut classics, as well as her new album, “Sometimes Just the Sky,” which reimagines songs from throughout her catalog.

Hillsong Worship on ‘Anthems of the Soul’

Mar 29 • 50 min

Hot 100 chart chat about Drake, Florida Georgia Line, Lil Dicky & more, plus special guests Brooke Ligertwood, Dave Ware and Jad Gillies of Hillsong Worship, as the music of Hillsong Church continues to dominate Billboard’s Christian charts.

Diane Warren & The Hot 100’s Top 20 This Week in 1996

Mar 23 • 75 min

A chat with the songwriter extraordinaire caps a top 20 countdown of the Billboard Hot 100 this week in 1996, with hits by Alanis Morrissette, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and more..

Top 40 ‘American Idol’ Hits, Part 2, Kelly Clarkson & More

Mar 15 • 85 min

Gary and Trevor count down Nos. 20 through 1 of our exclusive look at the top 40 Billboard Hot 100 hits by “American Idol” contestants. Plus, “Idol” expert Fred Bronson reviews the new season’s start.

Top 40 ‘American Idol’ Hits, pt. 1, with Scotty McCreery

Mar 8 • 87 min

Part one of a two-part look at the 40 biggest Hot 100 hits by “American Idol” contestants. Plus, special guest Scotty McCreery, the show’s 2011 champion, and Triple Tigers gm/partner Norbert Nix.

Bebe Rexha & Dua Lipa’s Warner Bros. Wins

Mar 1 • 69 min

Warner Bros. Records’ Mike Sherwood offers insights on “Meant to Be,” “New Rules” and other songs that have taken the label to its highest Hot 100 heights since earlier this decade.

Special Guests The Aces Chat & Perform

Feb 22 • 54 min

Utah quartet The Aces discuss women’s resurgence at rock and perform new track “Volcanic Love” and debut chart hit “Stuck.”

Men, Moodiness & Minor Keys Make the Hits

Feb 15 • 55 min

Yael & Dave Penn of Hit Songs Deconstructed look at more trends that defined 2017’s biggest hits. Plus, is this the most historic week in Billboard chart history?

Is It ‘God’s Plan’ for Drake to Be No. 1 Long-Term?

Feb 8 • 58 min

Is Drake’s “God’s Plan” in for a long run atop the Hot 100? Plus, Dave and Yael Penn of Hit Songs Deconstructed begin a two-part look at the trends that defined 2017’s biggest hits.

Matt Sheeran on Brother Ed’s ‘Perfect’

Feb 1 • 39 min

“I didn’t really take any notice” of “Perfect,” Matt Sheeran admits, with a laugh, of the first time that brother Ed played him the eventual No. 1 smash.

Grammys Preview: ‘Despacito’ to ‘DAMN.’

Jan 25 • 74 min

Chart Beat founder and Grammy aficionado Paul Grein joins to preview Sunday night’s awards.

Camila Cabello on ‘Havana’ Hitting No. 1

Jan 23 • 11 min

Cabello called in to the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 Countdown on Facebook Live (Jan. 22) and celebrated her first No. 1, “Havana.”

Bruno Mars, Cardi B & Ed Sheeran’s Fast 2018 Start

Jan 18 • 45 min

Atlantic Records senior vp pop & rhythmic promotion John McMann returns with more inside insights about Bruno Mars, Cardi B and Ed Sheeran.

Bruno Mars & Cardi B’s ‘Finesse’ vs. Justin Timberlake’s ‘Filthy’

Jan 11 • 77 min

Bruno Mars & Cardi B’s ‘Finesse’ vs. Justin Timberlake’s ‘Filthy’

Jackie Jackson on The Jacksons’ ‘Legacy’

Dec 21, 2017 • 44 min

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jackie Jackson and author Fred Bronson join to discuss the new retrospective book, “The Jacksons: Legacy.”

Mariah Carey Chat & Guest Lindsay Ell

Dec 20, 2017 • 65 min

Gary & Trevor discuss Carey’s 23-year sleigh ride to the Hot 100’s top 10 with “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Plus, Billboard’s Jim Asker chats with rising country artist Lindsay Ell.

Best of 2017: Ed Sheeran, ‘Despacito’ & More

Dec 14, 2017 • 62 min

A look at Sheeran’s historic 2017 on the charts, as well as year-end honors for Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber’s “Despacito,” Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road” and more.

Post Malone’s Manager Dre London on ‘Rockstar’ & More

Dec 8, 2017 • 74 min

Following a breakout 2017 for Post Malone, London shares insights & previews the rapper’s forthcoming sophomore album.

Will ‘MIC Drop’ Be BTS’ Breakthrough Radio Hit?

Dec 6, 2017 • 15 min

KJYO Oklahoma City program director JJ Ryan returns to chat about the K-pop kings’ new song.

Clive Davis on Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’

Nov 28, 2017 • 113 min

The legendary executive remembers Houston’s iconic ballad, as Gary and Trevor count down the Hot 100’s top 40 hits from Nov. 28, 1992.

Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation’: What Should the Next Singles Be?

Nov 16, 2017 • 0 min

Gary & Trevor play record executives. Plus, insights on “Reputation” from B96 Chicago’s Erik Bradley, and Billboard’s Nashville-based chart manager Jim Asker discusses topical new tracks from Keith Urban and Luke Bryan.

Portugal. The Man’s Eric Howk on Smash ‘Feel It Still’

Nov 9, 2017 • 0 min

The band’s guitarist is our special guest. Plus, chart chat about Camila Cabello’s “Havana” (& Kenny G’s, too).

Rap Roundtable on Cardi B, Post Malone & More

Nov 2, 2017 • 0 min

A look at rap’s streaming-driven rise with three guests: Beats 1 host LowKey, Vibe music editor Mikey Fresh and Billboard Latin’s Marjua Estevez.

Shawn Mendes’ Manager, Andrew Gertler

Oct 26, 2017 • 57 min

Gertler chats with Gary and Trevor about Mendes’ rise from Vine cover singer to chart-topping pop star. Plus, chart talk about Taylor Swift and Garth Brooks and (you’ve been warned) a Halloween ghost story.

The Top 25 Pop Songs of the Past 25 Years

Oct 19, 2017 • 58 min

Gary and Trevor countdown the biggest hits on Billboard’s Pop Songs radio airplay chart since its 1992 inception, a recap that includes smashes from Britney Spears, Rihanna & more. Plus, radio expert Sean Ross looks at where the genre’s sound could be…

Kix Brooks on Hosting ‘American Country Countdown’

Oct 12, 2017 • 61 min

Brooks, who notched 20 Hot Country Songs No. 1s as half of Brooks & Dunn, reflects on his role as “ACC” host, and how his experience as an artist informs his presentation. Plus, Tom Petty & Beyonce chart chat.

Kelly Clarkson on Her Breakout ‘Moment’ in 2002 & More

Oct 5, 2017 • 109 min

Special guests Kelly Clarkson & “American Idol” expert Fred Bronson join Gary & Trevor on a countdown of the Hot 100’s top 40 hits from Oct. 5, 2002.

The One Radio Station in the U.S. Playing BTS

Sep 29, 2017 • 14 min

KJYO (KJ103), in Oklahoma City, is sampling “DNA.” Programmer JJ Ryan chats about championing the K-pop song, BTS’ first Hot 100 hit.

Cardi B & Atlantic Records’ Huge 2017

Sep 28, 2017 • 67 min

Atlantic’s John McMann chats about the label’s wildly successful year & new Hot 100 No. 1, Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves).”

Guest RaeLynn & Predicting Sam Smith’s Sophomore Success

Sep 21, 2017 • 67 min

RaeLynn chats about her rise at country with Warner Music Nashville CEO/chairman John Esposito and Billboard’s Jim Asker. Plus, can Sam Smith continue the momentum of his first album?

Can Taylor Swift Hit Even Greater Heights With ‘Reputation’?

Sep 14, 2017 • 65 min

For all that she’s already achieved on the charts, can Taylor Swift reach further key milestones? Plus, songwriter-producer Sam Martin discusses crafting hits for Jason Derulo, Maroon 5 & more.

Will Taylor Swift Be the Artist of the Decade?

Sep 7, 2017 • 0 min

As the “Reputation” era begins, Swift could be primed to rule charts for the ’10s. Plus, three Houston radio programmers discuss how they’re helping the community through Hurricane Harvey.

Hot 100 This Week in 1987, pt. 2, With Debbie Gibson

Aug 31, 2017 • 83 min

Classic songs by Madonna, Michael Jackson & more highlight Nos. 20 through 1, as Gibson celebrates the 30th anniversary of her debut album, “Out of the Blue.”

Hot 100 This Week in 1987, pt. 1, With Special Guest Tiffany

Aug 24, 2017 • 96 min

Classic songs by Prince, Gloria Estefan & more highlight Nos. 40 through 21 this week 30 years ago, while Tiffany recalls her career launch and counts down her five favorite songs that she’s recorded.

Chart Beat Podcast: Ranking the 14-Week No. 1s, From Boyz to Bruno to Bieber

Aug 16, 2017 • 59 min

“Despacito” joins seven other songs that led for 14 weeks, the second-longest command in the chart’s history. A look back at their reigns, plus former “American Top 40” staffer Sandy Stert Benjamin stops by to remember recording the show this week in 1977…

The Top 40 – Hey, ‘Macarena’! – This Week in 1996

Aug 3, 2017 • 85 min

Before “Despacito,” “Macarena” ruled the Hot 100. Gary and Trevor time-travel back 21 years and chat with Jammin Johnny Caride, one of the Bayside Boys who remixed Los Del Rio’s smash.

Guest Maren Morris on Women ‘Chipping Away’ at Men’s Country Command

Jul 27, 2017 • 71 min

Maren Morris, Grammy winner, & Randy Goodman, CEO/chairman of Sony Music Nashville, share insights from each side of the artist-label relationship. Plus: Charlie Puth & Shawn Mendes are sneaking up on other male stars with their latest top 10s.

Will ‘Despacito’ Lead the Hot 100 the Longest & ‘Body Like a Back Road’ Deconstructed

Jul 20, 2017 • 56 min

Atop the Hot 100 for 10 weeks, can “Despacito” make it to 16 weeks … or more? Plus, Hit Songs Deconstructed analyzes Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road.”

The Hot 100 This Week in 2007, From No. 40 to No. 1

Jul 13, 2017 • 99 min

Gary and Trevor time-travel back 10 years and chat with RCA Records’ Joe Riccitelli about P!nk’s then-comeback hit, “U + Ur Hand.”

The Hot 100 This Week in 1997, From No. 40 to No. 1

Jul 6, 2017 • 76 min

Gary and Trevor time-travel back 20 years and chat with Paul Cole, who ranked in the top 40 this week in 1997 with her breakthrough smash “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?”

After Rihanna, Who’ll Be Next With 30 Top 10 Hot 100 Hits?

Jun 29, 2017 • 57 min

Gary & Trevor muse about Drake, Taylor Swift & more. Plus, more insights from Z100 New York’s Mark Medina, Billboard’s top pop programmer of the year.

Chart Beat Podcast: Z100’s Mark Medina & Justin Bieber’s Historic Sales Week

Jun 22, 2017 • 49 min

The boss of the biggest top 40 radio station in the U.S. shares insights. Plus, Bieber bests prior stars who achieved notable domination on the Digital Song Sales chart.

Predicting Fifth Harmony’s Post-Camila Cabello Success

Jun 8, 2017 • 48 min

How will new single “Down” do on the charts? Plus, radio programmer Charlie Quinn remembers making the “Friends” theme a No. 1 hit in 1995.

Summer Showdown: Justin Bieber’s 2017 vs. Pharrell’s 2013

Jun 1, 2017 • 48 min

Bieber is featured on what should be two of this summer’s biggest songs, just like Pharrell in 2013. Plus, ABC Radio’s Andrea Dresdale recaps covering the Billboard Music Awards and previews more summer hits.

Miley Cyrus vs. Hannah Montana, Plus Adele & Beyonce News

May 25, 2017 • 50 min

Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana is (are?) on an elite list of artists with at least 20 Hot 100 entries under different billings. Plus, Columbia’s Lee Leipsner reveals whether any more singles will be released from Adele’s “25.”

Future & Justin Bieber’s Historic Consecutive No. 1s

May 18, 2017 • 51 min

After no acts had done so for more than a half-century, since March, Future & Bieber have notched new No. 1s on the Billboard 200 & Hot 100 in consecutive weeks. Coincidence or trend? Plus, Columbia Records’ latest hits.

Justin Bieber’s Post-‘Purpose’ Hits & Guest Billy Ray Cyrus

May 11, 2017 • 57 min

Bieber has now landed more top five Hot 100 hits in featured roles post-“Purpose” than he did with songs from his smash 2015 album. Gary and Trevor discuss, while Billboard’s Jim Asker chats with Cyrus about 25 years of “Achy Breaky Heart.”

Bruno Mars’ 2010s vs. Michael Jackson ’80s

May 4, 2017 • 54 min

A look at Mars’ current success vs. Jackson’s in the ’80s, and Pandora’s Rachel Whitney discusses the service’s country programming with Billboard’s Jim Asker. Plus, do we discuss, and play, everything from Ja Rule to Louis Armstrong and Bette Midler? (We…

Justin Bieber (in Spanish) & Kendrick Lamar Reign

Apr 27, 2017 • 55 min

Gary and Trevor discuss Kendrick Lamar’s new Hot 100 No. 1 “Humble.” & Justin Bieber’s multi-lingual singing skills. Plus, songwriting analysts Yael & Dave Penn break down The Chainsmokers’ “Closer.”

Songwriting Secrets of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape of You’

Apr 20, 2017 • 46 min

Hit Songs Deconstructed’s Yael & Dave Penn break down the 12-week Hot 100 No. 1’s composition. Plus, Harry Styles’ debut & a flashback to 1990.

Bruno Mars’ R&B Takeover

Apr 13, 2017 • 43 min

Atlantic Records’ John McMann offers insights about Mars’ successful sonic transformation with the “24K Magic” album. Plus Hot 100 chart action for Kendrick Lamar & Sam Hunt.

Luke Bryan & Universal’s Mike Dungan

Apr 6, 2017 • 51 min

Country king Luke Bryan and Universal Music Group Nashville chairman/CEO Mike Dungan chat with Jim Asker. Plus, hosts Gary Trust and Trevor Anderson discuss Ed Sheeran’s latest chart feats and flashback to TLC’s late ’90s reign.

Ed Sheeran’s Chart Domination & Lady Gaga’s Resurgence

Mar 30, 2017 • 42 min

Atlantic Records’ John McMann chats with Billboard’s Gary Trust and Trevor Anderson about Sheeran’s success and previews what songs could be future singles from the “÷” album.

High Dive Heart on Colbie Caillat Co-Writes & More

Mar 15, 2017 • 23 min

High Dive Heart – the married pop duo of Jason Reeves and Nelly Joy – discuss their own songs and Reeves’ Colbie Caillat co-write “Bubbly.” Caillat had begun writing the song and, says Reeves, “Once a song starts out great, it’s not hard to take it home.”

Katy Perry, Niall Horan & Jon Bellion: How Capitol Is Ruling Radio

Mar 1, 2017 • 40 min

Capitol Records vp of pop promotion Joe Rainey shares insights on the label’s latest successes.

The Monkees’ Micky Dolenz

Feb 15, 2017 • 23 min

“I remember liking it all,” The Monkees’ Micky Dolenz recalls of the band’s ’60s pinnacle. “We were selling all those records and getting that incredible reaction. We caught lightning in a bottle.”

Jimmy Harnen, BMLG Records President

Feb 8, 2017 • 39 min

Harnen chats with Billboard’s Jim Asker about running the label that includes Florida Georgia Line & reminisces about his own chart success in 1989 with beloved ballad “Where Are You Now.”

Phil Galdston, NYU Director of Songwriting

Jan 25, 2017 • 49 min

Galdston discusses the elements of teaching songwriting, as well as his own legacy, having co-written Vanessa Williams’ 1992 Hot 100 No. 1 “Save the Best for Last.”

Elvis Duran

Jan 11, 2017 • 34 min

Duran discusses his legendary Radio Hall of Fame career, including more than 20 years waking up listeners on Z100 New York.

Ask the Billboard Charts Dept.

Dec 21, 2016 • 30 min

In the podcast’s 2016 finale, Billboard VP of charts Silvio Pietroluongo joins co-directors of charts Keith Caulfield and host Gary Trust to field listener and reader questions and preview future chart developments.

Indie Folk-Pop Duo Goodbye Blue

Dec 8, 2016 • 43 min

Husband and wife Charlotte Kendrick and Dan Rowe discuss mixing music with parenting, as well as the challenges and rewards of being an independent act.

Alex Da Kid

Nov 30, 2016 • 39 min

The hitmaker chats with host Gary Trust about writing and producing for Dr. Dre, Bono, Eminem & more. Plus, the backstory of his new single, “Not Easy,” a collab with IBM’s Watson program.

Billy Porter, Vanessa Carlton & Tina Shafer on the NY Songwriters Circle

Nov 16, 2016 • 40 min

Tony and Grammy Award winner Billy Porter, chart-topper Vanessa Carlton and artistic director and host of the New York Songwriters Circle Tina Shafer chat with Billboard’s Gary Trust and Alex Vitoulis about the showcase’s rich legacy.

Marc Myers, Author of “Anatomy of a Song”

Nov 10, 2016 • 46 min

Myers chats with host Gary Trust about his new book, “Anatomy of a Song, The Oral History of 45 Iconic Hits That Changed Rock, R&B and Pop.”

Anthony Head Remembers “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”

Nov 6, 2016 • 30 min

Giles himself fondly recalls the show’s Joss Whedon-written and -directed “Once More, With Feeling” musical episode.

Suzanne Vega

Nov 2, 2016 • 39 min

“I have a very curious mind, and I like to play,” acclaimed singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega muses. “What is the point of writing something that everyone else has already written?”

Bobby Bones

Oct 26, 2016 • 38 min

“I’m telling you my truth,” says the iHeartMedia country morning radio talent. “Sometimes you’re not gonna like it, but just respect, hopefully, that I’m always coming from a place of being authentic.”

Cumulus Media’s Mike McVay

Oct 19, 2016 • 43 min

The veteran programming executive chats with Billboard’s Jim Asker about the chain’s “smorgasbord” of formats and platforms, including WSM-FM Nashville and WNSH New York.

How Daya Broke Through on New Label Artbeatz

Oct 12, 2016 • 38 min

Steve Zap & Gino Barletta, co-founders of Artbeatz, recount the rise of the label’s breakout signee. Barletta also talks about co-writing Daya’s hits “Hide Away” & “Sit Still, Look Pretty.”

KCSN Los Angeles’ Sky Daniels on Radio & Station Fan Paul McCartney

Oct 5, 2016 • 44 min

KCSN Los Angeles programmer Sky Daniels shares insights about the adult alternative station and radio overall.

Timothy B. Schmit on New Album & Future of the Eagles

Sep 28, 2016 • 26 min

The voice behind the Eagles’ classic “I Can’t Tell You Why” & more talks about his new album, “Leap of Faith,” and what might, or might not, lie ahead for the iconic band following the passing of Glenn Frey.

Billboard Chart Historian Joel Whitburn

Sep 21, 2016 • 43 min

Chart fans around the world surely have libraries of Joel Whitburn Billboard chart reference books. On a recent visit to New York, Whitburn chatted with Billboard’s Gary Trust and Alex Vitoulis about his hobby that led to his becoming Billboard’s…

Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande & More: Fall Preview

Sep 13, 2016 • 36 min

ABC Radio’s Andrea Dresdale joins host and Billboard co-director of charts Gary Trust to predict who might have the hottest songs as the weather turns cooler.

Debbie Gibson on New Movie “Summer of Dreams” & Her Chart-Topping Career

Aug 31, 2016 • 50 min

Debbie Gibson joins host (and Gibson fan) Gary Trust to discuss her new Hallmark Channel movie, “Summer of Dreams,” and her chart-topping career. Gary also tries to keep calm when he realizes he has apparently inspired (co-written?) a new Gibson song…

Hit Songs Deconstructed on The Chainsmokers, Meghan Trainor, Prince & More

Aug 24, 2016 • 53 min

Dave and Yael Penn of Hit Songs Deconstructed join host Gary Trust to breakdown how and why, based on the music, The Chainsmokers’ “Don’t Let Me Down,” Meghan Trainor’s “No” & Prince’s “When Doves Cry” have all hit the Hot 100’s top 10 in 2016.

Lionel Richie on ‘Endless Love’ & How ‘Love Never Goes Out of Style’

Aug 15, 2016 • 48 min

Lionel Richie joins Billboard’s Trevor Anderson to chat about the R&B/pop icon’s legendary career, including the including the whirlwind recording of “Endless Love” with Diana Ross. There were “so many moving parts,” as, due to deadlines, the recording…

Chubby Checker on the Hot 100’s All-Time No. 1, ‘The Twist’

Jul 27, 2016 • 34 min

On the latest episode of the Billboard Chart Beat Podcast, the iconic Chubby Checker joins host and Billboard co-director of charts Gary Trust, in honor of “The Twist” reigning as the Billboard Hot 100’s all-time No. 1 song. Its appeal, says Checker?…

WFUV Radio’s Rita Houston

Jul 20, 2016 • 57 min

On the latest episode of the Billboard Chart Beat Podcast, WFUV New York program director Rita Houston joins host and Billboard co-director of charts Gary Trust, and Billboard’s rock charts manager Kevin Rutherford, to chat about her 22-year legacy of…

Perez Hilton on Justin Bieber, Madonna, Taylor Swift & More

Jul 13, 2016 • 31 min

Celebrity blogger, and celebrity himself, Perez Hilton chats with host and Billboard co-director of charts Gary Trust about his longtime love of music and the Billboard charts, as well as his personal redemption. “I have tons of regrets,” Hilton says of…

How Twenty One Pilots Ascended to New Heights With ‘Blurryface’

Jul 7, 2016 • 37 min

Roadrunner execs Mike Easterlin and Mitch Mills chat with host and Billboard co-director of charts Gary Trust about how twenty one pilots have ascended from core alternative faves to the mainstream with their album “Blurryface.” Plus, insights about…

Producer Dave Cobb & Americana Exec Jed Hilly

Jun 29, 2016 • 37 min

Super-producer Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Mary Chapin Carpenter) and Americana Music Assn. executive director Jed Hilly discuss the growth of the Americana genre with Nashville-based Billboard chart manager Jim Asker.

SiriusXM’s Kid Kelly

Jun 22, 2016 • 54 min

SiriusXM vp of music programming Kid Kelly chats with host Gary Trust about how he picks hits for the satellite service’s pop channels, recounts his colorful radio career and reveals that it might be time to retire his long-running syndicated ’80s/’90s…

Original MTV VJ Martha Quinn

Jun 15, 2016 • 37 min

Longtime MTV queen Martha Quinn chats with host Gary Trust about her helping define pop culture in the ’80s, her new role as morning host on San Francisco’s iHeart80s radio station & more.

Music Choice’s Damon Williams

Jun 8, 2016 • 38 min

Music Choice’s Damon Williams chats with host Gary Trust about the service’s deep menu of cable TV audio channels, its many interactive features planned for the summer and its upcoming fourth-quarter expansion of its video presentation.

ABC Radio’s Andrea Dresdale

Jun 1, 2016 • 41 min

ABC Radio’s manager of entertainment programming Andrea Dresdale joins host Gary Trust to predict who might have the biggest songs this summer, from Justin Timberlake, Drake and Desiigner to Rihanna, Adele, Ariana Grande and more.

Nielsen Music’s Dave Bakula

May 25, 2016 • 45 min

Nielsen Music’s Dave Bakula chats with Billboard co-directors of charts Keith Caulfield and host Gary Trust about how Nielsen has tracked music consumption for a quarter-century. Also: a countdown of the five best-selling albums in the U.S. of the past 25…

Columbia Records’ Pete Cosenza

May 18, 2016 • 47 min

Columbia Records senior VP of promotion, adult radio, Pete Cosenza chats with host Gary Trust about the label’s recent successes with Adele, Rachel Platten, Ruth B and more.

RCA Records’ Joe Riccitelli

May 11, 2016 • 46 min

RCA Records EVP/GM Joe Riccitelli discusses how the label promotes hits from its star-packed artist roster, which includes, among others, Zayn, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake.

Shirley Halperin

May 4, 2016 • 45 min

Billboard’s News Director Shirley Halperin chats with co-director of charts and host Gary Trust about Billboard’s mindset behind covering, analyzing and presenting news about the music business.

Mike Curb

Apr 27, 2016 • 76 min

Curb Records founder and Curb/Word chairman Mike Curb chats with Billboard’s Jim Asker about Curb’s more than 50 years of making hits in Nashville, how artists get signed and why his labels will never leave the city’s historic Music Row.

Anne Donohue

Apr 26, 2016 • 38 min

Host Gary Trust chats with Anne Donohue, faculty advisor of Boston University’s student-run radio station, WTBU, about rebuilding after a recent fire. Also discussed: the changing state of journalism and the legacy of WTBU alum, and station fan, Howard…

Hit Songs Deconstructed

Apr 26, 2016 • 52 min

Host Gary Trust chats with Dave and Yael Penn, who created the Hit Songs Deconstructed website, which analyzes the characteristics of songs that soar to the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, including Drake’s “Hotline Bling” and Selena Gomez’s “Same Old…

Fred Bronson

Apr 6, 2016 • 43 min

On the second edition of Billboard’s Chart Beat Podcast, Billboard co-director of charts Gary Trust chats with Fred Bronson about the latter’s renowned career, which includes 16 years writing Billboard’s “Chart Beat” column, as well as his “The Billboard…

Paul Grein

Mar 30, 2016 • 37 min

Welcome to Billboard’s new Chart Beat Podcast, where host Gary Trust, Billboard’s co-director of charts, and other members of Billboard’s charts department analyze the numerous factors that go into making a Billboard chart hit. First up: longtime…