Today, Kenny welcomes legendary Goo Goo Dolls frontman, John Rzeznik, to the podcast for a deep dive into a wide range of topics, including personal growth, decisionmaking, career longevity, and health. Together, they provide valuable insights into the world of music, songwriting, and authenticity.

Sharing anecdotes and personal experiences that provide valuable lessons for all, they delve into the importance of living a fulfilling life, embracing leadership, and maintaining a strong commitment to your craft and to those who are drawn to it. Whether you're a music enthusiast, an aspiring leader, or simply seeking inspiration for your journey, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom and practical advice. Join Kenny and John as they share their stories, experiences, and laughter, reminding us all to strive for happiness and excellence in our own lives.

0:00 Start
0:20 Introduction
3:13 Goo Goo Dolls fans
4:57 Kenny Aronoff on first finding success in the music industry
8:14 John Rzeznik and Kenny Aronoff on being an artist
9:59 John Rzeznik and Kenny Aronoff on objectivity
11:12 Brad Fernquist and surrounding yourself with the best
13:13 Goo Goo Dolls’ Live at The Academy, New York City, 1995
17:50 John Rzeznik’s songwriting process
22:06 Kenny Aronoff’s sight reading and popularity among other musicians
23:51 John Rzeznik and Kenny Aronoff on happiness
27:52 John Rzeznik on writing melodies, detuning guitars, and the influence of Hüsker Dü
32:33 The impact John Rzeznik’s upbringing has on his music
37:26 John Rzeznik and Kenny Aronoff on failure and mistakes
39:47 John Rzeznik and Kenny Aronoff on working with different types of stars
46:48 John Rzeznik and Kenny Aronoff on how to get out of a ‘pretty dark headspace’
49:25 John Rzeznik’s daughter
50:32 Kenny Aronoff’s tour with Joe Satriani
53:35 Kenny Aronoff’s ‘prepare and repair’ regimen
5:46 John Rzeznik’s start as a singer
56:46 Kenny Aronoff’s wine
58:57 John Rzeznik on quitting drinking
1:02:20 John Reznik on songwriting and ‘Iris’
1:06:38 Goo Goo Dolls’ Chaos in Bloom
1:10:15 John Rzeznik on playing the band’s hits
1:13:17 Kenny Aronoff on the music industry over the years
1:14:53 Jon Bon Jovi’s generosity to John Rzeznik
1:17:37 John Rzeznik and Kenny Aronoff on social media and dealing with negativity
1:24:24 John Rzeznik and Kenny Aronoff on constantly improving and spreading happiness
1:27:36 John Rzeznik on collecting recording equipment, their studio, and the Buffalo music scene
1:31:26 John Rzeznik’s choice of music over college
1:32:02 John Rzeznik on being a ‘pizza freak’
1:33:19 Vaclav Smil’s The Way the World Really Works and Jeff Cavaliere’s ATHLEANX
1:34:57 Kenny Aronoff’s ‘A Healthy Life Is a Wealthy Life’
1:38:14 How Sex Maggots became Goo Goo Dolls

Quotes:
“I want to be the weakest link on that stage, truly."
"Music became a way for me to make friends, and to bond with people, and to have a peer group."
“My sisters were a huge influence on me, whether I realized it or not.”
"You better bring it... It might be their only big night out that summer…Don't bring your pissy little rockstar problems into the situation."
"I'm a negativity sponge.”
"You’ve got to take a little from everybody and find what works for you."


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Keep up with the Goo Goo Dolls:
https://www.googoodolls.com/