• Legendary Producer CJ Vanston and His Beard: How He Discovered His Secrets for Success



    CJ Vanston has built a career most musicians only dream about—and in this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody bring him in for a conversation packed with wisdom, stories, and laughter.

    The CJ Vanston interview kicks off with his early beginnings: what set him on the path to becoming a first-call musician, producer, and composer. From there, the stories unfold—anecdotes about turning down a major artist over something as unexpected as a beard, and insights into the mindset that has kept him grounded and inspired throughout decades in the business.

    Of course, no gearhead interview would be complete without some studio talk. CJ shares the gear he simply can’t live without, offering recording setup tips that apply whether you’re working with high-end rigs or humble home studio gear. Along the way, he reveals the habits and techniques that keep his creative process sharp, as well as the hidden features in studio gear that have given him an edge.

    The conversation also detours into some wild and wonderful highlights from CJ’s career—his work with Spinal Tap, Toto, Richard Marx, and yes, even Elvis impersonators. It’s a mix of humor, honesty, and experience that only someone with CJ’s résumé could bring.

    And as always, Chris & Jody cap things off with their Friday Finds, spotlighting fresh tools and resources you’ll want to check out. Add in their signature humor and a sprinkling of nonsense, and you’ve got an episode that’s as entertaining as it is educational.

    If you’re curious about what it takes to sustain a career in music, how to balance artistry with professionalism, or just want to hear stories from one of the greats, this episode is a must-listen.

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

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    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

  • Chatting with Robert Anthony Navarro: Guitar Player, Producer, Composer, and Library Owner!



    Part 2 of Chris and Jody sitting down for a chat with guitarist producer extraordinaire, Robert Anthony Navarro. Chances are you’ve already heard his work without even realizing it—whether in TV soundtracks, radio spots, or national commercials, Robert’s playing and production chops have been woven into the everyday soundtrack of countless listeners.

    This in-depth Robert Anthony Navarro interview explores his beginnings, how he first found his footing in the music industry, and the pivotal moments that set him on a path toward becoming a versatile and in-demand creative. Along the way, Robert shares stories of working with a variety of artists, producers, and collaborators—insights that reveal not only the challenges of breaking in but also the lessons learned in staying relevant and adaptable in a constantly changing landscape.

    Chris & Jody dig into the psychology of navigating a career as both guitarist and producer, discussing the balance between technical precision and creative inspiration. They uncover tips on everything from managing home studio gearsetups to refining recording setup tips for commercial work. As always, the episode is infused with humor, candid honesty, and a little bit of nonsense to keep things lively.

    Listeners will walk away with more than just stories—they’ll gain perspective on the realities of sustaining a long-term career in music production. Whether you’re chasing commercial placements, learning how to collaborate effectively, or just curious about the hidden features in studio gear that professionals rely on, Robert’s journey offers inspiration and actionable takeaways.

    And don’t forget: Chris & Jody close with their weekly Friday Finds, spotlighting tools, ideas, or resources that you can use in your own studio.

    For anyone looking to sharpen their skills, expand their career outlook, or simply enjoy a great conversation with a seasoned pro, this episode is one not to miss.

    ******************************

    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

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    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

  • Robert Anthony Navarro Interview: The History of How He Made Music for TV Shows and Commercials



    In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody welcome guitarist, producer, and sonic craftsman Robert Anthony Navarro. Chances are you’ve already heard his work without even realizing it—whether in TV soundtracks, radio spots, or national commercials, Robert’s playing and production chops have been woven into the everyday soundtrack of countless listeners.

    This in-depth Robert Anthony Navarro interview explores his beginnings, how he first found his footing in the music industry, and the pivotal moments that set him on a path toward becoming a versatile and in-demand creative. Along the way, Robert shares stories of working with a variety of artists, producers, and collaborators—insights that reveal not only the challenges of breaking in but also the lessons learned in staying relevant and adaptable in a constantly changing landscape.

    Chris & Jody dig into the psychology of navigating a career as both guitarist and producer, discussing the balance between technical precision and creative inspiration. They uncover tips on everything from managing home studio gearsetups to refining recording setup tips for commercial work. As always, the episode is infused with humor, candid honesty, and a little bit of nonsense to keep things lively.

    Listeners will walk away with more than just stories—they’ll gain perspective on the realities of sustaining a long-term career in music production. Whether you’re chasing commercial placements, learning how to collaborate effectively, or just curious about the hidden features in studio gear that professionals rely on, Robert’s journey offers inspiration and actionable takeaways.

    And don’t forget: Chris & Jody close with their weekly Friday Finds, spotlighting tools, ideas, or resources that you can use in your own studio.

    For anyone looking to sharpen their skills, expand their career outlook, or simply enjoy a great conversation with a seasoned pro, this episode is one not to miss.

    ******************************

    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

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    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

  • Steve Ouimette on Music, Soundtracks, and Life in the Studio



    Warning: listening to this episode may cause uncontrollable urges to shred. Part 2 of Chris & Jody sitting down with Steve Ouimette—the guitarist/producer you’ve definitely heard (even if you didn’t realize it). From epic video game soundtracks to TV shows, Steve’s riffs have been sneaking into your life for years. He spills on his unlikely start, some wild industry stories, and why chasing the latest hidden features in studio gear isn’t always the answer. Expect laughs, shop talk, and a few tales that prove the music biz is stranger (and cooler) than fiction. It’s equal parts wisdom, nonsense, and guitar-fueled energy—exactly what you need in your headphones today.

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

    ******************************

    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

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