The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan

Billy Corgan sits down with Jesse Rutherford for a candid look at fame, creative identity, and the unexpected journey from child actor to frontman of his ground-shifting band, The Neighbourhood. Jesse reflects on being ‘discovered’ at just five years old, growing up in Hollywood, and the moment everything clicked—picking up drums to a Nirvana track. The conversation dives into how the industry has shifted—from the raw individuality of the ’90s to today’s algorithm-driven sound—touching on using Auto-Tune, perfection as a guiding aesthetic, and why imperfection in and of itself might be what audiences connect with most.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Billy Corgan sits down with Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, granddaughter of Disney animation pioneer Ub Iwerks, for a fascinating conversation about family legacy, creative ambition, and the stories history almost forgot.

Leslie traces her journey from USC film school to becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected documentarians, with credits including The Pixar Story, Industrial Light & Magic, and her latest film, Disneyland Handcrafted.

Along the way, Billy and Leslie dig into Ub Iwerks’ indispensable role in creating Mickey Mouse, explore Walt Disney’s visionary drive, Roy Disney’s underrated role as the financial backbone of the company, and the near-impossible feat of building Disneyland in less than a year.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this deeply personal conversation, Billy Corgan and Melissa Auf der Maur reunite after 25 years to unpack the full story: how a $1 Tuesday night show sparked one of rock's most unlikely friendships, how Billy secretly recommended Melissa to Courtney Love, and why she almost said no — twice.

The two dive into the early days of the Smashing Pumpkins, the chaos of underground rock clubs, Courtney's Hollywood pivot that gutted the band, the rise of grunge, and how a single moment of pure rock-and-roll intensity changed both of their lives.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rockabilly legend Slim Jim Phantom sits down with Billy Corgan for a fascinating look into the birth of the Stray Cats and the unlikely road from Long Island bars to global rock stardom. Phantom traces his musical roots from studying under jazz drummer Mousey Alexander to discovering the raw power of Elvis Presley, Gene Vincent, and Eddie Cochran. What followed was pure rock-and-roll mythology: three young musicians chasing a dream to London with almost no money, sleeping in parks, and hustling for gigs until word spread through the British music underground. Soon icons like Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ray Davies were showing up at their shows—helping launch the Stray Cats into international fame. It’s a conversation about risk, rebellion, and how a “too weird” band helped spark an entire revival.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this provocative episode, Billy Corgan sits down with returning guest Conrad Flynn to explore the uneasy intersection of fame, power, the occult, and modern celebrity culture. Their conversation moves beyond headlines into the architecture of influence, the blurred lines between entertainment and politics, and the deeper question of who actually shapes the cultural narrative. They debate whether the surge of occult symbolism in pop is pure marketing, spiritual theater, or a reflection of something deeper—and whether rock’s once-defiant cultural voice has quietly been sidelined. Corgan also reflects on the personal cost of fame, the realities of industry manipulation, and why faith, truth, and integrity are the only antidotes to a rigged system.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices