The Hook with Johni & Jess

10/10/2026

RVA is so lucky to have this event every year! Take advantage of all the amazing music this weekend and donate when you get there to keep it going!

09/10/2026

One of our first guests, who absolutely blew us away with her voice, talent and flawless fashion! Did you catch VEXINE’s episode? Check it out!

On this episode of The Hook with Johni & Jess, we sit down with Richmond artist, designer, and musician Sarah Frances Santamaria, the frontwoman of the band VEXINE, joined by VEXINE guitarist Paul Pearce. Sarah shares the story behind her...

08/10/2026

Just in case you missed it!!

07/10/2026

🎂🎙️ IT’S Grayson Walsh's BIRTHDAY… so obviously we got him a podcast episode!

Today seemed like the PERFECT day to officially release our episode with this Richmond-area native turned Nashville country artist, owner of one seriously smooth bass-baritone voice…and apparently a man fueled by Diet Dr. Pepper, popcorn and heartbreak. 😂

Help us wish Grayson Walsh a HAPPY BIRTHDAY by giving the episode a listen, sharing it and checking out his music!

Grayson takes us from growing up in Glen Allen ➡️ JMU ➡️ packing up and chasing the Nashville dream — and talks about finding his sound, writing songs about real life (yes, dating a songwriter may come with consequences 😂), performing at a VIP pre-show event for Luke Bryan's Farm Tour, and why he refuses to change who he is just to fit into Nashville.

We also uncovered some VERY important information:

🥤 The Diet Dr. Pepper obsession is real.
💔 Heartbreak has been surprisingly good for business.
🏈 Throwing a football? Not exactly his gift.
🦸‍♂️ His Marvel fandom runs deep. Like.....real deep.
🎶 And if you’re new to his music, Grayson says start with "New Pontoon” — then follow it with Fall In Fall Out.”

**LISTEN HERE:**
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2596593/episodes/19896673

Or follow The Hook with Johni & Jess on Apple Podcasts 🍎 | Spotify 🟢 | Amazon Music 🔵 | or wherever you get your podcasts — and look for our latest episode: “Grayson Walsh: From Virginia Roots to the Nashville Dream”!

Happy Birthday, Grayson! Here’s to another year of great songs, amazing stages, lot's of popcorn with Kernel Season’s White Parmesan Cheddar Cheese Seasoning sprinkled on it & many more incredible Nashville adventures!

Virginia roots. Nashville dreams. And a bass-baritone voice made for country music.At just 26, Grayson Walsh is building his place in Nashville with a sound that blends traditional country storytelling, neon-bar energy and a little cinematic heart...

05/10/2026

🎤 Our very own Johni is guest-hosting Shockoe Sessions Live tomorrow night, Tuesday, October 6, featuring Back Up Kid! 🎶

Join them for an evening of live music and help us cheer on our amazing Hook host!

🚪 Doors open at 7 PM
🎵 Music starts at 7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: https://www.shockoesessionslive.com/

Powered by Shockoe Records, JAMinc, and Digital Video Group.

04/10/2026

🎶 Remembering Janis Joplin

On this day in 1970, the music world lost one of its most unforgettable voices. Janis Joplin was only 27, but the raw power, soul and fearless individuality she brought to music made her an icon forever.

56 years later, her voice still gives us chills. ❤️‍🔥

Turn up a little “Piece of My Heart” today in her honor.

02/10/2026

🎸 OUT NOW! Our conversation with Mark Damon of The Pretty Reckless is officially live on The Hook with Johni & Jess here and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2596593/episodes/19877086

Mark takes us behind the bass and inside his incredible career — from life on the road and selling out stadiums to the artists, experiences and music that have shaped his journey.

From The Pretty Reckless touring with AC/DC to stories involving Soundgarden, The Rolling Stones, Dave Grohl, Fred Reiter of The Toasters NYC SKA and more — Mark takes us inside a career that has crossed genres, decades, and some seriously legendary stages.

🎧 Mark Damon of The Pretty Reckless: Behind the Bass is OUT NOW!

Be sure to follow The Hook with Johni & Jess on your favorite podcast platform, so you don’t miss what’s coming next. 🤘

From dive bars to stadiums packed with 100,000 fans, Mark Damon has lived just about every version of the musician's life.This week on The Hook with Johni & Jess, we're joined by Mark Damon of The Pretty Reckless for an unforgettable conversat...