Make some noise for she-cago’s own Daniella Monet! The Victorious icon, lifestyle entrepreneur, and all-around legend joins Anthony and Jonathan for a deep dive into her career, from sneaking behind her agent’s back to audition for Hannah Montana to creating her wellness community. Daniella spills on Victorious behind-the-scenes secrets, the story behind Trina’s Chicago performance, and what’s REALLY happening with the Victorious spinoff rumors. Plus, we put her to the ultimate test with The Hardest Victorious Trivia Game Ever—will she live up to the challenge?

Episode Breakdown:

• 00:00 - Make some Illi-noise! The hosts welcome Daniella Monet and kick things off with big laughs and nostalgia.

• 07:03 - The Hannah Montana audition that almost changed everything. Daniella reveals she went behind her agent’s back and ended up in a final test alongside Miley Cyrus and Taylor Momsen.

• 11:42 - Victorious origins. From CBS sitcoms to Nickelodeon, Daniella shares how she broke into kids’ TV, why she fought for a role on Nick, and how her agent wasn’t thrilled.

• 12:04 - The Victorious audition process. Why every actor auditioned with the same general script (even for different roles) and how Trina’s tone-deafness evolved over time.

• 19:06 - Trina’s Chicago moment. The story behind her iconic “I’m a woman in Chicago and I’m scared” scene—including how much was improvised.

• 24:28 - Victorious cast love. Daniella gets emotional reflecting on the friendships from set, what the cast meant to her, and why their recent conversations have been extra special.

• 25:57 - Victorious spin-off rumors—what’s real? Daniella opens up about the leaked news, whether the cast knew ahead of time, and how Ariana Grande’s support meant the world.

• 31:50 - Is the world ready for a Victorious spin-off? Daniella expresses gratitude to Victorious fans, and teases a potential way for internet personalities (like Anthony & Jonathan… wink, wink) to be part of the spinoff!

• 35:21 - Life after Victorious and Daniella’s Digest. How she built a wellness empire with her plant-based lifestyle brand.

• 44:42 - Game time! The Hardest Victorious Trivia Game Ever. Daniella and Anthony go head-to-head on deep-cut Victorious trivia—who will come out on top?

Follow Daniella’s Journey:

Stay updated on Daniella Monet’s latest projects and plant-based lifestyle brand at DaniellasDigest.com and follow her on all socials @DaniellaMonet.

Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!

@AnthonyGargiula

@JonathanTilkin

@CounterMelodiesPod

Listen and Watch:

Countermelodies.com

Credits:

Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula

Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert

It’s just the two of us! Anthony and Jonathan take over the mic for a special episode, breaking down their second year at theGRAMMYs! From navigating the red carpet to unexpected celebrity encounters (yes, Kacey Musgraves and Zedd were involved), they share behind-the-scenes moments you won’t hear anywhere else. They also dive into theirfavorite performances of the night, discuss the biggest award surprises, and reflect on how it felt to be part of music’s biggest night—again!

Episode Breakdown:

• 00:00 - The GRAMMYs are here! Anthony and Jonathan kick off the episode and we get a peak at what’s to come later.

• 01:48 - Bonus episode vibes. A rare host-only episode! They chat about the Super Bowl and reflect on comments from listeners who want to get to know them better.

• 08:00 - Walking theGRAMMYs red carpet. The behind-the-scenes chaos, last-minute weather disasters, and why the photographers treated them like Billie Eilish.

• 10:40 - Celebrity sightings! Zedd photobombs their red carpet selfie, and Anthony has a hilarious (and slightly awkward) fan moment withCasey Musgraves.

• 17:45 - TheGlamBot experience. The guys do separate GlamBots, but was it worth the extra pressure?

• 21:00- BestGRAMMYs performance of the night? Anthony and Jonathan discuss the actual show and debate their favorite performances, includingChappel Roan,Quincy Jones Tribute, and theBest New Artist showcase.

• 23:30- Doechii is taking over. A bold prediction: Doechii is about to be music’s biggest breakout star.

• 26:00 - Chappell Roan’sspeech of the night. The moment that had the entire industry talking (and why it took serious guts).

• 27:30 - TheIn Memoriam tribute. A moving tribute toLiam Payne and how the arena felt when his face appeared on screen.

• 29:30 - Lady Gaga’s secretGRAMMYs moment. HowAbracadabra droppedduring the show—and why everyone thought she was about to perform live.

• 30:00 - Album of the Year shocker! Anthony and Jonathan break down thecontroversial winner and chat their personal favorite album of the year.

• 34:00 - The final takeaways. What made this year’sGRAMMYs different, why they felt more relaxed and how theyactually got to soak it all in.

Follow the Journey:

For morebehind-the-scenes chaos, follow the hosts!

@AnthonyGargiula

@JonathanTilkin

@CounterMelodiesPod

Listen and Watch:

CounterMelodiesPod.com

Credits:

Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula

Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert

From viral car covers to chart-topping hits, Lauren Spencer Smith’s rise to fame has been anything but ordinary. In this episode, Lauren joins Anthony and Jonathan to dive into the whirlwind of her career—sharing hilarious stories about cockroach-infested Airbnbs, her chaotic American Idol journey during the pandemic, and the heartfelt inspiration behind her biggest songs. She also opens up about navigating TikTok fame, family dynamics, and the evolution of her songwriting. Get ready for candid laughs, emotional reflections, and a game of "Give Them Their Flowers" where Lauren dishes on the best voices in the biz.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - Lauren Spencer Smith is in the house! Anthony and Jonathan kick things off with stories about sinus surgeries and their first curry night with Lauren.

07:18 - From car covers to the Steve Harvey Show: Lauren shares how her viral video led to her first trip to LA—and the unexpected challenges that followed.

08:50 - Cockroaches and contracts: Lauren recalls the bug-infested Airbnb she stayed in during her first LA trip.

10:00 - American Idol chaos: Lauren talks about her last-minute audition, performing from her backyard during the pandemic, and the unexpected drama behind the scenes.

17:00 - Family, fame, and misconceptions: Lauren opens up about the backlash she faced over her family's perceived wealth and how it contrasted with her reality.

24:00 - Life after Idol: Lauren discusses how she kept her momentum going with covers and original music, leading to her breakout hit "Fingers Crossed."

32:00 - Setting the TikTok standard: Lauren reflects on how her no-makeup, authentic videos became the blueprint for viral music marketing.

38:50 - The "Fingers Crossed" backlash: Lauren addresses criticism about the song's production and how she handled the negativity.

46:00 - What’s next? Lauren teases her upcoming album, exploring family relationships, personal growth, and emotional highs and lows.

50:00 - Game time! Anthony, Jonathan, and Lauren play "Give Them Their Flowers," revealing their picks for best vocalists, riffers, and songwriters in the industry.

Follow Lauren’s Journey: Stay up to date with Lauren Spencer Smith’s latest music, tour dates, and more on all socials @LaurenSpencerSmith

Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!

@AnthonyGargiula

@JonathanTilkin

@CounterMelodiesPod

CounterMelodies.com

Credits:

Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula

Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert

The multi-platinum pop star and all-around good guy, Andy Grammer, sits down with Anthony and Jonathan to reflect on a career filled with feel-good hits, incredible stories, and groundbreaking risks. From busking in Santa Monica to performing on Dancing with the Stars, Andy shares the highs and lows of his journey, including the magic behind Honey, I’m Good, the emotional power of Don’t Give Up on Me, and his latest album, Monster.

Plus, Andy gets real about navigating TikTok, modern music-making, and even channels his inner life coach during a heartfelt moment you won’t forget.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - He’s here! Andy Grammer joins the show. The hosts welcome Andy with some light-hearted banter about grammar jokes and his in-ear monitors always spelling his name wrong.

05:00 - The TikTok era of music. Andy shares his love-hate relationship with creating buzz on social media, recounting his busking days on Third Street Promenade, and how TikTok reminds him of modern-day digital busking.

12:30 - The grind behind the hits. Andy discusses his breakout hit Keep Your Head Up, hustling to every radio station in the country, and how the game of making music has changed over the years.

23:00 - Family, fame, and boundaries. Andy reflects on keeping his private life separate from his career, deciding to stop sharing his kids online, and setting boundaries in both his personal and professional life.

40:00 - The emotional power of connection. Andy talks about his one-man tour, inviting fans to share heartfelt stories during the show, and the cathartic impact of his song Don’t Give Up on Me.

50:00 - Dancing with the Stars stories. Andy opens up about his time on the show, his competitive spirit, and what it was like learning to dance with professional partner Allison Holker.

54:00 - What’s new? All about Monster. Andy dives into his latest album, its raw emotional themes, and how it reflects his personal growth and struggles with people-pleasing.

Follow Andy’s Journey: Stay up to date with Andy Grammer’s latest album, tour dates, and more on all socials @AndyGrammer.

Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!

@AnthonyGargiula

@JonathanTilkin

@CounterMelodiesPod

CounterMelodies.com

Credits:

Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula

Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert

Today’s guest is the one and only Christina Perri! The voice behind “A Thousand Years”, “Jar of Hearts”, and more joins Anthony and Jonathan for an unforgettable conversation about love, loss, and wild career twists. From Twilight superfan to penning the biggest song from the Twilight soundtrack, Christina shares how she manifested her dream into reality — hint: a particular tattoo played a role in this. She opens up about the whirlwind rise of her career, her surprising Disney connections, and how she's using her voice to create lullabies, children's books, and magical moments for fans. And don’t miss the ultimate Disney-themed game that puts Christina’s love of Disney classic movies to the test!

Episode Breakdown:

• 00:00 - She’s here! Christina Perri enters the kitchen. The hosts welcome Christina and dive straight into Twilight allegiances and werewolf vs. vampire debates​.
• 03:20 - Twilight superfan to soundtrack star. Christina reveals how being a die-hard Twilight fan led her to frame book covers in her apartment and, eventually, write A Thousand Years for the Breaking Dawn soundtrack​.
• 10:30 - From waitress to viral sensation. Christina tells the story of how Jar of Hearts unexpectedly premiered on So You Think You Can Dance and changed her life forever​.
• 17:45 - The wedding band dream team. Christina reveals her dream lineup for a supergroup of wedding artists, featuring Ed Sheeran, John Legend, and more​.
• 24:00 - Lullabies, love, and legacy. Christina reflects on her lullaby albums and how her version of You Are My Sunshine unexpectedly went viral on TikTok and became her second-most streamed song​.
• 32:40 - Disney adult dreams come true. From singing Forever Young at Disneyland’s World of Color to her upcoming tribute to Richard Sherman, Christina's love for Disney hits new heights​.
• 48:20 - Game time: Disney Blind Rankings. The ultimate Disney soundtrack showdown — can Christina rank iconic soundtracks like The Lion King, Moana, and Frozen without knowing what’s next? Chaos, tears, and laughter ensue​.
• 1:06:30 - The legacy of A Thousand Years. Christina reflects on how one song turned into a timeless anthem for weddings, how it returned in Breaking Dawn Part 2, and how it continues to bring new opportunities, like her upcoming children’s book​.
• 1:12:00 - What’s next for Christina? From children’s books to TV shows, Christina shares what’s ahead, including a special appearance at a Disney tribute concert honoring the Sherman Brothers​.

Follow Christina’s Journey: Stay connected with Christina’s latest music, lullabies, and family fun on all socials @ChristinaPerri.

Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!
@AnthonyGargiula
@JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod

Listen and Watch: https://tinyurl.com/CounterMelodiesPod

Credits:
Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert

She’s here. Rachel Platten has arrived! The multi-platinum artist behind hits like “Fight Song” and “Stand by You” sits down with Anthony and Jonathan for a soul-stirring, laugh-filled conversation. From her early a cappella days to her 13-year grind before fame, Rachel shares the raw truth about persistence, self-discovery, and songwriting. She reveals how she ended up performing with Taylor Swift on the 1989 tour, reflects on her most personal songs, and shares the inspiration behind her newest album, “I am Rachel Platten”. Plus, stick around for a game of "Fight, Flight, or Freeze," where Rachel decides which karaoke go-to songs she’d be willing to take on!

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - Rachel Platten is here! The iconic singer-songwriter enters the chat and talks about her start in a cappella.

04:00 - From a cappella nerd to NYC bandleader. Rachel recalls her first moments of musical inspiration and forming a band in college.

12:00 - Life on tour. The truth about 13 years of van tours, smoky bar gigs, and finding her voice.

18:00 - Birth of Fight Song. Rachel reveals how the song came to life after moments of self-doubt and why she knew it would change lives.

28:00 - The Taylor Swift moment. How Rachel ended up on stage with Taylor during the 1989 World Tour.

32:00 - The ups, downs, and evolution of fame. Rachel gets real about the pressure of fame, parenthood, and reclaiming her career after time away.

40:00 - I Am Rachel Platten. Behind-the-scenes of her new album, her Nashville recording process, and her mission to encourage new artists.

48:00 - Girls. Rachel discusses her song for her daughters, the legacy she hopes to leave them, and the power of a mother’s love.

53:00 - Game time: "Fight, Flight, or Freeze." Rachel, Anthony, and Jonathan debate which iconic pop songs are worth the risk to sing live.

1:00:00 - What’s next for Rachel? Her upcoming tours, halftime shows, and why she’s more grounded than ever.

Follow Rachel’s Journey: Stay updated on Rachel's new album, tour dates, and more on all socials @RachelPlatten and visit RachelPlatten.com.

Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!

@AnthonyGargiula

@JonathanTilkin

@CounterMelodiesPod

Listen and Watch: CounterMelodiesPod.com

Credits:

Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula

Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert

David Archuleta is here! From his early days on American Idol to his journey leaving the LDS church and finding his voice in the LGBTQ+ community, David joins Anthony and Jonathan for an unforgettable conversation. From navigating faith, family, and fame to his love for raves and time on Hannah Montana, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughs, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments. Plus, a game of "American Idol or American Impostor" puts David’s memory to the test!

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - Highlights:

David Archuleta enters! Reflections on American Idol, faith, and his journey since.

05:00 - Bratz Summer or Sabrina Carpenter Summer? David's surprising music inspirations.

10:00 - Held Together and Rather Be Lonely. The stories behind his latest songs.

20:00 - Leaving the church and family support. A heartfelt story about his mom's acceptance.

30:00 - Life after Idol. What fame felt like at its peak and how he found himself again.

40:00 - Raves, EDM, and free expression. Why David loves raves and how they helped him grow.

46:00 - Game time! "American Idol or American Impostor?" brings laughs and surprises.

Follow David’s Journey: Keep up with David’s latest music, raves, and more on all socials @DavidArchie.

Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content! @AnthonyGargiula

@JonathanTilkin

@CounterMelodiesPod

Listen and Watch: https://pods.to/countermelodies

Credits: Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula

Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert

Chrish, the king of chaotic humor and viral one-liners joins Anthony and Jonathan for an unfiltered deep dive into the world of Vine fame, TikTok-singing, and everything in between! From gospel choirs to the viral “Patricia!!!” scream that took the world by storm, this episode is packed with laughs, nostalgia, and even a game of the appropriately named, “Whose Vine Is It Anyway?"

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - A chaotic Vine era. Chrish shares stories of early Vine fame, a clementine-inspired viral hit, and surviving hometown rivalries.

10:00 - From singing servers to social stardom. Tales from a Tennessee steakhouse where singing waiters and questionable kitchen practices took center stage.

20:00 - Singing history unlocked. From church choir competitions to national awards, Chrish reveals the roots of his incredible vocal talent.

28:00 - Smosh shenanigans and influencer parties. Behind-the-scenes stories of Smosh collaborations and navigating Hollywood’s influencer scene.

36:00 - Chrish opens up about overcoming a “real-world” Vine bully and redefining his place in the digital world.

40:00 - Improvised songs and cursive singing. Chrish crafts a hilarious live song inspired by random kitchen objects.

44:00 - Game time! The hosts test Chrish’s Vine knowledge in "Whose Vine Is It Anyway?" with iconic clips and laugh-out-loud reenactments.

Follow Chrish’s Journey: Keep up with Chrish's hilarious content on Instagram (@MistaChrish) and TikTok (@ChrishOffish).

Socials: Follow the hosts for more!

@AnthonyGargiula

@JonathanTilkin

@CounterMelodiesPod

Listen and Watch: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/CounterMelodiesPod⁠

Credits: Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula

Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert