SONNY SANDOVAL (P.O.D.) INTERVIEW | The Punk Rock MBA Podcast

Sonny Sandoval of POD joins the Punk Rock MBA Podcast to talk about the origins in the Christian hardcore scene, blowing up with "Southtown" and "Satellite," what it means to be a Christian band, and more.
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[@FinnMckentyPRMBA]

Come hang out on Twitch! www.twitch.tv/finnmckenty

[@charlie-girl72]

Finn i find you're a great interviewer, i can't even call this one a interview, yiuvguys have a great conversation!You are smart, thoughtful, wise and just truly interested in music and people! Thumb 👍 up! Love it! Blessings to you from the Netherlands 🇳🇱 💜 🇺🇸

[@Cryomancer21]

Sonny seems so decent and real. A lot of respect for this man and for you Finn for inviting people like him that promote a positive message in the heavy scene.

[@pierre-alexandredemers4423]

i got the exact same thoughts hahahaha

[@timoratus_music]

Same.

[@kidzanarkand]

His testimony about how he came to God is really cool too. He has a few of them on KZbin, just a real positive guy

[@Grimeyhoob]

Yeah totally. I mean I listen to a lot of bands like Behemoth and Slayer who are all super anti religious in their lyrics. But I respect bands like POD for trying to propagate a positive message via their music. It’s refreshing to hear positivity in rock and metal rather than the staple dour and bleak themes which are pervasive. Especially at the time, it was all about the tortured soul and anti-hero angst of nu-metal.

[@justis00]

I wonder what he thinks of their song "Abortion is Murder" in hindsight.

[@gghhyo5799]

P.O.D. deserves as much credit as Korn and Linkin Park. People forget how insanely popular they were.

[@frankvizen5480]

Never knew they were mildly popular hahaha

[@clothbooster]

P.od were never as popular as korn, limpbizkit, Linkin Park

[@DeadzoneMusic]

Eh, as much as I love p.o.d., their music didn't quite stand the test of time as well as lp or korn

[@kidsis]

My first serious rock show was P.O.D. & Hed PE. Linkin Park was their opener. That was 2000

[@jasonlovesmusicreacting882]

@@kidsis What a time to be alive.

[@maxheilman5314]

As someone who grew up with P.O.D. and watched every interview with Sonny that I could find, I could see how this interview brought out a different side of him. Finn, the fact you aren't a Christian but have an open mind to it allowed him to share his heart without getting bogged down in checking al the "Christianese" boxes. The fact he felt comfortable talking about "Abortion Is Murder" says a lot. Good on him for maturing in empathy toward others. That's the nature of Christ. I could also tell how happy he got while remembering the old-school T&N scene, and how your audience is still flying the flag of bands like Zao and Living Sacrifice.

[@olekallovvild7295]

❤Living Sacrifice❤

[@williamvieira6906]

I agree man. Such a dope interview from Sonny

[@joshuabergen84]

Living Sacrifice are playing a free show September 11th in little rock.

[@Eliphas_Elric]

Living Sacrifice was my first extreme metal band.

[@Allups50]

Tour story: Meet sonny and wuv before a show at the merch booth I totally ambushed them but they were such gentlemen. I had a couple of album covers for them to signed and I told sonny about having a hard time finding The Fundamental Elements of Southtown, he reaches over and grabs one takes the cellophane paper off and signs it. I offer to purchase it and he says its a gift. I still have it to this day.

[@gregwagner9743]

Absolutely one of the best interviews Finn has done. Sonny seems like such a good guy and as a Christian myself I definitely love the way he shares his faith!!! Solid stuff!!!

[@FinnMckentyPRMBA]

Thank you!

[@nathanthomson1931]

Second this

[@anubisanarchy5710]

As a born again Christian who was into Satanism and just got saved last year. Sonny said so much that made me rethink about my faith. Sonny is a sinner like me and everyone and he is showing why he needs Christ just like we all need Christ and it is our faith, not some pastor or judgmental hypocrites who parades as "Christians". Much love Sonny, P.O.D & of course Finn MBA

[@zoomgallygally]

What kind of satan shit did you get up to?

[@misscacti2126]

I'm so excited for this interview... When he mentioned P86 and Blindside 10/10

[@jc-wx5oo]

Love P86 and Blindside

[@DanielYak]

Until you realize that P.O.D. was the reason that Project 86 failed at Atlantic Records because P.O.D went out of their way to make sure everyone blackballed P86. I love both bands but I lost a lot of respect for P.O.D once I heard how shady their antics were behind the scenes

[@jc-wx5oo]

@@DanielYak is there a source for that?

[@DanielYak]

@@jc-wx5oo Andrew (the singer for P86) talks about it in a pateron podcast episode from last week. If your a Project 86 fan they’re raising money for the last album and on pateron he’s doing what feels like a tell all about the history of P86 and it’s one of the most fascinating things I’ve listened to in a while. He also has a entire episode about going on tour with P.O.D in 1999 (warriors tour) where once again… they were done dirty (mainly by PODs manager Tim but POD was also fully aware of the situation and seemed fine with it)

[@jc-wx5oo]

@@DanielYak I supported it by preordering stuff. I didn’t do the Patreon deal though.

[@robowop9354]

In 2000 I saw P.O.D. @ the Glass House w/ Project 86, living sacrifice, & dogwood. After the show Sonny gave me the shoes he performed in. A memory that will stick w me forever. P.O.D. is metal to me 🤘🏼

[@niellalien]

I hope they didn't smell. 😜

[@1guyfromspace]

Wow, I was at that show too, dude! It's so wild to read your comment. Personally, my own memories from back then have all but faded into obscurity. All my friends from that time have long gone their separate ways. So, reading your comment really takes me back, and in a powerful way. Triggers some vibes I haven't felt in a long time. Take care of yourself, dude 🤘

[@michaelmastro9382]

I was there too! I was 12 or 13 at the time. I miss the glass house. Than in like 2003, I was going to all the punk shows on the weekends there.

[@icepick859]

Do you remember the show G rock??

[@XenonOrion]

OMG SONNY MY MAN!!!! big inspiration big thanks. Satellite was the first cd i ever bought as a kid. i remember trying to convince a teacher this was christian music when she found my cd. she didn't believe it and kept shaking her head. i had to do a project for school where we had to come up with some kind of performance to music ?? i just moved around to Youth of the Nation

[@nikflagstar]

I'm a stone cold atheist and this dude seems like such an incredibly real and good dude. I used to be part of that xtian scene and I have PODs very first records. They're music isn't what I'm into any more, but I'd hang out with this dude ANY time.

[@kyleicp4206]

These dudes were underrated for rap metal just because Limp, Linkin Park and Papa Roach got more mainstream attention. POD is unfairly forgotten, they had some really good songs!

[@Failtasmagoria]

This interview took me back... being born in 75,I basically followed and grew up with the entire "Christian metal" scene from the beginning... it's all so different now and blended, the boundaries are basically gone.

[@ScottMosier12345]

As a Christian husband, father, and heavy music fan, I LOVE this interview. I am now going to grab everything I can from them and revisit POD. Sonny is one of my heroes now, man. He is much more eloquent about real Christian values than what I have heard in half of the churches that are around (and I live in the Bible belt). He is awesome and a great example for others!

[@lorettasearcy1471]

I live in the Bible belt myself.

[@napesdrk1174]

It's cool to have a family and be a good dad, good to hear a rocker talk about that- making parenting cool again brother!

[@jburdsinfuse]

Fundamental Elements of Southtown is amazing. These guys are sincere and authentic and it absolutely permeates all of their music. Love these guys.

[@nickdillinger]

Was not expecting this PODcast, was really awesome hearing from Sonny, thanks for doing this, Finn. I've been enjoying all the different perspectives and people you've been interviewing lately

[@StoicDivinity]

P.O.D. was my favorite band in the early 00's. They're so down to earth

[@DJZouain1]

"most Christians are wack! Jesus wasn't a Christian" - as a Christian, I agree.

[@brianshannon7272]

You aren't wrong but it's dumb. It's about the faith. Saying Jesus wasn't a Christian misses the point. Jesus had faith and the point followed.

[@DJZouain1]

@@brianshannon7272 is it? I believe it was (if I’m reading the Bible correctly ) to live as Jesus did… Christian means “little Christs” … cause he’s the big one.

[@prsman84]

Dude this is by far the best stream yet. Sonny is such a good dude and so positive, it's contagious. Awesome job scoring this interview and I can't wait to see who you have next. These types of deep dives are so interesting.

[@MickeyDVizard]

Finn, I love this direction! As a numetal junkie, I was thrilled to see this interview. PODs "Boom" is one of the best, funniest videos of all time, and it perfectly showcases the song. Thanks for this interview!

[@FinnMckentyPRMBA]

Thanks for watching!

[@Skipntosh]

Sonny is the homie! Such a real dude. Definitely gonna continue to support the band and the message. 🙏🏾

[@taliesinpotter4097]

I was never huge into POD as a band, not religious at all either, but always respected their family values and positive message. The scene needs more genuine people like that

[@zoomgallygally]

50 points from gryffindor... MR POTTER

[@patrickreichert1442]

one of the best interviews I have ever watched! Unreal how transparent Sonny was about his life, his faith and his failings. Finn you are a great interviewer who truly knows how to follow the flow of the conversation & asking strong follow up questions. #Bravo

[@FinnMckentyPRMBA]

Thank you!

[@patrickreichert1442]

@@FinnMckentyPRMBA you are welcome my guy!

[@djskootr13]

I found out about P.O.D. while I was spending the night at a friend’s house and the tv was on some skater/punk show (it was a bunch of Christian bands though) and Southtown came on..it must have been 2-3 in the morning. It was just noise until that song came on. I stopped talking to my friend and was just stuck watching the video. Summer of 98. Good times..

[@lukebeaulieu3794]

I remember the first time I heard Southtown on the radio, way back when it was first released. I got chills. What a powerful song.

[@JuanGarcia-bk7im]

I think it was called G Rock on TBN. I used to watch that show all the time

[@maxheilman5314]

The album ‘Brown’ is borderline avant-garde.

[@stikkontakt4]

Sonny a real one always liked P.O.Ds energy. Thanx for doin this Finn really interesting !

[@bobbywalker8487]

I needed this. I've been in a rough place but listening to sonny has me more willing to take a huge step in my life by making my way back to faith becuz I totally lost it a few yrs ago regrettably

[@lordmegatron4789]

EVERYDAY IS A NEW DAY

[@danielclark-hughes692]

I'm thankful for every breath I take!

[@snakedoctor5397]

“I won’t take it for granted”

[@resington]

Set it off, alive and youth of the nation are incredible tunes that still have an impact on me 20 years later.

[@Jmack7861]

RISEEEE

[@doublewhat07]

Great Interview. Jon Foreman of Switchfoot said it best: "...there is no Christian music." Basically what it means is there are no Christian bands just people in bands who are Christian.

[@xheadlessx]

Jon speaks for himself 😎

[@CasualViewer-t4f]

One of the realest dudes ever. Thanks Finn it was great to hear from Sonny again.

[@AmericanWayne]

I remember seeing these guys play at my high school gym in Bossier City, Louisiana back in '97 or '98 and there were like 20 people at the show. A punk band called Left Out opened up for them. Good times!

[@pmshrevecomm]

Hey Wayne, lol.

[@AmericanWayne]

@@pmshrevecomm What's up, Pat!

[@jeremyhare9515]

They came to a bar in monroe like 2 years ago lol

[@fail_master_z]

Favorite episode by far. Looooove Sonny and those P.O.D. boys. Been jamming to them for 20+ years. Love their faith!!!!

[@torspomedia5861]

Been a fan of P.O.D. since late '99 and seem em twice live (early 2002; Satellite tour) and got to hang out before and after the show. Amazing dudes and down to earth and still love their music, old and new. This was a great interview, thank you for that (and Sonny, naturally).

[@MichaeMichaelMichael]

I think one of the things people don't realize about pro-life people is that we do love and embrace those who have had abortions. It's not an anger or hate thing, it's about love. There are the crazy ones, but they are the exception, not the rule. Anyway, thanks for this interview and for your perspective, Finn, I appreciate your view more and more with every video.

[@Eliphas_Elric]

As a formerly pro-life person I will say that my exposure to pro life "ministries" is one of the things that really turned me off to the whole movement. Too many zealots get the mic and spotlight, and often if you look behind the curtain, they have skeletons in their closet. When I was in bible college our school had a "March for Life" protest they did every year, and it turned out that the woman who organized it got pregnant from some "non-sanctified" sex and got an abortion to cover it up. Did she disclose this to anyone? No. She only got more rabid. Hard pass.

[@muldererick]

This was a great interview. Thanks. No glitz no glamour. just real. Thanks keep it up!

[@FinnMckentyPRMBA]

🙏🏼

[@mattsassano]

Great interview finn! Sonnys words really encouraged me. I grew up listening to POD and it’s awesome to know that sonny has stayed authentic in his faith and still creating quality music so many years later

[@andygreen5565]

Nice. Been listening to P.O.D. since Snuff The Punk.

[@Sirriffsalot]

That was dope, i was a huge POD fan in high school! Gonna check them out again it’s been too long

[@matthewreise120]

great interview! the resolution disparity between cameras is hilarious - Finn looks legit 3D after focusing on Sonny's side when he's talking

[@juanticimo]

I love he mentioned Jonah from Far.. Hes really passionate about his beliefs too, and thats cool that they came to an understanding even back then.

[@flaminghead1va]

👍(I haven't watched to that part yet) I had never heard of Far before now, so thanks, friend

[@Drew-vu7em]

The world needs more interviews like this! Sonny is real and inspiring. And finn throwing the exact right questions to be answered!

[@QuincyKane]

Really great interview! I appreciate Sonny's incites, and Finn asked good questions; both of you are very open minded! "Christian" is supposed to mean "Christ Like", so if you wanna know how Christians are supposed to act, read about how Jesus behaved in the Bible. But people have made Christian a "club" label, or a "genre", and it's almost used more for marketing, rather than a guideline for how to live life.

[@noiseisthesound3337]

Man, so stoked to check out this interview after work. Much respect to P.O.D. and to Finn!! 🎶🤘🔥

[@williescott5439]

Thanks for this interview! This is one of the best I've listened to, he's so genuine.

[@LordFlashheart]

Awesome. POD had such a massive impact on my life even though it'd be hard for me to put into words and I haven't really listened to them in over a decade. Respect.

[@QQyoko]

P.O.D. was my intro into music with screaming/harsh vocals. This podcast is fantastic dude, thank you so much.

[@danielstarr9037]

His voice sounds so much different than I expected. I held him up during a stand on the crowd thing once and he like grabbed my cross necklace as like a “fuck yeah, Jesus” thing. It was pretty cool tbh

[@davidspritz1625]

LOVED THIS! As someone who grew up a fan of 2000's christian music, it's so awesome to be able to hear these guys talk now. Keep them coming please

[@ryanpresser-palmer2617]

Love P.O.D.! Love the authenticity of this interview!! Keep up the great content Finn

[@Leviticuss]

Watched until the end and this was a great interview to draw inspiration from!

[@BordersoftheJosh]

Thank you Finn for these great interviews that you do. I appreciate that you talk to everyone with an open mind and have real discussions.

[@nunchuksteev9811]

This made me go back and relive thier records. They are still beasts.

[@Red-Beard-OTB]

I really wish I could have been here for the live interview. Sonny and POD was a huge inspiration for me as a teenager. Youth of the Nation was, at least partially, written about my high school. They were less than two miles away, recording Satellite, from the school when it was shot up in March of 2001

[@simodollaz748]

I'm glad I got to hear this. The band POD, was like the mainstream band I respected when I was a teenager and all mainstream music was sell out crap (Yes, I matured & enjoy them still). It's really cool though hearing homie talking

[@luisalbertovega]

I saw them live in 2010. Best mosh pit I ever was in LOL. Thanks for the excellent content Finn!

[@hearingvisions7307]

Sateliteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee............. fuck i loved POD man. Nice catching up, glad the boys are doing ok.

[@MrGiuliom]

P.O.D. Live in Pinarella di Cervia - Italy 2019. Arguably the best concert of the year, great energy. Authentic and strong band!

[@horgeaioan3036]

Man i used to listen to P.O.D back in the day but i've forgot about them untill today when i saw the podcast . Thank you Finn for bringing them back

[@dougjp8848]

Great Damn Interview Finn!! Sonny is just straight up. Respect 🤘

[@zacmoor445]

So many bands have changed over the years. Some good and some bad. POD is a testament to what being REAL truly is

[@toiletfarm]

P.O.D. was the only acceptable band I could listen to in junior high. I'm eternally grateful to them, as people have told me I drum like Wuv, I've owned Warwick basses because of Tra, and I have a relatively successful music career because of their influence. Still have all of my original print CDs pre-Southtown.

[@amchealth]

Amazing interview I had to comment twice! All the best to Sonny! Thank you

[@scottiematthews5932]

Great interview brother! Man I remember meeting Sonny back in 2005 and he is definitely one of the most humble, nice and all around cool ass dudes! Many blessings to both of you 🤘

[@zyuranger21]

I've been listening to P.O.D since I was a kid and I never saw the religion in their songs, like Satellite, Alive, Set it Off, and more. Love this band

[@timbernard8783]

Great interview. I remember POD fondly and I think their songs stand the test of time.

[@adamlawson5021]

I got into Hardcore in the mid 90s through the "christian scene" and magazines like 7-Ball. I remember buying the Brown Album back then and getting Southtown when it came out when I was in HS.

[@0331ball]

I don't know why your comment reminded me... but do you remember how there was a different CD cover in christian music shops? Like the edited version with less art? So many strange memories from the mid 90's christian rock scene

[@Lukeout007]

Sonny is legit one of the nicest people I’ve ever met

[@gasmaskestore8018]

We were dealing dr*gs for some bands at a festival in Mexico City on like 2016 and we were hanging out at the hotel lobby, P.O.D. arrived and tbh my friends who were there are waaaay more fans than I was so I didnt want to bother the band, after the pics, autographs and chat we were walking away and I felt an arm on my shoulder and it was Sonny, he gave me a very cool embroidered patch and said "hey this is for you" what a great great guy, apparently unsignificant shit like that makes the whole difference. legend

[@EXZACHTLYWRIGHT]

Wow. I need to see them live asap. Beautiful interview. 🤘🏻

[@y1m1]

very inspiring talk, it made me feel very grateful for my life

[@deanainsworth1757]

I was one of those kids who were inspired by their songs 20 years ago and Alive came out right when my life changed. Cant believe I stumbled this interview, Sonny is such a genuine bloke, loved him back then and love him still.

[@Eliphas_Elric]

I like how Sonny's webcam looks like it came from back when P.O.D. was most popular.

[@amchealth]

This was such a great interview. Thank you.

[@hxclifer]

Man, the authenticity is so strong with this band.

[@nathanwilliams3049]

I’m an athiest and I fucking love POD killer music and real street vibe (it wasn’t fake ) I was a sometimes homeless crackhead /meth junkie messed up on drugs when I got into them around 2000 and I loved the positive message -it gave me a lot of hope and messages about positivity was sorely lacking in hardcore and metal at the time and they carried me through so many hard times it’s unreal .

[@GTruck0]

Finn great interview - amazing work

[@SlobZombie]

Really enjoyed this one, tons of respect for hosting someone with a different worldview. As a Christian imyself , I totally agree with Sonny on pretty much everything he said about his faith and struggles with "churchianity". Thanks Finn, best youtube music channel for sure

[@wep5906]

Dude… this was so good. I grew up very catholic and defected. I always took the Bible as common sense stories and to just be decent was the right path. Not many saw that but he does. Also, Alive is so fucking good. Every time I hear that opening riff I get excited. I miss having a few positive bands in the mix.

[@NikoFrederiko.]

Sonny a real one. Love from Central CA.

[@Marcustrh]

4 min in gotta smash that like button finn i love these man thank you

[@JasonStrope]

Thank you, both Easily one of my fave interviews ever. Sooooo excellent

[@FinnMckentyPRMBA]

Thank you!

[@JasonStrope]

@@FinnMckentyPRMBA You're welcome

[@ratmachine87]

Godbless Sonny

[@garyhen2028]

I've seen pod several times, totally love this!

[@DadBigE]

"There was DC Talk and Stryper"...exactly.

[@taylorlo4542]

Great interview!

[@alexshoru]

One of the most interesting and fun podcasts. Love it. Love POD.

[@imperfectstillworthit]

38:28 whooooo that's one good reason to keep on doing what you're doing! Such a great talk, thanks to both of you!

[@billy_2473]

Stoked to watch this

[@charlie-girl72]

My lil fam and me say* stop playing church, Be the Church!* with all of our imperfections! 💪🏼🙏♥️

[@0331ball]

Yo! PODcame out to Kazakhstan in 2019 and it was fucking wild! Middle of nowhere country, but it made me so happy to see them again! Props to Sonny for that one

[@davidcrawford8583]

I like Finn's interview over the No Jumper interview. Great stuff.

[@Musulll]

I love you for this bro. Sonny is such amazing person.

[@onyotmunoz]

Thank you for this interview finn. Love watching your videos.

[@captainmofongo584]

I am glad Finn brought up that P.O.D. was unfairly lumped into the Nu Metal genre. Their influences to me were just very genuine. Hip Hop, Regae, Hardcore punk, and Metal in a very organic way. I look at a track like "Without Jah" with H.R. that felt like a love letter to Bad Brains or "Strength of my Life" with Matisyahu that was a celebration of faith through denominational differences by way of Ragae/Hip Hop. They pay homage to all their influences. .Even their later albums (which have some of their best material) they collabed with Jamie of Hatebreed, Sen Dog of Cypress Hill, & Lou from Sick of it All. They could play alongside any band or group of a different sub genre & I wouldn't even bat an eye at it. I look at P.O.D. in the same manner as a band like Candiria where they played in the hardcore scene but definitely were doing their own thing (Jazz, progressive metal, hip hop....etc.) that was completely unique and different from the other bands they played with.

[@TruthSeekah]

Great Talk!

[@nickd.9882]

When I have more time I plan on watching this. Sonny and P.O.D. are the sh*t!!!

[@EmeraldZion]

Yo he’s got the dreads back!! This interview just makes me like P.O.D even more might go listen to Snuff the Punk

[@jennymartinez6875]

Wow this hits hard for me. Being from the hood I remember many a times being singled out for how I looked by those blue eyed Bible Belt preachers and to be honest it made me bitter towards Christianity as a religion. Gonna have to see what the whosoevers are about.

[@Drew-vu7em]

Sorry to know that!. Just look and find the real Jesus... The Whosoever movement is a real thing, they inspires me.