Not Your Average Radio Interview: Bam Margera Resurfaces Amongst Friends

A close friend for 25 years, Bam Margera, asked to come on the show to talk about what's been going on in his life. We cautiously reported on how Bam is doing, bringing our friend back onto the show not only to discuss his current situation, but to offer a genuine opportunity for understanding, healing, and support.  

Bam Margera, the iconic skateboarder and former star of "Jackass," made an appearance on The Preston & Steve Show on October 5th. He opened up about his tumultuous journey through addiction, depression, and personal struggles. During the conversation, Bam shared his experiences of hitting rock bottom, his newfound path to recovery, and his hopes for the future. 

“I bought a one-way ticket to hell and back, but I’m phenomenal now.” He goes into how he has been in 15 back-to-back rehab programs, and jokes that at least he has good insurance. He’s been forty-five days sober – but it hasn’t been easy. Bam, who had spent the past three years avoiding the public eye while battling depression and addiction, is turning his life around. He expressed that he feels like people talk down to when asking how he’s doing, almost as if people are expecting him to fail. Casey opened up about his own struggles, trying to let Bam know that people aren't looking down on him – they care about him.  

The gang offered Bam some sage advice, encouraging him to let go of the past and not let it consume him. He also touched on his personal life, including his strained relationship with his mother and brother, and has a lot of anger and resentment towards them right now. He also hasn’t seen his son, Phoenix Wolf, in 200 days, and the emotional toll has been challenging for him. The interview wraps up with the gang telling Bam that he’s on the right track - that he's on his way to seeing his son soon.  

Casey stated it best, “From my experience, you need to let go of the resentment. Everything that has happened in the past is gone. The way you feel about Phoenix, your mom and dad feel that way about you.” 

Watch the full interview here:

 - Lauren Beachy, The Preston & Steve Show Staff

Here are 9 songs that show love to Philadelphia, the City Of Brotherly Love.

Philadelphia is a big-time music town. Hall & Oates, Jill Scott, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Chubby Checker, Bill Haley & The Comets, The Hooters, Todd Rundgren, Boyz 2 Men, The Roots, etc... Those were just the artists that came to the top of mind.  Believe me, there are tons more!

Philly is home to some of the best music venues past and present in the country. The Fillmore, Franklin Music Hall(formerly the Electric Factory), The Met, Union Transfer, The Mann Center, World Cafe Live, The Dell Center, The Theatre of the Living Arts (TLA), and the Kimmel Center.  Those are the venues that are still around and thriving.

Did you know American Bandstand started right here in Philly?  True story! It premiered in Philly in 1952 on what is now WPVI - Channel 6. Dick Clark took over the hosting duties in 1956 and the rest is history.

My parents tell me that American Bandstand was THE TV show back then.  Everyone wanted to be on the show because they not only played the best music to dance to but they would have awesome live performances.

Check out the video below of The Jackson 5 performing live on American Bandstand!

Philly is so in touch with the music scene that it has its own Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame.  You can find it in Center City on the Avenue of the Arts. Some notable members that are honored with their names on the Walk of Fame consist of: Patti LaBelle, Boyz 2 Men, Frankie Avalon, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Teddy Pendergrass, Todd Rundgren, Dick Clark, Jerry Blavat, Jim Croce, Daryl Hall, John Oates, Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Joan Jett, Peter Nero, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kevin Eubanks, The Trammps, The Roots, Sister Sledge, Jill Scott, The Bacon Brothers, Leslie Odom Jr.

We are talking LEGENDS!

Lots of these artists credit Philadelphia as giving them their start.  I did some research and tried to find the most memorable songs that love to the City of Brotherly Love.

Take a look below:

Bruce Springsteen lends his voice to the Philadelphia movie soundtrack for this classic.  Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington were both brilliant in the film as Tom Hanks earned his first Oscar win.

This is just a classic.  Will Smith, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the basketball court scene.  Everyone in the world knows the lyrics to this song.

If you think of a Philly song, this may be the first one to come to mind.  Thank you to Sir Elton John for showing the City of Brotherly Love some British love!

This Philly duo helped put Philly hip hop on the map.  The music video is amazing with the 2 guys riding in the back of a car all around the city.

Neil Young was brilliant on this song also on the Philadelphia movie soundtrack.

The iconic 90's boy band show love with this love letter to their city.

The Philly natives show love to their hometown with this beautiful song.

Can you get more Philly than this song?  You can just see it... Rocky running up the Art Museum steps.  It exudes Philly!

Another Philly staple.  2 words: Soul Train. "I'm Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!"