Jimmy Eat World Jim Adkins on Bleed American, the '90s & Why the Band Still Works

Joel sits down with Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World ahead of the band's 25th anniversary tour of Bleed American — a landmark album that wrapped sophisticated, heartfelt storytelling in giant hooks and polished production. They talk about the art of career longevity, the current creative landscape, growing up in the '90s, and how Jimmy Eat World has managed to fit on any bill for three decades. "I don't know how, but we've definitely done tours where it's nine ska bands and us or eight hardcore bands and us," Adkins tells Madden. "Somehow we don't get chased out of the room." Plus: favorite Jimmy Eat World records, songwriting process, managing family and touring, and why Bleed American still hits 25 years later. Watch the full episode on Veeps, or right here on Artist Friendly. Chapters: 0:00 Good Charlotte Tour 0:38 Intro 4:02 Jimmy Eat World Over the Years 8:30 Is Jimmy Eat World a Very Functional Band? 9:08 25th Anniversary of Bleed American 11:06 Chasing a Demographic 12:05 Favorite Jimmy Eat World Records 14:09 Songwriting Process 16:54 Overthinkers 19:30 Figuring Out Adulting 25:09 Handling Burnout 26:28 Managing Touring, Career, and Family 33:26 Riding the Wave of a Great Career 36:40 Is Being a Rock Star a Real Job? 37:33 If You Want to Be a Musician 43:50 What Makes a Rock Band Great 44:40 Jim Adkins Listened to Violent Femmes 45:00 The '90s 49:28 Re-Listening to Every Jimmy Eat World Album 51:55 Collectibles 54:38 Are People Still Listening to Albums? 56:46 Joel Gives Jim Adkins and Jimmy Eat World Their Flowers 🔗 Follow Artist Friendly IG: instagram.com/artist.friendly TikTok: tiktok.com/@artist.friendly YouTube:    / @artist.friendly   Veeps: veeps.com/artistfriendly 🎧 Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts #ArtistFriendly #JimAdkins #JimmyEatWorld #JoelMadden #MusicPodcast #BleedAmerican #25thAnniversary #Songwriting #RockMusic #TheSweetness #Touring #CareerLongevity #90sMusic #GoodCharlotte