25 Years in the Secret Service to Rock & Roll | The Harbinger Curse | Popko Project Ep. 278

What does a nearly 25-year career in the United States Secret Service have to do with starting a rock band? A lot more than you might expect. Episode 278 of The Popko Project Podcast features The Harbinger Curse, a heavy rock band from Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. Frontman Jason spent nearly 25 years as a U.S. Secret Service agent, working from the Clinton administration through the Biden administration before retiring in 2024. He shares stories from a career that took him around the world—including his experience on 9/11, working presidential protection, and some surreal encounters with major names in music. Among the stories: talking backstage with Garth Brooks, watching Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel with Jon Bon Jovi, standing with Bono at Nelson Mandela’s funeral, and an unlikely encounter involving Journey and Blackberry Smoke that eventually helped inspire Jason to pursue his own music. Then we get into The Harbinger Curse: how the band formed, their influences, writing songs about anxiety, depression and ADHD, the deeply personal story behind “Her Song,” and why “Standing on the Outside” and “Show the Way” are great introductions to the band. We also discuss the struggle of being an original band in 2026, disappearing live music venues, streaming culture, ticket prices, getting people off their phones and into shows, and the band’s plans to record their first full-length album at a nonprofit studio in Allentown. 🎸 Check out The Harbinger Curse and start with “Standing on the Outside” and “Show the Way.” Subscribe for more conversations with musicians, artists, and interesting people from NEPA, the Lehigh Valley, and beyond. Brought to you by Keller's Garden Center and Landscaping Services, The V-Spot Bar, and Scotch Sauce - makers of Happy Boy Hot Sauce and Sauced Up Jerky - get 15% off your order at scotchsaucehotsauce.com w/ code POPKO #ThePopkoProject #TheHarbingerCurse #SecretService #RockMusic #LehighValleyMusic #NEPAMusic #MusicPodcast #PennsylvaniaMusic #IndependentMusic #Podcast