Leitmotif and Movement: A Father and Son Musical Journey Podcast

Author: Mike Ficklin

A father and son listen to, review, and discuss music from the past and present. We will take a deep dive into our favorite records, talk our favorite artists, give our recommendations, and maybe someday do some interviews with the musicians that inspire us.If you like classic rock, hard rock, heavy metal, progressive rock/metal, movie scores, video game scores, or just music in general we invite you to join us on our journey!Shoot us a message at leitmovepod@gmail.com and we will read it on air! Please keep it clean.Subscribe to us on your favorite podcasting platform! Like and subscribe on YouTube!Leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts!Follow us on social media:FacebookInstagramThreadsBluesky Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Be a guest on this podcast

Language: en

Genres: Music, Music Commentary, Music History

Contact email: Get it

Feed URL: Get it

iTunes ID: Get it

Trailer:

Get all podcast data

Listen Now...

Episode 40 - Dio "Holy Diver"
Episode 40
Monday, 2 February, 2026

Welcome to the rock history class you actually want to take! In this installment, Michael and his dad are exploring the monumental shift from the shadows of Black Sabbath to the birth of a heavy metal icon, before cooling off with a quintessential slice of 90s alternative.We kick things off with The Art of Discovery, our mission to find your next musical obsession. This week, we’re featuring three powerful independent acts: the atmospheric depth and heavy, progressive layers of Thræds, the epic, high-fantasy scale of power metal outfit Chronosynthesis, and the high-energy, infectious metal drive of Vibrant.Next, we dive into our main topic: Dio’s legendary 1983 debut, Holy Diver. This isn't just an album; it’s a declaration of independence. We break down Ronnie James Dio’s transition from band member to solo powerhouse, the mystery behind the iconic album art, and how he turned a synthesizer riff he almost threw away into one of the most famous anthems in metal history.Finally, we head into Michael's Journey to discuss Toad the Wet Sprocket’s 1991 hit, "All I Want." We look past the quirky Monty Python-inspired band name to explore the track's melodic brilliance and the existential longing hidden beneath its catchy, acoustic-driven surface.And before we go, find out which surprise full album and song Michael has to study for the next episode! Press play to join the journey from the dungeons of metal to the heights of 90s alt-rock! (00:00:00) - Intro/What Have You Been Listening to this Week?(00:09:52) - The Art of Discovery(00:10:18) - Thraeds "Story in Reverse"(00:18:47) - Chronosynthesis "Wrath of God"(00:24:47) - Vibrant "Time Traders"(00:29:09) - Main Topic: Breaking Down Dio's 1983 debut, "Holy Diver"(01:02:59) - Question for the Audience(01:03:10) - Can't Wait(01:06:14) - Michael's Journey: Discussing Toad The Wet Sprocket's "All I Want"(01:10:14) - On the Next Episode(01:10:26) - Contact Info/Outro THE ART OF DISCOVERY:· Thræds – “Story in Reverse” (From the album: Impermanence)· Chronosynthesis – “Wrath of God” (From the album: Echoes of the Forlon Tales)· Vibrant – “Time Traders” OTHER BAND MENTIONS:· Green Day· Soundgarden· Opeth· Buckethead· Soen· My Ruin· Megadeth· Pelican· Textures· Hällas· The Hirsch Effekt· Karnivool· Puscifer· Silversun Pickups· Lamb of God· Black Label Society· Einar Solberg· Sevendust· The Contortionist CONNECT WITH & SUPPORT USConnect With Us & Follow the Show: [https://tinyurl.com/yt48wp3z]We are part of the SPDM Crew Network!Leave a 5-star review on Apple/Spotify!Want to be featured on The Art of Discovery? Send us a message! Recorded on 01/24/2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.