S8 EP6: Mike D discusses breaking rap into the mainstream, the infamous hydraulic penis, and disbanding the Beastie Boys

Louis sits down with Grammy award-winning rapper, producer and former Beastie Boy Mike D. Speaking ahead of the release of his first solo album, Thank You, Mike tells Louis about breaking rap into the mainstream, the mechanics behind the Beastie Boys’ 20 foot hydraulic penis, and breaking up the band after Adam Yauch’s death. Warnings: Strong language and adult themes. Links/Attachments: Song: Rapture, Blondie (1980) https://open.spotify.com/track/1hQr0D1ZXbGHFcWLhusijv Book: Everybody’s Fly, Fat Five Freddy with Mark Rozzo (2026) https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/775871/everybodys-fly-by-fab-5-freddy-with-mark-rozzo/ Song: Cooky Puss, Beastie Boys (1983) https://open.spotify.com/track/7DZSImZVNfImxqehwNtPuB Song: Rapper’s Delight, Sugarhill Gang (1979) https://open.spotify.com/track/7sZDbHZiuHEzS00vzCuhqS Song: Good Times, Chic (1979) https://open.spotify.com/track/0PQFPcSK1gnBGlbV4CZCG0 Song: The Message, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five (1982) https://open.spotify.com/album/4dEczweFPXeLMMVD1zIdi7 Song: Sucker M.C.’s, Run-D.M.C. (1983) https://open.spotify.com/track/3hx5R8nOKu5zvhlfDNSIQC Album: Licensed to Ill, Beastie Boys (1986) https://open.spotify.com/album/11oR0ZuqB3ucZwb5TGbZxb Radio Show: The Goon Show (1951-1960) - BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0072vdz Film: National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077975/ Film: Caddyshack (1980) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080487/ Album: Paul’s Boutique, Beastie Boys (1989) https://open.spotify.com/album/1kmyirVya5fRxdjsPFDM05 Song: Shadrach, Beastie Boys (1989) https://open.spotify.com/track/1vIJBVsuMouxSuDxRtTaYI Album: Hello Nasty, Beastie Boys (1998) https://open.spotify.com/album/1HhBu55aklCwIus7KffIji Song: Intergalactic, Beastie Boys (1998) https://open.spotify.com/track/5fpizYGbi5IQoEraj6FP0R Song: What We Got, Mike D (2026) https://open.spotify.com/track/3UeGo2iTVN98fWW96iRL5p Song: Switch Up, Mike D (2026) https://open.spotify.com/track/1FHSvpvNWmJcpDcmsxrtbH Credits: Producer: Millie Chu  Assistant Producer: Beth Johnstone Audio Mixer: Tom Guest Video Mixer: Scott Edwards Production Manager: Francesca Bassett  Music: Miguel D’Oliveira  Executive Producer: Arron Fellows     A Mindhouse Studios Production for Spotify  www.mindhouse.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices