Josh Carter on Phantogram’s Origins, Creative Growth & Staying True to the Music| Artist Friendly

Phantogram’s Josh Carter joins Joel Madden for a thoughtful and candid conversation about creativity, growth, and staying grounded in a changing industry. From making beats in a barn to touring the world, Josh opens up about the evolution of Phantogram, his creative partnership with Sarah Barthel, and how he’s learned to balance art, health, and life along the way.

🎧 A deep dive into artistry, mental health, and the music that shaped an era.

💬 Artist Friendly — 2025 Astra Awards “Podcast of the Year.”

WHAT’S IN THE EPISODE:
How Josh and Sarah built Phantogram from their roots in upstate New York
Finding creative chemistry and developing a signature sound
Early influences from Beastie Boys, Outkast, and Wu-Tang Clan
The story behind the Big Grams collaboration with Big Boi
What it’s like producing, touring, and evolving after more than a decade in music
Managing anxiety, ADHD, and the pressures of constant creation
Why exercise, balance, and health transformed his focus
Touring with Deftones and reflecting on musical milestones
The magic and originality of ’90s music and what today’s artists can learn from it
How he and Sarah stay connected, creative, and honest in their partnership

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About Artist Friendly:
On Artist Friendly, Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden gets real with today's breakthrough artists. From chart-toppers to rising stars, guests spill the untold stories behind their success: the pivotal moments, crushing failures, and insider moves that made all the difference. Drawing on his experience as an artist, performer and founder, Joel digs deeper than the surface. This isn't just interviews — it's a masterclass in creative survival from those who've lived it.