Ep. 002 Superstar Diaries Podcast
Episode two of the Superstar Diaries podcast dives into the wild, unpredictable, and downright nostalgic memories of Denver’s music scene. Hosted by Shawn Sabo and Brad Roulier of Manufactured Superstars, the episode features their first-ever guest, Jake Salazar—a Denver entrepreneur with stories as colorful as the city’s nightlife itself.
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Right from the start, the episode feels less like an interview and more like old friends swapping tales. Jake isn’t just a guest; he’s a partner in the I’m From Denver podcast network, which is also behind Superstar Diaries. He opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, starting with a Benny Hanna’s franchise and moving into real estate, nightlife, and beyond. Oh, and yes, there’s a Steve Aoki connection—because of course there is.
The conversation takes off when the trio reminisces about Denver’s club scene in the early 2000s. Places like Vinyl and The Church were the epicenters of the city’s nightlife, where broke college kids hustled to get on guest lists, DJs cut their teeth, and iconic moments unfolded. They paint a vivid picture of a time before bottle service and Red Bull, where a hundred bucks and a good door guy could take you far.
One standout story? The night Eminem rolled through Vinyl for an afterparty. Long before he became a global icon, Eminem was just a rising star hanging out in a Denver club, while Brad and Jake marveled at his magnetic energy and the line of fans wrapping around the block. It’s the kind of tale that feels almost mythical now—a reminder of how Denver’s scene was a crossroads for music, culture, and raw talent.
But the real heart of the episode comes when Shawn and Brad reflect on their own journey as Manufactured Superstars. From those early days at Beta Nightclub to headlining mega-venues like XS in Las Vegas, their path is filled with late-night DJ sessions, unforgettable sets, and a lot of practice on the “ones and twos.” Beta, in particular, gets a spotlight as the duo and Jake recount the club’s rise as a cornerstone of Denver’s electronic music scene. It was a place where legends like David Guetta performed and where nights often stretched into the early morning hours, long after the crowds had gone.
The episode isn’t all about the past, though. Brad and Shawn reveal their plans for the future, including an upcoming single inspired by their love of ’90s R&B. To celebrate, they’re hosting an R&B Brunch at Bo Brew House on February 23rd, blending nostalgic beats with a modern Manufactured Superstars twist. Jake, naturally, is all in, calling it the perfect excuse for a Sunday day-drink session.
As the episode wraps, the camaraderie between the three is undeniable. From swapping stories about Red Rocks to plotting the next big event, the conversation feels like a love letter to Denver’s music scene and the friendships it has fostered.
If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to experience the golden age of Denver nightlife—or if you just want a good laugh—this episode delivers. Tune in to Superstar Diaries for more behind-the-scenes stories, unforgettable memories, and a front-row seat to the lives of some of Denver’s most influential music figures.
To keep the vibes going, don’t miss the ultimate throwback event: Sunday Brunch R&B Old Skool Vibes on February 23rd at Bo Brew House. Hosted by the Manufactured Superstars, this one-of-a-kind brunch will feature a special R&B set that’s all about singalongs and smooth grooves. Space is limited, so grab your tickets now to secure your spot for an unforgettable day of good music, great food, and nostalgic vibes. Get Tickets Here.
