Spins and Stories With Luuk
Season 1
The Day Everything Changed-9/11/2001 and WTC
East New York, Watchtower & Block Parties
by DJ Mad Luuk
September 11, 2001 wasn't just a headline—it was a day that changed the course of my life, my city, and the world around us. In this deeply personal episode of Spins & Stories with Luuk, I share my memories of working at the World Trade Center, what it felt like to witness New York before and after that day, and how those events continue to echo through our lives more than two decades later. This isn't a history lesson. It's a story about memory, loss, resilience and the New York that shaped me. If this episode resonates with you, I'd love to hear your story. Please follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with someone who might connect with it. Thank you for listening. Gilbert Gottfried Joke: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Aristocrats
What was it like growing up as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in East New York during the 1980s? In this episode of Spins & Stories with Luuk, I share memories of boom boxes, block parties, crack-era Brooklyn, and the strict religious environment that shaped my childhood. From spending Saturdays knocking on strangers' doors instead of watching cartoons to discovering the magic of radio personalities like Howard Stern, Casey Kasem and Scott Muni, this is the story of growing up between two very different worlds. It's a look back at the neighborhood, the culture, the challenges, and the music that quietly helped me find my own voice. Please check out my site: djmadluuk.com and my show "The Melting Pot" every Thursday 7pm EST on Transradiouk.com
Episode 1: How I Became a DJ (Eventually) In the very first episode of Spins & Stories with Luuk, I share the unlikely story of my journey into DJing—a journey that began in 2002, stalled for more than two decades, and finally came back to life in January 2023. I talk about buying my first DJ equipment, struggling to learn in a world before YouTube tutorials and affordable online courses and why I eventually walked away from the dream. Then, 21 years later, I found myself giving it another shot—with better tools, better guidance, and a lot more patience. Along the way, I discuss the lessons I learned about persistence, creativity, and the surprising power of showing up consistently, even when progress feels slow. Today, that second chance has led to Mixcloud shows, radio broadcasting, and a growing connection with listeners around the world. If you've ever put a dream on hold, this episode is for you. DJ Bradley Udemy DJ Course: https://www.udemy.com/user/jak-longworth/?srsltid=AfmBOoq4a2RYCvOhBq5nbl1jUMYU0XbYztqr18ivvk_PS7F08D7CfTAl Ross Palmer Udemy DJ Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/online-dj-course/?srsltid=AfmBOooL1z9ZxGRUxVhX2dtph__c5uYegysuopNVFWObggUZFOWcC4Gq&couponCode=MT260629G2 DJ Symphony (of Wu-Tang Clan) Udemy DJ Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-dj-from-the-wu-tang-clan/?srsltid=AfmBOopnpsUEAqzd-ErtITzCMhOlsHCOazE-Q95-Dq0YEgE5_yesnrDp&couponCode=MT260629G2 Digital DJ Tips Courses: https://www.digitaldjtips.com Crossfader DJ Courses: https://wearecrossfader.co.uk/summer-sale26?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16793935362&gbraid=0AAAAADjX48T1aYo5Zc7_3CL-VFdZ08c5W&gclid=Cj0KCQjwr4jSBhCSARIsAOX1E-L-ZjWgeb3eNH7y72ckm5VLoqJAJgiOoaoOKWRBIYk8mI26tmdTOcgaAgDEEALw_wcB Topics covered: • My first attempt at DJing in 2002 • Learning without YouTube or online communities • Why I gave up—and why I came back • Discovering modern DJ education • Building consistency instead of chasing perfection • Finding my voice through radio and broadcasting Connect with Luuk: Mixcloud: DJMadLuuk Instagram, YouTube, Twitch: @DJMADLUUK Remember: Keep showing up and do good things.