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100 Words Or Less: The Podcast artwork

100 Words Or Less: The Podcast

Ray Harkins·772 episodes

InterviewsMusicSocietyCultureLongform interviewsPunk and hardcoreDIY cultureCreative livesWeeklyStandalone episodes

Host Ray Harkins dives deep with creators of independent culture from musicians, artists and other interesting people to find out what inspires them, how they came to be and many other unexpected places.

Why listen

100 Words Or Less: The Podcast is Ray Harkins' long-running interview show about the people who build independent music and culture from the inside. Episodes feel like patient scene conversations, with hardcore, punk, emo, metal, design, journalism, and DIY ethics all treated as part of the same creative life. It is a strong fit for listeners who care about how underground scenes actually work, not just the records that came out of them.

Episodes

1 hr 2 min
Jul 15, 2026Episode 718
Anthony Lemus from Stateside

This week I sit down with Anthony Lemus, the voice behind Southern California's Stateside. What started as a warehouse job friendship and a shared love of 2000s emo has turned into one of the more exciting bands to emerge from the current hardcore-adjacent scene — and Lemus is the emotional engine at the center of it. We get into how growing up in Southern California's hardcore world shaped him, the deeply personal lyrics behind Where You Found Me, and what it actually feels like when the band that started it all asks you to open for them. It's a conversation about where music comes from, what it costs you, and the surreal moment when your heroes treat you like a peer.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWVINYL (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 12 min
Jul 8, 2026Episode 717
Chad Green from Frozen Soul

On this episode, I welcome Chad Green from Frozen Soul to the show. We trace his path from growing up around the Texas heavy music community to finding his place in death metal, building Frozen Soul from the ground up, and watching the band become one of the genre's biggest modern success stories.We also dig into the influence of the Texas hardcore scene on his outlook, the confidence it takes to trust your creative instincts when the spotlight gets bigger, and the story behind Chad drawing the now-iconic Frozen Soul logo himself. It's a conversation about believing in your vision, staying authentic as opportunities grow, and why a strong identity can be just as important as the music itself.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWVINYL (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

58 min
Jul 1, 2026Episode 716
Jack Murray from 156/Silence

Jack Murray, vocalist of 156/Silence, joins the podcast to discuss the road that brought the band to where they are today. From coming up in the Pittsburgh heavy music scene to navigating years of uncertainty, Jack reflects on the relationships, community, and DIY spirit that helped shape both the band and his perspective.The conversation also dives into the moments when it seemed like 156/Silence might not continue, what kept him from walking away, and why persistence has ultimately been one of the band's greatest strengths. Along the way, Jack shares stories from the road, lessons learned through years of growth, and why staying committed to your vision can pay off in ways you never expect.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWVINYL (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 9 min
Jun 24, 2026Episode 715
Jeremy Walker from Fire In The Mountains Fest

This week I sit down with Jeremy Walker, co-founder of Fire in the Mountains, for a conversation that goes far beyond festival promotion. Jeremy reflects on the winding path that led him from a life rooted in Vermont to building one of the most unique experiences in heavy music in which a gathering where community, culture, and the natural world carry as much weight as the bands on stage.The discussion explores the evolution of Fire in the Mountains, the mission behind the Firekeeper Alliance, and the responsibility of creating spaces that foster connection, stewardship, and cultural understanding. Jeremy also shares how his relationship with music, wilderness, and community has evolved over the years, and what continues to drive his work today. We also discuss how the Neurosis reunion got pulled together as well. A thoughtful conversation about purpose, place, and building something bigger than yourself.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code TIMETOSAVE (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 11 min
Jun 17, 2026Episode 714
Mat Dwyer from Oakwood

This week Ray is joined by Matthew Dwyer, the voice behind the beloved Texas band Oakwood. For many people, Oakwood occupies a unique place in underground music history of literally playing only 15-20 shows, but having a "comeback" moment that has now turned into something way more real. Matthew takes us through his life in Texas and the environments that shaped both him and Oakwood. The conversation explores the band's connection to the Odessa era, the band came together, and a lot more. We also dig into Matthew's relationship with the broader punk and hardcore world, including formative influences from bands like Paulson and Hot Cross, and how discovering emotionally honest music helped shape his creative voice.Along the way, Matthew reflects on the realities of building a life in Texas, balancing adulthood with creativity, the evolution of DIY culture, and how Oakwood fits into it all. It's a conversation about longevity, community, finding your place in underground music, and what happens when songs continue to connect with people long after they've been written.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code TIMETOSAVE (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 6 min
Jun 10, 2026Episode 713
Joey Chiaramonte from Koyo

Joey Chiaramonte (Koyo) joins the podcast this week for a conversation about identity, growth, and finding your place both on and off the stage. As the vocalist of Long Island's Koyo, Joey has helped lead one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the modern hardcore and punk scene, blending melodic songwriting with the energy and community spirit that shaped him.In this episode, Joey reflects on Koyo's rapid rise, the unique culture of Long Island music, and how the band has navigated the space between hardcore authenticity and broader appeal. We also discuss songwriting, nostalgia, the importance of community, and what it means to stay connected to your roots while reaching new audiences around the world.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code TIMETOSAVE (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 6 min
Jun 3, 2026Episode 712
Jay Weinberg

More than a decade after his first appearance on 100 Words or Less, Jay Weinberg returns to reflect on a career that has taken him from DIY hardcore basements to some of the world's biggest stages. Ray and Jay discuss the humbling process of ego death, how his perspective on success and identity has evolved over the years, and what it means to rebuild yourself after major life and career transitions. They also dive into Jay's hip surgery and recovery, the physical realities of being a professional musician, and the lessons learned from being forced to slow down.The conversation also explores the unique energy of international audiences, how crowds differ from country to country, and what those experiences have taught him about music's ability to connect people across cultures. Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code TIMETOSAVE (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 6 min
May 27, 2026Episode 711
Daniel Danger from The Saddest Landscape

Daniel Danger has spent decades building worlds through both sound and image. As a member of The Saddest Landscape and one of the most recognizable artists in underground music, his work has become synonymous with melancholy, memory, and the architecture of loss. Raised in Central Massachusetts by artist parents, Danger's creative life has been shaped as much by DIY hardcore as by late nights spent exploring Sierra point-and-click adventures like The Secret of Monkey Island. His visual work often draws from those formative influences, blending New England landscapes, folklore, and dreamlike storytelling into a singular aesthetic. In this conversation, we discuss growing up in the Central Massachusetts hardcore scene, the unexpected business of turning sadness into art and whether he's effectively "sold and marketed grief" for a living, the creative overlap between music and illustration, and how a pirate adventure game from the golden age of Sierra and LucasArts helped shape his imagination. We also dive into the longevity of The Saddest Landscape, the band's first full-length album in a decade, and what it means to continue creating emotionally resonant work after spending a lifetime immersed in underground culture. Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWWAVE (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 10 min
May 20, 2026Episode 710
Nathan Martin from Creation Is Crucifixion

From growing up in the shadow of Western Pennsylvania industry to helping shape some of the most abrasive and intellectually confrontational music of the early 2000s hardcore underground, Nathan Martin has always existed in the space between resistance and reinvention. In this episode, we dig into life in Greensburg, PA, the strange collision of small-town culture and radical art, early internet-era hacktivism, and how DIY politics evolve once adulthood, careers, and survival enter the picture. Nathan reflects on the legacy of Creation Is Crucifixion, the paranoia and possibility of the early digital underground, and whether “selling out” is even a meaningful concept anymore when underground culture and corporate branding increasingly speak the same language. It’s a conversation about identity, compromise, creativity, and what happens when the people who once rejected systems eventually learn how to operate inside them.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWWAVE (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 11 min
May 13, 2026Episode 709
Matthew Cole from Knumears

From the suburbs of Rancho Cucamonga to the deeply personal world of Knumears, Matthew Cole joins the show to talk about the path that shaped both his life and music. We get into growing up in Southern California during the 2000s DIY era, discovering bands like Born Against, and how punk and emo became an outlet while navigating suburban isolation and the Inland Empire/OC show circuit. Matthew also talks about balancing life as a carpenter while building Knumears from the ground up, the realities of modern DIY touring, and the slow evolution of the band’s sound and identity over the years.Steve Evetts The GoFundMeWeekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWWAVE (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 13 min
May 6, 2026Episode 708
Scott Mellinger from Zao & Creation Is Crucifixion

Scott Mellinger has spent decades shaping heavy music from the inside out. Best known as the guitarist and primary songwriter for Zao, his path runs through some of the most forward-thinking corners of underground metal and hardcore that span the chaotic experimentation of Creation Is Crucifixion to the long, evolving arc of Zao’s discography.In this conversation, Scott reflects on what it meant to join Zao at a turning point and help push the band into darker, more atmospheric territory often chasing sounds inspired by bands like Neurosis, even if it started as what he jokingly calls “trying to rip them off.” That instinct to stretch beyond genre expectations became a defining trait of his writing, blending heaviness with tension, space, and mood.We also get into the role of politics in heavy music in how it shows up, when it feels necessary, and when it can miss the mark. Scott speaks candidly about personal belief systems, including the band’s complicated history with Christianity and his own perspective now, and how those shifts shaped both the music and the identity of Zao over time.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWWAVE (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 12 min
Apr 29, 2026Episode 707
Piper Ferrari from Roman Candle

This week we sit down with Piper Ferrari from Roman Candle for a conversation that drifts between isolation, creativity, and the strange ways identity takes shape.Piper talks about growing up in the kind of desert environment where time moves differently and where boredom, space, and silence end up shaping how you see the world. That sense of distance bleeds into everything, from songwriting to how you connect (or don’t) with people.We also get into how graphic design became part of her life almost by accident literally falling into it through necessity, curiosity, and the endless feedback loop of the internet. What starts as function slowly turns into another creative outlet, blurring the line between visual identity and music.A big thread through the conversation is the tension between online life and real life where the push and pull of building something in public while trying to stay grounded in something real. Piper opens up about how that balance affects her work, her perspective, and the way she navigates being a creative person right now.It’s a thoughtful, honest conversation about finding your voice in strange places and figuring out what actually matters once you do.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWWAVE (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 2 min
Apr 22, 2026Episode 706
Travis Shettel from Piebald

In this episode, we talk with Travis Shettel of Piebald about the band’s unique mix of humor and sincerity, and how their songs have aged into something more universal than anyone expected. Travis reflects on the early days, including working with Kurt Ballou, and how that era shaped both their sound and perspective.We get into longevity, cult status, and why Piebald feels more like a living band than a nostalgia act. At the core of it all: keeping things fun, staying connected, and embracing the idea of never breaking up again.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWWAVE (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 8 min
Apr 15, 2026Episode 705
Ryan George from Carry On & Youth Code

Ryan George is on the podcast this week and we discuss the Central Coast beginnings pre-Carry On, to A Life Less Plagued, to where things sit now with the Carry On reunion shows. We talk about that early 2000s moment when hardcore was shifting, how Carry On fit between youth crew and the darker wave that followed, and what it’s like playing those songs again in front of a new generation. We also get into The Adored era, finding a different lane outside of hardcore, and how all of that fed directly into Youth Code. Past, present, and everything in between.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code HYPE (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 15 min
Apr 8, 2026Episode 704
Jeff Hydro from Turmoil

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Hydro of Turmoil to trace the arc of a band that helped define late ’90s metallic hardcore scene. Jeff takes us back to Turmoil’s early days in the Lehigh Valley hardcore scene, unpacking how that tight-knit Pennsylvania community forged their identity, intensity, and work ethic. From there, we get into life on the road in Europe specifically what it was like linking up with Madball during a time when U.S. hardcore was exploding overseas, and how those tours cemented Turmoil’s global reputation.We also dig into the complicated legacy of a band that didn’t just reunite once but twice. Jeff reflects on what pulled Turmoil back together at different points in time, how each reunion felt creatively and personally, and what it means to revisit something that never really left people’s lives in the first place.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code HYPE (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 8 min
Apr 1, 2026Episode 703
Leah B. Levinson from Agriculture

In this episode, I sit down with Leah B. Levinson of Agriculture to trace a path that starts in the unlikely corners of Poway, California—where punk and hardcore weren’t just genres, but survival tools—and stretches into the band’s fully realized, ecstatic take on heavy music. Growing up around DIY spaces and tight-knit scenes, Leah carries that foundational ethos into everything they do, whether it’s the emotional directness of their lyrics or the communal energy embedded in Agriculture’s sound.We get into the instrument that’s become central to their voice—the Jazz bass—and how its tone and feel shape the band’s sense of movement, melody, and release. There’s a real conversation here about joy, too—what it means to actively choose it within a genre that often leans toward darkness, and how that perspective connects back to punk’s original promise of belonging, expression, and building something honest with the people around you.From Poway punks to expansive, life-affirming black metal, this conversation highlights an artist who’s less interested in fitting into a scene and more focused on expanding what those scenes can hold.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code HYPE (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 3 min
Mar 25, 2026Episode 702
Jennifer Finch from L7

This episode features Jennifer Finch — musician, photographer, archivist, and cultural lifer whose work stretches far beyond her time in L7. We get into her earliest bands, including the experimental duo Uh and Sugar Babydoll / Pagan Babies with Courtney Love and Kat Bjelland, her move back to Los Angeles before joining L7, and what it felt like to be inside a band that became part of a larger cultural shift.We also talk about her post-L7 projects like Other Star People — recorded near Lake Havasu at Roy Thomas Baker’s studio and released on Interscope — and The Shocker, which toured Europe and Turkey as part of a loose Los Angeles collective scene.This is a deep one about scenes, memory, music, and what it means to spend your life both making culture and trying to hold onto it.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code HYPE (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 9 min
Mar 18, 2026Episode 701
Uri Avila from Trauma Ray

Uri Avila from Trauma Ray joins the show to talk about the band’s path from the Texas DIY scene to the release of their new EP Carnival. We get into his early musical upbringing playing church music, how those experiences shaped his sense of melody and atmosphere, and the unexpected ways things like karaoke and video games fed into his creative life. Uri also talks about how Trauma Ray evolved from a loose recording project into a full band, finding their place between shoegaze, post-punk, and heavier underground scenes, and what it’s been like seeing the project reach a wider audience while still holding onto that homegrown identity. Along the way we discuss songwriting, growing up in Texas, and the small personal influences that end up defining a band’s sound more than any genre label ever could.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code HYPE (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 23 min
Mar 11, 2026Episode 700
Jacob Bannon from Converge

Episode 700 of the podcast welcomes Jacob Bannon, vocalist of Converge, for a reflective, era-by-era conversation about one of the most influential bands to emerge from the hardcore underground.Rather than retracing the usual talking points, Jacob walks through the band’s history record by record, beginning with their early Massachusetts hardcore roots and moving through releases like 'Petitioning the Empty Sky', 'When Forever Comes Crashing', the volatile bridge of 'The Poacher Diaries', and the seismic impact of 'Jane Doe', all the way into the band’s modern era.Along the way we talk about the cultural footprint of the band—from the influence of the hardcore shirts Jacob has worn on stage over the years, to how those small visual signals have pointed younger fans toward entire corners of the underground. We also dig into “Hateverge” lore, documenting Converge’s famously chaotic Hatebreed cover set in the early 2000's. Jacob also shares insight into the band’s new Converge record, how the group continues to challenge itself creatively decades into its existence, and what it means to still be evolving after more than thirty years.A deep dive with one of hardcore’s most thoughtful artists, celebrating 700 episodes of the show and the legacy—and future—of Converge.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code HISTORY (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 6 min
Mar 4, 2026Episode 699
Michael Bingham from Spiritual Cramp

On this episode, we sit down with Michael Bingham, frontperson of Spiritual Cramp and former member of Creative Adult, to dig into the unlikely path that shaped him. We talk about growing up in San Francisco, cutting his teeth in Creative Adult, and how stepping into the spotlight with Spiritual Cramp forced him to rethink what it means to be the center of attention. Michael opens up about the tension between wanting to disappear into the background and suddenly becoming the focal point of a band that’s impossible to ignore.From chasing catharsis onstage to questioning what “meaning” even looks like in punk, he reflects on the identity shifts, self-doubt, humor, and honesty that fuel his writing. It’s a conversation about growth, discomfort, and finding purpose in the noise — both literal and internal.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code HISTORY (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 19 min
Feb 25, 2026Episode 698
Jack Shirley from The Atomic Garden & Comadre

On this episode, we sit down with producer, engineer, and musician Jack Shirley for a deep dive into the craft and philosophy behind his work. We talk about why live recording remains such a powerful and underrated way to capture raw emotion, energy, and musical chemistry—and how Jack has built a career around preserving that human feel in a world obsessed with perfection. We also explore the role that pop punk and the broader Northern California scene played in shaping his taste, his work ethic, and his sense of community. Along the way, Jack highlights some of the Nor Cal gems—bands, venues, moments, and scene staples—that left their mark on him and continue to influence the records he makes today. Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code HISTORY (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 13 min
Feb 18, 2026Episode 697
Frank Bach from Monk

In this episode, we sit down with Frank Bach of the band Monk to explore how a life shaped in Southern Ontario forged his lens on punk, creativity, and work. Frank walks us through his early years in the Ontario DIY ecosystem, discovering punk not just as sound but as art—a design language, a worldview, and a way to build meaning. We talk about Monk’s evolution, its visual and emotional identity, and how those instincts later guided him into the corporate design world. From the tension and overlap between underground ethics and professional structure, to making space for creativity in a system built for efficiency, Frank reflects on the through-lines that tie it all together. This is a conversation about place, purpose, punk, and the strange harmony between making art and making a living.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code HISTORY (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 14 min
Feb 11, 2026Episode 696
Tyler Watamanuk, writer for GQ and author of “Bigger Than Fashion”

This week on the show, we sit down with writer and journalist Tyler Watamanuk—a voice at the crossroads of fashion, music, and culture. You’ve read his work at GQ, where he’s spent years breaking down the way style intersects with identity, subculture, and the everyday choices we make about the clothes on our backs. But before he was writing about menswear and global fashion houses, Tyler was deeply embedded in the hardcore scene, even playing shows with bands like The Ghost Inside, where his personal connection to the culture took shape long before he stepped into a newsroom.We dive into the intersection of fashion and hardcore, how the aesthetics and ethos of the scene shaped Tyler’s eye as a journalist, and the unexpected ways those roots prepared him for his career covering everything from luxury brands to underground designers. Tyler also talks about the journey to publishing his new book, Bigger Than Fashion: How “Streetwear” Conquered Culture, a sweeping look at how a once-niche movement grew into the defining visual language of the past 40 years.From DIY ethics to runway influence, from band tees to archival grails, and from playing stages with The Ghost Inside to reporting at GQ, this conversation traces the through-line of a life spent observing—and participating in—the cultures that ultimately changed the world.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWYEAR (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

55 min
Feb 4, 2026Episode 695
Mikayla Mayhew from Blackwater Holylight

In this episode of the podcast, we interview Mikayla Mayhew, guitarist for the Portland heavy-psych band Blackwater Holylight. Mikayla shares her story of growing up in a small town with limited access to a music scene, discovering guitar through Guitar Hero, and developing the playing style that eventually led her to join Blackwater Holylight in 2018.We dive into her early influences, how heavy music and classic rock shaped her musical identity, and how her move from small-town life into a thriving creative community changed her trajectory. Mikayla offers insight into the band’s songwriting process, dual-guitar chemistry, and the evolution of Blackwater Holylight’s sound across their releases.Listeners will hear about her personal and musical growth, the challenges and breakthroughs that shaped her as a guitarist, and what it’s like contributing to one of the most dynamic modern psych-doom bands. Whether you’re a fan of Blackwater Holylight, interested in the journey from beginner guitarist to touring musician, or searching for stories about artists who came from small towns and built a life in music, this episode has something for you.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWYEAR (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 5 min
Jan 28, 2026Episode 694
Tyler Washington from Excide and Foreign Hands

This week on the pod: Tyler Washington of Excide and Foreign Hands. We get into growing up in the South Carolina hardcore scene, being shaped as much by left-of-center, “weirdo” music as by traditional heavy stuff, and how all of that informed the way he found his place in bands and in the community. We also unpack the origin of his longtime nickname “Wallaby" (which isn't connected to a kangaroo).Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWYEAR (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 5 min
Jan 21, 2026Episode 693
Dave Collis from Slow Mass

In this episode, we sit down with Dave from Chicago’s Slow Mass to trace the band’s path from early DIY roots to becoming one of the city’s most quietly adventurous heavy bands. We talk about growing up in the Chicago scene, how projects like School of Rock shaped his relationship to music and community, and the long arc of Slow Mass finding its own voice—balancing melody, noise, and emotional weight in a way that feels both intimate and expansive.Dave also gets into the idea of “reclaiming sleep music,” using atmosphere and dynamics not just for aggression but for comfort, reflection, and late-night listening, and how that mindset has influenced the band’s writing and recording. Along the way, we dive into some great scene history, including the story of booking Ethel Cain’s very first show and what it was like to witness an artist at the very beginning of what would become something massive.Slow Mass, formed in Chicago in the mid-2010s, have built a reputation through a run of releases that blur the lines between post-hardcore, noise rock, and melodic indie, anchored by deeply personal songwriting and a strong sense of place. This conversation is about the band’s history, Dave’s own journey through music, and how community, patience, and evolution have shaped everything they’ve made.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWYEAR (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

59 min
Jan 14, 2026Episode 692
The Best of the Rest w/ Riley Breckenridge (Thrice)

This week we kick off a new annual tradition with The Best of the Rest, joined by Riley Breckenridge (Thrice, Less Art). Riley drops by to talk through the records that just barely missed our Top 10 cut this year—the heartbreakers, the growers, and the albums that lived in heavy rotation even if they didn’t make the final list. Along the way we touch on his life in and out of bands, how his listening habits have evolved, and what makes certain records linger long after the year ends. Consider this the start of a yearly ritual: rounding out the list, giving the near-misses their flowers, and closing the book on another year in music.Best Of The RestApple Music PlaylistSpotify PlaylistWeekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWYEAR (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 10 min
Jan 7, 2026Episode 691
Will Anderson from Hotline TNT

This week we’re joined by Will Anderson, songwriter, guitarist, and driving force behind Hotline TNT. Will traces his path from the Midwest DIY circuit to building one of the most emotionally direct guitar bands of the last decade, including a surreal early moment where a young Justin Vernon was his camp counselor—long before Bon Iver became a household name. We talk about creative whiplash: jumping from obscurity to wider attention, from solo control to full-band collaboration, and how that shift reshaped his relationship to music. Will also reflects on how songs risk becoming cultural wallpaper in the streaming era—and why loud guitars, intention, and community still matter.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code BESTOF (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 12 min
Dec 31, 2025Episode 690
Mercedes Arn-Horn from Softcult

On this episode, we’re joined by Mercedes Arn-Horn of Softcult for a wide-ranging, laid-back conversation ahead of the band’s new record arriving this January. We talk about finding a creative “zen” state in writing and production, the importance of ownership—of songs, ideas, and identity—and why subtlety can often be more powerful than being loud or explicit. Mercedes reflects on building something sustainable and intentional, navigating art with purpose, and how Softcult continues to evolve without losing its core.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code BESTOF (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

39 min
Dec 24, 2025Episode 689
Year End Mailbag - Your Burning Questions, ANSWERED!

This mailbag episode pulls back the curtain on the podcast, reflecting on the most-listened-to conversations of the year—featuring Brenden Murphy, Dwid & Aaron Melnick, George (Blacklisted / Staticlone), Brian from Incendiary, and Josh James (STYG). We also spotlight “new” bands shaping the present and future with guests from End It, Home Front, Restraining Order, and Saturdays At Your Place. Listener questions drive the rest: day jobs outside the mic, whether episodes ever get scrapped, how guests are chosen, why the show spans so many genres, and the hard-earned lessons learned along the way—including the interviews that changed how these conversations are approached altogether.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code BESTOF (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 36 min
Dec 17, 2025Episode 688
BEST OF 2025 w/ Jeremy Bolm and Joey Cahill

On this episode, we break down our favorite records of 2025 with two trusted voices in punk and hardcore: Jeremy Bolm (singer of Touché Amoré, founder of Secret Voice) and Joey Cahill (Wanna Hear It Records). We talk standout releases, unexpected favorites, and what made this year hit harder than most. It’s a wide-ranging, opinionated conversation about the music that defined 2025 for us.Best Of 2025 PlaylistsApple Music Playlist Spotify Playlist ------Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code BESTOF (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 4 min
Dec 10, 2025Episode 687
Karl Buechner and Jeremy Mueller, authors of “The Unraveling” (and Earth Crisis)

On this episode, we talk with The Unraveling co-authors Karl Buechner and Jeremy Mueller. Karl, best known as the voice of Earth Crisis, brings decades of perspective from a life deeply rooted in hardcore, while Jeremy offers the complementary lens that helped shape the book’s broader narrative.Together they dig into what it means to be taken seriously—both as writers and as people coming from subcultures that outsiders don’t always understand. They break down the unique challenge of writing a book with three authors: how to balance tone, divvy up responsibilities, and merge individual viewpoints into one cohesive story.Karl and Jeremy also explore the parallels between assembling a book and building a band: finding the chemistry, negotiating differences, and letting the collective vision rise above any single contributor.A candid, thoughtful conversation about collaboration, identity, and the creative process behind The Unraveling.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code HEAVY (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 11 min
Dec 3, 2025Episode 686
Graeme McKinnon from Home Front

This week on the show, we sit down with Graeme McKinnon, vocalist, songwriter, and driving force behind Canadian post-punk powerhouse Home Front. Before blending icy synths with punk grit, Graeme cut his teeth in the world of hardcore—shaped early on by the tough, street-level bite of Blitz and the chaotic, uniquely Canadian spirit of SNFU. Those bands didn’t just influence his taste; they rewired the way he understood energy, melody, and attitude.Graeme talks about coming up through Edmonton’s underground, including the kinds of shows that make you who you are—like the time he ended up performing in what could generously be described as a “crack den,” a night that somehow captured the danger, charm, and resilience of DIY culture all at once.We dive into how those experiences pushed him to embrace new sounds and new creative risks, leading to the sharp, dance-floor-ready tension that defines Home Front today. From punk basements to synth-soaked anthems, Graeme traces the winding path that brought him here—and how staying open to new things has kept the fire burning after all these years.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code HEAVY (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 11 min
Nov 26, 2025Episode 685
Dan Gump from Excessive Force & Life Sentence Records

In this episode, I talk with Dan Gump, founder of Life Sentence Records and vocalist of Excessive Force, about his unique path through hardcore. We get into his upbringing, discovering punk, and how serving in the Marine Corps shaped his perspective once he became part of the OC and Midwest hardcore scenes.Dan reflects on what it means to be a straight edge adult, how that identity evolves over time, and how it connected to his work running Life Sentence and fronting Excessive Force. We also dive into stories behind the label, early Orange County hardcore, writing music while deployed, and how he sees the scene—and himself—now.A focused look at a key figure from a powerful era of hardcore, told with honesty, history, and perspective.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code HEAVY (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 13 min
Nov 19, 2025Episode 684
Scott Angelacos from Bloodlet and Hollow Leg

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Angelacos—the unmistakable voice behind Bloodlet, Hope & Suicide, and Hollow Leg—to dig into the history, mythology, and lived reality of one of Florida’s heaviest and most influential frontmen. Scott walks us through the early days of Bloodlet, the unique darkness that shaped their sound, and the gritty Florida scene that helped forge so many boundary-pushing bands.We get into his close relationship with Hatebreed, from early shows and mutual support to the long-standing friendships that grew out of that era. Scott shares stories about practicing in the same building below Death, giving us a rare glimpse into the strange, stacked musical ecosystem of ‘90s Florida—where legendary bands casually crossed paths and influenced each other just by proximity.And yes, we go there: the wild memories of partying at Tony Brummel’s house, a snapshot of the weird, chaotic, and formative moments that floated around the Victory Records universe at the time.Along the way, Scott reflects on his creative evolution across projects, the lasting impact of Bloodlet, and what heavy music still means to him today. Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code HEAVY (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 7 min
Nov 12, 2025Episode 683
Petey USA

New episode featuring Petey USA — the musician, comedian, and all-around creative dude known for blending vulnerable songwriting with offbeat humor and viral sketches.We talk about how collaboration has shaped his approach to both music and comedy, what it felt like to throw the first pitch at a Cubs game, and the balance between sincerity and absurdity that’s become his signature.From recording sessions to sketch ideas, Petey opens up about finding inspiration in community, staying grounded as his audience grows, and how laughter and honesty often come from the same place.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify  Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code VINYL (for a limited time only) Get the best vinyl storage/furniture around with Wicker Wood Works and use the promo code 100words for 10% off orders of over $500. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 15 min
Nov 5, 2025Episode 682
Brett Burnham from Torn Apart

This week, we sit down with Brett Burnham, vocalist of Torn Apart and longtime tattoo artist, for a deep dive into the roots of Baltimore hardcore and the winding path that’s carried him from stages to tattoo shops. Torn Apart was one of the most intense and influential bands to come out of Baltimore 90s scene — a bridge between metalcore’s early chaos and hardcore’s emotional core — and their releases on Life Sentence Records captured that moment perfectly.Brett reflects on growing up immersed in DIY music, how the Baltimore and Erie, PA scenes helped shape his creative worldview, and how tattooing became both a continuation and an evolution of the same spirit that drove Torn Apart. The conversation moves through stories of late-night shows, long drives, and building a life rooted in creativity and community.If you’re into the intersection of music, art, and identity — or if Torn Apart was ever part of your soundtrack — this one’s for you.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code VINYL (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 5 min
Oct 29, 2025Episode 681
Bill Stevenson from Descendents

Few drummers have shaped punk rock’s heartbeat like Bill Stevenson. From pounding the kit for Black Flag to defining melodic hardcore with the Descendents, Bill’s fingerprints are all over the sound and soul of modern punk. Now in his early 60s, he’s as sharp, funny, and relentless as ever — splitting time between drumming, producing at his legendary Colorado studio The Blasting Room, and firing off those famously short, no-nonsense emails that have become part of his lore.In this episode, Bill talks about how it feels to still be chasing perfect takes after decades behind the kit, what it’s like playing massive Descendents gigs after starting out in basements and beach-town garages, and how the band’s documentary Filmage unexpectedly turned his life story into one of punk’s most human tales. He also opens up about what keeps him balanced these days — how his approach to health, caffeine, and the occasional drink has evolved since the early days of late nights and fast food — and why staying connected (even if it’s just through a few curt emails) is his way of keeping life simple.It’s a conversation about endurance, humor, and clarity from one of punk’s most quietly disciplined minds — a guy who’s still out there chasing ALL at 61.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code VINYL (for a limited time only) Get the best vinyl storage/furniture around with Wicker Wood Works and use the promo code 100words for 10% off orders of over $500. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at <a href=

1 hr 6 min
Oct 22, 2025Episode 680
Patrick Cozens from Restraining Order

In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Cozens, frontman of Restraining Order, the Massachusetts/Connecticut hardcore band known for blending classic early ’80s energy with modern urgency. Patrick talks about growing up in the New England scene, how Restraining Order first came together, and the balance between being easygoing offstage and all-out intensity onstage.We dig into how both he and the band have grown over the years—from sweaty DIY shows to playing some of hardcore’s biggest stages—and how the scene itself has shifted since he first got involved. Patrick reflects on the changing spirit of hardcore, the lessons learned through touring, and what personal growth looks like when you’ve spent years living and breathing this music.Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil GreedApple MusicSpotify Subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWMUSIC (for a limited time only) Get the best vinyl storage/furniture around with Wicker Wood Works and use the promo code 100words for 10% off orders of over $500. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 5 min
Oct 15, 2025Episode 679
Esden Stafne from Saturdays At Your Place

This episode features a conversation with Esden Stafne, bassist, vocalist, and founding member of saturdays at your place, the Michigan-based band whose blend of Midwest emo, pop sensibility, and raw sincerity has built a passionate following across DIY spaces and beyond.We dig into Esden’s life offstage—the quiet moments between tours, growing up in the Midwest, and how early influences shaped his outlook on art and connection. He talks about balancing humor and honesty in songwriting, the personal growth that comes from being on the road, and the strange, grounding effect of seeing your music resonate with people you’ve never met.It’s an open, reflective conversation with an artist learning how to stay true to himself while everything around him keeps moving faster.Weekly Recommendation Playlist presented by Evil GreedSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWMUSIC (for a limited time only) Get the best vinyl storage/furniture around with Wicker Wood Works and use the promo code 100words for 10% off orders of over $500. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 4 min
Oct 8, 2025Episode 678
Akil Godsey from End It

Akil Godsey of End It joins the show for a conversation that’s equal parts reflection and release. Hailing from Baltimore, End It has built their reputation on unfiltered honesty and chaotic energy — a band that channels the city’s grit into hardcore that’s both feral and deeply human. Akil talks about the cycles of death, debauchery, and the strange internet nostalgia of the MySpace-core era that shaped how he sees connection and identity today. From the band’s early days cutting through the noise with their unapologetic attitude to their place in the modern hardcore scene, Akil brings humor, self-awareness, and a rare willingness to confront the messy parts of living loud.Weekly Recommendation Playlist presented by Evil GreedSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWMUSIC (for a limited time only) Get the best vinyl storage/furniture around with Wicker Wood Works and use the promo code 100words for 10% off orders of over $500. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 8 min
Oct 1, 2025Episode 677
Josh Newton from Shiner

In this episode, I sit down with Josh Newton, a musician whose fingerprints are all over some of the most compelling underground sounds of the past three decades. We trace his path from the fertile Kansas City scene of the ’90s, where Shiner carved out their space alongside the era’s noisy, angular bands, to his wild ride as a bassist in Every Time I Die, one of hardcore’s most unpredictable live acts. Josh shares stories from the early days of playing noisy, experimental music, the transition into heavier and more chaotic environments, and how he’s navigated the balance between passion and profession. It’s a conversation that digs into both the personal and historical layers of a career spent moving between scenes, sounds, and identities—while always keeping the bass as his anchor.Weekly Recommendation Playlist presented by Evil GreedSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWMUSIC (for a limited time only) Get the best vinyl storage/furniture around with Wicker Wood Works and use the promo code 100words for 10% off orders of over $500. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 15 min
Sep 24, 2025Episode 676
Tim McIlrath from Rise Against

HAPPY 13TH ANNIVERSARY TO THE SHOW. On this episode, we sit down with Tim McIlrath of Rise Against to dig into the band’s remarkable longevity and the intentional ways they’ve continued to challenge and inspire listeners over the years. Tim reflects on the band’s history—from their early days in Chicago’s punk and hardcore scene to becoming a globally recognized voice for resistance and change. We talk about his straight edge roots, what it means to keep pushing buttons in a world that often prefers comfort, and how Rise Against continue to evolve without losing sight of their core ethos. Plus, Tim shares insights on the band’s new release, offering a window into where they are headed next.Weekly Recommendation Playlist presented by Evil GreedSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWMUSIC (for a limited time only) Get the best vinyl storage/furniture around with Wicker Wood Works and use the promo code 100words for 10% off orders of over $500. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 8 min
Sep 17, 2025Episode 675
Harper Boyhtari from Greet Death

In this episode, Harper from Greet Death opens up about the deeper currents running through her life and music. She reflects on the impact Blink-182 had on her formative years, not just as a gateway into punk and alternative music, but as a band that showed how vulnerability and humor could coexist. We also explore how Greet Death has often been miscategorized—labeled as shoegaze, doom, slowcore, and more—and what those shifting definitions say about the way audiences consume art. Underneath it all, Harper shares how she thinks about humor within music and life: not as a punchline, but as a subtle lens that shapes how we experience both joy and grief.Weekly Recommendation Playlist presented by Evil GreedSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWMUSIC (for a limited time only) Get the best vinyl storage/furniture around with Wicker Wood Works and use the promo code 100words for 10% off orders of over $500. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 11 min
Sep 10, 2025Episode 674
Garrett Klahn from Texas Is The Reason

We sat down with Garrett Klahn from Texas Is the Reason for a conversation that goes way beyond the band. We talked about growing up in the Buffalo hardcore scene, hanging out at Home of the Hits and why that record store meant so much, and how nostalgia creeps in when you look back on music that shaped your life. Garrett opened up about his early days, the friendships that stuck, and what it feels like to revisit those moments all these years later.Weekly Recommendation Playlist presented by Evil GreedSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code SUBURBS (for a limited time only) Get the best vinyl storage/furniture around with Wicker Wood Works and use the promo code 100words for 10% off orders of over $500. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 10 min
Sep 3, 2025Episode 673
Drew Ringo from Sleepytime Trio

On this episode, I sit down with Drew Ringo from Sleepytime Trio to dig into the stories and experiences that shaped his life in music. We talk about what it was like to grow up around Washington, D.C. in the 1980s, a scene that set the tone for so much of what came later. Drew shares memories from an ambitious five-month tour that pushed the band to its limits and taught them how to survive on the road, and we fast-forward to today as he reflects on what it means to prepare for shows as an adult, balancing the same intensity with a new perspective.It’s a conversation that spans eras, connects the past with the present, and reminds us why this music still matters.Weekly Recommendation Playlist presented by Evil GreedSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code SUBURBS (for a limited time only) Get the best vinyl storage/furniture around with Wicker Wood Works and use the promo code 100words for 10% off orders of over $500. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 11 min
Aug 27, 2025Episode 672
Scott Winegard from Texas Is The Reason

In this episode we sit down with Scott Winegard, bassist of the seminal post-hardcore band Texas Is The Reason. Emerging from New York City’s 90s underground, the band carved out a legacy with their melodic sensibilities, introspective lyrics, and their enduring influence on the emo/post-hardcore movement. Scott reflects on those years with a mix of honesty and humor, touching on memorable stories like the inside joke of “cigarettes make you fight,” navigating the ethos of old school veganism, and the surreal experiences that came with major label interest during the height of the band’s momentum.Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering Texas Is The Reason, this conversation offers a unique window into the culture, choices, and chaos of that era. Weekly Recommendation Playlist presented by Evil GreedSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code SUBURBS (for a limited time only) Get the best vinyl storage/furniture around with Wicker Wood Works and use the promo code 100words for 10% off orders of over $500. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 4 min
Aug 20, 2025Episode 671
Geert Van Der Velde from Shai Hulud

In this episode, we sit down with Geert Van Der Velde, best known for his time fronting the influential hardcore band Shai Hulud. Geert shares insights from his journey in the world of heavy music, reflecting on the band’s lasting impact and the philosophies that have shaped his life and art. From exploring nihilism and the role it’s played in his worldview, to the importance of taking chances and embracing the DIY ethos, Geert offers a candid look at how he’s navigated both music and meaning. We also dive into his unexpected path into the world of chess, where discipline and strategy mirror his creative pursuits, and talk about his new band and what lies ahead in this next chapter of expression.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code REUNION (for a limited time only) Get the best vinyl storage/furniture around with Wicker Wood Works and use the promo code 100words for 10% off orders of over $500. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 12 min
Aug 13, 2025Episode 670
Ryan Kirby from Fit For A King

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Kirby, frontman of Texas-based metalcore heavyweights, Fit For A King. Since their formation in 2007, the band has carved out a place at the forefront of modern metalcore with their crushing riffs, soaring choruses, and relentless touring schedule. Ryan opens up about how the genre has evolved over the last decade, from its underground roots to its current mainstream momentum, and how FFAK has adapted along the way. We also explore his approach to “gamifying” different aspects of life and creativity to stay motivated, and why he actively welcomes constructive feedback as a tool for growth. It’s an insightful conversation on longevity, adaptation, and the mindset needed to keep pushing forward in heavy music.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code SUBURBS (for a limited time only) Get the best vinyl storage/furniture around with Wicker Wood Works and use the promo code 100words for 10% off orders of over $500. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 6 min
Aug 6, 2025Episode 669
Tim Williams from Vision of Disorder

In this episode, we sit down with Tim Williams, frontman of the groundbreaking Long Island band Vision of Disorder. We dig into the band's rise from local legends to Ozzfest veterans, the intensity of their early shows, and the moments that made VOD a pillar of heavy music in the late '90s and early 2000s. Tim also opens up about life outside the stage—his work in carpentry, staying grounded, and what it means to build something that lasts, whether it's music or a house. A conversation full of grit, history, and hard-earned perspective.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code SUBURBS (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.