Back On The Grind

I was really surprised by this conversation as Folk Punk Dad helped me see the many areas my life was already embracing improv. From a stage mishap & heartfelt moment that led to an unexpected audience connection at a Friends In Real Life show, to playing with my kid before I entered prison, to solving a logistical challenge with a coffee roaster delivery, the principles of improv played a role. Join us as we explore the transformative power of improv in overcoming fear, anxiety, mistakes & struggles connecting to those around us. Through engaging stories and insightful discussions, discover how the principles of improv can enrich your life & relationships.

Whether you're an improv enthusiast or new to the concept, this episode offers valuable lessons on embracing spontaneity, finding joy in the unexpected & living a more fulfilling & fearless life.

Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

• How active listening & improv enhances relationships
• Turning mistakes into opportunities
• Improv can help reduce anxiety & boost self-confidence
• The principles of improv (that can be applied to enhance your daily life)
• Understand how trust is built through improv's core elements
• The joy of incorporating play into daily life
• Get inspired by simple improv activities to try with your friends
• 'The Meantime' song is played

Connect with Folk Punk Dad:

• instagram.com/folkpunkdad/
• open.spotify.com/track/0Ennhx56ZT72sZReoafieY?si=0e1a4438a9564706

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

• backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• [email protected]
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
• Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jake McKelvie explores his evolution as a musician, the concept of being a 'scene elder' &, thoughts on performing in various types of venues. He reflects on the role of social media in promoting music & shares insights into his creative process, particularly regarding lyricism. The complexities of navigating the modern music industry & the balance between accessibility & value in music is discussed as well as the impact of streaming services like Spotify on personal relationships & music discovery. Also talked about is some personal anecdotes about gardening & food preferences & the complexities of defining one's musical identity.

Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

takeaways

• Jake has been involved in music for over a decade
• The concept of a 'scene elder' is discussed humorously & seriously
• Why Jake continues to perform & how it fulfills a part of his life
• Distinctions between casual musicians & those with a heartfelt, life ambition
• The atmosphere of house shows vs. venue performances
• Is social media a necessary evil for promoting music
• Aesthetic quality of lyrics vs. strict meaning of lyrics
• How streaming services can both help & hinder music discovery
• Gardening as a fulfilling hobby & escape
• Navigating multiple musical genres & communities
• 'Wiki Change' song is played

Connect with Jake McKelvie:

• instagram.com/jacobcmckelvie/
• jakemckelvie.com

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

• backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• [email protected]
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
• Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Todays COFFEE BREAK features Mike Wilson of Harley Poe. He discusses pissing for authority figures & other fun stuff too.

Get coffee roasted by Pepe Bandit:

• stayfreecoffee.com/discount/SHIPFREE

Listen to the full episode - Mike Wilson of Harley Poe on opening & closing a record shop & the DIY ethos #28:

• Spotify open.spotify.com/episode/6AzBDnGXyRT3mZh9I4EXZh?si=g6-8bauBRL6go_28XIY7EA
• Apple Podcast podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mike-wilson-of-harley-poe-on-opening-closing-a/id1681556943?i=1000657485702
• Website shows.acast.com/64262419c18b8b00116c6fb0/663701acfc363d001257ea20

Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

• backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• [email protected]
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
• Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of overcoming addiction & mental health challenges with certified Psychotherapist, Jason Shiers. From the early trauma of losing his father to battling addiction, Jason shares his transformative path to self-discovery & healing. We explore the profound insights & experiences that led him to embrace life fully, focusing on the importance of inner work & reconnecting with the Self. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, self-awareness, & the journey back to oneself. Discover how understanding & nurturing our inner world can lead to profound personal transformation.

Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

• What life can offer if you "come home to yourself"
• What happened at age 5 that led to Jason's struggle
• Being diagnosed through the psychiatric system as a child
• Going from food addiction to heroine addiction by age 13
• Rehab didn't go deep enough
• Becoming a therapist still left Jason w/ secrete addictions & feeling broken
• What is the inner world
• Incorporating what he learned into his work with clients
• Helping people see what was right w/ them, not what's wrong w/ them
• How internal work benefits your external relationships
• 3 types of therapy Jason finds valuable

Connect with Jason Shiers:

• misunderstandingsofthemind.com/
• Order Jason's book - amazon.com/Infinite-Recovery-Project-Intelligence-Addiction/dp/1068323302/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1D07DW0NEPWH1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dEDyZOyYjqG2ccDXQ-C37gtXf8evlAj-KRQARwrARbuteCYSTlDMSdBjv0oHFXH2DYS26sWIedws_s6XozNjzw.OLyyeatCC1RjCRpZgfUpuTGgRG0Lup4fEvyG3bB3LcU&dib_tag=se&keywords=jason+shiers&qid=1754775309&sprefix=jason+shiers%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

• backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• [email protected]
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
• Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Walter Mitty shares his journey as an artist, discussing the origins of his name, the evolution of his music & its transformative power to forge a journey of personal reinvention. A unique twist in this journey involves the symbolic act of burying an album in a cave, representing the mystery & depth of personal transformation. We also discuss the DIY spirit in music creation, relationships with nature & surfing. Tune in to discover how music not only shapes our identities but also empowers us to redefine our lives & pursue new beginnings.

Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

• The origin of the alias "Walter Mitty"
• Early days of creating music with unconventional instruments
• Embracing challenges for development
• Personal stories of overcoming adversity through music
• Reflections on the intersection of life experiences and creativity
• The act of burying the album was both a creative and ritualistic endeavor
• Caves as a metaphor for confronting the unknown within oneself
• Swamplands as a symbolic territory between death & rebirth
• Surfing as a connection to nature

Connect w/ Walter Mitty & His Makeshift Orchestra

• instagram.com/walteretc/?hl=en
• walteretcband.wixsite.com/mysite
• walteretc.bandcamp.com/

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

• backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• [email protected]
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
• Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jak & Pepe delve into the evolution of folk punk, discussing its origins, the impact of key bands like Days N Daze, & the role of music videos in the genre. They explore the various waves of folk punk, the importance of documenting the scene, & the deliberate approach some contemporary artists take in their music & performances. The discussion also highlights the significance of friendships & collaborations within the DIY community, emphasizing the shared passion for music & storytelling. Jak shares insights on collaborating with musicians Matt Pless & April Hartman, his journey from filmmaking to punk culture, & the evolution of his musical tastes. The style of director Richard Linklater & his influence on underground film are also discussed.

Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

• What Shibby Pictures does
• Jak's documentary about the overlap of baseball & punk rock.
• Jak's book/travel memoir about the DIY scene
• The pandemic allowed many to work on creative projects
• Folk punk's different waves over the years
• Jak's video for Days & Daze Misanthropic Drunken Loner discussed
• Documenting the scene is important for preserving its history
• Collaboration with artists like Matt Pless & April Hartman has enriched Jak's creative journey
• Jak's interest in film began at a young age, leading to a lifelong passion
• The transition from mainstream music to DIY punk culture
• Richard Linklater's films have influenced Jak's approach to storytelling
• Accessibility in filmmaking has improved over the years, similar to music
• Jak prioritizes creating art over seeking attention or recognition

Connect with Jak / Shibby Pictures:

• instagram.com/shibbypictures
• shibby.pictures/

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

• backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• [email protected]
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
• Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MC Homeless & Pepe explore how the early days of folk punk & DIY rap were intertwined. They discuss the impact of early connections, memorable performances, & the evolution of MC Homeless as a rapper. They reflect on the importance of community in the music scene, the challenges of documentary filmmaking, the excitement of returning to music after a hiatus & collaborating with punk rock legends. The discussion also delves into the practical & emotional aspects of starting a dog walking business.

Support the podcast & get bonus episodes & goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

• DIY rap & early folk punk connections
• MC Homeless' role in connecting Pepe to rappers
• The importance of community in the music scene
• Memorable shows often took place in unconventional venues
• Documentary filmmaking challenges & rewards
• The crucial role of networking as an independent musician
• Collaborating with punk rock legends
• How running a dog walking business allows room to express the DIY ethos
• The evolution of folk punk & appreciation for its current direction
• Call to collaborate with folk punk artists in the future
• We play "Growing Up Punk" (feat Fishbone)

Connect with MC Homeless

• Insta instagram.com/rustbelthammer/?hl=en
• Spotify open.spotify.com/artist/56MtJ93o5Y6xLNKkg39ZNH?si=q8rB2J5fQOKkXg1E1aUssQ

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

• backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• [email protected]
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
• Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

summary

In one of my favorite conversations to date, Harley Flanagan (founder of the Cro-Mags) explores his life story & the complexities of his experiences. Expect to hear about his family legacy, a chaotic childhood, the realities of growing up in a unique environment &, difficult topics such as abuse &, grief. He discusses the impact of punk rock in Ireland, his introduction to skinhead culture, & how he brought that identity back to America. Harley reflects on the early punk scene & the evolution of his own music, leading to the formation of Cro-Mags, who changed the entire movement. He shares his tumultuous journey through addiction, fatherhood, & personal growth. In a passionate plea against suicide, Harley emphasizes the importance of resilience in the face of adversity & the value of life, encouraging listeners to embrace the unknown & not give up, no matter how tough things get.

Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Harley's wild family history
• Childhood experiences in Morocco
• Hitchhiking w/ his mom as a young kid
• Confronting the realities of abuse, violence & trauma
• Harley expresses the challenges of dealing with grief & loss of a father he never knew
• Breaking the silence around sexual abuse
• Learning meditation from Alan Ginsberg
• Harley's introduction to drugs at a young age
• The Stimulators pivotal role in the early punk rock movement
• Punk rock in Ireland
• Harley's role in introducing skinhead culture to America
• Skinhead history as a non-racist, punk movement, influenced by Jamaican music & culture
• The Cro-Mags blended punk & metal, creating a new sound that became hardcore
• The response to the Cro-Mags was initially one of shock & awe
• A life-changing phone call that revealed a potential child
• Kicking heroin oh his own & starting to run
• Suicide & not giving up
• Harley's documentary & other music documentaries

Wired For Chaos trailer - youtube.com/watch?v=yP8zCVJWl1Q

Connect w/ Harley Flanagan:

• harleyflanagan.com/
• instagram.com/realharleyflanagan/?hl=en

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

• backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• [email protected]
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
• Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Schneeweis (Mr. Michael Motorcycle / Friends In Real Life) & Pepe explore the theme of safe journeys. Pepe shares a couple of stories as metaphors for life's challenges & Michael offers his thoughts in response. Ultimately, they emphasize the value of relationships, support systems & tools in overcoming obstacles & finding safety in an unpredictable world. Themes of loneliness, the power of simple connections in changing lives, the healing nature of seeking to understand others &, the importance of journaling as a tool for problem solving also come up. The discussion then delves into the meaning behind Michael's album title 'Safe Journey' & offers a deeper understanding of several of its' songs. We close out by playing "Wheels Are Turning."

Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

highlights:

• Pepe shares a story about a scholar on a journey across the open sea w/ Michael
• The different ways to approach critical moments in life
• Finding safety to better navigate life's challenges
• Mapping out solutions can help clarify options during crises
• Having connections is crucial for support during tough times
• We often lose sight of our resources in moments of crisis
• Reaching out to others to alleviate feelings of isolation
• Simple connections can have a profound impact on lives
• Loneliness often stems from the inability to communicate important feelings
• Seeking to understand others can be a healing process
• Journaling to categorize & solve struggles
• How "belonging" can lead to both positive & negative behaviors
• Growth requires letting old parts of oneself die-off
• We play "Wheels Are Turning"

Connect w/ Michael:

• instagram.com/mr_michael_motorcycle/
• mrmichaelmotorcycle.bandcamp.com/music

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

• backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• [email protected]
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
• Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April & Pepe delve into the themes of nostalgia, loss, & the creative process behind Apes Of The State's latest album. They discuss the personal stories that influenced the music, the collaborative nature of songwriting, & the impact of community & friendship on the artistic journey. The conversation highlights the importance of honoring loved ones in song & the challenges of navigating personal struggles while maintaining a public persona. Thoughts on living through Hurricane Sandy, the impact of changing neighborhoods &, much more. We close out playing the track "What's Another Night?"

Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Honoring parents in music
• Collaboration & its powerful results
• Channelling The Smashing Pumpkins when writing music
• Touring while grieving a close friend
• Songwriting can be a therapeutic outlet for pain
• What songs become "anthems"
• Meeting punk rockers in rehab
• Being viewed as "the strong friend"
• Experiences from older generations can provide valuable wisdom
• Friendships can dissolve over time, simply due to life changes
• Thoughts on nostalgia
• Musical references heard throughout the album
• We play What's Another Night?

Connect w/ Apes Of The State:

• instagram.com/apesofthestate/
• apesofthestate.com/

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

• backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• [email protected]
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
• Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.