Chewing the Gristle with Greg Koch

By Greg Koch

Listen in on Greg Koch's conversations with his guitar-hero friends. Every episode Greg unleashes his fiendish humor and unique perspective as "one of the most famous unknown guitar players in the

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How many episodes does Chewing the Gristle with Greg Koch have?

The podcast currently has 133 episodes available.

Best of Chewing the Gristle with Greg Koch

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: Brett Papa on Building A Guitar Career Online
We sit down with Brett Papa to trace how a working guitarist turns teaching, tone chasing, and collaboration into a sustainable online career. We get real about touring life, the business side of YouTube, and why owning your audience can beat chasing the algorithm. FEAST!
April 02, 20261h 3min
Number 2: From Jingles To Judd Apatow - Lyle Workman Talks Shop and Guitars
We sit down with guitarist and composer Lyle Workman to trace the real-life path from Bay Area bands to major film soundtracks and global stages. We talk craft, money, gear, and the unlikely chain of moments that turns a working player into the go-to sound behind hit movies and tours. FEAST!
March 19, 20261h 1min
Number 3: Dweezil Zappa
Greg Koch sits down with guitar virtuoso Dweezil Zappa for a fascinating deep dive into musical authenticity, technical mastery, and the challenge of preserving a legendary legacy. Their conversation reveals the extraordinary dedication required to perform Frank Zappa's intricate compositions, with Dweezil candidly sharing his 14-year journey to truly internalize his father's musical vocabulary. What begins as a discussion about guitar techniques evolves into profound insights about musical connection. Dweezil explains why, despite growing up as Frank Zappa's son, he initially gravitated toward more guitar-centric players, such as Eddie Van Halen, before tackling his father's complex work. He compares performing Frank's arrangements to an "orchestral mindset" where precision and teamwork are paramount, revealing that despite years of touring, he must essentially relearn most pieces before each performance. The conversation takes unexpected turns through musical philosophy, modern guitar culture, and the realities of today's music industry. Dweezil offers a valuable perspective for independent musicians, suggesting that cultivating meaningful relationships with a dedicated fanbase is far more sustainable than chasing mainstream success: "Instead of trying to get a dollar from a million people, what if you cultivated a relationship with 10,000 people who want to spend a hundred dollars every year?" Throughout their exchange, both guitarists reflect on finding balance between technical skill and emotional connection, agreeing that the ability to move an audience often transcends pure virtuosity.
July 24, 20251h 20min
Number 4: Mike Irish
What happens when two guitar virtuosos reunite after years apart? Greg Koch welcomes his former mentor Mike Irish to Chewing the Gristle for a masterclass in musical wisdom that spans far beyond technique. Mike Irish, who taught at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point when Greg was a student, shares his refreshingly inclusive teaching philosophy that embraced students' existing musical interests instead of forcing them into traditional jazz molds. "I really had no desire to make more Joe Passes and Pat Martinos," Irish explains. "I just wanted to take the talent that was there and nudge them in directions they might be interested in." This approach proved transformative for many students, including Koch, who found validation for his genre-blending musical vision. The conversation explores the practical realities of sustaining a music career through what Howard Roberts called "industrial guitar" – the bread-and-butter gigs that keep musicians afloat. Both men share stories from their journeys, from Irish's innovative approach to building jazz programs by focusing on small combos rather than big bands, to Koch's revelation about the creative and financial benefits of mastering solo guitar performance. With warmth and humor, they discuss their musical influences, from Chet Atkins to James Brown, and reflect on how technology has transformed music education. "There's really no reason to suck at this point," Koch quips about the wealth of instructional content available online today – though both agree that motivation and thousands of practice hours remain irreplaceable. Whether you're a guitarist, music educator, or simply appreciate heartfelt conversations between passionate creators, this episode offers insights into not just how to play, but how to build a sustainable, joyful musical life. Drop in on this reunion between two masters and hear how their musical paths have woven together across decades.
June 19, 20251h 9min
Number 5: Seth Rosenbloom
Seth Rosenbloom, the fiery young blues guitarist from Massachusetts, brings his wealth of musical knowledge and performing experience to the Chewing the Gristle podcast. What begins as a gear chat about Two Rock amplifiers quickly evolves into a fascinating exploration of musical authenticity and the hard realities of making a living as a performing musician. When Seth discovered his prized 1956 Stratocaster at Lark Street Music, it changed his entire perspective on the instrument. "It's not as bright as I associated with maple neck Strats," he explains, highlighting how vintage instruments often defy our modern expectations. The same revelation occurred when he first played genuine 1950s Les Pauls with their bell-like clarity, so different from the heavier, woofier sound of later models. These insights reveal how our perceptions of iconic instruments are often shaped by mass-produced versions rather than the originals that created their legendary status. The conversation takes a compelling turn as Seth shares his journey from metal-loving teenager to blues guitarist. A pivotal moment came when his mother, hoping to discourage his musical aspirations, took him to see an up-and-coming blues player at a small jazz club - Joe Bonamassa. Rather than dissuading Seth, the experience ignited his passion for blues guitar. With his father's cautious blessing (himself a professional classical musician), Seth eventually dropped out of high school to pursue music full-time, a decision that shaped his career path. What truly sets this episode apart is the candid discussion about the business realities musicians face. From the challenge of finding good booking agents to the economics of small venues, Seth and Greg pull back the curtain on aspects of performing that fans rarely consider. "Getting a record deal is almost easy in comparison to getting a decent booking agent," Greg notes, while Seth reveals why he consistently performs better in seated venues than standing rock clubs. Ready to discover how professional musicians navigate the modern industry while staying true to their artistic vision? Subscribe now and join us for more authentic conversations with the most interesting players in music today.
May 29, 20251h 6min