Crusher Talk with Hayley

Every once in a while, life has a way of bringing you to that crystal clear moment where only the inevitable can happen. But first, you gotta be prepared to leave the hallway. If you want to listen to the interview that got me thinking about this topic, and gave me the great title to this podcast episode, check out Good Hang with Amy Poehler (Hayley Williams interview).

And then go check out Hayley and the Crushers new single, Crash, out now via Kitten Robot Recs! Next week, I’ll be continuing my stint playing guitar in Screeching Weasel Oct. 17 (Philadelphia) and 18 (Cambridge, MA) - grab tickets here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hayleycrusher.substack.com

Another messy mind-dump motivation injection for all my fellow creatives out there in the ring!

…and, without further fanfare, Hayley and the Crushers’ new single CRASH, a cover of The Primitives 1988 hit, is out now on Kitten Robot Records! Of course, we made a music video and of course it’s insane. Enjoy the ride!

See you on the road with Screeching Weasel this week (yes, I am filling in on rhythm guitar, how cool?!). You can get tickets for the Florida and upcoming East Coast runs here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hayleycrusher.substack.com

Find out why my brain hurts (in the most glorious way). Yes, I am playing IN Screeching Weasel this October, filling in for our pal Mike Hunchback on rhythm guitar. Totally a temporarily thing, but super fun to take on the challenge. Life has a hilarious way of delivering you right back where you started. Teenage Hayley is most certainly high-fiving elder Hayley right now!

Grab Screeching Weasel tickets here!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hayleycrusher.substack.com

No one likes sitting on the bench, being sidelined or feeling under appreciated. Punk rock taught me that “waiting to be chosen” isn’t just a nasty trick, it’s a time-sucking trap! On today’s pod, some thoughts on choosing yourself / motivation to sparkle hard throughout the week.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hayleycrusher.substack.com

Decide in advance how you will treat yourself when you do it imperfectly. Now go forth and do your thing!

Hayley and the Crushers show dates

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hayleycrusher.substack.com

When it comes to music, there’s always too much to juggle. One thing that should never be part of that chaos? Trying to be something that you’re not. Today, some thoughts on the Ramones 50th anniversary set at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, a new single and the behind-the-scenes balancing act that keeps us on our toes!

50th Anniversary Ramones set at Hollywood Forever Cemetery (Watch on YouTube)

CJ Says Podcast - Halfway to Sanity - Free Side A Podcast / Side B Podcast (behind paywall on Patreon)

Next Hayley and the Crushers Show: September 10th at Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids (Aaron Schaut Celebration of Life)

Hayley and the Crushers’ next single is coming out officially TUESDAY SEPT. 29 (I almost got the date right on the podcast!) And there’s a video, too! Can’t wait to share it with you.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hayleycrusher.substack.com

Dolly Parton left a lot of life lessons behind for us to think about. Today, I am remembering the Backwoods Barbie in all of her beautiful brashness.

XO

Hayley

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hayleycrusher.substack.com

Dr. Cain Esq. takes over the podcast this week! Learn what your favorite bass participant is reading on tour (insert joke about Reid’s massive “read” pile here), his #1 pet peeve about live bands, and why you should never touch the radio dial when George Strait is on.

Jagger’s Current Band - Toledo Panic (Ventura, CA)

Dark Horse: The Richard Corben Library (What Dr. Cain is reading right now!)

Hayley and the Crushers’ next show is Fuzz Fest Ann Arbor August 29th at 9:15 p.m.!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hayleycrusher.substack.com

Cumberland Maryland Appalachian Town Founded 1787 (population 19,000)

Thank you Savage Mountain Punk Arts Fest!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hayleycrusher.substack.com

Taking a big leap of faith is not for the faint of heart. But it’s also not all bad. Today: Considering what could actually go right.

Spirals in Nature

BlitzKid (horror punk band from West Virginia)

Living in Darkness by Agent Orange

Forgot to mention - Pre-order the new dog-themed issue of Backcombed Magazine (featuring a photo spread with Yours Truly and Gidget)

Hayley and the Crushers on Tour

Thursday Aug. 6, 2026 I Savage Mountain Punk Arts Festival - Cumberland, MD (TICKETS)Friday Aug. 7, 2026 I Jilly’s Music Room - Akron, OH (TICKETS)

Saturday August 29 2026 I Ann Arbor Fuzz Fest (9:15PM!) (INFO)

Thursday Sept 10 I Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids! More TBA

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hayleycrusher.substack.com