Crusher Talk with Hayley

Cringe with me and you’ll be in a world of pure imagination! Get Z may call it “cringe,” but the root of the word is more weighted and complex. Today’s podcast is a first look into the world of Cringeworthy, Hayley and the Crushers’ new song and video out May 26, 2026 on Kitten Robot Records.

A sneak peek from our latest DIY video effort!

Hayley and the Crushers on Tour

Denver, CO (May 23, 2026) at the Oriental Theater with Screeching Weasel & The Dwarves TICKETS

Newport, KY (June 27, 2026) Say it Louder Festival at The Southgate House Revival TICKETS

Cumberland, MD (August 6, 2026) Savage Mountain Punk Festival with Blitzkid, Agent Orange & more TICKETS

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

1. No one can do it like you do it

2. You never know who’s watching (and who you’re inspiring)

3. There are people in a place of power who want to see you succeed, and will help you. Be open to it and be deserving (because you are deserving).

4. The ones who fail quit. Sounds trite, but true.

5. The reward is in the work. You just keep going and the work keeps giving. I can’t promise you external success, but I can promise you that nothing will give you more fulfillment than realizing this.

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

Fresh off our journey through a galaxy far, far away, I’m delivering a little performance-art wisdom and 90s grunge lore on today’s action-packed podcast.

Space Dive Photo Gallery - Incredible 2026 Star Wars Themed Event in Detroit - photos courtesy of Detroit Metro Times

May the Force be with you!

Poppet the Contortionist - Instagram

Flying Pole Dancing - Epic pics of pole performer Alex aka Elixia - Instagram

Even Good Girls Will Cry: A '90s Rock Memoir by Melissa Auf de Maur - I very much recommend!!

My favorite concert of all time (Motorhead at the Wiltern Theater in LA, 2005, where Dave Grohl stage-dove past my head!)

Hayley and the Crushers on Tour

Denver, CO (May 23, 2026) at the Oriental Theater with Screeching Weasel & The Dwarves TICKETS

Newport, KY (June 27, 2026) Say it Louder Festival at The Southgate House Revival TICKETS

Cumberland, MD (August 6, 2026) Savage Mountain Punk Festival with Blitzkid, Agent Orange & more TICKETS

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

A quick reminder: Whether you’re on a solo path or looking to lose yourself in the crowd, always remember that you’re good enough, smart enough and gosh darn it, people like you!

Hayley and the Crushers at Space Dive - May 1

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

I’m back from my latest run with Screeching Weasel and The Queers and have been reflecting on the field trip! Not only did our Tour Manager / Chihuahua Gidget meet Ben Weasel’s Chihuahua Feta, but we also took a romp through the world famous Mars Cheese Castle! (Yes, we did wear cheese hats).

The “Bronze Fonz” in Milwaukee (Ayyyyyy!)

Pappy’s Smokehouse in St Louis (Get the pork ribs)

The podcast I was recently on - Goldmine Magazine Dollar Bin Podcast with Alan Brostoff (Dr. Disc) and Rev (singer from The Drowns) - Find it everywhere you listen to podcasts!

Concert Review and Pics from the (seated) show in St. Charles, IL at The beautiful 100-year old Arcada Theater - (Thanks Girls Who Snap!)

Dove Sylas Photo - Live Concert Photographer out of Sacramento

Throat Drops for Singers

Hayley and Dr. Cain's Lyric Doodles! (There’s 3/5 left!)

Encapsulated Studios in St Louis (Thanks Gabe Usery!)

When Gidget Met Feta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lastly, it’s be one whole week since we dropped our new single Jewel Case! If you haven’t checked out the video, here it is! You can also stream the track here.

See Hayley and the Crushers on Tour

Friday, April 24 - Louisville, Kentucky - Punk Rock Night - Seidenfaden's

Saturday, April 25 - Indianapolis, Indiana - Punk Rock Night - Melody Inn

Friday, May 1 - Detroit, MI - Space Dive - Tangent Gallery

Saturday, May 23 - Denver, CO - Oriental Theater w/ Screeching Weasel & Dwarves

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

"Jewel Case" is out everywhere now! Stream it and watch the new video. Today I talk about the ten-year-old story behind Hayley and the Crushers's newest/oldest song. Thanks for listening, sharing and supporting my music now and over the years! When the world is burning, it's only natural to turn to rock and roll as a last resort.

Hayley and the Crushers on Tour

See Hayley and the Crushers on Tour (We will play "Jewel Case" every single night, you can bet on that!)

*W/ Screeching Weasel WEASEL, THE QUEERS* APRIL 16 | MILWAUKEE, WI

* APRIL 17 | ST. CHARLES, IL

* APRIL 18 | ST. LOUIS, MO

APRIL 24 | LOUISVILLE, KY

APRIL 25 | INDIANAPOLIS, IN

MAY 1 | DETROIT, MI

MAY 23 | DENVER, CO (w/ Screeching Weasel & Dwarves)

JUNE 27 | NEWPORT, KY

TICKETS

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

A quick and dirty hello from the Crusherverse today, where we’re working on some new art projects (puppy paintings with handwritten lyrics for the merch table) and preparing for a slew of gigs (with new drummer Stacy!).

Don’t forget to RSVP on Youtube for our Jewel Case video premiere and live chat Tuesday, April 14 at 9 a.m. / noon eastern.

TOUR DATES!

*W/ Screeching Weasel WEASEL, THE QUEERS* APRIL 16 | MILWAUKEE, WI

* APRIL 17 | ST. CHARLES, IL

* APRIL 18 | ST. LOUIS, MO

APRIL 24 | LOUISVILLE, KY

APRIL 25 | INDIANAPOLIS, IN

MAY 1 | DETROIT, MI

JUNE 27 | NEWPORT, KY

TICKETS

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

As you can tell from the sorry state of my vocal cords, we just got back from our run with Screeching Weasel and The Queers! Let’s debrief while Gidget and I decompress from tour.

Feast your eyes on the March 2026 Screeching Weasel / Queers / Crushers Tour Poster (congrats if you got one, they are completely SOLD OUT):

Check out Weasel’s poster artist Hooter Hicks on Instagram (and get ready for a new one coming in April, which may or may not have my likeness on it).

The Rosanna Half Beat Shuffle Drum Beat, as originated by drummer Jeff Porcaro of the band Toto.

Jenny Thunders - DJ, Promoter, All-Around Merch Rockstar

Little Fino - Restaurant NYC

Spinal Tap Can’t Find the Stage:

Review of our show in Baltimore - Toxic Flyer Zine

Oh Bondage Up Yours Festival - Brooklyn

Sabrina the Teenage Witch from the 90s

The Ergs

At long last, meet new Crusher drummer, Stacy Binelli! Hooray!

Hayley and the Crushers at Lager House in Detroit March 29th 2026 - w/ The Bores and Sugar Sharp

More Hayley and the Crushers Tour 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

Is what you wear on stage an “outfit” or a “costume?”

Well, if what you wear resembles something a professional figure skater would hit the ice in, then yes! It is, indeed a costume. Just a funny thought I had this morning as the band prepares for an East Coast run!

Michigan State Symbols Mug This is my favorite mug, BTWCheesiest 80s/90s Ice Skating Outfits (Reddit)Super Cheap Nebulizer for singers on a budget

EAST COAST TOUR DATES - Opening for Screeching Weasel and the Queers!

March 19 NORWALK CTMarch 20 BALTIMORE MDMarch 21 BROOKLYN NYMarch 22 READING PA

TICKETS

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

The endless struggle for generational change, allowing the song to show you what it is and why home is where your dog is. Sorry for the barking in the intro…It gets better, I promise!

We’re Opening for Screeching Weasel and The Queers March 19-22 - Grab tickets here!

What Gidget are you Today? Meme (drop a comment for your daily horoscope)

Our roadie Nick’s band The Randy Bastards (he is currently on road duty for The Dollyrots - a band guaranteed to lift your spirits)

SACK - our honorary Crusher Drummer Rubin’s band

The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene - Book

Rein of Terror - a quick refesher

Marie Antoinette cosplaying as poor (YES this is real)

This is the quote is from an inscription on a Babylonian clay tablet from 1000 BC and referenced in Robert Greene’s 2018 book, The Laws of Human Nature: “Today’s youth is rotten, evil, godless and lazy. It will never be what youth used to be, and it will never be able to preserve our culture.”

Paul’s Boutique - Worth a listen today!

Shout out to the owners of the Sullivan, MO Motel 6 - The cleanest, nicest Motel 6 we’ve ever stayed at! 10/10 stars.

Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q - Amarillo, Texas (Get the Brisket wet)

The Queers - Punk Rock Confidential (the slow-dance songs, The Sun Always Shines Around You, I Enjoy Being a Boy, Pretty Flamingo, Today I Fell in Love)

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