Everything Went Black Podcast

My old friend Ryan Patterson stopped by to chat while he was out here last week for Brooklyn stop on the Coliseum tour. Ryan and I are deep into the second decade of our friendship at this point and it is always a pleasure when we can line our schedules up for a hang.

If you’ve been tuning in to the last few episodes, you’ll be aware of the ongoing discussion about the Black Flag reunion, be it the Keith Morris fronted Flag or the Greg Ginn Black Flag. A few months ago, I wrote a piece for Invisible Oranges about this very topic and went on record with my point of view. For me, it’s a complicated topic; Black Flag has influenced me on many levels, as a direct music influence or as an example of how to get the job done, so I had strong emotions when I discovered that there was talk of them reforming.

Josh Bayer, who many will be familiar with from his appearances on this podcast, as well as his amazing comics, pointed me to an article that Erick Lyle had written for Vice aptly titled “Can I Get in the Van” which chronicled his journey down to Lyle Texas to audition to be Black Flag’s bassist. It gave me another angle to look at this evolving story; a must read for those of you who have been following this story.

Josh was friends with Erick, so I reached out to him about possibly getting Erick to be a guest on the podcast. He was game, so we went for it.

Josh Griffiths, decorated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor and founder of Clockwork BJJ here in New York City joins me for this episode. We met up at the tail end of one of his night classes and had a killer discussion about martial arts, punk rock and PMA. I have to apologize for the shakey sound quality of the recording, he had to roll with the punches.

It's been a few weeks since the last podcast but I'm back on track. It's been a grind, spending way too much time on stuff that's not compelling, not to mention the war I've been waging against bedbugs.  Fred Pessaro, the newly installed editor-in-chief of Invisible Oranges is back along with Sam Marble, photographer / Jersey Girl / Heavy Metal Enthusiast is also in the house for a spirited discussion of the recent acquisition of Invisible Oranges by Brooklyn Vegan, SXSW recollections, the ongoing saga of the Black Flag reunion and stories about street violence.

Mike Wohlberg stops by on his was the the Philia Group Art Opening in Williamsburg.

Chris Lordan was in town so we took the opportunity to meet up and talk about the various turns his life has taken over the years. Our friendship is rounding out its second decade, so there is a lot of living that has happened. Chris also talks about his writing project that centers around the prison industrial complex, his involvement with this legal system and his “Uncle Bobby” who has spent 41 years of his life incarcerated. It’s a heavy trip, punctuated with moments of humor and humanity.

As Chris progresses with the writing project, I’ll be posting information, so check back!!

Comics creator Josh Bayer is back to discuss Rom Space Knight, the Black Flag saga and Punk Rock as a lifestyle

In David Fincher's movie "Fight Club", Tyler Durden describes his future world as a place where, in addition to stalking elk in the ruins of Rockefeller Center, you would "wear leather clothes that will last you the rest of your life." Adam Rapp's brainchild CLOTHING ARTS come to mind. He has built his company around the idea of buying high quality garments that serve your needs in a utilitarian way. Also, they just look cool.

I'm a big fan of military BDU clothing. I dig the aesthetic and also the durable functionality. CLOTHING ARTS flagship line the P Cubed pants have the same vibe but Adam has stepped it up to becoming what I like to refer to as a "Clothing System." I wore these pantss on our last tour for 14 days straight and they held up splendidly.

Adam and Marc stopped by the other night for a chat and a delicious cup of Upgraded Coffee.  Check it out!!

Great time hanging with our old bassist Carson and his wife Erin

I had a chance to meet up with Daria Albers, Women's European K1 Champ, while she was visiting New York City and crashing with my buddy Gavin Van Vlack