We're kicking off 2022 with our second annual "Optimist Club" special. First up: Benny's old pal and spiritual alignment aid, Professor Neel. Also on board, the talented solo-artist, Kayleigh Goldsworthy and we cap it off with a VERY special guest.

The Menzinger's guitarist/vocalist, Greg Barnett visits us this week to talk about his new solo album that he wasn't going to do unless the band approved. We also rank the Lefty Guitarist Hall of Fame and find out about sketchy bungie jumping in Poland.

Minus The Bear (and Botch) guitarist, Dave Knudson joined us to talk about a naked-Botch show witnessed by teenage Benny, home studio techniques, silly porn names and his 9yr. old's beat making attempts.

Big D and the Kids Table frontman, Dave McWane joins us this week with guest-host, Jeff Rosenstock to explain why ska and heavy metal are similar genres. We also get into why Covid was the "artist's gift" for him and some tips for young bands.

Music author/journalist Dan Ozzi joined us from his LA treehouse to discuss his new book, "Sellout" about major labels going after punk rock. We also got into Dan's penchant for ball-busting and his thing for the Vice IT guy.

Chris McLane of South Carolina hardcore band, Stretch Arm Strong came on this week to chill us out with his cool, southern vibe and tell us fun stories like seeing Black Flag in 1984 as a 12 year old kid.

Author of "In Defense of Ska", Aaron Carnes joined us this week to talk about his awesome, fun, and easy-read of a book that even the ska-uninterested will find worth checking out.

Guitarist, roadie, amazing human, Ian Perkins of The Gaslight Anthem and Horrible Crowes, came on this week to throw a LOT of laughs our way. We try hard to figure out his over-arching interest in people and hatred of social media.

Kevin Dye sings and plays guitar for indie-band, Gates but he's also an experienced, sought-after music producer and engineer. He talks to us about how those two things are permanently interwoven as well as getting his start with the legendary Levon Helm.

Pioneering, skateboard legend, Steve Caballero got on with us this week to discuss his new band, Urethane, the history of skateboarding and his place in it, and getting busted by his first girlfriend's parents, bare-assed and mid-coitus.