In this episode, we talk with Shy Swartz, an instrument repair technician based in Cincinnati, whose expertise spans guitars, amps, pedals, and vintage electronics. Shy shares how she got her start by fixing her own gear as a teenager and discusses her passion for making technical knowledge accessible through social media. She opens up about navigating the industry, confronting bias, and staying grounded despite a growing global customer base. Along the way, she shares memorable repair stories and advice for aspiring techs looking to break into the field.

resurrectioninstrumentrepair.com

⁠instagram.com/missshymustdie

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This week Bernie sits down with Tim DeLaughter to talk about the origins of Tripping Daisy, their explosive rise in the ‘90s Dallas music scene, and the unexpected return of the band. Tim discusses the band’s upcoming tour, new album, and how a spontaneous onstage moment reminded him why he loved the band in the first place. He opens up about the impact of losing Wes Berggren and Chris Penn, and how their memory shapes the band’s next chapter. Check out this candid and inspiring conversation about music, loss, and revival.

instagram.com/tripdaisyofcl⁠

facebook.com/share/16667kugik/

gofundme.com/f/join-us-to-support-the-penn-family

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This week, we sit down with Michael Alago—legendary A&R executive, photographer, and subject of the critically acclaimed documentary Who the Fuck Is That Guy?! The Fabulous Journey of Michael Alago. Michael joins us to share the wild, inspiring story of his life in music—from signing Metallica and White Zombie to working with Nina Simone and becoming a celebrated photographer. He reflects on being openly gay in the heavy metal scene, his struggles with addiction, and finding peace through sobriety and creativity. With stories that span decades, this is a powerful conversation about music, resilience, and living authentically.

⁠https://www.instagram.com/michaelanthonyalago⁠

⁠https://linktr.ee/michaelmachine⁠

⁠https://www.michaelalago.co⁠

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This week we chat with Cynthia St. Aubin about her evolution from executive assistant to bestselling author of genre-blending fiction. We explore the influence of her neurodivergence, the real-life inspirations behind her characters, and the upcoming re-release of her Tales from the Alpha Art Gallery series. Cynthia also opens up about creativity, activism, and finding balance in a world that doesn’t always make space for artistic voices. 

linktr.ee/cynthiastaubin

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In this episode, Bernie catches up with punk rock pioneer Javier Escovedo to talk about his musical roots, his influential work with The Zeros, and his journey as a solo artist. They dive into the early LA and San Francisco punk scenes, the challenges and triumphs of being a Chicano musician, and Javier’s deep love for rock & roll. Javier opens up about his personal struggles, his family dynamics, and shares what’s next — a long-awaited solo album and more live shows with The Zeros.

https://linktr.ee/javierescovedo

https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVHHzyv6nhqj0QdiZ9L4SQyQ2GJRPrl8

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This week, we’re joined by Christopher Holt — a Dallas-based musician with both high-profile sideman gigs as well as an exciting solo career. Chris discusses his musical journey, from teaching himself guitar to becoming a guitarist for the Eagles. He opens up about rediscovering his solo voice through his new album Across the Milky Way (released May 9, 2025), and we dig into the creative process behind his single “That Magic Feeling.” Chris reflects on years of playing with legends like Don Henley and Mike Campbell, talks about adjusting to performing at the Las Vegas Sphere, shares some great stories and much more.

chrisholtmusic.net

instagram.com/christopherholtmusic

instagram.com/idolrecords

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In this episode, we chat with Lyric Noel and Russell Hollar of the Lyric Noel project about their musical roots, their unique creative partnership, and the evolution of their sound. They share the story behind their single “Metamorphosis,” discuss how mental health and personal loss influence their art, and reflect on building a loyal audience through social media. From pop influences to heavy metal, their style blends genres with heart and intention. It’s a deep and inspiring look into the rising project known as Lyric Noel.

https://www.lyricnoel.com

https://linktr.ee/lyricnoel

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In this episode, Bernie talks with Ernie Moreno, a Denton-based artist and founder of Tattoo My Shoes. Ernie creates vibrant, hand-drawn artwork on shoes, transforming each pair into a one-of-a-kind piece. He shares how his background in tech and tattooing led to a passion project that became a unique business. From comic cons to personal commissions, each pair of shoes tells a story through his detailed artwork.

tattoomyshoes.com

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This week we sit down with guitarist and frontman Patrick Kennison. Patrick discusses his journey from forming Union Underground to playing with Lita Ford and leading his own band, Heaven Below. He shares stories about growing up in San Antonio’s heavy metal scene, the influence of mentors like Dick Wagner, and navigating the highs and lows of the music industry. Patrick also opens up about his creative partnership and marriage with Nikki Stringfield, their acoustic project “Live in the Living Room,” and their latest release, Ghost Notes. From signature guitars to self-funded albums, Patrick reflects on redefining success and staying true to his passion for music.

instagram.com/thepatrickkennison⁠

brokenhalomedia.bigcartel.com⁠

schecterguitars.com

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This week we chop it up with filmmaker, musician, and host of The New York Hardcore Chronicles Live, Drew Stone. Drew shares stories from his upbringing in New York City, his immersion in the early hardcore punk scene, and how that culture shaped his filmmaking. He talks about his documentaries like The New York Hardcore Chronicles and Who the F** Is That Guy?, and gives us a look at his current projects, including his band Incendiary Device and new photo book London ‘77: The Lost Archive - The photography of Gregory Rudolph Smith. Drew opens up about community, creativity, and why staying accessible still matters. 

linktr.ee/Stonefilmsnyc

instagram.com/stonefilmsnyc

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