On this week’s solo episode of the JWN Podcast I’m excited about the prospect of going to see live music once again. I discuss the downfall of one of the world’s most famous guitar manufacturers, and discover a little bit of information about the Podlasie Province in Poland. 

I also reference this post on Reddit if you’re interested in looking into that further.

Jenna Desmond & Corey Campbell began their musical partnership as members of the indie rock band Susto. After touring extensively they decided to part ways with Susto and begin their own project, which became known as Babe Club.

Mixing their influences of 70’s new wave & 90’s alt-pop, their alluring melodies are fused with powerfully evocative and existential lyrics, yielding songs that explore self-realization, honest emotions, friendship and themes of love.

As they prepare to release their debut EP “Remember This Feeling” Jenna & Corey sat down with me to discus how they got their start in music and how they came together in life and in creativity.

You check them out at joinbabeclub.com where you can pre-order the new record, or purchase their current single on Bandcamp. Keep up with them on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and other social media outlets with their handle @joinbabeclube

This podcast is legally allowed to drink in the USA! Happy 21st episode!! This is a solo show, and I start off getting into a POD-WAR with rival podcast In Yo(ur) Shoes With Amy & Kelli! 

I talk about some of the things that happened during what I'm calling the longest week of the longest month of the longest year, aka the last week of August 2020, including a story of almost ruining a photo job that I should have been prepared for.

I also discuss David Blaine's Ascension stunt, and why I appreciate his stunts.

Connect with me at JWNPod.com and on Instagram & Twitter at @JoeL8X

Seth James DeMoor is a YouTube creator who found his niche by doing something he was passionate about. When he started his daily vlog, it was more of a lifestyle channel that struck a chord with people & started growing when he began documenting some of his trail runs in the scenic mountains of Colorado. As he was honing his skills as a storyteller with his camera, the running community started showing up every day. This pushed not only his creative skills, but his running abilities as well. Last year he represented the USA in the World Mountain Running Championship in Argentina. This year, he won his first Golden Trail Marathon at the Pike’s Peak Marathon. The day after his big win, his YouTube channel surpassed the 100K followers mark. He’s had a great week!

You can check out his daily vlog on his YouTube Channel, and follow him on Instagram & Twitter at @sethjamesdemoor. You can check out his running stats on Strava & he also runs a private Facebook group called DeMoor Global Running that supports a friendly & supportive running community.

“I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.” - James Baldwin

This solo episode is my reaction to the current events during the end of August of 2020 when this was published. I took a deep dive into the conversations & speeches given by the late James Baldwin & how they are still so important & relevant today. Warning: This episode contains strong language & stronger emotions.

Some of the material used in this podcast comes from the following:

“The Struggle of the Artist”

Appearances on the Dick Cavett Show

An Interview with Mavis Nicholson

James Baldwin's National Press Club Speech

John Kenney is one of the owners of The Royal American, a dive bar located in what was once an iron forge that’s now the center of the downtown Charleston, SC independent music scene. Before creating a home base for original musicians, he was a world traveling musician himself as the guitarist for the DC rock band Rotoglow.

His journey so far has led him to becoming a father figure of one of the most inclusive music scenes in the south. From punk rock to hip-hop & country to pop, the only rule to playing the Royal American is to be original and be good.

Follow John on Instagram at @john_r_kenney and The Royal American at @theroyalamerican or visit their website at https://theroyalamerican.com

On this episode, I talk about my upcoming birthday plans courtesy of my wonderful wife Amy. I also wonder why we're all not freaking out about the Pentagon telling us they have actual spaceships built off of this world, and then I share the story of my own UFO sighting. I also talk about a marathon I signed up for earlier this year that just got canceled, but more importantly the fundraiser I was doing which is still going on despite the cancelation. If you'd like to support my fundraising efforts for St. Jude Children's Hospital, just visit http://heroes.stjude.org/runjoerun to donate. I'll have to run the race next year (if I don't get abducted by aliens first).

Proton Factories started his artistic career as a graffiti artist, but transitioned into painting & printmaking after being convicted as a gangster by the Charleston Police Department. This kind & gentle soul with a criminal record makes artwork that mirrors his positive, upbeat personality, featuring reimagined pop culture characters from comic books, movies, cartoons, video games, and more in a simplified, whimsical style.

We had such a fun time during this discussion about his artistic journey and his joyfulness is truly infectious - I know you’ll finish this episode with a smile on your face.

You can check out Proton Factories on his website at protonfactories.com or follow him on most social media at @protonfactories

Art is not a crime.

When I first met Mike Cavallaro back in the 90’s, he was known in the underground music scene as Johnny X, guitarist for New Jersey punk rock legends Sticks & Stones. MIke's imagination, determination, and artistic skill has led to long successful career of cartooning, animation, & creating graphic novels. He’s worked for the biggest names in the business, from DC & Image comics to MTV & Cartoon Network.

Mike is currently working on the Nico Bravo graphic novel series, which he’s created, written, & drawn. The first book Nico Bravo & The Hound Of Hades was featured on the NY Public Library best of list for 2019. The next book in the series, Nico Bravo and the Cellar Dwellers is due out on August 25th.

Check out http://66thousandmilesperhour.com for info on how to purchase Mike's work, & find him on Instagram at @mikecavallaroart & Twitter at @Mike_Cavallaro

I give my friend & former bandmate Tömmy Röckstar (@tommyrockstar on Instagram) a call to talk about how I discovered the beat poet & author Richard Brautigan. The book Trout Fishing in America was the inspiration for one of the songs we wrote, but the story of how I was introduced to the author's work is where the story gets interesting.