Cody Quistad of Wage War joins the show for an in-depth conversation about songwriting, creativity, and the future of heavy music.

Cody shares how growing up in Ocala, Florida helped shape Wage War's identity, why the band leaned into their roots on their latest EP, and how Song of the Swamp became their biggest-performing release to date.

The conversation also explores imposter syndrome, co-writing, the pressure of following up successful songs, AI's impact on music, why authenticity matters more than ever, and how modern metalcore continues to evolve.

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, leave a rating, follow the show, and share it with a friend.

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• Chris Davis: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Chris_TGI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Josh Korel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JoshKorel⁠⁠

What does touring really do to your mental health?

This week on Late For Load In, we're joined by Daniel Rinaldi—licensed mental health counselor, former frontman of Bedlight For Blue Eyes, and a therapist who now works almost exclusively with musicians, touring crew, managers, and creative professionals.

Having experienced life on the road himself, Daniel brings a perspective that's incredibly rare. We dive deep into the emotional highs and lows of touring, the identity crisis that can come when life revolves around being "the person in the band," and why coming home from tour is often one of the hardest parts of the job.

Chris, Josh, and Daniel also discuss the pressure artists feel to always appear grateful, balancing family life with a touring career, social media's impact on mental health, and why it's okay to admit that even your dream job can be difficult.

Whether you're an artist, crew member, industry professional, or simply someone who's ever wondered what life behind the curtain is really like, this is an honest conversation about the realities of touring and the importance of taking care of yourself—both on and off the road.

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💙 Mental Health ResourcesFeeling the weight? You’re not alone.

Text "lateforloadin" to 1-512-647-2871 for free, confidential support via Heart Support.

Want to give back? Volunteer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠heartsupport.com/volunteer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

SNDCHK SESH, mental health for music industry professionals:

⁠⁠www.sndchksesh.com⁠⁠

📲 Follow Us

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LateForLoadIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Chris Davis: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Chris_TGI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Josh Korel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JoshKorel⁠⁠

Brian Butcher of The Home Team joins Chris Davis (The Ghost Inside) and Josh Korel for a candid conversation about touring, social media, creativity, and staying authentic in today's music industry.

From overcoming stage fright and self-doubt to helping build one of modern rock's most exciting bands, Brian shares lessons learned throughout his journey with The Home Team. The conversation explores the realities of life on the road, maintaining a genuine connection with fans, navigating the pressures of success, and finding balance between music and personal life.

Brian also reflects on growing up in the Pacific Northwest, the experiences that shaped him as an artist, the evolution of music consumption, and why authenticity remains one of the most important qualities for artists in an increasingly connected world.

Topics Include:
• Touring and personal growth
• Overcoming stage fright and self-doubt
• Building The Home Team
• Social media and fan engagement
• Authenticity in the music industry
• Growing up in the Pacific Northwest
• Music videos and visual storytelling
• Balancing relationships and touring
• Creative hobbies outside of music
• The pressure of following up success
• The creative process behind new music
• What's next for The Home Team

🚐 Join The Road Crew (Patreon)

Support the show, unlock exclusive content, and keep the tour rolling:

👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/lflipod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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• 10% OFF at Rockabilia — Use code "LOAD" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rockabilia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

💙 Mental Health ResourcesFeeling the weight? You’re not alone.

Text "lateforloadin" to 1-512-647-2871 for free, confidential support via Heart Support.

Want to give back? Volunteer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠heartsupport.com/volunteer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

SNDCHK SESH, mental health for music industry professionals:

⁠www.sndchksesh.com⁠

📲 Follow Us

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LateForLoadIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Chris Davis: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Chris_TGI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Josh Korel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JoshKorel⁠⁠

Get ready for an honest and raw conversation with Joel Birch, legendary frontman of The Amity Affliction. Joel shares insights into the band's journey from humble beginnings in Australia to touring globally, overcoming personal and industry challenges, and the importance of perseverance and authenticity in music.Main topics include:

• The early days and overcoming obstacles in Australia’s music scene
• The differences in band development between Australia and the US/Europe
• The reality of touring costs, industry pressures, and maintaining mental health
• The creative process behind the new album "House of Cards"
• The significance of staying true to oneself amid industry trends
• Personal stories of sobriety, mental health, and resilience
• The impact of social media on band dynamics and fan relationships

🚐 Join The Road Crew (Patreon)

Support the show, unlock exclusive content, and keep the tour rolling:

👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/lflipod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

💀 Exclusive Listener Discounts

• 10% OFF at Rockabilia — Use code "LOAD" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rockabilia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

💙 Mental Health ResourcesFeeling the weight? You’re not alone.

Text "lateforloadin" to 1-512-647-2871 for free, confidential support via Heart Support.

Want to give back? Volunteer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠heartsupport.com/volunteer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

SNDCHK SESH, mental health for music industry professionals:

www.sndchksesh.com

📲 Follow Us

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LateForLoadIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Chris Davis: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Chris_TGI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Josh Korel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JoshKorel⁠⁠

This week on Late For Load In, hosts Chris and Josh look back on a massive year in music and podcasting. They discuss the rise of rock music in 2025, share their favorite albums and songs of the year, and revisit standout moments from the podcast.

The conversation also touches on the return of Warped Tour, its impact on the scene, and a reflection on the life and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne following his passing. To wrap things up, Chris and Josh look ahead to 2026, sharing their hopes for the future of the podcast and the music industry.

A thoughtful year-end conversation for anyone who loves music, touring culture, and the stories behind it.

🚐 Join The Road Crew (Patreon)

Support the show, unlock exclusive content, and keep the tour rolling:

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• 10% OFF at Rockabilia — Use code "LOAD" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rockabilia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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💙 Mental Health ResourcesFeeling the weight? You’re not alone.

Text "lateforloadin" to 1-512-647-2871 for free, confidential support via Heart Support.

Want to give back? Volunteer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠heartsupport.com/volunteer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📲 Follow Us

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LateForLoadIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Chris Davis: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Chris_TGI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Josh Korel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JoshKorel⁠⁠

Booking agent Nick Storch joins us for a sharp and insightful conversation about building a career in the music industry and staying grounded while doing it. Nick shares his path from Lancaster, PA, to becoming one of the most trusted agents in heavy music, reflecting on the early influences and community that shaped him.

We dig into the realities of balancing family life with a demanding career, navigating personal and professional relationships, and defining what success actually looks like. Nick talks about the importance of kindness, vulnerability, and saying yes to opportunities — even when they feel uncertain.

We also get into the legacy of bands like Metallica, the unique moments that make this industry unforgettable, and the joy that keeps him inspired after years in the industry.

A thoughtful, honest, and encouraging look at the business behind the music.

🚐 Join The Road Crew (Patreon)

Support the show, unlock exclusive content, and keep the tour rolling:

👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/lflipod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

💀 Exclusive Listener Discounts

• 10% OFF at Rockabilia — Use code "LOAD" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rockabilia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• 10% OFF at Best Tronics Pro Audio — Use code "LFLI10" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠btpa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

💙 Mental Health ResourcesFeeling the weight? You’re not alone.

Text "lateforloadin" to 1-512-647-2871 for free, confidential support via Heart Support.

Want to give back? Volunteer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠heartsupport.com/volunteer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📲 Follow Us

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LateForLoadIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Chris Davis: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Chris_TGI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Josh Korel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JoshKorel⁠⁠

🎙️ Metal Royalty joins the show!
This week on Late For Load In, we’re talking with the one and only Brian Slagel, founder of Metal Blade Records and a true pioneer of heavy music.

Brian shares stories from the early days of rock and metal, how the Metal Massacre compilation (which featured Metallica’s first-ever recording) came together, and what it took to bring heavy music to the masses. We also dive into the current state of the scene and what drives him to keep Metal Blade thriving more than 40 years later.

If you care about metal, passion, or building something that lasts — this one’s essential listening. 🤘

🚐 Join The Road Crew (Patreon)

Support the show, unlock exclusive content, and keep the tour rolling:

👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/lflipod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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• 10% OFF at Rockabilia — Use code "LOAD" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rockabilia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• 10% OFF at Best Tronics Pro Audio — Use code "LFLI10" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠btpa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

💙 Mental Health ResourcesFeeling the weight? You’re not alone.

Text "lateforloadin" to 1-512-647-2871 for free, confidential support via Heart Support.

Want to give back? Volunteer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠heartsupport.com/volunteer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📲 Follow Us

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LateForLoadIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Chris Davis: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Chris_TGI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Josh Korel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JoshKorel⁠⁠

🎙️ This week on Late For Load In we’re joined by JT Cavey of ERRA and Texas In July!

JT takes us through his journey from competitive swimming to fronting two powerhouse metalcore bands. We talk about the pressures of joining an established group, the emotional toll of touring, and the creative process behind music that connects on a personal level.

From Warped Tour memories to lessons learned on the road, JT shares stories of growth, resilience, and the importance of communication in both music and life. Stick around for a fun lightning round that shows a whole new side of him!

🚐 Join The Road Crew (Patreon)

Support the show, unlock exclusive content, and keep the tour rolling:

👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/lflipod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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• 10% OFF at Rockabilia — Use code "LOAD" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rockabilia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• 10% OFF at Best Tronics Pro Audio — Use code "LFLI10" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠btpa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎶 Launch Music Conference — Lancaster, PAOver 100 acts across 3 nights, plus 2 full days of panels and networking.🎤 Submit to perform, register for the weekend, or grab your passes now:👉 www.launchmusicconference.com

💙 Mental Health ResourcesFeeling the weight? You’re not alone.

Text "lateforloadin" to 1-512-647-2871 for free, confidential support via Heart Support.

Want to give back? Volunteer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠heartsupport.com/volunteer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📲 Follow Us

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LateForLoadIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Chris Davis: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Chris_TGI⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Josh Korel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JoshKorel⁠⁠

🎙️ This week on Late For Load In, we’re joined by Scott Lee — artist manager, longtime promoter, and the founder of the legendary New England Metal & Hardcore Festival.

Scott has been a driving force in the heavy music world for decades, from booking gritty hardcore shows in the Northeast to helping launch some of the most influential bands in the genre. He’s also the mind behind NEMHF, one of the most beloved festivals in hardcore and metal.

We get into his journey, the evolution of the scene, behind-the-scenes challenges like merch cuts, launching a VIP ticketing company, and how this year’s stacked festival lineup came together.

If you’re into hardcore, metal, or just love hearing the stories that built the scene, this is one you don’t want to miss.

🚐 Join The Road Crew (Patreon)

Support the show, unlock exclusive content, and keep the tour rolling:

👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/lflipod⁠⁠⁠⁠

💀 Exclusive Listener Discounts

• 10% OFF at Rockabilia — Use code "LOAD" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠rockabilia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

• 10% OFF at Best Tronics Pro Audio — Use code "LFLI10" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠btpa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎶 Launch Music Conference — Lancaster, PAOver 100 acts across 3 nights, plus 2 full days of panels and networking.🎤 Submit to perform, register for the weekend, or grab your passes now:👉 www.launchmusicconference.com

💙 Mental Health ResourcesFeeling the weight? You’re not alone.

Text "lateforloadin" to 1-512-647-2871 for free, confidential support via Heart Support.

Want to give back? Volunteer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠heartsupport.com/volunteer⁠⁠⁠⁠

📲 Follow Us

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@LateForLoadIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Chris Davis: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@Chris_TGI⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Josh Korel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@JoshKorel⁠⁠

🎙️ This Week on Late For Load In — riff architect & sonic innovator, Mike Stringer!

Widely regarded as one of the most forward-thinking guitarists and songwriters in modern heavy music (even if he’d never say it himself), Mike and his bandmates continue to push the boundaries of what is achievable in heavy music. In this episode, we trace his entire journey — from grinding it out at local shows on Vancouver Island, to multiple Grammy nominations, to shredding live on Jimmy Kimmel.

This one’s packed front-to-back with insight, stories, and inspiration. An absolute can’t-miss episode!

🚐 Join The Road Crew (Patreon)

Support the show, unlock exclusive content, and keep the tour rolling:

👉 ⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/lflipod⁠⁠⁠

💀 Exclusive Listener Discounts

• 10% OFF at Rockabilia — Use code "LOAD" → ⁠⁠⁠rockabilia.com⁠⁠⁠

• 10% OFF at Best Tronics Pro Audio — Use code "LFLI10" → ⁠⁠⁠btpa.com⁠⁠⁠

🎶 Launch Music Conference — Lancaster, PAOver 100 acts across 3 nights, plus 2 full days of panels and networking.🎤 Submit to perform, register for the weekend, or grab your passes now:👉 www.launchmusicconference.com

💙 Mental Health ResourcesFeeling the weight? You’re not alone.

Text "lateforloadin" to 1-512-647-2871 for free, confidential support via Heart Support.

Want to give back? Volunteer: ⁠⁠⁠heartsupport.com/volunteer⁠⁠⁠

📲 Follow Us

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@LateForLoadIn⁠⁠⁠

• Chris Davis: ⁠⁠⁠@Chris_TGI⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Josh Korel: ⁠⁠⁠@JoshKorel⁠⁠