Life Harvester Radio

What is there to say about Jimmy Webb that hasn’t already been said in one of his countless profiles, anecdotes, eulogies? I figured it would be good to let Jimmy speak for himself. One thing that really stood out to me was Jimmy’s fond recollections of Studio 54 and the world of disco, lending some first person credence to something we knew all along—that punk and dance music communities have been linked on their margins by cool queers since both began. But that’s me. There’s so much more in this interview that’s worth hearing—from listening to Lou Reed down by the crick in his podunk hometown to backstage at the Apollo with Guns’n’Roses in the year 2010 (what a psychotic series of words).

This month I talked to Tay Simms (of TAZ, Terrorist, Twisted Thing, Penis Boys) about growing up in an immigrant neighborhood in Ottawa, dropping out of high school, having an FBI snitch infiltrate the punk house, grief and loss, the gig as collective catharsis, and so much more. This conversation was incredible to have and I hope it's just as good for you to listen to.

AYYE here's a bonus episode since I didn't have a chance to edit the full one this month. Krystyna talks about famous punks she's met. It's quick and cute and very funny. Sorry I belched in the intro. If you haven't heard the real episode with Krystyna, you should! It's great! Check it out here!

This month I had the pleasure of interviewing native-Pittsburgh freaker Krystyna Fox of PEACE TALKS one of my favorite Pittsburgh bands! We talked about growing up in Pittsburgh, her many KISS uncles (and one VENOM aunt), being punk/staying punk, surviving an abusive childhood, running away and squatting at 14, playing in bands, getting into witchcraft, punk performance as magick ritual, and SO MUCH MORE. This interview is incredible, Krystyna rules. Listen listen listen.

WHATS GOOD INTERNET. This month I talked to Atiya Jones about growing up in Brooklyn, Pitbull, what it means to really LIVE in a place, where to get good oxtail in Pittsburgh, Wildfang (sponsor us), not all art being for all people, MUCH MORE. Plus Atiya asked how I was doing at the end and I talked about my transition for the first time on the podcast, during which time I embarrassingly forgot Clea Duvall’s name and I’m mortified!

WHATS GOOD this month's podcast guest is Sarah Elaine Smith, author of Marilou Is Everywhere. We talked about high school literary magazines, Pander Zine Distro, playing trombone, getting two MFAs, teaching middle school kids, and a bunch more. Sarah rules and this conversation made me want to work on my novel again. As promised here are three reviews: NY Times, NPR, Pittsburgh Current. Buy this book! Also sign up for Sarah's writing course.

WHATS GOOD this month on the podcast I talked to my sister-wife Asher Waite-Jones about being a homeless teen, identifying more with punks than queers, loving and leaving his hometown of Pittsburgh, and his qualms with the representation of the legal system in the television show Riverdale. Asher rules and this episode is super fun. Plus at various points you can hear my ancient cat Growler fucking screaming. Please enjoy. Also sign up for my dumb Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lifeharvester

This month I sat down with Maddy Court aka @xenaworrierprincess and we talked about feeling awkward at parties, writing vs being a writer, distrust of magicians, her advice zine series, signing a book contract, etc etc etc. Please listen! Maddy rules! Also here is the Patreon I mentioned in the introduction!

WHAT’S UP this month I got to talk to Ali Donohue of Fleabite, Waxahatchee, etc about contested geographic region Central Jersey; her ska origins; getting turned gay by Ladyfest; Solfeggio frequencies; staying grounded on tour; making music videos; and more more more. Two videos we mentioned in particular are Empath "Hanging Out of Cars", which Ali directed, and Fleabite "Missing Everyone" which was shot by Catherine from Empath, edited by Ali, and shooting it is where me and Ali met. PLEASE LISTEN PLEASE ENJOY.

WHAT’S UP this is episode 31 of Radio Harvester. A good number. On my 31st birthday I got my ear pierced at the Queens Center Mall. This month’s guest is queer filmmaker Sue Johnson, who I met at a screening of Off Course, a 15 year retrospective featuring 13 of her films spanning from 2003, when she’d first picked up a camera, to this year! We talked about growing up in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, Eric’s Trip, working at Struts Gallery, witnessing the Women’s March as a Canadian, Kenneth Anger, Chicks on Speed, queer joy, queer pain, and so much more. Plus I whispered the intro bust and departing salutation crouched in my parents basement and they sound hella weird! Please give it a listen! Rate (5-star only), review (glowing, please), subscribe (there’s only one way to do this) on iTunes! I keep forgetting to ask people to do that but it’s important for analytics and I don’t quite know what analytics are but I know I need them!