Loose Connection

Mental well-being isn't just a trend—it's a multifaceted voyage of self-discovery and comprehension. Join us as we bring back author Phillip Kriz and  continue to unravel our ongoing mental health journeys, seeking not just answers, but understanding. While concrete advice may be elusive, through candid dialogue, we aim to offer insights that resonate with you. Remember, the destination may be clear, but it's the journey that truly matters. Embrace the process, and cultivate a relentless drive for improvement.

Listen to our first episode with Phillip Kriz

You can learn more about Phillip Kriz and purchase The Roadie Cartel here: https://www.phillipjkriz.com/

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The Loose Connection podcast is Hosted by Chris Leonard & Kyle Chirnside

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Navigating life's turbulent waters often requires us to pause and reassess the sails of our mental well-being. That's precisely the voyage we undertake in this episode, where the aftermath of a podcast departure and other life circumstances sets the stage for a deep dive into the essence of personal growth. We open up about our struggles with mental health and the profound impact taking a break has had on our clarity and purpose.  

We discuss the importance of proactive mental health care, taking cues from our previous discussions with the Roadie Clinic and embedding the significance of simple life skills into the fabric of success. Our reflections extend to the subtle art of balancing gratitude with personal ambition, questioning whether the goals we set truly steer us toward fulfillment. 

The Loose Connection podcast is Hosted by Chris Leonard & Kyle Chirnside

email us at [email protected]

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Since Téja picked up the bass guitar, she's lit up stages playing with artists such as Musiq Soulchild, Janelle Monáe, JID, Lil Yachty, and more. We talk about her musical journey rooted in big-band jazz and “old-school soul” as well as becoming the first African American and the first woman to hold the leadership role of Music Director at her church.

Téja has over 20 years of live performance and touring under her belt! She's performed on six continents, on varied illustrious stages including the Grammy Awards, the White House, Radio City Music Hall, NPR Tiny Desk, and much more.

Her story is a masterclass in passion and perseverance, inspiring the rhythm in your soul and the bass line of your dreams.

Learn more about Téja here www.helloimteja.com

The Loose Connection podcast is Hosted by Chris Leonard & Kyle Chirnside

email us at [email protected]

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In this episode, we're thrilled to have Phillip J Kriz join us as we explore his debut crime thriller fiction novel, "The Roadie Cartel," and his remarkable journey from life on the road as a touring audio engineer to becoming an author. While many envision the roadie lifestyle as glamorous, Phillip sheds light on the dark, winding path that can ensnare anyone, prompting unforeseen choices both in reality and within the pages of his gripping novel.

We delve deep into Phillip's narrative craftsmanship, marveling at his ability to strike a delicate balance between providing intricate details and leaving ample space for the imagination to roam freely. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences touring with legendary bands such as KISS, Justin Bieber, Paul Simon, and more, Phillip seamlessly weaves these encounters into the very fabric of his characters' journeys, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

Join us as we discover how Phillip's book transcends its audience beyond fellow roadies, captivating readers with intricately constructed characters who linger long after the final page is turned.

You can learn more about Phillip Kriz and purchase The Roadie Cartel here: https://www.phillipjkriz.com/

Follow Phillip on Instagram

Check out his former podcast mentioned in the episode Backyards & Bevvies

The Loose Connection podcast is Hosted by Chris Leonard & Kyle Chirnside

email us at [email protected]

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Detrick Lowman's journey in the music industry spans from the iconic Black Lily club in Philadelphia, where he collaborated with The Roots and Questlove, to monumental events like Lady Gaga's Superbowl performance, his integral role at Late Night with Seth Meyers, and much more. As a seasoned touring drum tech and production manager, Detrick's career is rich with diverse experiences.

Reflecting on his path, Detrick acknowledges the profound influence of his high school music teacher, whose mentorship encouraged him to expand beyond drumming while nurturing his enduring passion for music and commitment to helping others.

They touch on many memorable moments in Detrick's career, touring alongside Anthony Hamilton with Chris, and collaborating with Kyle during a Fall Out Boy show, including a particularly humorous story from President Obama's Inauguration party, and more.

The culmination of Detrick's extensive touring background has seamlessly transitioned into his current role as the Senior Music Coordinator of Late Night with Seth Meyers, where his wealth of experience continues to shape the show's musical landscape.

Follow Detrick Lowman on Instagram - fallguy_2.0

The Loose Connection podcast is Hosted by Chris Leonard & Kyle Chirnside

email us at [email protected]

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It only took 11 guests to get back to Chris and  Kyle’s roots of the audio and touring profession. A guest from our previous podcast, and a friend from way back, Chad Olech goes through his lessons and intersects of the entertainment touring industry, as well as being a dad, husband, human, and the meme lord of the inner circle of social media. 

Currently FOH Engineer and Production Manager of Fall Out Boy, his decades of grinding through tough situations has changed his demeanor and outlook on the profession. Right after we recorded this episode, he added another accolade to his impressive resume of artists by winning FOH mixer of the year at the TourLink conference.

From making people laugh, to the importance of family and downtime, Chad and his legacy continues to be an intricate part of what we need to have today. Still, bringing us together by simple, loose, connections.

The Loose Connection podcast is Hosted by Chris Leonard & Kyle Chirnside

email us at [email protected]

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Have you ever wondered what it's like to travel the world as a vital part of the music that moves millions? This episode brings you stories from the road with Brian  Diaz, affectionately known as Diaz, whose life as a seasoned bass guitar tech for bands like Fall Out Boy,  Blink 182, Motion City Soundtrack, and more is a tapestry of adventure, camaraderie, and the pursuit of passion. We peel back the curtain on touring life, from the hilarity of unexpected onstage antics to the shared triumphs and trials behind the scenes.

The nostalgia of music has a way of threading through our lives, and today's conversation with Diaz is a testament to that enduring tapestry. We stir up memories of the music industry's golden days, trading CDs and uncovering the roots of our musical influences. Diaz shares his serendipitous journey from trading a Chili Peppers CD for his first guitar to the nuanced gratification of perfecting a live performance as a tech, all while we laugh over the quirky and endearing side of our personal musical escapades.

This podcast isn't just about reminiscing; it's about the vivid reality of capturing life's most intense moments through a lens. Diaz's pivot to photography during the pandemic and the LA protests reveals a profound perspective on societal upheaval, the eerie stillness of a world paused, and the cathartic return to communal experiences with the resurgence of live music. Join us for an episode that not only celebrates the intersections of music and photography but also honors the indelible human connections forged through shared experiences and the art that documents them.

checkout Brian Diaz's work - https://www.briandiazphoto.com/ , https://www.instagram.com/briandiazphoto/

The Loose Connection podcast is Hosted by Chris Leonard & Kyle Chirnside

email us at [email protected]

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2024 is here and we are back recording new episodes. We briefly catch up on what we did during the downtime like all the Soccer Kyle coached and the genealogy work that Chris dug into. New full interview episodes coming soon. 

The Loose Connection podcast is Hosted by Chris Leonard & Kyle Chirnside
email us at [email protected]

The Loose Connection podcast is Hosted by Chris Leonard & Kyle Chirnside

email us at [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram , Facebook,

In episode 9, Matt Carter from the band Emery joins us and he takes us behind the scenes, sharing his recent experience of mixing at a club show—an intriguing departure from his usual position on stage with a guitar in hand.

Delving into the intricacies of live performances, we explore the dynamic interplay of elements that contribute to an unforgettable concert. From the role of audience engagement to the pivotal influence of music, lighting, and the collective energy of a supportive crowd, we shed light on the artistry involved in crafting a truly memorable live experience.

The conversation extends beyond the stage, delving into the profound impact of storytelling and the shared narratives that connect artists with their audiences. Our conversation also touches on the transformative influence of podcasting, unraveling its effects on our cognitive processes and its role in shaping our perspectives.

This episode provides an exclusive backstage pass into the distinctive lifestyle of artists, offering insights into their perpetual pursuit of innovation and self-improvement. The discussion spans the creative drive that propels artists forward, the nuances of sharing personal experiences, and the indispensable role of sound in the realm of video production.

Learn more about Matt Carter and Emery at www.emerymusic.com

The Loose Connection podcast is Hosted by Chris Leonard & Kyle Chirnside
email us at [email protected]

The Loose Connection podcast is Hosted by Chris Leonard & Kyle Chirnside

email us at [email protected]

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Kevin Cleary joins us in episode 8 to talk about the art of serving the sports fan through invoking the emotion, not only of the competition itself but also the story behind the athletes and sporting events. As a specialist at ESPN, Kevin holds a pivotal role as the technical manager for marquee events such as ESPN Sunday Night Baseball, the College Football Playoff Semi-Finals and National Championship, NFL Draft, and The Heisman Trophy presentation, among others. His unwavering passion and dedication to the world of sports broadcasting shines through in his work. 

Kevin recounts tales from the trenches, where every ratchet of a snowboarder's boots or echo of a 21-gun salute is meticulously captured and broadcasted, painting a vivid emotional canvas for sports fans worldwide. We dissect the beauty of sports broadcasting, from helmet and umpire cams to the intimate audio captures between a catcher and an umpire during a game. Kevin enlightens us on the rigorous preparation his team undergoes for the unpredictability of live sports, always poised and ready for surprises, right from champagne celebrations to ensuring redundancies and backups. There's never a dull moment as Kevin spins tales of the meticulous planning, strategizing, and sheer adrenaline behind every perfectly timed shot and angle.

As we delve into the future of sports broadcasting, Kevin shares his thoughts on the potential of new technology and the psychological aspects of this intense job. There's a delicate balance between innovation and tradition, and our conversation explores this fascinating interplay.

The Loose Connection podcast is Hosted by Chris Leonard & Kyle Chirnside
email us at [email protected]

The Loose Connection podcast is Hosted by Chris Leonard & Kyle Chirnside

email us at [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram , Facebook,