Learn money saving travel trips here - MK120 - How to backpack Europe - https://youtu.be/pFtwBOMdczY

A travel guide on transportation, lodging, and food in Menorca, Spain. One of three major Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea, Menorca is a beautiful destination with a rich history.

Previous episodes -

MK127 - Kauai, Hawaii - https://youtu.be/g5gzC8nLfTM

MK126 - Berlin, Germany - https://youtu.be/DKSpGvSsN8Y

MK125 - Split, Croatia - https://youtu.be/z3Okr-kjCto

MK124 - Cinque Terre, Italy - https://youtu.be/L_y1Znpx-UI

MK123 - Finale Ligure, Italy - https://youtu.be/W_vvRjbbNyk

MK122 - Monaco - https://youtu.be/JxhjHNlfnZ4

MK121 - Nice, France - https://youtu.be/bVTU_XMjZ-g

MK120 - How to backpack Europe - https://youtu.be/pFtwBOMdczY

MK86 - Venice - https://youtu.be/sPGUJ7VHMCE

MK85 - Vienna - https://youtu.be/DK6G7RB9g_k

MK84 - Dubrovnik - https://youtu.be/FD_xIqmV4w4

MK45 - Dublin - https://youtu.be/DYDSk7pBbNU

MK44 - Marseille - https://youtu.be/TQrESbBJ7QY

MK43 - Palma de Mallorca - https://youtu.be/YtOHgY67XoI

MK42 - Amsterdam - https://youtu.be/CJxlYIoon00

Opening song “Menorca" written and performed by Joana Pons.

All production by Cody Maxwell.

Artwork by Cody Maxwell.

Opening graphic assets by BoxOfMotion.

Maps by Google Earth.

sharkfyn.com

maxwellskitchenpodcast.com

#menorca #spaintravel #spain #balearicislands #euro #sharkfyn #maxwellskitchenpodcast

In this episode, I take you step-by-step through how to play one of The Beatles’ most iconic songs, “Blackbird.” Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate guitarist, I’ll break down the fingerpicking pattern, chords, and techniques that make this song so timeless and unique. “Blackbird” is a beautiful acoustic piece that showcases Paul McCartney’s songwriting genius, and I’ll guide you through the nuances to help you capture its spirit.

But this episode isn’t just about the music — it’s about the story behind the song and the dramatic period in The Beatles’ history when “Blackbird” was recorded. We’ll explore the cultural and personal backdrop of the late 1960s, including their famous trip to India to study with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. This journey marked a pivotal moment in the band’s creative process and personal growth, influencing their music and outlook on life.

At the same time, the band was dealing with the tragic death of their manager, Brian Epstein, whose loss left a deep void and uncertainty about their future direction. I’ll discuss how this event impacted the group’s dynamics and business side.

We’ll also touch on John Lennon’s evolving mindset during this time. After meeting Yoko Ono, Lennon’s focus began to shift, and his enthusiasm for the band waned, leading to growing tensions within The Beatles. This episode offers insight into how these events shaped the band’s final years and ultimately contributed to their breakup.

Whether you’re here for the guitar lesson or the Beatles history, this episode provides a rich mix of both — blending music and story to deepen your appreciation for “Blackbird” and one of the most transformative eras in rock history. Tune in, grab your guitar, and journey with me through the chords and chronicles of The Beatles.

The Beatles

John Lennon

Paul McCartney

George Harrison

Ringo Starr

Previous Episodes

MK128 - Tenacious D - Why is this song so good? - https://youtu.be/OSLkQUMwuU8

MK118 - "The King of Carrot Flowers Pt. 1" - Neutral Milk Hotel - Why is this song so good? - https://youtu.be/vSo6Z9Er5wc

MK112 - "Barking at the Moon" - Jenny Lewis - Why is this song so good? - https://youtu.be/maBvAMNzNJ0

MK107 - "Seeing Double at the Triple Rock" - NOFX - Why is this song so good? - https://youtu.be/3poqd6SgK4U

MK82 - The Intro - The study of guitar improvisation and recording in Apple Garage Band - https://youtu.be/OCLlZRxBjGc

MK76 - "Little Black Submarines" - The Black Keys - Why is this song so good? - https://youtu.be/nSahsKdS5vo

MK5 - Murder - What is it like working with a man who was convicted of murdering your friend - https://youtu.be/Q34ocUP4SDg

All production by Cody Maxwell.

Artwork by Cody Maxwell.

Opening graphic assets by sonorafilms.

sharkfyn.com

maxwellskitchenpodcast.com

Austin is the “Live Music Capital of the World”, and more recently, the king of stand-up comedy.  “Cap City”, the “Vulcan Gas Company”, “The Creek and The Cave”, and Joe Rogan’s “Comedy Mothership” are a few Austin venues where you can see comedians perform.  “Kill Tony”, the #1 live comedy podcast shoots in the Mothership’s “Fat Man” room on Monday nights.  This episode has a brief history lesson on Austin, and some info on what it’s like to see shows at the Mothership in the rooms, “Fat Man” and “Little Boy”.

Watch episode #656 of "Kill Tony" here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11FD8eVzsfk

Previous episodes - 

MK127 - Kauai, Hawaii - https://youtu.be/g5gzC8nLfTM

MK126 - Berlin, Germany - https://youtu.be/DKSpGvSsN8Y

MK125 - Split, Croatia - https://youtu.be/z3Okr-kjCto

MK124 - Cinque Terre, Italy - https://youtu.be/L_y1Znpx-UI

MK123 - Finale Ligure, Italy - https://youtu.be/W_vvRjbbNyk

MK122 - Monaco - https://youtu.be/JxhjHNlfnZ4

MK121 - Nice, France - https://youtu.be/bVTU_XMjZ-g

MK120 - How to backpack Europe - https://youtu.be/pFtwBOMdczY

MK86 - Venice - https://youtu.be/sPGUJ7VHMCE

MK85 - Vienna - https://youtu.be/DK6G7RB9g_k

MK84 - Dubrovnik - https://youtu.be/FD_xIqmV4w4

MK45 - Dublin - https://youtu.be/DYDSk7pBbNU

MK44 - Marseille - https://youtu.be/TQrESbBJ7QY

MK43 - Palma de Mallorca - https://youtu.be/YtOHgY67XoI

MK42 - Amsterdam - https://youtu.be/CJxlYIoon00

Opening song “The Big Rock Candy Mountains” written and performed by Harry McClintock.

All production by Cody Maxwell.

Artwork by Cody Maxwell.

Opening graphic assets by sonorafilms.

sharkfyn.com

maxwellskitchenpodcast.com

This is a cover of “Fuck Her Gently”, which is a song from the Tenacious D self-titled debut album, released on September 25, 2001. Written and performed by Jack Black & Kyle Gass. History of the band, album, and song are summarized while guitar chords and chord progressions are discussed.

Tenacious D

Jack Black – lead vocals, rhythm acoustic guitar

Kyle Gass – lead acoustic guitar, rhythm electric guitar, backing vocals

Additional musicians

Andrew Gross – strings

Previous Episodes

MK118 - "The King of Carrot Flowers Pt. 1" - Neutral Milk Hotel - Why is this song so good? - https://youtu.be/vSo6Z9Er5wc

MK112 - "Barking at the Moon" - Jenny Lewis - Why is this song so good? - https://youtu.be/maBvAMNzNJ0

MK107 - "Seeing Double at the Triple Rock" - NOFX - Why is this song so good? - https://youtu.be/3poqd6SgK4U

MK82 - The Intro - The study of guitar improvisation and recording in Apple Garage Band - https://youtu.be/OCLlZRxBjGc

MK76 - "Little Black Submarines" - The Black Keys - Why is this song so good? - https://youtu.be/nSahsKdS5vo

MK5 - Murder - What is it like working with a man who was convicted of murdering your friend - https://youtu.be/Q34ocUP4SDg

All production by Cody Maxwell.

Artwork by Cody Maxwell.

Opening graphic assets by sonorafilms.

sharkfyn.com

maxwellskitchenpodcast.com

A travel guide on transportation, lodging, and food in Kauai, Hawaii. Nicknamed the "Garden Isle", Kauai's earliest documented people were Polynesian, and later inhabited by Europeans in 1778 when Captain James Cook arrived at Weimea Bay. Now, Mark Zuckerberg has joined their history with a $270 million dollar estate. One of the most beautiful destinations on the planet, Kauai is home to fantastic beaches, quaint towns, and extraordinary mountains.

Previous episodes -

MK126 - Berlin, Germany - https://youtu.be/DKSpGvSsN8Y

MK125 - Split, Croatia - https://youtu.be/z3Okr-kjCto

MK124 - Cinque Terre, Italy - https://youtu.be/L_y1Znpx-UI

MK123 - Finale Ligure, Italy - https://youtu.be/W_vvRjbbNyk

MK122 - Monaco - https://youtu.be/JxhjHNlfnZ4

MK121 - Nice, France - https://youtu.be/bVTU_XMjZ-g

MK120 - How to backpack Europe - https://youtu.be/pFtwBOMdczY

MK86 - Venice - https://youtu.be/sPGUJ7VHMCE

MK85 - Vienna - https://youtu.be/DK6G7RB9g_k

MK84 - Dubrovnik - https://youtu.be/FD_xIqmV4w4

MK45 - Dublin - https://youtu.be/DYDSk7pBbNU

MK44 - Marseille - https://youtu.be/TQrESbBJ7QY

MK43 - Palma de Mallorca - https://youtu.be/YtOHgY67XoI

MK42 - Amsterdam - https://youtu.be/CJxlYIoon00

Opening song “Riot!" written and performed by Earl Sweatshirt.

All production by Cody Maxwell.

Artwork by Cody Maxwell.

Opening graphic assets by sonorafilms.

sharkfyn.com

maxwellskitchenpodcast.com

A travel guide on transportation, lodging, and food in Berlin, Germany. Berlin is a world city of culture, politics, science and media. At the crossroads of many significant historical events, Berlin continues to be incredibly important and relevant to modern society.

Previous episodes -

MK125 - Split, Croatia - https://youtu.be/z3Okr-kjCto

MK124 - Cinque Terre, Italy - https://youtu.be/L_y1Znpx-UI

MK123 - Finale Ligure, Italy - https://youtu.be/W_vvRjbbNyk

MK122 - Monaco - https://youtu.be/JxhjHNlfnZ4

MK121 - Nice, France - https://youtu.be/bVTU_XMjZ-g

MK120 - How to backpack Europe - https://youtu.be/pFtwBOMdczY

MK86 - Venice - https://youtu.be/sPGUJ7VHMCE

MK85 - Vienna - https://youtu.be/DK6G7RB9g_k

MK84 - Dubrovnik - https://youtu.be/FD_xIqmV4w4

MK45 - Dublin - https://youtu.be/DYDSk7pBbNU

MK44 - Marseille - https://youtu.be/TQrESbBJ7QY

MK43 - Palma de Mallorca - https://youtu.be/YtOHgY67XoI

MK42 - Amsterdam - https://youtu.be/CJxlYIoon00

Opening song “Out of the Blue" written and performed by Julian Casablancas.

All production by Cody Maxwell.

Artwork by Cody Maxwell.

Opening graphic assets by sonorafilms.

sharkfyn.com

maxwellskitchenpodcast.com

A travel guide on transportation, lodging, and food in Split, Croatia. Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and lies on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. The city's founding is estimated to have been in 3rd century BC, and was home to Roman Emperor, Diocletian - where there are portions of the palace he constructed still visible today.

Previous episodes -

MK124 - Cinque Terre, Italy - https://youtu.be/L_y1Znpx-UI

MK123 - Finale Ligure, Italy - https://youtu.be/W_vvRjbbNyk

MK122 - Monaco - https://youtu.be/JxhjHNlfnZ4

MK121 - Nice, France - https://youtu.be/bVTU_XMjZ-g

MK120 - How to backpack Europe - https://youtu.be/pFtwBOMdczY

MK86 - Venice - https://youtu.be/sPGUJ7VHMCE

MK85 - Vienna - https://youtu.be/DK6G7RB9g_k

MK84 - Dubrovnik - https://youtu.be/FD_xIqmV4w4

MK45 - Dublin - https://youtu.be/DYDSk7pBbNU

MK44 - Marseille - https://youtu.be/TQrESbBJ7QY

MK43 - Palma de Mallorca - https://youtu.be/YtOHgY67XoI

MK42 - Amsterdam - https://youtu.be/CJxlYIoon00

Opening song “Doin Time" written by Ira Gershwin, Dorothy Heyward, Bradley Nowell, and Maggie Plum; performed by Sublime.

All production by Cody Maxwell.

Artwork by Cody Maxwell.

Opening graphic assets by sonorafilms.

sharkfyn.com

maxwellskitchenpodcast.com

A travel guide on transportation, lodging, and food in Cinque Terre, Italy - Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, & Riomaggiore. Cinque Terre is a coastal community made up of five villages, and offers some of the most beautiful, nostalgic, picturesque scenes in the world.

Previous episodes -

MK123 - Finale Ligure, Italy - https://youtu.be/W_vvRjbbNyk

MK122 - Monaco - https://youtu.be/JxhjHNlfnZ4

MK121 - Nice, France - https://youtu.be/bVTU_XMjZ-g

MK120 - How to backpack Europe - https://youtu.be/pFtwBOMdczY

MK86 - Venice - https://youtu.be/sPGUJ7VHMCE

MK85 - Vienna - https://youtu.be/DK6G7RB9g_k

MK84 - Dubrovnik - https://youtu.be/FD_xIqmV4w4

MK45 - Dublin - https://youtu.be/DYDSk7pBbNU

MK44 - Marseille - https://youtu.be/TQrESbBJ7QY

MK43 - Palma de Mallorca - https://youtu.be/YtOHgY67XoI

MK42 - Amsterdam - https://youtu.be/CJxlYIoon00

Opening song “Don’t Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas)" written and performed by Regina Spektor.

All production by Cody Maxwell.

Artwork by Cody Maxwell.

Opening graphic assets by sonorafilms.

sharkfyn.com

maxwellskitchenpodcast.com

Finale Ligure in 24 hours (Finalmarina, Finalpia, Finalborgo). A travel guide on transportation, lodging, and food on the Italian Riviera.

Finale Ligure is a coastal community made up of three communes, and it’s a more relaxed, working-class counterpoint to the Monaco/Nice extravagance. I came in expecting quaint seaside village vibes, got a brutally hot, packed beach day… then Finalborgo (the medieval hill town) reminded me why Italy is unfair.

The One-Day Itinerary

• Arrive in Finale Ligure (Finalmarina)

• Check in at Pesce Palla (steps from the water)

• Beach break (crowded + hot)

• Walk inland ~20 minutes to Finalborgo

• Explore the medieval streets + Fort San Giovanni

• Dinner in Finalborgo (Sotto Il Santo Spaghetteria)

• Early night + train plan pivot for the next stop

Getting There

• Trenitalia (train tickets + schedules)

https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html

• How to get to Finale Ligure (official tourism)

https://visitfinaleligure.it/en/how-to-get-there/

Stay Here

Pesce Palla (Finale Ligure)

https://www.pescepalla.com/en/

Food + Drinks

Sotto Il Santo – Spaghetteria (Finalborgo)

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g3174403-d1164199-Reviews-Sotto_Il_Santo_Spaghetteria-Finalborgo_Finale_Ligure_Italian_Riviera_Liguria.html

Useful Links

Visit Finale Ligure (official tourism)

https://visitfinaleligure.it/en/

Fort San Giovanni + castles/fortresses (official tourism)

https://visitfinaleligure.it/en/culture/castles-and-fortresses/

Piaggio Industries site (industrial archaeology)

https://mudifinale.com/en/sito-monumento/monuments/archeologia-industriale/piaggio-industries/

Website

https://maxwellskitchenpodcast.com

Quick Tips

• If you’re here for the beach, go early or accept the crowds.

• The “worth it” moment is inland - up to Finalborgo.

• The walk up can be sketchy in spots (narrow road, little to no sidewalk). Wear shoes you like.

Opening song “Silver Lining" written by Jenny Lewis and performed by Rilo Kiley.

All production by Cody Maxwell.

Artwork by Cody Maxwell.

Opening graphic assets by sonorafilms.

sharkfyn.com

maxwellskitchenpodcast.com

Monaco in 24 hours. Train from Nice, the tunnel exit jaw-drop moment, Solarium Beach, Monaco-Ville (The Rock), Monte Carlo, and a waterfront pizza that had no business being that good.

Monaco is a sovereign city-state on the French Riviera, and it’s basically a real-life cheat code - tiny, spotless, and insanely beautiful. The train from Nice was chaos, but the second you step into the sunlight in Monaco… it’s Disneyland-level clean with Ferrari noises.

The One-Day Itinerary

• Train from Nice to Monaco–Monte-Carlo (brace yourself if it’s peak time)

• Walk through the station tunnel and immediately question reality

• Check in (I stayed in Beausoleil, France to save money)

• Cool off at Solarium Beach (more “swim platform” than sand)

• Explore Monaco-Ville (The Rock): medieval streets + cliff views

• Monte Carlo Casino area for the supercar runway show

• Waterfront dinner (Crazy Pizza)

• Next morning: quick breakfast, back through the tunnel, train onward

Getting There (Train)

SNCF Connect (tickets + schedules)

https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

Stay Here (Budget Move)

Hôtel Le Forum (Beausoleil, France)

https://le-forum.leprovencehotels.com/en/

Spots in This Episode

Solarium Beach (swim platform)

https://www.visitmonaco.com/en/enjoy/beaches-and-pools/public-beaches/solarium-beach

Monaco-Ville (The Rock)

https://www.visitmonaco.com/en/explore/monaco-s-neighborhoods/monaco-ville

Casino de Monte-Carlo (official)

https://www.montecarlosbm.com/en/casino-monaco/casino-monte-carlo

Entry prices/conditions

https://www.montecarlosbm.com/en/casino/game/prices-and-conditions-entry

Crazy Pizza Monte Carlo

https://crazypizza.com/monte-carlo/

Full episodes on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@maxwellskitchenpodcast

Website

https://maxwellskitchenpodcast.com

Quick Tips

• Monaco is vertical and twisty. Nothing is in a straight line. Wear shoes you trust.

• Staying in Beausoleil can save a ton versus Monaco hotel prices.

• Solarium is great for a quick swim, but don’t show up expecting a sandy beach.

• The casino costs money to enter. You can still get the full Monte Carlo feeling outside for free.

Opening and closing music, “Extraordinary Machine” by Fiona Apple.

Produced by Cody Maxwell.

Maps by Google Earth.

Artwork by Cody Maxwell.

Opening graphic assets by BoxOfMotion.

https://maxwellskitchenpodcast.com