This week on No Simple Road, we head north of the border to connect with Dylan Stone and Jesse Cobb from The Unfaithful Servants, the genre-bending roots outfit straight out of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Blending folk, bluegrass, old-time, and a healthy dose of irreverent spirit, this band brings a sound that’s as playful as it is deeply rooted.

Aaron, Mel, and Apple sit down with the crew to talk about the origin of the band, the stories behind the songs, and what it means to build a musical life on an island where community and creativity go hand in hand. We dig into their songwriting process, the push and pull between tradition and experimentation, and how humor and honesty shape their approach to roots music.

The conversation flows through touring life in Western Canada, the power of DIY scenes, and the importance of staying connected to the people who show up — night after night — to share the experience. The Unfaithful Servants reflect on how place influences sound, how collaboration fuels longevity, and why music is still one of the most powerful tools we have for connection.

This episode is full of laughter, insight, and that unmistakable feeling you get when musicians are creating from a place of truth rather than trend.

If you love roots music with edge, folk and bluegrass with personality, and discovering bands who are carving their own path, this one is for you.

For tour info music and more head over to: www.unfaithfulservants.com

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nosimpleroad.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for merch, past episodes, and community updates.

-FREE SHIPPING from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Tour Bus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use The PROMO CODE: nosimpleroad

INTRO MUSIC PROVIDED BY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Young & Sick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

MUSIC IN THE COMMERCIALS BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OUTRO MUSIC BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHILLDREN OF INDIGO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

No Simple Road is part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OSIRIS MEDIA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Osiris Media is the leading storyteller in music, combining the intimacy of podcasts with the power of music.

This week on No Simple Road, we sit down with a true living legend — Jorma Kaukonen. Guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, Jorma joins Aaron, Mel, and Apple for a deep, thoughtful conversation that traces a lifetime devoted to music, meaning, and staying true to the song.

We talk about the early days of acoustic blues, the electric explosion of San Francisco, and how curiosity and discipline shaped Jorma’s unmistakable voice on the guitar. He reflects on the evolution of American roots music, the difference between technique and feel, and the importance of listening — to the music, to each other, and to the moment.

Jorma opens up about the long road of creation, the lessons learned from decades of performing, and the role of mentorship and teaching through the Fur Peace Ranch. We explore what it means to age with grace as an artist, how to keep learning, and why authenticity still matters more than ever in a fast-moving musical world.

This conversation is rich with stories, wisdom, and quiet insight — a reminder that music isn’t about chasing the spotlight, but about honoring the path, the craft, and the community that forms along the way.

If you love roots music, blues, folk, psychedelic rock, or simply hearing from artists who’ve lived the music with intention, this episode is a must-listen.

For tour info and more go to: www.jormakaukonen.com

For more on Fur Peace Ranch go to: www.furpeaceranch.com

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nosimpleroad.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for merch, past episodes, and community updates.

-FREE SHIPPING from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Tour Bus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use The PROMO CODE: nosimpleroad

INTRO MUSIC PROVIDED BY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Young & Sick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

MUSIC IN THE COMMERCIALS BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OUTRO MUSIC BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHILLDREN OF INDIGO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

No Simple Road is part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OSIRIS MEDIA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Osiris Media is the leading storyteller in music, combining the intimacy of podcasts with the power of music

This week on No Simple Road, we’re stepping straight into the heart of Pacific Northwest bluegrass culture with the amazing organizers of the Newgrass Festival in Newberg, Oregon, joined by our dear friends Christian DeBenedetti and Rachel Bonnett of Newgrass Fest as well as Joe Suskind and Crystal Lariza of the band Never Come Down! If you’ve ever wondered how a festival becomes a living, breathing community—or what it takes to keep the spirit of roots music evolving—this episode is going to light you up.

Aaron, Mel, and Apple sit down with the folks behind Newberg’s newest musical gathering to talk about the festival’s origin story, the passion that fuels it, and the vision for creating a space where tradition and innovation dance together. We explore the challenges and joys of building a festival from the ground up, cultivating a family vibe, and weaving music into the cultural fabric of a small Oregon town.

Joe and Crystal of Never Come Down share their own journey with the festival, what it means to be part of this musical renaissance, and how the bluegrass and newgrass scenes continue to push boundaries while staying rooted in soul and storytelling. From songwriting and touring to nurturing community and supporting upcoming artists, their perspective brings heart and depth to the conversation.

Together, we dig into the magic of gatherings, the power of collaboration, and the way live music creates connection that lasts far beyond the final note.

If you love bluegrass, newgrass, festival culture, or the PNW music scene, this episode is a beautiful, behind-the-scenes ride into the people who make the music happen.

For tickets and info head to: www.newgrassfest.com

Follow Newgrass on IG @newgrassfest

Follow Never Come Down on IG @nevercomedownband

Follow Wolves and People Brewing on IG @wolvesandpeople

Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nosimpleroad.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for merch, past episodes, and community updates.

-FREE SHIPPING from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Tour Bus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use The PROMO CODE: nosimpleroad

INTRO MUSIC PROVIDED BY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Young & Sick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

MUSIC IN THE COMMERCIALS BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OUTRO MUSIC BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHILLDREN OF INDIGO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

No Simple Road is part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OSIRIS MEDIA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Osiris Media is the leading storyteller in music, combining the intimacy of podcasts with the power of music

This week the No Simple Road Family welcomes the incredible Natalie Brooke — keyboard wizard, powerhouse vocalist, bandleader, and radiant force in the jam / funk / fusion universe! Natalie joins Aaron, Mel, and Apple to talk about her journey through music, creativity, self-discovery, and what it means to show up fully as yourself both on and off the stage.

We get into the early sparks that ignited her musical fire, the teachers and bands that shaped her sound, and how she found her own voice as a performer in a scene that’s always evolving. Natalie opens up about the magic of improvisation, channeling energy through her keys, and the deep trust it takes to step out into the unknown every night in front of a live audience.

But this conversation isn't just about music — it’s about growth, empowerment, and remembering why we create in the first place. Natalie shares how she stays grounded while touring, how collaboration fuels her spirit, and how she keeps music fun, playful, and deeply connected to joy.

Together, we explore the community that forms around live music, how art becomes a language for the soul, and the ways in which sound can bring us home to ourselves.

Head over to https: nataliebrookemusic.com for tour info and more and follow her on IG @noodlybrooke

-FREE SHIPPING from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Tour Bus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use The PROMO CODE: nosimpleroad

INTRO MUSIC PROVIDED BY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Young & Sick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

MUSIC IN THE COMMERCIALS BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OUTRO MUSIC BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHILLDREN OF INDIGO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

No Simple Road is part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OSIRIS MEDIA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Osiris Media is the leading storyteller in music, combining the intimacy of podcasts with the power of music

Get ready, family — this week on No Simple Road, we’re hanging with the one and only Larry Keel, a bluegrass legend, master picker, and true steward of the jamgrass spirit! Aaron, Mel, and Apple welcome Larry into the circle for a real, heart-forward conversation that goes way beyond the usual talk of tours and records.

We dive deep into the magic of community and connection that lives inside the music — from the Northwest String Summit memories and Larry’s long friendship with Yonder Mountain String Band, to the way shared stages become sacred spaces. Larry opens up about his incredible musical partnership with his wife, Jenny, and how their bond has shaped both their sound and their lives.

The crew explores the evolution of bluegrass — how pioneers like Sam Bush and modern trailblazers like Billy Strings are expanding the boundaries of the genre while honoring its roots. Larry shares stories from the road and the river, including his experiences at Carnegie Hall, Japan, and his own music-meets-nature gathering, Bass and Grass.

If you love bluegrass, jamgrass, or just the feeling of deep connection that music brings, this one’s for you.

Head over to https: larrykeel.com for tour info and more and follow larry on IG @larrykeel

-FREE SHIPPING from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Tour Bus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use The PROMO CODE: nosimpleroad

INTRO MUSIC PROVIDED BY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Young & Sick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

MUSIC IN THE COMMERCIALS BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OUTRO MUSIC BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHILLDREN OF INDIGO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

No Simple Road is part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OSIRIS MEDIA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Osiris Media is the leading storyteller in music, combining the intimacy of podcasts with the power of music

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between!

This week's rewind takes us into a discussion around how healing can show up at the oddest of times and our willingness to take the medicine we are served.

This is old school NSR at its best... Aaron, Mel, and Apple working it out in real-time, with a little help from our NSR Family and The Tepid Line.

-FREE SHIPPING from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Tour Bus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use The PROMO CODE: nosimpleroad

INTRO MUSIC PROVIDED BY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Young & Sick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

MUSIC IN THE COMMERCIALS BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OUTRO MUSIC BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHILLDREN OF INDIGO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

No Simple Road is part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OSIRIS MEDIA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Osiris Media is the leading storyteller in music, combining the intimacy of podcasts with the power of music

This week on No Simple Road, we sit down with Brad Zerman, founder of Seven Point Cannabis, to explore how cannabis, music, and culture intersect to create something bigger than business.

Brad shares his journey of opening and running dispensaries across Illinois and beyond, and how his latest project in Danville, Illinois with Seven Point is redefining what a cannabis experience can be. Imagine an outdoor market, food trucks, nightly live music, and a smoke lounge — all designed to bring people together around community and creativity.

With a background in navigating highly regulated industries, Brad has been at the forefront of cannabis compliance, security, and business operations. But at the heart of his vision is something deeper: building an ecosystem where cannabis is a catalyst for cultural connection, live events, and shared experiences.

✨ Topics We Cover:

The inspiration and vision behind Seven Point Cannabis

How dispensaries can become hubs for music, food, and community

Balancing compliance with creativity in the cannabis industry

The cultural value of cannabis and its role in connection

Whether you’re curious about the future of cannabis culture, passionate about live music and local communities, or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening beyond the dispensary doors, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on where cannabis and culture meet.

Tune in now and discover how Seven Point Cannabis is creating more than a dispensary — it’s creating an experience.

For schedule of events, menu, specials, and more head over to: sevenpoint.org

-FREE SHIPPING from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Tour Bus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use The PROMO CODE: nosimpleroad

INTRO MUSIC PROVIDED BY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Young & Sick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

MUSIC IN THE COMMERCIALS BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OUTRO MUSIC BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHILLDREN OF INDIGO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

No Simple Road is part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OSIRIS MEDIA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Osiris Media is the leading storyteller in music, combining the intimacy of podcasts with the power of music

This week on No Simple Road, we welcome guitarist and composer Ben Garnett to dive into the stories, sounds, and inspirations behind his brand-new album, Kites Keep.

Ben takes us on a journey through the making of Kites Keep, exploring how his love of film and visual storytelling shapes his approach to composition and improvisation. We discuss the interplay between music and cinema, the way sound can evoke imagery and emotion, and how creativity bridges the gap between what we hear and what we see.

From his roots as a guitarist to his evolution as a bold, imaginative composer, Ben shares insights into his process, the challenges of pushing musical boundaries, and the joy of creating work that resonates with both ears and eyes.

Topics We Cover:

The inspiration and process behind Kites Keep

How film and visual art influence Ben’s music

The crossover between storytelling, composition, and improvisation

Building bridges between the jam world, jazz, and cinematic soundscapes

Whether you’re a fan of jam bands, jazz, cinematic music, or the creative process itself, this episode offers a deep look into the artistry of a rising voice in today’s music world.

Head over to ⁠www.bengarnett.net⁠ for show info and more and follow him on IG ⁠@kidgarnett

-FREE SHIPPING from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Tour Bus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use The PROMO CODE: nosimpleroad

INTRO MUSIC PROVIDED BY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Young & Sick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

MUSIC IN THE COMMERCIALS BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OUTRO MUSIC BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHILLDREN OF INDIGO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

No Simple Road is part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OSIRIS MEDIA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Osiris Media is the leading storyteller in music, combining the intimacy of podcasts with the power of music

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between!

This week's rewind has us in the studio (without Mel) with our special guests Kris and Chelsea Howland! Kris is the man at the helm of Heady Wax Fiends. We talk about the state of the union in the scene today, what Kris' origin story with collecting vinyl is, how Kris and Chelsea met on a bench at Dick's and a ton more!

Come hang with us!

Follow HWF on IG @heady_wax_fiends and on FB HERE

Visit them online at www.headywaxfiends.com

-FREE SHIPPING from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Tour Bus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use The PROMO CODE: nosimpleroad

INTRO MUSIC PROVIDED BY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Young & Sick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

MUSIC IN THE COMMERCIALS BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OUTRO MUSIC BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHILLDREN OF INDIGO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

No Simple Road is part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OSIRIS MEDIA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Osiris Media is the leading storyteller in music, combining the intimacy of podcasts with the power of music

On this episode of No Simple Road, we sit down with Trish Imbrogno, aka Trish Plays Bass! From her early days training in classical music to diving headfirst into bluegrass, Trish shares the story of how music has shaped her path.

We talk about the shift from structured classical training to the freedom of improvisation, the energy of the bluegrass scene, and what it means to be part of a thriving community. Trish opens up about collaboration, creativity, and the magic of live music that connects us all.

If you love jam bands, bluegrass, improvisation, the Grateful Dead, Phish, or live music culture, this conversation will strike a chord.

Listen now and join us for an inspiring journey with Trish Plays Bass!

Head over to www.trishplaysbass.com for show info and more and follow her on IG @trishplaysbass

-FREE SHIPPING from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Tour Bus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use The PROMO CODE: nosimpleroad

INTRO MUSIC PROVIDED BY - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Young & Sick⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

MUSIC IN THE COMMERCIALS BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OUTRO MUSIC BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHILLDREN OF INDIGO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

No Simple Road is part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OSIRIS MEDIA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Osiris Media is the leading storyteller in music, combining the intimacy of podcasts with the power of music