This week Kyle and Matthew welcome comedian Rick Wood to discuss the one and only Canadian power trio: Rush. Rick aptly describes Rush as "blue collar scientists" who mix prog rock mythology with blue collar anthems. Rick talks about the evolution of Rush's back catalog from their early career as hard rockers to the band that the world knows today. In the process, he blows Kyle's mind with some of the lesser-known, cool hard rock songs in their catalog. Besides being a talented comedian, Rick is an accomplished musician. He tracks his evolution as a musician and the impact that Rush had on his early playing. From buying his first guitar from a drunk at a bar, to learning Rush bass lines to spite his Mom's new boyfriend, the rockers of the Great White North taught Rick to be ambitious in his songwriting. Other topics include Rush's dedication to keeping their lineup and stage setup simple, their creative ways of writing synth lines that Geddy Lee could play with his feet, Rush's dedicated fanbase and the once-a-year meeting of the minds that is "RushCon." Plus, Neil Peart's appearance in the "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" movie gets some love. This episode is sponsored by Loot Crate. Visit www.lootcrate/thisisrad and enter the promo code GIFTING15 for 15% off any original Loot Crate subscription by December 19th.

Weekly Rads: Cauliflower mashed potatoes, Pokemon Moon, the Cancelled Too Soon podcast

Raddendums: Steve Albini, Kurt Cobain, Hugh Syme, Space Echo, 2112, Cygnus X-1, Time Stands Still, Ghost Rider by Neil Peart