Sonic Midlife

This week, Zach and Jeff are joined by their old college friend and resident NBA sage, Ford Thunder Erickson. The three dive into the heart of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, breaking down the best first-round matchups, offering bold predictions, and asking the big question: is OKC right on time or ahead of schedule?

Off the court, Zach reflects on the quiet emotional power of Japanese Breakfast’s music, and Jeff takes us through a whirlwind night of live shows with Bob Dylan, Graham Hunt, and Liquid Mike. On the reading front, the guys discuss Jesus & John Wayne, exploring white evangelical politics, masculinity, and militarism—and Jeff adds Among the Bros to the mix, offering a sharp look at frat culture and privilege in the American South.

Plus: a rice plate from Queen of Pho, a visit to Bravas, and all the stuff Ford’s into these days.

In this episode, Jeff and Zach dive into the lush landscapes of indie rock, starting with Hamilton Leithauser’s This Side of the Island and quick recs featuring Japanese Breakfast, Palmyra, Perfume Genius, and Deafheaven. They discuss Kyle M’s The Real Me and unpack the deeper meanings behind the sound.

On the reading front, Zach explores how history is weaponized in Jason Stanley’s Erasing History: How Fascists Rewrite the Past to Control the Future, while Jeff ponders the absurdities of modern labor with David Graeber’s Bullshit Jobs.

Also up for discussion: Bob Dylan’s enduring weirdness on stage, Parker Posey appreciation, the unsettling brilliance of Severance, The White Lotus, and some comfort food talk—from QuikTrip breakfast croissants to Jeff’s latest sourdough batch.

In this episode of Sonic Midlife, Zach and Jeff are joined by fellow teacher and cycling enthusiast Vincent Serrani for a wide-ranging conversation covering music, books, food, and public policy. Zach dives into Heavy Metal by Cameron Winter, while Jeff reflects on Superviolet - Infinite Spring. In the reading corner, Zach shares his thoughts on Margot’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe, and Jeff discusses All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr and Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob.

The duo also talk food—Zach gets into pozole, while Jeff introduces the Tim Tam Slam, a chocolatey sensation. Meanwhile, Zach has been watching Dirt by Huckberry on YouTube, and Jeff is looking forward to baseball season, along with deep dives into Nathan Fielder and Adam Curtis.

Vincent joins the conversation to share his experiences with cycling and the public policies surrounding it, as well as his latest interests in music, books, food, and podcasts.

Buckle up for a ride through music, literature, food, and a bit of urban policy—this one’s got a little something for everyone.

In this episode of Sonic Midlife, Zach recaps the MJ Lenderman & Wild Pink show in OKC and dives into new music from Head North, Cameron Winter, and Frog, while Jeff highlights Rosie Tucker’s Utopia Now!. On the literary side, they discuss John Langan’s The Fisherman, Claire Vaye Watkins’ Battleborn, and Leslie Marmon Silko’s Almanac of the Dead.

They also cover pozole, the Whole Foods hot bar, and the Eagles' beatdown of the Chiefs, plus a look at Once Upon a Time in the West and Bill Walton’s Back From the Dead.

This week on Sonic Midlife, Jeff and Zach reveal their favorite albums of the year in a highly anticipated countdown. Along the way, they discuss the timeless brilliance of Bob Dylan, the lasting impact of The Killers, Steven Hyden’s book There Was Nothing You Could Do, and the quirky charm of Simon Rich’s Glory Days. Plus, they serve up hot takes on pizza, soup, and the comedic legacy of SNL alumni. It’s a feast of music, books, and comfort food—don’t miss it!

In this special year-end episode of Sonic Midlife, Jeff and Zach are joined by certified public librarian Christina Matekel-Gibson (Zach's wife!) to discuss their favorite books of the year. From literary gems and thought-provoking nonfiction to can't-put-down novels, this conversation is packed with recommendations for every type of reader. Tune in for spirited discussions, insightful takes, and a shared love of great reads that will inspire your 2025 booklist!

This week on Sonic Midlife, Zach and Jeff go live with a breakdown of the upcoming 12-team college football playoff, analyzing matchups and making bold predictions. Then, they countdown their favorite non-Christmas Christmas songs—tracks that aren’t about the holiday but still bring a touch of yuletide magic.

The duo also shares what they’re reading, rounding up literary gems to add to your list, and look ahead to some exciting movies, including A Complete Unknown and Y2K. It’s a lively mix of sports, music, books, and film to kick off the season with style.

This week on Sonic Midlife, Zach and Jeff blend the worlds of music, books, food, and sports into a rich conversation. They explore Father John Misty’s bold new album Mahashmashana alongside the labor-inflected melodies of Workers Comp - S/T (think The Velvet Underground meets Guided by Voices, with a country twist). On the literary front, Zach reflects on the spiritual journey of Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha, while Jeff revisits the timeless drama of Jane Eyre.

In the kitchen, they savor Yucatan beef stew, pupusas, picadillas, and the comforting flavors of Salvadorian sopa de pata. For sports fans, Zach breaks down Bo Nix and the Broncos' resurgence, while Jeff shares his optimism for the Spurs’ future after a big win against the Warriors. And, of course, it all pairs perfectly with some classic coffee talk.

In Part 2 of our Bright Eyes journey, we pick up where we left off, diving into Conor Oberst’s expansive catalog, starting with the A Christmas Album and continuing through Five Dice, All Threes. Along the way, we explore Oberst's solo projects, reflecting on his evolution as a songwriter and the themes that define his work. Sean Poole returns to join Jeff and Zach for this deep dive, sharing personal stories and insights into the music that has shaped their lives. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to Bright Eyes, this episode is a heartfelt celebration of Conor Oberst's artistry.

In Part 1 of our Bright Eyes journey, Sean Poole joins us to reminisce about college days at Little Caesars and to launch into an exploration of Conor Oberst’s iconic discography. We cover every release from A Collection of Songs to Lifted, tracing Oberst's evolution and lyrical genius, while also discussing the impact of both Desaparecidos albums along the way. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we pick up with the Christmas album and dive through Five Dice, All Threes, including Conor’s solo projects. This episode is a must for anyone who’s been moved by Oberst’s music and poetry.