Pipe Bomb Radio NYC

Pipe Bomb Radio NYC is a chaotic, hands-off live radio show built around music, technical mishaps, and unfiltered banter. In this episode, Ricky Litwinkowich and Alex Al Kazaz lean into the mess, troubleshoot station issues in real time, and turn the show’s friction into part of the entertainment.They also cover a few recurring debates from the chat and their own lives, including music choices in ride share cars, the weirdness of modern advertising, and a surprisingly long argument about vegan clothing, all while keeping the playlist moving.

Key topics

• In this episode: the hosts open with a rough cold intro and immediately get into live production problems, including incorrect intro assets and a station feed that keeps acting up.
• Ricky explains that Pipe Bomb Radio is running as a hands-off show, meaning they can play what they want, when they want, and if listeners do not like it, they can deal with it.
• The show spends a long stretch on technical troubleshooting, including audio routing, stream resets, and whether the problem is on the station’s side or their own.
• Alex shares a story about being reported while driving Uber for playing Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise, then expands into a wider rant about passengers expecting control over the driver’s music.
• The playlist gets a lot of attention, with tracks including Eminem’s Cinderella Man, Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise, Three Days Grace’s Pain, Barnes Courtney’s Champion, Alice Cooper’s The Man with the Golden Gun, Stevie Winwood’s Higher Love, Skid Row’s Monkey Business, 7dust’s Dirty, Velvet Revolver’s Slither, Fat Joe’s What’s Luv?, and Jay-Z and Linkin Park’s Numb Encore.
• A big chunk of the conversation is driven by a live ad read and a reaction to the shopping app’s overtly explicit clothing ads, which leads to a comic detour into chastity belts, crotchless apparel, and absurd product descriptions.
• The hosts riff on Mel Brooks comedy, especially Robin Hood Men in Tights, using it as a palate cleanser after the ad segment.
• They also talk about sponsorships and distribution, including their presence on multiple audio platforms, Red Circle growth, and support for the station and related shows.
• There is a recurring side conversation about veganism, red meat, leather clothing, and why some fashion and food choices have become overly politicized.
• The episode closes with a final monologue about the world getting stranger, followed by a Batman soundtrack-style outro and the signature Pipe Bomb Radio NYC sign-off.

Timestamps

00:00 - Glitched opening and the missing cold intro

06:31 - Ricky discovers the wrong intro was loaded

08:20 - Pipe Bomb Radio returns with a hands-off format

10:27 - Panties, stage stories, and early band memories

12:08 - Technical issues force a MacBook workaround

13:54 - Setting up the next music block and fixing the stream

27:01 - The Gangsta’s Paradise Uber report story

30:03 - Resetting the station feed and checking whether the issue is local

33:41 - Why drivers should not have to change their music for passengers

35:34 - Back to music while the technical work continues

47:49 - Barnes Courtney, Alice Cooper, and Higher Love wrap the block

48:21 - Why the week has become a technical shit show

49:24 - Alice Cooper, MTV bans, and why the Bond song debate matters

53:01 - Deciding to focus on music instead of more technical chaos

55:13 - Kim appreciation and house marketing praise

57:01 - A long tribute to Kim’s support and relationship with the show

71:50 - Sponsor read for TicPick and the show’s ticketing partnership

73:23 - Live 365 ad monitoring and the problem with explicit Temu placements

77:46 - Why not everyone should shop on Temu

79:51 - Robin Hood Men in Tights as a comedic reset

82:52 - AliExpress versus Temu and the sunglasses aside

95:52 - Partnership and distribution update for Pipe Bomb Radio NYC

97:07 - Red Circle growth, downloads, and expanding reach

99:53 - The question of when clothing became vegan

102:08 - Leather pants, red meat, and the vegan debate

105:47 - Vegetable side effects and picky eating jokes

108:23 - Final music run: Jay-Z, Linkin Park, KISS, and Fat Joe

122:19 - Show summary, platform updates, and why the episode was so chaotic

126:10 - Final outro and station promo

132:53 - Pipe Bomb Radio NYC sign-off

Notable quotes

“If your panties get in a bunch, go buck yourself.”

“My car, my damn rule.”

“This is how you do a fucking radio show.”

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pipebomb-radio-nyc/exclusive-content

Pipe Bomb Radio NYC

Pipe Bomb Radio NYC is a high-energy solo broadcast mixing music, sports talk, creator commentary, and unfiltered rants. The episode focuses on content creator accountability, the decline of rock recognition in mainstream media, and a nostalgic look at old-school music culture.The Master of Mayhem also spends time explaining the show’s multi-format identity across music, gaming, podcasting, and radio, while reacting in real time to chat, platform issues, and sponsor spots. It is part playlist, part monologue, part cultural argument.

Key topics

• In this episode, the host explains that Pipe Bomb Radio NYC is intentionally multi-purpose, covering gaming, sports, music, and podcast-style commentary rather than sticking to one niche.
• The show opens with a direct response to confused viewers, clarifying that the TikTok and radio presence are meant to support multiple types of content, not just one topic.
• A major segment critiques a food influencer who ordered a chicken Caesar salad while claiming to be vegan, with the host arguing that the restaurant was not responsible for anticipating dietary restrictions that were never stated.
• The host uses that story to push a broader point about content creators needing to plan better, communicate clearly, and stop assuming their follower count excuses bad behavior.
• Another major topic is MTV removing the rock category from the VMAs, which the host frames as another sign that rock and metal are being pushed further out of mainstream recognition.
• The episode revisits the decline of music television, contrasting old MTV and public-access music programming like Video Music Box with today’s reality-TV-heavy channel lineup.
• The host reflects on growing up with oldies, Motown, doo-wop, disco, and classic rock, tying that nostalgia to broader changes in music consumption and life before streaming, smartphones, and digital convenience.
• There is a long stretch of sponsor and promotional talk, including Fanatics and TickPick, plus reminders about archived episodes now being uploaded to Amazon, iHeartRadio, and Apple Podcasts.
• The episode also includes several joke “breaking news” bits, including parody announcements about the Kool-Aid Man and Pillsbury Doughboy, leaning into the show’s absurdist, no-filter style.
• Near the end, the host shares a personal work update about uploading episodes at a bar, having a bodyguard-like friend nearby, and dealing with Apple Music and device issues while trying to get work done.

Timestamps

00:00 - Opening with the show’s chaotic theme and intro

05:28 - Explaining what Pipe Bomb Radio NYC covers and why the format is broad

11:05 - Archived episodes being uploaded to major podcast platforms

30:14 - Why content creators need to plan better before showing up to collaborate

31:13 - The vegan influencer and chicken Caesar salad controversy

34:18 - Why the restaurant was not at fault for the influencer’s order

37:23 - Returning to music after the creator accountability rant

54:57 - MTV removes the rock category from the VMAs

56:27 - Why modern MTV no longer feels like a music channel

58:41 - Remembering Video Music Box and independent music exposure

70:34 - Growing up on oldies, Motown, and classic radio

75:27 - Nostalgia for pre-smartphone life, from calculators to rotary phones

88:14 - Reacting to Bad Wolves, Tommy Vext, and band stability

91:19 - Columbia House shuts down after 71 years

106:32 - TickPick sponsor read and live event ticket talk

110:22 - Parody breaking news about the Kool-Aid Man

111:20 - Parody breaking news about the Pillsbury Doughboy

122:51 - Frustration with Apple Music cutting off a Faith No More track

124:21 - Working from a bar, uploading episodes, and having backup from a friend

135:57 - Closing thoughts, merch reminder, and show wrap-up

137:45 - Final outro with “My Own Hell” by Five Finger Death Punch

Notable quotes

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“My TikTok is multi purpose.”

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“The content creator is the one who’s screwed up.”

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“MTV has removed the rock category for this year’s VMAs.”

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“Oldies is what sets the mood.”

Action items

• Support the show by sharing the stream and engaging with the live chat.
• Check out the newly restored back catalog episodes now being uploaded across podcast platforms.
• Watch for the next live sports-related episode and the ongoing radio and music programming.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pipebomb-radio-nyc/exclusive-content

Pipe Bomb Radio NYC - Independent Artist Show Revisited 10/5/2022

This revisit edition of Pipe Bomb Radio NYC looks back at an independent artist showcase originally aired on October 5, 2022 after the original episode was lost. Ricky and Lars revisit a stacked lineup of underground hard rock and metal, sharing first impressions, comparisons to classic bands, and plenty of enthusiasm for the scene.The episode is essentially a tour through a wide range of independent artists from around the world, with Ricky and Lars highlighting what makes each band distinct while also calling out two longtime favorites from the show’s own family of artists.

Key topics

• In this episode, Ricky frames the show as a re-do after the original episode was deleted, and Lars joins in for the “deja vu” revisited format.
• The opening set features Incursion and their track “Running Out”, with Ricky and Lars hearing a clear Iron Maiden style influence alongside other classic metal touches.
• Digith gets a strong reaction for blending hard rock, metal, southern rock, and progressive elements into a heavy, groove-driven sound that has landed them opening slots for major acts.
• TRP, the Thane Rasmussen Project is introduced as a Bay Area hard rock band mixing classic and modern melodic influences, with “Fireburns Blue” drawing a Motley Crue comparison.
• Love and War stand out as a Houston melodic hard rock and metal band, with Ricky calling “Edge of the World” one of his favorite tracks in the set.
• DeVeria brings melodic power and thrash metal from upstate New York, with “Demons Inside Me” keeping the energy high and prompting praise for the band’s musicianship.
• Death Dealer earns major attention because of its veteran lineup, including Ross the Boss and Sean Peck, with “Gunslinger” landing as a huge, high-energy track.
• Ricky and Lars spotlight two of the show’s longtime supported acts, Clay Soldiers and Pressure, treating them as part of the Pipe Bomb Radio family and celebrating their continued support.
• Anubis is discussed as a Los Angeles metal band with classically trained guitarists and a serious technical pedigree, while “The Great Divide” surprises with its aggressive vocals and energy.
• Empires brings fist-pumping hard rock from Texas with “Invincible”, followed by The 450s, whose darker, soulful rock approach on “Flowers for Columbine” reminds Lars of The Hives.
• The final major feature is The Three Tremors, led by Tim “Ripper” Owens, Sean Peck, and Harry Conklin, a powerhouse vocal trio that Ricky says easily outclasses the “three tenors” for this audience.
• The show closes with Armagellion and “Welcome to the Show”, with Ricky praising the project’s original visual identity and dramatic hard rock and metal sound.

Timestamps

00:00 - Opening reaction and show reset

06:41 - Revisiting the lost October 5, 2022 independent artist show

08:00 - Incursion and “Running Out”

14:48 - Digith and the “metal and roll” mix

23:22 - Introducing TRP, the Thane Rasmussen Project

31:22 - Love and War from Houston

37:24 - DeVeria and “Demons Inside Me”

45:43 - Death Dealer’s veteran metal lineup

54:09 - Midshow spotlight on Clay Soldiers and Pressure

67:37 - Anubis and its classically trained lineup

76:26 - Empires and the hard rock single “Invincible”

82:29 - The 450s and “Flowers for Columbine”

89:01 - The Three Tremors lineup and legacy

99:29 - Armagellion and the final wrap-up

101:47 - Closing thanks and sign-off

Notable quotes

• “We bring you this music so that way we can give you a different palette.”
• “The Three Tremors is definitely not only a trio of guys that have a ton of experience, but their sound is just off the charts.”
• “Shout out to Armagellion... the look and the sound is just completely original.”

Speaker coverage

• Ricky - Host, narrator, and main voice introducing each artist, giving reactions, and framing the revisit.
• Lars Johnson - Co-host and listener-reaction voice, responding to the tracks and helping compare influences.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pipebomb-radio-nyc/exclusive-content

Lars’s Birthday Bash and 2022 Year in Review on Pipe Bomb Radio NYC

Pipe Bomb Radio NYC celebrates Lars’s birthday with a surprise-heavy mix of 80s, 90s, and 2000s tracks, plus a look back at the chaos, highlights, and lessons of 2022. Ricky also uses the episode to talk candidly about live-show mistakes, the shift away from Mixlr, and why the current setup feels better for both live and edited releases.This is a loose, high-energy live episode with Ricky leading the show, Lars joining as the birthday guest, and Alex contributing throughout as co-host and commentator. The conversation also spotlights Jimmy IV from Sexy Cool Lounge, whose birthday and upcoming interview are both celebrated on-air.

Key topics

• In this episode, Ricky frames the show as both a birthday celebration for Lars and a 2022 year-in-review, with surprise song choices kept secret until they play.
• Ricky explains the playlist approach: an 80s, 90s, and 2000s mix arranged out of order so Lars gets a full birthday surprise.
• The show includes listener requests, including Steven Waldman’s Beach Boys pick and Jimmy IV’s first request ever on Pipe Bomb Radio NYC.
• Ricky reflects on the move away from Mixlr and says the current platform is better for live streams, later audio uploads, and editing control.
• The hosts discuss the difficulty of live shows versus pre-recorded shows, including mic issues, post-production fixes, and why live radio feels like “living by the seat of your pants.”
• Ricky gives a blunt reaction to Metallica’s newer material, praising the instrumentation but rejecting the vocals.
• Alex talks about Ringside Chaos and how mixing wrestling news with random historical and storyline moments has resonated with listeners.
• The episode highlights the show’s support for independent music, with Ricky and Alex praising bands that have been featured on Pipe Bomb Radio and Pipe Bomb Metallic.
• Ricky and the guests spend time on birthday shoutouts for Lars, Jessica, Michelle’s daughter, and Jimmy IV.
• The show ends with Ricky previewing his upcoming appearance on Sexy Cool Lounge and promising more collaborative content.

Timestamps

00:00 - Bills went through, setting the tone for the live birthday show

05:28 - Ricky opens the 2023 live show and starts building the birthday chaos

06:25 - Birthday request rules, 80s to 2000s playlist, and the year-in-review setup

11:07 - Why the playlist was thrown together fast and why surprises matter

16:16 - First mystery block begins with classic rock and pop surprises

29:03 - Lars reacts to the surprise block, including Toto and Smash Mouth

31:56 - Ricky explains a big upcoming podcast project and the Jimmy IV interview

33:24 - Alex talks about Ringside Chaos and the appeal of mixing wrestling history with random topics

38:35 - Second mystery block starts with Steven Waldman’s Beach Boys request

54:40 - Reviewing the second block and talking about independent bands on the show

55:41 - Ricky experiments live with a Corona refresca and starts drinking on-air

58:56 - Year-in-review discussion and what changed after the Hot Dumpster Fire era

61:45 - Why Pipe Bomb Metallic works better as a pre-recorded show

63:42 - Alex reflects on the interview production problems and post-production fixes

69:19 - Third mystery block begins with Lacuna Coil and Metallica requests

86:40 - Ricky admits he is drunk, then reviews the block and criticizes Metallica’s vocals

91:10 - Lars’s role in finding bands and shaping the show’s direction

95:23 - Fourth mystery block is introduced with more independent music and birthday energy

109:13 - Ricky calms down, thanks Jack Daniels Apple, and introduces Jimmy IV in the chat

111:11 - Triple birthday segment begins with the first Epic Happy Birthday

113:30 - Ricky thanks Jessica and talks about the personal support she has given him

114:03 - Epic Happy Birthday for Jimmy IV

116:36 - Epic Happy Birthday for Lars

121:39 - Ricky introduces the final mystery block and explains how last-minute the playlist was

139:30 - Sponsor read and a push for fitness gear and show partners

143:28 - Jimmy IV’s first song request ever on Pipe Bomb Radio NYC

160:42 - Final recap of the mystery block and the songs featured in it

163:33 - Birthday shoutouts, listener thank-yous, and the Sexy Cool Lounge interview announcement

167:50 - Ricky closes the show with Limp Bizkit’s “My Way” and the full host sign-off

Notable quotes

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“We are also doing a twenty twenty-two year in review.”

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“The great thing about doing the show is pre recorded... I can stop, correct the mistake, and continue.”

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“I’m not happy with the new Metallica shit.”

Action items

• Listen to Jimmy IV’s upcoming Sexy Cool Lounge interview when it releases.
• Check out the independent bands featured throughout the episode on Pipe Bomb Radio and Pipe Bomb Metallic.
• Follow up on the show’s other programs mentioned on-air, including Ringside Chaos and Motley Metal.
• Stay tuned for future birthday episodes and more live Pipe Bomb Radio NYC broadcasts.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pipebomb-radio-nyc/exclusive-content

Venturous on Pipe Bomb Radio NYCBen from Venturous joins Ricky and Lars for a long overdue interview about the band’s history, songwriting process, touring goals, and the sound that shaped their latest material. The conversation also goes beyond the music, touching on Ben’s influences, vocal technique, favorite venues, hobbies, and the story behind his guitars.In this episode, Ben shares how Venturous started in 2012, how the lineup evolved, and why Louisiana’s local scenes helped shape the band’s identity. They also dig into the creative process behind songs like “Talladega,” “Serpent,” and “Relinquished,” plus what it takes to move between harsh vocals and clean singing without wrecking your voice.Key topics

• Ben’s backstory and the formation of VenturousStarted in 2012 while Ben was still in high school
• First show was at Frankie’s Burgers in Lafayette, Louisiana
• Band began building momentum around 2014 with shows at House of Blues New Orleans and other regional venues
• How the Venturous name came togetherOriginally called Embrace Goodbye
• Later shortened and reshaped from the name Venturous, inspired by Ventress, Louisiana
• Ben explains the local significance and why the spelling changed
• Lineup changes over the yearsBen has been the only constant member
• Jake is the other original member, though he took time away and later returned
• Sean, BG, and Jesse each joined in different eras as the band grew
• Major releases and milestonesFirst EP Come Alive came out in 2014
• Self-titled EP followed in 2019
• Current EP The Serpent was written during the pandemic and released the year before the interview
• The band’s regional rise and touring historyOpened for acts like Hell Yeah, Gemini Syndrome, Thousand Foot Krutch, and Twelve Stones
• Played notable venues across Louisiana and Mississippi
• Ben says a European tour remains a bucket-list goal
• What shaped Venturous’ soundThe band members grew up in different towns and came from different musical lanes
• Influences range from hard rock and radio rock to hardcore, grindcore, and shred-heavy music
• That mix helps explain the band’s variety and range
• Ben’s earliest vocal and musical influencesA Christian boy band called Plus One was the first thing that made him want to sing
• Puddle of Mudd’s Come Clean and “Blurry” were major early turning points
• Linkin Park, especially Hybrid Theory and Meteora, was the biggest catalyst for pushing him into rock and metal
• How Ben writes lyricsBen writes all the lyrics
• Most songs begin instrumentally with Jesse and Sean
• He records ideas on his phone, lets the music marinate, then writes when inspiration hits
• Some songs, like “Talladega,” came together fast, while others took years
• Songs that connect most with fans“Talladega” and “Alone in the Dark” are fan favorites
• “Come Alive” still gets played because it remains a strong live track
• “Relinquished” stands out as one of the more complex and creatively different songs
• Vocal technique and stage performanceBen explains the difficulty of switching from clean vocals to screams and back
• He stresses posture, diaphragm control, and body positioning
• He also notes that vocal performance is physical, not just vocal
• The band’s current and future plansUpcoming tour includes dates in Austin, Tucson, Scottsdale, Albuquerque, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston or Spring, and a stop in Vegas for Apocalypse in the Desert
• After the tour, the band plans to start writing the next record
• Sweden remains a dream destination, with Ben promising the band will get there someday
• Ben’s personal hobbiesBaseball, especially MLB The Show
• Geography, travel, maps, and studying different cultures
• Making reaction videos, video editing, vlog footage, and comedy writing
• He also wants to expand into more vocal covers and content creation
• The instrument cornerBen talks through several guitars and basses, including a 1992 Fender Jazz Bass, an old Ibanez Soundgear, a Schecter Damien Riot, and two refurbished acoustics
• One guitar is especially meaningful because it was a Christmas gift from his father and has deep sentimental value
• Shoutouts and supportBen thanks MVK Music Group, the road crew, audio engineer Eric Woolard, and fans who promote the band
• He also gives love to supporters like Boss Jan and Shiprocked friends
• The episode closes with appreciation for everyone who helps spread Venturous’ music

Timestamps00:00 - Pipe Bomb Radio NYC intro and guest welcome

02:05 - Ben gives the origin story of Venturous

03:27 - Early shows, venues, and first releases

04:54 - Why the band is called Venturous

06:14 - Lineup changes and current members

08:07 - Touring dreams and plans for Europe

09:47 - How Louisiana shaped the band’s sound

12:47 - First sparks of becoming a singer

14:53 - Linkin Park, Nu Metal, and bigger influences

15:48 - Who writes the lyrics and how songs come together

18:08 - Writing lyrics on the job and in unexpected places

19:33 - Fan favorites and live song choices

20:57 - How the instrumentals are built

23:48 - Switching between clean vocals and screams

26:10 - Vocal posture and full-body technique

31:41 - Reaction to Serpent after the first playback

35:38 - Fan support and shoutouts

38:01 - The five questions of death begins

38:30 - Late-night snack of white bread and barbecue sauce

40:19 - Favorite fry side with a burger

40:48 - Pre-show routine and vocal care

42:20 - Favorite venue picks in New Orleans and Baton Rouge

42:54 - Dream act and venue combination: original Pantera at Red Rocks

43:53 - Ben’s hobbies beyond music

46:43 - Reaction videos, travel obsession, and new content ideas

49:26 - Relinquished plays and the band reacts

58:30 - Gear talk: basses, guitars, and instrument stories

62:28 - Sentimental first guitar from Ben’s father

69:35 - Upcoming tour and next record plans

72:51 - Social media, merch, and streaming availability

75:13 - Closing thanks and wrap-upNotable quotes

• “It’s not just a name, it’s an attitude.”
• “I write every lyric.”
• “I can’t do it now. But that doesn’t mean I can’t do it four or five months from now.”

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pipebomb-radio-nyc/exclusive-content

Pipe Bomb Radio NYC 4th Anniversary Show

Pipe Bomb Radio NYC celebrates four years with a packed anniversary episode that mixes live commentary, an interview with Court from Troy, the Reality of Yourself, and a long run of music blocks. The show is a mix of behind-the-scenes reflection, artist discovery, and high-energy radio programming, with Ricky and Lars talking candidly about burnout, scheduling, and keeping the show moving forward.In this episode, Ricky shares how much work goes into producing the show, why he needed a break, and how the anniversary became a reset point. Court from Troy, the Reality of Yourself joins to talk about the band’s origins, songwriting philosophy, live performance energy, and the meaning behind their sound.

Key topics

• Ricky opens by marking the fourth anniversary of Pipe Bomb Radio NYC and explaining the work that went into the stream setup, graphics, and audio changes.
• He talks honestly about burnout after six and a half years of doing content, including editing an interview that took four and a half days.
• Ricky and Lars discuss how important it is to keep the show fun, and why passion matters more than forcing a schedule.
• Court from Troy, the Reality of Yourself joins the show and explains the band’s roots as a childhood labor of love that grew into a long-running independent project.
• Court describes the band’s identity as tied to reality, authenticity, and the idea that mindset, habits, and environment shape creativity.
• The interview covers influences ranging from bluegrass and classic rock to Queen, the Beatles, Metallica, Maynard, Alanis Morissette, and the Eagles.
• Court explains that the band wants to avoid sounding the same on every release and instead keep evolving while staying true to their core.
• Lars asks about touring and live reception, and Court says songs like The Reckoning, money sign hit, Gallows, and Wicked World connect strongly with audiences.
• Ricky and Lars spend time discussing the difference between studio perfection and live authenticity, especially in hard rock and metal.
• The episode also features multiple music blocks, including indie and mainstream tracks, a cover block, a 90s block, and a remix finale.
• Ricky closes by highlighting the show’s anniversary, upcoming merch, and the continuing expansion of Pipe Bomb Radio across platforms.

Timestamps

00:00 - Fanatics partnership and show intro

05:09 - Fourth anniversary kickoff and stream setup

08:19 - Upcoming interview with Court from Troy and Nick joining

10:23 - Why passion matters and avoiding burnout

12:10 - Editing workload and new equipment challenges

16:13 - Gaming plans and introducing Court from Troy

17:25 - How Ricky’s nephew discovered Troy, the Reality of Yourself

20:08 - Band origins and independent growth

23:16 - Classic rock, Metallica, and musical upbringing

27:52 - Finding humanity and authenticity in songwriting

30:16 - Emotional vocals and writing from real experience

33:39 - Vocal influences from Queen to Maynard to the Eagles

36:42 - Crowd favorites and what hits live

38:38 - Band socials and where listeners can find them

40:04 - Playing The Reckoning by Troy, the Reality of Yourself

44:58 - Reaction to the performance and live-band energy

46:25 - Studio polish versus real live performance

49:46 - Covers, feel, and why emotion matters more than perfection

56:51 - Band history, lineup changes, and release timeline

58:47 - Why the interview ran long and future collaboration

63:02 - Indie-heavy music block with female vocalists

77:03 - Fourth anniversary recap and platform expansion

81:50 - Wind Back Wednesdays and the show’s evolving format

85:19 - Pressure, Ventress, and Clay Soldiers music block

103:23 - Setup for the 90s block

105:40 - Snoop Dogg, TLC, Coolio, and House of Pain block

126:52 - Chris Rex anniversary shoutout

128:50 - Cover block featuring Beatles, Mariah Carey, and Linkin Park covers

145:52 - Final birthday segment for Hampus

149:33 - Remix finale with multiple mashups

168:05 - Closing remarks and thanks to Court and listeners

170:10 - Sign-off and Metallica sendoff

175:42 - Post-show station and merch promo

Notable quotes

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“If you’re not having fun doing it, then why do it?”

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“Music is the love language of the universe.”

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“Rising tide raises all ships.”

Action items

• Check out Troy, the Reality of Yourself if you want independent rock with strong vocal emotion and classic influences.
• Watch for the new anniversary merch drop mentioned near the end of the show.
• Catch the show’s broader archive and related programming across the platforms Ricky mentions during the episode.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pipebomb-radio-nyc/exclusive-content

Pipe Bomb Radio NYC: St. Patrick’s Day 2023 Edition

Ricky Litwinkowicz hosts a St. Patrick’s Day themed episode that mixes Irish punk and folk music with a darker, more mythic look at the holiday. Alongside the playlist, he covers Irish legends, St. Patrick’s Day history, and the holiday’s Americanized traditions, while keeping the tone loud, comedic, and intentionally chaotic.This episode is mostly a solo-host showcase from Ricky, who leads the music blocks and adds commentary between tracks. The main themes are St. Patrick’s Day, Irish music, and Irish folklore, with a recurring warning that the holiday has both celebratory and horror-movie sides.

Key topics

• In this episode, Ricky frames the show as a pre-recorded St. Patrick’s Day special and acknowledges that it is not airing live on March 17.
• He opens with a playlist of Irish and Irish-themed bands, including Dropkick Murphys, Bloody Irish Boys, Dirty Glass, Happy Ol’ McWeasel, Fiddler’s Green, Flogging Molly, The Dubliners, The Pogues, and others.
• Ricky explains the “traditional” side of St. Patrick’s Day, including corned beef and cabbage, drinking, green clothing, and the holiday’s religious roots during Lent.
• He adds a history segment covering St. Patrick’s Day origins, noting that St. Patrick was born in Great Britain, not Ireland, and that the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in what is now St. Augustine, Florida.
• He emphasizes that corned beef and cabbage became a St. Patrick’s Day staple in America, not originally in Ireland, and describes it as an immigrant-era adaptation.
• The episode shifts into Irish folklore and horror lore, including the Dullahan, banshees, the Morrigan, and the Sluagh Sid, with Ricky presenting them as the darker counterpart to the holiday’s cheerful image.
• Ricky also highlights St. Patrick’s Day horror films and horror-adjacent titles such as Unlucky Charms, Red Clover, Leprechaun Origins, The Hallow, Leprechaun Returns, and Crawlers.
• He repeatedly returns to the idea that St. Patrick’s Day can feel like “sunshine and rainbows” on one side and monsters, omens, and death on the other.
• The music blocks continue the Irish theme with songs about drinking, roving, pub life, and chaos, including Ramblin’ Rover, Irish Rover, and whiskey-soaked party tracks.
• The episode closes with a safety reminder not to drink and drive, followed by a final high-energy punk sendoff.

Timestamps

00:00 - Sponsored intro and quick opening tease

04:02 - St. Patrick’s Day special intro and pre-record explanation

06:29 - Opening Irish punk block sets the tone

17:19 - Irish music leads into the “educational” folklore section

18:14 - The Dullahan and other scary Irish legends

20:38 - Dark folklore contrasted with the holiday’s cheerful image

34:31 - Pre-recorded show note and transition into St. Patrick’s Day horror movies

35:28 - Horror films tied to Irish mythology and leprechauns

40:00 - More Irish drinking songs and rover-themed tracks

54:25 - Midshow recap and introduction to the Morrigan and Sluagh Sid

56:52 - Another music block with saints, drinking, and barroom imagery

71:02 - St. Patrick’s Day history, shamrocks, and parade origins

73:20 - Corned beef and cabbage as an American innovation

74:44 - Leprechaun humor and a shift back to party songs

76:03 - Ricky jokes about leprechauns and introduces the final music stretch

90:07 - Closing remarks, show wrap-up, and anti-drunk-driving warning

91:35 - Final sign-off and outro track

Notable quotes

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“Saint Patrick’s Day isn’t just about eating your corned beef, cabbage, and baked potatoes.”

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“There are some scary Irish legends that go along with it.”

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“Please, if you’re listening to this episode at any point, and you go out drinking, do not drive.”

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Pipe Bomb Radio NYC - March 21, 2023

This episode is a chaotic celebration show built around honoring Mark Braverman’s brother Jeff, with birthday shoutouts, live listener interaction, and a heavy dose of music. Ricky is joined by Lars the Viking Johnson and guest Mark Braverman, and the show mixes personal memories, show updates, and strong opinions on new releases.We discuss the return of in studio chaos, the growth of the interview format, and a memorial segment for Jeff that becomes the emotional center of the episode. The music block leans hard into new releases and listener requests, including tracks tied to the recent interview run.

Key topics

• Ricky opens the show by introducing Lars the Viking Johnson as co host and Mark Braverman as the guest of honor for the memorial focused episode.
• Mark explains that the show is dedicated to his brother Jeff, while also noting a birthday celebration mixed into the broadcast.
• The episode briefly turns solemn with the announcement that New York Knicks legend Willis Reed has died at age 80.
• Ricky previews next week’s birthday show and says Chris Carpenter, aka Chris Rex, will be in studio after years away.
• The hosts celebrate Pipe Bomb Radio NYC reaching number 7 on the Celtic music chart with the St. Paddy’s Day show.
• Ricky talks about the growing importance of interviews, saying recent conversations with Escalate, Ventress, and The Reality of Yourself have become the strongest part of the show.
• He explains that scaling back the live schedule has actually reduced burnout and given him more room for creative production work, overlays, and post production.
• Mark shares personal Jeff stories, including the famous Randy Savage elbow drop onto his back and Jeff finishing a Mets game after breaking two fingers catching a Mike Piazza home run.
• The show features a long music run with new tracks from Buckcherry, Arctic Monkeys, Pressure, Nocturna, Ocean of Another, Five Finger Death Punch, Avenged Sevenfold, and Arch Enemy, plus listener requests like AC DC and Nirvana.
• Ricky goes on a lengthy rant criticizing Metallica’s 72 Seasons rollout, especially the global premiere for an album he says has already been released in full online.
• The episode closes with a Green Day tribute selection chosen for Jeff’s memorial, followed by final comments from Mark and Lars.

Timestamps

00:00 - Sponsor read and opening promo for BoFlex fitness equipment

05:10 - Pipe Bomb Radio NYC intro and season four welcome

05:35 - Ricky introduces Lars the Viking Johnson and guest Mark Braverman

06:04 - Mark explains the episode is dedicated to his brother Jeff

07:28 - Tribute to Willis Reed after news of his death

08:16 - Birthday show announcement for next week with Chris Rex in studio

10:11 - St. Paddy’s Day episode reaches number 7 on the Celtic chart

13:03 - Why interviews are becoming the strongest part of the show

14:28 - How reducing the live schedule improved creativity and reduced burnout

16:19 - The production workload, editing, and money pressure behind the show

22:34 - Mark’s opening Jeff remembrance and the memorial format

23:02 - Jeff’s Macho Man Randy Savage elbow drop story

24:39 - Why the episode includes a six song playlist from Mark

38:32 - New music block recap: Guns N Roses, Buckcherry, Arctic Monkeys

39:29 - Ricky praises the Ventress interview and the post production work

44:26 - Jeff at Shea Stadium and the Mike Piazza home run story

47:47 - The last three interviews block: Escalate, Ventress, and The Reality of Yourself

49:26 - Ricky explains why the interviews feel like full access conversations

64:03 - Recap of the interview music block

67:11 - Birthday song confusion and the show’s production chaos

70:59 - George Carlin age math and Ricky’s confession about old HBO downloads

73:28 - Ricky reflects on taking a break and being dropped by people during it

74:59 - Wild party story about Jeff getting more phone numbers than anyone else

78:24 - The peppermint Jack Daniels story and Jeff’s party transformation

81:19 - Music block preview: Nirvana, AC DC, Five Finger Death Punch, Avenged Sevenfold

99:44 - Metallica rant begins with criticism of 72 Seasons and its rollout

101:20 - Why the global premiere makes no sense after the album was already released

104:47 - More criticism of the album art and the overall sound

106:26 - Mark and Ricky compare the album to Metallica’s better records

110:10 - Next block preview with Pressure, Metallica, Ocean of Another, and Nocturna

128:48 - Recap of Pressure, Metallica, Nocturna, and Ocean of Another

131:11 - Islanders game story begins with 12 friends and rinkside seats

133:35 - “We’re teaching the Islanders how to check people”

135:36 - Rangers game story and the “Renny, fucking time, sweetheart” line on TV

136:14 - Live breaking news about a cow loose in Brooklyn

138:24 - Ricky and Mark talk about baking, Oreos, and childhood snack rituals

140:19 - Closing music block preview with Green Day and Arch Enemy

149:16 - Mark explains why Green Day’s Time of Your Life was used at Jeff’s burial

149:54 - Lars closes with final remarks

151:13 - Ricky signs off and previews next week’s birthday show

153:08 - Final season four sign off from Ricky and Lars

153:46 - Green Day, Time of Your Life plays over the close

156:00 - End card and network promo

Notable quotes

• “Number seven is huge.”
• “We’re teaching the Islanders how to check people in the corners.”
• “I hope you had the time of your life.”

Action items

• Listen to the St. Paddy’s Day episode if you want to help push it higher on the Celtic chart.
• Check out the recent interview episodes with Escalate, Ventress, and The Reality of Yourself.
• Tune in next week for the birthday show with Chris Rex in studio.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pipebomb-radio-nyc/exclusive-content

Pipe Bomb Radio Independent Artist Show

This episode is a high energy year end special built around independent artists from around the world. Ricky and Lars use the show to spotlight unsigned talent, talk about the submission surge, and frame the whole broadcast as both a music showcase and a community builder.The episode matters because it is more than a playlist - it is a launchpad. Ricky repeatedly emphasizes that listeners should join the chat, connect with other artists and promoters, and stick around for a major announcement at the end.

Key topics

• In this episode: Pipe Bomb Radio kicks off its independent artist showcase with Bin Bag Wisdom, a melodic anarcho jazz hop group blending live hip hop, soul, and jazz elements.
• Ricky and Lars talk about the overwhelming response to the call for submissions, including more than 400 entries and a chat full of artists, fans, and promoters.
• We discuss how the show is designed to create opportunities for indie bands to connect with promotion companies and with each other, not just get airtime.
• In this episode: Sean Graham's Elsie's Cup gets praise for its Beatles-inspired feel and long form collaboration story tied to the John Lennon songwriting contest.
• Ricky highlights the strength of overseas submissions, especially artists from Scotland, the UK, Sweden, and other international scenes.
• We discuss Lucid Liars, The Streams, and Way Dim as examples of how the show moves across genres, from indie rock to alt rock to ska and heavier material.
• In this episode: the ska block features The Mishaps, Bunny Lewis and the Rabbit Grenades, Lively Up, and the Johnny Rock Band, with Ricky openly warming to ska as the set rolls on.
• Ricky makes a point of spotlighting female vocalists, praising Naive, Smooth Saline, Janice Lee, and Boy Blue for standout voices and range.
• We discuss Janice Lee's My Heart Is Complicated, which Ricky places in the lineage of Joan Jett and Pat Benatar.
• In this episode: the youth movement becomes a major theme, with Ronan, Revivalry, Robot and Gods, and other young artists framed as the next generation of the scene.
• Ricky tells the story of Jadalia, a New York folk rock rabbi, and praises Divine Inspiration for its unusual identity and catchy hook.
• We discuss country and southern rock turning heads too, especially Brandon Bing, Gypsy Rose, Black Wolf Mountain, Farewell to Fear, and the Jeff Carlson Band.
• In this episode: Lower Line's post Hurricane Katrina comeback becomes one of the most emotional moments of the show.
• Ricky closes by announcing that several artists from the episode will move into regular rotation starting January 11, 2021.

Timestamps

00:00 - Sponsor intro and fan merchandise announcement 04:37 - Welcome to the final Pipe Bomb Radio show of 2020 06:03 - Why this show is built for international independent artists 08:15 - Over 400 submissions and the opportunity for artists to connect 10:12 - Bin Bag Wisdom leads off with melodic anarcho jazz hop 16:49 - Sean Graham's Elsie's Cup and the Beatles influence 24:45 - Why listeners should not judge bands by their names 32:27 - The Streams and a strong Scottish alt rock slot 38:40 - Way Dim and the shift into heavier energy 49:47 - Ska block introduction and the four-band rotation 55:40 - The Mishaps open the ska run 65:29 - Female vocalists become the focus 67:54 - Naive's genre blending and vocal style 68:48 - Smooth Saline and the "music made for all ears" tagline 76:58 - Clay Soldiers and the rise of UK heavy melodic rock 82:42 - Boy Blue's cross-country collaboration and Misty Blue 89:22 - Jake Stag and the unexpected backstory behind Ignite 94:55 - Jadalia, a folk rock rabbi with a unique perspective 100:43 - Country and southern rock get their turn 101:13 - Brandon Bing and Gypsy Rose on the same block 110:13 - Chasing Alice and David Van Sice bring a harder edge 120:53 - Janice Lee's My Heart Is Complicated and the Pat Benatar comparison 127:06 - Revivalry becomes the first artist ever played on Pipe Bomb Radio 128:29 - Ronan, Revivalry, and Robot and Gods in the youth block 140:56 - Crossover's new release and the band's growth since 2012 149:46 - Black Wolf Mountain, Farewell to Fear, and Jeff Carlson Band 164:54 - Lower Line's Hurricane Katrina story and comeback 176:45 - Rivers and Satellites trivia tease and the final stretch 191:27 - Tim Urban, Bullet to the Heart, and Changing Times 204:11 - Pressure from Stockholm and the Swedish connection 210:41 - Mind Device and the decision to make the music count 219:06 - January 11 announcement: regular rotation for selected artists 220:34 - Final track tease and closing message for 2020

Notable quotes

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"There is just way too much untapped talent on the planet right now."

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"This show is going to bring out a lot of untapped talent."

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"You guys have basically gone through our version of American Idol."

Action items

• Join the live chat when these shows air so artists and fans can interact.
• Submit more than one track if you want to be considered for future Pipe Bomb Radio shows.
• Keep listening through the end of the episode for major announcements and future rotation details.
• Stay connected to the independent artist community, because the show is actively building ongoing regular rotation for selected acts.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/pipebomb-radio-nyc/exclusive-content

Escalate on Pipe Bomb Radio NYC

Ricky is joined by Lars and Rock from Xskull8 for a wide-ranging conversation about the band’s name change, lineup, studio workflow, lyrical themes, and plans to tour beyond Slovenia. The episode also digs into how Escalate builds songs with a large creative team, why their sound has evolved, and what fans can expect next.In this episode:

• Rock explains the origin of the old name, Captain Morgan’s Revenge, as a drunken joke that stuck long enough to become a band identity
• The band’s shift to Escalate in 2020 was tied to a label deal, lineup changes, and a desire for a name that matched the music’s growth
• Rock breaks down how the live lineup works with key players like Klamon on drums, Johnny on guitar, and Nate on bass
• The full team behind the band includes producer Matei Pichavar at Cosmosonic Studio, live sound engineer Ape, driver Alan, manager Tina, merch and finance lead Susannah, photographer Simon, and the video crew Mirror to Mirror
• Escalate’s studio process is highly collaborative and efficient, with demos built at home and songs shaped closely with Matei before recording
• Rock talks about the meaning behind A Minute for Tomorrow, which is about not judging people too quickly and giving relationships time to reveal who someone really is
• He cites Black Stone Cherry as the spark that started the project, with later influence from Alter Bridge, Five Finger Death Punch, and several late 1990s and 2000s rock and metal bands
• The band aims for albums that feel cohesive but still varied, avoiding records that sound identical from start to finish or jump randomly between genres
• Rock shares his five questions of death answers, including Phil Collins as his dream show collaborator and Parkway Drive as a current band he’d love to share a stage with
• Leaves Are Falling is described as a song about sharing problems, finding perspective over time, and letting life’s struggles make more sense with age
• The Leaves Are Falling video was filmed under strict COVID curfew limits in one day across two locations, making the shoot intense but ultimately successful
• Escalate’s next big goal is touring, especially in the United States, after chart success and growing attention outside Slovenia

Timestamps: (0:12) - Pipe Bomb Radio NYC intro and welcome to Xskull8 (1:09) - The drunken origin of Captain Morgan’s Revenge (2:07) - Why the band changed its name to Escalate (4:47) - How the live lineup and extended crew shape the band (7:03) - Producer Matei Pichavar and the fast studio workflow (8:00) - Live sound, logistics, management, merch, and visual production (12:32) - Playing Poland and hopes for more European shows (18:19) - The meaning behind A Minute for Tomorrow (21:19) - Musical influences from Black Stone Cherry to modern metal (23:24) - Making albums cohesive without sounding repetitive (25:42) - The five questions of death (26:14) - Late-night snacks and favorite fries (27:51) - Dream collaborations: Phil Collins, Killswitch Engage, Parkway Drive (29:39) - Rock’s pre-show and pre-studio routine (33:03) - Early listening habits and first major influences (34:54) - First CD memories, including Elvis Presley and John Williams (40:40) - The message behind Leaves Are Falling (41:11) - Filming the Leaves Are Falling video during COVID curfew (44:04) - Touring goals in the United States and Europe (47:00) - Rock’s lyric writing process and co-writing with Johnny (48:27) - Social media, fan group, and where to find the band (49:36) - Closing thanks and sign-off

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