From the ashes of a sidewalk in the South Bronx.. The Passion Collective Podcast returns with the announcement of Zachary Andrew Franck's first book 'Slingshot Diaries Through Stained Glass Windows. He is joined by SC Static and producer Ben Durland to discuss the past, present, and future; the process of bringing the book to life, visiting Hunter S. Thompson's home base in Colorado, getting arrested at a Wendy's in Jersey, almost dying in the South Bronx, hopelessness, having faith in God, finding the strength to change, believing in the vision, and the journey of staying clean one day at a time while publishing a book. This story ain't over.

Thank you for listening.

Preorder the book at passioncollectivepublishing.com

Drugged out lunacy on the back blocks of Paterson, my first Yankee game, Eastern Shore self-checkout lines, A Bronx Tale, and more.

INTRO MUSIC: SPACE BACON - CONE

Musings from the past nine months: addiction, recovery, relationships, honesty, change, life.

Zach is joined by keyboardist Eli Winderman of Dopapod and keyboardist Chris Gironda of Space Bacon to discuss the current state of Dopapod and their upcoming show on 4/20 at Sony Hall, the inspiring risk behind full band improvisation, the influence that musicians like John Scofield and John Medeski have on younger players, creating Octave Cat with Jesse Miller of Lotus, the grind and psychology behind building a touring band, the concept of Dopapod's upcoming self-titled studio release, Dopapod and Space Bacon playing shows together in the future, and so much more.

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Intro by Jack Willard

Photo by Mkdevo

In this episode Zach is joined by Chef Robert Scully. Born and raised in the New York Metro area, he is now based in Los Angeles County. He's worked in a number of kitchens over the years and has proved himself in a wide variety of culinary situations. He is now embarking on his journey as a business owner as he gears up to launch Golden Goat. He said it best, "I think of Chinese food when I think of life; sweet & sour."

Intro by Jack Willard

This is a story of pain, experience, strength, and hope. Life was never easy this gentleman, but he persevered time and time again. Ryan Caldwell, CRPA-P is a Peer Specialist at Center for Recovery in Newburgh, NY and the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council of Orange County. Since entering this role, Mr. Caldwell has been working to help those who live with addiction find sobriety and recovery. He is passionate about this endeavor as his love and respect for those struggling is rooted in empathetic identification and integrity.

Mr. Caldwell is also the head organizer of the annual Break The Stigma Addiction Awareness Day in Warwick, NY and was awarded the Friends of Recovery NY Recovery Advocacy Award in 2019. As an individual in longterm recovery, his life mission is to help the youth and those who suffer from addiction.

Intro by Jack Willard

Keyboardist Aron Magner of the Disco Biscuits sits down at his piano to discuss navigating COVID, jazz piano giants, life-altering moments, the Grateful Dead, the power of creative inspiration, the Biscuits' new album, the future of SPAGA, the future of Camp Bisco, and more.

Intro by Jack Willard

In this episode, Zach is joined by Brooklyn singer-songwriter Mary Hood. Originally from the Hudson Valley of New York, her sound is built upon unique fingerpicking and abstract lyrics that are heartfelt and poetic. They discuss her new release 'Come Back Earth', her upcoming release, the beauty of music, people and places that inspire creativity, being an artist in NYC in 2022, sonic influences, and so much more.

Intro by Jack Willard

In episode 21, Zach is joined by Jack of Space Bacon. They discuss all things Space Bacon, Amtrak rides along the sea, regional cuisine, why New York City is the greatest city in the world, Jack's biggest guitar influences, the owner of a New England seafood eatery berating customers, Space Bacon's upcoming show at The Bowery Ballroom, and so much more.

INTRO & OUTRO BY JACK

Photo by Billy Murray