The guest for episode 105 of The Keep It Posi Podcast is Kristin Peak. Kristin and I met when we both worked at KROQ. We met in early 2016 and clicked pretty fast after we learned that we liked a lot of the same bands. Kristin currently works at ByteDance, which is the parent company of TikTok and in this conversation, we talked about how she ended up working at KROQ, lessons she has learned throughout her career, how family influenced her music taste, 311, grad school, and a whole lot more. This was a fun chat with a great friend!
This month, The Posi Spotlight is focused on the Writers Guild Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve and promote the history and craft of writing for the screen. Established in 1966, the Writers Guild Foundation was founded by a group of prominent Writers Guild members to raise money so that writers from other countries and small organizations could attend the International Writers Guild conference held in Los Angeles that year. The Writers Guild Foundation has served the screenwriting community through its prolific library and archives, educational events, and community-building outreach programs. To learn more or make a donation to the Writers Guild Foundation, you can visit wgfoundation.org.
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The guest for episode 104 of The Keep It Posi Podcast is Becky Kovach. Becky is a publicist at Big Picture Media. Big Picture Media has worked with some of my favorite bands and most likely with some of your favorite bands. Current and past clients include The Offspring, 311, Thrice, Sum 41, Silverstein, Tiny Stills, Sundressed, and a whole lot more. In this episode, Becky and I talked about her job and how she got into doing music publicity, how she learned about Yellowcard at a young age, the successes and challenges of music publicity, Bayside, and a whole lot more. To learn more about Big Picture Media, you can go to bigpicturemediaonline.com.
This month, The Posi Spotlight is focused on To Write Love On Her Arms, a nonprofit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. To Write Love On Her Arms exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and invest directly into treatment and recovery. Founder, Jamie Tworkowski, didn’t set out to start a nonprofit organization. All he wanted to do was help a friend, who was struggling with addiction, depression, self-injury, and suicidal thoughts. He wrote about the five days he spent with her before she entered a treatment center, and he sold T-shirts to help cover the cost. When she entered treatment, he posted the story on MySpace to give it a home. The name of the story was “To Write Love on Her Arms”. To learn more or make a donation to To Write Love On Her Arms, you can visit twloha.com.
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The guests for episode 103 of The Keep It Posi Podcast are Matty McDonald and Kean Bartelman of Protect Your Heart, an L.A. pop punk band with breakdowns. The band released an album last year titled (re)introduction. In this episode, the guys and I talked about the album, the band’s history, their eclectic musical influences, the DIY ethos of promoting your art, and more. This was a really fun conversation! To stream (re)introduction, you can go to pyh.band.
This month, The Posi Spotlight is focused on World Health Partnerships, a nonprofit organization committed to providing medical care and mental health education to allow people in underserved countries the foundation for improved physical, mental, and spiritual lives. World Health Partnerships has been able to hold mobile medical clinics, provide education, provide ultrasounds, and screen for surgeries. World Health Partnerships was actually started by Matty of Protect Your Heart, so if you can help by learning more or making a donation, you can visit worldhealthpartnerships.com.
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The guest for episode 102 of The Keep It Posi Podcast is Lizzie Killian. During the day, Lizzie runs her company, FIFTYcc doing PR for the gaming industry and music industry. During her free time, Lizzie can be found writing music or playing a punk rock show as she is the person behind Teens In Trouble. Last year, Teens In Trouble released their self-titled EP via Asian Man Records. In this episode, Lizzie and I talked about the EP, how she got involved in PR within the gaming and music industries, soundtracks, and just life in general. The Teens In Trouble self-titled EP is available for purchase at teensintrouble.bandcamp.com.
This month, The Posi Spotlight is focused on Doctors Without Borders, a nonprofit that delivers emergency medical aid to people in crisis, with humanitarian projects in more than 70 countries. Doctors Without Borders offers medical humanitarian assistance to people based solely on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender, or political affiliation. Doctors, nurses, and other frontline workers are often among the first on the scene when people’s lives are upended by conflict, disease outbreaks, or natural or human-made disasters. To learn more or make a donation to Doctors Without Borders, you can visit doctorswithoutborders.org.
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The guest for episode 101 of The Keep It Posi Podcast is June Martinez. June is a Merchandise Account Manager. June and I worked at KROQ, but we never really got to work together because we worked in different departments. In this episode, we talked about the diverse music taste she was introduced to as a kid, how she got her start in the music industry, and more.
This month, The Posi Spotlight is focused on City of Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people with cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses. Their team of more than 11,000 includes researchers, associates, scientists, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, graduate students, fundraising specialists, marketing professionals, volunteers, and support staff. They’re all united by a desire to find cures and save lives. To learn more or make a donation to City of Hope, you can visit cityofhope.org.
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The guest for episode 100 of The Keep It Posi Podcast is Rob Froese of Friend Club Records. Friend Club Records was launched in 2020 and in this episode we talked about the label, how he got into music, Jimmy Eat World, and more. After you give this episode a listen, I urge you to give the Friend Club roster a listen. You can start by checking out friendclubrecords.bandcamp.com.
This week, The Posi Spotlight is focused on Hope For The Day, a nonprofit movement empowering the conversation on proactive suicide prevention and mental health education. 700,000 suicides are reported each year with many more going unreported. In the US alone, over 130 individuals complete suicide on a daily basis. Through outreach, education, and action, Hope For The Day can equip people with the right tools to be proactive in their communities! Proactive prevention is about creating an environment that doesn’t wait for someone to reach a point of crisis to address their mental health. In doing proactive prevention, individuals step up to take action and facilitate the conversation on mental health in their spaces. To learn more or make a donation to Hope For The Day, you can visit hftd.org.
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The guest for episode 99 of The Keep It Posi Podcast is Ray Harkins. During the day, Ray works at iHeartMedia. Outside of iHeart, Ray is the host of ‘100 Words or Less: The Podcast’ and also sings in melodic hardcore band, Taken. In this episode, we talked about the jobs he has had throughout his career, the podcast, his band, growing up in Southern California, and so much more! This was a really fun one and one of my favorite episodes to date.
This week, The Posi Spotlight is focused on PETA. PETA was founded in 1980 and is dedicated to establishing and defending the rights of all animals. PETA entities have more than 9 million members and supporters globally. PETA works through public education, investigative newsgathering and reporting, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns. To learn more or make a donation to PETA, you can visit peta.org.
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The guest for episode 98 of The Keep It Posi Podcast is Camiches, a band from Mexico City that have gone on to create and describe their style under the Feeling Core sound. Earlier this year, Camiches released their self-titled EP via Wiretap Records. In this episode, we talked about the EP, being Latino in the punk rock scene, blink-182, The Cure, Audio Karate, and more! This one was a lot of fun and it's in SPANISH! If you don’t speak Spanish and decide to not give the episode a listen, I still encourage you to give Camiches a listen! You can purchase their music at camichesmx.bandcamp.com.
This week, The Posi Spotlight is focused on Adopta.MX. Adopta.MX is an animal rescue service based out of Mexico City. The rescue service is dedicated to helping out dogs and cats who are homeless or are abused. To learn more or make a donation to Adopta.MX, you can visit their Instagram at @adopta.mx.
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The guest for episode 97 of The Keep It Posi Podcast is Jon Hernandez of punk band, Timeshares. Earlier this year, the band released an album titled, 'Limb' via Wiretap Records and Bearded Punk Records. In this episode, we talked about the album and what it means to him, wrestling, Jewel, Sheryl Crow, The Offspring, and so much more! This one was such a blast. You can purchase 'Limb' at timeshares.bandcamp.com, wiretaprecords.com, or beardedpunk.com.
This week, The Posi Spotlight is focused on Girls Rock Philly, a youth-centered music organization dedicated to building an intergenerational community of girls, women, and trans and gender-expansive people. Through the practice of fearless expression, artistic experimentation, and collaboration, Girls Rock Philly builds the confidence and leadership skills needed to transform the community. The staff, volunteers, and participants foster a joyful culture of creativity, critical thinking, and collective care in order to build a more safe and equitable world. To learn more or make a donation to Girls Rock Philly, you can visit girlsrockphilly.org.
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The guest for episode 96 of The Keep It Posi Podcast is Gabe Mayeshiro. Gabe plays bass in L.A. punk band, HOLYFANGS. He is a former member of Spanish Love Songs. In this episode we talked about how he started playing in HOLYFANGS, Spanish Love Songs history, Craiglist, Green Day, parenting, and so much more. This one was a blast and I definitely learned some band history. 'HOLYFANGS: I' is available for purchase at holyfangsband.bandcamp.com.
This week, The Posi Spotlight is focused on Just Us 4 Youth, a nonprofit organization that mentors youth to be better students, better people, and better leaders. Their vision is to positively impact a culture, a community, and a region by providing an innovative and holistic approach to quality mentoring for urban youth and their communities around the world. To learn more or make a donation to Just Us 4 Youth, you can visit ju4y.org.
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The guest for episode 95 of The Keep It Posi Podcast is Courtney E. Smith. Courtney is an Editor for Eater Dallas and the host of 'Songs In The Key of Death' Podcast. In this conversation, we talked about her work, how she ended up working at MTV, The Shins, Death Cab For Cutie, Sub Pop Records, and so much more. This one was a blast and I think you’ll learn a cool thing or two! To keep up with Courtney online, you can follow her at @courtneyesmith on Twitter.
This week, The Posi Spotlight is focused on Noise For Now, a national initiative that enables artists and entertainers to connect with and financially support grassroots organizations that work in the field of reproductive justice. Noise For Now is the link between touring musicians, progressive promoters, athletes, artists and local reproductive rights organizations in cities across the country. By organizing benefit events and campaigns, Noise For Now provides opportunities for artists and entertainers to use their talent to raise money and send a message that reproductive rights are human rights. To learn more or make a donation to Noise For Now, you can visit noisefornow.org.
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The guest for episode 94 of The Keep It Posi Podcast is Taylin Wills of the alternative band, Least. In this episode, Taylin and I talked about the band’s new music, their City & Colour cover that was part of the Vagrant Records Tribute Compilation released by Wiretap Records and Friend Club Records, playing music at an early age, Underoath, and more. To check out more of Least’s music, you can head on over to leastisaband.bandcamp.com.
This week, The Posi Spotlight is focused on the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), a nonprofit that works to prevent, treat, and cure anxiety disorders and depression. ADAA improves the quality of life for those who suffer through evidence-based educational resources, professional practice, and scientific research. ADAA brings together mental health professionals who lend their time and expertise to improve patient care by promoting the implementation of best practices and treatments across disciplines through continuing education and training and accelerating dissemination of research into practice. To learn more or make a donation to ADAA, you can visit adaa.org.
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The guest for episode 93 of The Keep It Posi Podcast is Zac Djamoos. During the day, Zac is a teacher, but outside of his day job, he is an Editor at The Alternative. In this conversation, we talked about his role at The Alternative, the music scene, compilations, Armor For Sleep, Bamboozle, and so much more. This one was an absolute blast! To check out The Alternative, you can go to getalternative.com.
This week, The Posi Spotlight is focused on the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (or ASPCA). ASPCA was the first humane society to be established in North America and is one of the largest in the world, today. ASPCA was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment at the hands of humans and must be protected under the law. The ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. To learn more or make a donation to ASPCA, you can visit aspca.org.
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The guest for episode 92 of The Keep It Posi Podcast is Kevin Day. Kevin was the guest for episode 58 and if this is your first time learning about Kevin, he does a number of things. Kevin runs Part-Time PR for alternative, punk, and indie artists. He also sings and plays music in Graduation Speech and Aspiga. Earlier this year, Kevin released a new Graduation Speech EP titled 'Controlled Burn'. In this conversation, we talked about the new EP, playing shows again, Karate (the band), and more! If you like what you hear, you can buy the EP and merch over at graduationspeech.bandcamp.com.
This week, The Posi Spotlight is focused on the New Jersey Abortion Access Fund, a volunteer-run organization that provides financial assistance to those seeking safe, legal abortions. They partner with providers and social service agencies in New Jersey to help people access the quality care they need and deserve. They recognize the many obstacles that people face in gaining and maintaining control of their reproductive rights and believe that access to abortion is a vital part of reproductive justice. NJAAF provides grants to help cover the cost of an abortion or related services. To learn more or make a donation to NJAAF, you can visit njaaf.org.
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The guests for episode 91 of The Keep It Posi Podcast are Field, Scott, and Cameron of Fencer, a rock band from L.A. In this episode, we talked about the music they’ve been working on, how they ended up playing shows with Badflower, CD players, Green Day, and more. This one was a blast! To keep up with Fencer online, you can search @fencerband on all platforms.
This week, The Posi Spotlight is focused on Life Rolls On, a nonprofit organization that was founded by 2x world champion quadriplegic surfer, Jesse Billauer. Life Rolls On is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with various disabilities. Believing that adaptive surfing and skating could inspire infinite possibilities beyond any disability, Life Rolls On began as a splash into the unknown on September 11, 2001; achieved 501c3 nonprofit status in 2002; and now touches the lives of hundreds of thousands. To learn more or make a donation to Life Rolls On, you can visit liferollson.org.
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The guest for episode 90 of The Keep It Posi Podcast is Austin Cooper, lead singer and guitarist of No Lungs, an alternative rock band out of Arizona. In this episode, we talked about touring, LA venues, playing in the school band and orchestra, Bright Eyes, and more. The band's latest album, 'What You Didn't Want to Happen Is Happening Right Now' is available for purchase at nolungs.bandcamp.com.
This week, The Posi Spotlight is focused on The Brigid Alliance, a referral-based service that provides travel, food, lodging, child care, and other logistical support for people seeking reproductive access. The Brigid Alliance prioritizes clients beyond 15 weeks of pregnancy for whom it’s generally more expensive and harder to find a provider near home. They are part of an ecosystem of support organizations that is propping up reproductive access in the country in an increasingly hostile environment. To learn more or make a donation to The Brigid Alliance, you can visit brigidalliance.org.
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The guest for episode 89 of The Keep It Posi Podcast is Richard Lamas, lead singer and guitarist of Rundown Kreeps, an L.A. ska punk band that is currently signed to My Grito. We talked about a lot including growing up in L.A. and being introduced to a range of artists, Limewire, burned CDs, Social Distortion, and more. This one was a lot of fun. To keep up with the band, you can head on over to rundownkreeps.com.
This week, The Posi Spotlight is focused on The Sidewalk Project, a project based arts and public health organization that exists to create community and wellness for those who live outdoors. Through various mediums, including art, music, film, and public health, The Sidewalk Project aims to be socially active and to empower houseless communities around the world. They are not trained social workers or therapists. They are artists who believe embracing the beauty of life is the way to enrich experience despite circumstance. To learn more or make a donation to The Sidewalk Project, you can visit thesidewalkproject.org.
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The guest for episode 88 of The Keep It Posi Podcast is Art Barrios, lead singer and guitarist of Audio Karate, a punk rock band out of Rosemead, California. Additionally, Art also sings and plays guitar in Indian School and is the guitarist for Sweet & Tender Hooligans, a Smiths/Morrissey tribute band. In this episode, Art and I talk about the band’s latest release, '¡MALO!', how the vinyl pressing for 'Space Camp' led to a reunion, working with Bill Stevenson, the band’s first tour, and so much more! If you’re a fan of Audio Karate, I hope you learn something from this conversation because I sure did. To order '¡MALO!' on vinyl, you can do so at audiokaratestore.com.
This week, The Posi Spotlight is focused on The Downtown Women’s Center. Founded in 1978, The Downtown Women’s Center envisions a Los Angeles with every woman housed and on a path to personal stability. Its mission is to end homelessness for women in greater Los Angeles through housing, wellness, employment, and advocacy. After its launch, The Downtown Women’s Center was the first:
To learn more or make a donation to The Downtown Women’s Center, you can visit downtownwomenscenter.org.
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The guest for episode 87 of The Keep It Posi Podcast is Avery Okamura, Kevin Worden, and James Allen of the punk rock trio, One Armed Joey! Late last month, the band released their new album, 'Happiness, To Me', via Sell The Heart Records! In this episode, the band and I talked about the album, how they all became friends through music in middle school, Green Day, and more! If you’re a fan of MXPX, Green Day, and/or Allister, you must give One Armed Joey a listen! If you like what you hear, please head on over to selltheheartrecords.bandcamp.com to purchase 'Happiness, To Me'.
This week, The Posi Spotlight is focused on Thorn. Thorn was founded in 2012 by Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore when they learned about the issue of child sex trafficking from a documentary highlighting what was happening to children in Cambodia. They describe it as this moment where you learn something about the world that you can’t un-know. As they started learning more, they realized that it is just as prolific of a problem in the United States as it is overseas. The technology exists to help kids, but simply isn’t being used. Thorn builds powerful products, leads new programs, maintains essential resources, and develops awareness campaigns to attack the issue from all sides. Technology must be part of the solution. To learn more or make a donation to Thorn, you can visit thorn.org.
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The guest for episode 86 of The Keep It Posi Podcast is Danielle “Chip” Lehman. Chip is a producer for NHL Podcasts at The Athletic. Chip and I met during our day jobs at KROQ, where she was part of the Kevin & Bean Morning Show for a number of years. We talked about a lot! We talked about The Offspring, her time at KROQ, the Anaheim Ducks, PUP, how her experience at KROQ has helped her in her current job, and more! This one was a blast!
This week, The Posi Spotlight is focused on Everytown For Gun Safety Support Fund. Every day, more than 110 people in the United States are killed with guns. The Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund is the education, research, and litigation arm of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country. Everytown builds awareness about the complexities of gun violence in America so that every person—policymakers, volunteers, cultural influencers, business leaders, and more—can learn about the issues and become part of the solutions. To learn more or make a donation to Everytown For Gun Safety Support Fund, you can visit everytownsupportfund.org.
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