A podcast exploring life, music, people & the stories that bring us closer.
Episodes are published on the 1st & 15th every month.
With intimate interviews, folk punk & my own personal experiences, I explore how we can show up for the story of life. There's no reason to do this alone, we can learn from each other, even if we make some mistakes along the way. Join me as I embark on a journey to figure out how to find meaning & balance, navigate relationships & culture, all while growing with you. We can survive our failures, learn from them & celebrate the victories we also achieve when we put in the work.
I have a strong connection to the folk punk & DIY, underground music community in general, so expect to hear about that too. Some other common themes on the show are, creativity, prison, addiction/recovery, spirituality, personal authority & relationships. I hope to become a valuable part of your life through my efforts here at Back On The Grind as I bring you closer to myself & the guests I converse with.
Stay Free,
Pepe Bandit
Help support this project & overall journey & get some member exclusives:
Get in touch with your questions & I will do my best to address it on the show.
Email (I guarantee results)
Connect on Instagram
Get coffee roasted by your host Pepe Bandit
DRINK COFFEE & STAY FREE!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A podcast exploring life, music, people & the stories that bring us closer.
Episodes are published on the 1st & 15th every month.
With intimate interviews, folk punk & my own personal experiences, I explore how we can show up for the story of life. There's no reason to do this alone, we can learn from each other, even if we make some mistakes along the way. Join me as I embark on a journey to figure out how to find meaning & balance, navigate relationships & culture, all while growing with you. We can survive our failures, learn from them & celebrate the victories we also achieve when we put in the work.
I have a strong connection to the folk punk & DIY, underground music community in general, so expect to hear about that too. Some other common themes on the show are, creativity, prison, addiction/recovery, spirituality, personal authority & relationships. I hope to become a valuable part of your life through my efforts here at Back On The Grind as I bring you closer to myself & the guests I converse with.
Stay Free,
Pepe Bandit
Help support this project & overall journey & get some member exclusives:
Get in touch with your questions & I will do my best to address it on the show.
Email (I guarantee results)
Connect on Instagram
Get coffee roasted by your host Pepe Bandit
DRINK COFFEE & STAY FREE!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Anti-folk legend, Jeffrey Lewis shares insights on sniffing records, his experience with the ever evolving music industry & streaming, & the secret impact of Donovan. Also hear about the unique connection between Jim Morrison's father & the start of the Vietnam War, & the history behind the band "The Bundles” (which Jefftrey was a member alongside Kimya Dawson) & why their album isn't available on streaming platforms. Tune in for a fun dive into the worlds of music, art, history, crate digging for vinyl records & more.
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HIGHLIGHTS:
Back On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch:
Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)
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Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to
***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
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Pepe Bandit
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Pepe brings on friends Eric King (former political prisoner), Brian Walker (A Day Without Love) & Justin Arena (musician/Together Press) to answer questions listeners sent in. Also, a bunch of songs get sampled throughout the episode. Be sure to check below for links to Pepe's playlists & the social pages of musicians mentioned in this episode.
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HIGHLIGHTS:
Pepe's Playlist from this episode & more:
open.spotify.com/playlist/2Xhq4qecLwq8DiI5x0vVPA?si=vPyUnlUzQJCV7vafXEi8DA
Pepe's Rocksteady playlist:
open.spotify.com/playlist/1og9SP4Leh9a8mbcEqDI0c?si=SEH0yXawTFizpYgjFOcN0w
DOUBLE RAINBOW
Bandcamp - doublerainbow.bandcamp.com/track/i-talk-english-2
Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/i-talk-english/419670335
DUSTY THE KID
Bandcamp - dustythekid.bandcamp.com/track/when-the-leaves-come-out
Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/when-the-leaves-come-out/1804771643
instagram.com/dustythekidd/
CRAZY & THE BRAINS
Bandcamp - crazyandthebrains.bandcamp.com/track/catatonic-youth
Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/catatonic-youth/1828016948
instagram.com/crazyandthebrains/
CRICKET
Bandcamp - crickettheguy.bandcamp.com/track/1-up
Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/1-up/1695642904
instagram.com/crickettheguy/
RUEN
Bandcamp - weareruen.bandcamp.com/track/a-neglected-spark-burns-the-house
Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/a-neglected-spark-burns-the-house/1823876291
instagram.com/weare_ruen/
MARBLE BERRY SEEDS
Bandcamp - marbleberryseeds.bandcamp.com/track/on-the-walmart-radio
Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/on-the-walmart-radio/1813968478
instagram.com/marbleberryseeds/
CONFESSION KIDS
Bandcamp - confessionkids.bandcamp.com/track/sprouts
Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/sprouts/1820342010
instagram.com/confessionkids/
MYLES BULLEN
Bandcamp - mylesbullen.bandcamp.com/music
Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/iamnotforeveryone2-feat-chris-og-and-the-dopameanies/1832711191
instagram.com/beatboxpoet/
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Pepe Bandit
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I was really surprised by this conversation as Folk Punk Dad helped me see the many areas my life was already embracing improv. From a stage mishap & heartfelt moment that led to an unexpected audience connection at a Friends In Real Life show, to playing with my kid before I entered prison, to solving a logistical challenge with a coffee roaster delivery, the principles of improv played a role. Join us as we explore the transformative power of improv in overcoming fear, anxiety, mistakes & struggles connecting to those around us. Through engaging stories and insightful discussions, discover how the principles of improv can enrich your life & relationships.
Whether you're an improv enthusiast or new to the concept, this episode offers valuable lessons on embracing spontaneity, finding joy in the unexpected & living a more fulfilling & fearless life.
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HIGHLIGHTS:
Connect with Folk Punk Dad:
Back On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch:
Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)
Follow the podcast on Instagram
Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to
***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
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Pepe Bandit
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Jake McKelvie explores his evolution as a musician, the concept of being a 'scene elder' &, thoughts on performing in various types of venues. He reflects on the role of social media in promoting music & shares insights into his creative process, particularly regarding lyricism. The complexities of navigating the modern music industry & the balance between accessibility & value in music is discussed as well as the impact of streaming services like Spotify on personal relationships & music discovery. Also talked about is some personal anecdotes about gardening & food preferences & the complexities of defining one's musical identity.
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takeaways
Connect with Jake McKelvie:
Back On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch:
Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)
Follow the podcast on Instagram
Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to
***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
Stay Free,
Pepe Bandit
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Todays COFFEE BREAK features Mike Wilson of Harley Poe. He discusses pissing for authority figures & other fun stuff too.
Get coffee roasted by Pepe Bandit:
Listen to the full episode - Mike Wilson of Harley Poe on opening & closing a record shop & the DIY ethos #28:
Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods
Back On The Grind Records - DIY, Folk Punk & Music merch:
backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music
Say hello, send us questions, comments or future topic suggestions to
Follow/engage with the podcast on Instagram
*Word of mouth really matters to us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
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In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of overcoming addiction & mental health challenges with certified Psychotherapist, Jason Shiers. From the early trauma of losing his father to battling addiction, Jason shares his transformative path to self-discovery & healing. We explore the profound insights & experiences that led him to embrace life fully, focusing on the importance of inner work & reconnecting with the Self. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, self-awareness, & the journey back to oneself. Discover how understanding & nurturing our inner world can lead to profound personal transformation.
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HIGHLIGHTS:
Connect with Jason Shiers:
Back On The Grind Records - For Folk Punk, DIY Music & Merch:
Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)
Follow the podcast on Instagram
Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to
***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
Stay Free,
Pepe Bandit
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Walter Mitty shares his journey as an artist, discussing the origins of his name, the evolution of his music & its transformative power to forge a journey of personal reinvention. A unique twist in this journey involves the symbolic act of burying an album in a cave, representing the mystery & depth of personal transformation. We also discuss the DIY spirit in music creation, relationships with nature & surfing. Tune in to discover how music not only shapes our identities but also empowers us to redefine our lives & pursue new beginnings.
Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods
HIGHLIGHTS:
Connect w/ Walter Mitty & His Makeshift Orchestra
Back On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch:
Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)
Follow the podcast on Instagram
Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to
***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
Stay Free,
Pepe Bandit
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Jak & Pepe delve into the evolution of folk punk, discussing its origins, the impact of key bands like Days N Daze, & the role of music videos in the genre. They explore the various waves of folk punk, the importance of documenting the scene, & the deliberate approach some contemporary artists take in their music & performances. The discussion also highlights the significance of friendships & collaborations within the DIY community, emphasizing the shared passion for music & storytelling. Jak shares insights on collaborating with musicians Matt Pless & April Hartman, his journey from filmmaking to punk culture, & the evolution of his musical tastes. The style of director Richard Linklater & his influence on underground film are also discussed.
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HIGHLIGHTS:
Connect with Jak / Shibby Pictures:
Back On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch:
Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)
Follow the podcast on Instagram
Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to
***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
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Pepe Bandit
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MC Homeless & Pepe explore how the early days of folk punk & DIY rap were intertwined. They discuss the impact of early connections, memorable performances, & the evolution of MC Homeless as a rapper. They reflect on the importance of community in the music scene, the challenges of documentary filmmaking, the excitement of returning to music after a hiatus & collaborating with punk rock legends. The discussion also delves into the practical & emotional aspects of starting a dog walking business.
Support the podcast & get bonus episodes & goods
HIGHLIGHTS:
Connect with MC Homeless
Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)
Back On The Grind Records - DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch:
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Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to
***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
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Pepe Bandit
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summary
In one of my favorite conversations to date, Harley Flanagan (founder of the Cro-Mags) explores his life story & the complexities of his experiences. Expect to hear about his family legacy, a chaotic childhood, the realities of growing up in a unique environment &, difficult topics such as abuse &, grief. He discusses the impact of punk rock in Ireland, his introduction to skinhead culture, & how he brought that identity back to America. Harley reflects on the early punk scene & the evolution of his own music, leading to the formation of Cro-Mags, who changed the entire movement. He shares his tumultuous journey through addiction, fatherhood, & personal growth. In a passionate plea against suicide, Harley emphasizes the importance of resilience in the face of adversity & the value of life, encouraging listeners to embrace the unknown & not give up, no matter how tough things get.
Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods
HIGHLIGHTS:
Wired For Chaos trailer - youtube.com/watch?v=yP8zCVJWl1Q
Back On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk & Music Merch:
Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)
Follow the podcast on Instagram
Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to
***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
Stay Free until next time!
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Michael Schneeweis (Mr. Michael Motorcycle / Friends In Real Life) & Pepe explore the theme of safe journeys. Pepe shares a couple of stories as metaphors for life's challenges & Michael offers his thoughts in response. Ultimately, they emphasize the value of relationships, support systems & tools in overcoming obstacles & finding safety in an unpredictable world. Themes of loneliness, the power of simple connections in changing lives, the healing nature of seeking to understand others &, the importance of journaling as a tool for problem solving also come up. The discussion then delves into the meaning behind Michael's album title 'Safe Journey' & offers a deeper understanding of several of its' songs. We close out by playing "Wheels Are Turning."
Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods
highlights:
Back On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch:
Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)
Follow the podcast on Instagram
Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to
***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
Stay Free until next time!
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April & Pepe delve into the themes of nostalgia, loss, & the creative process behind Apes Of The State's latest album. They discuss the personal stories that influenced the music, the collaborative nature of songwriting, & the impact of community & friendship on the artistic journey. The conversation highlights the importance of honoring loved ones in song & the challenges of navigating personal struggles while maintaining a public persona. Thoughts on living through Hurricane Sandy, the impact of changing neighborhoods &, much more. We close out playing the track "What's Another Night?"
Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods
HIGHLIGHTS:
Back On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch:
Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)
Follow the podcast on Instagram
Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to
***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
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Answering questions submitted by fans & other musicians, Myles Bullen explores their latest album with Pepe Bandit. Myles reveals an unknown history to Pepe that has secretly connected them both for over 15 years. Themes of connection, community & cathartic music are also brought up. Myles discusses the evolution of their music, particularly the transition from hip-hop to a more folk punk sound. They share insights on the creative process behind their latest album, the importance of vulnerability in performance, and the personal significance of the album's themes. The discussion also touches on the challenges of solitude, the joy of artistic collaboration, and the deep connections formed through music. Questions & comments from the entire Friends In Real Life lineup, Folk Punk Dad, Eric King & more!
Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods
HIGHLIGHTS:
Order a copy of Liminal Spaces by Myles Bullen
Back On The Grind Records - Get DIY, Folk Punk Music & merch:
Get Coffee for the Bandit in you; roasted by Pepe
Follow the podcast on Instagram
Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to
***Word of mouth really matters to us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
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In part two of the 4 movies series, Spoken Nerd talks with Pepe Bandit about The Last Circus. A film they both loved so much it got its own episode dedicated to it. This is one of Pepe's all time favorite movies...Tune in to see what the hype is all about!
Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods
HIGHLIGHTS:
Check out our previous picks from episode #46:
Connect with Spoken Nerd
Back On The Grind Records - DIY Folk Punk & Music merch:
backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music
Get coffee roasted by Pepe Bandit:
STAY FREE COFFEE ROASTERS
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***Word of mouth really matters to us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
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"I try to live my life in a fearless way"
Christoph Jesus of Crazy & The Brains, shares his journey as an artist, recalling experiences performing with various bands, the differences between opening & headlining shows, & the challenges of facing criticism. He emphasizes the importance of artistic freedom & the essence of punk rock, which he believes is rooted in intention & energy rather than strict musical boundaries. Christoph & Pepe explore the profound impact of family relationships, loss, & grief on creativity. The conversation also delves into cultural influences, particularly in film & music, through authentic storytelling as art. We close out the conversation playing the song "Punk Rocker" by Crazy & The Brains.
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HIGHLIGHTS:
Connect with Crazy And The Brains
Back On The Grind Records - DIY, Folk Punk & Music merch:
Get coffee roasted by Pepe Bandit:
STAY FREE COFFEE ROASTERS
Follow the podcast on Instagram
Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to
***Word of mouth really matters to us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
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Spoken Nerd & Pepe Bandit each pick two movies for the other to watch. This episode explores 3 of those films, Beast Of The Southern Wild, Accion Mutante, & The Substance (previews linked below.)
Then in part 2 of this series, they dedicate the entire episode to The Last Circus (you might want to watch it before the airs on April 15th.) If all goes well, this 4 movie series w/ Spoken Nerd, will become a yearly feature on the show. We close out the episode playing a track by Spoken Nerd!
Enjoy!
Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods
HIGHLIGHTS:
Connect with Spoken Nerd
Back On The Grind Records - DIY, Folk Punk & Music merch:
backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music
Get coffee roasted by Pepe Bandit:
STAY FREE COFFEE ROASTERS
Follow the podcast on Instagram
Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to
***Word of mouth really matters to us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
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In this conversation, Rob & Noah from TheTaxpayers discuss their journey back to music after nearly a decade without a new album. They explore the themes of their upcoming release 'Circle Breaker', including trauma, loss, & the hope that follows. The band reflects on the resurgence of interest in their music, particularly through platforms like TikTok, & compares their past, more DIY shows to their recent performances, noting the differences in venue dynamics & audience engagement. Along with Pepe, they delve into topics like hot sauce, the bonds formed during challenging times & personal stories about forgiveness & redemption, emphasizing that no one is beyond hope. The discussion also touches on touring in Australia & the unique experiences there. The conversation wraps up delving into the nature of reality & the intriguing concept of Bigfoot & UFOs, suggesting a deeper spiritual connection to such phenomena.
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HIGHLIGHTS:
Connect with The Taxpayers
Get Coffee for the Bandit in you; roasted by Pepe
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***Word of mouth really matters to us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
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In this conversation, former political prisoner Eric King shares his experiences of incarceration & the profound impact of relationships during his time in prison. He discusses the journey that led him to federal prison, the challenges of maintaining connections with loved ones, & the unique bond he formed with his wife, Rochelle. He highlights the importance of emotional support & understanding in navigating the complexities of love behind bars. Eric emphasizes the need for vulnerability & the significance of being valued as a person, despite the dehumanizing nature of the prison system. The conversation also touches on the societal perceptions of relationships with incarcerated individuals & the emotional labor often borne by their partners. Eric discusses the unique challenges of getting married behind bars, the fleeting moments of joy that allowed him to escape the harsh realities of incarceration, & the transformative power of love that helped him navigate his difficult journey. Eric reflects on the emotional complexities of his release day, the struggles of adjusting to life outside prison, & the importance of community support. He emphasizes the significance of finding joy & maintaining a smile as acts of resistance against the trauma of his past, while also highlighting the impact of art & connection in the healing process...particularly through seeing Myles Bullen perform live.
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HIGHLIGHTS:
Follow Eric King on Instagram
Get Coffee for the Bandit in you; roasted by Pepe
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Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to
***Word of mouth really matters to us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
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For the final installment of our Johnny Hobo Q&A, Brook Pridemore joins Pepe to offer some more perspectives on the questions listeners sent in. They also discuss some of the general happenings of the folk punk scene from the mid to late 2000's. Enjoy! (There will be some additional Pat The Bunny questions answered by Pepe on our Patreon feed)
Support the podcast to get bonus episodes + goods
HIGHLIGHTS:
Get Coffee for the Bandit in you, roasted by Pepe
Listen to Johnny Hobo & The Freight Trains music
Listen to part 1 of this series
Listen to part 2 of this series
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Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to
***Word of mouth really matters to us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
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Wondering what the upcoming Friends In Real Life album will be like? Well, here's a sneak peek...
The day after Pat (fka Pat The Bunny) announced he will be releasing music for the first time in 10 years, Pepe decided to chat with friends April Hartman of Apes Of The State & Julio "Ceschi" Ramos of Codefendants about the new album. Expect to hear what Pat's return means to them & the scene overall, April's top 3 picks from the album, Ceschi's break down about how the song (& upcoming video) "Surf Rock Anthem" came to be & much more. This one got emotional...
REMEMBER THERE IS STILL HOPE LEFT IN THIS WORLD
A longer version of this interview is available through our Patreon
Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods
Get Coffee for the Bandit in you, roasted by Pepe
Follow the podcast on Instagram
Listen to Friends In Real life
Listen to Ceschi & Codefendants
Listen to Apes Of the State
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***Word of mouth really matters to us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:
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