Victor Stillday of Vendetta Spoken drops by to talk music, memories, and his first car a 91 Mitsubishi Eclipse. He opens up about the therapy of driving and his personal sanctuary on wheels. We rewind to the early days of Vendetta Spoken, their 10 year hiatus, and the creative fire that’s hopefylly fueling their long awaited new album. Victor shares how the local music scene lit his passion to form a band. And we explore the curse or maybe the gift of being a songwriter who never really stops writing.   Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com

This week I am joined by Brian Palecek, a lifelong advocate for the arts and public humanities with stories as rich as his passions. Our conversation kick off behind the wheel of his first car a red and white 1958 Ford Fairlane. This beauty is more than just a stylish ride it was a vessel for nights at the movies and listening to opera on the radio fueling his early love of music. Brian is a founding member of the Cinema 100 Film Society which has been bringing thought provoking and diverse films to Bismarck for over 50 years. We share memories of road trips and crossing the country by car. We talk about Brian’s work as program director at One World Coffee House in the 90s. The coffee house was a nonprofit and community hub that hosted everything from peace lectures and activist presentations to live performances by local and touring bands.   Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com

Musician Pat Phillips joins me to share the story of his first car a 79 Datsun. Back then Pat wasn’t focused on driving or playing piano as his real passion was skateboarding until he picked up a guitar and started honing his musical skills. Eager to leave his hometown of Sydney MT, Pat headed to college in Moorhead where he found his stage presence and began showcasing his talents. He talks about winning an MTV sponsored internship with a Minnesota based merchandise company. It was there he met his future wife and eventually relocated to North Dakota after a decade. Pat’s musical career continued to soar as he became a key figure in the local scene, performing with bands like Fatdad and Anonymous Phenomenon leaving a lasting impact on the music community.   Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com

Bassist Nick Ternes joins me to talk about his first ride, an '89 Ford Tempo and the deal he struck with his dad to keep a clean record for six months to earn a new sound system. That didn’t stop him from tearing up the streets like a maniac though. Nick takes us through his musical roots, the formation of the punk outfit Wasting Tape, and the evolution of Midwest Remedies, now gearing up for their second album. Beyond the stage, Nick talks about his love for hunting, fishing and camping under open skies. Upcoming shows:Midwest Remedies playing October 31st at Laughing SunWasting Tape performs November 26th at Laughing Sun   Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com

For this impromptu episode I am joined by my mom Diane Kirby who steps in at the last minute to be my guest. She reminisces about her first car, a 1960ish Cadillac, the time she marched in Georgia for the Civil Rights Movement, and getting to ride on Phil Jackson's pink Harley. We chat about our Norwegian heritage, the classic teen tradition of dragging main, and whether I was a dumb kid. Spoiler, I was.    Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com

In this episode, I'm kicking back with artist Jeremiah Palacek, whose 1978 Volvo 240 was gifted to him by his grandpa for his first car. Originally from Bismarck, ND, Jer now calls Prague, Czech Republic home where he runs Dead Shirts Society a creative haven and shop. He shares stories of his family’s ATV adventures, a junkyard full of forgotten vehicles, and even a pet mountain lion. Jerimiah takes us through his journey of moving across the globe for art education before finally settling in Prague where he also teaches art history. We also talk about selling and creating in the art world, reminisce about coffee houses, cable access TV, and the local music scene that shaped us. https://jeremiahpalecek.com/ https://www.youtube.com/paintingcourse https://deadshirtssociety.com/ Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com

Producer/DJ Ryan Netterville aka New Reign comes into the studio to talk about his first ride a 1991 Geo Prizm. Long before he hit the stage, Ryan was behind the wheel learning to drive at just nine years old by washing cars and watching Fast & Furious. Growing up immersed in hip hop and car culture, he was rewiring sound systems and shaking up his neighborhood with booming bass and a roaring muffler. Ryan opens up about his journey from quiet kid to confident performer hosting concerts, sharing the stage with national acts, and staying grounded through it all. We talk about finding his voice through music, the story behind his moniker New Reign, and why gratitude and authenticity remain at the heart of everything he does.   Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com

Legendary musician Mike Enrud joins me in studio this week. His first car was a 57 Chevy that got him through college until the day it finally gave out. With a soul that reflects his Western North Dakota upbringing Mike shares how he started on a ukulele at the age of 9 and eventually graduated to a 59 Fender Duo-Sonic. Mike talks about his early musical inspirations and his passion for traveling and cruises. We share thoughts on golf, songs that should never be covered, and misheard lyrics.    Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com

In this episode I sit with musician Steve Wolf who shares his story into music. Beginning with his first car, an 89 Mercury Tracer that lasted a mere two weeks before his brother rolled it and totaled it. Steve always sought out music and began playing when a piano too big to move was left behind in his new home. Eventually picking up the guitar and forming the crust punk group Systems Victims. We chat about recording, tipping canoes, and his current bands Ling and The Artificial AI's. Steve also talks about the rough life of touring but still has passion for the road and the stage hasn’t waned.    Fight Club | the Artificial A.I.s   Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com

Overlord of Unconventional Cookies, Witney Nielsen joins me in studio to share her unconventional path of packing up her first car a 2001 Toyota Echo and heads to California. Upon returning home to North Dakota she narrowly avoids flying off a bridge. Witney opens up about the origins of the Cookie Haus a creative space filled with vintage Pyrex, clowns, and My First Car cookies. We discuss the return of the beloved Lil Cannoli mascot, hosting a quinceañera for a Lady named Mo, and the exciting announcement of Unconventional Cookies’ nationwide shipping launch. and starting fires. Order some kickass cookies herehttps://www.unconventionalcookies.com/ hey@unconventionalcookies.com   Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com

While in Minneapolis I sit down with bassist extraordinaire Noah Schafer a seasoned player with credits in bands like Toxic Shock Syndrome, Bonesaw, War On God, The Funeral And The Twilight, and many more. Noah and I trade chairs and reflect on our time playing music and touring together.  He shares memories of his first car, a 1990 Mazda MPV, and we exchange stories about life on the road including bike wrecks, icy 360s on the interstate, and navigating the punk scene as a vegetarian. Equal parts nostalgia, noise, and near-death experiences. 

This week on the show I'm joined by Justin Cancilliere, the radio host of ParaTruth: Reborn. Justin kicks things off by reminiscing about his first car a 1989 Toyota Corolla that met an untimely end in New Jersey. From there we discuss his journey into the world of podcasting including some of his personal paranormal experiences.  We also get into some intriguing discussions about cryptids, conspiracy theories, and the pros and cons A.I. Justin opens up about his time joining Dakota Media Access and bringing his expertise to the table.  ParaTruth: Reborn   Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com

Musician and educator James McMahon finally comes by the studio to share some stories of his beloved 1986 Pontiac Parisienne Station Wagon, complete with classic wood paneling. James reflects on the formative years that shaped his musical journey with family road trips from Idaho to North Dakota and early days of his first band Speak Easy. He opens up about how music theory unlocked a whole new world of creativity and how growing up alongside three equally musical brothers didn’t breed competition but mutual inspiration. After making the move to Bismarck he found his calling in teaching and 22 years later he’s still at it bringing a heartfelt approach to music education. We also get a glimpse into his time with local BisMan favorite Fat Dad, collaborating with his brother in The McMahon Bros, and his new project The Peace Garden Collective. Whether he's coaching tennis, performing on stage, teaching the next gen, or being a proud grandpa, James continues to create and carve out a little time for clarity and self-reflection.   Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com

Singer songwriter Mike Swenson has a gift for music and a curse for vehicles. His first car begins with a 79 Chevy pickup careening downhill after failed brakes. Then his vehicle's luck gets worse from there with blown engines, spontaneous fires, and rabbits turning his car into a snack. We vent about the agony of backing up trailers, the unpredictable highs and lows of gig life, and trace Mike’s musical roots back to a home filled with music growing up. Mike just keeps rolling with a smile, grateful for every chance he gets to share his music no matter how many vehicles he has to bury along the way.   Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com

David Martel is a longtime friend and legendary musician who joins me in the studio for a ride through his life and career. We kick things off with a tale about his cool dorky '81 Chevy Chevette and dive deep into his roots of growing up as a farm kid in a small town where boredom was beat by pulling sleds with his car, blowing up G.I. Joes, and smashing guitars. A born entertainer, David always knew he wanted to make people laugh, think, and feel, and even got his start by making quirky home videos. David takes us through his musical evolution by sharing stories from his time with bands like Little Devious Me, Gypsy Foot, Anonymous Phenomenon, and Artificial AI's. Above all, David is driven by the desire to create something entirely his own, hoping his work will inspire others to break free and do the same.

Darren King's '85 (½) Mercury Lynx was a perfect first car for his upright bass to ride shotgun.  That Lynx caught air, caught fire, and even caused a bit of a stir at a retirement home. From a young age his dad immersed him in sports, literature, music, and culture, setting the stage for a lifelong artistic journey. After watching a documentary on R&B, funk, and soul, became enamored with the groove of the bass guitar. Darren shares stories of joining the Air Force, playing gigs across the globe, and inspiring the next gen as a music teacher.

Singer songwriter and word nerd Sonda Sauers joins me for some laidback conversation. How very trusting of her to leave the keys to her '92 Pontiac Grand Am on a soda machine for friends to borrow. So it's easy to see how she was so warmly welcomed into the music scene after moving back to Bismarck,ND. Sonda shares some of her story of journaling since a kid, being a community organizer,  and running a half-marathon. We chat about her creative alter ego, Mz Mondegreen, showing off her passion for words. Plus, we bond over our mutual love of camping and escaping humanity. 

Make them a bassline they can't refuse.Timothy 'Timo' Reed stops by the studio to catch up with me this week.  A fan of history and music Timo is a  bassist currently playing with Green Boots, The Swentones, and Johnny Spud. Back in Davenport Iowa Timo used his first car, a 82 Pontiac Grand LeMans to speed deliver Godfathers Pizza to Happy Joe Whitty. After relocating to North Dakota he dove headfirst into the local music scene, connecting with a vibrant community of artists who became lifelong collaborators and friends. Timo also opens up about witnessing a tragic accident in his youth and how it shaped his perspective.  And we talk about his love for Devo, hosting a radio show, taking roadtrips, and how travel is the best form of education.  Overall Timo is a good soul who's about lifting others up and making sure we all thrive along the way.   GreenBoots at Laughing Sun Brewing with Harsh Light Saturday June 7th. Www.facebook.com/GreenBootsInc/ The SwenTones www.Facebook.com/theswentones/   Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com  

In this episode, I sit down for a cup of joe and a deep conversation with my uncle D.W. Groethe a true cowboy of the arts. A ranch hand by trade and a poet singer-songwriter by calling, D.W. shares stories from a life lived off the beaten path. He may have never technically owned a car, but his first ride was a 66 Dodge van fully outfitted with a fridge, cabinets, and a bed. As lifelong musician he eventually traded in the band life for the simplicity of a single acoustic guitar going solo with his songs and stories. He opens up about the joy and grit of being a traveling musician while never chasing fame but doing what he does best. From performing at the prestigious Kennedy Center to playing small town festivals and cozy small room shows, D.W.'s journey is a testament to the power of music and poetry of a well worn road. https://www.loc.gov/item/2021687784/ https://www.westernfolklife.org/blog/2024/2/29/leap-year-cowboy-poetry   Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com

This week I’m joined by Gus Lindgren the owner of Rhythm Records and we share our love for comic book fandom and music. Gus shares stories of his first car a 2005 Chevy Aveo nicknamed "The Flash" and how this lil car became the backdrop for some of his most pivotal moments. A road trip to San Diego Comic Con where he met his future wife and the inevitable wreck that led to a second Aveo "The Flash 2." We also dive into his unexpected career trajectory from a weekend news director where Will Ferrell, in full Ron Burgundy character, took over the news desk, to his musical journey playing keyboard for Boreal Gardens and Avantide, and hosting his radio show, A Musical Journey. Gus never intended to become a businessman, yet here he is running a beloved record store in town.  Avantidehttps://avantideband.com/avantide-home A Musical Journeyhttps://radioaccess.org/a-musical-journey/   Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com