On a lazy Sunday, when the planets aligned, TJ and I reminisced about the start of our band, Penis Wrinkle. In this episode, we talk about his journey as a linguist, how learning new languages has shaped the way he writes lyrics, and the music that continues to inspire his process. As TJ puts it: “Sometimes the best songs come from the darkest places.”

We also get into how music reflects who we are, the impact it has on us, and the stories it tells. This week’s episode was an awesome chance to catch up with TJ, the vocalist of the band we started more than a decade ago in Idaho.

“Music is an extension of who we are.”

“Be real, be kind - you never know what people are going through, don’t be a dick.”

You think I’m a big blink-182 fan, well let me introduce you to my friend, Chase. Not only does he know more about blink than I ever will, he is also a better person than me, a better friend than anyone could ask for, and his eyes are more beautiful than mine. I first met Chase while he was handling his delicious nuts at the mall kiosk, but it wasn't his nuts that made me fall in love with him (don’t tell Karlton), it was his kindness and passion for music. Chase and I have shared many hours listening and talking about music and I’m glad you get to hear a piece of that. We’ve also shared zucchini sticks from Red Robin… and a mutual love for his mom.

“Listening to that album (One More Time) is like remembering what it’s like to be a kid again, but at the same time a reminder that it’s dead and gone.”

Karlton is a dad. Karlton is rad. Karlton plays guitar. Karlton lives far from me and it makes me sad.

Years ago, I spent every waking minute with Karlton writing and playing music. In this episode, we reflect on those memories. We also discuss his Amish cover band and get into the details of our long and hard breakup. He is now happily married with 69 kids. Karlton is a great guy and so much fun to talk to. His “shiny object syndrome” really comes out as we frolicked around trying to cover everything we thought… oh look, a squirrel!

There’s been a lot of talk of the band Hycie throughout the show. The band consisted of Karlton, Mike, Tyler, TJ, Cameron and myself. Unfortunately, we never finished recording an album, but we do have a demo that we recorded with Chase. In preparation for Karlton's episode that will be released next week, I’m sharing a little information about Hycie - enjoy listening to my rants for the next 10 minutes!

This week, we welcome Rob back for a deeper dive into his past and the personal experiences that shaped him. Along the way, we hear about the fun side of his story, including his music background and what inspired him to start Hidden Home Records.

Rob’s a busy guy: he plays in two bands, runs a record label, writes for Bandnada, and balances it all while working a “medium-boy” office job. Appreciate you taking the time to sit down and share your story, Rob!

As Marisa puts it - “It’s not the way it sounds necessarily, it's the way that it makes you feel.” In this episode with my “beige emo” friend, Marisa, we hear her hot takes and what it’s like to be a rocker mom. She came prepared with some great concert stories and definitions. One of my favorite stories that she shared is how she told her parents she was going to see a Christian metal band… it never was Christian metal music. She has gone from merch girl, to perfecting the myspace scene selfie, to being an amazing mother. I hope you enjoy meeting my friend Marisa!

“Music is definitely the thing that makes me happy.” Rob bleeds music. Rob is music. In this episode with Rob and Craig, Rob teaches us all things necessary for a pop punk kid starter kit.

Then, he tickles our nostalgia with a blast from the past including, The Mighty Ducks, Power Rangers, and Tony Hawk Pro Skater.

Rob has been in more bands than anyone I know, including the two he’s currently in - Shrugdealer band and Onsie band. He can basically play any instrument. If he’s not playing music, he’s listening to it or writing about it. If he’s not talking to someone about music, he’s listening to a podcast or watching a music documentary about his favorite bands.

He is such a good guy, and super funny. Spoiler alert - there will definitely be a part 2 since this episode barely scratches the surface on the things we need to hear about from Ed Sheeran, I mean Rob. He does this all while drinking a grape soda.

From Harry Potter to video games to favorite bands and concerts, Kassie K has some amazing stories and memories to share with us this week.

I met Kassie K 20 years ago at Wasson High School. Once we met, we quickly became great friends. She took me to my first actual pop punk concert (maybe you’d call it emo), which we, of course, get into. I’ll forever appreciate Kassie K’s friendship - she met me at my most annoying and obnoxious point in life. She loves all things music, from Motion City Soundtrack and Fallout Boy to Nordic whale music. She shares her opinions on the new Linkin Park members, and we think back on local shows we went to at The Black Sheep in Colorado Springs.

Lastly, don’t accuse Kassie and Coco of listening to Britney Spears when they’re actually listening to Billy Joel! Keep an eye out for her podcast, Not Really Friends!