Episode 26 of Good Times, Noodle Salad brings Matt, Niko, and Steven from the Metro Detroit metal band Kougaran into the studio — three-fourths of the lineup and 100% of the chaos.

The crew dives into everything from AI and creativity, to what it’s like navigating the music industry in the age of the internet, to how the Metro Detroit music scene has evolved over the last 20 years. From basement shows and MySpace-era hype to TikTok discovery and digital distribution, it’s a full spectrum conversation about art, culture, and how bands survive and thrive in 2026.

If you’re into music, metal, local scenes, or just listening to passionate people talk about their craft, this one hits all the angles.

Good times, noodle salad, and a little distortion.

Episode 25 of Good Times, Noodle Salad brings Matt Smith and Paige Teregan back into the studio and in peak chaotic mode. Between Paige knocking into equipment and yelling into the mic, and Matt trying—and failing—to keep things on track, the banter is in rare form this week.

They break down the buzz around AI data centers, laugh about their kids saying “6, 7” like it’s an inside secret, and casually drop the story of how Paige’s dad may have been the guy who exposed Kroger for being infested with mice and got the whole store shut down. No big deal.

They also look ahead at what’s coming for the podcast, with over 20 local bands and comedians already scheduled to sit down in the studio over the next stretch. Michigan talent incoming.

If you’re here for the bickering, bits, unhinged storytelling, or the behind-the-scenes chaos of building a community-driven show, this episode delivers.

Good times, noodle salad — and maybe a closed Kroger.

Episode 24 is a special one. Matt brings his eldest son, Elias, on the podcast to test out an idea he's been building behind the scenes called Keepsake Conversations — a way to record meaningful interviews as a time capsule through audio.

Elias, at 12 years old, talks about who he is right now, what matters to him, what he’s dreaming about, and what he hopes future-him remembers. It’s sincere, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful — the kind of moment you’ll want to look back on years down the road.

Consider this a small glimpse into what keepsake storytelling can do.