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Back On The Grind — Music
Back On The Grind

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:

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

Do you have a question about something you heard in an episode?

Do you have a question about something you’re dealing with in life?

Is there a topic you think should be discussed?

Is there something you want to know about me?

Get in touch with your questions & I will do my best to address it on the show.

Email (I guarantee results)

Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com

Connect on Instagram

instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Get coffee roasted by your host Pepe Bandit

StayFreeCoffee.com

DRINK COFFEE & STAY FREE!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Copyright: © ...Who Cares

Latest Episodes:

From Pat The Bunny to Friends In Real Life: Patrick Schneeweis & Pepe Bandit Discuss A Two Decade Musical Journey & Friendship #72 May 15, 2026

Show notes

Pat almost refused to do this.

Before we even hit record, he told me he had a strong feeling this interview shouldn’t happen.

We gave it a shot anyway.

What came out isn’t a story that is pretty & clean.

It’s what it actually looks like when someone is trying to figure out their life after actively screwing parts of it up.

We talk about growing up feeling isolated & out of place.

Writing music while dealing with depression & not wanting to be alive.

Hitchhiking with no phone, no stability, no real plan.

Stealing from people who trusted you & having to sit with that.

Getting sober & realizing that doesn’t fix the damage, it just means you have to face it.

There’s a moment in here when we’re talking about that betrayal, & you can feel it. Not simply as a story but, as something that actually happened between two people trying to sort out the messiness.

Over all it’s a conversation with two friends trying to be honest about who they were & who they’re trying to become now.

If you’ve ever looked at your own life and thought, “I’ve made a mess of this”…this conversation is going to feel familiar & hopeful.

Support the podcast & get bonus episodes & goods

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

Connect with Friends In Real Life

instagram.com/friendsinreallifemusic/
friendsinreallife.bandcamp.com/music

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Train Hopping To Healing Trauma Through Internal Work w/ Early Brunner #71 May 01, 2026

Show notes

Pepe talks to Early Brunner who shares their journey through the punk community & train hopping to exploring themes of addiction/recovery, & the quest for freedom. They discuss their experiences with the challenges of navigating friendships amidst substance use, the realities of migrant farm work & they explore ideas around internal work.

Early's story is a testament to resilience & the search for identity within the punk community while navigating trauma. Expect to learn about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the importance of emotional awareness & processing & the idea of post-traumatic growth fostering resilience & strength. In closing, Early reflects on their life living alone in a cabin, highlighting the peace & self-discovery that comes from solitude & intentional living.

Support the podcast & get bonus episodes & goods

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

Connect with Early/Recovery Demystified:

instagram.com/recoverydemystified/
recoverydemystified.com/

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Blending Genres To Exploring Existential Death In Small Town Georgia w/ Chris Casey #70 Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

Pepe talks with Chris Casey—an innovative voice blending alternative rap with grungy rock music.

Chris takes us on a musical journey from basement shows of local hardcore, screamo, and punk bands in the Savannah Georgia DIY scene and how it influenced his approach to creating authentic music of his own. He dives into the challenges of blending genres, and his lyrical themes of death, and existential reflection. Chris explains how he uses his songs to serve as a form of connection, especially for queer & trans communities or anyone facing mental health challenges or societal expectations.

His openness about the emotional weight behind tracks like Filth and Boys and Girls demonstrates the power of honest storytelling in building trust and resonance.

If you like genre mashups, DIY resilience, or raw lyrical storytelling—this episode is for you.

Support the podcast & get bonus episodes & goods

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

Connect with Chris Casey:

instagram.com/chriiiscasey/
chriscasey.bandcamp.com/

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Random Show w/ Mike Wilson (of Harley Poe) - Sharing The Thoughts In Our Head #69 Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

Pepe reaches out to his buddy Mike Wilson to have a regular, friend to friend discussion as if they were't on a podcast (except they are). Expect to hear about anxiety around starting new projects, uncomfortable feelings with promoting oneself, making lots and little money, Mike's stop motion videos, the text that Mike sent that made Pepe realize we all get carried away with the thoughts in our head, avoiding the online space and being okay despite the current state of the real world.

Support the podcast & get bonus episodes & goods

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

Connect with Mike Wilson:

instagram.com/p/DRYccUJjBKr/
mikewilson.bandcamp.com/music

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Forest Is The Trees w/ Endless Mike & The Beagle Club #68 Mar 15, 2026

Show notes

Pepe embarks on an exploration with Endless Mike And The Beagle Club as they walk through their latest album, The Forest Is The Trees.

Unlock the intimate thoughts behind a band that defies conventions—where 18-piece tours become a collective art form. Dive into the chaos and beauty of managing a constantly evolving lineup that sometimes hits 25 members, turning complexity into cohesion, every decision is rooted in a desire for authenticity, community, and artistic freedom. We break down elements of each song on their lates album.

This is for you if you’re a fan of punk, folk, experimental indie, or anyone who believes that true art isn't commercialized but rooted in shared meaning and anti-capitalist spirit. EM&TBC is a band that’s been nourishing the DIY scene for over 20 years—proof that the best art grows from collaboration, and a fierce love for song.

Support the podcast & get bonus episodes & goods

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

Connect with Endless Mike And The Beagle Club

instagram.com/emandthebc
endlessmikeandthebeagleclub.bandcamp.com/music

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A History Of Folk Punk & It's Connection To Anarchism w/ shugE & Pepe Bandit #67 Mar 01, 2026

Show notes

shugE and Pepe Bandit explore the often nuanced relationship between anarchism and folk punk music, tracing their historical connections and evolution. The discussion highlights the significant role of DIY culture, info shops, Crimethinc, and influential bands like Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains in shaping the genre. It delves into the community's practices and values, emphasizing mutual aid and collective efforts and how that shifted into and shaped the music and its style of anarchism. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of folk punk, its ongoing connection to anarchist principles and thoughts on it possibly growing too big for itself. We close out playing the older track "I Love You To Death" by Never Say Surrender, originally released on Pepe's old label DIY Bandits in the mid 2000's.

Support the podcast & get bonus episodes & goods

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

Anarchism's early roots in both folk & punk music
The significant merging of radical cultures & music in the 90s
How info shops served as crucial hubs for introducing anarchist culture & acoustic music
Did folk punk emerge as a response to mainstream punk's commercialization
Crimethinc played a pivotal role in spreading anarchist ideas in various scenes
How the evolution of folk punk was influenced by the merging of multiple radical movements
Did Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains introduce anarchism to folk punk
Remembering stories of anarchism showing up in the early folk punk days
How the DIY economics & ethos in folk punk was born out of necessity not politics
Folk punk has maintained a more inclusive & safe environment compared to electric punk
Will folk punk continue to grow & get too big for itself

Connect with shugE:

instagram.com/shugemusic/
shugemusic.com/

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An Open Conversation About Disability & Accessibility In The Scene W/ Porch Cat #66 Feb 15, 2026

Show notes

Pepe talks with Chan & Emily from Porch Cat to discuss their experiences with disability & accessibility within the folk punk community. They share personal stories about living with chronic illnesses, the assumptions people make about disabilities, & the importance of creating inclusive spaces for all. The discussion also touches on the role of bookers & venues in ensuring accessibility, the impact of capitalism on disability, & the need for open communication within the community. They also share insights on how to make shows more accessible for everyone. In closing, we play the unreleased track "Walking on knives" from Porch Cat's upcoming album.

Support the podcast & get bonus episodes & goods

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

Expect to learn:

How disability is often invisible & misunderstood
Why everyone will experience disability at some point in life
Why open communication is key to understanding accessibility needs
What bookers & promoters can do to better work with disabled musicians & fans
How the DIY scene can do better in terms of inclusivity
The unique challenges touring poses for disabled musicians

Connect w/ Porch Cat:

instagram.com/porchcat.music/?hl=en
porchcat.org/

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From The Trail Of Tears To Touring All 50 States w/ A Day Without Love #65 Feb 01, 2026

Show notes

Pepe talks to A day Without Love (Brian Walker) who shares the profound impact of personal history, particularly the Trail Of Tears & its connection to the 50-state tour he completed. Brian explores how witnessing & acknowledging existing community strengths can foster genuine connections. We also discuss the challenges & triumphs of organizing within the music world, the importance of self-care on the road & the need to focus on collaboration over competition within the DIY/folk punk community. Join us for an inspiring conversation about building meaningful communities & the role of music in bridging divides across the country. We close out playing the track "Keyboard Warrior" by A Day Without Love.

Support the podcast & get bonus episodes & goods

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

Brian's family legacy & the Trail Of Tears connection
Breaking family curses to honor his Grandfather
Moving from anxiety & fear, to actually touring all 50 states
Choosing to share vulnerably after his Grandfather died
Booking logistics, DIY vs. having an agent
Differences & similarities Brian saw in DIY communities across the U.S.
Connecting with people from different political/economic backgrounds
The prevalence of fear in our lives leading to bigotry
Highlights from visiting all 50 states
Brian offers Pepe tips on visiting New Orleans & Denver
"Keyboard Warrior" is played

Listen to & connect with A Day Without Love

open.spotify.com/artist/09JoYdZo9cekYMqyN1bsGD?si=KQyeEW0XS_-9kITM0dh0pw
adaywithoutlove.com/
adaywithoutlove.bandcamp.com/music

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pepe Bandit Gets Interviewed: Folk Punk, Community, DIY Bandits, Prison, Spirituality & Future Plans #64 Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

Things get flipped in this conversation & Pepe gets interviewed. He explores the journey of the DIY Bandits, a record label that emerged from personal struggles & a desire to create community through music. The discussion covers Pepe's unique work of blending folk punk & hip hop, & the challenges he faced, including being poor while raising a family, rejection from some of the folk punk community & his eventual incarceration. Pepe reflects on the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions & the role of music & spirituality as an outlet during difficult times. Hear about upcoming music & book releases & the conversation closes on the evolution of the folk punk community, its current state & its potential going forward.

**This interview was conducted by Jarda (Smažená pikantní škeble)for the online Czech magazine Alarm. We play a song of their's at the end. There's links below to the print version if you want to read it or see some pictures of me since I don't post myself online much :)

Support the podcast & get bonus episodes & goods

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

DIY Bandits started as a response to personal struggles
Bridging genres was a key focus from the beginning
Community engagement was essential to the label's mission
The label was rooted in working-class experiences
Incarceration led to significant personal reflections
The importance of taking responsibility for one's actions
Support from family & community was crucial during confinement
Spirituality deepened through Pepe's solitary experiences
The journey of writing a book was initially daunting
The folk punk community is evolving & becoming more inclusive
The importance of giving back to the community is emphasized
Pepe feels a sense of responsibility to share his journey
Song "Going Postal" by Smažená pikantní škeble

Support Jarda (Smažená pikantní škeble) who arranged & conducted this interview:

smazenapikantniskeble.bandcamp.com/music
Read the interview (english) medium.com/@michljarda/what-supports-you-when-theres-no-one-left-to-support-you-bab448d386d8
Read the interview (czech) denikalarm.cz/2025/10/folk-punk-pro-me-vzdycky-znamenal-neco-vic-nez-jen-hudbu-rika-pepe-bandit/

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scott of Bridge City Sinners & his wife Becky on Trainhopping, Friendship, Love & Loss #63 Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

In this conversation, Pepe, Scott, & Becky explore the culture of trainhopping, & the connections formed through shared experiences. Scott recounts his journey into the world of trainhopping, influenced by his friend Tomas, while Becky shares her perspective on joining this lifestyle. The discussion highlights the joy of community, the challenges of societal discrimination, & the deep bonds formed through shared adventures. In this conversation, Scott & Becky delve into themes of living freely, love, loss, & the importance of cherishing memories, particularly of their friend Tomas, who embodied the spirit of freedom & connection.

Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods (there's even a FREE option)

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

takeaways

How Scott got introduced to trainhopping
Scott's reconnection with Tomas
Connecting over punk music in high school
How Becky met Scott
Scott's first train with Tomas
Becky meets Tomas
Tomas as a human being
Becky reflects on the traveller community
Music's ability to bridge different cultures
Embracing conflict & challenging societal norms
Scott's difficulty talking about Tomas & Profane Sass
Piggly Wiggly story
Support, love & respect from family
City Of The Rails podcast
A tragic fire in a New Orleans squat
The potential consequences of trainhopping show up
Fond memories of Tomas
Song: Mexican Trains by Profane Sass

Connect with Scott's projects Bridge City Sinners / Profane Sass / Flail Records:

instagram.com/bridgecitysinners/
instagram.com/flail_records/
open.spotify.com/artist/1U68fpoBsx5HK1RSvr7yZQ?si=K77gP-lMQXyyW9k8Wmo2IQ

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

StayFreeCoffee.com

Back On The Grind Records - For DIY, Folk Punk, Rap & Merch:

backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow the podcast on Instagram

instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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