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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:

COFFEE BREAK - April Hartman (of Apes Of The State) on Fear & Sobriety Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

Todays COFFEE BREAK features April Hartman of Apes of the State discussing fear & sobriety. This clip originally aired in episode #1 Apes of the State On facing Fear (link below)

Get coffee roasted by Pepe Bandit:

stayfreecoffee.com

Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

Listen to the full episode - Apes Of the State On facing Fear #1:

Spotify - open.spotify.com/episode/3zgVBj55YKIqErg55Jw1to?si=T0i_mqg-SAOE4Ea8GmdhNw
Apple Podcast - podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-on-the-grind/id1681556943?i=1000611301075
Website/RSS - shows.acast.com/back-on-the-grind-1/episodes/facing-fear-with-apes-of-the-state

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.

My Friends In Crime w/ Brook Pridemore #62 Nov 15, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation, Brook Pridemore discusses their latest single My Friends In Crime & the more collaborative & community-focused approach in their upcoming album Only I Can Prevent Forest Fires. Brook offers thoughts on Pat (Friends In Real Life / formerly Pat The Bunny) & April (Apes Of The State) as well as other committed DIY musicians who appear on the single. The conversation also covers topics like the thigh master, how AI robot, humanoids are currently being sold to replace the deceased & what AI could mean for the future of music.

Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

Beat based vs guitar based music
“Once you’re identified as folk punk, you’ll always be identified as folk punk”
Being among a community while creating the album
Having a fear of confrontation
Thoughts on April Hartman
Thoughts on Small Chucks
Thoughts on Patrick Schneeweis (formerly Pat The Bunny)
Suffering quietly as an alcoholic
Thoughts on Toby Goodshank & Angela Carlucci aka Double Deuce
Remembering the Thigh Master & Suzanne Somers
AI humanoids to replace the dead
AI & the future of music

Listen / Connect Brook Pridemore:

open.spotify.com/artist/5ZWHEFolveKJpzm9Cbd5ml?si=z5QD8sMuSAOwhgAp14DFvQ
brookpridemore.bandcamp.com/music
instagram.com/brookpridemore/?hl=en

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.

Q&A Pt.2 Finding "The One," Books, Friends w/Addiction & depression, Renegade Shows + Mike Wilson & more #61 Nov 01, 2025

Show notes

Part 2 of a listener Q&A where Pepe dives deep into questions about passion, important books, relationships, supporting friends, setting up DIY shows and more, plus a cameo by musician Mike Wilson (who creates solo music and performs in Harley Poe).

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

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

Pepe's Spotify Playlist of folk punk & more mentioned in this episode:

open.spotify.com/playlist/2Xhq4qecLwq8DiI5x0vVPA?si=vPyUnlUzQJCV7vafXEi8DA

HIGHLIGHTS:

How do I distinguish my many new “likes” from a true “passion”?
You talked about never wanting to get married, so what changed & how did you know Lee was "the one"?
6 Questions to bring your relationship closer & deeper
Mike Wilson on Fly Fly Superheart Fly
I vibe with your intellectual space...Could you recommend some books?
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Stay Free Anthem by BlueRaspberry
Finding Meaning In The Second Half Of Life by James Hollis
Jung And The Alchemical Imagination by Jeffrey Raff
How do I help friends with depression or addiction?
Advice for setting up renegade shows

Listen to Mike Wilson:

open.spotify.com/artist/0pULVNhcCRT9158jRhNaFr?si=0HvqwvHLSZCI3xA8P7MLsw
mikewilson.bandcamp.com/

Listen to BlueRaspberry:

open.spotify.com/artist/3qe9yQNewUenzzMhfHLPmT?si=1ppcpODZR5GFaICHD4WDYQ
blueraspberry.bandcamp.com/?search_item_id%3D3919554126%26search_item_type%3Db%26search_match_part%3D%253F%26search_page_id%3D4794229089%26search_page_no%3D0%26search_rank%3D1

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.

Jeffrey Lewis On Sniffing Records, Streaming Music, The Story Behind His Band w/ Kimya Dawson & More #60 Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

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 Jeffrey 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.

Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

Being an avid record sniffer
The not spending more than $15 on a record rule
Jeffrey's take on streaming music
Jeffrey’s artwork & “low budget movies”
Jim Morrison’s father’s connection to the start of the Viet Nam war
Donovan as a secrete influence
The history behind The Bundles & why it's not streaming anywhere
"Do What Comes Natural" song is played

Connect w/ Jeffrey Lewis:

https://thejeffreylewissite.com/
instagram.com/jeffreylewisband

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.

Q&A Pt.1 with Eric King, A Day Without Love & Justin Arena (prisoner support, music recs, finding folk punk friends, folk punk clothing & more!) #59 Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

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.

Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

What non-folk punk songs do you listen to?
3 ways to offer prisoner support
Tips for interviewing people
What folk punk you listening to currently?
Tips on finding folk punk friends
New to the scene & wondering what it looks like to dress more folk punk at shows
New music from friends that Pepe is excited about currently

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/

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.

Living A More Enjoyable Life Through Improv w/ Folk Punk Dad #58 Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

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.

Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

How active listening & improv enhances relationships
Turning mistakes into opportunities
Improv can help reduce anxiety & boost self-confidence
The principles of improv (that can be applied to enhance your daily life)
Understand how trust is built through improv's core elements
The joy of incorporating play into daily life
Get inspired by simple improv activities to try with your friends
'The Meantime' song is played

Connect with Folk Punk Dad:

instagram.com/folkpunkdad/
open.spotify.com/track/0Ennhx56ZT72sZReoafieY?si=0e1a4438a9564706

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.

Having 10+ Years In The Scene, Social Media, Streaming & Growing Veggies w/ Jake McKelvie #57 Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

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.

Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

takeaways

Jake has been involved in music for over a decade
The concept of a 'scene elder' is discussed humorously & seriously
Why Jake continues to perform & how it fulfills a part of his life
Distinctions between casual musicians & those with a heartfelt, life ambition
The atmosphere of house shows vs. venue performances
Is social media a necessary evil for promoting music
Aesthetic quality of lyrics vs. strict meaning of lyrics
How streaming services can both help & hinder music discovery
Gardening as a fulfilling hobby & escape
Navigating multiple musical genres & communities
'Wiki Change' song is played

Connect with Jake McKelvie:

instagram.com/jacobcmckelvie/
jakemckelvie.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.

COFFEE BREAK - Mike Wilson (of Harley Poe) Talks About Pissing For The Man Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

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:

stayfreecoffee.com/discount/SHIPFREE

Listen to the full episode - Mike Wilson of Harley Poe on opening & closing a record shop & the DIY ethos #28:

Spotify open.spotify.com/episode/6AzBDnGXyRT3mZh9I4EXZh?si=g6-8bauBRL6go_28XIY7EA
Apple Podcast podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mike-wilson-of-harley-poe-on-opening-closing-a/id1681556943?i=1000657485702
Website shows.acast.com/64262419c18b8b00116c6fb0/663701acfc363d001257ea20

Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

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.

Coming Home To Yourself: Beyond Addiction & Mental Health Struggles w/ Jason Shiers #56 Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

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.

Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

What life can offer if you "come home to yourself"
What happened at age 5 that led to Jason's struggle
Being diagnosed through the psychiatric system as a child
Going from food addiction to heroine addiction by age 13
Rehab didn't go deep enough
Becoming a therapist still left Jason w/ secrete addictions & feeling broken
What is the inner world
Incorporating what he learned into his work with clients
Helping people see what was right w/ them, not what's wrong w/ them
How internal work benefits your external relationships
3 types of therapy Jason finds valuable

Connect with Jason Shiers:

misunderstandingsofthemind.com/
Order Jason's book - amazon.com/Infinite-Recovery-Project-Intelligence-Addiction/dp/1068323302/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1D07DW0NEPWH1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dEDyZOyYjqG2ccDXQ-C37gtXf8evlAj-KRQARwrARbuteCYSTlDMSdBjv0oHFXH2DYS26sWIedws_s6XozNjzw.OLyyeatCC1RjCRpZgfUpuTGgRG0Lup4fEvyG3bB3LcU&dib_tag=se&keywords=jason+shiers&qid=1754775309&sprefix=jason+shiers%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1

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.

Walter Mitty & His Makeshift Orchestra - Finding A New Album & A New Self, Buried In A Cave #55 Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

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

patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

The origin of the alias "Walter Mitty"
Early days of creating music with unconventional instruments
Embracing challenges for development
Personal stories of overcoming adversity through music
Reflections on the intersection of life experiences and creativity
The act of burying the album was both a creative and ritualistic endeavor
Caves as a metaphor for confronting the unknown within oneself
Swamplands as a symbolic territory between death & rebirth
Surfing as a connection to nature

Connect w/ Walter Mitty & His Makeshift Orchestra

instagram.com/walteretc/?hl=en
walteretcband.wixsite.com/mysite
walteretc.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.

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