Stay ConnectedWith multiple new episodes every week, Emo Kids Anonymous is your home for emo and everything else. Previous guests include Gabe Saporta, Saturdays At Your Place, Kerosene Heights, Tom Denney, Origami Angel, Dear Maryanne, Riley!, Ben Quad, sports. and so many others.
EKA is co-hosted, co-produced and co-created by Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon, with Catherine Jones (CZB) serving as showrunner and executive producer.
This week I'm joined by the one and only Shane Hurst, better known as Adjust The Sails! If you're on social media and you're reading this, there's a very good chance Shane and I are 50% of your feed. For that, we are not sorry...
In this conversation, Shane shares his journey in the music industry, discussing his unique style of 'whiny virgin music', the impact of social media on his career, and the balance between humor and serious themes in his music, content and live shows. He reflects on the challenges of parenting, the therapeutic nature of music, and the importance of community in the DIY scene and in his life. Shane also delves into the creative process behind his music videos and the influence of metrics on his artistic expression. Trust me, if you're in a band, this is the one episode you don't want to miss. Shane and I discuss the intricacies of content creation, the challenges of online criticism, and the current landscape for musicians. More importantly, we tell you how to break tf through. We explore the evolution of music promotion in the age of TikTok, the serious lack of attention spans, and finding that sweet spot between creativity and audience engagement. More importantly though, we talk about the next wave of bands and the current crop of emo taking over the world. TRSH, Dear Cincinnati, halftimeshow, Walking Blue, Thoughts on Bowling, we hype em all up.
Catch Adjust the Sails on tour this January with our friends Dear Cincy!
Use code "emokids" and get your first bottle of brotege for $10!
Emo Kids Anonymous is a podcast about pop punk, emo, emo adjacent music and everything else. With new episodes every Wednesday along with artist interviews on Mondays and Fridays, Emo Kids Anonymous is the home of everything emo. Guests include Saturdays At Your Place, Kerosene Heights, Winona Fighter, Origami Angel, Greywind, sports., Riley!, and so many others.
JOIN OUR DISCORD!
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Twitter: @emokidsanonpod
Instagram: @emokidsanonymous
TikTok: @emokidsanonymous
Emo Kids Anonymous is Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon.
Emo Kids Anonymous is a proud part of Never A Phase Network. Please follow and subscribe to stay up to date!
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instagram.com/official.adjustthesails
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New episodes drop every Wednesday as well as artist interviews on Monday and Fridays! Be sure to like and subscribe!
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In this special solo Black Friday episode of EKA, Robb reflects on the past year, the pod, and the state of the scene in general. We also dive into the evolution of Black Friday, the importance of community in music culture, and we even make the mistake of taking calls for the first time in show history. We dive into the recent Vans Warped Tour Announcements and the drama surrounding that announcement. Robb also shares insights on the Emo All-Stars and Freshman 15 lists, highlighting emerging talent in the emo scene (both lists available at neveraphasenetwork.com). Lorde, this is weird writing a solo episode from the third person. Next time I'm just gonna say me myself and mine and stuff idk.
Emo Kids Anonymous is a podcast about pop punk, emo, emo adjacent music and everything else. With new episodes every Wednesday along with artist interviews on Mondays and Fridays, Emo Kids Anonymous is the home of everything emo. Guests include Saturdays At Your Place, Kerosene Heights, Winona Fighter, Origami Angel, Greywind, sports., Riley!, and so many others.
Get your first bottle of BROTEGE for only $10!
Use the code "EMOKIDS" at checkout!
Follow us on other platforms:
Twitter: @emokidsanonpod
Instagram: @emokidsanonymous
TikTok: @emokidsanonymous
Emo Kids Anonymous is Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon.
Emo Kids Anonymous is a proud part of Never A Phase Network. Please follow and subscribe to stay up to date!
Follow @EmoKidsAnonymous on all social media platforms!
New episodes drop every Wednesday as well as artist interviews on Monday and Fridays! Be sure to like and subscribe!
Follow Robb
(@RobbLaffoon on all social media platforms)
Follow Amanda
(@amazingamanda_eka on tiktok & @amazingamanda_emokidsanon on IG)
In this episode of Emo Kids Anonymous, Robb Laffoon is joined by TikToks hottest new emo band Tiger Would. Hailing from New York City by way of Albany, Tiger Would have spent the last year grinding away before hopping on social media and seeing immediate success. This conversation covers nearly the whole Tiger Would tale, discussing their journey from jamming together to performing live shows to social media. The band shares insights into their unique sound, influenced by various musical backgrounds, and the importance of living together for collaboration. They also highlight the role of social media in promoting their music and engaging with fans, while reflecting on the vibrant local music scene in Albany and New York City. Tiger Would discuss their musical influences, the complexities of modern musicianship, and their approach to releasing singles versus full albums. They share personal connections to their favorite songs, the impact of artists like Taylor Swift on their music, and their thoughts on the Mount Rushmore of NY bands. They were even sweet enough to send me a hoodie, which I'm sure you'll see me wear obnoxiously on future episodes. Go check out their music, trust me you will not be disappointed.
Emo Kids Anonymous is a podcast about pop punk, emo, emo adjacent music and everything else. With new episodes every Wednesday along with artist interviews on Mondays and Fridays, Emo Kids Anonymous is the home of everything emo. Guests include Saturdays At Your Place, Kerosene Heights, Winona Fighter, Origami Angel, Greywind, sports., Riley!, and so many others.
JOIN OUR DISCORD!https://discord.gg/78WpHArY
Follow us on other platforms:
Twitter: @emokidsanonpod
Instagram: @emokidsanonymous
TikTok: @emokidsanonymous
Emo Kids Anonymous is Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon.
Emo Kids Anonymous is a proud part of Never A Phase Network. Please follow and subscribe to stay up to date!
www.neveraphasenetwork.com
Follow @EmoKidsAnonymous on all social media platforms!
New episodes drop every Wednesday as well as artist interviews on Monday and Fridays! Be sure to like and subscribe!
Follow Robb
(@RobbLaffoon on all social media platforms)
Follow Amanda
(@amazingamanda_eka on tiktok & @amazingamanda_emokidsanon on IG)
Never did I think this episode would happen but here we are. Ladies and gentleman, recovering emo kids we are gathered here today to speak to the founder of one of the most influential music websites of all time, Jason Tate. We dive deep into the origin story, Jason originally created Absolutepunk in his bedroom as a fan site for blink-182 and MxPx. Fast forward 8 years he sells his site, 8 years after that he buys it back and retires it. But what happens inbetween? What's been happening since?
Jason tells us about the best and worst days in site history, from the loss of Beatz to Paramore crashing the site. We talk about his early interactions with everyone from P!ATD to Gabe Saporta to Hayley Williams to The Dangerous Summer. Along with this, Jason opened up and reflected on the darker parts of our scene, mainly issues regarding bands treatment of fans and the unfortunate behavior that plagues our scene. Yes, we talk about Jesse Lacey. For the most part though, this conversation was a celebration. A celebration of the songs that shaped all of us. A celebration of the scene that gave us a home. A celebration of the site that made me and so many others who we are today. A celebration of the music that mended our broken hearts.
Personally, I spent hours upon hours on AP when I was younger. HOURS. I remember refreshing like a maniac the weekend blink was coming back at the Grammys. I remember the goosebumps I get reading the retrospective reviews about Springsteen and Counting Crows records. I remember desperately trying to get my bands music on there. If this episode ends up on chorus.fm I am going to feel like the last 18 years have been vindicated. Thank you for doing this interview Jason, and thank you for creating the space that nurtured me into the music obsessed adult I am today. You're my hero bro, my John Cena (lol idk).
You can keep up with Jason on IG @JasonTate as well as at chorus.fm
Emo Kids Anonymous is a podcast about pop punk, emo, emo adjacent music and everything else. With new episodes every Wednesday along with artist interviews on Mondays and Fridays, Emo Kids Anonymous is the home of everything emo. Guests include Saturdays At Your Place, Kerosene Heights, Winona Fighter, Origami Angel, Greywind, sports., Riley!, and so many others.
JOIN OUR DISCORD!https://discord.gg/78WpHArY
Follow us on other platforms:
Twitter: @emokidsanonpod
Instagram: @emokidsanonymous
TikTok: @emokidsanonymous
Emo Kids Anonymous is Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon.
Emo Kids Anonymous is a proud part of Never A Phase Network. Please follow and subscribe to stay up to date!
www.neveraphasenetwork.com
Follow @EmoKidsAnonymous on all social media platforms!
New episodes drop every Wednesday as well as artist interviews on Monday and Fridays! Be sure to like and subscribe!
Follow Robb
(@RobbLaffoon on all social media platforms)
Follow Amanda
(@amazingamanda_eka on tiktok & @amazingamanda_emokidsanon on IG)
In this conversation, Seth from Good Sleepy joins Robb for a conversation about the band, spanning from their start as high school kids up until the writing and recording of their new record. Seth and Robb talk about some of their favorite emo bands from the Boston area, like our friends in sports. They discuss the evolution of Good Sleepy's sound, the challenges of recording during the pandemic, and their experiences navigating the complexities of the music business. Yes, we touch on No Sleep a little bit. Seth reflects on the influence of major life events like the Boston Marathon bombing, as well as the vibrant Massachusetts music scene. Robb Laffoon and Seth from Good Sleepy explore the dynamics of regional music scenes, the challenges of pay-to-play venues, and the evolution of DIY spaces. They celebrate emerging bands and discuss the impact of social media on music promotion, while also anticipating the release of Good Sleepy's new album, 'Constant Humming', available on February 13 2026. Their new single "ZZZ" came out today, go check it out!
Emo Kids Anonymous is a podcast about pop punk, emo and everything else. With new episodes every Wednesday along with artist interviews on Mondays and Fridays, Emo Kids Anonymous is the home of everything emo. Guests include Saturdays At Your Place, Kerosene Heights, Winona Fighter, Origami Angel, Greywind, sports., Riley!, and so many others.
JOIN OUR DISCORD!
https://discord.gg/78WpHArY
Follow us on other platforms:
Twitter: @emokidsanonpod
Instagram: @emokidsanonymous
TikTok: @emokidsanonymous
Emo Kids Anonymous is Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon.
Emo Kids Anonymous is a proud part of Never A Phase Network. Please follow and subscribe to stay up to date!
www.neveraphasenetwork.com
Follow @EmoKidsAnonymous on all social media platforms!
New episodes drop every Wednesday as well as artist interviews on Monday and Fridays! Be sure to like and subscribe!
Follow Robb
(@RobbLaffoon on all social media platforms)
Follow Amanda
(@amazingamandareelztalk on youtube, @amazingamanda_eka on tiktok and @amazingamanda_emokidsanon on IG)
In this edition of Emo Kids Anonymous, Robb is joined by Mel, Miri and Jason of Pretty Bitter. Pretty Bitter are an indie pop act from Washington D.C. who are signed to Tiny Engines. Their 2025 album "Pleaser" is a sure fire contender for AOTY lists around the industry. The conversation covers a wide variety of topics- the history of the band, their songwriting dynamics, the making of their new record and more! Along with this we touch on the importance of using your platform for good, the DC diy scene (including their DC Mt. Rushmore) and their personal musical journeys.
Emo Kids Anonymous is a podcast about pop punk, emo and everything else. With new episodes every Wednesday along with artist interviews on Mondays and Fridays, Emo Kids Anonymous is the home of everything emo. Guests include Saturdays At Your Place, Kerosene Heights, Winona Fighter, Origami Angel, Greywind, sports., Riley!, and so many others.
JOIN OUR DISCORD!https://discord.gg/78WpHArY
Follow us on other platforms:
Twitter: @emokidsanonpod
Instagram: @emokidsanonymous
TikTok: @emokidsanonymous
Emo Kids Anonymous is Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon.
Emo Kids Anonymous is a proud part of Never A Phase Network. Please follow and subscribe to stay up to date!
www.neveraphasenetwork.com
Follow @EmoKidsAnonymous on all social media platforms!
New episodes drop every Wednesday as well as artist interviews on Monday and Fridays! Be sure to like and subscribe!
Follow Robb
(@RobbLaffoon on all social media platforms)
Follow Amanda
(@amazingamandareelztalk on youtube, @amazingamanda_eka on tiktok and @amazingamanda_emokidsanon on IG)
In this interview I'm joined by Corpus Christi band Up Dog! This week they just released their new EP Going Nowhere Fast. We discuss their origins, band dynamics and the recording process of the new release. They reflect on the evolution of ska and emo music, emphasizing the importance of diversity in the scene today. One thing we all agreed on (amongst many) is that todays scene has a stronger sense of community than ever before. The band members share their personal experiences and insights, creating a lively dialogue about their individual and collective journeys as artists. We discuss the democratization of music, the changing dynamics of gender in the music scene, and the complexities of political polarization in the world and in their home state of Texas. This is a great time, you will love Up Dog.
Emo Kids Anonymous is a podcast about pop punk, emo and everything else. With new episodes every Wednesday along with artist interviews on Mondays and Fridays, Emo Kids Anonymous is the home of everything emo. Guests include Saturdays At Your Place, Kerosene Heights, Winona Fighter, Origami Angel, Greywind, sports., Riley!, and so many others.
JOIN OUR DISCORD!https://discord.gg/78WpHArY
Follow us on other platforms:
Twitter: @emokidsanonpod
Instagram: @emokidsanonymous
TikTok: @emokidsanonymous
Emo Kids Anonymous is Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon.
Emo Kids Anonymous is a proud part of Never A Phase Network. Please follow and subscribe to stay up to date!
www.neveraphasenetwork.com
Follow @EmoKidsAnonymous on all social media platforms!
New episodes drop every Wednesday as well as artist interviews on Monday and Fridays! Be sure to like and subscribe!
Follow Robb
(@RobbLaffoon on all social media platforms)
Follow Amanda
(@amazingamandareelztalk on youtube, @amazingamanda_eka on tiktok and @amazingamanda_emokidsanon on IG)
In this episode of EKA, I'm joined by Drought. We explore their origins, influences, and the challenges of navigating the Bay Area music scene. From their Craigslist origin story to today, the Drought story is one of determination, drive, and doing things differently now that they're older and wiser. Drought shares insights on their recording process for their debut album 'Souvenir' and reflects on their past musical journeys, emphasizing a renewed enthusiasm for music and the positive changes within the scene, including inclusivity. They share memorable live show experiences, emphasizing the chaotic yet exhilarating nature of smaller venues. The band delves into their songwriting process, revealing how collaboration and experimentation lead to unexpected creative outcomes. Looking ahead to the future of Drought, they express excitement about future projects. The conversation concludes with a light-hearted discussion about the Mount Rushmore of Bay Area bands, showcasing their deep appreciation for the local music scene. Go check out their debut album Souvenir, available now on Iodine Records.
Emo Kids Anonymous is a podcast about pop punk, emo and everything else. With new episodes every Wednesday along with artist interviews on Mondays and Fridays, Emo Kids Anonymous is the home of everything emo. Guests include Saturdays At Your Place, Kerosene Heights, Winona Fighter, Origami Angel, Greywind, sports., Riley!, and so many others.
JOIN OUR DISCORD!
https://discord.gg/78WpHArY
Follow us on other platforms:
Twitter: @emokidsanonpod
Instagram: @emokidsanonymous
TikTok: @emokidsanonymous
Emo Kids Anonymous is Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon.
Emo Kids Anonymous is a proud part of Never A Phase Network. Please follow and subscribe to stay up to date!
www.neveraphasenetwork.com
Follow @EmoKidsAnonymous on all social media platforms!
New episodes drop every Wednesday as well as artist interviews on Monday and Fridays! Be sure to like and subscribe!
Follow Robb
(@RobbLaffoon on all social media platforms)
Follow Amanda
(@amazingamandareelztalk on youtube, @amazingamanda_eka on tiktok and @amazingamanda_emokidsanon on IG)
In this conversation we are joined by Steph O'Sullivan from Greywind! Steph shares the band's journey from their roots in Killarney until now. The discussion covers their early influences, the impact of social media, challenges with mental health, and navigating the complexities of record labels. With a focus on authenticity and connection with their audience, Greywind's story really highlights the importance of perseverance and the evolving landscape of the music industry. Dropped by management and labels, this band has persevered and risen from the ashes everytime their world has come crashing dowon. Steph discusses her musical journey, inspirations, and the importance of fan engagement. At times it was clearly hard for her to contain her excitement surrounding their upcoming album, 'Severed Hearts City.' This is clearly a labor of love for this band and they have been grinding for their success. Zak, this one is for you!
Join our discord! discord.gg/78WpHArY
Emo Kids Anonymous is a podcast about pop punk, emo and everything else. With new episodes every Wednesday along with artist interviews on Mondays and Fridays, Emo Kids Anonymous is the home of everything emo. Guests include Saturdays At Your Place, Kerosene Heights, Winona Fighter, Origami Angel, Greywind, sports., Riley!, and so many others.
Follow us on other platforms:
X: @emokidsanonpod
IG: @emokidsanonymous
TikTok: @emokidsanonymous
Emo Kids Anonymous is Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon.
Emo Kids Anonymous is a proud part of Never A Phase Network. Please follow and subscribe to stay up to date!
www.neveraphasenetwork.com
Follow @EmoKidsAnonymous on all social media platforms!
New episodes drop every Wednesday as well as artist interviews on Monday and Fridays! Be sure to like and subscribe!
Follow Robb
(@RobbLaffoon on all social media platforms)
Follow Amanda
(@amazingamandareelztalk on youtube, @amazingamanda_eka on tiktok and @amazingamanda_emokidsanon on IG)
In this episode of the Emo Kids Anonymous Podcast, Amanda and Robb interview the band No Problemo! Based outta Lansing, Michigan this band is absolutely out of control in the best possible way. They discuss the band's origins, dynamics, and the weirdest stories imaginable. Dane, Gavin and Caitlyn, we LOVE you. Sage, I am questioning your judgement and also praying for your well being!
The conversation touches on the importance of social media, their commitment to each other, and their experiences in a haunted party house. The band shares insights about signing with their label and their aspirations for future tours, all while maintaining a lighthearted and engaging atmosphere. We dive into DIY ethos, culinary experiences, and the creative process behind their music. We even talk TENMO! They explore the meaning of being a DIY band and delve into the evolution of their music from the EP 'Year of the Frog' to their upcoming LP. This band is absolutely out of control I am not sure we have ever had more fun in an interview. From the glizzy goblin to big Jim the glucose guardian to Kevin the skeleton, this one is a must listen!
Go listen to The Year of the Frog EP by No Problemo!
Emo Kids Anonymous is a podcast about pop punk, emo and everything else. With new episodes every Wednesday along with artist interviews on Mondays and Fridays, Emo Kids Anonymous is the home of everything emo. Guests include Saturdays At Your Place, Kerosene Heights, Winona Fighter, Origami Angel, Greywind, sports., Riley!, and so many others.
JOIN THE NAPNET DISCORD!https://discord.gg/78WpHArY
Follow us on other platforms:
Twitter: @emokidsanonpod
IG: @emokidsanonymous
TikTok: @emokidsanonymous
Emo Kids Anonymous is Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon.
Emo Kids Anonymous is a proud part of Never A Phase Network. Please follow and subscribe to stay up to date!
www.neveraphasenetwork.com
Follow @EmoKidsAnonymous on all social media platforms!
New episodes drop every Wednesday as well as artist interviews on Monday and Fridays! Be sure to like and subscribe!
Follow Robb
(@RobbLaffoon on all social media platforms)
Follow Amanda
(@amazingamandareelztalk on youtube, @amazingamanda_eka on tiktok and @amazingamanda_emokidsanon on IG)
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