My Warped Life

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 20 | “A Rockstars Day Job” Nov 22, 2021

Show notes

When CDs went out of style, so did making money from music sales. For years, artists have had to come up with creative ideas to support their careers, especially an artist following the Warped Tour. Whether it be working the Warped BBQ, starting a makeshift bar, or even baking cakes, artists will always find a way to make money using their skills and the things they love. Kevin catches up with 4 different bands to hear how they’ve paid their bills during times when the money wasn’t rolling in. Plus, Kevin talks about one of his passions turned career as he discusses the ever-changing culture at USC and this unique time to be an educator. Featuring: Josh Cruz (@JoshuaCruz43) - Vocalist/Bass for Cold Forty Three Moises Cruz (@MoisesCruz43) - Vocalist/Guitar for Cold Forty Three Dave McWane (@David_Mcwane1) - Frontman for Big D and the Kids Table Carlo Ribaux (@CarloRibaux) - Drummer for Victory Kid Jennie Cotterill (@JennieBakesThings) - JennieBakesThings, Vocalist/Guitar for Bad Cop/Bad Cop

Ep. 19 | "Kevin Goes Down Under" Nov 08, 2021

Show notes

Ever wanted to go camping in the outbacks of Australia? Kevin reunites with the Production Team and the athletes from the Warped Australia Tour to explain why most people should not even try! The artists, crew, and athletes were having the wildest time of their lives- riding in tourism buses, avoiding poisonous spiders, and trying to stop Fletcher from flying a plane. Kevin and the gang explain why this was one of his favorite tours from his career, and how impactful it was to the punk rock community in Australia by inspiring a new generation of show producers and promoters. If there's anything the US and AU have in common, it's a love for skating, surfing, and punk rock!

Featuring:

Rick Thorne (@rickthorne) - Pro BMXer & Musician

Andrew Tatrai - Production Manager

Kerry Nicholson - Production Manager

Kelley Electa (@kelleyelecta) - Production Coordinator

Neal Hendrix (@nealhendrix) - Pro Skater

Chris DeMakes (@lessthanchrisd) - Singer/Guitarist for Less Than Jake

Joe Escalante (@joey.escalante) - Bassist for The Vandals

Ep. 18 | "Kevin's Greatest Nightmare" Oct 25, 2021

Show notes

A 10 foot tall labia, a hyper-realistic murder room, and of course, a missing goat head. Just in time for Halloween, Kevin explains what all these things have in common… they were all a part of one of his greatest failures, The Great American Nightmare. In 2013, Kevin partnered with Rob Zombie on a haunted house experience based around Zombie’s films and the punk rock of the Warped Tour. Actors were beaten up, families were scarred, and Kevin was losing money by the hour. Hear perspectives from Kevin’s accountant, Matt Malles, and two of his closest employees, Kate Truscott and Dakota Gartner, as everyone describes this traumatic experience. To wrap up the episode, Kevin interviews Maggie Schneider, an artist who blew up on TikTok with her incredible Warped Tour mashups and asks her to play a couple of her most popular tracks. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and follow us on Instagram!

Featuring:

Dakota Gartner (@DakotaGartner) - Coordinator for 4fini Inc (2012-2016)

Kate Truscott (@k8dtd) - Sponsorships & Marketing for 4fini

Matt Malles (@ska987) - Accountant for 4fini

Maggie Schneider (@ItsMaggieSchneider) - Frontwoman of Glimmers

Ep. 17 | "Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands" Oct 11, 2021

Show notes

Every year, over 30,000 bands compete in a nationwide competition to see who has what it takes to be the next Battle of the Bands champion. The Warped Tour & Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands has been an integral part of punk history for decades. Kevin interviews the current and former CEOs of Ernie Ball, Sterling and Brian, to discuss just that. Sterling details the lessons that his father passed on to him before he was able to take over the business. He and Brian compare how different things were when Sterling took over versus when he passed it down to his son. And Sterling explains how Ernie Ball became a household name and the role that the NAMM show played in establishing his brand. The Ernie Ball Stage managers, Ryan and Justin, explain how hectic things could be while transporting a giant inflatable stage across the country while putting on a dozen concerts or more in a day. Plus, Kevin chats with a few bands who played the Ernie Ball Stage, Mayday Parade and Jaret Reddick from Bowling for Soup to relive the sensation of starting from the bottom of the lineup to becoming a regular headliner.

Featuring:

Sterling Ball (@ErnieBall) - Former CEO of Ernie Ball

Brian Ball (@flashnball) - CEO of Ernie Ball

Ryan McLain (@ryrymc) - Ernie Ball Director of Marketing

Justin Baumann (@jus10baumann) - Ernie Ball Mobile Stages Manager

Derek Sanders (@longdaysandpleasantnights) - Mayday Parade - Lead Vocals, Guitar

Alex Garcia (@maydayalex) - Mayday Parade - Guitar

Brooks Betts (@brooksmayday) - Mayday Parade - Guitar

Jaret Reddick (@jaret2113) - Bowling for Soup - Lead Vocals

Ep. 16 | "Gritty in Pink" Sep 27, 2021

Show notes

Gritty in Pink is a new organization focused on creating gender equality in the music industry. Kevin invites its founder, Shiragirl, to discuss the disparities in the industry for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Shira had started the Shiragirl Stage on the Warped Tour with a focus on empowering girl bands and queer artists such as NO/HUGS and Plasma Canvas, while following Kevin's philosophy- "never judge people, just be a kickass band." Kevin also catches up with one of his favorite girl bands, The Randies, to hear some of their favorite and craziest moments from the tour, like seeing a plane crash and countless amounts of roadkill! Finally, Kevin and Tony sit with Wendy from Poca's Hottest Hot Sauce, to hear about her unique hot sauce recipes and most memorable collaborations. Don't forget to text us episode ideas and comments at 818-863-6445 or through @MyWarpedLife on socials.

Featuring:

Shira “Shiragirl” Yevin (@shira_girl, @grittyinpinklife) - Founder of Shiragirl Stage, Founder of Gritty in Pink

Narcie (@nohugsband) - NO/HUGS Front Woman

Adrienne Ash (@plasmacanvas, @plasma_queen) - Plasma Canvas Front Woman

Laurita Guaico - (@lgi_wan) - The Randies - Guitarist

Sienna DeGovia (@siennadegoviastudio) - The Randies - Bassist/ Lead Singer

Laura Cataldo - (@lilcat1111) - The Randies - Guitarist

Wendy Davis (@pocashottestsauces, @thebonnieandcassieshow) - Master of Peppers & Puppets

Biata Shem-Tov (@biatatata) - Events Producer, Kevin’s Ex-Student

Ep. 15 | “Punk Rock & Paintbrushes" Sep 13, 2021

Show notes

If you've ever seen the skaters hitting the vert ramps at Warped Tour you've probably seen our guest this week. Kevin is joined by Steve Caballero, one of skateboardings biggest legends, and Emily Nielsen, the founder of Punk Rock & Paintbrushes. Listen as they tell stories from the road and of how they all got involved with the warped tour community. Also, Kevin discusses the idea of redemption as he explains that some of the biggest partiers he knew have turned their time to creating art and improving lives. Plus, our charity this week is The Nowell Family Foundation, focusing on preventing drug overdose and working through addiction, especially in the punk rock community. As always, please feel free to text us episode ideas and comments @ 818-863-6445.

Featuring:

Steve Caballero (@SteveCaballero) - Skateboarder, Artist, Guitarist for URETHANE

Emily Nielsen (@romanticrockemily, @PunkRockAndPaintbrushes) - Founder of Punk Rock & Paintbrushes

Jim Lindberg (@JimLindbergPW) - Vocalist of Pennywise, Creative Director of Beachlife Festival

Kellie Nowell (@NowellFamily) - Executive Director of The Nowell Family Foundation

Ep. 14 | "DIY Stages of Warped" Aug 30, 2021

Show notes

If you know the Warped tour you’ve seen an act or two at one of the side stages. What you probably didn’t know was whether that stage was actually part of the tour or if it was set up without permission! Hear the stories that led Kevin to eventually learn how to use the word “No” as he catches up with some legendary DIY stage managers to chat about their greatest successes and worst memories from running a stage. From fights, to riots, to weather destruction, every stage had its own vibe and its own experiences.

Featuring:

AJ Bartholomew (@ajbartholomew4) - Guitarist/Vocalist for AllurA/Eyes Set to Kill

"Big" John Krishack - Guitarist for SweaterGirl, Host of "EventSpeak"

Zach Neil (@therealzachneil) - East Coast Independence Stage Manager

Ray Picard (@raydingo) - Smartpunk Stage Manager

Kenneth Kleege - Mobile Fleet Manager for Kleege Industries Inc.

Nick Martin (@nodirectioncasa) - Sleeping With Sirens - Guitarist

Shane Culpepper - Transform Stage Manager

Ep. 13 | “The Birth of Goldenvoice" Aug 17, 2021

Show notes

Kevin sits with Gary Tovar, the founder of Goldenvoice, who shares his memories of producing his first events in Santa Barbara before moving to LA and harnessing the aggressive energy of punk rock. He explains his connection to the hardcore scene and the responsibility he felt for creating a safe space for these young kids to have a good time. Since there were no sponsors, and no alcohol sales, Gary chose to fund his shows with his “other business”. He would eventually be arrested for this “other business” but, not before finding and preparing two young men to carry on the legacy of Goldenvoice (and exploring 30 countries). Kevin also chats with Paul Tollett, the founder of Coachella and the current CEO of Goldenvoice, to hear how Gary’s legacy lives on in the organization.

Featuring:

Gary Tovar (@GaryTovar) - Founder of Goldenvoice

Bryan Meckelborg (@brockradioguy) - Goldenvoice Front Man

Ann Meckelborg (@annmariemeck40) - Goldenvoice Box Office

Greg Graffin (@GregGraffin) - Lead Singer of Bad Religion & Evolutionary Biologist

Paul Tollett - Founder of Coachella, CEO of Goldenvoice

Ep. 12 | "What Good Is A Punk Rocker?" Aug 02, 2021

Show notes

Kevin highlights a few of the charitable events that the Warped Tour contributed to during its traditional “Give Back Days.” Along the way, he catches up with some of the people who cleaned up after Hurricane Rita, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Sandy, and more, to hear how these moments of giving back changed their lives. Kevin also catches up with an essential member of his crew, his brand and nonprofit manager, Kate Truscott. Kate explains how she ended up on the road and the transformation she went through after realizing the importance of a work-life balance. Plus, hear from Chris Bullard from Sound Mind Live, who focuses on utilizing live music to better Mental Health.

Featuring:

Kate Truscott (@k8dtd) - General Manager/Brand Partnership Manager

Andy Lee - Set Up Crew, Crew Chief

Jon “Birdie” Klucharitis (@eaglescoutjon) - Monitor Engineer/Playback Technician

Kellie McCarthy (@kellie_mccarthy) - Merchandise Manager

Jim Carroccio (@jimc0325) - Tour Manager (Avenged Sevenfold, Nine Inch Nails, etc)

Charlie Griggs - Backline Tech/ Stage Tech

Chris Bullard (@bullofard, @soundmind_live) - Founder of Sound Mind Live

Ep. 11 | "Does Lightning Strike Twice?" Jul 19, 2021

Show notes

Kevin highlights a long-time member of his crew, Brian Marquis. Brian started in a band, Therefore I Am, before he realized that this Warped community was filled with hard workers who had wanted to achieve the same goals that he did. Brian recalls the exact moment he pitched Kevin the "Acoustic Basement Stage" before eventually managing the Acoustic Basement Tour. This led him down the path of becoming a successful tour manager for Billie Eilish but, not before everything was nearly lost in a tragic storm in Florida. Kevin also catches up with Jai Al-Attas, founder of Creative Futures Collective, whose goal is to empower disenfranchised groups of people with a passion for music.

Featuring:

Brian Marquis (@BrianMarquis) - Acoustic Basement Stage/Tour Manager

Jeff Berman (@DividedHeaven) - Artist - Divided Heaven

Patrick Kennedy (@patyears, @lightyearsoh) - Vocalist - Light Years

Rosco Wuestewald (@aagebirch) - Artist - Aage Birch

Jai Al-Attas (@jaialattas, @creativefuturescollective) - Founder - Creative Futures Collective