What's The Reason For This Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 31 - Andrew Sax - Boy Band Dreams, Psychedelic Journeys & Concert Poster Realities Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

In this wild ride of an episode, we sit down with Andrew Sax (@SomeSaxyArt) – an artist, snowboarder, and full-time poster wizard who went from doodling in the margins of his college notebooks to designing official artwork for some of the biggest names in the jam band scene.

🔹 From Philly to Vermont to Dead Lot 🚗 – How a kid from Philadelphia ended up in Vermont (and it wasn’t just for weed and Phish). Andrew takes us through his journey from small ski hills in Pennsylvania to chasing powder and live music across the country.

🔹 A Boy Band Fantasy Gone Wrong 🎤 – The surprisingly hilarious way a fake online boy band led to Andrew discovering his love for digital art. Spoiler: No music was ever made, but a terrible logo was.

🔹 Accidentally Becoming an Artist 🎨 – From his first trippy doodles to designing stickers and selling shirts on Dead & Co. lot, Andrew explains how he stumbled into a career making concert posters—and how a sticker of a hot dog eating its own ass changed his life.

🔹 The Dogs in a Pile Connection 🐕 – How one drunken encounter (and a handful of stickers) led to Andrew becoming the go-to artist for one of the jam scene’s rising bands. Plus, the moment he realized he was officially part of the music scene, not just an outsider looking in.

🔹 Psychedelics & Creative Awakening 🍄 – Andrew opens up about how psychedelics helped shape his art, his perspective on life, and even made him less afraid of death. But after years of creative inspiration, why did he decide to take a full year of sobriety?

🔹 Merch Wars & The Poster Hustle 🖼️ – From getting his first official gig to navigating the politics of band merchandise, Andrew breaks down the wild world of concert posters—including why Phish will never hire him (but he’s fine with that… probably).

🔥 Whether you’re an art nerd, a music lover, or just here for the chaos, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and deep conversations about creativity, self-discovery, and why snowboarders always have to apologize for existing.

📢 Listen now and be sure to follow Andrew and help him sell out of his next print drop! 🎶🎨 #JamSceneArt #PsychedelicPosters #WhatsTheReasonForThis

Episode 30 - Cam Herdt (@MisterCam) - Phish Kid, Bears Fan & Glutton For Punishment Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

In this absolutely unhinged episode, we sit down with comedian and podcaster Cam Herdt – a rising star in the comedy world, a die-hard Phish fan (for better or worse), and a man who has somehow turned jam band culture into comedy gold.

🔹 From Open Mics to Jam Cruise 🎤🚢 – Cam takes us back to his early days grinding out Chicago’s legendary comedy scene, cutting his teeth at Second City, and eventually stumbling into internet fame with eerily accurate impressions of jam band fans. Fast forward to today, and he’s performing on Jam Cruise – floating somewhere between open bars and open-minded wooks.

🔹 The Phish Fandom Journey 🎸🐡 – Cam opens up about how he got into Phish (hint: it involved some “very responsible” older influences), how long he hid his jam band love from fellow comedians, and why his first show in 2018 was basically a coming-of-age ritual.

🔹 Sports Fans vs. Jam Fans ⚽🎶 – What do Chicago Bears fans and Phish fans have in common? Unreasonable expectations and a lot of yelling. Cam shares his trauma growing up a Bears fan in Packer territory and how it prepared him for dealing with 1.0 Phish fans who refuse to accept that the band has changed, man.

🔹 Shutting Up Chompers & Scene Gatekeeping 🤫🚫 – We break down the real issue at live music shows: chompers. You know them—the loud talkers who think their conversation about the 1997 Tweezer is more important than the actual music happening in front of them. Plus, Cam talks about the elitist nonsense of fan gatekeeping and why nobody cares if you “got in” before 3.0.

🔹 The Road Ahead 🚀 – With stand-up gigs, festival appearances, and more viral videos on the horizon, Cam talks about what’s next, why he loves performing for jam band crowds, and how he balances traditional stand-up with his improv-heavy style.

🔥 This episode is packed with laughs, music nerd debates, and enough sports shit-talking to make your uncle at Thanksgiving jealous. Whether you love Phish, hate Phish, or just want to hear Kodi make Cam regret coming on the show, this one’s a must-listen!

📅 Catch Cam on the road and follow his hilarity online @MisterCam! 🎭🎶

Episode 29 - Jason Carter - 33 Years, A Million Miles & A New Beginning Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

In this electrifying episode, we sit down with the legendary Jason Carter – six-time IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year 🎻, Grammy Award-winning artist 🏆, and longtime member of the Del McCoury Band & Travelin' McCourys 🎶. After 33 years, Jason has made the life-changing decision to embark on his own musical journey, and he’s here to tell us all about it!

🔹 From Dream to Reality: Jason takes us back to his teenage years, when he first discovered the Del McCoury Band and boldly declared he’d one day play with them. Fast forward to age 19, and he’s standing on stage with his fiddle, making that dream a reality! He shares his audition experience, the nerves, and the moment Del gave him the job.

🔹 Epic Performances & Career Highlights: Over the years, Jason has played every iconic bluegrass venue imaginable, but some of his most memorable moments include: ✨ Jamming onstage with Phish 🎸 in front of 80,000 fans at Oswego – and an unexpected banjo vs. fiddle showdown with Rob McCoury! ✨ Bonnaroo madness 🎪 – playing to an absolutely packed tent of roaring fans who discovered the magic of bluegrass. ✨ Breaking records at the Strawberry Festival 🍓 – an impromptu jam session that went on longer than Sam Bush’s record! ✨ Late-night TV & Grammy wins 🏆 – taking bluegrass to new heights with appearances on national television and major award stages.

🔹 Bluegrass vs. Jam Scene: Jason breaks down the differences between traditional bluegrass festivals (think whittling old-timers and moonshine sippers 🪵🥃) vs. the high-energy jam band crowds (think glowsticks and rail-riders 🎆). He shares how both worlds embraced his music and how he learned to thrive in both.

🔹 Going Solo – The Big Decision: After decades of dedicating his life to Del McCoury and the Travelin' McCourys, Jason opens up about the difficult yet exciting decision to step out on his own. He shares how his 2023 solo album reignited his passion for performing his own music, how he broke the news to Del & the band, and what’s next for him.

🔹 New Music & What’s Next 🎶 Jason gives us a sneak peek into his highly anticipated new album with Michael Cleveland 🎻🔥, talks about his evolving sound, and even hints at TWO MORE solo records in the works! Plus, he reflects on what it feels like to finally be in control of his schedule and creative direction after so many years on the road.

🔥 This episode is packed with heart, humor, and the magic of bluegrass. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering Jason’s incredible talent, this is a must-listen!

📅 New music drops this Friday! Don’t miss it! 🎶🎻

Episode 28 - Christopher Henry - On The Mandolin, Mindfulness & Plant Medicine Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

🎙️🔥 STRAP IN for an electrifying episode as we sit down with bluegrass shredder, multi-instrumentalist, and all-around legend—Christopher Henry! 🎶🎻

From growing up in a powerhouse bluegrass family to blazing his own trail in the music world, Christopher shares EPIC stories about his journey, influences, and the deeper connection between music, spirituality, and self-discovery. 🌿🎶✨

💥 What to Expect in This Episode:

🔥 Bluegrass Royalty & Musical Upbringing – Born into the legendary Henry family (Red & Murphy Henry), Christopher talks about learning bluegrass by ear, growing up in jam sessions, and how it shaped his powerhouse picking style. 🎻🎸

⚡ Fast-Picking & Finding His Own Sound – Ever wondered how Christopher plays with lightning speed while looking cool as a cucumber? He breaks down his technique, influences, and the balance between energy and precision. 🏎️🎶

🌎 From Bluegrass to Psychedelics – Christopher opens up about his transformative journeys with plant medicine in Peru, how it reshaped his perspective, and why music is more than just sound—it’s a spiritual experience. 🍃🌀

🎵 The Story Behind West Dakota Rose – One of the most iconic mandolin tunes in modern bluegrass! Christopher shares the wild backstory behind the name, how it ended up in Billy Strings' setlist, and why it's become a fan-favorite. 🌹🔥

👀 Teaching the Next Generation – Christopher has trained some of today’s rising bluegrass stars (including Wyatt Ellis! 🎻). He talks about the art of teaching, passing down bluegrass tradition, and how students inspire him daily. 🎶📚

🎤 Where to Catch Him Next! – Whether it's jamming with Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland or stepping on stage with Billy Strings, Christopher shares where you can see him LIVE and what’s next for him in music! 🎸🎶

🎧 HIT PLAY NOW and join the ride! This episode is PACKED with incredible stories, deep insights, and some serious bluegrass wisdom you won’t want to miss!

💬 Drop a comment with your favorite Christopher Henry tune & don’t forget to subscribe! 🎙️✨👇👇👇

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #ChristopherHenry #BluegrassShredder #WestDakotaRose #BillyStrings #MandolinMagic #PlantMedicine #PickinAndGrinnin #PodcastLife 🎶🔥

Episode 27 - Peter Rowan - Bluegrass, Buddhism, and a Life in Music Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

Strap in for an EPIC episode as we sit down with one of the most influential voices in bluegrass and Americana—the legendary Peter Rowan! 🤠🎻🔥

For over six decades, Peter has been at the heart of music history, playing alongside icons like Bill Monroe, Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, and more! In this episode, we dive deep into his journey, inspirations, and philosophies, covering everything from Buddhism to bluegrass, Hawaii to honky-tonks, and everything in between! 🌎🎶🧘‍♂️

💥 What to Expect in This Episode:

🎸 From Bill Monroe to Billy Strings – Peter talks about his start with Bill Monroe & The Bluegrass Boys and how bluegrass has evolved into today’s scene with artists like Billy Strings & Molly Tuttle! 🔥🎶

🧘‍♂️ Breathwork, Buddhism & Keeping His Voice Strong – Want to know the secret behind Peter’s incredible voice at 82 years old? It’s all about breathing, Buddhist mantras, and vocal discipline—no tinctures or fancy remedies required! 🕉️🎤

🌎 Music Without Borders – Peter has explored Tex-Mex, Hawaiian slack-key, blues, country, folk, and even reggae! 🇲🇽🌺🎶 He shares how different cultures have influenced his sound and how music is a universal language.

🎵 The Magic of Songwriting – From “Panama Red” to “Midnight Moonlight”, Peter talks about how he writes songs, co-writing with young talents like Wyatt Ellis, and how inspiration finds you when you’re ready for it. ✍️🌙

🍄 Psychedelics, Sobriety & Spirituality – Peter opens up about his past experiences with psychedelics, why he stepped away, and how clarity of mind fuels his creativity today. 🌿☕🧘

🔥 Upcoming Album & Tour Dates! – Peter gives us the inside scoop on his new album, "Tales of the Free Mexican Airforce" with Los TexManiacs 🇲🇽🎶, plus where you can catch him live in 2025! 🎤🚐

🎧 Hit play now & join the conversation! This episode is packed with wisdom, history, humor, and musical magic you won’t want to miss!

💬 Drop a comment with your favorite Peter Rowan song & don’t forget to subscribe! 🎙️✨👇👇👇

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #PeterRowan #BluegrassLegend #MusicWithoutBorders #BuddhistBluegrass #PanamaRed #BillyStrings #JerryGarcia #AmericanaMusic #PodcastLife 🎶🔥

Episode 26 - Welcome To Atlanta - Our Wild Weekend Recap Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Buckle up, because this episode is packed with mystery, music, and absolute mayhem! 🤠🔎🎶 The crew is back with unfiltered stories, unexpected twists, and plenty of laughs as they recap a wild boys' trip to Atlanta and a murder mystery dinner gone off the rails in Denver.

From dodging snowstorms to rocking out at a Billy Strings show, and even debating who the real murderer was at a dinner theater, this episode is a chaotic mix of adventure, inside jokes, and pure entertainment. 🎸🎤

🔹 What’s in Store for This Episode?

🎭 Murder Mystery Gone Wild – Tyler and Shay hit up a Western-style dinner theater in Denver, where Tyler’s over-the-top cowboy costume had everyone convinced he was part of the show. Was the mystery solved, or did they rewrite the ending themselves? 🤔🔫🍽️

🎶 Billy Strings, Train Songs & Setlist Breakdowns – The Atlanta crew braves 14 inches of snow ❄️ just to make it to the airport for a trip to see Billy Strings live in Georgia. They break down the setlists, insane performances, and why train songs are dominating the tour 🚂🔥.

😂 Concert Shenanigans & Fan Encounters – From awkward audience interactions to full-on matchmaking attempts, the guys share the funniest and weirdest moments with fellow fans—including an unexpected “orange exchange” 🍊👀.

🍕 Late-Night Chaos – What happens when you mix exhaustion, a $70 pizza order, and a reality TV binge? Absolute madness. The hotel room recap is one for the books, including Jared’s battle to sleep while Kodi leads a 4 AM rewatch of the concert. 🛏️📺🤣

💰 A Huge Win for the Community – The team gives an update on their massive fundraising effort, which raised over $25,000 for a great cause. Learn how they connected with the family and how the money is helping to keep Drew’s name alive ❤️👏.

🎧 Don’t Miss Out!

This episode has everything—music, mystery, mayhem, and a whole lot of nonsense. Whether you're a Billy Strings fan, love a good mystery, or just enjoy chaotic storytelling, this one’s for you!

🎶 Hit play now and join the fun! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share so you never miss an episode of What’s The Reason For This! ⭐🎙️

👉 Follow us on social media & let us know: What’s YOUR favorite Billy Strings song? #WhatsTheReasonForThis #Podcast #BillyStrings #MurderMystery #ConcertLife #PodcastAdventures

Episode 25 - BMFSDB - A Database For Billy Strings Fans By Goats Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

🎧 Billy Strings fans, this one’s for you! 🎧

This week on What's The Reason For This, Kodi and Shay dive deep into the world of BMFSDB with an exclusive interview featuring Todd and Becky—the dedicated duo behind Billy Motha Fu#$in Strings Data Base, the ultimate fan-created Billy Strings database! 🎶💙

From casual fans to the masterminds behind this go-to resource, Todd and Becky take us on their journey, sharing behind-the-scenes insights, community-driven initiatives, and how YOU can be a part of it. Here’s what’s in store:

🗓️ The Birth of BMFSDB The FIRST Billy Data Base – Todd and Becky walk us through their musical journeys and how their passion for Billy Strings led them to create BMFSDB in late 2021. 🎸💡

🤝 A Community-Driven Hub – Discover how fan interaction fuels BMFSDB, with comments, upvotes, show annotations, and a space for fans to contribute their knowledge and memories. 📝🎤

💻 Behind the Code – Get a peek under the hood! Todd and Becky break down the technical side of BMFSDB, what it takes to maintain and improve it, and why they need contributors to help keep it thriving. 🖥️⚙️

🎨 Get Involved! – Want to leave your mark? BMFSDB is running a logo design contest, giving fans a chance to contribute to the visual identity of the database. 🏆🖌️

🎶 Collaboration with Train Songs – Learn how BMFSDB is making waves in the music world, teaming up with Train Songs to expand the reach of Billy’s music history. 🚂🎵

🎤 Fan Favorites & The Future – Todd and Becky share their all-time favorite Billy Strings songs and give us a glimpse into what’s next for BMFSDB. The future is bright! 🔮✨

🌟 This episode is all about fan dedication, collaboration, and the power of music bringing people together. Whether you're a longtime Billy fan or just discovering the magic, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into one of the most passionate fan-driven projects out there! 🎶🔥

🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and join the movement! #BMFS #BMFSDB #BillyStrings #FanPower #WhatsTheReasonForThis

Episode 24 - Train Songz - The Conductor & Promontory Paul Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

🚂🎶 All Aboard the Train Songz Express! 🎶🚂

This week on What’s The Reason For This, we’re joined by the mysterious masterminds behind the beloved bluegrass meme page-turned-print zine, Train Songz—aka Promontory Paul and The Conductor! 🎩🤫

While they may stay anonymous (sorry, no face reveals!), their passion for music, history, and deep-cut train tracks is front and center in this episode. If you’re a fan of Billy Strings, old-time bluegrass, and the art of print media, this one’s for you!

🎙️ What We Talk About:

📜 The Origin of Train Songz – What started as a punny tweet (with zero engagement, by the way 😆) transformed into an online community, and later, a full-fledged quarterly print zine! But why did they move from memes to ink and paper? They break down the evolution and why tactile, tangible media still matters in a digital age. 📰

📊 Train Song Stats & The Art of Music Baseball – If you thought baseball stats were detailed, wait until you hear how these guys track train-related songs played at Billy’s shows. From most frequently played train tunes (shoutout to "Slow Train" 🚂) to legendary one-off performances (👀 April 13th, Tampa—we’re looking at you 👀), these guys are crunching the numbers like true setlist analysts.

💌 The Joy of Holding a Physical Zine – In an age where most people are doom-scrolling on their phones 📱, these guys are keeping print media alive. From the hand-folded early editions to full-on artist-commissioned covers, they discuss the beauty of holding something tangible and why fans love flipping through Billy Strings setlist breakdowns, music history deep dives, and incredible original artwork. 🎨

🤝 Building a Community Within the Community – Train Songz isn’t just about Billy Strings—it’s about amplifying the bluegrass scene as a whole. Whether it’s highlighting bands like Mountain Grass Unit, showcasing lesser-known train ballads, or connecting artists and fans, they’re using their platform to spread the love for bluegrass far and wide. 💙

📬 How to Get Your Hands on the Zine – Whether you want a one-time issue, a full-year subscription, or even a free copy (yep, they’re committed to getting this in people’s hands regardless of their budget), you can grab yours at zine.trainsongs.net. The sliding scale pricing model keeps it accessible, and if you’re lucky, you might even snag one on lot at a show!

🔥 If you’re a Billy Strings fan, a stats nerd, a bluegrass historian, or just someone who loves seeing passionate people build something special, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧

Grab your conductor’s hat, pull out your harmonica, and hop aboard the Train Songz Express! 🚂🎶 And of course… DON’T THROW YOUR FREAKIN’ TRAIN WHISTLES AT BILLY! 🚫🎺

Want to support Train Songz? 🔗 Subscribe to the zine at zine.trainsongs.net 💰 📩 Get your hands on a free copy if needed—they just want to share the love! 💙 📲 Follow them on Instagram @Train_Songz to stay on track 🚆

Episode 23 - Andy Frasco - Mission Ballroom Or Bust Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

In this chaotic, hilarious, and brutally honest episode, Kodi & Shay sit down with the one and only Andy Frasco—musician, podcaster, and professional bringer of good vibes—to dive deep into the realities of touring, the insanity of the modern music industry, and the wild ride that is his life. 🎶🚐

🔥 What’s Inside This Episode?

🎸 From Hustler to Headliner – Andy takes us back to his early days, hustling as a teenage booking agent, cold-calling venues, and faking his way into the music business. (Spoiler: It worked.) Fast forward to today, and he’s headlining Mission Ballroom—his biggest indoor show ever!

💰 The Ugly Truth About Ticket Prices – Ever wondered why a $30 ticket suddenly turns into $57 at checkout? Andy breaks down the ridiculous fees, rising tour costs, and how musicians are getting squeezed while ticketing companies and venues rake in the cash.

👕 Merch Madness – Think $40 for a T-shirt is crazy? Andy explains why merch is one of the only ways bands actually make money and how rising production costs are putting a squeeze on independent artists.

🏡 Finally Finding "Home" – After 15+ years on the road and 200+ shows a year, Andy opens up about how Denver finally feels like home, the importance of community, and what it means to truly settle down.

🧠 Music & Mental Health – Touring isn’t all backstage parties and crowd surfing—it takes a toll. Andy shares how he’s learned to prioritize his mental health, ditch bad habits, and stay sane while constantly being on the move.

🤯 Snoop Dogg & Zac Brown?! – You read that right. Andy spills the details on a collab with Snoop Dogg & Zac Brown, how it came together, and what it means for his career as a songwriter.

🎤 The Pressure of Performance – Whether it’s a Tuesday night in Indiana or a packed festival stage, Andy and his band give 100% every night—because fans deserve a show, no matter what day of the week it is.

💀 Facing Mortality & Fighting for Happiness – Andy gets deep about watching his mother battle cancer, the fear of losing loved ones, and the importance of living in the moment. His take? Find joy, embrace the chaos, and don’t let the bad days win.

🤣 Absolute Chaos & Shenanigans – Of course, no episode would be complete without: ✅ Vasectomy jokes ✂️😂 ✅ "Suck my dick from the back" energy 😆 ✅ Trolls named Ryan Williams catching strays 🫣 ✅ Hippie crack confessions & quitting nitrous 🍄💨 ✅ Big Mac cravings & the best hangover meals 🍔🥴 ✅ Kodi’s questionable “murder dungeon” podcast studio 😳

🎟️ Don’t Miss Andy’s Biggest Show Yet! 🎟️ WWW.ANDYFRASCO.COM/TOUR 💻📱

Andy is headlining Mission Ballroom on February 7, and he needs your help packing the house! Even if you don’t know his music, don’t like his music, or just want to drink at the bar—grab a ticket and support an artist who gives his all every single night.

Oh, and if you buy a ticket, you get a 40% discount on your next vasectomy. (Kidding… maybe.)

🎧 Listen now, laugh hard, and get your ass to the show! 🚀

Episode 22 - Billy Strings Ball At Ball Arena - Drew Dauphin Raffle Update - Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

In this jam-packed episode of What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay dive into an unforgettable weekend of fundraising, music, and community love. 🎶 From their efforts to support the family of Drew Dauphin to backstage moments at Billy Strings’ Denver shows, this episode is packed with heart, humor, and memorable stories. 🌟

🔥 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🙋‍♂️ Answers About The Raffle: The guys spend the opening part of the show updating the details about the winners, when to expect emails, who's receiving this money and more.

❤️ Melodies of Relief: Between shows, Kodi and Shay reflect on their successful fundraiser for Drew Dauphin’s family, raising over $25,000 with incredible community support and touching stories of generosity.

🎤 A Three-Night Spectacle: Kodi and Shay recap the high-energy Billy Strings shows, starting with a jaw-dropping Wargasm opener and ending with a weekend of unforgettable jams. They share their favorite setlist moments, like Meet Me at the Creek, Rocky Raccoon, Heartbeat of America, and the emotional How Mountain Girls Can Love. As well as special guest sit ins by Greensky Bluegrass' Dave Bruzza and Paul Hoffman.

👀 Behind the Scenes: An exclusive backstage experience where they met Billy and the band, toured the setup, and witnessed the meticulous preparation that goes into putting on arena-sized bluegrass shows.

🌟 Highlights from the Pit: From standout performances to Kodi’s glowing yellow sweater that fans spotted from the rafters, the duo shares what it’s like to be in the thick of the action at a Billy Strings concert.

🎟️ Fan Camaraderie and Firsts: The new 360-stage setup at Ball Arena brought surprises, including a lottery wristband system that gave fresh fans their chance to hit the rail, ensuring an inclusive experience for newcomers and longtime followers alike.

🔥 Afterparty Energy: The wild DJ Spilly (Royal Massat) afterparty at a packed local bar, where fans and band members alike danced into the night.

🎶 This episode is a love letter to the bluegrass scene, the Billy Strings community, and the power of music to bring people together. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious, you’ll feel like you were there for every song, every cheer, and every special moment. 💫

👉 Listen now and join the journey. Link in bio! 🎧

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