What's The Reason For This Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 11 - David Gans - Tales From The Golden Road Grateful Dead XM Radio Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

In this episode we welcome legendary guest David Gans, a multi-talented musician, journalist, and host of The Golden Road on SiriusXM. The conversation dives deep into Gans' life and career, including his experiences in the Grateful Dead community, his evolution from music journalism to radio, and his reflections on the Grateful Dead's lasting cultural legacy. Gans shares personal stories about his surgery recovery, his recent travels to Las Vegas for Dead & Company's final run, and a vacation in Hawaii. He also talks about his involvement in writing the book Playing in the Band and his journey in curating and hosting a Grateful Dead-themed radio show.

The episode touches on the improvisational essence of Grateful Dead's music, Gans’ approach to interviewing legendary musicians, and the impact of Dead & Company's recent performances, particularly their collaboration with John Mayer. He discusses the importance of preserving the Grateful Dead's culture and community, how the band's music will continue to thrive through new generations of musicians, and shares insights on teaching his Stanford course on the band's music and culture. For Deadheads and music enthusiasts alike, this episode offers an enriching conversation on the ongoing influence of one of the most iconic bands in music history.

Episode 10 - Billy Strings Renewal Festival/Vance Bonebreak Oct 01, 2024

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The button has been pushed, this time we come to you live from the Billy Strings Renewal festival poster line. We talk with numerous fans just hours before Billy announced he had to leave his own festival to fly back to Michigan on Ringo Starr's private jet to be with his wife Ally for the birth of their first baby.

Join us as we discuss with the fans about how they got into the scene, what they love about Billy Strings' music, how many shows they've been to and what they think of his new Highway Prayers album. Not to mention what they may not love about the scene.

We also take some time to sit down with a one on one interview with 13 year old mandolin player Vance Bonebreak. Sit with us as we learn just how long he's been playing, who he has had the pleasure of pickin' with and his big plans for the future.

Episode 9 - James Smiley - Self-Proclaimed "Mayor" Of Billy Strings Scene Oct 01, 2024

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In this special episode, we sit down with the legendary Smiley, the self-proclaimed "Mayor" of the Billy Strings fan community. Just days before the highly anticipated Renewal Festival, Smiley joins us to share his remarkable journey from being a disabled combat veteran battling alcoholism and PTSD to finding peace, purpose, and sobriety through the power of music and community.

We dive deep into Smiley’s first Billy Strings show at Summer Camp in 2021, how a chance encounter with WSMFP changed his life, and why he’s now a fixture at over 230 Billy Strings shows. Along the way, Smiley shares personal stories, from losing his wallet in Las Vegas, to the challenges of balancing the love of live shows with financial reality, to his passion for protecting the next generation of Billy fans.

With heartwarming anecdotes, raw reflections on sobriety, and laugh-out-loud moments about life on tour, Smiley opens up about what it means to be part of a fanbase that’s as tight-knit as it is misunderstood. He also addresses the keyboard warriors who question how he gets by and reveals the deeper purpose behind his ever-present smile.

As we approach Renewal, this episode serves as both a celebration of the Billy Strings community and a reminder of the power of music to bring people together from all walks of life. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the scene, this episode is sure to resonate with anyone who’s ever been moved by the magic of live music.

Join us for a candid, unfiltered conversation filled with laughter, insight, and a whole lot of heart.

Episode 8 - Tony Sipich - In The Poster Trenches Sep 23, 2024

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In this episode, we dive deep into the vibrant world of music poster collecting with our special guest, Tony Sipich. A Las Vegas resident and longtime poster aficionado, Tony shares his journey from a passionate concert-goer to a key figure in the collector community. We discuss the allure of limited-edition gig posters, the wild experiences of waiting in line for hours, and the ever-growing poster scene, including the underground world of "waffles" and the intricate process of acquiring highly sought-after prints. Along the way, Tony and our hosts swap stories about iconic artists like Chuck Sperry, the madness of Dead & Co. poster drops, and navigating the challenges and joys of building a collection in today's fast-paced poster market. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just curious about the poster game, this episode is packed with humor, insight, and a genuine love for the art and community. Tune in for a raw, authentic conversation that will leave you itching to start your own collection!

Episode 7 - Owen Murphy - One Drop Design Studio Sep 09, 2024

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In this episode, we sit down with the incredibly talented artist, Owen Murphy, known for his intricate and mind-bending poster designs. Owen takes us through his journey as an artist, sharing how his upbringing in a creative household in Ocean City, NJ, influenced his love for art and music. We dive deep into his career, from learning the ropes of screen printing to becoming one of the top poster artists for major bands like Pretty Lights, Billy Strings, and the Grateful Dead.

Owen opens up about his creative process, the evolution of his work, and how major life events shaped his art. He talks candidly about the struggles and rewards of being an artist in today’s world, the impact of psychedelics on his creative vision, and how he's pushing himself into new mediums like painting. Plus, he shares the importance of staying grounded and balancing the pressure of constantly evolving his style while keeping the joy of art alive.

Whether you're an art enthusiast, a fan of live music posters, or someone curious about the life of a full-time artist, this episode offers a raw and insightful look into Owen's world. Tune in to hear his inspiring story and his thoughts on the future of his craft.

Episode 6 - Phish Dicks Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

That's right, we venture out onto shakedown street during night 3 of Phish's run at Dicks Sporting Goods Park. Join us as we interview Phans about their experiences with this polarizing band. We discuss how long they've been on the scene, what they love and don't about the band and the wookery that follows them. Did we mention that the three of us, Kodi, Shay and Jared aren't big "Phans" ourselves.... Making for some interesting conversations!

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Episode 5 - Dan Mladenik - The Mishawaka Ampitheatre Aug 27, 2024

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Join us this week as we recorded LIVE from The Mish! This is one of the greatest outdoor venues in the country, that very few people (other than locals) actually know about. Sit down with Dan Mladenik, part owner and booking manager, for this independent venue as we talk about the nuances of battling big corporate conglomerates as a smaller venue. What goes in to booking a band, how are they paid, who's in charge of merch, the rich history of the Mish and plans for the future. But more importantly, do they allow empty chairs in line? Also, we bring in Dan's production manager to discuss how someone can get into working in the scene and much, much more!

Episode 4 - Shay and Kodi Authentic Relationships Aug 19, 2024

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We're 4 episodes in and guess who finally showed up? Shay joins Kodi in the basement for this weeks episode as they discuss how it all started. Where did they meet? Does one of them really hate the Grateful Dead? And Phish? But what they really need to chat about is chompers and the poster line of course!

Episode 3 - Austin Mack @Dyes_N_GoodVibes Aug 12, 2024

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This isn't your grandparents Tye Dye! Join us as we talk with the amazingly talented Austin Mackereth of @Tyes_N_GoodVibes as we discuss all things tye dye. Learn about Austin's journey from addiction as a teenager to world renowned tye dye artist. Not only does he talk about some of his greatest works but also his challenges and methodology. If you've ever wondered what's the reason for tye dye, this is the episode for you. However, the story is compelling and the art so mesmerizing that you don't need to have any interest in tye dyeing to see that he's been doing something very special!

What's The Reason For This Podcast - Episode 2 - Cash Or Trade CEO Brando Rich Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

Join us on this weeks episode where we discuss the wonderful, or terrible world of ticketing. Everyone has had a horror story when it comes to buying or selling event tickets. Do we have other options? Of course we do, which is exactly why we brought on Cash or Trade CEO Brando Rich to discuss the platform he built for fans. As one of us, he has personally felt the anguish that can come from not getting a ticket on the drop. This journey started on the lot and grew to what it is today and will be in the future. Come check it out!

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