What's The Reason For This Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 41 - Jack Demurjian - Fast Grass & Camera Pass: The Rise of Red Daisy Sporting Club May 28, 2025

Show notes

📸 In this vibrant and heartfelt episode of What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay sit down with Jack Demurjian, the passionate creator behind Red Daisy Sporting Club. From his first humid Billy Strings show in Baltimore to becoming a fixture in the bluegrass scene, Jack shares how a love for music, a cell phone, and a bit of “tism-fueled” determination built one of the most beloved grassroots media pages in the jamgrass world.

🚐 Jack unpacks his evolution from working vending gigs at festivals like All Good to becoming a trusted media presence on the rail at DelFest and beyond. Despite juggling a demanding medical sales job, he captures the magic of live performances with dedication, humility, and zero desire to turn his craft into a job.

💬 Episode Highlights:

🎸 From Fan to Fixture – Jack tells the origin story of Red Daisy, including his unforgettable first show (July 2, 2022) and how he fell head-over-heels for the music of Billy Strings.

🎥 iPhone to Icon – Hear how Jack uses just an iPhone 15 Pro Max, battery packs, and pure hustle to document the soul of the bluegrass scene—earning the respect and gratitude of artists like Shadowgrass, Mountain Grass Unit, and Jason Carter.

🧢 Merch with Meaning – The hats weren’t meant to sell—they were tokens of appreciation. But when you see big names wearing them on stage, you know you’ve struck a chord.

🔥 DelFest and Beyond – Jack shares behind-the-scenes stories from his jam-packed DelFest adventures, including shooting from sunrise to late nights, building friendships with young pickers like Vance, and feeling the love from legends and rising stars alike.

💙 Why It Matters – This one’s all about love: love for the music, the scene, the people, and the community that fuels it all. Jack reminds us that when you give without expecting anything in return, the universe finds a way to say thanks.

🎧 Whether you're a seasoned taping vet or a couch tour rookie, this episode is a heartfelt ode to the DIY spirit and deep connections of the bluegrass family. Tune in and get inspired to chase your own dragon—camera in hand or not.

#RedDaisySportingClub #BillyStrings #DelFest #JamGrass #BluegrassCommunity #LiveMusicPhotography #TaperCulture #CouchTour #Shadowgrass #MountainGrassUnit #EastNashGrass #JasonCarter #FestivalLife #BluegrassForever #FanToCreator #BehindTheLens #MusicNeverStopped #WhatstheReasonForThisPodcast #DIYMedia #ArenaGrass #BluegrassLove #BillyNation #PickinAndGrinnin

Episode 40 - Marc Brownstein - Basslines & Breakbeats: The Evolution of Brownie May 26, 2025

Show notes

In this boundary-blurring episode of What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi sits down with the genre-bending bass legend and co-founder of the Disco Biscuits — Marc Brownstein — for an electrifying conversation that bridges jam band history, DJ misadventures, songwriting science, and the true story behind Brownie’s sprawling side projects. 🎶💥

From the origins of Jamtronica at UPenn to crafting a future where “Brownie & Friends” becomes a headlining brand, this one’s packed with wisdom, weirdness, and a whole lotta low-end thunder.

✨ Episode Highlights ✨

🎛️ Birth of a Genre – Brownie details how the Disco Biscuits fused classic jam bands with Goa trance and UK psy into something entirely new — setting the foundation for today’s jamtronica explosion.

🥁 Fearful Symmetry Origins – Yes, the guy who helped shape an entire genre started out playing bass on a keyboard in a Depeche Mode-meets-The Doors cover band... at age 11.

🌀 DJ Brownie 101 – How a DJ set on Jam Cruise turned into a full-blown passion (and mild disaster) that Brownie now uses to train his ears, his fingers, and his mind for every other project he's in.

🛠️ Failing Forward – The art of beatmatching, embracing the sync button, and learning how to keep the dance floor alive — even when things go to hell behind the decks.

🎸 Writing with the Biscuits – From acoustic uke demos to Ableton-powered studio tracks built from jams, Marc explains the evolution of the Biscuits’ writing process and why 2023–2025 has been a renaissance.

✍️ Lyric Lab Masterclass – Brownie’s deep dive into teaching songwriting, complete with Pink Floyd demos, Eminem rhymes, and the real struggles of putting your soul on paper without sounding like Dr. Seuss.

🪑 Chair-Guy Origins – Brownie Declares Kodi the Hawk Tuah of the Jam Band scene, who shares the story behind his viral vigilante moment, how it launched this podcast, and why he just couldn’t let chair scalpers ruin the live music experience.

🎤 Brownie & Friends Dream – Whether it's DJ Brownie, Electron, or family bands with Eggy members, Brownstein lays out his long-term vision to roll it all into one project under one mighty name.

🔥 Whether you’re a hardcore Biscuit head, a casual jam fan, or just love a good story about perseverance and reinvention, this episode hits every note. Hit play, feel the drop, and let the lasers guide you home.

#DiscoBiscuits #MarcBrownstein #Jamtronica #DJBrownie #Songwriting #GoaTrance #WhatstheReasonForThis #ChairGuy #BassLife #BrownieAndFriends #LiveMusicScene #JamBandCulture #TeachingSongwriting #AbletonJams

Episode 39 - Spafford - Jamband Sessions, Fart Confessions & Yes, A Comedy Album (Or Two) May 19, 2025

Show notes

In this jam-packed and side-splitting episode of What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay sit down with the genre-hopping wizards of Spafford for a conversation that’s equal parts musical insight and complete chaos—in the best way possible. From dissecting the art of the jam to swapping fart stories in a van, this one has it all: heart, humor, and a whole lotta vibe. 🎶💨

✨ Episode Highlights:

🎸 The Art of Controlled Chaos – The band breaks down their improvisational alchemy—how they navigate shifting keys, tempos, and genres without crashing the train (too hard).

🥁 Welcome to the Band, Shon – New bassist Shon Gordon talks about trial-by-fire festival sets, adapting to jam-heavy madness, and fixing his pedal board five seconds before showtime.

🎤 From Plush to Pizza – Why Spafford’s take on Stone Temple Pilots’ “Plush” now lives in an electronic pocket, and how the band ranks regional food as passionately as their setlists (spoiler: Ohio wins for crispy chicken).

🎧 Live Wax & Studio Drops – Get the inside scoop on Live Wax Vol. 4, the Halloween-vibe-heavy Hulaween set that made the cut, and what it’s like crafting a cohesive vinyl jam with 20+ minute tracks.

🤳 Fan Love & Socials – Brian shares how he reclaimed the band’s voice on social media, why fan chats and emojis matter, and the importance of showing fans they’re heard—on and off the stage.

💬 Merch, Posters & Parts – From hilarious inside jokes like “I Know Your Farts” to tour posters that surprise even the band, they reveal how merch keeps the magic (and the bills) rolling.

🧠 Mental Health & Music for Kids – Offstage, the guys talk therapy, fatherhood, digging in the dirt, and why Shon’s side gig teaching music to toddlers is just like playing to “tiny drunk people.”

🎶 Comedy Tracks & Auditions – Oh, and did we mention Shon’s old comedy album titled Big Black Hawk? It might have been his unofficial audition tape. And yes, there's a sequel coming.

🎟️ Whether you're deep in the nerd herd or just discovering the magic of Spafford, this episode is a genre-defying journey through jam band life—with plenty of laughs and a whole lotta love. Tune in, flip the vinyl, and don’t forget: Dude, we know your parts.

#Spafford #WhatsTheReasonForThis #JamBands #LiveMusicLove #NerdHerd #MusicPodcast #BandLife #VinylVibes #BigBlackHawk #KnowYourParts #ImprovisationNation #TourLife #MentalHealthMatters #FartConfessions #PlushRemix #HulaweenMagic

Episode 38 - Zeb Snyder - Numbers, Notes, and No Tablature May 16, 2025

Show notes

Kodi and Shay sit down with flatpicking phenom Zeb Snyder to trace his journey from the family band circuit to his first solo blues-inspired album. With deep roots in North Carolina and a passion for pushing genre boundaries, Zeb opens up about his evolution as a musician, teacher, and torchbearer of a new acoustic sound. 🎶💬

✨ Episode Highlights:

👨‍👧‍👦 The Snyder Family Band – Zeb shares how he and his younger sister Samantha started playing music young, eventually teaching their dad the upright bass and forming a family trio that toured and recorded for over a decade.

🎸 Bluegrass Meets Southern Rock – Growing up on a mix of Doc Watson, Tony Rice, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Rush, Zeb talks about the unconventional influences that shaped his distinctive guitar style and improvisational approach.

🎻 Teaching Without Tablature – Zeb breaks down his ear-based teaching style and the philosophy behind helping students connect emotionally to their instrument—no sheet music required.

🌀 Improvisation & Flow State – A technical yet soulful explanation of how Zeb hears music in numbers, trains his mind to “stay out of the way,” and connects deeply with the audience through emotion-driven playing.

💡 Why the Family Band Ended – Zeb reflects on the natural conclusion of the Snyder Family Band and the challenge of marketing progressive music under a traditional “family band” label.

🎤 Joining Appalachian Road Show – From filling in with Darrell Webb to collaborating with Barry Abernathy and Jim Van Cleave, Zeb talks about leveling up musically while honoring bluegrass tradition.

🎶 Making His Solo Debut – Zeb opens up about the personal low that sparked the idea for his blues-inspired album, the instrumentals born from solitude, and the freedom of creating without compromise.

🌄 Collaborating with Legends – Stories from the studio featuring Sam Bush, Jason Carter, and Todd Phillips, including the emotional moment when Sam’s slide mandolin entered on “Sunset on 70 West.”

💿 Stream It Everywhere – Zeb discusses the challenges of self-releasing an album in today’s music landscape, balancing teaching, touring, and promotion without a label or team.

🎧 Whether you’re a picker, a purist, or just love a good musical journey, this episode shines a light on the humility, grit, and brilliance behind one of acoustic music’s rising stars.

Episode 37 - Part Two - John Hartford - Fiddle Tune Project May 13, 2025

Show notes

In this touching and insightful episode of What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay sit down with Katie Hartford-Hogue to talk about her father, John Hartford's enduring legacy and the ongoing preservation of his music. From his eccentric lifestyle to his profound influence on bluegrass, this episode explores the personal and professional journey of a legendary figure in music. 🎶💬

✨ Episode Highlights: 👨‍👧 The Reconnection – Katie opens up about growing up with an absent father due to his career, and how their relationship was able to heal later in life through her own children.

🎻 The Mammoth Collection – The creation of John Hartford's Mammoth Collection of Fiddle Tunes book, and the challenge of curating 68 spiral notebooks full of his ideas, songs, and doodles.

🎶 The Creative Process – Katie shares the journey of piecing together Hartford's music, including the organic approach they took with each album, allowing the project to evolve naturally.

🎸 Generations of Music – Katie discusses the special moment of recording No End in Love with her mother and daughter, creating a powerful song that honors her father’s legacy.

🚢 Steamboats & Hartford’s Obsession – A deep dive into Hartford’s fascination with boats, especially the Julia Bell, and how that connection resonates within the music and family history.

🎤 The Festival, The Community, and The Future – Katie talks about the Hartford festival’s history, what it meant to fans, and whether there’s a chance it might return.

💿 Volume Three in the Works – With the second album now out, Katie hints at the plans for Volume Three, already in the works and focused on further building community around Hartford’s music.

🎧 Whether you’re a lifelong fan of John Hartford or a newcomer to his music, this episode gives an intimate and compelling glimpse into the artist’s world and the deep connections that continue to shape his legacy.

Episode 37 - Part One - John Hartford - Fiddle Tunes Project May 13, 2025

Show notes

In this lively and engaging episode of What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay sit down with Megan Lynch Chowning, a powerhouse fiddler, educator, and co-producer of the John Hartford FiddleTune Project. From her roots in the heart of California’s fiddle scene to the fascinating journey of bringing Hartford’s iconic music to life, this episode is a testament to the power of folk music, community, and evolution.

🎻💬 ✨ Episode Highlights:

🎸 From Contest Wins to Musical Legends – Megan takes us through her early years growing up in Redding, California, a town renowned for its thriving fiddle community. She shares how she went from winning seven national fiddle championships to playing alongside bluegrass royalty.

👀 Meeting John Hartford for the First Time – A young Megan recounts her first experience seeing John Hartford perform, which left her scratching her head in confusion, only to later fall in love with his music in a full-circle moment.

💥 Co-Producing Volume Two – Megan discusses how Katie Hartford approached her to co-produce the second album of the FiddleTune Project and how they intentionally created an all-female performer lineup to honor Hartford’s early commitment to having women in his band.

💡 The Importance of Chord Progressions – With no chords written for Hartford’s tunes, Megan and fellow artists were challenged to create their own, bringing new life and interpretations to his timeless songs.

🎶 The Power of Folk Music – Megan passionately talks about how folk music is meant to evolve, grow, and be interpreted by new generations of musicians, a process she feels deeply connected to with each tune on the album.

💖 The Heart of the Project – From teaching to organizing music camps, Megan shares how her life’s work is dedicated to passing on the love of bluegrass and fiddle music to the next generation.

🎧 Whether you’re a bluegrass aficionado or just discovering the magic of John Hartford, this episode is a celebration of legacy, creativity, and the evolving role of women in bluegrass.

Episode 36 - Cris Jacobs - More Than Jams, Lots Of Lyrics & Less Chomping May 02, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful and wide-ranging episode of What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay sit down with the King of Baltimore groove and grit—Cris Jacobs—for a conversation that’s as raw as it is redemptive. From the birth of his solo sound to sitting in with Billy Strings, this one’s got heart, soul, and a whole lotta six-string wisdom. 🎶💬

✨ Episode Highlights:

👧 The Story Behind “Daughter Daughter” – Cris opens up about being a girl dad in a world that’s changed, the emotional moment that sparked the song, and the weight of raising children through tragedy like Uvalde.
🌀 Castaway: Healing Through Songwriting – Cris reflects on his 4-track EP written in the fog of post-pandemic confusion. Recorded with Brad Cook, Matt McGaughan (Bon Iver), and more, it’s short, potent, and painfully honest.
🎸 Guitar First, Feelings Always – From The Bridge to solo songwriter, Cris breaks down how he blends blues, funk, and folk into something distinctly his own.
🧘‍♂️ Meditation & Mental Health on the Road – How TM, staying grounded at home, and being present with his kids helps him balance life and music.
🤝 Billy Strings & Renewal Magic – Cris recounts the tent-shaking set at Billy Strings' Renewal festival (you remember—Stevie Ray Vaughan hat and all), talks about their growing friendship, and how Billy, like Jerry Douglas, lifts up fellow musicians with integrity and generosity.
🧡 Backstage Camaraderie – Stories with the Infamous Stringdusters, Lindsay Lou, LeAnn Womack, and how Castaway became a who's-who of roots music royalty, thanks to Jerry Douglas dialing up legends like it was no big deal.
🎤 Little Feat, Solo Sets & Reading the Room – From rowdy crowds to pin-drop quiet theaters, Cris shares what it’s like to pour his soul out, night after night—sometimes alone, sometimes with a band, always authentic.

🎧 Whether you caught Cris shredding with Billy at Renewal, teared up to “Daughter Daughter,” or just found his music—this episode reminds us why songs matter. And why artists like Cris Jacobs are worth every listen.

Episode 35 - A Cervantes Saga - Confetti Cannons, Train Whistles & Hero Doses Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

In this hilariously chaotic episode of What’s the Reason for This?, the boys are back for a full-throttle debrief of their wild weekend at Cervantes' Other Side in Denver. Kodi, Tyler, and Shay recount the mayhem and magic of seeing Silas Herman & The Tone Unit, Magoo, and The Pickpockets—all in one unforgettable night. 🎶🔥

From a soaking wet yellow sweater spotted from the rafters at Billy Strings to sneaking a confetti cannon past security, it’s a ride through the antics of dedicated fans doing the absolute most. Expect stories of:

🚀 A full hero dose of mushrooms (yes, someone took all 24 capsules) 🎉 Confetti cannons strapped in unmentionable places 🚨 Train whistles lighting up Ruben’s Train 🎸 Dobro distortion that melted faces 🥵 A 1200° front-row sauna session 😡 Chomper chaos and emotional moments at a Mihali show 🚫 A confrontation with a scene exploiter that nearly threw hands!

The crew also dives into what makes Colorado such a unique music hub, the rise of Magoo from openers to headliners, and why sometimes you just have to yell, "You're at a concert! Shut the fuck up!" 💥

Whether you're here for the music, the mushrooms, or the meows—this episode is a love letter to the bluegrass jam scene, train whistle diplomacy, and keeping the vibe alive.

🎧 Tune in, blow your whistle (at the right time), and enjoy the ride. #WhatstheReason #JamGrassLife

Episode 34 - Jerry Miller - Don't Mess With Cary, North Carolina Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

In this deeply candid and unfiltered episode, Kodi and Shay sit down with none other than “Fuck You Jerry Miller” himself—yes, that Jerry from Cary. 🎙️🔥 Together, they unravel a rollercoaster of a story that starts with an arrest at a Billy Strings show and evolves into something truly redemptive and inspiring.

🛻 From shady undercovers in cargo shorts to reclaiming his life through music, fatherhood, and community, Jerry opens up about how a felony arrest turned into a life-changing journey.

🎵 Episode Highlights:

✨ The Arrest Heard ‘Round the Lot 🚨🎫 – Jerry recounts the Cary, NC incident that kicked off a wild chain of events: weed, a nitrous tank, and a speck of dust that changed everything.

✨ Back by Set Two 🎶🚔 – After getting arrested, Jerry bonds out, Ubers back, and makes it into the VIP section by second set. Talk about Catch & Release.

✨ The Fuck You Jerry Movement 😂👕 – What started as a joke between friends becomes a full-blown merch line to raise legal funds, with the whole Billy community rallying behind him.

✨ Turning Trouble Into Purpose 💪🧹 – Jerry shares how his community service turned into Healing the Herd outreach, telling his recovery story and working the lot to help others.

✨ Life on the Road with Sawyer 👨‍👦🔨 – Jerry and his son are now traveling tradesmen, fixing floors and lives across the country, fueled by kindness and concert runs.

✨ The Power of Positivity 🌈✌️ – Sobriety, growth, and the healing magic of the Billy Strings family—Jerry reflects on how he's transformed pain into peace.

✨ Family, Not a Cult (We Swear) 🫶🎪 – Why this community of jam band lovers, travelers, and “dirty wooks” is more like family than fandom.

✨ Troll King with a Tender Heart 👑❤️ – Sure, Jerry may live under the proverbial bridge, but his raw honesty and fierce love for the community shine through.

🔥 This one’s for the heads who’ve seen some shit, been through some shit, and found family anyway. A must-listen if you’ve ever danced your way out of darkness. 🕯️🎶

💥 Drop a twisted tea emoji 🍋 in the comments if you’ve been there and bounced back too!

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #JerryMiller #BillyStrings #CaryNC #HealingTheHerd #FuckYouJerryMiller #JamBandCommunity #LiveMusic #RecoveryJourney #BluegrassFamily #LotLife #EasyWindFarm

Episode 32 - Blake Christiana of Yarn - Finding Harmony, Building Community & Spreading Positivity Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

In this lively and heartfelt episode, the hosts reflect on their recent concert experiences, aging, and the evolution of their podcast. 🗣️🎙️ Kodi and Shay check in about their weekend adventures in music, highlighting their time at Billy Failing, Bluegrass Generals and Magoo. 🐸 During this soulful and inspiring interview, we sit down with Blake Christiana, the heart and voice behind the band Yarn, as he shares his incredible journey through music. From his early days in upstate New York 🏞️ to making a name for himself in Brooklyn’s vibrant music scene 🎸, Blake opens up about the highs and lows of life as an artist.

🎵 Episode Highlights:

✨ The Podcast Evolution 🎙️💡 – The duo discusses how they’re adapting the podcast to better engage with their growing audience and reflect on their journey so far.

✨ The Physical Toll of Live Shows 😅🎸 – A candid discussion about the challenges of attending concerts as they get older and how it’s reshaped their approach to live music.

✨ The Importance of Listener Feedback 📣💬 – Why listener engagement is more important than ever, and how their community has shaped the direction of the show.

✨ Magoo and The Billy Failing Band 🪕🔥 – Kodi and Shay prove yet again why they are Magoo's #1 Fan Boys. The up and coming Denver bluegrass band opened for Billy Failing over the weekend, even sharing the stage together for WDR 🥀

✨ The Birth of Yarn 🎶 – How the band evolved from Blake’s first project, Blake and the Family Dog, and found its signature sound.

✨ The Magic of Live Music 🎤🔥 – Behind the scenes of their new live album, which captures the raw energy and emotion of their festival performances.

✨ Songwriting Secrets ✍️🎶 – Blake’s fast-paced creative process and how he channels inspiration before it fades.

✨ Music as Therapy ❤️ – How writing and performing help Blake navigate life’s challenges and offer healing to both himself and his fans.

✨ Fan Interpretations & Emotional Connections 🎧💡 – The surprising ways listeners connect with his lyrics and how songs take on new meaning over time.

✨ The Ticket Selling Struggle 🎟️😩 – The real talk on how tough it is for independent artists to sell tickets and why community support matters more than ever.

✨ Balancing Humor & Depth 🤣😢 – Why Blake weaves both lightheartedness and serious themes into his music to create something real and relatable.

✨ Preaching Love & Positivity ❤️✨ – The inspiration behind their new album ‘Saturday Night Sermon’, spreading a message of love, kindness, and resilience.

Blake also reflects on the joy of on-stage collaborations 🎶🤝, the importance of cover songs 🎼, and his belief in focusing on the good things in life—even when it’s hard.

🔥 Don’t miss this powerful episode packed with wisdom, laughter, and raw musical passion! 🎧✨

Drop a 🎶 in the comments if you’re tuning in! 🎙️👇

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #Podcast #BlakeChristiana #YarnMusic #IndieMusic #NewEpisode #LiveMusic #MusicIsTherapy #SaturdayNightSermon

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

What’s The Reason For This Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected