Answering questions submitted by fans & other musicians, Myles Bullen explores their latest album with Pepe Bandit. Myles reveals an unknown history to Pepe that has secretly connected them both for over 15 years. Themes of connection, community & cathartic music are also brought up. Myles discusses the evolution of their music, particularly the transition from hip-hop to a more folk punk sound. They share insights on the creative process behind their latest album, the importance of vulnerability in performance, and the personal significance of the album's themes. The discussion also touches on the challenges of solitude, the joy of artistic collaboration, and the deep connections formed through music. Questions & comments from the entire Friends In Real Life lineup, Folk Punk Dad, Eric King & more!

Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

• A word from Eric King
• Making music to connect deeply with those who have experienced hardship
• Why Eric King intimidated Myles
• Why Myles intimidated Pepe
• The connection the audience feels at a live show w/ Myles
• Reflections on the album artwork & its personal meaning
• The album creates a feeling of communal sharing and celebration
• How performing in folk punk spaces has been life-changing & career-saving for Myles
• The minimalist approach in the album challenges Myles to be more vulnerable
• The names of the fish on the album cover are a tribute to friends lost

Order a copy of Liminal Spaces by Myles Bullen

Back On The Grind Records - Get DIY, Folk Punk Music & merch:

• backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you; roasted by Pepe

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters to us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend who you think will also enjoy it.
• Leave us a rating or review. It will help us reach & support more folks like you & that's why we do this :)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of the 4 movies series, Spoken Nerd talks with Pepe Bandit about The Last Circus. A film they both loved so much it got its own episode dedicated to it. This is one of Pepe's all time favorite movies...Tune in to see what the hype is all about!

Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Last Circus - youtube.com/watch?v=fDhw367f9oI
• Balada Triste De Trompeta - RAPHAEL youtube.com/watch?v=DWnmzagelp8

Check out our previous picks from episode #46:

• Beast Of The Southern Wild - youtube.com/watch?v=pvqZzSMIZa0
• Accion Mutante - youtube.com/watch?v=jMZA9a_jx3Q
• The Substance - youtube.com/watch?v=LNlrGhBpYjc

Connect with Spoken Nerd

• instagram.com/spokennerd/
• open.spotify.com/artist/2CwUmIybp6G0dqkZvlfB2D?si=pUv_fB6NStCabpsc0HDdSQ

Back On The Grind Records - DIY Folk Punk & Music merch:

backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Get coffee roasted by Pepe Bandit:

STAY FREE COFFEE ROASTERS

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters to us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend who you think will also enjoy it.
• Leave us a rating or review. It will help us reach & support more folks like you & that's why we do this :)

Stay Free until next time!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I try to live my life in a fearless way"

Christoph Jesus of Crazy & The Brains, shares his journey as an artist, recalling experiences performing with various bands, the differences between opening & headlining shows, & the challenges of facing criticism. He emphasizes the importance of artistic freedom & the essence of punk rock, which he believes is rooted in intention & energy rather than strict musical boundaries. Christoph & Pepe explore the profound impact of family relationships, loss, & grief on creativity. The conversation also delves into cultural influences, particularly in film & music, through authentic storytelling as art. We close out the conversation playing the song "Punk Rocker" by Crazy & The Brains.

Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Christoph values learning from every performance
• Opening for respected bands is a significant opportunity for growth
• Criticism can be a challenge, but it can also motivate you
• Being contacted by Iggy Pop
• Punk rock is about intention & breaking boundaries
• Artistic expression should be fearless & authentic
• The value of having positive family relations
• Loss can significantly influence artistic expression & creativity
• Exploring grief further
• Authentic storytelling in art is often overshadowed by commercial interests
• Cultural consumption should be approached with a critical eye for authenticity
• We play "Punk Rocker" by Crazy & The Brains

Connect with Crazy And The Brains

• Spotify open.spotify.com/artist/4qNUloovyPeo5wXRKRYFVD?si=Ahv-rcIAQiGJ7zdgjCymbw
• instagram.com/crazyandthebrains/
• crazyandthebrains.net/

Back On The Grind Records - DIY, Folk Punk & Music merch:

• backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Get coffee roasted by Pepe Bandit:

STAY FREE COFFEE ROASTERS

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters to us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend who you think will also enjoy it.
• Leave us a rating or review. It will help us reach & support more folks like you & that's why we do this :)

Stay Free until next time!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spoken Nerd & Pepe Bandit each pick two movies for the other to watch & then discuss with you. This episode explores 3 of those films, Beast Of The Southern Wild, Accion Mutante, & The Substance. Check out the movie previews (linked below.)

Then in part 2 of this series, they dedicate the entire episode to The Last Circus (you might want to watch it before it airs on April 15th.) We close out the episode playing a track by Spoken Nerd!

Enjoy!

Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Beast Of The Southern Wild - youtube.com/watch?v=pvqZzSMIZa0
• Accion Mutante - youtube.com/watch?v=jMZA9a_jx3Q
• The Substance - youtube.com/watch?v=LNlrGhBpYjc
• We play Secret Door To The mall by Spoken Nerd feat. Negro Justice
• The Last Circus - youtube.com/watch?v=fDhw367f9oI (discussed in upcoming episode #48)

Connect with Spoken Nerd

• instagram.com/spokennerd/
• open.spotify.com/artist/2CwUmIybp6G0dqkZvlfB2D?si=pUv_fB6NStCabpsc0HDdSQ
• ghettoblastermagazine.com/category/film/

Back On The Grind Records - DIY, Folk Punk & Music merch:

backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Get coffee roasted by Pepe Bandit:

STAY FREE COFFEE ROASTERS

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters to us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend who you think will also enjoy it.
• Leave us a rating or review. It will help us reach & support more folks like you & that's why we do this :)

Stay Free until next time!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Rob & Noah from TheTaxpayers discuss their journey back to music after nearly a decade without a new album. They explore the themes of their upcoming release 'Circle Breaker', including trauma, loss, & the hope that follows. The band reflects on the resurgence of interest in their music, particularly through platforms like TikTok, & compares their past, more DIY shows to their recent performances, noting the differences in venue dynamics & audience engagement. Along with Pepe, they delve into topics like hot sauce, the bonds formed during challenging times & personal stories about forgiveness & redemption, emphasizing that no one is beyond hope. The discussion also touches on touring in Australia & the unique experiences there. The conversation wraps up delving into the nature of reality & the intriguing concept of Bigfoot & UFOs, suggesting a deeper spiritual connection to such phenomena.

Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

• The theme of circles on their upcoming album Circle Breaker
• Unexpected TicToc fame
• Shows then & now
• Thoughts on sound checks
• Noah & Rob give Pepe suggestions of what his potential venue should offer
• Alcohol Vs. no alcohol in venues
• The importance of inclusive, all ages spaces for music
• Making hot sauce at home & in prison
• Time in Tasmania
• Radical forgiveness & redemption
• Losing friends to suicide
• Rob discusses the duality of people who can be both generous & troubled
• The impact of simple gestures can save lives, as shared by Pepe
• The discussion on Bigfoot & UFOs leads to deeper questions about reality & perception

Connect with The Taxpayers

• instagram.com/the_taxpayers/
• thetaxpayersband.com

Back On The Grind Records - DIY, Folk Punk & Music merch:

backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Get coffee roasted by Pepe Bandit:

STAY FREE COFFEE ROASTERS

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters to us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend who you think will also enjoy it.
• Leave us a rating or review. It will help us reach & support more folks like you & that's why we do this :)

Stay Free until next time!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, former political prisoner Eric King shares his experience of incarceration & the profound impact of relationships during his time in prison. He discusses the journey that led him to federal prison, the challenges of maintaining connections with loved ones, & the unique bond he formed with his wife, Rochelle. He highlights the importance of emotional support & understanding in navigating the complexities of love behind bars. Eric emphasizes the need for vulnerability & the significance of being valued as a person, despite the dehumanizing nature of the prison system. The conversation also touches on the societal perceptions of relationships with incarcerated individuals. Eric discusses the fleeting moments of joy that allowed him to escape the harsh realities of incarceration & the transformative power of love that helped him navigate his difficult journey. He reflects on the emotional complexities of his release day, the struggles of adjusting to life outside prison, & the importance of community support. Eric emphasizes the significance of finding joy & maintaining a smile as acts of resistance against the trauma of his past, while also highlighting the impact of art & connection in the healing process...particularly through seeing Myles Bullen perform live.

Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

• What led Eric into prison
• Prison relationships often face skepticism from the outside world
• Emotional vulnerability is essential for maintaining connections
• Visits from loved ones can be emotionally taxing & scrutinized
• Women often bear the emotional burden of supporting incarcerated partners
• Exploring how love can transform one's experience in prison
• The complexities and challenges of getting married in prison
• Moments of joy can provide relief from the harsh realities of incarceration
• The emotional turmoil leading up to release day.
• Navigating the challenges of the halfway house experience
• Finding joy & resistance in the aftermath of incarceration
• The power of a smile as an act of defiance against trauma
• Thoughts on Myles Bullen & the importance of community & art in the healing process

Follow Eric King on Instagram

• instagram.com/supportericking/

Back On The Grind Records - DIY, Folk Punk & Music merch:

backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Get coffee roasted by Pepe Bandit:

STAY FREE COFFEE ROASTERS

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters to us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend who you think will also enjoy it.
• Leave us a rating or review. It will help us reach & support more folks like you & that's why we do this :)

Stay Free until next time!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the final installment of our Johnny Hobo Q&A, Brook Pridemore joins Pepe to offer some more perspectives on the questions listeners sent in. They also discuss some of the general happenings of the folk punk scene from the mid to late 2000's. Enjoy! (There will be some additional Pat The Bunny questions answered by Pepe on our Patreon feed)

Support the podcast to get bonus episodes + goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Brook's first show with Johnny Hobo/Pat The Bunny
• What was the average Johnny hobo show like at the time? Was it a solid consistent line up or mostly pat showing up with a guitar?
• What was the farthest pat toured during that period?
• Some differences between the Pan-It-X crew & the DIY Bandits crew
• The role of "place" & how it influences music & scenes
• How much did the Johnny Hobo songs actually reflect Pat's real life at the time & how much was just him singing in character?
• Were things like hitchhiking & riding freight trains stuff Pat actually did?
• Thoughts on the tinder Box in Brattleboro VT.
• Brook taking people to Harmony Parking Lot
• How do you all feel about being so popular with train hoppers & homeless kids, particularly those who take inspiration from Pat's early nihilistic, self-destructive lyrics to be nihilistic and self-destructive themselves?
• Does an artist have a responsibility to their listeners. Eg glorifying drugs, suicide, violence, crime etc or is the first responsibility to the art itself?
• How do you feel about fans putting people like Pat & Benjamin Tod on pedestals? Seemingly holding them solely responsible for their recoveries?
• "These days folk-punk is suffering because the artists aren't". It seems like the music was better when the people involved were "worse". Can you speak to that idea?
• Can I become rich & pay off my student loans with my old CDs. Asking for a friend :) + What’s that most yall have seen these albums go for?
• Did he ever give a reason for the disbanding of Johnny Hobo? If so what was it?

Back On The Grind Records - DIY, Folk Punk & Music merch:

backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Get coffee roasted by Pepe Bandit:

STAY FREE COFFEE ROASTERS

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Listen to Johnny Hobo & The Freight Trains music

• open.spotify.com/artist/7Mv8pqnyBgJGpNTRwbi7kl?si=my2hVoEARMiILPtdwUQyjg

Listen to part 1 of this series

• Spotify open.spotify.com/episode/0eLXoYgmbVI3XiBCZcRrvo?si=aac159d382414ccb
• Apple podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-on-the-grind/id1681556943?i=1000680412865

Listen to part 2 of this series

• Spotify open.spotify.com/episode/5IzB3AHtsMhsGp75bacHxY?si=b8e3cc3f85ec4f24
• Apple podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-on-the-grind/id1681556943?i=1000684064945

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters to us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

1. Share your favorite episode with a friend who you think will also enjoy it.
2. Leave us a rating or review. It will help us reach & support more folks like you & that's why we do this :)

Stay Free until next time!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wondering what the upcoming Friends In Real Life album will be like? Well, here's a sneak peek...

The day after Pat (fka Pat The Bunny) announced he will be releasing music for the first time in 10 years, Pepe decided to chat with friends April Hartman of Apes Of The State & Julio "Ceschi" Ramos of Codefendants about the new album. Expect to hear what Pat's return means to them & the scene overall, April's top 3 picks from the album, Ceschi's break down about how the song (& upcoming video) "Surf Rock Anthem" came to be & much more. This one got emotional...

REMEMBER THERE IS STILL HOPE LEFT IN THIS WORLD

A longer version of this interview is available through our Patreon

Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

Back On The Grind Records - DIY, Folk Punk & Music merch:

backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Get coffee roasted by Pepe Bandit:

STAY FREE COFFEE ROASTERS

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Listen to Friends In Real life

• open.spotify.com/artist/6k9PWB6N0siXTYtRn6hV6s?si=KTNJHKAOTHSmnPDx49KqRw

Listen to Ceschi & Codefendants

• Codefendants - open.spotify.com/artist/6HBfXt98QpP7QVDPLHjHTe?si=d4BAH4nYQSm0oyALZotM9w
• Ceschi - open.spotify.com/artist/78t5ObID5m0cLVrpZernKV?si=2l6QbrF5SOaTPpC6KBV5qA

Listen to Apes Of the State

• open.spotify.com/artist/4HemfSCDgnPiHQh8Z6iyd6?si=6oweZzS4SWi6OAcfljFk9g

Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters to us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

1. Share your favorite episode with a friend who you think will also enjoy it.
2. Leave us a rating or review. It will help us reach & support more folks like you & that's why we do this :)

Stay Free until next time!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.