Vinyl records are often celebrated for their warmth, their permanence, and their beauty — but what’s the real environmental cost of keeping this format alive?

In this episode, Scott sits down with sustainability experts Ryan Weitzel and Vladimír Víšek to explore the environmental impact of vinyl records — from raw materials and manufacturing to packaging, shipping, and the small but powerful changes that can make the industry more sustainable.

It’s a nuanced conversation about responsibility, data, and the quiet revolution already underway inside pressing plants around the world.

Because sustainability in vinyl isn’t about one big decision — it’s about hundreds of small, deliberate ones that add up to real change.

Presented by A to Z Media - http://atozmedia.com

“Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know the process—just ask questions. That’s how I learned everything.”

Presented by A to Z Media (http://atozmedia.com)

In this episode, we sit down with Patrick from A to Z Media, one of the most trusted names in vinyl pressing and packaging.

Patrick pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to bring music from digital files to a physical record you can hold in your hands.

We talk about sequencing an album for vinyl, the science and craftsmanship behind plating and pressing, and the hundreds of skilled hands that touch a record before it reaches a fan’s turntable.

Patrick also shares his own journey as a lifelong collector, including the wild story of rescuing a vintage Wurlitzer jukebox off a Los Angeles street.

Hey friends, Scott here, just wanted to pop on an intro this cool episode of a great podcast you may not be familiar with.

Our friends at A to Z Media – Have a podcast of their own. And if you like Other Record Labels or you like For the Love of Vinyl – you’ll love Bespoken. A podcast by a to Z media that Dives into the world of independent music and physical media culture.

In this episode of BESPOKEN, host Scott Pollack welcomes Ken Shipley, co-founder of the influential reissue label Numero Group. Known for its meticulous packaging, deep archival research, and genre-spanning catalog, Numero has spent over two decades preserving overlooked artists and forgotten underground music scenes, from soul and funk to punk, post-hardcore, early emo, and beyond.

This conversation centers on Sequoia, Numero’s ambitious new 7-inch box set documenting the first decade of American emo. Described by Ken as a “30-year sequel” to his 1995 compilation Eucalyptus, Sequoia is both a love letter and historical archive, featuring 27 vinyl records, a 136-page hardcover book, and packaging that faithfully recreates the tactile, handmade spirit of ’90s DIY culture.

Ken shares insights into Numero’s creative process, how physical media becomes a vehicle for storytelling, and why their mission goes beyond nostalgia—it's about preserving cultural memory. This rare behind-the-scenes conversation reveals the values, vision, and detail-driven ethos of one of the most respected archival labels in the industry.

A to Z Media is proud to have worked with Numero Group on countless vinyl releases, boxed sets, merch, and, of course, Sequoia. Whether you're a fan of emo, punk, or the art of vinyl packaging, this episode is a must-listen.

Learn more or order Sequoia: https://numerogroup.com/products/sequoia

For 30 years, A to Z Media has been the trusted manufacturing partner for artists and labels (major and independent) producing high-quality vinyl, CDs, cassettes, books, and merchandise. Start your next project at: https://www.atozmedia.com

SUBSCRIBE TO BESPOKEN PODCAST: https://bespokenpodcast.podbean.com/
BESPOKEN PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/@AtoZMediaInc

“It isn’t luck, it’s tenacity. It’s going to as many sales as you can, and always asking if there are records.”

In this episode of For the Love of Vinyl, Scott chats with Jay Clarke, owner of Time Capsule, a small collectibles shop in southern Ontario and the face of a beloved vinyl-hunting YouTube channel.

Presented by A to Z Media [atozmedia.com]

Jay shares his decades of experience digging through thrift stores, garage sales, yard sales, church bazaars, antique shops, and even Facebook Marketplace in search of hidden vinyl gems.

They explore how the golden age of cheap records in the 1990s has given way to a more competitive, knowledge-driven hunt today. From “bread and butter” classics like Thriller and Rumours to the thrill of stumbling on rare reggae and prog records, Jay explains why persistence, curiosity, and a bit of luck are the real keys to finding great vinyl.

Along the way, he offers practical tips for collectors, reflects on the cultural comeback of records in the 2000s, and shares some of his wildest finds—including grabbing three boxes of avant-garde LPs off a street curb on garbage day.

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Check out Jay's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@timecapsuledunnville5133

Follow Jay on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/timecapsuledunnville/?hl=en

In this episode, we talk all about Turntables and how modern turntable technology has contributed to our vinyl obsession. I sit down with Edward Forth of Audio-Technica to explore the brand’s pivotal role in the vinyl resurgence over the past two decades.

From entry-level turntables to high-end gear, Edward shares insights on how accessibility, affordability, and a commitment to sound quality have helped generations of music fans fall in love with vinyl. We discuss the natural progression of a vinyl collector’s journey, Audio-Technica’s historic dedication to analog sound, and the lasting impact of their iconic models like the LP120.

Whether you're new to vinyl or deep into upgrade territory, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the gear that keeps the grooves spinning.

Presented by A to Z Media - (http://atozmedia.com)

Learn More: http://otherrecordlabels.com/fortheloveofvinyl

In this episode, I sit down with Tasha Trigger of Lathe to the Grave — a UK-based company making handmade lathe cut vinyl records.

Presented by A to Z Media (http://atozmedia.com)

We break down what lathe cuts are, how they’re made, and why they’re a smart option for indie artists and small labels who want limited-edition records without the cost or risk of traditional pressing.

Tasha shares her passion for the craft, her thoughts on pricing and sound quality, and some of the more eccentric projects she’s cut (including a record of someone saying the C-word 500 times). We also talk about packaging, small-run merch strategies, and why lathe cuts are more than just music — they’re collectibles.

"These reissues are not just records—they're historical documents."

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of reissues with Jason Zeimet of Unoriginal Vinyl.

He shares the behind-the-scenes process of resurrecting forgotten 90s and 2000s albums for vinyl for the very first time—or for the first time in decades.

Presented by A to Z Media. (http://atozmedia.com)

From artist buy-in and rare first pressings to pitch decks and the obsession with doing it right, this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about vinyl culture and music history.

Learn More about Unoriginal Vinyl here: http://unoriginalvinyl.com

Finding the right number of vinyl records to press is all about balance! 🎵 Aim for enough to meet demand while keeping leftovers minimal. 300 copies is often the sweet spot—manageable, profitable, and creates a sense of urgency for your fans.

Presented by A to Z Media (http://atozmedia.com)