Episodes

  • Listener Q&A feat. Eric King, A Day Without Love & Justin Arena (prisoner support, music recs, finding folk punk friends, folk punk clothing & more!) #59
    Oct 1 2025

    Pepe brings on friends Eric King (former political prisoner), Brian Walker (A Day Without Love) & Justin Arena (musician/Together Press) to answer questions listeners sent in. Also, a bunch of songs get sampled throughout the episode. Be sure to check below for links to Pepe's playlists & the social pages of musicians mentioned in this episode.


    Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

    • patreon.com/BackontheGrind


    HIGHLIGHTS:

    • What non-folk punk songs do you listen to?
    • 3 ways to offer prisoner support
    • Tips for interviewing people
    • What folk punk you listening to currently?
    • Tips on finding folk punk friends
    • New to the scene & wondering what it looks like to dress more folk punk at shows
    • New music from friends that Pepe is excited about currently


    Pepe's Playlist from this episode & more:

    open.spotify.com/playlist/2Xhq4qecLwq8DiI5x0vVPA?si=vPyUnlUzQJCV7vafXEi8DA


    Pepe's Rocksteady playlist:

    open.spotify.com/playlist/1og9SP4Leh9a8mbcEqDI0c?si=SEH0yXawTFizpYgjFOcN0w



    DOUBLE RAINBOW

    Bandcamp - doublerainbow.bandcamp.com/track/i-talk-english-2

    Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/i-talk-english/419670335


    DUSTY THE KID

    Bandcamp - dustythekid.bandcamp.com/track/when-the-leaves-come-out

    Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/when-the-leaves-come-out/1804771643

    instagram.com/dustythekidd/


    CRAZY & THE BRAINS

    Bandcamp - crazyandthebrains.bandcamp.com/track/catatonic-youth

    Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/catatonic-youth/1828016948

    instagram.com/crazyandthebrains/


    CRICKET

    Bandcamp - crickettheguy.bandcamp.com/track/1-up

    Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/1-up/1695642904

    instagram.com/crickettheguy/


    RUEN

    Bandcamp - weareruen.bandcamp.com/track/a-neglected-spark-burns-the-house

    Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/a-neglected-spark-burns-the-house/1823876291

    instagram.com/weare_ruen/


    MARBLE BERRY SEEDS

    Bandcamp - marbleberryseeds.bandcamp.com/track/on-the-walmart-radio

    Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/on-the-walmart-radio/1813968478

    instagram.com/marbleberryseeds/


    CONFESSION KIDS

    Bandcamp - confessionkids.bandcamp.com/track/sprouts

    Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/sprouts/1820342010

    instagram.com/confessionkids/


    MYLES BULLEN

    Bandcamp - mylesbullen.bandcamp.com/music

    Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/iamnotforeveryone2-feat-chris-og-and-the-dopameanies/1832711191

    instagram.com/beatboxpoet/


    Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

    • StayFreeCoffee.com



    Follow the podcast on Instagram

    • instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram



    Reach out...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 for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

    • Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
    • Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)



    Stay Free,

    Pepe Bandit

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

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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Living A More Enjoyable Life Through Improv w/ Folk Punk Dad #58
    Sep 15 2025

    I was really surprised by this conversation as Folk Punk Dad helped me see the many areas my life was already embracing improv. From a stage mishap & heartfelt moment that led to an unexpected audience connection at a Friends In Real Life show, to playing with my kid before I entered prison, to solving a logistical challenge with a coffee roaster delivery, the principles of improv played a role. Join us as we explore the transformative power of improv in overcoming fear, anxiety, mistakes & struggles connecting to those around us. Through engaging stories and insightful discussions, discover how the principles of improv can enrich your life & relationships.

    Whether you're an improv enthusiast or new to the concept, this episode offers valuable lessons on embracing spontaneity, finding joy in the unexpected & living a more fulfilling & fearless life.


    Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

    • patreon.com/BackontheGrind



    HIGHLIGHTS:

    • How active listening & improv enhances relationships
    • Turning mistakes into opportunities
    • Improv can help reduce anxiety & boost self-confidence
    • The principles of improv (that can be applied to enhance your daily life)
    • Understand how trust is built through improv's core elements
    • The joy of incorporating play into daily life
    • Get inspired by simple improv activities to try with your friends
    • 'The Meantime' song is played


    Connect with Folk Punk Dad:

    • instagram.com/folkpunkdad/
    • open.spotify.com/track/0Ennhx56ZT72sZReoafieY?si=0e1a4438a9564706



    Back On The Grind Records - Find 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



    Reach out...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 for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

    • Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
    • Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)



    Stay Free,


    Pepe Bandit

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

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Jake McKelvie on Having 10+ years in the scene, social media, streaming & growing veggies #57
    Sep 1 2025

    Jake McKelvie explores his evolution as a musician, the concept of being a 'scene elder' &, thoughts on performing in various types of venues. He reflects on the role of social media in promoting music & shares insights into his creative process, particularly regarding lyricism. The complexities of navigating the modern music industry & the balance between accessibility & value in music is discussed as well as the impact of streaming services like Spotify on personal relationships & music discovery. Also talked about is some personal anecdotes about gardening & food preferences & the complexities of defining one's musical identity.


    Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

    • patreon.com/BackontheGrind



    takeaways

    • Jake has been involved in music for over a decade
    • The concept of a 'scene elder' is discussed humorously & seriously
    • Why Jake continues to perform & how it fulfills a part of his life
    • Distinctions between casual musicians & those with a heartfelt, life ambition
    • The atmosphere of house shows vs. venue performances
    • Is social media a necessary evil for promoting music
    • Aesthetic quality of lyrics vs. strict meaning of lyrics
    • How streaming services can both help & hinder music discovery
    • Gardening as a fulfilling hobby & escape
    • Navigating multiple musical genres & communities
    • 'Wiki Change' song is played



    Connect with Jake McKelvie:

    • Insta instagram.com/jacobcmckelvie/
    • Tour Dates jakemckelvie.com/shows



    Back On The Grind Records - Find 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



    Reach out...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 for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

    • Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
    • Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)



    Stay Free,


    Pepe Bandit

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

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    55 mins
  • COFFEE BREAK - Mike Wilson (of Harley Poe) Talks About Pissing For The Man
    Aug 21 2025

    Todays COFFEE BREAK features Mike Wilson of Harley Poe. He discusses pissing for authority figures & other fun stuff too.


    Get coffee roasted by Pepe Bandit:

    • stayfreecoffee.com/discount/SHIPFREE


    Listen to the full episode - Mike Wilson of Harley Poe on opening & closing a record shop & the DIY ethos #28:

    • Spotify open.spotify.com/episode/6AzBDnGXyRT3mZh9I4EXZh?si=g6-8bauBRL6go_28XIY7EA
    • Apple Podcast podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mike-wilson-of-harley-poe-on-opening-closing-a/id1681556943?i=1000657485702
    • Website shows.acast.com/64262419c18b8b00116c6fb0/663701acfc363d001257ea20


    Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods

    • patreon.com/BackontheGrind


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

    backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music



    Say hello, send us questions, comments or future topic suggestions to

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


    Follow/engage with the podcast on Instagram

    • instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram



    *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.

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    4 mins
  • Coming Home To Yourself: Beyond Addiction & Mental Health Struggles w/ Jason Shiers #56
    Aug 15 2025

    In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of overcoming addiction & mental health challenges with certified Psychotherapist, Jason Shiers. From the early trauma of losing his father to battling addiction, Jason shares his transformative path to self-discovery & healing. We explore the profound insights & experiences that led him to embrace life fully, focusing on the importance of inner work & reconnecting with the Self. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, self-awareness, & the journey back to oneself. Discover how understanding & nurturing our inner world can lead to profound personal transformation.


    Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

    • patreon.com/BackontheGrind



    HIGHLIGHTS:

    • What life can offer if you "come home to yourself"
    • What happened at age 5 that led to Jason's struggle
    • Being diagnosed through the psychiatric system as a child
    • Going from food addiction to heroine addiction by age 13
    • Rehab didn't go deep enough
    • Becoming a therapist still left Jason w/ secrete addictions & feeling broken
    • What is the inner world
    • Incorporating what he learned into his work with clients
    • Helping people see what was right w/ them, not what's wrong w/ them
    • How internal work benefits your external relationships
    • 3 types of therapy Jason finds valuable


    Connect with Jason Shiers:

    • misunderstandingsofthemind.com/
    • Order Jason's book - amazon.com/Infinite-Recovery-Project-Intelligence-Addiction/dp/1068323302/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1D07DW0NEPWH1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dEDyZOyYjqG2ccDXQ-C37gtXf8evlAj-KRQARwrARbuteCYSTlDMSdBjv0oHFXH2DYS26sWIedws_s6XozNjzw.OLyyeatCC1RjCRpZgfUpuTGgRG0Lup4fEvyG3bB3LcU&dib_tag=se&keywords=jason+shiers&qid=1754775309&sprefix=jason+shiers%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1



    Back On The Grind Records - For Folk Punk, DIY 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



    Reach out...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 for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

    • Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
    • Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)



    Stay Free,


    Pepe Bandit

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

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    58 mins
  • Walter Mitty & His Makeshift Orchestra - Finding A New Album & A New Self, Buried In A Cave #55
    Aug 1 2025

    In this episode, Walter Mitty shares his journey as an artist, discussing the origins of his name, the evolution of his music & its transformative power to forge a journey of personal reinvention. A unique twist in this journey involves the symbolic act of burying an album in a cave, representing the mystery & depth of personal transformation. We also discuss the DIY spirit in music creation, relationships with nature & surfing. Tune in to discover how music not only shapes our identities but also empowers us to redefine our lives & pursue new beginnings.


    Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

    • patreon.com/BackontheGrind



    HIGHLIGHTS:

    • The origin of the alias "Walter Mitty"
    • Early days of creating music with unconventional instruments
    • Embracing challenges for development
    • Personal stories of overcoming adversity through music
    • Reflections on the intersection of life experiences and creativity
    • The act of burying the album was both a creative and ritualistic endeavor
    • Caves as a metaphor for confronting the unknown within oneself
    • Swamplands as a symbolic territory between death & rebirth
    • Surfing as a connection to nature



    Connect w/ Walter Mitty & His Makeshift Orchestra

    • instagram.com/walteretc/?hl=en
    • walteretcband.wixsite.com/mysite
    • walteretc.bandcamp.com/




    Back On The Grind Records - Find 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



    Reach out...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 for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

    • Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
    • Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)



    Stay Free,


    Pepe Bandit

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

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    53 mins
  • The Waves Of Folk Punk, Friendship & Film w/ Jak of Shibby Pictures #54
    Jul 15 2025

    Jak & Pepe delve into the evolution of folk punk, discussing its origins, the impact of key bands like Days N Daze, & the role of music videos in the genre. They explore the various waves of folk punk, the importance of documenting the scene, & the deliberate approach some contemporary artists take in their music & performances. The discussion also highlights the significance of friendships & collaborations within the DIY community, emphasizing the shared passion for music & storytelling. Jak shares insights on collaborating with musicians Matt Pless & April Hartman, his journey from filmmaking to punk culture, & the evolution of his musical tastes. The style of director Richard Linklater & his influence on underground film are also discussed.


    Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods

    • patreon.com/BackontheGrind



    HIGHLIGHTS:

    • What Shibby Pictures does
    • Jak's documentary about the overlap of baseball & punk rock.
    • Jak's book/travel memoir about the DIY scene
    • The pandemic allowed many to work on creative projects
    • Folk punk's different waves over the years
    • Jak's video for Days & Daze Misanthropic Drunken Loner discussed
    • Documenting the scene is important for preserving its history
    • Collaboration with artists like Matt Pless & April Hartman has enriched Jak's creative journey
    • Jak's interest in film began at a young age, leading to a lifelong passion
    • The transition from mainstream music to DIY punk culture
    • Richard Linklater's films have influenced Jak's approach to storytelling
    • Accessibility in filmmaking has improved over the years, similar to music
    • Jak prioritizes creating art over seeking attention or recognition



    Connect with Jak / Shibby Pictures:

    • instagram.com/shibbypictures
    • shibby.pictures/



    Back On The Grind Records - Find 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



    Reach out...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 for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

    • Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
    • Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)



    Stay Free,


    Pepe Bandit

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

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    51 mins
  • MC Homeless on Connecting Rap, Folk Punk & Dogs #53
    Jul 1 2025

    MC Homeless & Pepe explore how the early days of folk punk & DIY rap were intertwined. They discuss the impact of early connections, memorable performances, & the evolution of MC Homeless as a rapper. They reflect on the importance of community in the music scene, the challenges of documentary filmmaking, the excitement of returning to music after a hiatus & collaborating with punk rock legends. The discussion also delves into the practical & emotional aspects of starting a dog walking business.


    Support the podcast & get bonus episodes & goods

    • patreon.com/BackontheGrind



    HIGHLIGHTS:

    • DIY rap & early folk punk connections
    • MC Homeless' role in connecting Pepe to rappers
    • The importance of community in the music scene
    • Memorable shows often took place in unconventional venues
    • Documentary filmmaking challenges & rewards
    • The crucial role of networking as an independent musician
    • Collaborating with punk rock legends
    • How running a dog walking business allows room to express the DIY ethos
    • The evolution of folk punk & appreciation for its current direction
    • Call to collaborate with folk punk artists in the future
    • We play "Growing Up Punk" (feat Fishbone)



    Connect with MC Homeless

    • Insta instagram.com/rustbelthammer/?hl=en
    • Spotify open.spotify.com/artist/56MtJ93o5Y6xLNKkg39ZNH?si=q8rB2J5fQOKkXg1E1aUssQ



    Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

    • StayFreeCoffee.com



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

    • backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music



    Follow the podcast on Instagram

    • instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram



    Reach out...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 for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

    • Share your favorite episode with a friend or two.
    • Leave a rating / review (this really helps me get access to more of the guest you want to hear from.)



    Stay Free,


    Pepe Bandit

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

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    56 mins