Common Thread cover art

Common Thread

Common Thread

By: Lunchador Podcast Network
Listen for free

About this listen

Rory Van Grol & Greg Benoit talk with guests about how the values, philosophies, and sense of community found in hardcore punk has influenced the trajectory of our lived experiences in unexpected ways. It features organic discussions that illuminate how this music is the common thread that provides continuity throughout our lives and connects us to one another.Copyright 2025 Lunchador Podcast Network Hygiene & Healthy Living Music Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Common Thread - Episode 7.1 (Mike Jeffers)
    Jul 16 2025

    Episode 7 features a discussion with Mike Jeffers, drummer for Dead to the World, Herod, Juggernaut, GOA, Longest War, and other bands that have been based out of Buffalo NY. Mike also runs the record label Classic Core Records, and also serves a leadership role in the Buffalo Public Schools teachers union.

    Mike has been involved with the hardcore punk community for over 30 years, but the focus of our conversation centers on how the values of punk rock have influenced him as an educator, father, and union leader.

    In this thoughtful discussion, Mike also expounds on the state of education in Buffalo and America, the present challenges and realities of educating teens in an urban community that faces poverty, crime, and neglect, how social media has changed hardcore for better and worse, and the importance of building a healthy community in the classroom and in the hardcore scene.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Behind the Glass

    Podcast and gallery focusing on underrepresented artists utilize the space to amplify their work. Curated by @Richardbcolon @qua.jay. Check out the podcast or join them in person first Fridays at 240 E Main St, Rochester, NY! https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fm

    Joe Bean Roasters

    Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

    Lunchador Podcast Network

    Check out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Common Thread - Episode 6.2 (Rob Antonucci)
    Jul 2 2025

    Greg and Rob kickoff the episode with a very important discussion about generational preferences relating to spreadsheet and word processing software in the workplace.

    Part two of Rob's interview contains further discussion of recent record releases the trio have enjoyed, tariffs as they relate to coffee beans, how creative elements of the new Turnstile record remind us of the Beastie Boys, and Matty Matheson as hardcore punk ambassador to mainstream popular culture.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Lunchador Podcast Network

    Check out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

    Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast

    Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm

    Joe Bean Roasters

    Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Common Thread - Episode 6.1 (Rob Antonucci)
    Jun 25 2025

    Greg and Rory welcome long time listener, first time caller Rob Antonucci to the show. Rob is a regular behind the scenes collaborator with Common Thread, and today he joins us on the mic for what will be a two part episode.

    The trio share updates related to the podcast and life. Rory discusses the recent tenth anniversary of Ugly Duck Coffee and some of the festivities they coordinated in recognition of the milestone including a magician for the kids, and (real) tattoos for the adults applied by tattoo artist Benton Sillick from Lucky Folk Tattoo. Rory reflects on the early years of the coffee shop, the work that went into building the business, and efforts by everyone on the UDC team to develop the shop into what it is today.

    Greg announces an upcoming author visit, reading, and book signing he is coordinating at the Irondequoit Public Library featuring our guests from episode 4 of Common Thread. On Saturday, August 30th the authors of The Unraveling (Karl Buechner, Jeremy Mueller, and Keith Ward) will be in town for an after hours event that will feature food from Red Fern, drinks from Ugly Duck Coffee, and (temporary) tattoos for the kids applied by tattoo artist Adrien Clark from Axe of Kindness. The evening will conclude with a live set by Rochester's own Coming Down.

    Rob discusses his other Disney themed podcast, The Dis-List Podcast, and insights and experiences from his career as a teacher including the delicate art of providing feedback on creative projects. Rob shares how he came to be an art teacher after considering a career in art, and expounds on how incorporating elements of performance art helps facilitate teaching teenagers.

    The three also share recent releases they have enjoyed from across the spectrum of hardcore punk sub-genres and beyond.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Joe Bean Roasters

    Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

    Mind of Magnus

    Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fm

    Lunchador Podcast Network

    Check out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

    Show More Show Less
    49 mins

What listeners say about Common Thread

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.