Common Thread

This two part episode features a conversation with Tuna Tardugno. Tuna is a wrestler, a vinyl pricer at an independent record store, and the vocalist in the hardcore punk band Sweat. The trio discuss Tuna's journey from Syracuse, NY to Los Angeles, and her work at Amoeba Records, which is the largest independent record store in the world. We also discuss her band Sweat and their new record and the...

This two part episode features a conversation with Tuna Tardugno. Tuna is a wrestler, a vinyl pricer at an independent record store, and the vocalist in the hardcore punk band Sweat. The trio discuss Tuna's journey from Syracuse, NY to Los Angeles, and her work at Amoeba Records, which is the largest independent record store in the world. We also discuss her band Sweat and their new record and the...

Episode 17 features an interview with Colleen Butterfield. Colleen works in the green energy industry where she helps HVAC companies adopt green technologies with the goal of making environmentally friendly energy more affordable for the consumer. The episode kicks off with a humorous discussion about insufferable LinkedIn influencers, Rory and Greg's brushes with reality television fame, and supp...

Rory and Greg sit down with Chad Posick, a professor of criminal justice and criminology at Georgia Southern University. Chad also plays guitar in the Georgia-based hardcore band Cult Body. Chad, Greg, and Rory have known each other for almost 30 years. The three grew up in Fairport, NY, and become friends through skateboarding and their love of Rochester Hardcore. In addition to being a college p...

Rory and Greg interview Raph Copeland, who founded Knifetwister Records using the prize money he won in a pool tournament. Knifetwister is unique in that is works with bands from all across the hardcore, punk, and metal spectrum. In a fun throwback, Knifetwister is also a web-based fanzine with written interviews. Raph and Knifetwister Records operate just outside of New York City. We hear a littl...

Greg and Rory catch up and after the holiday season and review their favorite record releases and shows from 2025. The two also discuss high points from the first year of Common Thread Podcast. Mentioned in this episode: Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business Check out Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/gettingrealwithbossy/ ES...

Rory Van Grol and Greg Benoit are back after a brief hiatus! This episode of Common Thread features an in-depth conversation with Greg Bennick, the vocalist of the legendary Seattle hardcore band @trialseattle. Greg Bennick is also an accomplished speaker, author, and filmmaker. The interview kicks off with a conversation about Bennick’s book, “Reclaim the Moment - Seven Strategies to Build a Bett...

Rory Van Grol and Greg Benoit are back after a brief hiatus! This episode of Common Thread features an in-depth conversation with Greg Bennick, the vocalist of the legendary Seattle hardcore band @trialseattle. Greg Bennick is also an accomplished speaker, author, and filmmaker. The interview kicks off with a conversation about Bennick’s book, “Reclaim the Moment - Seven Strategies to Build a Bett...

Episode 12, part 2 continues our interview with Will Cleveland, who is well known in the Rochester area for his work as a journalist with the Democrat & Chronicle , his role with the Police Accountability Board, and his detailed and prolific writing on the regional beer scene and craft breweries. This episode delves into the significant matter of police accountability and the complexities surr...

Episode 12, part 1 features an interview with Will Cleveland, who is well known in the Rochester area for his work as a journalist with the Democrat & Chronicle , his role with the Police Accountability Board, and his detailed and prolific writing on the regional beer scene and craft breweries. Will is as affable as he is outspoken. Consequently, this interview is humorous and insightful. The...

Rory and Greg conclude their interview with Katy Otto from bands Sun Within, White Picket Fence, and record label Exotic Fever Records. Katy expounds upon her role as director of communications for Juvenile Law Center. The group discusses media literacy in a post-truth society, partake in more banter about punk rock parenting, and discuss the vegan dining options in Rochester, NY. Exotic Fever Rec...

Rory and Greg interview Katy Otto in part one of this two part episode. Katie lives in Philadelphia, plays drums in Sun Within and White Picket Fence, runs Exotic Fever Records, and works as the director of communications for Juvenile Law Center, the first nonprofit, public interest law firm for children in the country. Karty's vibrant personality and passion for helping her community are immediat...

In part two of episode 10, Rory and Greg conclude their conversation with Rich Gaccione from Edict and What Feeds the Fire. The group discusses middle age, the inevitability of death, their own mortality, and how giving back to the community can make it all bearable. But don't worry, it isn't all grim and serious. Rich closes out the episode with a hilarious story about his legal troubles stemming...

Rory and Greg interview Rich Gaccione from Providence, Rhode Island. Rich played guitar in What Feeds the Fire and Edict. He is also the owner of Providence Vegan Deli. We discuss how the Providence Vegan Deli grow of Rich's seitan business, Born from Pain, which which he started after losing his job during the pandemic. Rich speaks about the challenges he faced during the initial phases, includin...

In part two of a two part episode, Rory and Greg interview Al Brown, from the Los Angeles based band Dangers. In addition to being the vocalist in a hardcore band, Al is a college professor, writer, small business owner, soccer coach, and fitness trainer; a true Renaissance Man who the physical and intellectual aspects of punk rock into a program of person growth. Al discusses his introduction to...

In part one of a two part episode, Rory and Greg interview Al Brown, from the Los Angeles based band Dangers. In addition to being the vocalist in a hardcore band, Al is a college professor, writer, small business owner, soccer coach, and fitness trainer; a true Renaissance Man who the physical and intellectual aspects of punk rock into a program of person growth. Al discusses his introduction to...

This two part episode features an interview with the founders and owners of Old Skull Skateboards, Steve Hild and Bob Stolte, and local skate scene personality, Paul Phillips. Rory and Greg discuss with the guests their respective introductions to skateboarding. This episode features a nostalgic look back at the developments and innovations in skateboarding and skate culture from the 1990s onward,...

This two part episode features an interview with the founders and owners of Old Skull Skateboards, Steve Hild and Bob Stolte, and local skate scene personality, Paul Phillips. Rory and Greg discuss with the guests their respective introductions to skateboarding. This episode features a nostalgic look back at the developments and innovations in skateboarding and skate culture from the 1990s onward,...

Part 2 of Episode 7 continues our 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...

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...

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 Ma...

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 recogni...

In the final installment of episode five Rory and Greg interview Tom Schlatter of Saetia, You & I, SpiritKiller, and The Assistant. Rory starts things off by discussing the impact You & I had on his relationship with hardcore with a particular focus on his experience traveling to see their final show. Tom talks about how punk rock influenced his career trajectory in the IT field, eventuall...

In part two of episode five Rory and Greg interview Tom Schlatter of Saetia, You & I, SpiritKiller, and The Assistant. Rory starts things off by discussing the impact You & I had on his relationship with hardcore with a particular focus on his experience traveling to see their final show. Tom talks about how punk rock influenced his career trajectory in the IT field, eventually leading him...

In part one of episode five Rory and Greg interview Tom Schlatter of Saetia, You & I, SpiritKiller, and The Assistant. Rory starts things off by discussing the impact You & I had on his relationship with hardcore with a particular focus on his experience traveling to see their final show. Tom talks about how punk rock influenced his career trajectory in the IT field, eventually leading him...