Flock Talk with the Femme Flock

This episode on Flock Talk , we’re joined by the unstoppable Natalie Brooke — singer, songwriter, classically trained pianist, keytar icon, and the headliner for our upcoming MSG Night Zero benefiting Conscious Alliance. Natalie takes us through her journey from childhood piano lessons and jazz studies to becoming one of the most electrifying performers in the jam scene today. We talk about learni...

You can’t spell Mom without Mo. This Mother’s Day, we’re joined by Maura Reilly—aka Mo—and Amy Hoaglund, the mom and sister of Rick Mitarotonda of the band Goose, for a warm, funny, and personal episode of Flock Talk. We get into what it was really like raising a creatively gifted kid who saw the world a little differently, growing up alongside a younger brother whose musical talent was obvious fr...

This episode of Flock Talk, we’re joined by Tina Varner (Goose Chicks) and Paige Caruso (El Goose Times)—two women helping shape the Goose community from the inside out. We get into how they found Goose, what pulled them from fans into leaders, and what it takes to build and sustain community-driven spaces. From moderation and daily content to running a fan-led publication, this episode dives into...

Goose is headed back to Europe for the first time since Fall 2023, and we’re getting you fully prepped for the adventure! This episode, Leighton sits down with Marinda Snowjams, Valerie Minor, and Casey—three Femme Flock community members who experienced the last Goose Euro run firsthand. Together, they reflect on what it’s really like to follow the band overseas. From booking trains and navigatin...

Allow us to reintroduce ourselves…..😉 It’s 2026, and a lot has changed. In this episode of Flock Talk , we’re doing something a little different and sitting down as a team to reintroduce The Femme Flock—who we are, how we got here, and why this work matters to us. First, you’ll hear from each of our core team members, sharing their personal journeys into the jam scene and what led them to this co...

This episode of Flock Talk, we’re joined by Ricki Blakesberg—photographer, archivist, and lifelong member of the jam band community—for a conversation about music, memory, and growing up inside the scene. Ricki shares what it was like being raised around live music and photography, including her relationship with her father, legendary Grateful Dead photographer Jay Blakesberg, and how she’s carved...

This episode, NYC-based bassist, performer, and creative force Sarah Elaz joins us to talk about her journey from professional dance to the jam scene, picking up the bass during the pandemic, and building projects like Boojum, Bearly Dead, Bushwick’s Dead, and SEAP (Sarah Elaz’s Almost Phish). We dig into creative identity, imposter syndrome, stage presence, and the art of “being cringe” online. S...

This episode on Flock Talk, we’re joined by Alexandra Jenna—creator of her namesake blog (originally Tour Wife, Tour Life) and one of the early voices documenting women’s experiences in the jam scene—for a conversation that spans love, music, and self-discovery. Alexandra shares her origin story in the jam scene, what it was really like being married to someone in a touring band, and the lessons s...

This episode, we’re joined by Emily Bass, Executive Director of FEMME HOUSE, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for women, gender-expansive, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ creatives in the technical and behind-the-scenes areas of music. Emily shares how FEMME HOUSE is breaking systemic barriers in production, mixing, engineering, and DJing through free workshops, online courses, mentorship,...

This episode, we’re flipping the script and hearing straight from the next generation of jam band lovers. Leighton sits down with two fellow Gen Z’ers, Anna Parks & Alex Corey, to explore what it really means to come of age in a scene often dominated by older crowds and deep-cut gatekeeping. From early memories of Phish and Widespread Panic to discovering Goose and chasing that New Year’s Eve...

This episode, we’re joined by the dynamic and hilarious Nico D’Elisa, aka Nico Suave, for a wide-ranging convo on voice, vulnerability, and claiming the stage. From belting Led Zeppelin classics with her tribute band Nico Suave and the Mothership to cracking up crowds with improvised musical comedy, Nico is a true multi-hyphenate force. We get into her Goosemas debut with Goose the band, her unexp...

This episode on Flock Talk, we’re joined by the radiant and riotously real Karina Rykman—NYC-born bassist, bandleader, and jam scene trailblazer. From her earliest days in the New York City music world to the big stages with people like Mike Gordon and My Morning Jacket, Karina shares the winding, wonder-filled road of staying true to herself in a genre that wasn’t built for women—but now can’t ex...

The Flock Talks with Sarah Blazincic and Cari Bryce from the Western Sun Foundation, a volunteer-run nonprofit supporting small to mid-sized organizations in the communities Goose fans travel through. They share how they got involved with WSF, the foundation’s mission, and how they select beneficiary organizations that champion causes ranging from music education and therapy to women’s and childre...

What is it like to be a woman shaping the conversation in the jam band scene? This episode, we sit down with Megan Glionna, host of HFPod, Library Card, and A Moment with Meg to talk about her journey from jam fan to podcasting powerhouse. She shares how she carved out space in a male dominated scene, the power of storytelling in music and books, and why fashion at shows is way more than just look...

What if your pre-show ritual could help you feel more grounded, open-hearted, and connected? This week, we sit down with Hannah and Kait, the Cacao Girls, to dive into the world of cacao and cacao ceremonies. They share how cacao, a sacred plant medicine and superfood, became an essential part of their practice, the spiritual energy of Mama Cacao, and how their ceremonies have helped bands like Go...

This Galentine’s Day, we’re shining a light on six women who make our jam community more creative, vibrant, and inspiring. We invited small artists and creators to share their stories in their own words—how they got started, what fuels their passion, and the pieces they love most for gifting to your gals. We loved hearing from these ladies, and we are so excited to share their voices with you. Tun...

The Femme Flock kicks off 2025 with Andy Frasco! Niki and Jess reflect on the past year, set intentions for 2025 and share what the Femme Flock means to us as we celebrate one year of the podcast. Then, we’re joined by Andy Frasco for an honest and hilarious conversation about mental health, personal growth, and staying grounded in the live music scene. Andy opens up about lessons learned on the r...

The Femme Flock gets hyped for Goosemas 2024 with the incredible crew behind Nite Zero! Join us as we chat with the Nite Zero Band and Planning Crew, the Conscious Alliance Executive Director Justin Levy, and our headlining band Dizgo about the 2nd annual Goosemas Nite Zero Charity Event and Community Gathering. This year’s event takes place on December 12th in Charleston, South Carolina—don’t mis...

This month, the Femme Flock dives into the world of jam band fashion! We chat with Brooke from Baba Cool sunglasses about running a business in the scene, selling on lot, and the journey behind her brand. Then, we have a fun conversation with longtime Phan and fashionista, Maggie, as she shares her personal style, festival fashion tips, and some must-check-out artists and shops. Join us for an ins...

The Femme Flock celebrates Pride Month with special interviews featuring two LGBTQ+ guests: Brian Piatkowski, a longtime out Deadhead, and Asher Collins, a trans Phan and Goose fan. Tune in as we share their stories, delve into their experiences within the jam community, and discuss the importance of allyship from our non-LGBTQ+ listeners. Communities & Resources: Coach Asher Brian Robert Comm...

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and Mother's Day, join the Femme Flock as we talk to Lisa Borden AKA Ryan's Mom, to discuss the intersection of music, motherhood, and 360 degree wellness. Join the Lisa's community, The Wellness Intelligence Collective here . Stay up to date with The Femme Flock! Our Website Instagram @the.femme.flock TikTok @FemmeFlockTok Bluesky   Faceboo...

Summer music festival season is just about here!  Kara and Niki are joined by Chloe and Rachael-- two long time festival vets -- to share their favorite tips and tricks, product recommendations, and experiences.  Whether you're going to Bonnaroo, Biscoland, Mondegreen, or another fest, we've got you covered!    ~~~  Products discussed and recommended in this episode:  Plastic Free Glitte...

The Femme Flock is celebrating  Women's History Month with a special episode that puts a spotlight on the incredible women behind the scene and their stories: the wives of members of our community who we call "the Cool Wives Club."  But first, we chat about Phish tour dates and Goose at the Cap!  Special thanks to the "Cool Wives Club": Brooke, Courtney, and Mandi. Stay up...

This month's episode is all about love in the jam scene (with some music tied in, of course!) Kara & Jess talk the Orebolo Cap run and tips on finding love in the jam scene. Niki chats with her partner, Matt, about how they found each other during the pandemic. And to close it off, Niki chats with our first guest, Casey, about Jam of the Year (JOTY). Special Thanks to our guests Matt and...