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This week Bernie chats with Kenny “Match” Campagnone, a longtime IATSE Local 23 stagehand with over three decades in live production. Kenny reflects on his career in lighting and rigging, the crew culture that keeps him passionate, and the lessons he has learned from years behind the scenes. He also shares a powerful firsthand account of surviving the 2003 Station Nightclub fire and the lasting im...

This week Bernie sits down with Chris Bier, stage manager for Duran Duran, to talk about his path from shop kid to working some of the biggest events in the world. Chris shares stories from action sports, major music tours, and international festivals while reflecting on crew camaraderie, mentoring younger techs, and why the good days of touring still outweigh the hard ones. https://www.instagram....

This week, Bernie sits down with veteran rigger Lisa Deyesso to talk about her 40-plus years in the live music industry and her book We Are The Crew!. Built from interviews with stagehands around the world, the book captures the humor, danger, sacrifice, and camaraderie of life behind the scenes. Lisa explains why these stories matter and how We Are The Crew! shines a light on a world most fans ne...

This week Bernie interviews Stephanie and Rafe Grigar, hosts of Worst Foot Forward, as they share how their relationship and podcast grew out of deep, real-life conversations about healing. Stephanie describes her path from hairstyling and motherhood into psychology, neuroscience, and hypnotherapy, while Rafe traces his journey through faith, music, creativity, and therapeutic work that reshaped h...

In this episode, Bernie chats with his longtime friend and fellow guitar tech Brandon Deaton. Brandon talks about supporting artists on the road, the importance of problem-solving under pressure, and building trust through preparation and consistency. He also shares insight into his current role with Cody Johnson and what it’s like watching an artist grow from clubs to arenas and stadiums. https:/...

This week, Lisa and Bernie sit down with guitarist and solo artist Courtney Cox. Courtney shares her journey from a self-taught teen in Essington, PA to an internationally touring musician with The Iron Maidens and now Burning Witches. She discusses some of the risks she’s taken, such as moving to L.A., relocating to Germany, and stepping into new musical roles, all in pursuit of authentic creativ...

This week, Lisa and Bernie sit down with Sebastien Grainger, lead singer and drummer of Death From Above 1979 and member of American Lips. Seb opens up about DFA1979’s early tours, the vocal discipline that keeps him performing at his best, and the organic, collaborative process behind the new American Lips album On Strike!. He also shares updates on upcoming DFA material, his wife Eva’s forthcomi...

This week, Bernie and Lisa sit down with Dallas-based manager and Ann Arkey Productions founder Tami Thomsen. Tami discusses her journey growing up in Omaha and finding her way into the Deep Ellum music scene.  She breaks down what it really takes to manage bands, adapt to an ever-changing industry, and advocate for women behind the scenes. Tami also dives into her work with Amplified Minds and th...

On this week’s episode, Bernie sits down with Blake Parish, lead singer of the Fort Worth–based rock band Royal Sons. Blake digs into his musical upbringing and his journey from Hanna Barbarians to Royal Sons. They also talk about how sobriety shaped the new album and break down the video for the band’s latest single, “Matador.” https://www.instagram.com/royalsonstx https://shop.royalsonstx.com **...

In this week’s episode Bernie sits down with toy artist Fritz Grondy, the creative mind behind Throwaway Toyz. Fritz explains how he rescues broken and forgotten toys and rebuilds them into bizarre, beautiful new characters. He shares how a lifelong obsession with toys grew into a unique blend of art, storytelling, and upcycling. https://www.instagram.com/throwaway_toyz https://www.tiktok.com/@toy...

In this episode, Bernie sits down with backline tech and stage manager Brandon Oliver. Brandon shares his journey from Houston punk bands and oil-and-gas day jobs to touring the world with artists like Lukas Nelson, Blondie, and Cyndi Lauper. He talks about how networking, attitude, and attention to detail turned side gigs into a lifelong career, and the wild moments that came along the way. ⁠http...

In this episode, Lisa and Bernie sit down with Dallas-based concert photographer Vera Hernandez. Vera, also known as Vicious Velma, talks about her journey from shooting small punk shows with a borrowed camera to capturing major artists on big stages. Vera shares how an accidental black-and-white setting shaped her signature style, the rush of photographing chaotic mosh pits, and the sense of fami...

This week, Lisa and Bernie welcome Suzanne Rydz, founder of NEAT, to share her journey from a career in theater and dance to becoming a professional organizer. She explains how creativity, empathy, and a love of structure shape her approach to organization. Suzanne reflects on the unexpected and sometimes unbelievable items she’s discovered while helping clients bring order to their spaces. She al...

In this episode, Bernie chats with Grammy-winning producer and keyboardist for The Waterboys, Brother Paul Brown. Brother Paul shares stories of his humble beginnings, discovering music in unlikely places, overcoming hardship, and the powerful lessons learned from mentors who shaped his journey. He also reflects on how fate, faith, and gratitude continue to guide his life and music today. www.inst...

This week Lisa and Bernie catch up with singer-songwriter, author, and painter Josh Ritter. Josh shares stories from his Idaho roots, the hymns and records that shaped his musical voice, and the creative spark behind his new album, I Believe in You, My Honeydew. He also opens up about balancing songwriting and fatherhood, maintaining mental health on the road, and the joy of collaborating with his...

This week Lisa and Bernie chat with Macy Addis and Eli Dykstra of Nashville’s Backhand Blue about their journey from the O’Keefe Music Foundation to forming their own band. They share how they collaborate in the studio, balancing Eli’s riffs and production with Macy’s lyrics and melodies. The pair reflect on opening for Nothing More and Sleep Token and the impact of that experience. They also dive...

This week, Bernie sits down with filmmaker and photographer Shawn Hudgins to talk about his transition from corporate tech to the world of music videos. Shawn shares stories from their early days in Dallas, the chaos of filming young musicians, and the creative lessons that keep his passion alive. He also shares insights on learning by doing, the importance of great audio, and the projects he hope...

In this episode, Bernie sits down with author and music journalist Jude Warne to talk about her new book  Lowdown: The Music of Boz Scaggs . Jude shares how her New York upbringing and musical family shaped her love of writing, and how she approaches music as a “celebrator” rather than just a fan. She dives into Boz Scaggs’ career, from his early days with the Steve Miller Band to the success of ...

This week Bernie catches up with producer, songwriter and southpaw guitarist John Marlin. John tells us about  growing up in Ennis, TX, cutting his teeth as a sideman, and eventually landing gigs with Bart Crow, Granger Smith, and now Pat Green. He reflects on the balance between chasing creative opportunities in Nashville and being a present dad, and how his current gig with Pat Green offers the...

In this episode, Bernie sits down with his longtime friend Tommy Roberts, co-owner of Tone Shop Guitars. Tommy reflects on his early days working in big-box shops, the leap into starting Tone Shop, and the importance of fostering a welcoming, musician-centered environment. They explore the shop’s reputation with vendors, rare gear stories, and the rise of their Martin Custom Shop program. It’s a c...

This week Bernie reconnects with longtime friend Brett Pirozzi to relive wild memories from their 30 years of friendship. Brett talks about his early days in Bile, being featured in Strangeland, and unforgettable tour moments with bands like Skid Row, Kiss, Tesla, and Gwar. He also opens up about his new band Messiah Nine, his radio show Vintage Metal Meltdown, and reflections on how the music ind...

In this episode, Bernie chats with Todd “Dammit” Kerns, bassist for Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. Todd shares stories from his early days, his deep love of music, and how playing multiple instruments shaped his career. He opens up about band dynamics, tone chasing, and what it’s like to work alongside legends like Slash and Myles. They also dive into his Canadian rock band To...

This week, Bernie sits down with Brian “Damage” Forsythe, celebrated guitarist for Kix and Rhino Bucket. Brian opens up about the origins of his nickname, his signature tone, and his enduring love for simple gear setups, especially his go-to P90 pickups. He reflects on the highs and lows of a career that’s spanned decades, shares behind-the-scenes stories from life on the road, and talks about lif...

This week comedian Craig Gass joins Bernie and Lisa for a hilarious conversation full of stories, impressions, and personal insights. From growing up in a deaf household to doing impressions on the Howard Stern Show, Craig shares how his unique upbringing shaped his comedy. He also talks about living with Eddie Van Halen, beefing with Gene Simmons, and building the hit podcast  Beardo and Weirdo ....

This week Bernie and Lisa sit down with actor, writer, and “recovering scientist” Dipti Mehta to discuss her journey from molecular biologist to award-winning actor and playwright. Dipti opens up about her early fascination with both science and performance and the creation of her one-woman show  Honour: Confessions of a Mumbai Courtesan . She talks about navigating cultural identity, facing rejec...