Magnified Pod

In this episode, Andrew and John say hello (specifically to our new listeners). We don't have a regular episode this week, but we wanted to put out a little mini episode to thank Five Iron Frenzy for giving us a shout out on Facebook and to people around the world who downloaded our episodes (what up, Bolivia!). We'll be back next week to discuss Brave Saint Saturn's record "The Light of Things Ho...

In this episode, Andrew and John are charmed. But first, what's bringing Andrew and John joy these days, and why is it Hamm's beer? Then, the incomparable Leanor Ortega Till (AKA Jeff the Girl) joins us to discuss haunted houses, vegetarianism, the final Five Iron Frenzy show, accidentally getting the band back together, Tom Waits, and so much more! Make sure to check out her podcast Too Punk To B...

In this episode, Andrew and John can't laugh, can't cry. But they can interview their very special guest! Blake Chastain from Exvangelical Podcast joins us to discuss Christian alternative music, spiritual deconstruction, and toxic elements of white evangelicalism. Then, track by track of the debut Brave Saint Saturn album "So Far From Home." Band and album discussion begins at 1:19:09

In this episode, Andrew and John end it. After much delay, Andrew and John finally cover The End Is Here. But first, life in quarantine. Then, voicemails from people who were at the final Denver show. Then, did John have a real life experience with a shadow person? And The Five returns! Finally, track by track of The End Is Here. Album discussion begins at 1:39:29.

In this episode, Andrew and John are given gifts. Five Iron Frenzy engineer and producer Masaki Liu joins Andrew and John, as well as Shadow Producer Jason, to discuss his time with the band. This was a treat and is a must listen for any Five Iron fan.

In this episode, Andrew and John are lamewads. But first, what would be a good name for a Five Iron Frenzy beer? And how well does John know terrible TV, film, and music? Then, a deep dive on the post-Five Iron Frenzy project, Roper. Album and band discussion begins at 43:55.

In this episode, Andrew and John begin the end. First, John gets quizzed on doomsday predictions. Then, Andrew opens up about something very personal. Then track by track of the 2003 "final" studio album "The End Is Near." Album discussion begins at 1:04:19.

In this episode, Andrew and John enjoy a Wilford Brimley sandwich. But first they listen to a Mag Pod listener's old ska band. Then Andrew's brother interrupts the pod to share some details about Galaxy's Edge in Orlando. Due to the number of tracks on this rarities/live record, Andrew and John dive in pretty early. This is a silly one. Album and band discussion starts at 35:35.

In this episode, Andrew and John interview a legend. Steve Kravac joins Magnified Pod! Steve is an RIAA Gold producer, engineer, mixer, and composer. We discuss Steve's work with bands like MxPx, Slick Shoes, Less Than Jake, and Blink-182. Plus Steve's thoughts on the state of the music industry, his high school punk band, and Making Pop Punk Pantera Again. Also, a very Canadian game that involves...

In this episode, Andrew and John can't handle this. For the second week, Andrew and John welcome a guest to shed a little more light on a voicemail they left. Daniel Leary of Sadie Hawkins Pod calls in to discuss his thoughts on the song Fahrenheit and the church and sexuality. Then Andrew quizzes John on inventions from 2001. Can he spot the fakes? Also, Andrew and John reflect on their memories...

In this episode, Andrew and John have solidarity. Plus, a special surprise guest: Jason from Unoriginal Vinyl stops by to chat! Then a very nu game for John. Also, Y2K, hanging chads, Tech Decks, and other year 2000 topics. Then, track by track of the eclectic record All The Hype That Money Can Buy. Album and band discussion begins at 1:18:46.

In this episode, Andrew and John waste tape. Plus, special guest, Andrew's brother Bryan Nelson-Phelan stops by to talk Cornerstone 99, Northwest Chicago suburban hot spots, and having the Sixth Sense ruined by a college professor. Plus voicemails and a quiz about everyone's favorite 1999 musical trend: Nu Metal. Then, track by track of the Five Iron Frenzy live album "Proof That The Youth Are Rev...

In this episode, Andrew and John have an evil plan. But it mostly involves wasting everyone's time talking about ska. Before that though, they listen to some voicemails from some familiar friends. Also, in The Five, they talk Titanic, Seinfeld, and faith struggles. 1998 was a hell of a year for our boys. Then, track by track of the 1998 EP "Quantity is Job 1." Album and band discussion begins at 4...

In this episode, Andrew and John are given superpowers...to talk forever, in our newest episode ever! They talk starting high school, first girlfriends, and other things happening in 1998. John gets his ska band knowledge put to the test once again! Also, they share their top 10 albums of 2019! THEN, track by track of the 1998 classic Our Newest Album Ever. Album and band discussion begins at 1:13...

And we're BACK! In this inaugural episode of Our Newest Podcast Ever, Andrew and John begin the long journey of covering every Five Iron Frenzy record. But before that, they introduce a new segment called The Five and John gets quizzed on his ska knowledge (ska-ledge, if you will). Then, a track by track breakdown of the debut full length, Upbeats And Beatdowns. Band and album discussion begins at...

In this episode, Andrew and John wrap things up. After a long summer hiatus, Andrew and John are back to tie up some loose ends. They listen to some voicemails from their last episode and tackle some contrAWversies from their interview with Chris McGrath from Much the Same.  Also, how was that lineup from AudioFeed Festival? Never heard of it? No one has. But they discovered a pretty dope band whi...

In this episode, Andrew and John are anything but the same. In fact, they interview Chris McGrath, the lead singer of Chicago punk rock band Much the Same. Chris joins Andrew and John in Magnified Studios East to talk fantasy novels, early musical influences, noteworthy European and Canadian punk bands, how a solo ukulele song ended up on a punk record, having dialogue even when you disagree, Chri...

In this episode, Andrew and John discuss crown molding. But first they discuss 80's and 90's Pace Picante Sauce commercials. Andrew gives a recap of the War on Women/Bad Cop Bad Cop/Direct Hit!/Smoking Popes show he attended. John liberally uses sound effects on his phone. They talk future shows they're attending. Andrew shares his thoughts on Pete Holmes's new book "Comedy Sex God." THEN! John's...

In this episode, Andrew and John are friends forever. They take a chance and it pays off big time. Find out how they spent a recent Thursday night and how it relates to Andrew's first album ever, Michael W. Smith's "The First Decade: 1983-1993." We can't spoil it, you just need to listen! Also, Andrew experiences a minor disaster while recording.

In this episode, Andrew and John return from the punk rawk show! For those that missed it, MxPx played two shows in Chicago with Five Iron Frenzy. Andrew and John recap the epic weekend which included partying with Mag Pod Nation, getting tattoos, and hanging with MxPx and Five Iron. They break down the MxPx sets from both shows plus additional conversations with members of Mag Pod Nation. Also, S...

In this episode, Andrew and John get spicy. They talk about the upcoming MxPx shows in Chicago and details about the Mag Pod meet-up. Plus, is Andrew a boring guy? We get to the bottom of this. Also, what is the future of the pod? Then they scorch their mouths by eating extremely spicy hot sauces while asking each other goofy and serious questions. There is quite a bit of nose-blowing and spitting...

In this episode, Andrew and John talk...Goldfinger? But first, more Steve Kravac news! Also, more terrible accents, the Office, and a Sims Mag Pod world. Plus a challenge that could land you some Mag Pod swag! Then some politics schmolitics conversation in the form of Michael Cohen. And finally, track by track of the 2017 Goldfinger album "The Knife." Album discussion at 1:11:12.

In this episode, Andrew and John are all over the place. First, they discuss Steve Kravac's new solo project, Steven Bradley. Then, they talk about cheating and lying as kids. Plus Alf, 350 Fest, and what a 10 song Pokinatcha album would look like. Also, Andrew defends TV...again. Finally, track by track of the 2002 retrospective album "Ten Years and Running." Album discussion begins at 1:23:51.

In this episode, Andrew and John go back to the beginning. Having failed to completely cover every song in their first episode, Andrew and John go track by track this time. But first, what would an On The Cover III look like? Then, we cover listener answers to the Question of the Week (what was your first introduction to Pokinatcha?). Also, we talk about PFR for way too long. Finally, we cover the...

In this episode, Andrew and John are forgiving. But first Andrew recounts his harrowing journey to Minnesota. John provides some delicious snacks. They talk the latest Tumbledown and MxPx news! Andrew shares one of his first (and only) tour stories. Then, when should (or shouldn't) you forgive someone? If someone serves their time, is that enough? If someone is doing good work, does that change an...