Back On The Grind

Pepe talks to A day Without Love (Brian Walker) who shares the profound impact of personal history, particularly the Trail Of Tears & its connection to the 50-state tour he completed. Brian explores how witnessing & acknowledging existing community strengths can foster genuine connections. We also discuss the challenges & triumphs of organizing within the music world, the importance of self-care on the road & the need to focus on collaboration over competition within the DIY/folk punk community. Join us for an inspiring conversation about building meaningful communities & the role of music in bridging divides across the country. We close out playing the track "Keyboard Warrior" by A Day Without Love.Support the podcast & get bonus episodes & goodspatreon.com/BackontheGrindHIGHLIGHTS:Brian's family legacy & the Trail Of Tears connectionBreaking family curses to honor his GrandfatherMoving from anxiety & fear, to actually touring all 50 statesChoosing to share vulnerably after his Grandfather diedBooking logistics, DIY vs. having an agentDifferences & similarities Brian saw in DIY communities across the U.S.Connecting with people from different political/economic backgroundsThe prevalence of fear in our lives leading to bigotryHighlights from visiting all 50 statesBrian offers Pepe tips on visiting New Orleans & Denver"Keyboard Warrior" is playedListen to & connect with A Day Without Loveopen.spotify.com/artist/09JoYdZo9cekYMqyN1bsGD?si=KQyeEW0XS_-9kITM0dh0pwadaywithoutlove.com/adaywithoutlove.bandcamp.com/musicBack On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch:backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/musicGet Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)StayFreeCoffee.comFollow the podcast on Instagraminstagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engramReach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions toPodcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong: Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)Stay Free,Pepe Bandit

Things get flipped in this conversation & Pepe gets interviewed. He explores the journey of the DIY Bandits, a record label that emerged from personal struggles & a desire to create community through music. The discussion covers Pepe's unique work of blending folk punk & hip hop, & the challenges he faced, including being poor while raising a family, rejection from some of the folk punk community & his eventual incarceration. Pepe reflects on the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions & the role of music & spirituality as an outlet during difficult times. Hear about upcoming music & book releases & the conversation closes on the evolution of the folk punk community, its current state & its potential going forward.**This interview was conducted by Jarda (Smažená pikantní škeble) for the online Czech magazine Alarm. We play a song of their's at the end. There's links below to the print version if you want to read it or see some pictures of me since I don't post myself online much :)Support the podcast & get bonus episodes & goodspatreon.com/BackontheGrindHIGHLIGHTS:DIY Bandits started as a response to personal strugglesBridging genres was a key focus from the beginningCommunity engagement was essential to the label's missionThe label was rooted in working-class experiencesIncarceration led to significant personal reflectionsThe importance of taking responsibility for one's actionsSupport from family & community was crucial during confinementSpirituality deepened through Pepe's solitary experiencesThe journey of writing a book was initially dauntingThe folk punk community is evolving & becoming more inclusiveThe importance of giving back to the community is emphasizedPepe feels a sense of responsibility to share his journeySong "Going Postal" by Smažená pikantní škebleSupport Jarda (Smažená pikantní škeble) who arranged & conducted this interview:smazenapikantniskeble.bandcamp.com/musicRead the interview (english) medium.com/@michljarda/what-supports-you-when-theres-no-one-left-to-support-you-bab448d386d8Read the interview (czech) denikalarm.cz/2025/10/folk-punk-pro-me-vzdycky-znamenal-neco-vic-nez-jen-hudbu-rika-pepe-bandit/Back On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch:backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/musicGet Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)StayFreeCoffee.comFollow the podcast on Instagraminstagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engramReach out...Send me questions, comments or topic suggestions toPodcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong: Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)Stay Free,Pepe Bandit

In this conversation, Pepe, Scott, & Becky explore the culture of trainhopping, & the connections formed through shared experiences. Scott recounts his journey into the world of trainhopping, influenced by his friend Tomas, while Becky shares her perspective on joining this lifestyle. The discussion highlights the joy of community, the challenges of societal discrimination, & the deep bonds formed through shared adventures. In this conversation, Scott & Becky delve into themes of living freely, love, loss, & the importance of cherishing memories, particularly of their friend Tomas, who embodied the spirit of freedom & connection.Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods (there's even a FREE option)patreon.com/BackontheGrindtakeawaysHow Scott got introduced to trainhoppingScott's reconnection with TomasConnecting over punk music in high schoolHow Becky met ScottScott's first train with TomasBecky meets TomasTomas as a human beingBecky reflects on the traveller communityMusic's ability to bridge different culturesEmbracing conflict & challenging societal normsScott's difficulty talking about Tomas & Profane SassPiggly Wiggly storySupport, love & respect from familyCity Of The Rails podcastA tragic fire in a New Orleans squatThe potential consequences of trainhopping show upFond memories of TomasSong: Mexican Trains by Profane SassConnect with Scott's projects Bridge City Sinners / Profane Sass / Flail Records:instagram.com/bridgecitysinners/instagram.com/flail_records/open.spotify.com/artist/1U68fpoBsx5HK1RSvr7yZQ?si=K77gP-lMQXyyW9k8Wmo2IQBack On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch:backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/musicGet Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)StayFreeCoffee.comFollow the podcast on Instagraminstagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engramReach out! Send questions, comments or topic suggestions toPodcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong: Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)Stay Free,Pepe Bandit

Todays COFFEE BREAK features April Hartman of Apes of the State discussing fear & sobriety. This clip originally aired in episode #1 Apes of the State On facing Fear (link below)Get coffee roasted by Pepe Bandit:stayfreecoffee.com Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goodspatreon.com/BackontheGrindListen to the full episode - Apes Of the State On facing Fear #1:Spotify - open.spotify.com/episode/3zgVBj55YKIqErg55Jw1to?si=T0i_mqg-SAOE4Ea8GmdhNwApple Podcast - podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-on-the-grind/id1681556943?i=1000611301075Website/RSS - shows.acast.com/back-on-the-grind-1/episodes/facing-fear-with-apes-of-the-stateBack On The Grind Records - DIY, Folk Punk & Music merch:backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/musicFollow/engage with the podcast on Instagraminstagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engramSay hello, send me questions, comments or future topic suggestions toPodcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (I read them all)*Word of mouth really matters. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong: Share your favorite episode with a friend who you think will also enjoy it.Leave a rating or review. It will help me reach & support more folks like you & that's why I do this :)Stay Free until next time!Pepe BanditPepe Bandit

In this conversation, Brook Pridemore discusses their latest single My Friends In Crime & the more collaborative & community-focused approach in their upcoming album Only I Can Prevent Forest Fires. Brook offers thoughts on Pat (Friends In Real Life / formerly Pat The Bunny) & April (Apes Of The State) as well as other committed DIY musicians who appear on the single. The conversation also covers topics like the thigh master, how AI robot, humanoids are currently being sold to replace the deceased & what AI could mean for the future of music.Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goodspatreon.com/BackontheGrindHIGHLIGHTS:Beat based vs guitar based music“Once you’re identified as folk punk, you’ll always be identified as folk punk”Being among a community while creating the albumHaving a fear of confrontation Thoughts on April HartmanThoughts on Small ChucksThoughts on Patrick Schneeweis (formerly Pat The Bunny)Suffering quietly as an alcoholic Thoughts on Toby Goodshank & Angela Carlucci aka Double DeuceRemembering the Thigh Master & Suzanne SomersAI humanoids to replace the deadAI & the future of musicListen / Connect Brook Pridemore:open.spotify.com/artist/5ZWHEFolveKJpzm9Cbd5ml?si=z5QD8sMuSAOwhgAp14DFvQbrookpridemore.bandcamp.com/musicinstagram.com/brookpridemore/?hl=enBack On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch:backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/musicGet Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)StayFreeCoffee.comFollow the podcast on Instagraminstagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engramReach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions toPodcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all, even if it's an older episode)***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong: Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)Stay Free,Pepe Bandit

Part 2 of a listener Q&A where Pepe dives deep into questions about passion, important books, relationships, supporting friends, setting up DIY shows and more, plus a cameo by musician Mike Wilson (who creates solo music and performs in Harley Poe).Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods (there's even a free option!)patreon.com/BackontheGrindPepe's Spotify Playlist of folk punk & more mentioned in this episode:open.spotify.com/playlist/2Xhq4qecLwq8DiI5x0vVPA?si=vPyUnlUzQJCV7vafXEi8DAHIGHLIGHTS:How do I distinguish my many new “likes” from a true “passion”?You talked about never wanting to get married, so what changed & how did you know Lee was "the one"?6 Questions to bring your relationship closer & deeperMike Wilson on Fly Fly Superheart FlyI vibe with your intellectual space...Could you recommend some books?Ishmael by Daniel QuinnThe Untethered Soul by Michael SingerThe Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoStay Free Anthem by BlueRaspberryFinding Meaning In The Second Half Of Life by James HollisJung And The Alchemical Imagination by Jeffrey RaffHow do I help friends with depression or addiction?Advice for setting up renegade showsListen to Mike Wilson:open.spotify.com/artist/0pULVNhcCRT9158jRhNaFr?si=0HvqwvHLSZCI3xA8P7MLswmikewilson.bandcamp.com/Listen to BlueRaspberry:open.spotify.com/artist/3qe9yQNewUenzzMhfHLPmT?si=1ppcpODZR5GFaICHD4WDYQblueraspberry.bandcamp.com/?search_item_id%3D3919554126%26search_item_type%3Db%26search_match_part%3D%253F%26search_page_id%3D4794229089%26search_page_no%3D0%26search_rank%3D1Back On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch:backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/musicGet Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)StayFreeCoffee.comFollow the podcast on Instagraminstagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engramReach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions toPodcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong: Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)Stay Free,