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Back On The Grind

Life, music, people & the stories that bring us closer.


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  • 39. We Are All Haunted By What Resides In The Shadows (part 2) w/ Pepe Bandit #39

    23:22||Season 2, Ep. 39
    This is part two of a shadow work series. Pepe explores examples of the shadow through Apes Of The State, Rent Strike, Carl Jung & his own personal journey. To hear part one, listen to episode 37Support the podcast to get bonus episodes + goodspatreon.com/BackontheGrindSend us questions, comments or topic suggestions toPodcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)Follow/engage with the podcast on Instagraminstagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram Get Coffee for the Bandit in you; roasted by PepeStayFreeCoffee.com***Word of mouth really matters to us. 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 us a rating or review. It will help us reach & support more folks like you & that's why we do this :)Stay Free until next time!

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  • 38. RENT STRIKE - Words Are Spells, Concept Albums & Planning Our Escape #38

    53:04||Season 2, Ep. 38
    John Warmb of the band Rent Strike returns to the show & talks to Pepe about recording their latest album Möbius Strip Mall & why thye often makes concept albums. A large portion of the conversation focuses on the power of words & the magic that flows through & out of them. Together, Pepe & John explore some practical of examples of how we cast a spell with the words we speak & how that can affect the very fabric of reality for better or for worse.Support the podcast to get bonus episodes + goodspatreon.com/BackontheGrindHIGHLIGHTS:Thoughts on concept albumsThe story of the Möbius Strip MallAdvertising is like sorceryLaurel Airica word alchemyWords as spellsA snitch spoke magic words that led Pepe to prisonThe liberating value of using or not using certain wordsLanguage & perceptionDr. Emoto water experimentDoes John have any new beliefs since recording the latest albumCovid, collapse & the time for liberating actsExploring our escape plans through musicSend us questions, comments or topic suggestions toPodcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)Follow/engage with the podcast on Instagraminstagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram Get Coffee for the Bandit in you; roasted by PepeStayFreeCoffee.com***Word of mouth really matters to us. 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 us a rating or review. It will help us reach & support more folks like you & that's why we do this :)Stay Free until next time!
  • 37. We Are All Haunted By What Resides In The Shadows (part 1) w/ Pepe Bandit #37

    23:21||Season 2, Ep. 37
    In this episode of Back on the Grind, Pepe Bandit discusses the transformative power of the shadow. Drawing from his background in life coaching, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma recovery & more, he aims to help others understand the shadow correctly. He discusses the differences between repression & suppression & how shadow material can accumulate over time & unconsciously influence our behavior & relationships.Pepe delves into the concept of exploring the parts of ourselves that we often deny or refuse to acknowledge. He shares his own journey & personal anecdotes to illustrate how these shadow aspects actually manifest in our thoughts & behaviors, highlighting the duality of human nature—our capacity for both compassion & cruelty. The episode emphasizes the importance of self-awareness & acceptance of all facets of our identity for personal growth & healthier interactions with others. The episode also touches on the relevance of these themes in the context of Halloween, a time traditionally associated with hauntings & the unseen.Support the podcast to get bonus episodes + goodspatreon.com/BackontheGrindHIGHLIGHTSWe all have hauntings that we can never fully escapeYour shadow contains unwanted or “unhelpful” parts of ourselves we denyThe shadow is not inherently evil; it's part of usShadow material often stems from childhood experiencesRepression vs. suppressionHow shadow material can manifest unconsciously in our livesShadow work requires confronting uncomfortable truths about ourselvesEngaging in shadow work is essential for personal and societal growth"Demon Song" by PT Burnem is playedSend us questions, comments or topic suggestions toPodcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)Follow/engage with the podcast on Instagraminstagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram Get Coffee for the Bandit in you; roasted by PepeStayFreeCoffee.com***Word of mouth really matters to us. 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 us a rating or review. It will help us reach & support more folks like you & that's why we do this :)Stay Free until next time!
  • COFFEE BREAK - P.T. Burnem & Pepe Bandit on Meditation & Making Peace w/ the Dragon Toilet

    04:43||Season 2
    Todays COFFEE BREAK features an exclusive clip from our patreon featuring P.T. Burnem. He discusses meditation and Pepe shares a story about toilets in prison.Article about prison toilets: https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2024/10/21/what-its-like-to-poop-prison/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=otherUse the code SHIPFREE to Get free shipping on any order from stayfreecoffee.comor follow the link below and it will apply your discount automatically:https://stayfreecoffee.com/discount/SHIPFREESupport the podcast/get bonus episodes + goodspatreon.com/BackontheGrindListen to the full episode #3, Getting Intuitive with P.T. Burnem:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3zm4GV74nCNqe3PVoI0Ucj?si=3ea42318f9064c26Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/getting-intuitive-with-p-t-burnem-3/id1681556943?i=1000613055220Say hello, send us questions, comments or future topic suggestions toPodcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)Follow/engage with the podcast on Instagraminstagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram*Word of mouth really matters to us. 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 us a rating or review. It will help us reach & support more folks like you & that's why we do this :)Stay Free until next time!
  • 36. The Looms - The "Order Of The Loominati Does Not Exist" + Mermaid Rituals, Personal Loss & Digital Communication #36

    01:13:36||Season 2, Ep. 36
    "We became mermaids at the parade."In this conversation Pepe does his best to get The Looms to open up about some rumors surrounding the band. They share their unique journey, touching on themes of rituals, personal loss, and the collaborative nature of songwriting. The band members reflect on their diverse backgrounds, from metal influences, philosophical studies & working in the medical field. The discussion culminates in a deep dive into the meaning behind their song 'Mourning Star'. The band members share their experiences with live performances, stepping out of their comfort zones, and the impact of digital communication. We close out playing the song 'Mourning Star.'Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goodspatreon.com/BackontheGrindHIGHLIGHTS:Pepe's attempt to get to the bottom of rumors about the "Order Of The Loominati"...The Mermaid ParadeRituals and their impact on individualsThe songwriting process is collaborative and involves all membersThe band's history is intertwined with personal growth and friendshipHow 'Morning Star' reflects deep personal loss & the search for directionLive performances can lead to unexpected mistakes and funny storiesStepping out of comfort zonesCommunication in the digital age & anxietyUpcoming projectsWe play the song "Mourning Star"THE LOOMS - listen & connect:Spotify open.spotify.com/artist/7iwcth8DNQNQPpzEMntFQG?si=sEEdBMIlQ3qVCByaR5fGZQBandcamp thelooms.bandcamp.com/musicInstagram instagram.com/theloomsband/Website thelooms.band/homeSend us questions, comments or topic suggestions toPodcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)Follow/engage with the podcast on Instagraminstagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram Get Coffee for the Bandit in you; roasted by PepeStayFreeCoffee.com***Word of mouth really matters to us. 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 us a rating or review. It will help us reach & support more folks like you & that's why we do this :)Stay Free until next time!
  • 35. Jo Rodriguez on Imposter Syndrome & The Personal Impact Of Folk Punk Music In Our Lives #35

    47:50||Season 2, Ep. 35
    In this conversation, Pepe Bandit and Jo Rodriguez discuss the impact of music on their lives, particularly folk punk music. They share personal stories of how certain musicians or songs have helped them through difficult times and provided a sense of grounding. They also discuss imposter syndrome and the challenges of feeling like they don't belong in certain spaces or conversations. Jo mentions her experience growing up in a (ex)Mormon family and how it has influenced her music. She plans to write a song about her parents' journey out of the Mormon church as a way to find forgiveness and peace. The conversation covers various themes, including anger towards parents, the impact of trauma, the desire to have a house venue, and the narration of an audiobook.Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goodspatreon.com/BackontheGrindtakeawaysMusic has the power to provide comfort and grounding during difficult timesHappy Happy, Apes Of The State & Rent Strike storiesImposter syndrome is a common experience, even for musicians and podcastersPersonal experiences, such as growing up in a religious community, can shape an artist's music and lyricsReligious traumaWriting songs can be a way to find forgiveness and peaceSharing personal stories and vulnerabilities through music can create connections and resonate with listeners.Having a house venue can be a way to give back to the communityNarrating an audiobook can be a meaningful way to contribute to projects that explore important themes and experiencesExploring personal experiences and emotions through music can be cathartic and healingWe play the song "Practical Advice" by Jo RodriguezConnect with Jo Rodriguez:Instagram - instagram.com/jobanjobanjo/?hl=enFacebook - facebook.com/people/Jo-Rodriguez/100004513473999/?ref=xav_ig_profile_webWebsite - jobanjobanjo.com/Listen to Jo Rodriguez music:Spotify - open.spotify.com/artist/2xADBEPdn61I8UPTHbJ2XwBandcamp - jobanjobanjo.bandcamp.com/Send us questions, comments or future topic suggestions toPodcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)Follow/engage with the podcast on Instagraminstagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram Get Coffee for the Bandit in you roasted by PepeStayFreeCoffee.com***Word of mouth really matters to us. 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 us a rating or review. It will help us reach & support more folks like you & that's why we do this :)Stay Free until next time!
  • 34. Rethinking The Tactics Of Cancel Culture with shugE #34

    01:05:00||Season 2, Ep. 34
    "In any corner of the radical left it makes most sense for this conversation to be happening, in my opinion, it's in the folk punk world."Community organizer and musician shugE joins Pepe to discuss the tactics of cancel culture & rethink if they align with folk punk & radical politics in general. Is cancel culture the best way to create a better world? Does it reproduce harmful aspects of the carceral/prison system? Plenty of folks have expressed concerns & fears about discussing these topics freely . As a result the conversation very often happens privately, outside the public discourse but, shugE & Pepe choose to have it openly through this public platform. The conversation is at times difficult & uncomfortable but remains honest with a desire for a better world full of more compassion & care for every one of us living in it. We close out playing the song "With Me" by shugE.HIGHLIGHTS:Organizing with the IWWGetting canceled & getting exoneratedSeeking out commonalities rather than our differencesDoes cancel culture even exist?Famous people & cancel cultureDefining cancel culturePepe realizes the similarities between cancel culture & his own incarceration experienceHypocrisy of supporting prison abolition & cancel culture/putting people in social prisonsWorking with people who experienced sexual abuse/assaultWorking with people who have problematic/harmful behaviorsRestorative justiceWhy cancel culture is attractiveGetting to a place of healingDaryl Davis & the KKK storySelf-censorshipThe recovery movement & its role in questioning cancel cultureFolkpunk has a history of embracing the "rejects" of societyThe "commons" as a place for open discussionWe play the song "With Me" by shugEConnect with shugE:instagram.com/shugemusic/shugemusic.comListe to shugE music:open.spotify.com/artist/6K0YGX255v474682p6eZnfSupport the podcast/get bonus episodes + goodspatreon.com/BackontheGrindSend us questions, comments or future topic suggestions toPodcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)Follow/engage with the podcast on Instagraminstagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram Get Coffee for the Bandit in you roasted by PepeBanditCoffeeRoasters.com***Word of mouth really matters to us. 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 us a rating or review. It will help us reach & support more folks like you & that's why we do this :)Stay Free until next time!