Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast What's The Reason For This Podcast

🔥 Water Tower 💦 finally made it into the dungeon and this one is equal parts bluegrass, punk rock, busking, internet chaos, and good old fashioned DIY hustle.

These guys call themselves punk rock bluegrass, which sounds confusing until you hear the story.

They started with traditional string music, punk rock roots, DIY flyers, busking on freeway off ramps, and a whole lot of figuring it out as they went. Then the pandemic hit, touring disappeared, and somehow that pushed them even harder into building a community online.

🎶 We get into:

🪕 How Water Tower went from square dances to punk rock bluegrass 🚦 Busking on LA freeway off ramps at 6 in the morning

🎻 How the current lineup found each other through busking and random musical collisions

🎸 Why Bela Fleck, Punch Brothers, punk rock, jazz, and old time music all somehow fit in the same universe

📱 How they built an online following without losing the human connection

❤️ Kenny’s approach to dealing with internet hate by giving people more kindness instead of more bullshit

📸 How Jessica became the secret weapon behind their content and helped turn the band into a digital machine

🤝 Collaborations with artists like Sierra Ferrell, Nick Hexum, John C. Reilly, and more

🎟️ The very real challenge of turning views into actual people buying tickets

The funniest part might be that half this band basically met because somebody was busking in somebody else’s spot. 😂

But underneath all the chaos, this episode is really about community, persistence, and refusing to wait for permission.

Water Tower built this thing from freeway ramps, sidewalks, livestreams, liquor stores, social media, and a lot of weird little moments that somehow kept stacking into something bigger. And through all of it, their whole philosophy is pretty simple:

Love the music. Love the people. Keep showing up. ❤️🎶

🎧 New episode with Water Tower is live now

Go watch it. Go listen to it. Buy the ticket before the day of the show.

And if you see somebody busking on an LA off ramp at 6 a.m. maybe don’t ignore them. They might end up at Telluride. 😂🔥

🎸🔥 Jon Stickley finally made it onto WTRFT and this one goes DEEP.

We talk Broke Mountain, learning bluegrass on the fly, the difference between East Coast and Colorado bluegrass, the influence of Jeff Austin, and what happens when a guitar player gets so good that he starts casually discovering new things he didn’t even know he could do. 😂

We also get into:

🪕 The absolutely ridiculous Broke Mountain lineup

🎶 Going from punk and indie rock to flatpicking bluegrass

🏔️ How Colorado changed the way he heard the music

🔥 Playing the Jeff Austin tribute and trading licks with Courtlyn

🥁 Why the Jon Stickley Trio basically said “nah” to the normal bluegrass rulebook

🎸 Building a sound around weird rhythms, different chords, and late-night festival chaos

🤝 Playing with Larry Keel and trying to make your heroes laugh onstage

And then the episode takes a much more personal turn.

Jon opens up about his son Callum, his STXBP1 diagnosis, and how his family turned one of the hardest moments of their lives into Strings for Callum, using the music community to raise awareness and money for research. ❤️

That part really says everything about this scene.

When somebody needs help, people show up.

We also talk about Jon’s new teaching platform, where he’s taking everything he learned the hard way and breaking it down for the rest of us regular wooks who need the video slowed down another 37 times. 😂🎸

🎧 New episode with Jon Stickley is live now

Go watch it. Go listen to it. Support Team Callum.

And if you’ve ever wondered how somebody becomes an absolute monster on guitar, apparently the answer is practice for 20 years and then still tell everyone you’re figuring it out. 😂🔥

🔥 Season 3 keeps getting weirder in the best way.

This week we’ve got Austin Kress, better known as Stony McBlaze, in the dungeon and this one is a full send. 😂🌿🎤

Austin breaks down how a homeschooled Christian kid chasing serious acting in LA somehow turned into one of the internet’s favorite stoners, built a massive following, ended up at the X Games, and then had to figure out how the hell to turn viral fame into an actual comedy career.

🎤 We get into:

🌿 How Stony McBlaze was born

📱 Going viral almost immediately on TikTok

🚀 Riding the algorithm straight to the X Games

💸 Why millions of views do NOT automatically mean millions of dollars

🎭 The difference between playing Stony and being Austin on stage

😂 Why writing stand-up as Stony completely failed

🎟️ The absolutely ridiculous story of almost getting an Austin show cancelled with eight tickets sold

📲 Why having a huge following does not mean people will actually leave their couch and buy a ticket

🧠 Building jokes from real life instead of chasing cheap shock value

🎤 Trying to evolve from “Stony McBlaze” into Austin McBlaze without confusing the hell out of everyone

🍦 And, obviously, a completely necessary breakdown of elite stoner snacks

The funniest part of this episode might be Austin explaining that one of his biggest problems is that people know Stony McBlaze but have no clue he actually does stand-up. Which is a pretty wild problem to have when hundreds of thousands of people follow you. 😂 And then there’s the Austin, Texas show…

Eight tickets sold. 😬

A pissed-off venue. 😡

Random people overseas buying tickets. 🌍

A last-minute social media rally. 📲

And somehow a packed room and a great show at the end of it. 😂🔥

Underneath all the stoner jokes and chaos, this is also a really good conversation about creative identity, social media, stand-up, failure, vulnerability, and figuring out how to turn internet attention into something real.

🎧 Season 3 Episode 3 is live now

🌿 Follow Stony McBlaze

🎤 Go see Austin do stand-up when he comes to your city

📲 And for the love of God, if you say you’re coming to the show... BUY THE TICKET. 😂🔥

🚨 Season 3 keeps rolling with Ben Wright of the Henhouse Prowlers and Bluegrass Ambassadors.

This one goes way beyond bluegrass.

🎻 We get into:

🌍 How the Henhouse Prowlers became musical ambassadors around the world 🪕 The wild story of Ben buying his first banjo for $199.99 🤝 Why music can connect people even when they don’t speak the same language 🇳🇪 Playing banjo alongside an ancestor of the instrument in Niger 🎶 Learning songs from the countries they visit and bringing them back home 🚢 Performing for refugees from dozens of countries in Rotterdam 🔥 Walking onstage with musicians they had never met and figuring it out in real time 🌱 Why community, curiosity, and making people feel seen sit at the heart of everything they do

Ben also opens up about how these experiences changed the mission of the Bluegrass Ambassadors, turning it into something much bigger than touring. It’s about using music to break down barriers, celebrate culture, and remind people that connection can start with something as simple as listening.

One of the wildest moments comes from West Africa, where Ben realized he was playing his banjo alongside an instrument widely considered one of its ancestors. Two musicians from completely different worlds, connected instantly through sound. 🪕🌍🤯

And in Rotterdam, that mission came full circle with performances for refugees and an unrehearsed collaboration that Ben described as scary, imperfect, authentic, and completely human. ❤️🎶

🎧 Watch or listen to the full conversation with Ben Wright.

🌎 Learn more about the Bluegrass Ambassadors and the work they’re doing around the world.

🔥 Follow What’s The Reason For This? for more conversations about the music, people, and community behind the scene.

🚨 SEASON 3 IS HERE — and we’re kicking it off with a bang.

For the first episode of Season 3 of What’s The Reason For This?, we’re joined by Cotter Ellis of Goose for a conversation from the Mishawaka in Colorado.

Since our last conversation, a lot has changed.

💿 Goose released Big Modern! 🏟️ Played Madison Square Garden ⛰️ Took over Red Rocks 🏠 Crashed a Colorado house party 🚀 And continued one of the wildest runs in live music

🥁 We get into:

💿 Creating Big Modern! and finding Cotter’s voice inside Goose

🏟️ What MSG and Red Rocks actually felt like from behind the kit

🪿 The Goose hate, internet critics, and musicians talking shit

🌱 Why growing the jam scene matters more than guarding it

🚌 The real grind of touring and life on the road

🥣 Going from vans and microwave oatmeal to sold-out venues

🥋 The story behind “Suck It, Storm” and “Kung Fu Fighting”

🧩 Goosemas clues, fan theories, and the world being built around the band

❤️ Why the people behind Goose might be the real secret to their success

Cotter also opens up about imposter syndrome, criticism, supporting other artists, success, and what it takes to keep chasing this life when there are no guarantees.

🔥 Season 3 starts right here.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full conversation with Cotter Ellis of Goose.

🪿 Follow What’s The Reason For This? for more conversations from inside the jam, bluegrass, and live music world.

💬 And send this episode to the friend who still thinks Goose is Christian rock. 😂

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi sits down with the incredible Lindsay Lou for a conversation about bluegrass, motherhood, finding your voice, and shining a light on the women who helped build this music from the very beginning. 🪕🔥💙

Lindsay takes us back to growing up in a huge musical family 🎶👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, singing harmonies as a kid, and eventually heading toward a completely different career — earning degrees in human biology and Spanish with plans for medical school. 🧬🥼 Then she discovered the bluegrass community, fell HARD down the rabbit hole, and realized music could actually be her life. 🪕🤯🔥

Lindsay opens up about: 🎶 Discovering bluegrass and becoming obsessed with Doc Watson, Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and the Stanley Brothers 🚐 Years of touring, grinding, and even going without a real home base 🎤 Learning how to protect and understand that powerhouse voice 🏠 Moving to Nashville to surround herself with musicians — not chase fame ❤️‍🩹 How loss, divorce, COVID, and recordings of her grandmother helped shape Queen of Time 👶 How becoming a mother completely changed her body, brain, heart, and perspective on life 👑 The inspiration behind her new project Bluegrass Women — celebrating the women whose songs have been part of bluegrass history all along 🎻💪✨

Lindsay shares the incredible realization that songs many of us associate with legendary male bluegrass performers were actually written by women — women whose voices were always there, even if their names weren't front and center. 🤯🎶👑

She brings together an absolutely badass lineup of female pickers 🎻🪕🔥 to honor those writers, return to the original lyrics and source recordings, and remind the next generation of girls that there has always been a place for them in bluegrass. 💙💪🌈

And because motherhood doesn’t care that you’re recording a podcast… Bart crashes the interview to reclaim Mom. 😂👶🎙️

At its heart, this episode is about music, motherhood, representation, legacy, and authenticity — and the realization that women aren't new to bluegrass… they helped build the damn thing. 🪕👑🔥

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and check out Bluegrass Women! 🎶💙✨

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and co-host Shay welcome Bronwyn back to the dungeon nearly one year after their first conversation — and holy hell, a LOT has happened. 🪕🔥 From stepping away from Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway to building her own band, driving the van, writing her own music, and now releasing her new album Rattlin' Bones, Bronwyn is officially spreading her wings — and doing it entirely on her own terms. 💀🎻✨

After a transition year of rotating musicians, Bronwyn has assembled a seriously stacked lineup featuring Tristan Scroggins on mandolin, Frank Evans on banjo, Grant Dresnok on guitar, and Grammy-winning bassist Larry Cook. Together, they’re rooted deeply in traditional bluegrass while still having the chops to stretch songs into completely different territory. 🎶⚡

But the heart of this conversation is Rattlin' Bones — OUT NOW! 💀💿🔥 The deeply personal 13-song album represents a huge evolution for Bronwyn as a songwriter. After years of believing songwriting simply wasn’t something she did, she decided that if she was going to become a solo artist, she needed music that was truly her own. ✍️❤️‍🔥 That meant collecting random lines in her Notes app, finding inspiration everywhere, and getting outside her comfort zone to co-write with some incredible songwriters.

Bronwyn opens up about:

🎻 The first year of officially leading her own band — and why having a consistent lineup has completely changed the live show

🚐 Going from touring on a bus to personally driving the van, tour managing, and running the operation herself — and why it gives her an even deeper sense of purpose

✍️ Teaching herself how to become a songwriter and finding confidence through collaborations with writers like Pat McLaughlin 💀 Writing “The Wishing Well,” her own dark Southern Gothic-inspired murder ballad — complete with creepy houses, river mist, and somebody getting tossed down a well 😳

😂 🛣️ Turning the absolute chaos of Nashville’s Gallatin Road into a song because, apparently, anything goes on Gallatin Road

❄️ How WinterWonderGrass inspired “Blink of an Eye” and that wonderfully awkward question of whether someone in the crowd keeps looking at you because they like the music...or because they think you’re cute 👀😂

😵‍💫 The burnout behind “The Ride” and the complicated reality of achieving the dream you’ve worked toward only to discover that touring can still absolutely kick your ass

🔥 Why “Sticks and Stones” captures Bronwyn’s badass, don’t-give-a-shit side — and ultimately helped inspire the album title Rattling Bones

Bronwyn talks about building the record piece by piece across multiple recording sessions while she was still writing it — essentially “building the plane as it’s taking off.” ✈️😂

🎧 Listen to the episode now wherever you get your podcasts — then go stream Rattlin' Bones, which is OUT NOW! 💀🎶🔥

Go see Bronwyn and the band live. Stream the album. Buy the merch. Tell your friends. Support the artists putting in the miles. 🚐🪕❤️‍🔥

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and co-host Shay welcome North Fork Crossing into the dungeon for a hilarious, high-energy conversation about Montana bluegrass, life on the road, finding your sound, and what it really takes to build a band from the ground up. 🪕🏔️🔥

The Bozeman crew takes us back to the beginning — from meeting as teenagers at Montana Fiddle Camp to reconnecting years later at a house party and realizing, “Dude…we should start a band.” What followed was a steady grind of pizza joints, house parties, bar gigs, festivals, DIY recordings, and plenty of miles in the van. 🚐🎶

North Fork Crossing opens up about:

🎻 Their wildly different musical backgrounds and how they came together

🎸 Starting out with plenty of Billy Strings covers before developing their own sound 🏔️ Learning from Montana bands like Kitchen Dwellers, The Lil Smokies, Laney Lou and the Bird Dogs, and The Last Revel

💿 Recording their first album DIY before leveling up for their new record, Portland Rose 🌹 🎤 Working with Travis McNamara to strengthen their arrangements and three-part harmonies

🏆 The pressure of the Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition — and why not winning ultimately made them a better band

📱 Using social media, personality, and plenty of ridiculousness to grow beyond Montana

🤝 Why relationships with other bands and the larger bluegrass community have been such a huge part of their journey

And because it’s the dungeon, things obviously go off the rails. 😂 We get into ultimate frisbee 🥏, birding 🐦, questionable tour decisions, shaving heads, “North Fork Crotchley,” and the unforgettable story of a naked 1 A.M. sprint that ended with a busted toe. 🦶😂

Now the guys are starting to see the grind pay off — touring harder, releasing live recordings, building relationships with bands like Magoo, Armchair Boogie, and Clay Street Unit, and hosting Creekside Revival Festival at Pine Creek Lodge. 🎪🔥

At its core, this episode is about friendship, progression, community, and putting in the miles — respecting bluegrass tradition while figuring out exactly what North Fork Crossing sounds like. 🪕💛

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, check out their Dungeon Session, and go see these boys live!

Buy the merch. Support the bands. Tell your friends. And LET’S FORKING GO! 🍴🪕🔥

🎧 This What’s the Reason for This Session brings a little Montana bluegrass straight from Bozeman into the dungeon as North Fork Crossing takes over the cave for a rowdy, intimate set packed with originals, stories, mountain-town energy, and plenty of banter. 🪕🏔️🔥

The session kicks off with “Portland Rose,” an original off the band’s new record featuring Silas Ray on vocals. 🚂🌹🎶 It’s a hard-driving tune about heartbreak, leaving town, and realizing sometimes there’s just no turning back. 💔🛤️

Next up, the band dives into another original, “DLL,” before sharing some of the history behind North Fork Crossing. 🎻✨ They talk about meeting as kids at Montana Fiddle Camp, reconnecting later in Bozeman, and eventually writing music together. And apparently, they knew from the beginning that this particular tune was destined for a cave... they just didn’t know yet that the cave would be THE DUNGEON. 😂🦇🎉 Naturally, that means one thing: CONFETTI CANONS! 🎊💥

The boys then switch things up with a cover from the Turnpike Troubadours, bringing some Red Dirt flavor into their Montana bluegrass world. 🤠🔥🪕 Afterward, we finally get the official-ish introductions — complete with nicknames, jokes, and classic dungeon chaos — as the band introduces Kid Sladen, Silas Ray, Matt Hickey, Ryan Lewis Kelly, and the rest of the crew. 😂🎸🎻

They close things out with “Lonesome,” another song from their new album, written while sitting alone in a lift shack at Bridger Bowl before leaving the job behind to pursue bluegrass. 🎿🏔️➡️🪕 What came out of that lonely mountain shift is a fitting final tune about heartbreak, solitude, and chasing something bigger. 💙🌲🎶

At its core, this session is Montana mountain bluegrass in its natural habitat — great picking, original songs, questionable nicknames, lots of laughs, and a bunch of mountain wooks hanging out in a basement cave making music. 😂🏔️🪕🔥

🎧 Turn it up, crack a cold one, and welcome North Fork Crossing to the dungeon! 🍻⚡🎶

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi welcomes Mason Via to the dungeon for a conversation that spans everything from growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains to touring the world with Old Crow Medicine Show—and ultimately betting on himself to forge his own path. 🏔️🪕✨ Mason shares the winding road that's made him one of the most exciting voices in modern bluegrass.

What starts as a conversation about childhood quickly becomes a masterclass on following your instincts, embracing your roots, and learning that the best career move isn't always the safest one. ❤️🎶

Mason opens up about: 🎸 Growing up in a musical family in the Blue Ridge Mountains with an award-winning songwriter dad and a Deadhead mom

🎵🌄 🎭 His teenage "emo phase" (yes... My Chemical Romance and Green Day 🤘😂) before finding his way back to bluegrass

✍️ Writing songs as early as 11 years old and the life-changing advice from his dad: "Why play someone else's songs when you can write your own?" 💡🎼

🎤 Winning talent shows, playing coffee shops, experimenting with indie folk, funk bands, and discovering that every musical detour shaped the songwriter he is today 🎸⚡🪕

🎬 His unexpected journey through American Idol, making the Top 25, and why that experience became the perfect preparation for everything that followed 🌟📺

🐦 Landing the audition that changed his life with Old Crow Medicine Show, writing songs with the band, earning a Grammy nomination, and playing iconic stages like the Grand Ole Opry, Red Rocks, and the Ryman Auditorium 🎻🏆🌎

🚐 Why he chose to leave one of bluegrass's biggest bands to build something that was truly his own—and why he wanted to experience the grind of climbing the mountain himself 💪❤️‍🔥

🌲 The inspiration behind "See It While You Can," his heartfelt song advocating for America's public lands, and how it unexpectedly became a partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association 🏞️💚

🎶 His current touring band, songwriting philosophy, upcoming festivals, and why staying authentic is still the best career advice he's ever received 🎤🤝🚐

At its heart, this episode is about finding your own voice. It's about taking risks, honoring where you came from, resisting the pressure to become someone else, and trusting that authenticity will always outlast trends. 🌈🫶

🎧 Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts!

It's an inspiring conversation full of incredible stories, behind-the-scenes moments, plenty of laughs, and a reminder that sometimes the biggest leap forward starts with betting on yourself. 💙✨

🎧 This week on What's the Reason for This?, Kodi sits down with High Country Hustle for a conversation about building one of Colorado's fastest-rising bluegrass bands, surviving life on the road, making records the right way, and why community will always matter more than algorithms. 🪕🏔️✨

Coming straight out of Durango, High Country Hustle has spent nearly a decade carving out their own sound. What started as a group of college friends jamming together has grown into a nationally touring band with three albums, a brand-new record, and more momentum than ever before.

This one starts with the beginning...

🎶 How three friends from Fort Lewis College accidentally started a band that never stopped growing 🚐 David Delaney's journey from Connecticut to Colorado and how a road trip changed everything 💍 Why weddings, private events, and local gigs are still some of the most important ways independent bands survive 📧 The surprising reason mailing lists are still more valuable than social media for musicians today

But then the conversation shifts to making records...

🎙️ The story behind recording New Old Roads with producer Scooter Smith 🎛️ Why having a producer with a "light touch" helped the band make their album instead of someone else's 🎻 David almost throwing away one of the album's best fiddle solos before the rest of the band stopped him 📝 Whiteboards, Google Sheets, endless revisions, and what really goes into making an independent bluegrass record

Then things get into the songwriting process...

🏕️ How two unplugged writing retreats helped shape the entire album 🎵 Why every member brings songs to the table before the band collectively finishes them 🎻 The evolution of "Madeline the Quaker," a tune written over a decade ago that finally found its perfect home 💡 How collaboration continues to shape the High Country Hustle sound without losing each songwriter's identity

And then the conversation gets hilarious...

😂 The running joke about Berklee College of Music and David's classical background 🎓 Classical violin, upright bass, jam bands, and bluegrass somehow all colliding into one band 🎻 Learning over 70 songs after joining the group and earning his place almost overnight 🌭 Why David somehow became the band's "golden goose"... and a hot dog.

The crew also dives into...

🪕 Growing up around Telluride Bluegrass Festival and how those early experiences shaped their love for music 🎸 Why Durango has quietly become one of Colorado's strongest music communities 🎟️ How buying tickets early helps independent bands more than most fans realize 👕 Why merch isn't just merchandise... it's fuel for the next album and the next tour 🌎 Expanding into new states, finding new audiences, and what comes next after releasing New Old Roads

Of course, no What's the Reason for This? episode would be complete without plenty of laughs along the way. Between confetti cannons, Capri Suns mixed with LaCroix, arm wrestling challenges, Berklee jokes, and an ongoing campaign to convince everyone to join the mailing list, this episode perfectly captures why hanging out with musicians is just as entertaining as hearing them play.

At its core, this episode is about building something that lasts. It's about trusting your friends, learning from every record, embracing every opportunity, and remembering that behind every independent band are countless hours of work that most fans never get to see. Most importantly, it's a reminder that bluegrass has always been about community first.

🎧 Tap in now wherever you listen to podcasts.

#HighCountryHustle #Bluegrass #ColoradoBluegrass #Durango #NewOldRoads #IndependentMusic #LiveMusic #JamGrass #BluegrassPodcast

🎶🔥 This week in the dungeon, High Country Hustle brings the heart of Durango to the basement with a session full of timeless bluegrass, fresh originals, and the kind of musicianship that makes you want to pull up a chair and stay awhile. 🪕🏔️✨

Fresh off the release of their new album New Old Roads, the band delivers a three-song set that perfectly blends traditional roots with modern Colorado bluegrass. From classic covers to brand-new originals, every tune feels right at home in the dungeon.

The session opens with:

🎹 "Long Valley Road" — a beautiful take on the Bruce Hornsby classic that showcases the band's rich harmonies and tasteful picking while putting their own bluegrass spin on a beloved song. It's the perfect way to kick off a session that feels both familiar and fresh.

Next up:

🎻 "Madeline the Quaker" — an instrumental written by fiddler David Delaney, this tune has been years in the making and highlights the band's incredible chemistry. Driven by soaring fiddle melodies, tight rhythms, and lightning-fast picking, it's a reminder that sometimes bluegrass doesn't need words to tell a story.

And to close things out:

🌧️ "Stand Strong in the Rain" — an original by Andy Gowen from the band's new album New Old Roads. Filled with themes of perseverance, resilience, and finding strength through life's storms, the song builds from quiet reflection into an uplifting anthem that leaves the room hanging on every note. 🌦️❤️

Between songs, the band shares stories from life on the road, jokes about surviving the dungeon's signature confetti cannon, and reflects on the joy of making music together, proving that sometimes the best moments happen between the songs just as much as during them.

At its core, this session is everything we love about Colorado bluegrass — incredible musicianship, authentic songwriting, and a group of friends simply having a blast making music together.

🎧 Watch the full dungeon session now on YouTube and wherever you follow What's the Reason for This?

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #HighCountryHustle #DungeonSessions #Bluegrass #ColoradoMusic #Durango #NewOldRoads #LiveMusic #BluegrassSession #RootsMusic

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi welcomes Wisconsin's own Chicken Wire Empire into the dungeon for a conversation packed with Midwest bluegrass, European tours, Grateful Dead jams, and why some of the best bands in the country are coming from places people never expect. 🪕🧀🔥

When people think of bluegrass, they usually think of Kentucky, Tennessee, or Colorado... but Chicken Wire Empire is here to remind everyone that Wisconsin has been quietly building one of the strongest bluegrass communities in the country for decades. 🌲🎶

This one starts with the Midwest roots...

🧀 How Wisconsin's bluegrass scene grew through festivals, logging camps, and generations of musicians 🏕️ Why growing up in a smaller scene creates lifelong friendships and stronger musical communities 🎻 Finding each other through local bars, festivals, jam sessions, and a whole lot of Midwest persistence 🤝 The unique bond that comes from being a bluegrass musician in the Midwest

But what makes Chicken Wire Empire so unique is the way every member brings a completely different musical background...

🎸 Traditional bluegrass, classical violin, classic country, electric blues, and jam bands all colliding into one sound 🎼 How classical training helped create richer arrangements and layered instrumentation 🌌 Drawing inspiration from David Grisman while still sounding unmistakably like Chicken Wire Empire 🔥 Why the band embraces both traditional bluegrass festivals and jamgrass crowds without trying to fit neatly into either world

Then the conversation turns to one of the coolest projects they've ever tackled...

🎶 Reimagining songs from The Big Wu and Chris Castino as bluegrass tunes during the pandemic 🎤 Working alongside Midwest legends including Adam Gruhl and Ryan Young of Trampled by Turtles 💿 Why honoring great songwriting matters more than simply covering songs 🤘 The creative challenge of making someone else's music truly your own

And somehow... things only get bigger from there.

✈️ Landing two European tours after initially thinking the first offer was a scam 🇩🇪 Playing festivals throughout Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands 🪕 Discovering passionate bluegrass communities halfway across the world 🌍 Why music has a way of bringing people together no matter what language they speak

The crew also gets into...

🎥 The story behind their documentary All It Takes 💰 How independent bands actually pay for albums, touring, and recording 👕 Why buying merch still makes the biggest difference for independent artists 🎵 Recording a brand-new collection of traditional-inspired songs set to release this fall

At its core, this episode is about authenticity. It's about building a band because you love making music, trusting that your own voice will eventually find its audience, and proving that great bluegrass can come from anywhere... even America's Dairyland. 🧀🪕✨

🎧 Tap in now wherever you listen to podcasts.

This one's funny, insightful, full of incredible stories, and a reminder that some of the best music is still being built one festival, one friendship, and one late-night jam at a time.

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #ChickenWireEmpire #Bluegrass #JamGrass #Wisconsin #MidwestMusic #TheBigWu #ChrisCastino #LiveMusic #IndependentMusic #FestivalCulture

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi sits down with guitarist, songwriter, and rock & roll torchbearer Duane Betts for a conversation about legacy, finding your own voice, overcoming addiction, and the deeply personal journey behind his new album, Isle of Hope. 🎸🔥

Fresh off the release of Isle of Hope, Duane opens up about growing up surrounded by one of the most iconic musical legacies in rock history while carving out an identity that's entirely his own. From learning drums as a kid to stepping on stage with the Allman Brothers as a teenager, this conversation explores what it means to embrace your past without being defined by it. 🌄🎶

This one starts at the very beginning...

🥁 Why Duane started as a drummer before ever picking up a guitar

🎸 How learning rhythm first shaped the way he approaches guitar playing today

🌟 The unforgettable story of accidentally trying to avoid his first Allman Brothers sit-in... by "forgetting" his guitar

🎶 What it felt like stepping into the spotlight at just fifteen years old

Then the conversation shifts into finding his own identity...

🔥 Growing up with one of rock's most legendary last names—and learning not to live in anyone else's shadow

🎼 Writing songs long before becoming a frontman

🎤 Why launching his solo career finally allowed him to tell his own story

🚐 Building a career through countless bands before stepping fully into the driver's seat

From there, they dive deep into the making of Isle of Hope...

🎙️ Working alongside legendary producer Dave Cobb and completely reimagining songs in the studio

🎸 Why some of the album's biggest moments came from trusting someone else's instincts

🎼 The cinematic decision to open the record with the haunting "Heartache"

🎵 How songs evolved from rough ideas into something even greater than Duane originally imagined

But then... the conversation becomes something much more personal.

💭 Processing grief after losing his father while creating one of the most emotional records of his career

❤️ How Isle of Hope ultimately became an album centered around hope, healing, and moving forward

⚡ Opening up about his battle with addiction and the moment he finally chose a different path

🙏 Why giving himself a second chance changed everything

The episode also explores life beyond the studio...

🎸 Touring with Dawes, the Allman Betts Family Revival, and friends across the country

🏔️ Why Jackson Hole unexpectedly became home

🎥 Creating stunning visual artwork and music videos to match the emotion of the album

🎼 Balancing the responsibility of preserving legendary family guitars while continuing to build his own legacy

Then the conversation comes full circle...

✨ Reflecting on a career built through persistence instead of shortcuts

🎶 Why every record is simply another chapter in a lifelong musical journey

🤝 Staying connected with fans and remembering that music has always been about building community

At its heart, this episode is about hope—finding your own identity, overcoming the darkest seasons of life, and realizing that your greatest legacy isn't the one you're born into... it's the one you choose to create. ❤️🎸

🎧 Tap in now wherever you listen to podcasts.

This one's inspiring, honest, deeply personal, and offers a rare glimpse into the life of an artist who's honoring one of music's greatest legacies while fearlessly building one of his own.

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #DuaneBetts #IsleOfHope

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi sits down in the dungeon with Randy Steele of High Cold Windfor one of the most honest, emotional, and inspiring conversations we've had yet. 🪕🔥❤️

Fresh off an unforgettable week at the 52nd Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Randy shares the story behind his journey from firefighter and EMT to award-winning songwriter, bluegrass frontman, and one of the most compelling voices in the genre today.

This one starts at the beginning...

🎸 Growing up in Tennessee surrounded by music and watching his uncle join the legendary Aquarium Rescue Unit 🎶 Meeting heroes like Warren Haynes and learning firsthand what dedication to music really looks like 🎷 Playing jam bands as a teenager before eventually studying jazz and finding his own creative voice ✍️ Why songwriting became the thread that connected every chapter of his life

But Randy's story takes a turn that few musicians can relate to...

🚒 Leaving music behind to build a career as a firefighter and EMT 💔 The emotional toll of witnessing trauma and carrying those experiences home 🧠 Struggling with PTSD, grief, and learning how to ask for help ❤️ How therapy, healing, and sobriety completely changed both his life and his songwriting

The conversation dives deep into the songs that have become the foundation of High Cold Wind...

🎵 Writing from real experiences instead of fictional stories 📝 The evolution of his songwriting process and finding the courage to be vulnerable 🥃 The story behind his powerful new single, "Cheers to Rob" ✨ Why some songs take years before you're finally ready to share them with the world

And then comes the Telluride chapter...

🏔️ Years of trying to make the trip happen before finally getting the opportunity 👕 Launching a t-shirt fundraiser that sold out almost immediately and helped make the dream a reality 🎤 Competing in the Telluride Band Contest with High Cold Wind 🥈 Earning second place on one of bluegrass music's most prestigious stages

But somehow the weekend gets even crazier...

🎻 A surprise invitation from longtime friend Todd Parks 🌄 Stepping onto the Telluride main stage to sit in with Sam Bush 🤯 Battling nerves, monitor issues, and a sea of thousands of fans 🎶 Experiencing one of those full-circle moments that only music can create

The episode also explores...

🍻 Festival culture and the power of community 🤝 Why supporting independent artists matters more than ever 🎵 The connection between creativity, healing, and vulnerability 🔥 What happens when you finally stop waiting for permission and start chasing the thing you've always wanted to do

At its core, this episode is about second chances, personal growth, and having the courage to reinvent yourself no matter where you are in life.

🎧 Tap in now wherever you listen to podcasts.

This one's funny, heartfelt, deeply human, and a reminder that sometimes the longest road ends up taking you exactly where you're supposed to be. 🪕❤️🏔️

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #RandySteele #HighColdWind #Bluegrass #TellurideBluegrass

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi flies solo in the dungeon with Front Porch, the Northwest Arkansas bluegrass outfit that's quietly building one of the most unique sounds in the scene today. 🪕🔥🌲

What starts as a conversation about bluegrass quickly turns into a deep dive into community, creativity, festivals, and why music matters now more than ever.

These guys may call Arkansas home, but their influences come from everywhere...

🎻 Growing up in family bands and learning bluegrass from an early age 🎶 French Creole music, old-time traditions, jazz studies, punk rock, metal, and jamgrass all colliding into one sound 🏡 How a handful of local jams, festivals, and friendships eventually became Front Porch 🌄 Why Northwest Arkansas has quietly become a thriving music community of its own

Then the conversation turns to the festival circuit and the power of community...

🏕️ The impact of Harvest Fest, Hillberry, Winfield, Wakarusa, and campground culture 🎸 The legendary late-night jam that helped convince the band they had something special 🍻 Meeting bandmates through festival pickin' circles instead of auditions ⚡ Chasing those magical musical moments that only happen when everyone is locked in together

But this episode goes way beyond the band's origin story.

🎵 Why arts and music education seem to be disappearing for younger generations 📱 Social media, attention spans, and the challenge of keeping creativity alive 🎤 The importance of musicians having a voice beyond simply "shutting up and singing" 🤝 How music continues to create community during increasingly disconnected times

The crew also gets into the realities of life as an independent touring band...

🚐 Why regional touring often makes more sense than massive national runs ⛽ The financial realities of life on the road in 2025 🎪 How festivals remain one of the best ways for young bands to build a following 🏔️ Why Colorado audiences continue to be some of the most supportive anywhere in the country

And for aspiring musicians, there's some great insight along the way...

🎻 Learning through jams instead of lessons 🔥 Why it's okay to suck when you're starting out 🎶 The etiquette of bluegrass circles and late-night pickin' sessions 🤘 How the best musicians never stop being students of the craft

At its core, this episode is about community — the festivals, friendships, jam circles, and shared experiences that keep independent music alive long after the headliners leave the stage.

🎧 Tap in now wherever you listen to podcasts.

This one's funny, thoughtful, full of festival stories, and a reminder that some of the best bands in the scene aren't built in boardrooms or algorithms... they're built in campgrounds, parking lots, and late-night jams around people who simply love making music together. 🪕🔥✨

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #FrontPorch #Bluegrass #JamGrass #Hillberry #Winfield #FestivalCulture #LiveMusic #IndependentMusic #ColoradoMusic

🎶🔥 This week in the dungeon, Front Porch brings their Northwest Arkansas sound to Colorado for a session packed with heartfelt songwriting, rich harmonies, and the kind of road-worn authenticity that feels right at home in a late-night basement jam. 🪕✨

Fresh off a long drive through Kansas (and a highly recommended stop at Nafi's Pub 🍻), the band settles into the dungeon for a three-song session that showcases both their musical chemistry and their knack for writing songs that hit you right in the chest.

The session opens with:

🌤️ “Times Like These” — This Foo Fighters cover is a powerful anthem about resilience, growth, and learning how to keep moving forward when life knocks you down. With soaring harmonies and an uplifting message, it's the perfect introduction to the band's heartfelt approach to songwriting. 🎶❤️

Next comes:

🛣️ “Roadside” — a standout track from their debut album Shallow Grave, exploring self-doubt, burnout, and the struggle of pretending everything is okay while searching for direction. Anchored by emotional vocals and introspective lyrics, this one feels like staring out a van window somewhere between towns wondering what's next. 🌙🚐

Then the band shifts into:

🚤 “Lifeboat” — a beautifully written song about holding onto hope, chasing connection, and finding your way through uncertainty. Built around sweeping melodies and reflective storytelling, it captures the emotional depth that makes Front Porch's music so relatable. 🌊✨

And to close things out:

🎸 “House Party” — a moving tune about perseverance, friendship, and trusting that things eventually work themselves out. Equal parts hopeful and honest, it leaves the session on a note of resilience and optimism. 🔥🌅

Along the way, there's plenty of dungeon chaos, confetti cannon confusion, band introductions, and the easygoing camaraderie that makes these sessions feel more like a living room jam than a performance. 😂🎉

At its core, this session is about finding light through uncertainty — leaning on music, friendship, and the road ahead even when you don't quite know where it's leading.

🎧 Full dungeon session streaming now on YouTube and wherever you follow What's the Reason for This?

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #FrontPorch #DungeonSessions #Bluegrass #Americana #LiveMusic #NorthwestArkansas #Roadside #Lifeboat #GoodVibesOnly

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay welcome Broken Compass Bluegrass into the dungeonfor a conversation packed with jamgrass philosophy, festival culture, improvisation, and the next generation of bluegrass absolutely ripping the torch forward. 🪕🔥🌲

Hailing from Grass Valley, California, Broken Compass Bluegrass might be one of the hottest young bands in the scene right now — but what makes this episode special is hearing why they sound the way they do. From Deadhead parents and Doc Watson records to jazz phases, campground jam sessions, and growing up inside California bluegrass festivals… this band was practically built in the scene itself. 🎶✨

This one starts at the roots…

🏕️ Growing up at California bluegrass festivals like Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival and Live Oak 🎻 Kids on Bluegrass programs that helped shape the next generation of pickers 🔥 Being inspired by musicians like Molly Tuttle, AJ Lee, Nickel Creek, Tony Rice, and Doc Watson 🌌 How Deadhead parents, Phish tapes, and Yonder Mountain String Band created the perfect jamgrass foundation

But what makes Broken Compass stand out is how many influences they pull from outside traditional bluegrass…

🎷 Django’s deep dive into jazz legends like Coltrane and Jaco Pastorius 🎸 Sam bringing funk bass influences into the band’s improvisation 🎶 Mei Lynn’s singer-songwriter inspirations like Iris DeMent and Kacey Musgraves ⚡ How improvisation, experimentation, and “failing forward” became central to the band’s live shows

And then the conversation shifts into the reality of being a young touring band in 2025…

💸 The challenge of touring independently while trying to stay true to your sound 📲 The pressure of social media and building a following in the modern music industry 🚐 How festivals and live recordings have become one of the biggest ways bands grow organically 🎟️ Why younger fans are struggling to access live music and what the scene can do better

The crew also dives into:

🎶 Recording live albums and uploading nearly every show to Nugs 🔥 Why jam fans love mistakes, risks, and unrehearsed moments 🪕 Curating eclectic covers from Fleetwood Mac to jamgrass classics 😂 Django accidentally revealing his middle school metal band past

And honestly… one of the coolest parts of this episode is hearing how intentional this band is about building community instead of just chasing hype.

🏔️ Their breakout momentum after WinterWonderGrass 🎪 Playing intimate festivals like MeadowGrass and GoldenGrass 🤝 Staying independent while protecting their identity and creative freedom 🌲 Building a Colorado fanbase that’s quickly becoming one of their strongest audiences anywhere in the country

PLUS — Colorado fans have multiple chances to catch them live during this run:

🍻 New Terrain Brewing (GoldenGrass kickoff) — Thursday, May 29

🏔️ Gold Hill Inn — Sunday, May 31

🎶 Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox — Wednesday, June 4 with All She Wrote

At its core, this episode is about the next generation of bluegrass figuring it out in real time — balancing tradition with experimentation, independence with growth, and staying authentic while navigating an industry that looks completely different than it did even ten years ago. ✨

🎧 Tap in now wherever you listen to podcasts. This one’s hilarious, thoughtful, and a reminder that the future of bluegrass is in very good hands. 🪕🔥🌌

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #BrokenCompassBluegrass #JamGrass #Bluegrass #ColoradoMusic #WinterWonderGrass #LiveMusic #Nugs #Improvisation #FestivalCulture

🎶🔥 This week in the dungeon, Broken Compass Bluegrass rolls in from Grass Valley, California with a session full of haunting harmonies, cosmic storytelling, and the kind of emotionally driven bluegrass that sticks with you long after the last note fades out. 🌲🪕✨

Blending progressive bluegrass, rich vocal layering, and deeply cinematic songwriting, the band delivers a three-song set that feels both intimate and massive at the same time.

The session opens with:

🌌 “East Coast Blue” — a reflective and beautifully layered original about distance, memory, and searching for peace while trying to outrun the weight of the past. With soaring instrumentation and emotional vocals, the song immediately sets the tone for the journey ahead. 🌙✨

Then things drift into something mystical with:

🧚 “Fairies and Lightning” — written by fiddle player Maylyn Hirant, this haunting tune leans into fantasy imagery, eerie beauty, and emotional uncertainty. Inspired by the band’s original “Alien Song,” the track creates a dreamlike atmosphere that feels equal parts folklore and fever dream. ⚡🌲

And to close things out, the band pays tribute to one of Colorado’s most beloved jamgrass acts with:

🏔️ “New Horizons” by Yonder Mountain String Band — a powerful and emotional rendition that perfectly captures the spirit of the mountains, resilience, and the Colorado roots that helped inspire Broken Compass Bluegrass in the first place. 🌧️🎻🔥

Between songs, the band talks about their upcoming record, touring through Colorado, and how influential the Front Range bluegrass scene has been on shaping their sound.

At its core, this session is about storytelling — blending emotion, imagination, and improvisation into songs that feel both deeply personal and completely transportive. ✨

🎧 Full dungeon session streaming now on YouTube and wherever you stream What’s the Reason for This?

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #BrokenCompassBluegrass #Bluegrass #JamGrass #DungeonSessions #YonderMountainStringBand #LiveMusic #ColoradoMusic #ProgressiveBluegrass

🎶🔥 This week in the dungeon, Foggy Memory Boys bring the spirit of Taos, New Mexico straight into Morrison for a session packed with wildgrass energy, rich harmonies, and stories that feel like they were pulled straight from a late-night festival campsite. 🌵🪕✨

Blending bluegrass, jamgrass, folk storytelling, and outlaw country vibes, the Foggy crew delivers a three-song session that perfectly captures the freedom, grit, and heart behind their unique sound.

The session kicks off with:

🌧️ “Arkansas Rain” — a moonshine-soaked road song full of river memories, backwoods imagery, and smoky harmonies that instantly transport you deep into the Ozarks. Equal parts nostalgic and rowdy, this one feels like driving backroads at midnight with nowhere to be but the next campsite. 🌙🥃

Then the band shifts gears with:

🔥 “Resting Day” — an uplifting, hard-driving original about refusing to sit still, chasing purpose, and getting after the life you actually want. Built around themes of movement, self-discovery, and perseverance, the song explodes with jamgrass energy… plus a perfectly timed confetti cannon attack mid-song. 🎉🪕⚡

And the session closes with:

🎻 “Tow That Line” — a haunting and emotionally charged cover of the Devil Makes Three classic, delivered with gritty harmonies, raw instrumentation, and the kind of late-night intensity that makes everyone in the room stop what they’re doing and listen. 🌌🔥

Between songs, the crew dives into stories about Tico Time Bluegrass Festival, late-night water slide adventures, touring through the Midwest, and building their sound through years of jamming together in the Taos bluegrass scene.

At its core, this session feels like exactly what the Foggy Memory Boys represent — friends making music together because they genuinely love it, chasing connection over perfection, and turning every show into a living-room-style jam with whoever’s willing to pull up a chair. 🌲✨

🎧 Tap into the full dungeon session now on YouTube and wherever you stream What’s the Reason for This?

🎻🔥 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay sit down with New Mexico’s own Foggy Memory Boys for a conversation full of wildgrass chaos, festival lore, lamp camp philosophy, and the beautiful madness of building a band from the ground up. 🌵✨

What started as a trio of friends jamming in Taos turned into one of the most unique sounds in the Southwest scene…

🎶 Teaching themselves instruments and learning music completely by feel 🏆 Winning a mandolin competition after only knowing a few songs 🌌 Finding inspiration through Grisman, the Dead, bluegrass jams, and psychedelic festival culture 🔥 Building a sound that blends jamgrass, songwriting, improvisation, and pure New Mexico weirdness

But this episode goes way deeper than just the music…

🏕️ The legendary story behind “Lamp Camp” and how one Coleman lantern became a full-blown festival beacon for late-night jams 🚐 Grinding through bars, festivals, and DIY touring while building a loyal grassroots following 💔 Recording their first album right as the pandemic shut the world down 🎥 Learning how to survive in the social media era while staying authentic and unapologetically themselves

And honestly… this episode is exactly what independent music is supposed to feel like.

⚡ Friends first, band second 🎶 Community over clout 🍻 Playing for 12 people like it’s 12,000 🔥 Creating music because they love it — not because it fits neatly into a genre box

At its core, this episode is about chasing connection, embracing imperfections, and building something real with the people around you.

🎧 Tap in now wherever you listen to podcasts. This one’s hilarious, heartfelt, slightly unhinged, and packed with the kind of stories that only happen deep in the festival trenches. 🌲💨✨

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #FoggyMemoryBoys #JamGrass

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi heads into the dungeon with Jon “Barber” Gutwillig of The Disco Biscuits for a deep dive into improvisation, originality, the evolution of the jam scene, and what it really means to create something completely your own. 🎸🔥

Fresh off a massive run of Vegas aftershows during Phish Sphere weekend, Barber opens up about the mindset behind improvisation and why, after 30 years, the Biscuits still approach jamming less like a formula… and more like chasing a feeling in real time. 🌌🎶

This one starts in the chaos of the jam itself…

🎸 The Disco Biscuits’ obsession with improvisation — “nobody jams more than the Biscuits” 🧠 Singing every note while playing to stay connected to melodies and ideas inside a jam ⚡ Flow state, muscle memory, and why some of the best moments happen completely unconsciously 🎶 Accidentally quoting his own guitar playing from decades ago without even realizing it

But then the conversation opens into something much bigger…

🔥 The early jam scene days — when originality mattered more than perfection 🎧 Why modern music feels more focused on refinement and imitation instead of exploration 🎼 Barber’s approach to originality: intentionally avoiding music he was afraid of subconsciously copying 🎹 The influence of jazz legends like Monk, Miles Davis, and McLaughlin on finding your own voice

And then… it gets philosophical.

💭 Why jam bands don’t always get the credit they deserve as musicians 🎸 The difference between technical guitar playing and truly serving a jam ⚖️ Why less notes can sometimes create more impact inside improvisation 🌌 The challenge of creating art for yourself instead of chasing audience expectations

The episode also dives into the evolution of the scene itself…

🚐 Burned CDs, tiny clubs, and discovering the Biscuits in the early 2000s before streaming existed 🏔️ Colorado becoming one of the greatest concert markets in the country 🎟️ The rising cost of concerts and how the live music experience has changed 🤝 Why the jam scene still creates some of the deepest friendships and strongest communities in music

And of course… things get hilariously weird too.

🚗 The legendary story of a fan driving a car directly into a hotel room during the early Biscuits days 🤯 The infamous First Bank Center stage-diving incident that nobody can fully explain 😂 Wooks, stereotypes, and why outsiders still don’t fully understand jam culture

Then the conversation comes full circle…

🏕️ Returning to Colorado for a three-night Memorial Day run at the legendary Mishawaka Amphitheatre 🎶 Fan-voted setlists, intimate mountain shows, and why the Mish remains one of the most magical venues in the country 🔥 Reflecting on 30+ years of building a scene that was never supposed to last this long

At its core, this episode is about authenticity — trusting your instincts, embracing experimentation, and refusing to sand down the weird parts of yourself just to fit into someone else’s version of success. ✨

🎧 Tap in now wherever you listen to podcasts. This one’s funny, thoughtful, wildly insightful, and a rare glimpse inside the mind of one of the true architects of the modern jam scene. 🎸🌌

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #DiscoBiscuits #JonBarber

🎶🔥 This week in the dungeon, Liver Down the River brings the full spirit of Colorado “Funkadeligrass” straight into the basement for a session that’s equal parts haunting, heartfelt, and wildly psychedelic. 🪕🌈🔥 Blending bluegrass roots with jam energy, dark storytelling, rich harmonies, and mountain-town weirdness, the band delivers a three-song set that perfectly captures why they’ve become such a staple in the Front Range scene. The session opens with: 🎻 “Hung My Head” — a haunting reimagining of the Johnny Cash classic (inspired by Blue Highway’s version) that immediately sets the tone with cinematic energy, gritty emotion, and soaring fiddle work. The band transforms the song into a dark, atmospheric journey that feels tailor-made for a late-night Colorado campfire. 🔥🌙 Next comes: 🌊 “The Shape We’re In” — an original tune written as a reflection on uncertainty, resilience, and finding hope through nature. Using rivers, storms, and canyon imagery as metaphors for life’s chaos, the song balances introspection with optimism and showcases the band’s ability to blend emotional songwriting with expansive jamgrass textures. 🌧️✨ And the session closes with: 🌙 “Take Me Home” — an original song Patty and Emily wrote when they were 19 years old, built around dark river imagery, longing, and murder-ballad storytelling. Haunting harmonies and emotional instrumentation make it feel like a late-night campfire confession drifting down the water. 🪕✨

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay welcome Liver Down the River into the dungeon for a conversation packed with psychedelic bluegrass chaos, festival stories, Colorado roots, and the beautiful weirdness that’s helped make them staples of the mountain music scene. 🪕🔥🐟

Fresh off a ripping dungeon session, the band dives into the story behind their self-created genre…

🌈 “Funkadeligrass” — a wild blend of funk, bluegrass, jam, rock, and psychedelic energy that somehow makes perfect sense once you hear it live. 🎶✨

The episode starts back in Durango…

🏔️ Meeting in college after Patty spotted Emily biking home from orchestra practice with a viola on her back 🎻 Falling into bluegrass together as former orchestra kids chasing something less polished and way more free 🔥 Discovering Yonder Mountain, Jeff Austin, and jamgrass culture as the gateway into improvisation and community 🖤 The surprisingly real emo-kid-to-bluegrass pipeline

But things really evolve when the band moves to the Front Range during COVID…

🚐 Rebuilding the lineup from the ground up during lockdowns and bubble-show era Colorado 🥁 Bringing in new members with backgrounds in jazz, funk, rock, and jam music 🎶 Learning how to communicate through improvisation and create space for each other inside the music

And then… the conversation shifts into something bigger than just the band.

💸 The reality of trying to survive as independent musicians 🎟️ Learning how to value yourself, negotiate pay, and avoid getting taken advantage of 🤝 Why local scenes only survive when artists and fans support each other

Which naturally leads to the story behind Tico Time Bluegrass Festival…

🏕️ How a random river rafting takeout turned into one of Colorado’s most beloved grassroots festivals 📞 Patty cold-calling the property owners during COVID after they asked online if anyone knew bluegrass bands 🎪 Building a festival culture centered around undercard acts, late-night pickin’ circles, and actual community instead of giant corporate vibes

The crew also gets into:

🐟 The legendary stuffed salmon “Sammy” that’s been signed exclusively by members of Leftover Salmon 😂 The first-ever dungeon confetti cannon incident 🎶 Why the best festival sets are usually the noon-time bands nobody’s heard of yet 🔥 And how campfire picks are still the heart of bluegrass culture

At its core, this episode is about community — building something real with your friends, creating spaces where music matters, and remembering that the magic usually happens far away from the main stage. ✨

🎧 Tap in now wherever you listen to podcasts. It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and one giant love letter to Colorado music culture. 🏔️🪕

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #LiverDownTheRiver #Funkadeligrass #TicoTime

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi goes solo in the dungeon with two absolute pillars of the Colorado scene — Joe and Matt from Head for the Hills — for a full-circle conversation that hits nostalgia, growth, and everything in between. 🪕🔥

What starts as a trip down memory lane quickly turns into something bigger… a story about how a college dorm jam session turned into a 20+ year band that helped shape the Fort Collins and Front Range music scene. 🎶✨

This one kicks off at the roots…

🏫 Meeting in the CSU dorms and turning late-night picking into a real band 🍻 House parties, 30 racks for payment, and the early days of building a following 🌀 The Fort Collins scene in the early 2000s raw, wild, and full of possibility

But then things start to take off…

🔥 First shows, first crowds, and realizing “this might actually be something” 🎪 The early days of Picking on the Poudre and stepping onto the Mishawaka stage 🎶 Blending bluegrass with punk, rock, and improvisation to create their own sound

And then comes the evolution…

💿 Recording their first album in a pre-streaming world when CDs and word of mouth were everything 🎧 Getting pushed (hard) in the studio to refine their sound and cut the fat 🚐 Touring the old-school way, MapQuest directions, burned CDs, and figuring it out as they went

But this episode doesn’t shy away from the real stuff…

⚖️ Navigating lineup changes, burnout, and the constant evolution of a band 🥁 Reinventing their sound by adding drums and reworking their entire catalog 🦠 Surviving COVID, learning to record themselves, and adapting to a new music landscape

And through it all… one thing stays constant.

🤝 Prioritizing friendship over fame 🎶 Creating music because they love it not just for ticket sales 🌄 Staying rooted in the community that helped build them

It all leads to this moment…

🎉 Celebrating 20 years of Picking on the Poudre 🏔️ Returning to the Mishawaka, the place where so much of the magic started 🔥 A full-circle milestone for a band that never stopped evolving

At its core, this episode is about community, longevity, and doing it your way even when the industry, the trends, or the world try to push you in a different direction.

🎧 Tap in now wherever you listen to podcasts. This one’s nostalgic, hilarious, and a reminder that some of the best things in life… start in a dorm room with your friends. 🪕✨

#HeadForTheHills #PickingOnThePoudre #Mishawaka

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay are back in the dungeon with Dylan Flynn of Magoo— and this one goes way deeper than just the music. 🪕🔥

What starts as tour talk and band momentum quickly turns into something real… a conversation about creativity, anxiety, identity, and the voice in your head we’re all trying to figure out. 🧠✨

This one kicks off with the whirlwind…

🚐 Life on the road, 16 shows in 18 days and the grind that actually brings a band closer 🎶 Locking in as a unit how constant touring is tightening Magoo’s sound in real time ⚡ Adding new covers on the fly and building a catalog one song at a time

But then… it shifts.

🧠 “The Warden” the voice in your head that second-guesses everything you do ✍️ Turning anxiety into art how Dylan wrote a new song straight out of that internal battle ⚖️ Creativity and mental state why feeling good is when the music flows (and what happens when it doesn’t)

And from there… it gets real personal.

🌿 The truth about substances performance enhancers, dependency, and learning to find flow without them 🎯 Chasing flow state sober and why that’s the next evolution as a musician 💭 Years of anxiety, overthinking, and learning how to observe your thoughts instead of being consumed by them

Then comes one of the most powerful turns of the episode…

🖐️ A career-threatening hand injury that almost ended everything 🪕 Discovering the dobro out of necessity and completely changing his path 🧠 The mind-body connection how chronic pain, anxiety, and the brain are more connected than we think 💥 Rewiring his mindset and coming back stronger than ever

And just when you think it can’t go deeper…

💔 A story about his grandmother passing during WinterWonderGrass and the unexpected, beautiful moment he shared with his dad that same night 🤝 The importance of connection, community, and showing up for each other

Then it circles back to the moment everyone’s been talking about…

🔥 The Aggie Theatre blowout nerves, energy, and stepping into a new level 🚨 The Bluebird show, pure chaos, next-level jamming, and a night that felt like a true turning point 🎶 That feeling when a band clicks… and there’s no going back

At its core, this episode is about the battle inside your own head and what happens when you stop running from it and start turning it into something real.

🎧 Tap in now wherever you listen to podcasts. This one’s raw, vulnerable, and a reminder that sometimes your biggest obstacle… is also your greatest source of creativity. 🧠✨

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #Magoo #DylanFlynn

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi flies solo in the dungeon and sits down with one of the most exciting and boundary-pushing banjo players in the game right now — Tray Wellington. 🪕🔥

From a small town in North Carolina to carving out his own lane in Nashville, Tray’s story is all about finding your voice, trusting your instincts, and refusing to be put in a box. 🌄🎶

This one starts at the roots…

🎣 Fishing trips with his grandfather, listening to Johnny Cash, Doc Watson, and helping build the foundation of his sound 🎸 Starting on electric guitar (thanks to Guitar Hero era chaos) before falling in love with the banjo 🪕 That first moment hearing three-finger banjo and knowing instantly… this was it 💰 Saving up from McDonald’s to buy his first banjo and going all in

But things really start to take shape when the path opens up…

🎶 Growing up surrounded by an insane North Carolina music scene (Shadowgrass, Billy Strings connections, and more) 🎤 First gigs with Cane Mill Road and realizing music could actually be a career 🎓 The college years and the moment he decided he didn’t want to sound like anyone else but himself

And that’s where everything shifts.

🔥 Breaking away to find his own sound instead of copying legends 💿 Creating Black Banjo — an album rooted in authenticity, identity, and truth ⚖️ Navigating expectations, stereotypes, and the pressure to fit into other people’s narratives

Now… he’s entering a whole new chapter.

🚀 A brand new project “Heart on the Table” — blending banjo with hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and electronic elements 🎛️ Originally built solo at home, then transformed through collaboration into something bigger 🤝 Bringing in an all-star lineup to create the community-driven sound the album was missing 💡 The power of crowdfunding, trusting your fans, and building something real together

And it all leads to this…

🎶 First single “False Idols” drops April 22nd 💿 Full album coming July 10th 🔥 A project that might be his most authentic, vulnerable, and genre-defying work yet

At its core, this episode is about identity not letting the world tell you who to be, and having the courage to create something that’s fully, unapologetically you.

🎧 Tap in now wherever you listen to podcasts. This one’s powerful, inspiring, and a reminder that the real magic happens when you stop trying to fit in… and start building your own lane. ✨

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #TrayWellington #Banjo

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi taps in with the Midwest heat — sitting down with Ben and Augie of Armchair Boogie to break down how a couple of Wisconsin pickers turned porch jams into a full-blown touring machine. 🪕🔥

What starts as a conversation about bluegrass roots quickly opens up into something bigger — the evolution of a band that refuses to stay in one lane. From traditional picking to funk grooves, jam sections, and full-send live energy… this is Armchair Boogie. 🎶✨

This one gets into: 🌲 Growing up in Wisconsin’s underrated bluegrass scene and the Midwest roots that shaped their sound 🪕 Picking up the banjo at 14 just because “it made me happy” — and never looking back 🎸 From emo riffs to Led Zeppelin to jamgrass — Ben’s full-circle guitar journey 🚗 Buick LeSabre jam sessions, porch picking, and the origin story of the band

But things really take off when the band comes together…

🔥 Turning a failed project into something new, keeping the crew together and building from the ground up 🎶 Finding their sound by blending bluegrass, funk, rock, and improvisation into something completely their own 🎤 Writing originals first with 80% of songs built before they ever hit the band room ⚡ Learning to push setlists, evolve live shows, and never play it the same way twice

And then there’s the reality of being a band in 2026…

📲 The pressure of social media, content creation, and never being able to “clock out” 🚐 Touring life 15 passenger van, no trailer, just the boys and the road 💿 Recording their 5th studio album at a legendary Minnesota studio and chasing that creative high 🎪 Building their own festival Boogie Down and continuing to grow their footprint

At its core, this episode is about figuring it out as you go trusting the process, leaning into the chaos, and building something real with your friends over time.

🎧 Tap in now wherever you listen to podcasts. It’s funny, raw, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to keep a band alive and thriving for over a decade.

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #ArmchairBoogie #JamGrass #Bluegrass

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay are back in the dungeon breaking down an absolutely wild weekend — from ticket chaos to unforgettable shows, and a band that might’ve just leveled up right in front of our eyes. 🎶🔥

What started as a simple ticket drop turned into full-blown madness…

🎟️ The Billy Strings presale struggle virtual queues, lottery systems, and the reality of fighting thousands of fans for a shot at getting in

😤 “Magic fingers” luck vs. getting completely shut out

💭 A real conversation about what’s broken in ticketing and what could actually make it better for fans

While part of the crew held it down in Colorado…

🌴 Shannon heads to St. Augustine for Billy’s tour kickoff — describing it as nothing short of magical

🎶 Debuts, deep jams, and a powerful Ronnie Bowman tribute that set the tone for the entire run

🌕 Even a rocket launch lighting up the sky to kick off the weekend

But back in Colorado… things got serious.

🔥 Magoo’s homecoming run following the release of What A Life

🎸 Night one at the Aggie packed, sweaty, and full of energy with standout covers and nonstop momentum

🚨 Night two at the Bluebird the one everyone will talk about

And this is where it all shifts…

⚡ A performance that felt like a true turning point for the band 🎶 Extended jams, insane musicianship, and a crowd that never let up 🐻 Crowd surfing, confetti chaos, and moments that pushed the show into legendary territory 🤯 That feeling when you realize… this band just hit another level

At its core, this episode is about the chase for tickets, for moments, for music that actually moves you.

🎧 Tap in now wherever you listen to podcasts. This one’s chaotic, hilarious, and a front-row seat to a weekend we won’t forget anytime soon.

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #Magoo #BillyStrings

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay sit down in the dungeon with the one and only Mark “Huggy Bear” Lavengood, a walking vibe, a musical Swiss Army knife, and quite possibly the only man out here lifting Billy Strings off the ground mid-hug. 🐻🎶🔥

From kitchen shifts at Founders Brewing to festival stages, studio builds, and full-on freak show hosting… this episode is a deep dive into the energy, evolution, and authenticity that make Huggy Bear exactly who he is.

This one gets into: 🐻 The origin of “Huggy Bear” and how one job interview hug turned into a full-blown identity 🥁 Starting on drums, teaching himself everything by ear, and unlocking music through pure intuition 🎸 The moment the switch flipped realizing he could play anything and chasing it across instruments 🎶 Building roots with Winter Sessions and finding his lane through experimentation and improv

But this episode really opens up when the journey expands…

🚐 Life on the road with Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys seven years of touring, growth, and tough decisions ⚖️ Choosing family, balance, and creative freedom over the “all-in” road life 🏡 Building his own lane from Bear Den Studio to festivals, collaborations, and entrepreneurial chaos 💿 What’s next: a brand new project “Wake Up Vol. 1 & 2” and continuing to carve out his own sound

And then… things get weird (in the best way possible).

🎭 Getting the call from Billy Strings’ camp and stepping into the role of Freak Fair host 🟡 Running wild through Asheville in full character, interacting with fans, and bringing the chaos to life 🤝 The deep Michigan roots and long-standing connection with Billy and the crew

At its core, this episode is about being unapologetically yourself trusting your instincts, following your curiosity, and knowing when to pivot without losing the passion that got you there in the first place.

🎧 Tap in now wherever you listen to podcasts. It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and a reminder that sometimes the best thing you can be… is just a damn good hug. 🐻✨

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #MarkLavengood #HuggyBear

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi sits down in the dungeon with Will “Mustang” McGee the groove-driving backbone of Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country for a deep dive into music, identity, and what it really takes to build your own sound. 🐎🎸🔥

From Memphis soul roots to sold-out festival stages, Mustang breaks down the journey balancing life on the road, developing his voice as a bassist, and carving out space for his own artistry through his solo project Horseplay. 🎶✨

This episode dives into: 🎧 Growing up on Memphis music and the influence of legends like James Jamerson, Chuck Rainey, and Donald “Duck” Dunn 🎸 Finding your voice as a musician and why playing with others is the fastest way to grow 💿 The story behind Horseplay and how it captures his deeper R&B and soul roots 🎙️ The creative process starting with a single line, opening the “portal,” and letting songs pour out 🔥 Life inside Cosmic Country, fearless songwriting, live experimentation, and building songs on the fly

And yes… they get into the chaos too.

🥕 The infamous “carrot” phenomenon how fans started “feeding the horses” mid-jam and turned it into a full-blown live show tradition 🌌 Festival moments like WinterWonderGrass, Cantina Band comebacks, and commanding massive crowds in real time 🎨 Life outside music drawing, collaborating with his fiancée, and finding balance on the road

But at its core, this episode is about identity and growth learning your craft, staying open to every opportunity, and trusting that every experience (even the messy ones) is shaping your sound.

🎧 Stream it now wherever you get podcasts. It’s thoughtful, hilarious, and packed with real insight for anyone chasing creativity — whether you’re on stage or just getting started. 🌊✨

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #MustangMcGee #CosmicCountry

🎶🔥 Banshee Tree: Evolution, Experimentation & the Road to a New Album 🔥🎶

This week in the dungeon, the crew welcomes Colorado’s genre-bending powerhouse Banshee Tree for a wild and insightful conversation about the band’s evolution, their upcoming album, and the strange, beautiful road that got them here. 🌲✨

From the early days playing weekly gigs under the Boulderado Hotel—with unlimited bar tabs and pheasant dinners—to touring the country and carving out a sound that refuses to sit inside any single genre, Banshee Tree shares the story behind more than a decade of musical experimentation.

What started as a swing-inspired project slowly morphed into something entirely its own: a high-energy fusion of electro-swing, jam improvisation, Balkan rhythms, jazz, and psychedelic dance grooves. With each lineup change and musical influence, the band leaned further into the idea that their strength comes from giving every member space for their unique voice to shape the sound. 🎷🎹🥁

In this episode we dive into:

✨ The early Colorado scene that helped launch the band 🎶 How weekly gigs became the band’s experimentation laboratory 🚐 Life on the road—from Key West to the Pacific Northwest 🎷 The addition of sax, synth, and new sonic textures 💿 The long, meticulous process of crafting their upcoming album 🎤 Why their current sound finally captures the true spirit of the band

The new record represents years of growth, lineup changes, studio experimentation, and relentless touring. After layering hundreds of tracks, refining arrangements, and reshaping songs along the way, the band is finally ready to share a project that reflects who Banshee Tree truly is today. 🌌

And the celebration is just getting started.

🎉 The official album release show is happening March 27th at the Fox Theatre in Boulder, where fans can get their hands on the physical vinyl before the digital release later in April.

If you love discovering bands that push boundaries, blur genres, and build something completely their own… this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

🎧 Tune in now and get ready to dive into the world of Banshee Tree.

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi hangs in the dungeon with none other than Cotter Ellis of Goose — and this one goes deep. 🥁🔥

From Vermont heady snowboard spots 🏂🌲 to driving 20 minute jam peaks in front of thousands, Cotter opens up about the journey, the grind, the growth, and the surreal full circle moments that brought him from Swimmer to the Goose drum throne.

They dive into:

🥁 The drummers who shaped him. Bonham swagger, Neil Peart spectacle, and the caveman genius of Jay Lane

🎶 What it actually feels like to step into Goose. Milwaukee as the fearless foursome, The Cap shows, and finding chemistry fast

🌊 The art of building a jam. How peaks happen, how instinct takes over, and why preparation lets you stop thinking and just go

🐺 Why songs like Atlas Dogs unlocked a new rhythmic lane with those tribal 12/8 grooves

🎿 Colorado love. Ski tours, jam band meccas, and why Boise randomly rips

But this episode is not just about drums. It is about improvised music as a reflection of life itself. The gray areas. The tension. The light and the dark. The arc of a show that makes you laugh, cry, and lose your mind in the same set. 🎢✨

Cotter also gets real about:

💭 Goose hate, tribal fandoms, and staying open to constructive criticism

🤝 Community over competition and why music scenes should be melting pots instead of echo chambers

🔥 Launching Cotter and Friends and bringing Swimmer homies, Kyle Hollingsworth, Andy Hall, Torrin Daniels, and more together for genre bending chaos

At its core, this episode is about passion. The kind that makes you dig deeper behind the kit, trust the moment, and chase the unknown every single night.

🎧 Stream it now wherever you get your podcasts. It is thoughtful, funny, introspective, and a reminder that the best jams and the best lives happen when you stop overthinking and dive in. 🌊💥

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi sits down with Christopher Henry (Ol’ Clunky) and bluegrass phenom Wyatt Ellis to celebrate something truly special, the release of Wyatt’s brand-new recording of “West Dakota Rose”… and the official music video dropping on YouTube the very same day this episode airs. 🌹🎻🔥 Huge shout out to Joseph Cash (Yes, that’s Johnny’s grandson) of Weeping Willow Productions in producing this amazing video.

🎥🐎🧭🥀Check it out here: ⁠https://youtu.be/mUHbBEedWag⁠

For years, West Dakota Rose has taken on a life of its own, from Billy Strings performing it in Asheville three years running, to festival fields and jam circles across the country. But now, the song comes full circle: teacher and student, mentor and protégé, Jedi master and Padawan, stepping into the studio together to create a definitive new rendition. 🎶✨

This episode dives into: 🌹 The origin story behind West Dakota Rose love, loss, horses, and harmonic shifts between dark and light 🎻 Wyatt’s evolution from tab-reading beginner to ear-trained improviser steeped in Monroe’s vocabulary 🔥 Recording the track live as a band twin fiddles, Kyle Tuttle on banjo, and capturing the energy in the room 🏡 Filming the official music video at Bill Monroe’s old home place blasting the tune through the same walls where bluegrass history was born 🧭 The layered artwork and symbolism, horseshoes, compass roses, and community tributes woven into the visualizer and merch

The conversation also honors the late Jack Demurjian of Red Daisy Sporting Club ☄️ whose vision and spirit helped inspire new West Dakota Rose artwork that ties together horse medicine, compass imagery, and the deeper mythology behind the tune. 🤍

At its core, this episode is about legacy how songs grow beyond their writers, how mentorship becomes collaboration, and how bluegrass remains a living language passed down by ear, by heart, and by community.

🎥 The official “West Dakota Rose” music video is live now on Wyatt Ellis’ YouTube channel.

Special shoutout to Hayden Karnes of @DefinitelyNotLosAngeles 🎨✨ for creating the stunning album artwork, a piece that visually captures the spirit of the song with western mythology, movement, and meaning woven into every detail. Check out his artwork in a new line of WDR merch available at ⁠WyattEllis.com⁠ 🌹

🎧 The single and visualizer are streaming everywhere.

This isn’t just a song release. It’s a full-circle moment.

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay welcome the chaotic, brilliant, cello-slinging string sorcerers of High Horse into the dungeon and things go from bluegrass to banjo science to Narcan policy to glizzy marketing in about 12 minutes flat. 🪕🔥😂

Fresh off a high-energy Dungeon Session (yes, there was a cannon… no, they weren’t prepared), High Horse sits down to unpack how a band of Boston “massholes” with Colorado ties came together in grad school, built something wildly genre-bending, and decided to bet on themselves, no label safety net, no handbook, just vibes and unpaid labor. 📚➡️🚐➡️🎶

High Horse dives into: 🎻 Why adding a strap to a cello changes everything 🪕 The lineage from Rashad Eggleston to modern percussive string chaos 🎸 Growing up around the jam-band scene in Connecticut and old-school bluegrass traditions 🏆 Winning RockyGrass competitions (yes, multiple instruments… because of course) 🎨 Designing their own posters, merch, and album art in-house 📱 The brutal reality of being your own label, booking agent, content team, and social media department 💸 Paying to tour while building an audience in new markets like Colorado 🤝 Why the merch table conversations and community moments make the grind worth it

The band also opens up about how technology has shifted the music industry giving artists more control while demanding more labor than ever before. Being in a band today means rehearsing, writing, touring, filming, editing, booking, marketing, and somehow still finding time to actually practice. 🎥📧📈

And through all of it? Personality. Chaos. Humor. Deep musicianship. And a shared commitment to making music that doesn’t neatly fit a box. High Horse isn’t trying to replicate a genre they’re stitching together bluegrass roots, classical training, jam energy, and experimental textures into something that only makes sense once you see it live. ⚡🎶

The episode wraps with details on their Colorado run including Chautauqua Community House (with Joy Adams & Gus Trisch), New Terrain Brewing, Society Hall in Alamosa, Cottonwood Cottage in Greeley, and Avogadro’s Number with Silas Herman. Plus: a new EP Swim Before You Fly and a live record on the way. 🚐🏔️💿

At its core, this episode is about building something from scratch, embracing the chaos, and figuring out how to survive and thrive in the attention economy without losing the soul of the music.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get podcasts. And if you’re in Colorado this week go see High Horse live. Trust us.

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi sits down in the dungeon with Torrin Daniels of The Kitchen Dwellers for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation that blends music, identity, politics, mental health, and what it really means to not “shut up and sing” when the moment demands more. 🪕🔥🗣️

The episode centers around Torrin’s now-viral onstage speech at the Mission Ballroom during the Kitchen Dwellers’ Colorado run. Delivering the cherry on top moment at their biggest indoor headlining show to date. What began as a gut-level response to real-time events in Minnesota quickly became a defining moment, not just for the band, but for a scene grappling with fear, division, and silence. ⚠️🎤

Torrin opens up about: 🧠 Deciding earlier that day he needed to say something and being more nervous about speaking than performing 🔥 Why using the stage felt unavoidable given the political climate and recent shootings 📍 Being in Minnesota while chaos unfolded nearby and trying to create art under an “impending sense of doom” 🛑 Why “just shut up and sing” stops making sense when people around you are scared to exist ⚖️ Coming from a ranching, gun-owning background and rejecting the false binary of values vs empathy 🗣️ The responsibility artists carry when they’ve seen the country up close, coast to coast 🧩 Why this isn’t about partisanship it’s about recognizing danger when history starts repeating itself

From there, the conversation widens into who Torrin is beyond the speech. He talks candidly about growing up in Wyoming and Montana, his early love of drums before banjo, discovering punk, metal, reggae, and jam music, and how those influences shaped Kitchen Dwellers into the genre-blurring, “non-bluegrass bluegrass” band they are today. 🥁➡️🪕⚡

They dive deep into: 🎸 How metal, punk, and grunge techniques inform Torrin’s banjo style 🎶 Why the band records live together to preserve feel and honesty 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Evolving as bandmates choosing unity over blame through hard seasons 🧠 Advocacy for mental health and normalizing therapy in music culture 🌱 Reaching a place where the band no longer plays “first-date shows,” but fully trusts who they are.

The episode closes with a reminder that community is the antidote go to shows, buy tickets early, meet people, dance, sweat, argue, heal, and exist together. Because art only works when it’s honest, and silence only helps the wrong things grow. 🌈🤝🔥

🎧 Listen now wherever you get podcasts. This one is raw, thoughtful, challenging and a reminder that authenticity isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always necessary.

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay welcome David Weingarden, Vice President of Z2 Entertainment, into the dungeon (virtually) for one of the most important ticketing conversations we’ve ever had — breaking down the real forces behind ticket prices, scalpers, bots, and why fans keep getting screwed. 🎟️⚠️🔥

If you’ve ever been 19,000th in a virtual queue 🧍‍♂️🧍‍♀️📉, paid triple face value for a ticket 💸😤, or accidentally bought from a fake site that looked legit, this episode explains exactly why that’s happening and who benefits from the chaos.

Fresh off testifying at a U.S. Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the proposed TICKET Act, David pulls back the curtain on the ticketing ecosystem from speculative ticketing and bot armies 🤖📈 to deceptive URLs, unchecked marketplaces, and the massive lobbying power protecting the status quo. This isn’t conspiracy talk it’s documented reality. 🧾⚖️

David breaks down: 🎟️ What speculative ticketing actually is and why it should be illegal 🤖 How bots scoop tickets instantly (sometimes from overseas IPs) 🧑‍⚖️ Why enforcement, not just laws, is the missing piece 🏛️ What really happened when Colorado tried (and failed) to pass strong ticket reform 💰 How scalpers outspent independent venues 75 to 4 in lobbyists 📢 Why marketplaces claim “we’re just the platform” and why that excuse wouldn’t fly anywhere else 🏟️ How monopolistic control over venues, ticketing, promotion, and resale hurts fans and artists 🎸 Why independent venues are the ones taking the blame and the abuse for a broken system

The conversation also zooms out to spotlight the human side of independent venues 🏠🎶 how places like the Fox Theatre, Boulder Theater, Aggie, Chautauqua, and 10 Mile don’t compete with billion-dollar corporations by throwing money around, but by treating artists and fans with real care. High-touch service, community trust, and long-term relationships are how they survive. 🤝❤️

Kodi and Shay push hard on the fan perspective too, why artists sometimes take massive tour deals 💼, how perception becomes reality online 📱🔥, and why fans need better information before directing anger at venues and musicians who don’t control the resale market.

At its core, this episode is about consumer protection, transparency, and collective action. This is a bipartisan issue 🟣🔵 that affects everyone who loves live music. The solution isn’t yelling into the void, it’s learning, organizing, and advocating together. 🌍🗣️

🎧 Listen now wherever you get podcasts. 📣 Follow NIVA (National Independent Venue Association) 🎟️ Support independent venues 🛑 Demand fair ticketing

Because live music doesn’t survive without fans — and fans deserve better. 🎶✊

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay welcome Alabama-born bluegrass firestarters Mountain Grass Unit (MGU) into the dungeon for a long-overdue hang that dives deep into friendship, hustle, growing pains, and what it really looks like when a band is mid–rocket ship. 🚀🪕🔥

What starts with laughs about canceled Colorado shows, tooth pain from hell 🦷😖, and internet rumors quickly turns into a full origin story — from childhood friendships and rival middle-school friend groups 😅 to rock bands, borrowed upright basses, and getting voluntold to play bluegrass before fully knowing what bluegrass even was. 🎸➡️🪕

MGU opens up about: 👬 Growing up together in Alabama and building trust long before the band existed 🎶 Learning instruments the hard way through YouTube tutorials, borrowed gear, and first gigs days after touching an upright bass 🏫 Juggling college life across Berklee, ETSU, and Alabama while trying to keep a band alive from different states 📧 Cold-emailing venues, losing money on early tours, and why investing in yourself matters more than profit early on 🤝 Landing an agent and management and how that changed everything (without magically fixing everything) 🧠 The mental shift from “students who tour sometimes” to “this is the job now” 💿 Signing with Dualtone Records and heading into the studio with Vance Powell to record a new full-length album 🌍 What’s next: WinterWonderGrass, recording all of February, Australia dates, and a stacked 2026 touring calendar

The conversation also digs into MGU’s identity — how they balance traditional bluegrass roots with high-octane energy ⚡, crowd-moving covers, and a jam-friendly mindset that works just as well for seated traditionalists as it does for dancing Colorado crowds. 🕺🪑

Kodi presses on merch stories (yes, the infamous khaki shirts 😬👕), slap-koozies, DIY marketing, and the band’s hilarious social media videos — showing how personality, humor, and authenticity can pull new fans in just as fast as blistering musicianship. 🎥😂

At its core, this episode is about putting in the time and earning it on a long road from backyard jams to festival stages, the willingness to lose money to gain momentum, and the power of sticking together when things get uncomfortable, uncertain, or downright painful. 🌱🤝

🎧 Tap in wherever you listen to podcasts. This is a must-listen if you love bluegrass, band origin stories, or catching artists right as things start to really take off. 🪕🔥

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi sits down in the dungeon with viral artist and musician Justin Barona (Just Tat Em) for his first-ever podcast appearance — a necessary, difficult conversation that directly addresses a real controversy and the consequences that followed.

The episode centers on the backlash sparked by posts shared by Justin’s wife, which circulated widely and included harmful, inflammatory references tied to Adolf Hitler and antisemitic rhetoric. The response was swift and justified: public outrage, accusations of hate speech, canceled shows, and Justin ultimately taking his Instagram offline. This conversation does not frame the situation as a misunderstanding or a matter of nuance — it acknowledges that the content was wrong, damaging, and incompatible with the message Justin presents publicly. ⚠️🛑

Justin addresses the situation directly: 🚫 Making it clear the posts do not reflect his beliefs 🗣️ Acknowledging that silence and delayed response worsened the situation 📉 Accepting that accountability comes with having a platform — even when the words aren’t yours 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Talking honestly about how the fallout affected his family, career, and mental health 📴 Explaining why he stepped away from social media and what he learned from it

From there, Kodi intentionally widens the lens — not to excuse what happened, but to understand the person now navigating the consequences. Justin shares his life story in full: running away from an abusive home at 12, living on the streets, incarceration at a young age, and how music, drawing, and tattooing became tools for survival and connection. 🧒➡️🎨➡️🎶

The episode also explores the pressure of sudden virality 📱🔥, the grind of producing nonstop Cameos, the strain of balancing creativity with fatherhood, and how quickly a feel-good internet narrative can unravel when personal lives intersect with public platforms. Justin speaks candidly about missteps, ego, burnout, and the need to draw firmer lines between his values and the content associated with him.

At its core, this episode is about accountability without deflection. It doesn’t ask listeners to forget what happened — it asks them to understand how it happened, what was wrong about it, and what moving forward with clarity and responsibility actually looks like. 🔍⚖️

🎧 Listen now wherever you get podcasts. This is a heavy, honest conversation — and one that doesn’t shy away from the reality that words, associations, and silence all have consequences.

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay sit down with guitarist and songwriter Tom Hamilton Jr. to dive deep into his first-ever solo album under his own name, I’m Your Vampire 🩸🖤 — out January 23. This episode is all about the songs, the process, and the moment that pushed Tom to finally make this record. 🎸✨

After decades of collaboration across genre-defining projects, Tom opens up about why this album had to happen now. Written during a period of massive personal change — the end of Ghost Light, his father’s illness, and choosing not to outrun grief by staying on the road — I’m Your Vampire was created by sitting still, turning inward, and letting honesty lead the way. 🖤🧠

Tom breaks down: 📝 Writing songs as a way to process uncertainty, loss, and identity 🎧 Why this record needed to exist outside of any band name — no safety net, just truth 🎛️ Building the album with longtime collaborator Pete Tremont and locking in perspective with producer Alex Farrar (Asheville sessions = magic ✨) 💿 How 40+ songs became a tightly intentional tracklist 🎸 Balancing raw emotion with restraint, tone, and texture 🩸 Letting listeners bring their own meaning to the songs — without overexplaining the art

They also talk about how the album’s sound pulls from multiple worlds — hints of grunge, Americana, indie rock, and the melodic sensibility Tom is known for — while still standing firmly on songwriting first. Every choice, from sequencing to production, is rooted in intention and authenticity. 🔥🎶

This episode is a rare look at what it means to start over creatively, even after years of success — and why making the record you need to make matters more than comfort or momentum. 🌱⚡

🎧 Listen now wherever you get podcasts 📲 Pre-save I’m Your Vampire 🎟️ Catch Tom Hamilton Jr. on tour in 2026

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #TomHamiltonJr #ImYourVampire

🎧 This episode of What’s the Reason for This? Kodi and Shay drop back into the dungeon with Tonewood String Band for a no-holds-barred, laugh-heavy, deeply honest conversation about what it really takes to make a debut full-length album — from crowdfunding stress 😅💸 to studio self-doubt 🧠😵‍💫 to finally holding the finished record in your hands 💿🙌.

Fresh off the release of Heart of the Pretender, the band reflects on a nearly two-year journey 🗓️🔥 that began with a Kickstarter, rolled through 60 hours in the studio ⏱️🎛️, and ended with a record they’re genuinely proud of — scars, growth, and all 💛🌱. The conversation pulls the curtain back on the realities of modern bluegrass bands trying to level up without losing themselves in the process. 🪕⚡

The band digs into: 🎶 Why they chose to crowdfund — and how much work actually goes into a Kickstarter 💪💵 🎛️ Recording at Swingfingers Studio with Aaron Youngberg — and why working with someone who speaks bluegrass makes all the difference 🎻🎚️ ⏱️ Tracking live in isolation with click tracks, layered takes, and producer Tyler Grant steering the ship 🚦🎧 🧠 The mental battle of studio perfectionism — self-doubt, breakthroughs, and learning when to trust the take 😤➡️😌 💿 How songs evolved in unexpected ways once recorded — including tracks that nearly didn’t make the album 😳✨ 📈 Why pre-saves, singles, playlists, and algorithms matter more than fans realize 🤖📲 — and how the “waterfall release” strategy actually works 🎤 The wild contrast between sold-out theaters 🎟️🔥 and nearly empty bar gigs 🍺😅 — and how the band stays grounded through both

The episode also shines a spotlight on the unsung hero behind Tonewood’s visual world 🌈🖌️: Silver — the band’s manager, merch wizard, and resident artist. She shares how the album artwork was inspired by the title track, Bob Dylan’s “Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts” ♠️❤️, and grew into a full playing-card theme across singles, posters, and merch — all screen-printed by hand 🖐️👕.

They also revisit the band’s Kickstarter cover-song rewards 🎁🎶, where fans funded the record by commissioning custom bluegrass versions of everything from Gordon Lightfoot 🌄 to Sly & The Family Stone 🕺💃 — essentially creating a second album while finishing the first. Absolute chaos. Absolute magic. ✨🪕

At its core, this episode is about commitment, community, and creative honesty 🌾🤝 — learning when to push harder 🚀, when to let go 🕊️, and how much independent music depends on fans showing up, buying merch 🛍️, pre-saving records 💾, and spreading the word 📢❤️.

🎧 Tune in for the laughs 😂, stay for the real talk 🎙️, and remember: support the bands in the trenches — that’s where the magic lives. ✨🪕

🎧 This episode of What’s the Reason for This? is a little different — and a whole lot festive. Kodi and Shay coming to you from the dungeon to discuss a recent session from the newly christened Dungeon West to break down everything you need to know about the 4th Annual Jingle Jam, one of Colorado’s most beloved end-of-year bluegrass traditions. 🎄🪕✨

After some legendary technical difficulties (including a lost-but-not-forgotten all-time-great interview), the hosts regroup to make sure the mission stays front and center: raising money, celebrating community, and getting everyone to this show before it sells out. 🎟️🔥

The episode dives into what makes Jingle Jam so special — a scene-wide Christmas party packed with 40–50 musicians, zero repeat sets, deep-cut holiday songs, and nonstop collaborations. Taking place Saturday, December 20th at Roots Music Project in Boulder, the event brings together members of bands like Stillhouse Junkies, Deer Creek Sharpshooters, Mighty Holler, Jake Legg, Tonewood, Liver Down the River, and many more, with special guest appearances from Pete Wernick (Hot Rize) and other scene favorites. 🎶🤝

Most importantly, 100% of ticket sales benefit Sister Carmen, a Boulder County nonprofit providing food, resources, and dignity to families and individuals in need. Last year alone, Jingle Jam raised over $8,000, and this year aims to do even more. 💛💪

Kodi and Shay also highlight the fun chaos that defines the night — from audience-thrown “snowballs” (yes, pom-poms) ❄️😂 to outrageous holiday outfits, surprise sit-ins, and the reminder to support the venue by buying drinks and tipping bartenders. The episode closes by encouraging listeners to not only attend this year, but to get involved next year through volunteering, donating, or helping expand the event’s impact. 🌈🙌

🎧 Stick around to the end of the episode for a Jingle Jam Session featuring three holiday songs that will absolutely put you in the spirit. This one is about music, generosity, and showing up for your community — exactly what the season is supposed to be about. 🎄💛

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay sit down in the dungeon with one of the most influential architects of Colorado’s music culture — Scotty Stoughton of Bonfire Entertainment. 🌲🔥 The man behind WinterWonderGrass, Baja WonderGrass, Small Town for the Cause, river trips, and some of the most meaningful gatherings in modern roots music joins us for a deep, inspiring, wide-ranging conversation. whats-the-reason-for-thiss-stud…

What starts as classic dungeon energy quickly turns into a masterclass on vision, community, risk-taking, and following your heart — from grilled-cheese-slinging Deadhead kid to festival builder, river guide, and global connector. 🌎💛

Scotty opens up about: 🎶 Growing up on Dead Tour → hand drums → freestyling → sharing stages with Les Claypool, Sam Bush, and Mark Vann 🔥 Touring in the wild 90s and realizing kindness + intention can change an entire show’s energy 🏔️ Founding events like WinterWonderGrass, Snowball, and Camp Out for the Cause — and how each taught him to build culture, not just festivals 🧡 Why empathy, respect, and human connection are non-negotiable in his company ethos 🛠️ The REAL work: town councils, decibel limits, zip-tie battles, waste cleanup, pushback, and learning to stay grounded through it 🎤 Supporting emerging artists — and why some of your favorite bands got their first big moment on his side stages 🌊 Paddleboarding the Grand Canyon, discovering “river time,” and how the River WonderGrass trips became spiritual medicine during COVID 🇲🇽 How falling in love with Baja, its culture, and its healing environment led to Baja WonderGrass — not a resort event, but a community-rooted adventure 💚 Travel, discomfort, purpose, legacy, and why he believes we were never meant to be cogs in a machine

At its core, this episode is about building spaces where people feel good — whether it’s 5,000 people in Steamboat, 500 on a beach in Baja, or 25 in a canyon sharing music at sunrise. It’s about showing up with heart, lifting up the folks coming behind you, and remembering that community is the whole point. 🌈🤝

🎧 Tap in now wherever you listen to podcasts. It’s inspiring, grounding, hilarious, and a reminder that the magic of this scene is something we all build together. 🫶✨

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #BonfireEntertainment #WinterWonderGrass

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and co-host Shay hang in the dungeon with the absolute rip-roaring bluegrass crew Deer Creek Sharpshooters — fresh off their basement session and rolling deep into Colorado’s picking scene. 🪕🔥

What starts as classic dungeon chaos quickly turns into a real-deal origin story: how a group of lifelong friends from the Mid-Atlantic turned a post-high-school bluegrass obsession into a no-guitar, all-gas band that’s now carving out a name in the Front Range circuit. 🏔️🎶

The Sharpshooters open up about: 🏡 Growing up together back East (Maryland/Virginia/Philly energy) and catching the bluegrass bug AFTER high school — proof it’s never too late to start pickin’ 🎧 Their gateway bands: Trampled by Turtles, Old Crow, Yonder, Jeff Austin vibes — the stuff that lit the fuse 🌴 The Charleston era where it clicked: “we can actually be a band that plays venues” 🪕 Instrument origin chaos: mandolin “dibs,” banjo arm-wrestle decisions, dobro awakenings, and upright bass leap-of-faith madness 🎻 How Kay joined after an Irish-music background + moving to CO — and jumped into bluegrass headfirst 🎼 Their writing process: someone brings 80% of a song, the band builds the rest, arranging parts + solos together 📲 The grind of being artists and content creators — splitting up band “business roles” (booking, merch, marketing, accounting) so they can keep making music 💿 What’s next: building funding for a new album, plus a plan to start dropping live recordings that capture who they really are 🎪 Upcoming moves: Dec 19, 2025 at Globe Hall with Mighty Holler + Foggy Memory Boys, opening for Magoo at Bluebird in April, and festival runs like WinterWonderGrass, Palisade Bluegrass Bash, and more

At its core, this episode is about community + commitment — the late-night festival picks, the fans who show up early for the “small names,” the merch tables that keep bands alive, and the kind of friendship that lets a group keep evolving without losing the spark. 🌈🤝

🎧 Tap in now wherever you listen to podcasts. It’s loud, hilarious, heartfelt, and a reminder that bluegrass is a family sport. 🪕💛

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #DeerCreekSharpshooters #Bluegrass

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi heads back into the dungeon with guest co-host Dave and very special guest Alana Rocklin — bassist of Sound Tribe Sector Nine (STS9) — for a deep-dive into the band’s first studio record in nearly a decade, Human Dream, and the wild full-circle journey that took Alana from fan to family. 🎶✨

From opening STS9’s first-ever Chicago show in 2001 🤯 to joining the band full-time in 2014, this conversation travels through origin stories, jazz discipline, improvisation philosophy, studio wizardry, touring realities in 2025, and why supporting live music matters now more than ever. Expect nerdy gear talk, big feelings, and a whole lot of love for the scene. 🙌❤️

🎸 Meeting STS9 in 2001 when her band (then “All Rectangle”) opened for them, the instant connection, and becoming the first non-STS9 artist released on 1320 Records.

🚐 Touring the old-school way — six-week runs in a car/van during the MapQuest era — forging friendships that eventually led her deeper into the STS9 orbit.

🎓 Her jazz + improvisation foundation at the University of Michigan, how mentor Rodney Whitaker drilled the “2 & 4 metronome” method into her practice, and how it shaped her internal clock as the band’s rhythmic backbone.

💿 Cross-genre session work, including recording bass for major hip-hop records (like Rick Ross’ Maybach Music 4) from her Nashville studio with charts, producer notes, and precision.

🌈 Joining STS9 after Murph’s departure — the weight of stepping into a legacy, the six-week cram where she learned the top 50 tunes, and building confidence through festival sets before the massive Red Rocks initiation.

🧪 How STS9 writes in real time — debuting songs live (sometimes learned minutes before stage time), letting crowds shape the music, then refining the ideas in the studio.

💫 Why Human Dream became 19 tracks — a double-album born from COVID delays, evolving ideas, and a refusal to rush the creative process.

🎶 Favorite Human Dream stories including: • Strange Games — reinvented after a sample didn’t clear, showing how limitations spark better art. • Big Basin — tied to the wildfire that destroyed her home, making the studio version deeply personal. • It’s All Right / Lives of Symphony & Unity — a live mutation turned studio favorite with vocals from longtime friend Maureen Murphy.

🎤 The legendary 2016 choir shows (Alpharetta + Red Rocks) with huge covers like “Under Pressure” and “Get Lucky,” and why STS9 uses covers sparingly so they land as true events.

🤝 A near-collab with Billy Strings, derailed by a hurricane but still destined to happen — proof of the joy in genre-crossing without rules.

📣 Why studio albums matter even with endless live recordings: they’re a clean entry point for new fans and a definitive snapshot of who the band is right now.

This episode is a wide-angle look at what it means to step inside a legacy — honoring the past, trusting the process, and fighting for the future of live music with your whole heart. 🌀🔥

🎧 Stream now wherever you get your podcasts — and turn up Human Dream loud. Sometimes the reason is simple: keep showing up for the music and each other. 💛

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi drops back into the dungeon with Colorado’s roots-rock homies Drunken Hearts — fresh off a live basement session and riding a big wave into their next chapter. 🎶🍻

From mountain-town beginnings in Vail 🏔️ to surviving lineup shifts, loss, and the post-COVID rebuild 💥, this convo gets real about how a band keeps becoming itself over and over again. There are laughs, some heavy heart, and a whole lot of love for the road and the songs that carry it. 🙌❤️

Drunken Hearts opens up about: 🎸 How the band started 15 years ago as a ski-town trio — and why the early days felt like a “powder keg” of southern rock energy 🕊️ Honoring founding drummer Ted Wells, whose passing in 2014 changed everything — and how his spirit still threads through the music 🎹 The wild, last-minute story of Tyler joining on keys in 2020 and instantly becoming essential to their sound 🎶 Writing songs in phone notes while driving, letting inspiration hit when it hits 🚗📱 🤝 Collaborating with Nashville hit-maker Dave Pahanish — including the surprise gift of a new unrecorded song, “Sacred Ground” 🔥 Their brand-new single “The Other Side” (feat. Bonnie Sims of Big Richard), recorded on the 10-year anniversary of Ted’s passing — a full-circle moment that still gives chills 🎪 What’s next: a stacked Denver show Dec 6 at Cervantes’ Other Side with Tyler Grant’s Electric Farm + Jake Legg, plus more CO winter dates 💿 The 2026 mission: record a new album, go bigger, go deeper, and keep building this thing the right way

This episode is all about growth without forgetting the roots — the grief, the grit, the road miles, and the kind of brotherhood that keeps a band swinging through every season. 🌾⚡

🎧 Stream it now wherever you listen to podcasts! Real talk, road stories, new music, and a reminder that sometimes the reason is just… don’t stop playing. 💛

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #DrunkenHearts #ColoradoMusic #RootsRock #Americana #JamScene #NewSingle #TheOtherSide #Cervantes #DenverMusic #IndependentMusic #Songwriting #BandLife #HomiesHelpingHomies #MusicPodcast #BasementSessions #GoodVibesOnly

🎧 This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi sits down with the man behind one of the hottest podcasts in the jam scene — Clint Dodson of All Jammed Up! 🎶🔥

From Billy Strings runs and Hulaween chaos 🎸🌀 to media passes, imposter syndrome, and the art of staying authentic,this convo dives deep into the grind, the growth, and the gratitude behind building something real. 🙌

Clint opens up about: 🎙️ Turning a passion for live music into a full-blown podcast movement ☕ Editing episodes at Starbucks between shows (dedication level: MAX) 🎪 The friendships and community that make the jam scene magic 🍺 Brewing his own All Jammed Up Beer with One World Brewing in Asheville 💫 And finding balance, purpose, and love alongside his partner-in-crime, Chloe 💖

This episode is all about chasing the dream without losing the why — the laughs, the burnout, the breakthroughs, and the moments that make it all worth it.

🎧 Stream it now wherever you listen to podcasts! It’s real talk, good vibes, and a reminder that we’re all just out here trying to find our reason. 🌈✨

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #AllJammedUp #ClintDodson #PodcastLife #JamScene #BillyStrings #Hulaween #AshevilleMusic #LeftoverSalmon #Bluegrass #JamGrass #MusicPodcast #HomiesHelpingHomies #Authenticity #GoodVibesOnly

🎙️ This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay sit down with one of the most beloved pickers in the jamgrass world — Andy Thorn of Leftover Salmon! 🎶

You might know him as the banjo-slinging wizard who went viral for serenading a fox 🦊 outside his home in the Colorado hills… but there’s so much more to Andy’s story than that one magical moment.

From his bluegrass roots in North Carolina 🎻 to earning a degree in jazz guitar 🎸 (because, yep — there wasn’t a banjo program back then), Andy’s path to becoming one of the most respected players in modern bluegrass is a story of grit, heart, and pure love of the music.

He talks about: 🌄 What drew him out west to Colorado — and how the mountain scene and community completely changed his life. 🎸 The wild journey from playing small college jams to joining Leftover Salmon, one of the most iconic jamgrass bands ever. 🥁 What it’s like to go from bluegrass purity to plugged-in, full-band chaos with drums, keys, and amps turned to 11. 🦊 The day a curious fox wandered up mid-banjo session — and how that viral video became a global feel-good story during COVID. 👶 Being a full-time dad AND full-time touring musician (spoiler: no naps, lots of caffeine ☕). 🎧 Recording his latest solo album at home, surrounded by instruments, baby toys, and sunrise views — featuring friends like Tyler Grant, Greg Garrison, and Eric Deutsch of The Black Crowes. 🎶 Why “music should be fun” — and how bluegrass still feels like a tight-knit family of friends who just want to jam and lift each other up.

The guys also dig into the evolution of Leftover Salmon, the Colorado bluegrass scene, and how the next generation — bands like The Fretliners, Arkansauce, and Tonewood String Band — are keeping the fire alive 🔥.

Andy reflects on teaching at RockyGrass Academy, passing along his skills to the next wave of pickers, and what it means to see bluegrass finally becoming “cool” again with younger fans. 🙌

It’s one of the most genuine, funny, and inspiring convos we’ve had yet — packed with stories from the road, dad-life humor, and a reminder that no matter how big the stage gets, it’s all about the music, the people, and the pick. 💙

🎧 Stream “The Andy Thorn Episode” now on What’s the Reason for This? — available wherever you get your podcasts.

👉 Hit play, laugh a little, and maybe even go pick up that old instrument again. Because as Andy says: “Music should be fun — that’s the whole point.” 🎵✨

#WhatsTheReasonForThis #Podcast #AndyThorn #LeftoverSalmon #JamGrass #Bluegrass #ColoradoMusic #BillyStrings #Banjo #MusicPodcast #MusicianLife #PodcastCommunity #MusicLovers #FoxGuy #BanjoLife #BluegrassFamily #WTRFT

This week on What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi sits down with the legendary Matt Mundy — the mandolin master whose innovative style helped shape the sound of the Aquarium Rescue Unit and the jamgrass movement that followed. From growing up in a bluegrass family in the deep South to jamming with icons like Béla Fleck, Sam Bush, and Oteil Burbridge, Matt takes us on a journey through decades of music, humility, and rediscovery.

Matt opens up about being “born into bluegrass,” learning from his mom and uncle, and finding his own voice on the mandolin after realizing the fiddle just wasn’t for him. He shares stories from his early gigs, turning down high school homecoming for a gig that changed his life, and his wild ride with Bruce Hampton’s ARU—including van mishaps, chaotic tours, and the legendary live album that still inspires jam fans today.

We dig into his decision to walk away from music at the height of his success, selling all his instruments, and how—ten years later—the spark to play came back stronger than ever. Now, Matt’s full circle moment shines through in his new album, “Many Ways Home”, featuring collaborations with longtime friends and family, including his mother Frances Mooney and drummer Jeff Sipe. It’s a record that blends bluegrass, jazz, and pure soul—just like his story.

Whether you’re a diehard Widespread Panic fan, a bluegrass purist, or someone who just loves a good comeback story, this episode hits every note.

🎧 Listen now to hear Matt’s reflections on fame, friendship, and finding joy in the music again. 📀 “Many Ways Home” is available everywhere you stream music.

🎙️ Kodi flies solo this week for a deep-dive conversation with guitarist, gear wizard, and Jerry Tone Store founder Jay Faires — a man on a mission to decode the electric alchemy behind Jerry Garcia’s legendary sound. From growing up jamming bluegrass in Tennessee to reverse-engineering vintage amps and building a tone empire online, Jay’s story hits every note of obsession, discovery, and pure love of music.

🎸 This episode explores the intersection of curiosity and creativity — how chasing tone can become its own form of art, and why the spirit of Jerry still hums in every note of the jam scene today.

💬 Highlights include: ⚡ Jay’s childhood jam sessions with his taper dad — and how improvisation shaped his musical DNA. 🎶 The evolution from reluctant bluegrass picker to tone-obsessed guitarist and gear entrepreneur. 🧰 A crash course in the science of signal flow, the “buffer” that changed everything, and why Jerry’s quest for sonic perfection was pure wizardry. 🎛️ The inside story of Waldotronics — the unsung hero behind some of the most accurate Garcia tone recreations today. 🔥 The origin story of Jerry Tone Store: from pandemic tinkering to viral TikToks and a full-blown business built by passion. 🌈 Reflections on authenticity, artistic identity, and how finding “your sound” can reconnect you with the joy of playing. 💡 Plus: gear talk, tone talk, and the spiritual weirdness that happens when music, science, and soul all line up.

🎧 Tune in for a journey through tone, tech, and timeless inspiration — from the Grateful Dead’s sonic legacy to the next generation of guitar dreamers keeping that fire alive.