Common Thread – Details, episodes & analysis

In the final installment of episode five Rory and Greg interview Tom Schlatter of Saetia, You & I, SpiritKiller, and The Assistant.

Rory starts things off by discussing the impact You & I had on his relationship with hardcore with a particular focus on his experience traveling to see their final show.

Tom talks about how punk rock influenced his career trajectory in the IT field, eventually leading him to seek meaningful work by managing technology in the public library setting. Greg and Tom discuss their experiences working in public libraries, how the current social and political climate is impacting libraries, and how punk rock and early 2000's message board culture prepared them for the 2020's culture wars.

Rory and Tom spend time discussing how they met through Alone Records, the record label their previous bands Standfast and The Assistant were affiliated with. The discussion includes how hardcore informed their response to trauma and setbacks in life.

The three also talk about the changing demographics within hardcore punk, growing older and aging in the a vegan/punk/hardcore community, and the cyclical nature of the rise and fall of popularity in sub-genres of hardcore punk. Tom discusses how the Saetia reunion shows have helped raise funds for various nonprofit organizations. Charles Cure from SpiritKiller also makes a cameo appearance in this episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

Behind the Glass

Podcast and gallery focusing on underrepresented artists utilize the space to amplify their work. Curated by @Richardbcolon @qua.jay. Check out the podcast or join them in person first Fridays at 240 E Main St, Rochester, NY! https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fm

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

In part two of episode five Rory and Greg interview Tom Schlatter of Saetia, You & I, SpiritKiller, and The Assistant.

Rory starts things off by discussing the impact You & I had on his relationship with hardcore with a particular focus on his experience traveling to see their final show.

Tom talks about how punk rock influenced his career trajectory in the IT field, eventually leading him to seek meaningful work by managing technology in the public library setting. Greg and Tom discuss their experiences working in public libraries, how the current social and political climate is impacting libraries, and how punk rock and early 2000's message board culture prepared them for the 2020's culture wars.

Rory and Tom spend time discussing how they met through Alone Records, the record label their previous bands Standfast and The Assistant were affiliated with. The discussion includes how hardcore informed their response to trauma and setbacks in life.

The three also talk about the changing demographics within hardcore punk, growing older and aging in the a vegan/punk/hardcore community, and the cyclical nature of the rise and fall of popularity in sub-genres of hardcore punk. Tom discusses how the Saetia reunion shows have helped raise funds for various nonprofit organizations. Charles Cure from SpiritKiller also makes a cameo appearance in this episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast

Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm

Rory and Greg discuss the significant role "third spaces" like coffee shops and libraries have in fostering connections between individuals and creating authentic, organic communities. The hosts advocate for the preservation of these increasingly scarce 'third places,' arguing that they are critical in combating the isolation often brought on by technology and social media.

Greg and Rory also discuss the role skateboarding played in their formative years, and how it introduced them to a community that embraces nonconformity and independent thinking.

This episode also features a segment where Greg and Rory talk about traumatic experiences they had as children, and how the abuse influenced their identity and outlook. The hosts discuss the important role the Standfast song "Elucidate," a song about childhood trauma and abuse, played in Greg's life.

The discussion shifts to focus on the transformative power of shared experiences, the importance of finding ways to show empathy, and the challenges of parenting, particularly in the context of instilling values of autonomy, independence, and communication in children.

Mentioned in this episode:

Behind the Glass

Podcast and gallery focusing on underrepresented artists utilize the space to amplify their work. Curated by @Richardbcolon @qua.jay. Check out the podcast or join them in person first Fridays at 240 E Main St, Rochester, NY! https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fm

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Common Thread.

This podcast will explore territory beyond the typical interview questions about musical influences and favorite bands. It will feature organic discussions that illuminate how hardcore and punk rock influenced the trajectory of our lives in unexpected ways.

Common Thread will showcase authentic conversations with small business owners, educators, activists, artists and people who have lived unique and interesting lives. We will introduce you to individuals who have found ways to apply the values, philosophies, and sense of community found in hardcore punk to overcome obstacles, resolve problems using innovative solutions, and forge their own path in life.

In this three-part episode, co-hosts Rory Van Grol and Greg Benoit talk about the role hardcore had in influencing their adolescence years, their choices as parents, their role as the leaders of Ugly Duck Coffee and Irondequoit Public Library respectively, and their shared experience overcoming past trauma. Rory discusses his move from Rochester, NY to Rhode Island, how he came to be in Soul Control, his eventual move back to Rochester, and the founding of Ugly Duck Coffee. Greg discusses his career as a public librarian, how late 90s hardcore show fliers influenced the way people in the Rochester area learned about ebooks, and how he came to occupy a leadership role in public libraries.

This conversation is as inviting and humorous as it is vulnerable and unvarnished., and sets the pace and tone for future interviews.

This episode was recorded using a Zoom 2H4n Pro microphone and Blue Snowball microphone, and was edited with Audacity. If you live in the Rochester area you can borrow these microphones for free from the 1839 Maker's Lab located at the Irondequoit Public Library to record a podcast, oral histories, interviews, and live music. The 1839 Maker's Lab also features a high end PC that you can use to edit your audio recording using Audacity. Visit irondequoitlibrary.org/services/makers-lab for more information.

Mentioned in this episode:

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fm

In part one of episode five Rory and Greg interview Tom Schlatter of Saetia, You & I, SpiritKiller, and The Assistant.

Rory starts things off by discussing the impact You & I had on his relationship with hardcore with a particular focus on his experience traveling to see their final show.

Tom talks about how punk rock influenced his career trajectory in the IT field, eventually leading him to seek meaningful work by managing technology in the public library setting. Greg and Tom discuss their experiences working in public libraries, how the current social and political climate is impacting libraries, and how punk rock and early 2000's message board culture prepared them for the 2020's culture wars.

Rory and Tom spend time discussing how they met through Alone Records, the record label their previous bands Standfast and The Assistant were affiliated with. The discussion includes how hardcore informed their response to trauma and setbacks in life.

The three also talk about the changing demographics within hardcore punk, growing older and aging in the a vegan/punk/hardcore community, and the cyclical nature of the rise and fall of popularity in sub-genres of hardcore punk. Tom discusses how the Saetia reunion shows have helped raise funds for various nonprofit organizations. Charles Cure from SpiritKiller also makes a cameo appearance in this episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fm

In part two of two, Rory and Greg interview authors Karl Buechner (Earth Crisis, Path of Resistant, Freya), Jeremy Mueller, and Keith Ward about their debut novel The Unraveling: The Council of Crows.

Drawing from influences like the Redwall series, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, and Watership Down, this book is targeted towards kids ages 8 - 12, but it will appeal to readers of all ages who enjoy high fantasy, books with anthropomorphic animals, or adventure stories featuring an ensemble of characters.

Our guests discuss the origins of this unique multi-author project, the collaborative process, and the books and films that influenced their work. The co-hosts and guests discuss the characters, how they were developed, and the various philosophies and archetypes they each represent.

Karl is well known for his outspoken views on animal rights, environmental conservation, and vivisection. This books subtly eludes to some of these issues without being preachy or heavy handed. Fans of Daniel Quinn's Ishmael will likely notices the influence that book had on the Platonic dialogue between the characters Scarecrow and Twig.

The Unraveling: The Council of Crows is the first book in a trilogy. The first installment is available from independent bookstores, and Amazon. The primary audience are teens and tweens, but aging punk rockers will enjoy reading this book along side their kids. The book was published Th3rd World Studios and is being distributed by Simon & Schuster.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast

Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

In part one of two, Rory and Greg interview authors Karl Buechner (Earth Crisis, Path of Resistant, Freya), Jeremy Mueller, and Keith Ward about their debut novel The Unraveling: The Council of Crows.

Drawing from influences like the Redwall series, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, and Watership Down, this book is targeted towards kids ages 8 - 12, but it will appeal to readers of all ages who enjoy high fantasy, books with anthropomorphic animals, or adventure stories featuring an ensemble of characters.

Our guests discuss the origins of this unique multi-author project, the collaborative process, and the books and films that influenced their work. The co-hosts and guests discuss the characters, how they were developed, and the various philosophies and archetypes they each represent.

Karl is well known for his outspoken views on animal rights, environmental conservation, and vivisection. This books subtly eludes to some of these issues without being preachy or heavy handed. Fans of Daniel Quinn's Ishmael will likely notices the influence that book had on the Platonic dialogue between the characters Scarecrow and Twig.

The Unraveling: The Council of Crows is the first book in a trilogy. The first installment is available from independent bookstores, and Amazon. The primary audience are teens and tweens, but aging punk rockers will enjoy reading this book along side their kids. The book was published Th3rd World Studios and is being distributed by Simon & Schuster.

Mentioned in this episode:

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast

Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fm

In the final installment in our three part episode, Angie delves into the intricate dynamics of real estate transactions, particularly emphasizing the ethical considerations faced by agents when negotiating sales. She explores the delicate balance of client desires and legal obligations, highlighting how agents must navigate the nuances of fair housing laws while advocating for their clients' preferences. Angie has found from discussions with sellers, who frequently express a desire to sell their homes to owner-occupants rather than investors. This sentiment underscores the broader implications of real estate decisions on neighborhood integrity and social fabric.

The episode also touches upon the historical context of discriminatory practices such as redlining and their enduring legacy in modern housing markets. Greg reflects on a recent workshop aimed at educating individuals about the implications of restrictive racial covenants in property deeds. These discussions serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight against systemic inequalities in housing and the importance of community advocacy in addressing these issues.

Mentioned in this episode:

Behind the Glass

Podcast and gallery focusing on underrepresented artists utilize the space to amplify their work. Curated by @Richardbcolon @qua.jay. Check out the podcast or join them in person first Fridays at 240 E Main St, Rochester, NY! https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fm

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

Part two of the interview with Angie Cooper kicks off with a guest appearance by Rory's 9 year old who provides us with a summary of some of the best books he has recently read.

Angie, Rory and Greg share insights about their respective careers, highlighting how their backgrounds in punk culture inform their professional ethics and professional relationships. The conversation explores the challenges faced by younger generations in navigating home ownership amidst economic challenges and corporate encroachment in real estate.

The important role financial planning and mentorship has played early in their careers is discussed along with how professional relationships helped the guest and co-hosts reach important milestones in their careers and lives.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fm

Rory and Greg interview Angie Cooper, a real estate agent from Richmond, VA. Angie first met Rory on the 1999 xHead Onx tour. We hear about how a chance encounter facilitated through "Book Your Own Fucking Life" lead to their friendship that now spans over 25 years.

Angie has worn many hats throughout her life: teacher, tour/merch manager for bands like The Disaster, Strike Anywhere, Avail and Lamb of God, video editor and producer, and now real estate agent. She discusses how punk rock has influenced her the various stages of life and each of her career choices.

Angie also discusses some practical advice for people looking to buy a home in this turbulent real estate market. This is part one of a three part interview.

Mentioned in this episode:

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast

Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm