As much as unexpected and tragic loss tests the human spirit, sometimes it can become the catalyst for good.  And that is exactly the mission that my friend, Erik Larson, has embraced after suddenly losing his best friend, Greg Kline, in August of 2020.

Greg had a motto that he lived by, Get Busy Living, and Erik embodies all that is about getting busy living.  But now, he’s also embodying getting busy GIVING.

Erik Larson, who many refer to as “The Swede” because of his Scandinavian good looks and impeccibly styled blond hair, decided he had a story to tell.  A story of his three nephews, who become wildly successful in the business of crypto currency, but the oldest brother, Billy, isn’t satisfied with materialism and modern “things of this world” and decides to travel the world in search of his true purpose in life.  Ultimately he discovers that purpose in a life devoted exclusively to God.  And in one of the most remote areas of the world no less - Mt Athos, Greece - where orthodox Christian monks have been serving God for over a thousand years.  This otherworldly devotion requires the avoidance of “distractions” such as money, women, and even family. 

The Swede shares how Billy, now known as Brother William, embraces his new reality, all the while his brothers, his mother, and his girlfriend know nothing about his whereabouts or the new life he now lives.  They become determined to find Billy and to “save him” from a life that has every sign of being a cult.

Based on a true story, Cold Storage includes it all.  Wealth, family, mystery, love, faith, and in the end, peace.

Erik wrote Cold Storage, available in print and soon in audio, to support his new Get Busy Giving nonprofit foundation.  As quoted on his website www.getbusygiving.net, Get Busy Giving is inspired by:

“...seeing what real generosity looks like. Our town has rallied around families in need, supported local causes, and lifted people up in ways that pushed us to do something of our own. So we built Get Busy Giving, a nonprofit run by six grateful friends who want to turn inspiration into action. Our mission is to support causes that matter, build connections, and encourage others to step up for their neighbors.  Greg Kline’s saying, “Get Busy Living,” reminds us to live with purpose and heart. Get Busy Giving is our way of carrying that spirit forward.

All proceeds from Cold Storage and related merchandise go directly to Paws of War, supporting the life-changing bond between rescued dogs and those who serve in the military and first responders.”

The 6 grateful friends referenced above include Greg & Melissa Kline’s three children - Tommy, Mikey, and Gracie - and Erik & Meredith Larson’s three children - Anna, James, and Jack.  Together they comprise Get Busy Giving’s board of directors.

And to steal one more line from Erik’s website:

"So shines a good deed in a weary world."      -Willy Wonka

So join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!

www.getbusygiving.net

getbusygiving@getbusygiving.net

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/75EQYtN4axmGWGIpK0iA6p?si=HwSv9dsdRb2YC8yWVyFIBA&pi=od6v0bOgSDOyZ

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

Huntington, Long Island - home to so many of the amazing people that I am lucky to call my friends and family - continues to create new bonds and new friendships.  In the true spirit of Thanksgiving, I could not be more grateful for those connections. 

Thanks to a few of those lifelong friends, I’ve been recently connected to a fellow Huntingtonian, a fellow music-lover, fellow golfer, fellow genuinely happily married man and fellow father-of-three daughters.  A friend that truly gets what it means to Get Busy Living.  I’m proud and fortunate to call my guest, Rich Gray, a new friend and I’m excited to share our conversation. 

Our conversation covers ground dating back to the early ‘80’s in New York City when Rich was Lead DJ “spinning records” at the successor dance club to Studio 54, Danceteria, where he helped fuel the shift from disco to more alternative dance music.  As fate would have it, Rich met a woman at Danceteria who would ultimately turn out to become “the future Mrs. Gray”, though if you ask Janet, aka Mrs Gray, there may be some debate as to when exactly their fate was sealed ;)

Rich shares insights into music and a lot of bands that I have never heard before, which is one of the things I love most about Exploring the Energy, namely getting enlightened to new and wider horizons of music.  In the words of our beloved Billy Campion… “Hey man, there’s a lot of music out there.” 

So join us, and let's see where the energy takes us!

Cotton Fields / Credence Clearwater Revival

https://music.apple.com/us/album/cotton-fields/1440950503?i=1440950717

Don't Go Back to Rockville / R.E.M. https://music.apple.com/us/album/dont-go-back-to-rockville/1442454230?i=1442454641

Cousin Dupree / Steely Dan

https://music.apple.com/us/album/cousin-dupree/297597608?i=297597647

Roadhouse Blue / Doors https://music.apple.com/us/album/roadhouse-blues/511578072?i=511578100

Saint of Circumstance / Grateful Dead https://music.apple.com/us/album/saint-of-circumstance/663697282?i=663697477

You're the Best Thing / Style Council https://music.apple.com/us/album/youre-the-best-thing-12-inch-version/1851028801?i=1851029447

Christmas Must Be Tonight / Goose

https://music.apple.com/us/album/christmas-must-be-tonight-live/1667827844?i=1667828935

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

The title may be a bit of a giveaway, but unlike all previous episode show notes where I share a preview of the content, in this very special episode, I invite listeners to learn about my guest, Dan Pashman, by tuning in and finding out Dan’s amazing story for themselves.  In other words, I’ll keep you in suspense!

Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!

Anything’s Pastable https://www.sporkful.com/anythings-pastable/  

The Sporkful https://www.sporkful.com/

Mission Impastable https://www.sporkful.com/tag/mission-impastable/  

Born to Run https://youtu.be/_uh5jg1_tmA?si=DQpCGMNGAT7bcr1W  https://music.apple.com/us/album/born-to-run/310730204?i=310730214

So Many Roads https://music.apple.com/us/album/so-many-roads-live-in-chicago-july-9-1995/307938974?i=307939172  

Hello in There https://music.apple.com/us/album/hello-in-there/1018524551?i=1018524558

Crash into Me https://music.apple.com/us/album/crash-into-me/388136111?i=388136331

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

It was intentional and by design that the official rebrand of the podcast from Grateful Dad & Friends to Exploring the Energy w/ Anzo & Friends kicked off at a local, music-centric brewery, aptly named, U.S. Brews.  

What better place to explore the energy?!

In the inaugural episode, I’m joined by U.S. Brews owner & founder, Brian “Gunny” McGunnigle and Paul “Nud” Schmitz, with special cameo appearances by Kevin “Camper” Campion, Billy “Vic Thrill” Campion, and Billy “Mad Larry” Ryan.  We start by sharing the story behind the rebranding of the podcast and why I chose energy as the new theme and why “IFE” has become one of my mantras in life.

Next, Nud takes us back to the early 1970’s when he discovered his love of music by catching the Allman Brothers in our hometown of Huntington and how that love evolved into him becoming a musician in his own right.  He describes how he became part of Huntington’s own, Old #7 Band, along with “Hollywood Bob” Campion and how that friendship has lasted a lifetime. 

Then we let Gunny tell his story of how he gave up corporate America to follow his passion by opening up U.S. Brews Bottle Shop and how that leap of faith is fueling his soul.  He opens up about the journey and the blood, sweat and tears that he’s put into making USB what it is today - a vibrant, family friendly, music-centric brewery that the community has come to call home.

Finally, we share the mics with previous podcast guests Kevin Campion, Billy Ryan and Billy Campion so they can provide even more color behind the making of USB.

Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!

U.S. Brews Bottle Shop & Kitchen https://usbrews.com/

Statesboro Blues https://music.apple.com/us/album/statesboro-blues-live-at-the-fillmore-east-first-show-1971/1440828148?i=1440828157

Suddenly https://music.apple.com/us/album/suddenly/286725737?i=286725771

Ripple w/ Sturgill Simpson https://youtu.be/p23bFRa0O0A?si=rGZxqWsT8P1wI3pS (edited) 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

I've known Jason Darby for over 45 years, and while we've long shared a deep bond through our love of family, golf & tennis, and music, I was still surprised by the depth of his knowledge when it comes to the guitar—and especially his passion for legendary players like Eddie Van Halen, Nuno Bettencourt, and Keith Richards, to name a few.

Our conversation kicks off with a trip down memory lane, back to the late ’70s on the Bay Hills Beach tennis courts, where a young Jason was my tennis “pupil.” From there, we fast forward to discussing what makes these guitar icons so extraordinary. Jason shares his insights into their unique styles and explains why he's spent so much time studying their technique and artistry in his personal pursuit of mastering the axe.  

We also take time to talk about the greatest joys in his life: his wife of 25 years, Trish, and their three incredible kids — Kaleigh, Peyton, and Patrick. The Darby family's list of achievements is too long to cover in one episode, but I’d be remiss not to mention Trish’s legendary run at St. Bonaventure, where she set all-time soccer scoring records and became the first (and only) female soccer player inducted into the university's Hall of Fame. Sorry, Trish—I had to brag a little. :)

Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

Circa Fall 1982, I first met Mike Rice in Huntington High School’s 9th-grade math class, where we became fast friends and “partners in crime.”   In fact, it turns out it wasn’t until we sat down on this Thursday afternoon in February ‘25, some 43years later, that we discovered our connection goes back as far as 1974, when we shared the same kindergarten class in Flower Hill Elementary School.Fast forward to 2025, Mike (aka “Sketch”) brings us back to his early days growing up “south of 25A” In Huntington and being inserted into the Huntington Bay party scene and the broader edginess of what was becoming a melting pot at HHS.
Sketchy then shares his journey from being a summer intern at ABC News to covering the turmoil abroad in Tiananmen Square in the ‘80’s.Next up, Mike’s 2-year residency in Japan…. as an Elvis impersonator.  Wait.  What?We then dive into more modern day life, and it’s safe to say that Sketch and I have barely scratched the surface.Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!

https://music.apple.com/us/album/rocks-off/1440872228?i=1440872593

https://music.apple.com/us/album/aja/1706428459?i=1706428462

https://music.apple.com/us/album/burning-love/388127843?i=388128626

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

My friend of 50+ years, Justin Rubin, joins me and shares his recent experience facing the L.A. Wildfires and how the fires have affected his closest friends in the surrounding areas, and how L.A. is rising to the occasion as they enter the rebuilding process.  

He relives his journey of his early days at Canterbury School when his world was rocked by the loss of his brother, Greg, from a brain tumor in 1984, followed by the loss of his sister, Carolyn, in 2004 from the same type of brain tumor that took Greg, exactly 20 years ago to the day.  He describes how he has coped with the losses and how music helps heal his grief.  We dive into lighter notes including his love of all genres, and he explains why “if it doesn’t suck, then I’m into it.”  We close out the conversation by learning what his wife, Tara, and 3 young adult “children” are up to in 2025.

Join us, and let’s see where this energy takes us!

*Recorded on February 13th, 2025

Hello Sunshine / Bruce Springsteen https://music.apple.com/us/album/hello-sunshine/1459884961?i=1459885035

Jeremy / Pearl Jam https://music.apple.com/us/album/jeremy-live-mtv-unplugged/1530957891?i=1530958222

Elephant / Jason Izbell https://music.apple.com/us/album/elephant/644761037?i=644761044

Fire On The Mountain / Grateful Dead https://youtu.be/fStQUpqVLM8?si=rBdzZJ-LucTP3tUJ

Orange Sky / Alexi Murdoch  https://music.apple.com/us/album/orange-sky/20782605?i=20782599     

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

Grateful Dad & Friends would not exist if it weren’t for my guest, Will Retherford, who founded and owns the Tulsa-based production company, Citizens of Sound. 

I have my friend Lawrence Zarian - who some of you may know from his regular appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show or from his podcast, You Are Beautiful With Lawrence Zarian - to thank for connecting us.  Although it’s my GUESTS who are the focus and who provide the content, Will does the behind-the-scenes heavy lifting by recording every episode in real-time, mixing, editing, and publishing each GD&F episode.  He makes the audio sound clean, crisp, and as Bobby liked to say, “just exactly perfect.”

As their website claims, Citizens of Sound “originated from the infamy of the 2020 Global Pandemic as a solution for people seeking to grow their businesses, engage with their communities, pitch their stories, and share voices of hope in a strenuous time. We are all citizens of our wonder-filled pale blue dot.”

I invited Will to be my guest to share the story of, among other things, his involvement in the church, his love of music, his talents in making music, and ultimately his journey in podcast production.  

I’m eternally grateful to call Will Retherford my producer, my friend, and most recently guest.  Thanks Will, you rule!  I also want to thank his wife, Charis, who designed the Grateful Dad & Friends™ logo.  Thanks Charis!  Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge Will’s “righthand woman”, Leslie Dinsmore, who does an amazing job herding cats, coordinating the scheduling of our guests, locking in recording dates, and planning the release schedule.  Thanks Leslie!

Join us, and let’s see where this energy takes us!

​​Easy / Lionel Richie - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9rao8ee4392r9qq6aosj9/Lionel.mov?rlkey=2el36ng56oyja578fwdx2ko5h&st=wjaxav5r&dl=0

Tulsa Time / Eric Clapton & Sheryl Crow https://youtu.be/Q62bXCLpIE4?si=BBUusHDumNhe-U93

Silly Love / Bon Iver https://music.apple.com/us/album/skinny-love/947059824?i=947059829

I Know How You Get / Mk.Gee https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-know-how-you-get/1376936989?i=1376937002

Memory Bank / Saynt Ego https://music.apple.com/us/album/memory-bank/1730910642?i=1730910646

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

Love really IS in the air as we approach Valentine’s Day.  On today’s episode, I’m joined by the love of my life, my bride Ms Margs, and our friends, Lindsey Janes and Will Derasmoto, to celebrate their love and to toast to their recent engagement!
 
The conversation includes the story of how, despite the age gap and despite being in different phases of life during the early days of their relationship, they became the couple that they are today.  Similar to Margs and my story, in VERY short order, Lindsey & Will pulled off “The Trifecta” by adopting their first dog, getting engaged, and buying a house!

They share their mutual love of ALL music, including the likes of Bob Segar, Fleetwood Mac, Zach Bryan, and The Hollies.  And we wrap up with a game of “Tried & True Trivia w/ Andy & Margs” and finally Margs and I share our “Top 10 Lessons Learned From 28 Years of Marriage.”

Join us, and let’s see where this energy takes us!

Kentucky Derby Announcers Calling Mage to Win! https://youtu.be/ZH02-Yuw2gE?si=6h4Erygzg2RSVPWv

Night Moves / Bob Segar https://youtu.be/ePCiVK5Jjos?si=O5VOBFXWHFMiFOwN

Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress (REMIX) / Moonlight https://youtu.be/F0GbfUyjyKE?si=hpN8asELZT_lEnK2

Silver Springs / Fleetwood Mac https://youtu.be/eDwi-8n054s?si=dYfQYycxU9cehJcR

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

The Energy Train keeps rolling with an unforgettable guest: Dave “Fetts” Fetterolf. A dynamic personality with boundless energy, Fetts is a man of many talents—insane athletic ability, a battery that never quits, a wildly successful career, and his most important role of all - husband and proud father of three.

In this episode Fetts opens up about his journey, sharing how he overcame dyslexia to earn a spot at Cornell University, where he played Division 1 tennis and met his wife, Erica, on their very first day of freshman year.

He reveals the mystique of Cornell’s legendary Barton Hall, describing why this historic gymnasium has become such a magical venue for live music. Fetts also takes us on a journey across the country, recounting his post-college adventures with Erica as they embraced the ski bum lifestyle before settling into careers as a successful entrepreneur and a pediatric E.R. doctor.

Our conversation dives deep into the shared joy of music. While Fetts humorously admits, “I don’t know the name of any song or any lyrics,” he paints an infectious picture of his and Erica’s passion for dancing and their ongoing quest to relive the magic of their college days on the dance floor.

From his fearless approach to sports—“I hate sucking at anything”—to his larger-than-life energy, Fetts brings a wild ride of stories, laughter, and inspiration.

Join us, and let’s see where this energy takes us!

The Way It Is / Goose w/ Dave Matthews

 https://youtu.be/zD9iQdz4CIg?si=JRZW3jZYyxC1obIF

Heartbreaker / Led Zeppelin

https://youtu.be/meByGYfL9b4?si=qA6GRVlCaWQwvbGc

Cruiser / The Cars

https://youtu.be/dMjJTzcyN8w?si=OxjScSzYK0eKcGQ4

Scarlet Begonias / Grateful Dead

https://youtu.be/YFt7DobqbfI?si=u03EDPaADahuXw-Y

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

Kicking off Season 4 and ringing in 2025 with a cool cat that has widened my musical lens TENFOLD, Mr. John “Johnny Gowanus” Hennegan.  

Although I’ve known John since the early 80’s and we’ve run with the same group of guys over the years, I had zero clue just how broad his taste in music is, so a big shoutout to Erik “Swede” Larson for suggesting I invite John to be a guest on GD&F in the first place!  You were 100% right, Swede!  

John reminded me just how much Run DMC and The Beastie Boys can rock the house, and he introduced me to names like Fugazi, and LCD Soundsystem, neither of which I had ever even heard of but glad I know now.

John also happens to be one of the only people that I know who grew up in and around the horseracing industry.  Learn how John and his wingman, his brother Brad, have created epic films covering topics including the world’s toughest footrace, Badwater 135, and Masters of Mini Golf, and The World Beard and Mustache Championship to name a few.

Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!

Beastie Boys - Root Down https://music.apple.com/us/album/root-down/724771323?i=724771965

Run DMC - Rock Box https://music.apple.com/us/album/rock-box/281812827?i=281812954

Aerosmith - Sweet Emotion https://music.apple.com/us/album/sweet-emotion/1660108657?i=1660109293

Ian MacKaye interview

https://youtu.be/GiE-jX-VLSk?si=plhpFJt95uk4KwRa

Fugazi - Waiting Room  https://music.apple.com/us/album/waiting-room/49249845?i=49249816

LCD Soundsystem - Daft Punk

https://music.apple.com/us/album/daft-punk-is-playing-at-my-house/696523434?i=696523492

Talking Heads - Once in a Lifetime

https://music.apple.com/us/album/once-in-a-lifetime-live-2023-remaster/1694810554?i=1694811783

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

Similar to Season 2, Episode 1 when I sat down with Doug “Pops” Smith, who I like to refer to as a “Wise Old Owl”, in this episode I have the pleasure of connecting with a friend that I consider in the same first-class league, Mr. Tom White.  

Tom and I met when I first called on the five-generation Italian food products company, Pastene & Co, soliciting their label business back in the early 2000’s, and although he was a client for the next 15+ years, first and foremost Tom remains a friend and confidante.  We share common bonds that include our love of our wives and daughters, our mutual love-hate relationship with the game of golf, and shared interest in food & cold craft beer, and our appreciation for what really matters in life… family.

Tom enlightens me with tales of his love of Traffic’s classic album, John Barley Corn Must Die and 70’s classic rock band, Savoy Brown’s hit Tell Mama.  We debate a bit over whether Tell Mama is in fact an Etta James song or a Savoy Brown song.  And Tom shares the story how he serenades his 6-month old granddaughter, Bailey (who arrived on his 71st birthday) to the likes of James Taylor and the Beatles’ lullaby, I Will.  Clearly, grandparenting agrees with Tom, and I am lucky to consider this Wise Old Owl a friend.  In fact, we BOTH consider ourselves to be two of the luckiest men on the face of the earth.

Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!

Isn't She Lovely / Stevie Wonder

https://music.apple.com/us/album/isnt-she-lovely/1625371876?i=1625372484

I Will / Beatles

https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-will/1441133180?i=1441133910

Midnight Flier / The Eagles

https://music.apple.com/us/album/midnight-flyer-remastered/1440199153?i=1440199974

Tell Mama / Savoy Brown

https://music.apple.com/us/album/tell-mama/1443639908?i=1443640153

Tell Mama / Grateful Dead w/ Etta James https://youtu.be/G_zKuqHzYks?si=VqqoV_ENBl0Q6aWZ

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

In somewhat of an unconventional "studio" setting - namely a gutted former restaurant under renovation and equipped with only a table, a few folding chairs, a cooler of beer and an extension cord - 6 fellow music lovers travelled from across the Eastern Seaboard to Downtown Huntington to discuss and debate a subject that has been the hot topic among the group for over 6 years.  "What are the Top-5 greatest American rock-&-roll bands of all time."  Key word - American.

No Stones.  No Beatles.  No U2.  No Led Zeppelin (#sorrymeyers).  The criteria as to what makes a band authentically American was that every band member, without exception, must have been born in the United States.  No Metallica (#sorryhanna).

After the rules of engagement were spelled out, the conversation that ensued over the next 50+ minutes was as spirited and riveting as any I've hosted in any prior episode.  Enjoy the energy that flowed amongst my co-host, Rob "Monkey Man" Diestel, and his "Boys from Bergen" - Nick Halaby, Lewis Meyers, and Matt Hanna.  Special cameo appearance at the end by our sound engineer, none other than founding member and frontman of Huntington's own Bogmen, Billy Campion.  Thanks again for herding us cats and taking such good care of us, Billy!

So join us, and let's see where the energy takes us!

Midnight Flyer / Eagles
https://music.apple.com/us/album/midnight-flyer/635765828?i=635765933

The Boys of Summer / Don Henley
https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-boys-of-summer-remastered-2024/1761230483?i=1761230752

Everyday People / Sly & the Family Stone
https://music.apple.com/us/album/everyday-people/193125445?i=193126391

Truckin' / Grateful Dead
https://music.apple.com/us/album/truckin-live/307793560?i=307793566

Kokomo / Beach Boys https://music.apple.com/us/album/kokomo/1617206809?i=1617208420

Don’t Believe the Hype / Public Enemy https://music.apple.com/us/album/dont-believe-the-hype/1440837788?i=1440837952

Crosseyed & Painless / Phish
https://music.apple.com/us/album/crosseyed-and-painless/396463671?i=396463832

The Weight / Aretha https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-weight/934618187?i=934618225

Free Bird / Lynyrd Skynyrd https://music.apple.com/us/album/free-bird-live-at-the-fox-theater-1976/1413948379?i=1413948706 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

I don’t always subscribe to the notion that “everything happens for a reason,” but as the universe would have it, the recent loss of a mutual friend, Rainer “TITAN” Jenss, has reconnected me with a gentleman that I am now proud to call one of my closest friends and confidants, Tim “Tmac” McGuire.  

Among many of his distinguished designations, Tmac is the youngest of 8 children, a Villanova Wildcat alum, husband, and father of three, president of the National Merit Scholar Association, lifelong Deadhead and avid music fan.  

Tim shares his stories of getting turned onto the Grateful Dead, forcibly in fact by his eldest sister, in December of 1979 when he was told by his sister that he was joining her and her girlfriends on a little roadtrip to Cleveland and Pittsburgh to see the band.  Little did Tim know that those shows, and that experience in general, would change the course of his life forever.

We learn about how Tim first met Rainer at Villanova in the mid-1980’s and how their bond was formed through a common love of music.  Tim shares the story of how that connection stayed true through to Rainer’s final days in the summer of 2024, when we as a group embarked on a pilgrimage of sorts so that Rainer could experience one of his favorite bands, Phish, for what would ultimately be the finale of his concert career.  

And finally, Tmac and I share why these two mottos will forever be our true north - SAY YES.  DON’T WAIT.

Join us and let’s see where Tmac and TITAN’S energy takes us!  #IFE #NFA 

I Know You Rider https://youtu.be/B3Xu-NbBy4Q?si=5BDVaP9vztwdFxfe https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grateful-dad-friends/id1719166141?i=1000642887085

You Can't Always Get What You Want https://music.apple.com/us/album/you-cant-always-get-what-you-want-remastered-2019/1500642838?i=15006430658:03

Black & Blue https://music.apple.com/us/album/black-blue/259648487?i=259648531

Goin' Down The Road https://youtu.be/KgNT6wJAAYo?si=CzUttI1a9fffuxsb

Closing Song https://youtu.be/ukszF2RWLX8?si=lMvRE6NIksAAnUnV 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, show the ones you love just how much they mean to you, and share your appreciation and gratitude for the gift of life, the gift of love, and the gift of energy that we all share. Thank you ALL for the gift of YOUR love and our collective friendship.

Nobody embodies the mindset of gratitude more so than my friend, John Macario. Though John and I have yet to meet in person, we recently connected via a communal, music-centric group that we both belong to on social media. I was struck by John’s story. Specifically, I was struck by the story of his true and his unconditional love for his wife, Meg, who at the time was fighting for her life following an organ transplant. John bravely shared Meg’s journey with the group throughout the months, weeks, and days leading up to her untimely passing in late July 2024. In turn, the community was not shy to show their boundless support and compassion for John, Meg, their daughter, Gloria, and the extended Macario family.

Initially our friendship began with a series of DM’s and texts, followed by a conversation, then with the interview here on Grateful Dad & Friends.  John brings us back to the day he first laid eyes on Meg in a VIP suite at Madison Square Garden in 2010, and he opens up about how their love grew in the weeks and months that followed, culminating with their wedding on New Year’s Eve the following year. The rest, as they say, is history...

John shares insights into how he and Gloria (now 12) are living their “new normal” without Meg and how music helps them heal. Keep an ear out for the story of Gloria’s attachment to Jerry Garcia Band’s 1980 rendition of After Midnight and how one of John’s lullabies happens to be one of my own all-time favorites, Keep on Growing.

Finally, here are two takeaways from my newfound friendship with John that I’m proud to share.

The first: BECOME AN ORGAN DONOR. As Phil Lesh said hundreds of times, all you need to do is say to someone you love, “Hey, if anything should ever happen to me, I want to be an organ donor.” And check that box on your license. That’s it.

The second: LOVE IS REAL. And well… you know the rest.

Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #IFE #NFA

Peggy-O https://youtu.be/d54nO9520aI?si=FnN72l5rQON2mxZz)

Big River https://youtu.be/DOyDVwN7iaw?si=ol6b6_fFPy9xSWUV

Help on the Way https://youtu.be/0d2DQlP3wSE?si=EJW_Gf0MyeYq8k0l

Love Reign Over Me https://youtu.be/EJi6maTueSc?si=rg-7Cqv2w2lgVWzk

The Other One https://youtu.be/FZ7B0G_qu5M?si=P8DIAnU1XbaCQQrt

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

To those that know him, the man needs no introduction.  For those that don’t, his name is Beau Carino and he’s the founder of one of Long Island’s hottest live music venues, Beau’s Bar, in the village of Greenlawn.  For nearly 20 years, Beau has attracted some of the finest talent in the area, ranging from young guns like Dog In A Pile to veteran guitar virtuosos like Jeff Matson, lead singer and guitarist for Dark Star Orchestra.  

In Season 3, Episode 8 Beau takes us back to his early days when he took over the bar, cleaned house, rid any lingering thugs and transformed it into the peaceful musical oasis that it is today.  He describes how his wife, Heather, takes care of the books while Beau is the bar’s frontman and “chief cook and bottlewasher”.     

When Beau isn’t behind the bar, you’ll find him on the basketball court coaching his daughter, or reminiscing about coaching his sons baseball, or planning his next musical adventure.  He is the true definition of a family man, and the true definition of a beautiful soul.  Correction….a BEAUtiful soul ;) And if you’re curious, Beau does have a last name, but you’ll have to come to his bar to find our what it is for yourself.  If you’re lucky, he may even tell you what his real first name is.  If you’re lucky…   

Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1240841283851132

https://music.apple.com/us/album/terrapin-station-live/307801079?i=307801253   

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

With the exception of a select few cameo appearances by my previous guests’ significant others, this is the first episode where I sit down start-to-finish with a young couple, none other than my daughter, Ms. Hope Staib, and her significant other, Mr. Austin Koerner.  Hope and Austin share their story, and their musical tastes and interests, and they reveal what’s on the horizon as Austin aims to become a firefighter and Hope looks to keep our five-generation family business relevant.  Austin explains how he is coping with the loss of his mother, Jamie, after she lost her fight with cancer only weeks prior and how the advice he was given at the time of her diagnosis helped him through her 3-year battle.  

Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!  #IFE

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

S3, E6 begins with the story of the Mandelbaum family in the late 1930’s and 40’s, and includes the harrowing tale of those family members who miraculously survived the holocaust, and the tragedy of those family members who didn’t.  He describes the day his Aunt Regina saved his mother from certain death during the Nazi “selection process” in 1942 and how that one single act of courage ultimately saved generations to follow.

Syd recounts how he became inspired by the events of the holocaust to feed the hungry, to serve the impoverished, and to fight bias here in the United States.  He explains how he found his calling to create the food-recovery organization “Rock and Wrap it Up!” (RWU) and how for 33 years RWU has recovered over one billion pounds of food (billion with a “b”) from concerts, sporting events, hospitals, TV and film shoots, and the list goes on.

Where does music come into the story?  Well just you wait.  Listen during the second half of the episode how Syd’s connections came to include the likes of Sandy Chapin, the Rolling Stones, Black Crowes, the legendary concert promotor Ron Delsener, Phish, Bruce Hornsby, Branford Marsalis, Mickey Hart, Phil Lesh, and yup, even Jerry, just to name a few.  Tune in to find out how Syd, at 74 years young, is still actively involved in both the music and the publishing industries.

Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!  #IFE

https://www.rockandwrapitup.org/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08C37BY3K 

https://www.licares.org/   

https://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_2C114A6BFF1A4A1BA6C7E3FC478057CC 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

To complete the “Campion Brothers Trifecta”, I was beyond stoked to host Mr. Billy Campion, otherwise known as Young & Tender Willoughby, or The Captain, and in later years, Vic Thrill.  For those that know Billy, founding member and front man for The Bogmen, you’re in for a real treat in this episode.  For those that don’t know The Bogmen, or Vic Thrill, you’re in for a real treat in this episode. 

Billy takes us back to his early days growing up as the youngest of six children, all of whom were active and talented musicians.  In addition to the early influences that his siblings had on him, Billy admits being somewhat of a musical sponge by taking in countless other types of world music.  Ultimately these varying influences helped him and his bandmates form the unique, tribal sounds of The Bogmen.  Formed in the early 1990’s, the band has withstood the test of time for over three decades, and despite a few hiatuses over the years, today The Bogmen are selling more tickets than ever and filling rooms to capacity up and down the East Coast.             

Tune in as we learn about how Billy morphed into Vic Thrill during these hiatuses and developed the vibrational sound of Vic Thrill + The Saturn Missle.  You’ll even hear what it was like when he hosted a “Prostitute Beauty Pageant” at the 2003 CMJ Music Festival to help promote his new album, CE-5.  Never a dull moment with any of the Campion brothers!

Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!  #IFE

https://thebogmen.com/

https://www.facebook.com/share/1stGKNfvCRdsqppz/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://www.facebook.com/share/nSefNoK8etKjCQ9z/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://www.instagram.com/victhrill?igsh=MTZ1Y243ZGYzc2trbA==

https://www.instagram.com/thebogmen/  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

On S3, E4 of Grateful Dad & Friends, I’m proud to host a friend who could easily have a career in radio, one of my closest music, golfing, and paddle tennis wingmen, Mr. Mark Hamer.  

Mark takes us back to his Texan roots and shares how and when he discovered his love of “music with an edge”, including The Clash, Traffic, Talking Heads, Mott the Hoople, and of course, the good ol’ Grateful Dead.  Tune in as he tells his story of taking his 90-year old parents to a Dead & Company show… in a Rolls Royce, how he and his grown children share live music together, and how his two grandchildren light up his life.  

Mark touches on his winning battle with cancer, and we close by dedicating the episode to my lifelong friend and amazing human, Mr. Rainer “TITAN” Jenss, who lost his battle with brain cancer and passed away on the day we recorded this conversation.  God Bless You, TITAN!  God Bless You, Mark!  

Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!  #IFE

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

On the final day of Dead & Company’s 30-show residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas, I was honored to sit down with  Huntington natives and fellow Deadheads, brothers John and Tommy Peer and Tommy’s son Thomas Peer.  We spent our time together reminiscing about the multigenerational Peer + Staib family bond, the Huntington shenanigans that we shared together and a few war stories of old.  

Tommy & John brought us back to the glory days of when the Peers and Staibs were roommates post-college at their legendary animal house on Carly Avenue.  

Tommy shares his Villanova connection with Tom Staib, and takes us back to the late 80’s catching shows at the Philly Spectrum, among other famously epic venues.

Thomas, the youngest music fan in the room, gives us his impression of The Sphere and Dead & Company’s performance the night before, it being the anniversary of Jerry’s passing, and Tom Staib’s 60th birthday.  And yes, Tom DID gift us with a Not Fade Away the night before.  Thanks Tom!!

We also got out of the box and talked of music outside the world of the Grateful Dead, when John reminded me how ridiculously talented Green Day is and how I should give them a listen.  Thanks John, I sure did!

Finally, I was asked what the initials “IFE” mean and why those three letters carry so much meaning to me.  Thank you for asking, I loved sharing the backstory.

Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #IFE

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

In my second trip of the summer to catch Dead & Company at Sphere in Las Vegas, I was honored to host my friend of 40+ years, fellow Canterbury “Saint” (term used loosely), avid Deadhead, and all around amazing human being, my cohort Paco “Pac” Keville.  By the grace of God, Pac has recovered from a near-death car accident only a few short weeks prior and was firing on all cylinders when we sat down together at The Venetian.  He brings us back to his early days growing up in San Francisco, to his decision to trade the familiar comforts of the Bay Area for boarding school in northwestern Connecticut at age 14, to when he got on the bus in ‘85 and never looked back.  Among several classic tales, Pac shares his encounter with NBA legend and lifelong Deadhead, Bill Walton, en route to the Dead’s legendarily awful show at Boreal Ridge.

We recorded our conversation on a particularly sentimental day, namely August 9th, it being the 29th anniversary of the day we lost Jerry Garcia and the day my brother, Tom Staib, would have turned 60 years old.  We covered a lot of ground and we looked forward to what Dead & Company may have in store for us on this scorching Friday in Sin City.  Maybe Tom would even grace us with a Not Fade Away?  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!  #IFE

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

To kick off Season 3, I’m joined by lifelong friend and fellow Deadhead, Tommy Mills, with a special cameo by his better half, Ms Karin Mills.  Karin proved to be an integral part of my conversation with her husband in that she served as “fact checker” for the tales being told, and I’m proud to report that Karin confirmed that all but one of the reported antics were, in fact, accurate.  Well done Karin!

Similar to two of my previous guests, Doug “Pops” Smith and Rob “Monkey Man” Diestel, Tommy and I share a brotherly bond having spent our summers on the shores of Lake Champlain at a nearly magical “club” on the New York side of the lake known as Corlear Bay Club in the sleepy rural town of Keeseville.

Tommy shares his earliest memories at CBC and he also reveals how he opted to sacrifice a few trips to the lake and instead “got on the bus” in the early 80’s and traveled the country following the Dead.  He recalls how he and his band of Deadhead brothers supported themselves on tour by selling PB&J sandwiches, pineapple kabobs, and ice cold ½ oranges  from the back of their VW Golf.

He surprises us by admitting that his first love of Grateful Dead music came with the release of the album, Shakedown Street, but it wasn’t the heavy hitters like Fire on the Mountain or the album’s namesake that hooked him.  It was….FRANCE.  Go figure.  He then widens our musical lens by introducing us to the likes of Donny Hathaway, and George Michael.  Yup, that George Michael.  

Finally, Tommy and Karin give us a peek behind the curtain as to what their three beautiful young adult “children” - Delilah, August and Avery - are doing in their 20’s, how the empty nest is treating them both and what love music they seek out today.

Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #IFE #lovemyfriendofthedevil #loveourfactchecker

https://music.apple.com/us/album/truckin/663694969?i=663694987

https://music.apple.com/us/album/france/663672224?i=663672834

https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-ghetto-live/537033638?i=537033644

https://music.apple.com/us/album/friend-of-the-devil/663694969?i=663695014 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

This one was a big deal for me. My guest, Dennis McNally, isn’t just a reknowned author, music historian, and publicist, he’s someone I’ve long considered somewhat of a “celebrity” in my world.  From 1984 to 1995, Dennis was the Grateful Dead’s publicist and part of the band’s inner circle.

He’s written five books, including the classic Long Strange Trip: The Inside History of the Grateful Dead, and his latest, The Last Great Dream - How Bohemians Became Hippies and Created the Sixties.  He’s married to the love of his life, photographer and author Susana Millman, whose book Alive With the Dead - A Fly on the Wall with a Camera, is one of my favorites.  

What struck me most was Dennis’s insight into how the Dead operated behind the scenes.  How the band members interacted, what touring was like, and what it was like to be at the center of all that energy for so many years. He was every bit as gracious, articulate, and engaging as I could have imagined and I’m honored to now call Dennis a friend.

Speaking of friends, this episode was also a first for me.  I was joined by my good friend Charlie French as co-host who added thoughtful color and questions that I wouldn’t have thought to ask! 

These days, Dennis lives in San Francisco with Susana and is still doing the work he loves - namely as the publicist for Little Feat.

It’s an honor and a privilege to share our conversation. 

So join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!

https://www.dennismcnally.com/

https://mamarazi.com/

Stir It Up https://youtu.be/XQxceOPnj9Q?si=i8Vu2Wh_UnpJ_6LX

Death Don’t Have No Mercy https://youtu.be/wH8GUfK-MOM?si=frh9iuuf1bCDSuob

Time Loves a Hero https://music.apple.com/us/album/time-loves-a-hero/471749182?i=471749184

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

BIG thanks to all my guests on Season 2, it was an honor and a privilege to have hosted each of you!  I loved my field trips to record the remote interviews in Charlotte, Hilton Head, and Las Vegas as well.  Special shoutout to the Citizens of Sound team behind the scenes that help me create each episode of Grateful Dad & Friends - Will & Charis Retherford, and Leslie Dinsmore.  You all ROCK!  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!  #IFE 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

In the closing episode of Season 2, I have the privilege of hosting fellow Huntington native and fellow Deadhead (and the only friend I know that calls me “Enzo”:), Mr. John Buckholtz, who I call Johnny B.  Together we cover our glory days in the early ‘80’s at the The Bay Club on the shores of Huntington Bay and we share how we’ve stay connected over the years through our mutual love of the Grateful Dead, and more recently through Johnny B introducing me to the music of Pearl Jam.  I’m even a new member of Pearl Jam’s fan organization, Ten Club.  Yes, I’m now a member of a Pearl Jam fan club, and yes, that’s pretty out-of-the-box for me!  Thanks Johnny B, for opening my eyes and ears to a new genre, I’m starting to expand my musical horizons!  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #IFE

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

On Day 2 of my recent pilgrimage to Las Vegas for the Dead & Company shows at Sphere, I sit down with the person that I have proudly seen the most concerts with over the years, fellow Canterbury School alum and lifelong Deadhead, Mr. Andrew “Garv” Hammer.  Garv and I take a walk down memory lane revisiting life at boarding school, exploring the bonds that the class of ‘86 (my crew) and the class of ‘85 (his crew, affectionately known as The Bakers Dozen) had back in the day.  Having the memory of an elephant, Garv brings us back to the highlights of his 100+ concerts with incredible clarity and amazing detail.  We wrap up by diving into the brotherhood known as the Gentlemens Quarterly, aka the “GQ”, the unique institution that continues to stand the test of time after 23 years and over 90 consecutive outings.  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #IFE

Fire on the Mountain https://music.apple.com/us/album/fire-on-the-mountain-live/291317313?i=291317362

Gloria

https://music.apple.com/us/album/gloria-live-at-richmond-coliseum-richmond-va-november/307796629?i=307796714

Rain https://youtu.be/GQIYJUYId3A?si=gI49k-DDJoQ1GtFL

Box of Rain 

https://youtu.be/FAL5iBOD3q0?si=oOSCdWE68aF6wr5A 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

Somehow, it took 8 months and 23 episodes of Grateful Dad & Friends before I was succesful in securing an interview with a Canterbury prep school friend.  In Season 2, Episode 10, I have the pleasure of sitting down with the first friend I met at Canterbury back in the fall of 1983, lifelong Deadhead and all around amazing human being, Mr Geoff “Shafe” Shaffer.  Me having entered Canterbury in my sophomore year and Shafe having entered a year earlier in his freshman year, he was not the newbie that I was, and he quickly connected me to a group of friends from across the country that would soon become, and remain to this day, some of my closest wingmen & women.  Shafe and I recall the early days of our adventures at boarding school, when we both got on the bus, and where we’re at today in our now 40+ year friendship.  The interview takes place in the heart of Las Vegas during Dead & Company’s run at Sphere where we’re about to reunite with a dozen fellow Canterbury “Saints” for our collective first experience inside this new mindblowing visual dome.  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #IFE

Bertha & Jack Straw - https://youtu.be/1IsenzJJBxs?si=tIOh5oOKhgyXPOlz

Tangled Up In Blue -  https://youtu.be/LpPegTcd3l4?si=rOF104nbgyDY17jJ 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

The man needs no introduction, but for the few that don’t have the pleasure of knowing him, I’ll go out on a limb and introduce my friend.  On Season 2, Episode 9, I proudly host Mr. Christopher John Campion, aka Campy, aka Old Sea Dog, aka Lights, aka America’s Guest, aka Marketing Genius, aka Jermaine Jackson.  For any Huntington native, the Campion name is widely known and for good reason.  Chris takes us back to his early days when he discovered his love music and his passion to perform.  He recalls the evolution of his earliest band, Column 13 followed by The Knockout Drops (spolier alert…. the Drops will be reuniting and performing on the East End of Long Island later this summer, keep an eye and ear out for details).  In addition to being an epic frontman, Campy is also a published author having penned Escape From Bellevue, and he’ll soon be hosting a new live show slated for Fall 2024, Gen-X-istentialism.  After all these years, Old Sea Dog is busier than ever!  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #IFE  

https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Bellevue-Memoir-Recovery-Redemption/dp/1592405304

https://christopherjohncampion.bandcamp.com/track/passersby 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

After a little nudging to get her past her hesitation to be on a guest on my admitedly music-centric podcast, I was honored to host none other than my mother, Ms. Edie Staib.  Mom shares her story of how Al Staib swept her off her feet back in 1960 despite her being engaged to her high school sweetheart at the time, and how they were married less than a year, and went on to live a love story lasting over 55 years.  She explains how she felt about her three children becoming Deadheads in the 80’s and how all she wanted was for us to “be safe”.  Mom describes her life after losing the love of her life, and how faith, family and friends are what keeps her keeps her going.  Finally, stick around until the end to find out why her new nickname is Speedy Edie!  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #IFE    

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

I have the pleasure of introducing Mr. Mike “Comfort” O’Rourke to the world on Episode 7 of GD&F.  Back in the early 1980’s, I was “Kathy and Tom’s little brother, Anzo” to Comfort but over the years he and I began to forge our own connection through our mutual friends, a shared love of music, and the occasional paddle tennis game.  Comfort takes us back to the early days when Southern Rock was king in the 70’s, followed by the likes of Van Halen in the 80’s, and the indie tribal sound of The Bogmen in the 90’s, the indie rock band formed by none other than his two cousins, Huntington natives Brendan & Billy Ryan.  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!  #IFE

Close To You

https://music.apple.com/us/album/they-long-to-be-close-to-you/1423766994?i=1423767002

One Of These Nights https://music.apple.com/us/album/one-of-these-nights/635829435?i=635829531

Jamie's Cryin' https://music.apple.com/us/album/jamies-cryin/976820530?i=976820541

Hey Jude

https://music.apple.com/us/album/hey-jude/265615609?i=265615705     

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

Hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, these two gentlemen have become my newest wingmen, and although we’ve yet to meet in person we’re quickly bonding through our comradary and our shared love of music.  Listen as Dave Dulaney takes us back to his first show in ‘74 and shares his recollections of the Grateful Dead’s legendary Wall of Sound, and describes his “BD” Before Dead and “AD” After Dead perspective on life.  His wingman, Rusty Phipps, is the first taper that I’ve had the privilege of hosting on GD&F and was the source of countless pristine master recordings over the years.  He shares how a health scare reignited his passion for taping and explains what it was like to be in the taper section of the shows, revealing taper section “etiquette”.  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #GBL #IFE

Playing in the Band ‘74 https://music.apple.com/us/album/playing-in-the-band-2-live-at-roosevelt-stadium/307798975?i=307799478

Jessica 

https://music.apple.com/us/album/jessica-live/158040643?i=158041452

Black Mountain Rag>Poncho & Lefty 

https://archive.org/details/billystrings2019-11-01.Gefel_aeta4MinX 

News of Jerry Garcia’s Death

https://youtu.be/8WRo3j5XS-A?si=WWQ1hYEiJJ6lZOc9

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

I was fortunate to share some very special quality time with my gracious and beautiful niece, Ms Carly Marie Staib.  Carly recalls her recollections of “Loud Music Fridays” with the family, her first concert seeing “Uncle Billy” Joel, a Taylor Swift concert with Dad, and later Dead & Company.  She explains how she faced and CONQUERED an unexpected and debilitating auto-immune condition called Myasthenia Gravis “MG” that struck when she was in her teens.  Thanks to modern medicine and the grace of God, and with MG behind her, Carly then dove in to a career with L’Oréal where she has risen up the ranks and continues to thrive.  We give a nod of love and affection to her dad and my brother, Tom Staib, as we recount family night at the Stones in Austin, Texas when Tom joined us…in spirit.  Finally, Carly shares how she navigates her long-distance relationship with her significant other and current Duke University School of Law student, Mr Ryan Ciemny. Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #IFE

Summer, Highland Falls  https://music.apple.com/us/album/summer-highland-falls/259213439?i=259213506 

Our Song 

https://music.apple.com/us/album/our-song/1440913923?i=275621661 

Bertha https://music.apple.com/us/album/bertha-live-at-the-pavilion-at-star-lake-burgettstown/1722014933?i=1722014946 

Sympathy For The Devil https://music.apple.com/us/album/sympathy-for-the-devil-live/1666004641?i=1666008391

Always Gonna Be https://music.apple.com/us/album/always-gonna-be/1695554526?i=1695554769 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

Join my BFAM Chris Kline aka Dudley and I as we share war stories from back in the day, including “Black Wednesday” in 1983, summers “dragging hose” the late ‘80’s, backpacking through Europe in late 1990, discovering “The Meadows” in the early ‘90’s, and recapping a few of the countless laughs we had along the way.  Dudley reveals that in addition to his love of The Rolling Stones, he’s also a closet Richard Marx and The Outfield fan.  We dive into the darkness of 2020 and share how we’re coping with the untimely losses of each of our brothers, Greg and Tom.  We explore the tragic irony of those losses and explain how Greg and Tom are sending their messages of Get Busy Living and It’s Fucking Energy loud and clear.  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #GBL #IFE

https://music.apple.com/us/album/cant-you-hear-me-knocking/1440812661?i=1440812679

https://music.apple.com/us/album/purple-rain-live-in-syracuse-march-30-1985-2022-remaster/1616033743?i=1616034641

https://music.apple.com/us/album/for-you/1444031809?i=1444031828

https://music.apple.com/us/album/love-shack-edit-remastered/1464527564?i=1464527641      

 https://music.apple.com/us/album/beat-you-there/1602140839?i=1602140840

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

My friendship with John “Dino” DeNatale began in kindergarten over 50 years ago in the early 1970’s in Huntington’s own Flower Hill School.  In this episode, John and I look back on our five decades of connection, the memories that shaped us along the way, and the big-picture lessons that we’ve learned and carried forward to this day.

At the heart of our conversation is a simple truth: LOVE is all that matters.

But before we dive into the big picture, Dino covers a few of his wilder days in the 90’s on Wall Street and he shares his thoughts about our very two different career paths, and how our individual successes in business are a result of our common appreciation of people and of relationships. 

He shares a few of the details of the day he married the love of his life, Pam, and recalls what he kindly refers to as ‘the best, best-man speech ever.’ Dino reflects on how he tries to remind his kids, as Simon & Garfunkel say, “Slow down, you move too fast.”  He quotes Bono and explains why Walk On hits the nail on the head.  We celebrate half a century of friendship and reflect on what it means to stay grounded in love, and we explore how trusting that energy carries us through life.

So join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!

The End https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-end/1441164426?i=1441164602

New Shoes https://music.apple.com/us/album/new-shoes/213008576?i=213008991

59th Street Bridge https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-59th-street-bridge-song-feelin-groovy/1467438660?i=1467438682

Walk On https://music.apple.com/us/album/walk-on/1443100430?i=1443101089

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

Fellow avid golfer and devoted music lover, Bobby Rogan, joins me in the studio and recalls how the music of the 70’s shaped his musical tastes before he evolved into a Deadhead.  We touch on the “glory days” on the golf course and we highlight how golf and music connects us through thick and thin.  Bobby explains how he is facing a recent and unexpected health challenge that is making him truly appreciate each and every day.  In other words, he’s Getting Busy Living.  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #GBL #IFE

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357

There are few Huntington families that are as musically gifted and universally loved as the Campion family.  In Episode 2, I’m privileged to sit down with Kevin Campion, lifelong Deadhead and current lead singer for Huntington’s own Soghat.  

Kevin takes us back to the late 70’s when he got on the bus, and explains how today he pays tribute to his late brother, “Hollywood Bob”, by sitting in as the front man in Bob’s Grateful Dead cover band, Skeleton Crew, in Southern California.  We paint the picture of just how much a select few Jerry ballads mean to each of us, including Black Peter, Wharf Rat, Stella Blue and Attics of My Life.  

We share how each of us treasure the memories of our beloved brothers and recall how each of them paved the way for us by breaking in our parents ;)  The episode is the first of two conversations that will include the Campion brothers.  Next up, younger brothers Chris and Billy of the Knockout Drops and Bogmen, respectively.  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #IFE

https://music.apple.com/us/album/dicks-picks-vol-10-12-29-77-winterland-arena-san-francisco-ca/307801079

 https://youtu.be/5Ms0COQQbE4?si=KOy8MiwIvUMBceeU

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Season 2, Episode 1 of Grateful Dad & Friends kicks off with a conversation with a gentleman who is a true treasure to me, and who reminds me of my own father,  His name is Doug Smith. 

To those who know him best, his real nickname is Pops, but for the sake of adding context to the conversation, I consider him as wise as they come and therefore will also refer to him as a gentle, yet Wise Old Owl.  

He was kind enough to host me in the comfort of his home in Charlotte, North Carolina and shared the tales of his service in the United States Navy, as well as his five tours in Vietnam, his courtship of his wife of 58 years, Joan Fleming Smith, and what he considers the three of the most important values in life.  And although this Wise Old Owl and I do not exactly share the same tastes in music, he enlightens me with music that I never, ever gave much thought to…namely, Broadway Musicals, and OPERA!  As we approach the end of the episode, we are joined by a very special guest, namely his better half.  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #IFE

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Before I recap Season 1 of Grateful Dad & Friends and provide a brief glimpse of Season 2, it may prudent to share why I launched this podcast in the first place.

The purpose of GD&F is to be a gift.  A gift to my guests, and a gift to their friends and family.  Let me explain….

A few years back, on my way to Lake Champlain, I was driving with my parents and I had an opportunity to “interview” my father about his 35-year experience in the family business.  I recorded that conversation on Voice Memos on my iPhone and the audio quality is mediocre at best but the content was gold, and having Dad’s voice will forever be timeless, and priceless.  I wish I had recorded more of those conversations.

And when I lost my brother, Tom, among a whole host of emotions that one would have after losing their hero, I realized that the few voicemails that Tom left for me in the weeks leading up to his untimely death, would be some of the few treasures that I have hearing Tom’s voice.  I wish I had more of those treasures.

My hope is that the conversations that take place on GD&F will be a gift to those who know and love each of the guests that I am lucky to call my family and my friends  

Season 1 guests ranging from neighbors, including my inaugural guest Mr. Fred Weiss… and former clients, such as Cary Crane… both of which went to the legendary ’72 shows at the Academy of Music, the ’73 Summer Jam at Watkins Glen and ’77 at Englishtown Raceway.

David McQuaid, one of my newer friends, who tours the country catching shows with his family in his retro-decked out school bus, appropriately named Sugaree, recapped some of his tales from the golden road and an encounter with NBA legend and lifelong Deadhead, Bill Walton.

We spoke with Cornell Bouse, an attorney and property owner by day and lead singer by night.  We learned about his thoughts and views about Elvis, and among other topics, his plans and evolving wake-list for his own funeral.

We sat down with Ted Bahr, collector of some of the country’s most vintage psychedelic posters proudly displayed at The Bahr Gallery.

I introduced my friend, Rob Diestel, aka Monkey Man and we learned about his 20-year passion project, a musical that he wrote called Growin’ Up Asbury Park, weaving in characters from Bruce Springsteen’s most influential ballads.

We spent time w/ my sister, Kathy Staib, and our mutual friend Rainer “TITAN” Jenss and heard about how and when they got on the bus and how Rainer is facing a life-threatening disease with the ultimate in courage, in class, and in grace.

We talked music and a little shop talk with my nephew/business partner, TJ Staib and my COO, John Gulino and shared what we think we do well and what we could probably do better at our five-generation, family label printing business.

The Ryan brothers, founding members of indie rock band The Bogmen, spent some time with me and painted the picture of the evolution of their music and the related cultlike following. 

We went back to the late 60’s and early 70’s with Richard Sutton, who shared his experiences living in communes and who was in the heart of the scene leading up to the infamous fundraiser concert that the Grateful Dead performed to save the Springfield Creamery from extinction.

Rob Barraco, keyboardist for Dark Star Orchestra, was kind enough to take the time to share his journey from wedding band performer to joining Jeff Matson in the Zen Tricksters, and then The Other Ones, The Dead, Phil & Friends, and ultimately Dark Star Orchestra.  We learned what life is like on the DSO tour bus and what’s on tap in 2024 for the band.

Last but certainly not least, the four most special women in my life – my wife Margaret aka Margs, and our daughters Hannah, Hope

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Well, it doesn’t get much better than wrapping up the first season of Grateful Dad & Friends by sitting down with the four most special women in my life - Margs, Hannah, Hope and Lilly.  The ladies share their earliest recollections of music, and my daughters reveal some secrets about how they really felt about Grateful Dead music way back when.  We challenge Margs by testing her uncanny ability to name-that-tune and the girls then put me to the test in their own way by having me name-that-year.  They each share the songs that have come to be “our songs” over the years, and we close by sharing the Grateful Dead song that became our lullaby.  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #IFE

Links: Send Me On My Way https://music.apple.com/us/album/send-me-on-my-way/1440931328?i=1440931590

The Weight https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-weight/1440841468?i=1440841469

You Are The Sunshine Of My Life https://music.apple.com/us/album/you-are-the-sunshine-of-my-life/1440808973?i=1440808975

How Sweet It Is https://music.apple.com/us/album/how-sweet-it-is-live/169629332?i=169631442

We Bid You Goodnight

https://music.apple.com/us/album/we-bid-you-goodnight-live/307793560?i=307793783 (edited)  

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In Episode 11 of GD&F, lifelong music-lover Richard Sutton gives us a firsthand peek into the buildup to the Grateful Dead’s August 27th 1972 benefit concert in Veneta, Oregon to help save the nearly bankrupt Springfield Creamery.  In what would turn out to be one of the Dead’s most legendary performances, Richard was behind-the-scenes working with the Kesey family & friends in the sweltering 100+ degree heat helping prepare the venue for the band and estimated 20,000 people who would ultimately be in attendance.  Richard describes his life on the road leading up to the epic ‘72 concert in fascinating detail.  He paints an amazingly colorful picture of his experiences living on communes and shares his incredible tale of when he stumbled onto a Grateful Dead rehearsal.  He recalls his crosscountry journey to the East Coast where he fell in love at first sight, married a beautiful model and never looked back.  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #IFE

https://music.apple.com/us/album/intro-live-at-veneta-or-8-27-72/680077190?i=680077195  

https://music.apple.com/us/album/bertha-live-at-veneta-or-8-27-72/680077190?i=680077204

 https://music.apple.com/us/album/ive-been-all-around-this-world-live-at-the-fillmore/1676232099?i=1676232357

https://music.apple.com/us/album/workin-for-a-livin/723912623?i=723912769

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What a treat to have Long Island native and longtime keyboardist for Dark Star Orchestra, Rob Barraco, join me on Episode 10 of Grateful Dad & Friends!  We cover when Rob “got on the bus” in ‘72, through his musical collaborations with among others, Freddie Jackson, The Zen Tricksters, Phil & Friends, The Other Ones, The Dead, and Dark Star Orchestra.  He shares his insights into his long strange trip and his current life on the road.  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #IFE

Truckin' https://music.apple.com/us/album/truckin-live-at-academy-of-music-new-york-ny-march-25-1972/307799408?i=307799459

Where You Want To Be - https://music.apple.com/us/album/where-you-want-to-be/182113015?i=182113555

Hard To Handle https://relisten.net/dark-star-orchestra/2021/11/27?source=855001

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In Episode 9, I sit down with two of my closest confidants - my nephew and DWS wingman, TJ Staib, and our COO and friend, John Gulino.  We explore the backstory of how in less than five years TJ evolved to become the president and 5th-generation in our family’s 159-year legacy, DWS Printing & Packaging.  We retrace John’s lifelong love of music and do a deep dive into when and why he took a major leap-of-faith in 2006 and decided to join DWS and subsequently helped the Staib’s take the company to new levels of prosperity and success.  We talk about TJ’s diverse interest in nearly every genre of music and we touch on John’s 250+ Grateful Dead show resume along the way too ;) Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #IFE

Links: https://music.apple.com/us/album/feel-like-a-stranger-live/291317313?i=291317358 

https://music.apple.com/us/album/clocks/1122775993?i=1122776156

https://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1987/09/20/24-touch-of-grey?source=96359 

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In Episode 8, I had the extremely privilege of having the true definition of “friends + family” join me in the studio, namely my friend Rainer Jenss aka TITAN, and my sister Kathy Staib.  Learn about TITAN’s year-long trip around the world with his family, his insights into what makes music the common bond among friends and family, his battle against what he calls an “unfriendly disease” and how he’s fueling his creative juices by painting his materpiece via his multi-media memoir.  Listen as Kathy takes us back to her first Grateful Dead experience with our brother, Tom, by her side, how it changed her life forever, and how her kids are carrying the torch.  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #IFE

Links: https://ia600209.us.archive.org/31/items/gd83-10-14.horvath-atm.dodd.16907.sbeok.shnf/gd83-10-14d2t01.mp3 

https://music.apple.com/us/album/when-i-paint-my-masterpiece-nassau-coliseum-uniondale/899347170?i=899347179 

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Hosting my two guests on Episode 7 of GD&F was a HUGE treat for me, and those guests are brothers, Brendan and Billy Ryan.  I grew up only a pitching wedge away from the Ryan family and have known them my entire life.  I admire Brendan & Billy on many levels, but mostly because they are simply amazing human beings.  The musical talents that they explore in the band they formed with Bill Campion, PJ O’Connor, Mark Wike, and Clive___ in the late 80’s called The Bogmen are simply a bonus.  

The sound of a Bogmen show is full of “heavy rhythms, bouncy, distorted guitar riffs, analog synths, and belting vocals” and their concerts have been described as “a religious experience”.  We delve into how the band was signed to Arista in the 90’s and disbanded shortly thereafter to explore their solo careers.  They recount how the band reconnected again following 9/11, when Brendan’s lost his wife in the World Trade Center, disbanded a second time, and then reunited again in 2020 following the sudden death of one of their closest friends, fellow Huntington native Greg Kline.  

We explore the making of their latest album, In My Kingdom, and peek at what’s ahead for the brothers.  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!

Links: www.thebogmen.com
www.ryanbrosmusic.com
http://www.instagram.com/thebogmen?igsh=bTR3aDU4b2Z4ZG52 

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It’s a tall order to try to capture the true color and the complete character of my cousin, Jonny Staib, in one conversation.  Which is why I chose to invite four guests on this episode of Exploring the Energy to help me paint the full picture of this amazing human being.  I’m proud to introduce a select few of his closest friends and family - including brothers Timmy and Tommy Sheerin, my cousin Diana San Venero, and last but certainly not least, Steve “Sonny” Peer.  Together we share our collective “Jonny Stories.”

Timmy, Tommy, Diana, Steve, and I share the innocence of the early days, and some of the nine lives that Jonny had during his teens, his 20’s and his early 30’s.  Then, after 35+ years of living life in the fast lane, Jonny turned his life around, he launched a successful business, married the love of his life, Su, and bought a home on the water. 

Then tragedy struck.  At the age of just 43 years, Jonny was killed in what can only be described as a freak accident in April of 2002.  This is a tribute to a man who seemingly had nine lives, but who didn’t have ten.  

The title of this episode is fitting, because that’s exactly what Jonny Staib was, and always will be, a true shooting star.  

So join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!

Shooting Star  https://music.apple.com/us/album/shooting-star/968637156?i=968637160 

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My guest on Episode 6, Ted Bahr, is in many ways to me a true inspiration on how to follow your vision and create the life of your dreams.  After working in corporate America for more than a decade, then building (and selling) two start-up companies, Ted decided it was time to start a new chapter and weave his passion for music and his appreciation for art into one reality.  Introducing…The Bahr Gallery, where some of the most unique, rare and beautifully framed music posters adorn the walls.  Iconic psychedelic artwork from the likes of Wes Wilson, Stanley Mouse, Victor Moscoso, Rick Griffin, and Alton Kelley - aka “The Big Five” - is featured in this amazing rock n’ roll sanctuary.  Listen here to see how Ted made his dream come to life.  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!

Links: https://www.bahrgallery.com/  Bahr Gallery (@bahrgallery)  

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I like calling my closest friends by their nickname and my guest on Episode 5, Rob Diestel, is no exception.  Rob and I share many bonds, and one of them is a LOVE of the Rolling Stones and Monkey Man from the Stones’ 1969 release, Let It Bleed.  Rob isn’t just “Rob” to me, he’ll always be Monkey Man.  But there’s more to the story than that.  Find out what some of MM’s other interests and talents are outside of the world of Mick & Keith, including the project that he is unveiling in 2024 that has been 20 years in the making.  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!

Links: http://www.growinupap.com/

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Technically, this gentleman is my cousin-in-law, but to me he’ll always be more a brother than a distant relative.  Sit back and enjoy our conversation as we uncover Cornell’s many interests, talents, and his unique musical tastes.  Talents that include being a skilled handyman, an automobile aficionado, a defense attorney, real estate expert, and lead singer of Long Island’s own Beach Drive.  And find out why more often than not, I call him “Keith.”  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!

Links: https://music.apple.com/us/album/elvis-nbc-tv-special-live/1024239699 

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In our third episode of GD&F, we’re joined by Deadhead and Dallas native, David McQuaid.  By a simple twist of fate, my daughter, Hannah, and I had the good fortune to meet David and his family tailgating outside their psychedelically painted tour bus, Sugaree.  David paints a vivid picture of how he, his wife, and grown children tour the country on Sugaree taking in the sights and sounds along the way.  Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!   

Links: https://www.instagram.com/sugareebus_/?hl=en 

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