Live Free Or D.I.Y. – Details, episodes & analysis

In this Pilot episode, hosts Dana Bollen (Two Week Notice Podcast / Touring Roadie) & Andrew Mall (Music Professor - Northeastern University) introduce themselves & the panel of 12 individuals that we will hear from throughout Season 1 of this podcast series.

Each panel member also chimes in to describe their personal connection to the term, "D.I.Y." (Do It Yourself) & its connection to their experiences in the DIY music scenes & communities.

Panel members for Season 1 include:

• ​Norman Brannon (Thursday / Anti-Matter Zine)
• ​Luke Garro (Piebald / Fastbreak / In My Eyes)
• ​Ace Enders (The Early November / I Can Make A Mess)
• ​Joey Chiaramonte (Koyo)
• ​Chris Wrenn (Bridge9 Records)
• ​Brandon Davis (Vanna / Fever333 / Lions Lions / INSPIRIT)
• ​Ali Lipman (Cape Crush / Moon Over Salem)
• ​Chad Johnson (Furnace Fest / Takehold Records)
• ​Johnny Grimes (Furnace Fest / Workplay Birmingham)
• ​Jeff Apruzzese (Passion Pit 2008-2014 / Drexel University)
• ​Matt Dunn (DIY promoter - Syracuse, N.Y. / University of South Carolina)
• ​Tony DeBacco (Videographer - Boston D.I.Y.)

Official LFoDIY Podcast Playlist on Spotify

Follow the podcast:

Instagram: @livefreeordiypodcast

YouTube: @livefreeordiypodcast

Thank you for your contributions to this podcast:

• ​Anthony Robbins (Research Assistance)
• ​Ioanis Pintzopolous (Production Assistance)
• ​Kira Burr (Graphic Design)
• ​Todd Pollock (Cover photo)
• ​Furnace Fest
• ​Casey & Iodine Recordings
• ​Piebald (podcast theme music)
• ​Aaron Stuart (cover photo talent & legend)
• ​Northeastern University (funding)

Social media & other links to connect with hosts, panel members, & podcast support can all be found through this link: linktr.ee/livefreeordiypodcast

For in depth interviews with musicians in the scene, (hosted by Dana Bollen) check out the Two Week Notice Podcast

Series premieres 5/5/2025

In this episode, hosts Dana Bollen (Two Week Notice Podcast / Touring Roadie) & Andrew Mall (Music Professor - Northeastern University) are joined by eight of our Season 1 panel members to discuss factors that impact the sustainability and resilience in D.I.Y. music scenes, as well as the importance of adaptability in a society that is constantly changing and evolving.

Panel members on this episode include:

• ​Norman Brannon (Thursday / Anti-Matter Zine)
• ​Luke Garro (Piebald / Fastbreak / In My Eyes)
• ​Ace Enders (The Early November / I Can Make A Mess)
• ​Joey Chiaramonte (Koyo)
• ​Chris Wrenn (Bridge9 Records)
• ​Brandon Davis (Vanna / Fever333 / Lions Lions / INSPIRIT)
• ​Jeff Apruzzese (Passion Pit 2008-2014 / Drexel University)
• ​Matt Dunn (DIY promoter - Syracuse, N.Y. / University of South Carolina)

This episode also features a cameo by Vinnie Caruana (The Movielife / I Am The Avalanche)

• ​Follow Vinnie on Instagram - @vinniecaruana

◦Full interview with Vinnie can be heard on the Two Week Notice Podcast here:

◦⁠Apple Podcasts - #149: Vinnie Caruana

◦⁠Spotify - #149: Vinnie Caruana

⁠Official LFoDIY Podcast Playlist on Spotify⁠

Follow the podcast:

Instagram: ⁠@livefreeordiypodcast⁠

YouTube: ⁠@livefreeordiypodcast⁠

Thank you for your contributions to this podcast:

• ​Anthony Robbins (Research Assistance)
• ​Ioanis Pintzopolous (Production Assistance)
• ​Kira Burr (Graphic Design)
• ​Todd Pollock (Cover photo)
• ​⁠Furnace Fest⁠
• ​Casey & ⁠Iodine Recordings⁠
• ​⁠Piebald⁠ (podcast theme music)
• ​Aaron Stuart (cover photo talent & legend)
• ​Northeastern University (funding)

Social media & other links to connect with hosts, panel members, & podcast support can all be found through this link: ⁠linktr.ee/livefreeordiypodcast⁠

For in depth interviews with musicians in the scene, (hosted by Dana Bollen) check out the ⁠Two Week Notice Podcast⁠

In this episode, hosts Dana Bollen (Two Week Notice Podcast / Touring Roadie) & Andrew Mall (Music Professor - Northeastern University) are joined by nine of our Season 1 panel members to discuss the impact that exposure can have on D.I.Y. music scenes, and what happens when these bands & this music reaches mainstream attention & success.

We address the question: Is there such thing as too much exposure in D.I.Y. music scenes?

Panel members on this episode include:

• ​Norman Brannon (Thursday / Anti-Matter Zine)
• ​Ace Enders (The Early November / I Can Make A Mess)
• ​Joey Chiaramonte (Koyo)
• ​Chris Wrenn (Bridge9 Records)
• ​Brandon Davis (Vanna / Fever333 / Lions Lions / INSPIRIT)
• ​Ali Lipman (Cape Crush)
• ​Johnny Grimes (Furnace Fest)
• ​Jeff Apruzzese (Passion Pit 2008-2014 / Drexel University)
• ​Tony DeBacco (Videographer - Boston)

Full interview with Ace Enders can be heard on the Two Week Notice Podcast here:

• ​⁠⁠Apple Podcasts - #153: Ace Enders
• ​⁠⁠Spotify - #153: Ace Enders

⁠⁠Official LFoDIY Podcast Playlist on Spotify⁠⁠

Follow the podcast:

Instagram: ⁠⁠@livefreeordiypodcast⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠@livefreeordiypodcast⁠⁠

Thank you for your contributions to this podcast:

• ​Anthony Robbins (Research Assistance)
• ​Ioanis Pintzopolous (Production Assistance)
• ​Kira Burr (Graphic Design)
• ​Todd Pollock (Cover photo)
• ​⁠⁠Furnace Fest⁠⁠
• ​Casey & ⁠⁠Iodine Recordings⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠Piebald⁠⁠ (podcast theme music)
• ​Aaron Stuart (cover photo talent & legend)
• ​Northeastern University (funding)

Social media & other links to connect with hosts, panel members, & podcast support can all be found through this link: ⁠⁠linktr.ee/livefreeordiypodcast⁠⁠

For in depth interviews with musicians in the scene, (hosted by Dana Bollen) check out the ⁠⁠Two Week Notice Podcast⁠⁠

In this episode, hosts Dana Bollen (Two Week Notice Podcast / Touring Roadie) & Andrew Mall (Music Professor - Northeastern University) are joined by eight of our Season 1 panel members to discuss the communities that we build around D.I.Y. music scenes, as well as values that are essential within these communities.

Panel members on this episode include:

• ​Norman Brannon (Thursday / Anti-Matter Zine)
• ​Luke Garro (Piebald / Fastbreak / In My Eyes)
• ​Ace Enders (The Early November / I Can Make A Mess)
• ​Joey Chiaramonte (Koyo)
• ​Brandon Davis (Vanna / Fever333 / Lions Lions / INSPIRIT)
• ​Ali Lipman (Cape Crush)
• ​Johnny Grimes (Furnace Fest)
• ​Episode introduction by Chad Johnson (Furnace Fest)

This episode features a cameo by Travis Shettel (Piebald)

• Follow Travis on Instagram: @totallytravis
• ​Full interview with Travis can be heard on the Two Week Notice Podcast here:
• ​Apple Podcasts - #154: Travis Shettel
• ​Spotify - #154: Travis Shettel

⁠⁠⁠Official LFoDIY Podcast Playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠

Follow the podcast:

Instagram: @livefreeordiypodcast

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@livefreeordiypodcast⁠⁠⁠

Thank you for your contributions to this podcast:

• ​Anthony Robbins (Research Assistance)
• ​Ioanis Pintzopolous (Production Assistance)
• ​Kira Burr (Graphic Design)
• ​Todd Pollock (Cover photo)
• Furnace Fest⁠⁠⁠
• ​Casey & Iodine Recordings
• Piebald (podcast theme music)
• ​Aaron Stuart (cover photo talent & legend)
• ​Northeastern University (funding)

Social media & other links to connect with hosts, panel members, & podcast support can all be found through this link: linktr.ee/livefreeordiypodcast

For in depth interviews with musicians in the scene, (hosted by Dana Bollen) check out the Two Week Notice Podcast

In this episode, hosts Dana Bollen (Two Week Notice Podcast / Touring Roadie) & Andrew Mall (Music Professor - Northeastern University) are joined by ten of our Season 1 panel members to discuss some of the biggest changes that we've experienced within the DIY music scenes over the last few decades & the challenges that we face today. Several panelists also share advice that is valuable to anyone who is involved in these communities.

Panel members on this episode include:

• ​Norman Brannon (Thursday / Anti-Matter Zine)
• ​Luke Garro (Piebald / Fastbreak / In My Eyes)
• ​Ace Enders (The Early November / I Can Make A Mess)
• ​Joey Chiaramonte (Koyo)
• ​Chris Wrenn (Bridge9 Records)
• ​Brandon Davis (Vanna / Fever333 / Lions Lions / INSPIRIT)
• ​Ali Lipman (Cape Crush)
• ​Chad Johnson (Furnace Fest)
• ​Jeff Apruzzese (Passion Pit / Drexel University)
• Matt Dunn (DIY Promoter / University of South Carolina)

This episode features cameos (via the Two Week Notice Podcast⁠⁠) by:

• Kurt Ballou (Converge)

• ​Matt Pryor (The Get Up Kids)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Official LFoDIY Podcast Playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow the podcast:

Instagram: @livefreeordiypodcast

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@livefreeordiypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you for your contributions to this podcast:

• ​Anthony Robbins (Research Assistance)
• ​Ioanis Pintzopolous (Production Assistance)
• ​Kira Burr (Graphic Design)
• Todd Pollock⁠ (Cover photo)
• Furnace Fest
• ​Casey & Iodine Recordings
• Piebald  (podcast theme music)
• ​Aaron Stuart (cover photo talent & legend)
• ​Northeastern University (funding)

Social media & other links to connect with hosts, panel members, & podcast support can all be found through this link: linktr.ee/livefreeordiypodcast

For in depth interviews with musicians in the scene, (hosted by Dana Bollen) check out the Two Week Notice Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, hosts Dana Bollen (Two Week Notice Podcast / Touring Roadie) & Andrew Mall (Music Professor - Northeastern University) are joined by nine of our Season 1 panel members to discuss the mental health benefits that we gain through being involved in DIY music scenes & communities.

Panel members on this episode include:

• ​Norman Brannon (Thursday / Anti-Matter Zine)
• ​Luke Garro (Piebald / Fastbreak / In My Eyes)
• ​Ace Enders (The Early November / I Can Make A Mess)
• ​Joey Chiaramonte (Koyo)
• ​Chris Wrenn (Bridge9 Records)
• ​Brandon Davis (Vanna / Fever333 / Lions Lions / INSPIRIT)
• ​Ali Lipman (Cape Crush)
• ​Chad Johnson (Furnace Fest)
• ​Johnny Grimes (Furnace Fest)

This episode features cameos (via the Two Week Notice Podcast) by:

• ​Marisa Dabice (Mannequin P*ssy)
• ​Jack O'Shea (Bayside)
• ​Matt Pryor (The Get Up Kids)
• ​Brian Sella (The Front Bottoms)

Mental Health Resources:

• ​988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

A 24/7, free, and confidential support line for anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. Call or text 988. More info: https://www.usa.gov/features/the-988-lifeline-and-other-mental-health-services

• ​Crisis Text Line

Free, 24/7 text-based support for any crisis. Text HOME to 741741. More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crisis_Text_Line

• ​SAMHSA

SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish). Includes FindTreatment.gov and Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP(4357) More info: https://www.samhsa.gov

• ​NAMI

Nation's largest grassroots mental health organization with educational programs, support groups, and advocacy. More info: https://www.nami.org

• ​Mental Health America (MHA)

Nonprofit addressing mental illness needs with screenings, educational materials, and advocacy. More info: https://mhanational.org

• ​Punk Rock Saves Lives

Punk Rock Saves Lives is a 501c3 nonprofit that focuses on wellness and equality through the power of music. More info: https://www.punkrocksaveslives.org

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Official LFoDIY Podcast Playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow the podcast:

Instagram: @livefreeordiypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@livefreeordiypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you for your contributions to this podcast:

• ​Anthony Robbins (Research Assistance)
• ​Ioanis Pintzopolous (Production Assistance)
• ​Kira Burr (Graphic Design)
• Todd Pollock (Cover photo)
• Furnace Fest
• Casey & Iodine Recordings
• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Piebald⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (podcast theme music)
• ​Aaron Stuart (cover photo talent & legend)
• ​Northeastern University (funding)

Social media & other links to connect with hosts, panel members, & podcast support can all be found through this link: linktr.ee/livefreeordiypodcast

For in depth interviews with musicians in the scene, (hosted by Dana Bollen) check out the Two Week Notice Podcast