Explore every episode of the podcast Trip Thru Time

Benny sits down with Chris Wilson, aka PrettyNights, one of the Pretty Lights community’s most dedicated historians and archivists.

What began as a project to document Pretty Lights history has grown into a massive resource for the community, first as a website and now as an app. PrettyNights brings together discovered setlists from across the years and gives fans a way to track the shows they’ve attended, the songs they’ve heard live, and their own personal journey through Pretty Lights history.

Chris joins Benny to talk about how the project began, the work that goes into preserving years of shows and setlists, how the platform has evolved, and why documenting this history matters to the PL community.

Toward the end of the conversation, Kris, aka ToferToast/Yellow Shirt Guy, hops on to join Benny with a few more questions for Chris, digging further into the archive, the evolution of PrettyNights, and what comes next.

Whether you’ve been following Pretty Lights for years or are still building your own show history, this episode is a look at the people helping preserve the story of Pretty Lights one setlist, song, and show at a time. 🌀

Youtube:  @PrettyNightz  
Instagram: @prettynightz
Website: prettynights.com
App: prettynights.com/app

Ben, ToferToast and special guest HammyT continue their Capitol Theatre conversation with Part 2, turning their attention to Nights 2 and 3 of Pretty Lights’ August 21–23 run in Port Chester, New York.

After breaking down the latest PL news and opening night in Part 1, the three pick things back up with the final two nights of the weekend and dig into how the run continued to evolve from one show to the next.

With ToferToast and HammyT experiencing the shows live from inside The Cap and Benny following the streams from home, they compare perspectives on the jams, song choices, production moments, crowd energy and surprises that defined the second half of the run.
They also look at how Nights 2 and 3 built on what came before, which moments emerged as favorites once the full weekend was complete, and what made this three-night Capitol Theatre run stand out within the larger Pretty Lights story.

In Part 2:
Night 2 at The Capitol Theatre
Night 3 and the finale of the run
Favorite jams, surprises and standout moments
In-person versus livestream perspectives
How the weekend evolved across all three nights
Final reactions and takeaways from The Cap

Join Benny, ToferToast and HammyT as they close out their Capitol Theatre recap and look back at the moments that made the weekend one to remember.

Ben and Kris, aka ToferToast/Yellow Shirt Guy, are joined by special guest Tom Hammond, aka HammyT, for Part 1 of their Capitol Theatre recap, covering the latest Pretty Lights news and the opening night of the August 21–23 run in Port Chester, New York.

With ToferToast and HammyT both inside The Cap for the weekend and Benny following along through the livestreams from home, the three bring different perspectives to the same shows, comparing what stood out in the room with what came through on stream.

Before diving into Night 1, they break down the latest Pretty Lights news, updates and reactions surrounding the band and the current era. From there, the conversation turns to the opening night at The Capitol Theatre, including standout moments, unexpected turns, crowd energy, production details, favorite performances and the moments that immediately set the tone for the rest of the weekend.
HammyT brings another firsthand perspective from inside the venue, while Benny and ToferToast compare notes on the moments that landed differently depending on how the show was experienced.

In Part 1:
The latest Pretty Lights news and updates
Reactions to what is happening around the PL universe
Night 1 at The Capitol Theatre
ToferToast and HammyT’s view from inside The Cap
Benny’s perspective from the livestream
Standout moments, surprises and early favorites from the run

Join Benny, ToferToast and HammyT as they kick off a two-part look back at Pretty Lights’ three-night return to The Capitol Theatre.

Ben and Kris, aka ToferToast/Yellow Shirt Guy, continue their voyage through the Pretty Lights Galaxy with Constellation 3 of A Trip Thru Time Fantastic, turning their attention to the next five tracks and the details that continue to emerge as the album unfolds.

With another constellation comes another round of discoveries. Ben and Kris revisit familiar musical moments through the lens of their official album releases, digging into evolving arrangements, transitions, vocal elements, production choices, and those small details that suddenly jump out after countless listens.

Sample Hunter Kris returns with another collection of unexpected sample finds while continuing to trace the story and themes he believes are developing across the constellations. Ben brings his ear for the intricate musical layers, connections, and production details hiding beneath the surface, helping uncover pieces of these songs that can be remarkably easy to miss.

As always, the conversation goes beyond simply reviewing the tracks. They explore how each song fits into its constellation, how moments connect back to the Pretty Lights universe we already know, and what these five tracks may be adding to the larger journey of A Trip Thru Time Fantastic.

Constellation 3 covers:

* Wake Up

* Hot Like Rox

* Vigs Drop

* Wheel Within a Wheel

* A Trip Through Time

The journey through the Galaxy continues as Ben and Kris chase samples, follow musical threads, debate interpretations, and uncover another layer of what Pretty Lights may be building one constellation at a time.

Ben and Kris, aka ToferToast/Yellow Shirt Guy, continue their journey through the Pretty Lights galaxy with a deep dive into Constellation 2 of A Trip Thru Time Fantastic.

Picking up where Constellation 1 left off, they break down the next five tracks from the album, revisiting familiar moments while uncovering new details, textures, samples, and musical connections that have emerged through repeated listens. From sections that hit differently in their official album form to subtle elements buried within the mix, there is plenty to unpack as the Galaxy continues to unfold.

Sample Hunter Kris brings more obscure sample discoveries and his interpretation of a larger story he sees beginning to take shape across the constellations, while Ben pulls apart the musical layers, production details, and subtle moments that can easily slip past even longtime listeners. They also dive into an intriguing Reddit post exploring the album’s “Harmonic Odometer” and how its movement through musical keys may help illustrate the journey unfolding across A Trip Thru Time Fantastic:

https://www.reddit.com/r/prettylights/s/nHBNfp8oyT

Together, Ben and Kris explore what makes each track stand on its own while looking at how the songs connect within the larger constellation and the evolving world of the album.

Constellation 2 covers:

* Where Are You Going

* Through the Years

* YNDIO aka AM Glow

* Chasing Rainbows

* The World is a Cinema

Join Ben and Kris as they continue breaking down the Galaxy one constellation at a time, finding new favorites, rediscovering familiar moments, and hearing things they somehow missed the first, second, or tenth time around.

Ben and Kris, (aka ToferToast and Yellow Shirt Guy), continue their journey through the Pretty Lights galaxy with a deep dive into Constellation 1 of A Trip Thru Time Fantastic.

In Episode 31, they break down the first five tracks of the album, exploring the moments that feel different, fresh, or newly revealed within the official releases. They revisit elements that have already become personal favorites, uncover details they had never noticed before, and share the sounds that continue to reveal themselves with every listen. Sample hunter Kris brings some deep sample discoveries to the table, while Ben fills in the musical layers, connections, and subtle details that even dedicated listeners might have missed. Together, they examine the transitions, vocals, production choices, and sonic elements woven throughout each track.

This partial album review covers:

* The Sun Spreads in our Mind

* Road to the Stars

* Time to Build a Home

* How Can You Lose

* Private Ledge

Join Ben and Kris as they begin breaking down the galaxy one constellation at a time and discovering just how much more there is to hear within A Trip Thru Time Fantastic.

Ben is joined by regular guest Kris (aka ToferToast) to dissect the monumental return of Pretty Lights. The wait is officially over as Derek Vincent Smith drops A Trip Thru Time Fantastic—a massive 45 track masterpiece divided into nine distinct constellations, with the first 15 tracks already available for free download and streaming.
In this episode, we explore:

* The New Album 'A Trip Through Time Fantastic': A deep dive into the surprise multi part release structure and the sonic themes of this long awaited era.
* Band Member Changes and Creative Direction: How the live lineup has been deconstructed and reassembled into the evolved Soundship Space Bus project, shifting their collective creative workflow.
* The Evolution of Pretty Lights' Sound and Production: An analysis of how the music has matured, blending classic analog sampling with futuristic modular synthesis and live, real time audio manipulation.
* Tour Dates and Locations: Full coverage of the newly announced 2026 itinerary, highlighting multi night runs at legendary venues like The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester NY, The Fillmore in New Orleans LA, and the iconic Fox Theater in Oakland CA.

In this episode of Trip Thru Time, Mark Cooley, also known as Shuj Roswell of Super Best Records, joins the show to discuss his recent performance at the Meow Wolf Prismatic Fleet Danceportation event. Mark shares his perspective as both a performer and a dedicated archivist within the Pretty Lights Family, detailing his role in marking setlists and documenting the evolution of the band’s various iterations over the years. The conversation explores the shifting landscape of touring, the transition from working with hired guns to true collaborators, and the unique challenges of creating music during the pandemic. Along with plenty of other Pretty Lights and music scene topics, this episode captures the heart of live performance and the importance of preserving musical memories. 

Check out Shuj Roswell on these various platforms 

Web page shujroswell.com

Youtube @MarkACooley

Sound Cloud soundcloud.com/shujroswell

Spotify spoti.fi/2N4yQXG

Facebook facebook.com/ShujRoswell

In this episode of Trip Thru Time, Kris, the Yellow Shirt Guy returns to discuss his experiences at the Meow Wolf Dance Portation event, reflecting on the vibrant community atmosphere, the performances of various artists, and the unique format of the event. They share insights on the significance of Pretty Lights in the electronic music scene and speculate on future events and collaborations. The conversation captures the essence of live music experiences and the connections formed within the community.

In this episode, Ben and Justin Balboa of Out of Time Studios @studiooutoftime explore the Prismatic Fleet event Danceportation at Meow Wolf in Denver CO, discussing its unique multi-channel experience and the evolution of music festivals. They delve into Justin's personal journey with Pretty Lights, the intersection of art and music, and the cultural dynamics that shape identity and trends in the music scene. The conversation reflects on the impact of technology on live music experiences and the importance of community and collaboration in the industry. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the evolution of music festivals, discussing the impact of camping, venue choices, and the future of music collaborations. They explore the role of visuals in live performances and the importance of community and connection in music events. The anticipation of future shows and the balance between virtual and live performances are also highlighted, along with thematic elements in music and performance. The conversation concludes with reflections on the event and future prospects.

The cosmic voyage concludes! In this final installment of our Yahn Dawn trilogy, Ben accompanied by "Yellow Shirt Guy," Tofer Toast, break down the climactic yet to some controversial second night of Pretty Lights’ inaugural festival in Buena Vista, Colorado. 

Ben opens the episode by acknowledging the long break he took from podcasting due to significant life changes. He candidly discusses the emotional and logistical challenges of moving back to the Chicagoland area from San Diego, particularly with the arrival of his first child. This transition marks a pivotal moment not just in his life, but in his creative endeavors as well. He highlights how packing, moving, and adjusting to living with his in-laws have consumed his time and energy, leaving him feeling overwhelmed yet grateful for the experiences. Maybe this is the end of the road... or just a new beginning?" Life can take unexpected turns, but every experience shapes us.

In this episode of Trip Thru Time, we explore the unforgettable experience of Pretty Lights at Elements Festival with our guests, Brandon and Molly. Dive into the magic of the secret renegade set that took place at 3:30 am, a spontaneous performance that left festival-goers in awe. We also discuss the two captivating sets on Sunday: a solo set that showcased Pretty Lights' unique soundscapes and a full band set that brought the festival to a thrilling close. Join us as we relive these extraordinary moments and hear firsthand accounts from Brandon and Molly, who were there to witness it all. Tune in for an insider's look at the festival's highlights and the community that makes it all possible.

Recorded 9/6/2025

Ben and Kris are back, for a deep dive into the cosmic voyage of Pretty Lights' first night at Yahn Dawn in Buena Vista. In this second part of the recap, the duo breaks down both sets of the legendary performance, giving you a track-by-track analysis and discussing the overall atmosphere of the night.

Featuring exclusive audio and visual clips from the iconic lucid stream, Ben and Kris weave you in and out of the conversation, reminiscing on standout musical moments, and sharing some off-topic and unfiltered musings. Whether you were there under the stars at Meadow Creek or following the stream from afar, get ready for an intimate and insightful trip back to one of the most talked-about nights of the summer.

Recorded 7/10/25

Get ready for a mind-bending journey back to Pretty Lights' magical Yahn Dawn festival in Buena Vista, Colorado! In this first of three recap episodes, we dive headfirst into the Thursday pre-party events with special guest Kris, also known as "Tofer Toast" – the legendary yellow shirt guy seen dancing passionately front row on live streams and recap videos.

We'll kick things off by getting to know Kris, what makes him such a dedicated fan, and his initial thoughts leading into the incredible Yahn Dawn experience. Then, we relive the epic Thursday pre-party sets at the Prismatic Playa, featuring Pretty Lights' Derek Vincent Smith (aka Bridgeriño), Pretty Lights consigliere Michal Menert and Shooka. Prepare for an immersive recap filled with passion, music, and the unique energy that only the Pretty Lights family can create!

Recorded 7/10/2025

Join us as we dive into the unique experience of organizing a 5K race at Yahn Dawn, the Pretty Lights music festival event 6/26-6/28. Our guest, Matan Korrub, shares his journey from a solo runner to a community leader, bringing together his love for running and music. Discover how this event, filled with unexpected challenges and heartwarming moments, became a testament to the power of community and the transformative impact of music. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a festival enthusiast, this episode offers a fresh perspective on blending fitness with festival vibes.

Recorded 7/19/2025

Ben checks in solo to share what’s new with Trip Thru Time — from prepping for Buena Vista and welcoming a baby, to shifting creative priorities and reflecting on how Pretty Lights and this community continue to shape his life.

He shouts out past guests contributing to BV, like Samso, Hyperspace Sky, and the Swirl Safe team, and invites listeners to get involved via a new voicemail line and fan-sourced video project.

Stick around to the end for two unreleased raps Ben recorded 14 years ago — a full-circle moment in an episode all about growth, gratitude, and what’s next.

From a high school sculpture class in Atlanta to nearly 100 Pretty Lights shows, Nicholas Bitzis—aka Niko Beats—takes us on a vivid journey through the highs, lows, and pivotal moments of his musical pilgrimage. He recounts his first PL show at The Masquerade in 2009 at just 14, the life-shifting sunrise set at Bonnaroo, and how Pretty Lights became a compass through wild road trips, busted vans, lost recordings, and deep personal transformation.

We dive into his time working at Miami’s Hit Factory, writing for Electric Hawk, building custom PL-inspired lamps, and witnessing legendary moments like SnowBall, the Red Rocks Symphony shows, and the final Analog Future set at BUKU. Nick shares the stories behind iconic fan memories, his evolution into a setlist documentarian, and the meaning he’s found in being part of a community that continues to inspire connection and creativity.

Recorded 5/29/2025

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Ben sits down with Jess MC — one of the original founders of the Pretty Lights Family Facebook group and a true OG in the scene since 2009. Broadcasting a lifetime of experience, Jess opens up about her deep connection to Pretty Lights’ music, the accident that nearly took her life, and how the music and community helped carry her through recovery and into a leadership role that shaped the culture of the PLF.

From discovering Pretty Lights on a road trip to photographing Derek from atop a Philly stranger’s shoulders at All Good 2011, Jess shares vivid stories that trace the evolution of the PLF and illuminators program. The episode also touches on the darker corners of the community — scams, safety issues, and the need for trust — and highlights the launch of Swirl Safe, a new initiative to protect fans during shows.

Come for the wild stories, stay for the heart: this is the story of one fan’s transformation into a leader, a healer, and a symbol of what makes the Pretty Lights family so special.

As time goes by, memories never die.

Recorded 4/22/2025

On this very special episode, Ben welcomes someone who's been part of his journey long before the podcast even began - his wife, Giselle (aka Mrs. Bahdoo)! Broadcasting from Las Vegas after seeing Dead & Company at The Sphere, they reflect on a lifetime of shared musical memories - from bumping into each other at random shows in Chicago to traveling across the country for Pretty Lights, String Cheese Incident, Sound Tribe, and more.
 
They dive into the highs and lows of The Sphere experience, their favorite festivals like Hulaween, Summer Camp, and Same Same But Different and how Pretty Lights and Sound Tribe each uniquely shaped their relationship with live music. There's plenty of laughs (and a few rants) along the way - plus some heartfelt moments about their growing family. 

Come for the banter, stay for the memories - because as time goes by, memories never die... even if Giselle forgets a few along the way.

Recorded 3/21/2025

Ben welcomes back HammyT to deep dive into Pretty Lights history, community stories, and the moments that make this scene so special. As the first returning guest on Trip Thru Time, HammyT comes back with more tales, more insight, and plenty of laughs.

The two unpack major news in the PL universe—from Buena Vista being billed as the “only band event of the summer” to Derek and Uma expecting their first child—and speculate on what it all might mean for future shows, formats, and the fan experience.

HammyT shares stories that span from early meet-and-greets and setlist requests that actually came true, to riding the rail for all 3 nights of the armory in Minneapolis to end with his father-in-law buying a PL merch booth hat which Derek and Michal signed as they greeted the rail at the end of night 3. 

Together, Ben and HammyT pull out some stand out stage quotes/banter moments from shows and  experiences that could only happen in this uniquely connected fanbase. As time goes by, memories never die.

For reference this was recorded in early March, the day of the Buena Vista presale announcement.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Trip Thru Time, Ben sits down with Brennen, the artist behind Illumination Lab Art, whose fresh designs — from pins to PL stickers — have become iconic within the Pretty Lights family. From the early days of Free Press Summer Fest, and the X-Games in Austin, to full-circle moments at Mission Ballroom for the return from hiatus and Marti Gras World for the Soundship Space System tour closer, Brennan shares how his journey through addiction, recovery, and rediscovering Pretty Lights helped spark a new purpose in life.

We dive into his transformation through music and art, the origin and emotional weight of the Yellowbird design, and how creating Illumination Lab became both a personal mission and a vehicle for community connection. Along the way, we reflect on how we've both built something meaningful from the PL comeback — whether it's crafting stickers that turn strangers into family or launching a podcast project rooted in passion and growth.

This one’s a trip through real darkness and real light — a testament to how music can heal, connect, and inspire. Shout out to the Yellowbirds, the Discord crew, and every creator out there pouring love into the scene.

In this episode of Trip Thru Time, Ben sits down with Brandon Rietheimer—legend of the Pretty Lights Family—for a deep dive into the early days of taping shows, building the Pretty Lights Live archive, and designing some of the most iconic PL pins ever made. From stories on tour to chasing rare tracks and debut moments, Brandon shares how he’s helped document the culture, music, and connection that define this scene. Plus, we talk about the evolution of the live experience, Brandon’s favorite shows, and the launch of the PL Live streaming app.

In this episode, Ben sits down with Sky, aka Hyperspace Sky, to explore his journey through music, spirituality, and self-discovery. From his deep connection to Pretty Lights to his experiences with breathwork, yoga, and healing, Sky shares how these elements have shaped his life. Plus, we dive into the energy of the Warfield shows, his daughter's incredible birth story, and the power of community in music.

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Ackels to talk Pretty Lights, music theory, and community connections. From his journey into the PL universe to jam structures, dream collaborations, and building the ultimate PL Superband, this conversation is packed with insight and love for the music. Plus, a sneak peek into what Samso has planned for 2025.

Intro/Outro: 2024-10-25 Live @ Las Vegas

Ben sits down with Tom, aka HammyT88, whose YouTube channel has garnered over 2M views, to discuss Pretty Lights’ 2-Night NYE run in Chicago. They dive into the evolution of live music, the impact of community, and the unforgettable moments that make Pretty Lights shows so special. From favorite venues and standout songs to the joys of live-streaming and fan interactions, this episode captures the heart of the Pretty Lights family. Don’t miss this deep dive into the music and memories that bring us all together!

In this solo episode of Trip Thru Time, host Ben reflects on an unforgettable New Year’s run and the transformative journey of the past year. With raw emotions and excitement for what’s to come, Ben shares personal milestones, including growing the podcast and embracing a renewed focus on connection and purpose.

From emotional moments at Pretty Lights shows to the community's support and inspiration, this episode is a powerful testament to growth, gratitude, and following your passion.

Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories, reflections on life and music, and a look ahead at what’s in store for 2025. As time goes by, memories never die.

On this special episode of Trip Thru Time, hosts Ben and Sip take a look back at an incredible year of milestones and memories. From launching the podcast to building unforgettable connections within the Pretty Lights Family, they reflect on the highs, lessons, and growth so far.

Join the conversation as they recount their favorite moments from night 1 in Chicago, highlight key guests like Pretty Nights and Russified Clips (Lance), and share how the podcast has transformed their lives. Packed with raw emotions, gratitude, and the electric energy of Pretty Lights live, this episode captures the magic of passion, connection, and the PLF community.

Ben and Ashley, aka Grateful Hippie, recap the unforgettable 3-night Pretty Lights run at Boston’s Roadrunner. From the magic of the Pretty Lights Request Line, led by Ashley and Milli, to the tight-knit vibes of the Discord fam, they dive deep into what makes this community so special. Plus, they share their love for The Dead and build the hype for the upcoming Chicago NYE run.

Ben sits down with Ethan Glustoff as we dive deep into his Pretty Lights journey. From his first show at Camp Bisco 2011 to catching all but 3 shows in the last two years, hear about his favorite moments, the friends he's made, and his epic "Freebird" campaign. Plus, get an inside look at the St. Augustine shows including setlist breakdowns and behind-the-scenes stories.

Ben meets Lance, known on Instagram as Rustified Clips for sharing iconic snippets of Pretty Lights' live shows. They bond over their passion for Pretty Lights, discussing favorite songs, shows, and venues. Lance shares his experience from the recent three-night run at The Armory in Minneapolis, and they wrap up by ranking the tour stops and debating their top picks.

Ben and Sip sit down with Chris, the mastermind behind Pretty Nights, the website dedicated to tracking all the data of Pretty Lights' music and performances. In this episode, we explore the depths of the Pretty Lights universe, discussing everything from setlist predictions to the latest live visuals. Chris shares insights into his collaboration with the Pretty Lights team and how he's revolutionizing the fan experience.

Ben is joined by his longtime high school friend, Keith, to reminisce about their shared experiences living in San Diego and their 12-year journey as devoted Pretty Lights fans. The duo recently traveled to Las Vegas for an unforgettable two-night, themed run at the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena.

In this conversation, they dive deep into their Pretty Lights adventures over the years—swapping stories from past shows, sharing thoughts, making predictions, and discussing their dream setlists for Night 1. After experiencing the first night, they reflect on the highlights, react to surprises, and build anticipation for Night 2, complete with new predictions and requests. It's a celebration of music, friendship, and the electric energy that Pretty Lights continues to inspire.

Ben and Cody, a new pretty lights family friend, get together for a packed episode of Pretty Lights topics. As the conversation builds they exchange stories and experiences including how they met and became friends in Lake Tahoe a couple months back. Cody touches on his time at Austin City Limits and the two look forward to the upcoming Las Vegas shows.

Ben and the best man at his wedding Max chop it up on a hilarious episode. From the early days of getting into Pretty Lights and going to shows and festivals together to major life events like bachelor parties and weddings. Endless memories through their trip through time as friends and dedicated Pretty Lights fans. 

Ben is joined by Nick, another long time PL friend. They discuss the Las Vegas EP drop, themes for each of the two nights coming on 10/25 and 10/26, as well as some memories over the years.

Ben, Sip, and guest Johnny recap the Pretty Lights Tahoe shows and weekend experience from 9/6 and 9/7

Episode 1 of the Trip Through Time podcast with Benny Bahdoo. Our guest is Sip, a long-time friend and co-founder of the Trip Through Time podcast.