The Aftershow

@shrimpcocktail (Andrew Everding): "AI is going to greatly impact what I do for a living... I see a lot of parallels between how much Napster was fought back, whenever that was happening, and how much that probably hurt the record industry and hurt the way bands were." “All you need is four ingredients for bread: flour, water, yeast, and salt. So it just takes time. You need to let that dough rise for a long time. That's where it gets all its flavor from.” Episode Description: In this episode, Ben and Bryan explore the rarely told story of Andrew Everding, the keyboardist integral to Thursday’s rise during the post-hardcore boom. Andrew recounts a journey beginning with a house fire and serendipitous band invite, through Thursday’s "War All the Time" breakthrough and major label whirlwind, and finally into his creative reinvention as a music-for-media entrepreneur with Tiny Lion. Along the way, he draws a vivid picture of the emotional peaks, career pivots, and lessons learned about saying yes at the right time. For anyone who’s ever wondered what becomes of musicians after the house lights turn off, Andrew’s story is real, honest, and unexpectedly inspiring. Follow: Website Instagram Credits: Hosts: Ben Thompson, Bryan Schools Guest: Andrew Everding Producer: Jason Lutjen Contact: jason@theaftershow.com Follow: https://linktr.ee/theaftershowpodcast Andrew Everding, Thursday (band), Tiny Lion, Emo, Post-hardcore, Life after music, Music industry shifts, Studio engineering, Work-life transition, DIY ethos, Commercial music, Saying yes, AI and creativity, Mental health in music, Bread baking

@joe_sib: I thought... the Village People were rad. And then when I go to the skateboard park, there's this. It was like. It was like being like, born. Because I walk in there with my dad and it's totally foreign. Everything to me, you know, to the way that the kids that were there to to the way everyone's, you know, skating and and seeing it as a sport suddenly and then being welcomed into that. And I wasn't good. But being like, that's the great thing about skateboarding is that you can go to a skateboard park tonight and you, you could show up and, and you can join a session that is being just, you know, just being shredded and ripped apart by just the locals. And, and then you can drop in and just do a little kick turn. And if the next time you drop in the kick turn just a foot higher, everyone is going to cheer for you just as loud as they are for that guy blasting a backside air or a Smith grind and you're like, whoa, like I'm a part of this. So I love that. And the music changed. You know? That was the first place ever that I heard punk rock that like, true punk rock. The germs, Black Flag, Circle Jerks, 999, the Buzzcocks. I was just like, what the hell is this?  Episode Description: A vibrant deep-dive with Joe Sib, former frontman of Wax and 22 Jacks, SideOneDummy Records co-founder, and comedian. Joe shares candid stories from punk's heyday, lessons learned from life on the road, why he reinvented himself in comedy, and what keeps him driven after decades in music and entertainment. The episode offers wisdom, hilarious moments, and true behind-the-scenes grit. Follow: Website Instagram Credits: Hosts: Ben Thompson, Bryan Schools Guest: Joe Sib Producer: Jason Lutjen Contact: jason@theaftershow.com Follow: https://linktr.ee/theaftershowpodcast #JoeSib #PunkRock #Comedy #WaxBand #SideOneDummy #MusicPodcast #CaliforniaCalling #LivePerformance #ArtistJourney #EntertainmentIndustry Joe Sib, punk rock, Wax, 22 Jacks, SideOneDummy, comedy, one-man show, California Calling, music industry, reinvention, live performance, Warped Tour, mental health, indie music

James Menefee on @blink182: The first time I heard "Dammit" on the radio... That was one of the first moments in my life where I was like, you know, I feel like I could do that. And, and I... was like, at least I could at least come very close to that. And if that's on the radio, then there's a good chance that I could do something similar. Playing some dates with Blink182 was amazing. Yeah... Yes, I played... a stadium, and it was awesome and we played great. And so I can be like, okay, good. These, you know, I sounded great playing a stadium full of, you know, ten thousand screaming Blink182 fans. James Menefee started his first punk band at twelve and spent three decades in Richmond, Virginia's music scene with Fun Size and River City High. He toured with Blink-182, New Found Glory, and Jimmy Eat World, watched bands they opened for become famous, and got signed to a major label—only to have it go bankrupt at their breakthrough moment. Now tending bar in Richmond, he reflects on practicing in Gwar's Slave Pit, hearing his songs on the radio, and serving drinks to former tour mates. A candid story about persistence, near-misses, and finding meaning in a dream that almost came true. Follow: Instagram Credits: Hosts: Bryan Schools, Ben Thompson Guest: James Menefee Producer: Jason Lutjen Contact: jason@theaftershow.com Follow: https://linktr.ee/theaftershowpodcast Pop-punk, Richmond Virginia, Fun Size, River City High, Fueled by Ramen, Blink-182, New Found Glory, Jimmy Eat World, CBGB, Warped Tour, VCU punk scene, indie labels, major label bankruptcy, DIY touring, 90s punk, 2000s emo, battle of the bands, underground music, music industry struggles, Sound of Music Studios, Doghouse Records, pre-Blink pop-punk, tour life, van breakdowns, bar culture, musician bartender, dream deferred, music legacy, Patrick Henry's Pub, Midtown, Less Than Jake, Inquisition, Long Arms, Beatsteaks

"It took ending up in a psych ward. It took, uh, being arrested and it took suicide attempt for me to really realize. And that's the first time I've really mentioned that this—the the first interview I've ever said that on." "None of that stuff matters at the end. It's all about, you know, like I said, being a dad is the biggest. That's the only identity I want now." This episode features an intimate and candid conversation with Rich Beddoe, longtime drummer for Finger Eleven and co-founder of Saint Asonia, as he explores his journey through music, addiction, recovery, and family. From finding his place in Canadian rock, battles with genre labels, and the high-pressure moments of fame, to the deeply personal lows of addiction and rebirth in sobriety, Rich opens up about the past, what he’s lost, and what truly matters now. Listeners will hear honest reflections on identity, regrets, amends, and the importance of gratitude and being present—making this one of the most powerful The Aftershow interviews. Follow: Instagram Credits: Hosts: Bryan Schools, Ben Thompson Guest: Rich Beddoe Producer: Jason Lutjen Contact: jason@theaftershow.com Follow: https://linktr.ee/theaftershowpodcast Rich Beddoe, Finger Eleven, Saint Asonia, Canadian rock, addiction, recovery, identity, rock bottom, sobriety, making amends, radio success, genre labels, nu-metal, post-grunge, Paralyzer, One Thing, band dynamics, regret, family, spirituality, session musician, live performance, humility, resilience, gratitude, music industry, creative process, financial responsibility, personal growth, career transition, mental health, support network

"We’re so lucky to be able to have the privilege of feeling this nervous. Most people don’t get to walk up on stage and, and, and, you know, so enjoy it, embrace it." In this episode of The Aftershow, hosts Ben Thompson and Bryan Schools sit down with Adam Czeisler and Cole Peterson from SweetWater, a band on the fringes of Seattle’s explosive early '90s music scene. Dive into their journey from the late '80s grunge era, major label contracts, and nationwide tours to the challenges of maintaining a music career in an ever-changing industry. Hear about their friendships with iconic Seattle bands, the highs and lows of major label deals, and the transition from full-time musicians to navigating new careers. They also share insights from their recent reunion, recording new music, and how the internet is reshaping their connection with fans. A nostalgic, honest, and inspiring conversation for anyone curious about the real stories behind the Seattle sound. Follow: https://www.sweetwaterrocks.com Credits: Hosts: Ben Thompson, Bryan Schools Guests: Adam Czeisler, Cole Peterson Producer: Jason Lutjen Contact: jason@theaftershow.com Follow: https://linktr.ee/theaftershowpodcast SweetWater band, Seattle Sound, Grunge music, 1990s alternative rock, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Seattle music scene, Rock reunion, Major label signing, Indie bands, Music careers, Touring musicians, DIY recording, New album 2025, Music industry stories, #Sweetwater, #SeattleSound, #Grunge, #AlternativeRock, #MusicPodcast, #RockHistory, #BandReunion, #IndieMusic, #NewMusic, #MusicIndustry, #MusicianLife, #SeattleBands, #90sRock, #TourStories, #PodcastInterview.

“I worked a double shift at my… restaurant job. And then on Thursday night, we’d hop in the van, drive to New York, play at CBGB’s… and then be back on Monday for work.” Letters to Cleo frontwoman Kay Hanley joins The Aftershow to trace her path from Dorchester to the major-label spotlight and beyond. Kay opens up about the Boston club scene of the early '90s, the Billboard review that changed everything at SXSW, and the surreal experience of recording next to Weezer at Oceanway Studios. She reveals the shocking radio industry practice that limited female-led bands to just one slot in the top 20, shares behind-the-scenes stories from Parks and Rec's Unity Concert (including her starstruck Jeff Tweedy moment), and explains how working with Babyface on Josie and the Pussycats taught her that creating music could actually pay the bills. Plus: her transition from reluctant frontwoman to Disney composer, the "cockamamie schemes" that led to Doc McStuffins, and why she co-founded Songwriters of North America to fight for fair pay in the streaming era—because 70 million YouTube streams shouldn't equal seventeen bucks. Perfect for fans of Letters to Cleo, '90s alt-rock history, Parks and Rec lore, and anyone curious about the business side of making music actually sustainable. Follow: https://www.instagram.com/kayhanley https://www.instagram.com/letters_to_cleo/ https://www.instagram.com/thesonafoundation/ Credits: Hosts: Ben Thompson, Bryan Schools Guest: Kay Hanley Producer: Jason Lutjen Contact: jason@theaftershow.com Follow: https://linktr.ee/theaftershowpodcast Letters to Cleo, Kay Hanley, Boston alt-rock, Here & Now, Aurora Gory Alice, Wholesale Meats and Fish, Go!, Giant Records, 90s alternative rock, Parks and Rec, Ben Wyatt, Unity Concert, 10 Things I Hate About You, Josie and the Pussycats, Doc McStuffins, Disney Junior, Kindergarten the Musical, Songwriters of North America, SONA, Michelle Lewis, Babyface, radio discrimination, streaming royalties, T.T. the Bear's, SXSW

“We were a clandestine operation: a guitar band smuggling Sanskrit mantras onto Radio 1.” Kula Shaker bassist and co-founder Alonza Bevan joins The Aftershow to rewind from late-’80s pub gigs and London house-share jam sessions to the UK chart rise of K and beyond. Alonza unpacks how the band’s Indian spiritual influence fit alongside Britpop, how major labels “push the button,” and why creative control mattered when recording with producer John Leckie—and later going epic with Bob Ezrin on Peasants, Pigs & Astronauts aboard David Gilmour’s storied studio boat. He shares the blessing-and-curse realities of a hit cover with Hush, the media storm around misread symbolism in the late ’90s, and the pressure that led to a tactical retreat before reforming with renewed purpose. Plus: touring America vs the UK, playing literal “toilet tours,” joining Johnny Marr’s Healers with Zak Starkey, and how a veteran band navigates today’s singles-first, algorithmic music world while gearing up for K’s 30th anniversary. Perfect for fans of Kula Shaker, 90s UK rock history, psychedelic pop, and anyone curious how bands survive—and thrive—through changing eras of the music business. Follow Kula Shaker: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoTrZweaRXMDdY9ItQ3RiZA https://www.instagram.com/kulashakerofficial/ Credits: Hosts: Ben Thompson, Bryan Schools Guest: Alonza Bevan Producer: Jason Lutjen Contact: jason@theaftershow.com Follow: https://linktr.ee/theaftershowpodcast

“I may not be the best guitarist they played with, but I was the most prepared.” New Jersey legend Heath Saraceno joins The Aftershow to trace the arc from Midtown’s quick rise and major-label years to his rejuvenating run with Senses Fail—and the hard reset that followed. Heath opens up about the expectations and realities of MCA and Columbia, the creative peak and underappreciated impact of Forget What You Know, and why he ultimately stepped away from full-time touring. He shares the exact mindset and preparation that landed him in Senses Fail, the emotional toll of endings, and the discipline it took to build a second career from the ground up in the electrical trade. Along the way: Dave Grohl’s “C-team” bachelor party, four-guitar hardcore chaos, how social media changed the definition of “sellout,” and why coming home every night can be the best part of growing up—without giving up the music. Perfect for fans of Midtown, Senses Fail, 2000s pop-punk/emo history, and anyone navigating life after the dream job. Follow Heath Saraceno: https://www.instagram.com/heathsaraceno https://x.com/heathsaraceno Credits: Hosts: Bryan Schools, Ben Thompson Guest: Heath Saraceno Producer: Jason Lutjen Contact: jason@theaftershow.com Follow: https://linktr.ee/theaftershowpodcast

“Royalties started coming in, and it scared me. I could either fund my addiction—or change my life.” Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and original Pearl Jam drummer Dave Krusen joins The Aftershow to talk about the whirlwind behind recording Ten, the unexpected life of Yellow Ledbetter, and the personal battles that pulled him off the road—and ultimately brought him back. Dave opens up about the phone-book audition that changed his life, the pressure and promise of the Seattle scene, getting sober amid overnight success, and the serendipitous path through Hovercraft and Candlebox. We also get into vault tracks, Hall of Fame night, arm surgeries that nearly ended it all, why he still isn’t ready to “hang it up,” and the new music and gigs on his horizon. Honest, reflective, and full of deep-cut stories fans will love. Follow Dave: Instagram and Facebook (search: Dave Krusen). Credits: Hosts: Ben Thompson, Bryan Schools Guest: Dave Krusen Producer: Jason Lutjen Contact: jason@theaftershow.com Follow: https://linktr.ee/theaftershowpodcast

“When you’re lost, look for universal truths. Raising your kid is a no‑brainer.” Former Sum 41 drummer Steve Jocz—better known as Stevo32—joins The Aftershow to talk about the meteoric rise of Sum 41, the label battles and shifting dynamics behind the scenes, why he ultimately walked away at the height of it all, and how fatherhood and a move to Australia brought him back to the drums on his own terms. Steve opens up about early bidding wars and MTV-era videos, the “Underclass Hero” pivot, the rough years around Scream Bloody Murder, leaving to be present for his newborn, rediscovering music through jazz study, and the unexpected joy (and occasional chaos) of building a YouTube channel from scratch. It’s a candid, funny, and human conversation about identity, maturity, money myths, and making peace with the past—without losing your sense of humor. Follow Steve "Stevo32" Jocz: https://www.youtube.com/@stevo32drums https://www.instagram.com/thestevo32 Credits: Hosts: Ben Thompson, Bryan Schools Guest: Steve "Stevo32" Jocz Producer: Jason Lutjen Contact: jason@theaftershow.com Follow: https://linktr.ee/theaftershowpodcast