The Asylum Podcast

Dateline – The Asylum. The Year… 1982. WHAJ-FM 104.5 came to the airwaves, allowing Kousins Tim and Gary to hear true Top 40 radio for the first time. Both Kousin Tim and Kousin Ray turned 12. Yes, we jumped back instead of forward for this. Upon realizing that 1982 actually had a lot of good stuff and since we started the year retrospectives in 1983, it was time to give 1982 its due. Some of these represent the biggest, or perhaps the most widely known, moments in some artists’ careers, and some debuts. In addition to all the great music, not just hard rock but pop, alternative, and post-punk, the Kousins take on a snippet in time and talk about what 1982 meant to them. Not only is music on the menu for the Kousins, but they also talk about movies, television, sports, and even video games. Calls from Bruno from Absolutely Tropical South Africa, Jim from Irwin, and Trooper Cassius… er, Jem from Alabama. What is your fondest memory, musical or not, from 1982? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.

Megadeth released their (supposed) final album, self-titled Megadeth, on January 23, 2026. The final hurrah deserved a listening party to get the scope of what Dave Mustaine and his cast of replacement players were up to. Kousin Marvin couldn’t make it, so he’ll have to listen on his own. But, the other Kousins gave reviews, thoughts on Megadeth – new or old opinions, and other Megadeth/Mustaine thoughts. Calls were from Eugene B Sims, Bruno from Volcanically Hot South Africa, Jim from Irwin, Nick Provenzano, and Jem from Alabama. Have you heard the last(?) Megadeth album? What did you think? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.

The Kousins hadn’t done a Mount Rushmore in a long time, so it was time to dust that feature off and go with the ladies. And this isn’t just hard rock female vocalists; this is all-encompassing. Each Kousin made their own lists, and then a collective Mt. Rushmore was tallied from the results. It was an interesting experiment and harder than expected. Calls from Eugene B Sims from Wheeler’s Dog Podcast, Jim from Irwin, Nick Provenzano from Northern California, Bruno from Slightly Overcast but Pleasantly Warm South Africa, and the slick mamajama himself, Jem from Alabama. What is your Mt. Rushmore of female vocalists? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.

So, on December 19, Peter Criss released a self-titled album featuring an all-star-ish lineup. Names like Billy Sheehan and John 5 played on this as well as Late Night musician Paul Shaffer. It isn’t yet available on traditional streaming platforms but you can buy it via online music stores. The Kousins obtained a copy and gave each song a listen. The reviews were mixed. But, who leaned which way and who said ridiculous things (on either side of the argument)? Well, you have to listen to find out. A call from Bruno from Reassuredly, Summery, South Africa. Have you listened to the latest Peter Criss album? What did you think? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.

The Spinquisition was back with a whole new album to drop on the Kousins. The premise is this: the Kousins put out a call for their dedicated listener base to send in album recommendations. As was put to them(ish): “We will load a long list of albums into the randomizing wheel (we dubbed it ‘Takamata’) with the premise of the episodes being that we have to review an album, start to finish, listening party-style with no prep, no advance notice, and totally at random.” And the listeners came through!  The albums can be any genre as long as they fall in the “Rock” category. Metal, hard rock, grunge, classic rock, current rock, southern rock, new wave, whatever! They can be great, they can suck… all suggestions were welcomed! Takamata was spun and landed on the album Last Splash (1993) by The Breeders. That album was submitted by Kousin Tim’s wife, Stephanie, aka The BCPF from The BCPF’s Rose Garden of Doom on Camel City Radio. The Kousins spun it and gave an honest review of this album. Calls from Jim from Irwin, Jem from Alabama, and Bruno from Rainy-but-Drought-Ridden South Africa. Have you heard the album? What did you think? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.

The Kousins started off the new year with a heavy hitter! What could have easily been (for three of the four Kousins) a Top 50, they tackled the Top 10. It ended up being 14 because there were a few ties. But the lists were all diverse and, surprisingly, only one “Goocher” as we call any song that gets a vote from all the Kousins. It was fun. There were moments when a couple of Kousins would feign confusion about the outcome of certain songs, and most wanted to change their entries as soon as they were submitted, but they all survived. We had one call, and it was from Jim from Irwin. What are your Top 10 Metallica songs? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.

A few weeks ago, the Kousins did a retrospective of music (and other pop-culture things) from 1989, which focused on the hard rock genre (which can be found here). The Kousins may be visiting other years (the jury is still out). But, if we do, and before we all move on, it is time to grade the top hard rock albums of 1989 (in their opinion). The albums that were graded (from A+ to F) were (in no particular order): LA Guns – Cocked and Loaded  Warrant – Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich Mötley Crüe – Dr. Feelgood KISS – Hot in the Shade King’s X – Gretchen Goes to Nebraska Skid Row – Skid Row W.A.S.P. – The Headless Children Great White – …Twice Shy Nine Inch Nails – Pretty Hate Machine Red Hot Chili Peppers – Mother’s Milk Faith No More – The Real Thing Extreme – Extreme Calls from Eugene of Wheeler’s Dog Podcast, Jim from Irwin, Nick from California, and Jem from Alabama. What would your grades be for those albums? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.

The Kousins were down one again this week. Kousin Ray was running the length of West Virginia. But, the other Kousins found another family member to fill the empty chair. Admittedly, neither Kousin Tim, Kousin Gary, nor Kousin Marvin had more than the slightest knowledge of the Canadian three-piece from Toronto not named Rush, so Jem from Alabama was asked to join, and we talked about one of his faves, Triumph.  The “album” listened to was the 2010 Greatest Hits Remixed. Some may say a greatest hits compilation is cheating, but since the band was foreign, why not play the “hits?” Jem gave some fandom insights and commentary. Thank you, Jem! No calls this week. Are you a fan of Triumph? What is your favorite Triumph album? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.

Kousin Gary is on a dude holiday with his son this week, so the other Kousins decided it was time to do some “Now Listening,” or as we call it, “Extended Now Listening,” and do what we usually do and split our regular “Let Me Know” segments and interweave the two. It is three regular tunes plus one Christmas-themed one. We had fun with it. We had calls from Jem from Alabama and Bruno from Sweltering Hot South Africa. What have you been listening to? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.

On November 24, 1991, KISSdom lost its backbeat, its rhythm. Eric Carr succumbed to heart cancer at the age of 41. Kousin Tim had just turned 21 and took up temporary binge drinking the night he heard. The news of this could have been, nay, should have been bigger; it was a great loss. However, Eric’s death was overshadowed by that of another musical celebrity, probably a bit more high-profile, Freddie Mercury of Queen.  Freddie’s death carried with it the burden of being AIDS. The first-or biggest-named musician who had died from the disease, Freddie, became, and rightfully so, a martyr for fighting the disease or at least its awareness. Kousin Tim vowed to always hold Eric’s passing as important as Freddie’s, and that’s what this episode is about. Honoring both men and their legacies. AND Happy Thanksgiving!!! We received calls from Bruno from Still Windy South Africa, Jim from Irwin, Nick Provenzano from Northern California, Jem from Alabama, and Ze German (Henning). What are your favorite Eric Carr and/or Freddie Mercury songs, moments, or stories? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.

Dateline – The Asylum. The Year… 1989. Kousin Tim graduated from high school. Kousin Ray finished his first year of college. Kousin Gary was a Junior in high school. Kousin Marvin was 13, so he could probably only think about girls. Some of those represent the biggest, or perhaps the most widely known, moments in some artists’ careers. In addition to all the great music, not just hard rock but pop, alternative, and post-punk, the Kousins take on a snippet in time and talk about what 1989 meant to them. Not only is music on the menu for the Kousins, but they also talk about movies, television, sports, and even video games. There was but one caller this week. Bruno from Windy South Africa was our lone contact. What was going on in your life in 1989? What were you listening to? What were you playing, riding, driving, enjoying, or not enjoying? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.

The Spinquisition was back with a whole new album to drop on the Kousins. The premise is this: the Kousins put out a call for their dedicated listener base to send in album recommendations. As was put to them(ish): “We will load a long list of albums into the randomizing wheel (we dubbed it ‘Takamata’) with the premise of the episodes being that we have to review an album, start to finish, listening party-style with no prep, no advance notice, and totally at random.” And the listeners came through!  The albums can be any genre as long as they fall in the “Rock” category. Metal, hard rock, grunge, classic rock, current rock, southern rock, new wave, whatever! They can be great, they can suck… all suggestions were welcomed! Takamata was spun and landed on the album Leave Home (1977) by Ramones. That album was, same as the last one, submitted by listener Eugene B Sims from the Wheeler’s Dog Podcast and Camel City Radio. The Kousins spun it and gave an honest review of this album. Calls from Jim from Irwin, Jem from Alabama, and Nick Provenzano, fresh home from England. Have you heard this album? What did you think? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.

Another iconic loss for fans of ’70s-’90s hard rock. This one, though, hits really close to home. This podcast was started to allow the Kousins to talk about their collective favorite band, KISS. All eras, really, but none of the conversations could have happened without what happened in the beginning, when four hungry New York-born “boys” decided to put on makeup and take over the world with their own form of hard rock music. One of those New Yorkers, or Jendellian, Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley, set the world on fire with his unorthodox guitar style, on-stage charisma, and goofy, clumsy charm. He helped the band blaze their trail. He wasn’t the most technical or most proficient, but he was most certainly, Ace. The Kousins, and the world, lost him last week after complications from a fall. On this episode, the Kousins do their collective Top 10 (or 14) Ace-related songs. The songs were either written by or sung by or both, by Ace. There were heartfelt calls from Jim from Irwin, Jem from Alabama, Nick Provenzano from Northern California, and Bruno from Sunny (and windy) South Africa. What would be your top ten Ace-related songs? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.

The inaugural Asylum Summit, which started in the quaint suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, called Greensburg, and moved into the ‘Burgh proper, happened this past weekend. It was here that Kousins Tim, Gary, Marvin, and Ray were in the same place/room at the same time, for the first time. With the four Kousins were their wives (in order as above), Stephanie, Christy, Jamie, and Kristi. Also, the Summit featured the first time meeting of any of the “family” with Jim from Irwin, and Kousin Tim meeting Jem from Alabama. The catalyst for this Summit was the Geoff Tate show in which he and his fantastic band performed Operation: Mindcrime (1988) in its entirety, supposedly, for the last time. On this show, the Kousins discuss the Summit, the show, the meet-ups, and when it’s time enough for performers or fans. Calls from Jim from Irwin and Jem from Alabama, with a note from Bruno from South Africa. Have you seen the current Geoff Tate tour, or were you at the show? What did you think? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.

The Kousins (including Ray) will meet up for the first time in Pittsburgh this weekend. Kousin Tim and Kousin Gary get to hang out often, but Kousin Tim hasn’t seen Kousin Marvin since they were both children. And Kousin Tim has never met Kousin Ray. The guise of the meeting is that all four are going to the Geoff Tate concert, where, supposedly, Geoff is going to do Operation: Mindcrime in its entirety. In addition to the Kousins, long-time listeners, Jem from Alabama, and Jim from Irwin will also be there. So, it will be an Asylum Summit. To honor this occasion, the Kousins did a listening party for Queensrÿche’s 1991 Operation Livecrime. Calls from Jim from Irwin, Jem from Alabama, and Bruno from Sweltering Hot South Africa. Have you seen or heard Operation Livecrime? What did you think? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.

September 26, 2025, is the 42nd anniversary of Mötley Crüe’s sophomore album, Shout At The Devil. One Kousin calls it their favorite album. Which one? It was released in 1983, and that year marked a definite turning point for the music we love. Let’s say it opened the door. Listen along as Kousins talk about the elements, songs, players, and more. Calls from Bruno from Sunny South Africa, Jim from Irwin, and Jem from Alabama. Nick left an email that Kousin Tim read on-air. How do you feel about Shout At The Devil? What are your favorite songs from it? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.

The new segment, Spinquisition, was back with a whole new album to drop on the Kousins. The premise is this: the Kousins put out a call for their dedicated listener base to send in album recommendations. As was put to them(ish): “We will load a long list of albums into the randomizing wheel (we dubbed it ‘Takamata’) with the premise of the episodes being that we have to review an album, start to finish, listening party-style with no prep, no advance notice, and totally at random.” And the listeners came through!  The albums can be any genre as long as they fall in the “Rock” category. Metal, hard rock, grunge, classic rock, current rock, southern rock, new wave, whatever! They can be great, they can suck… all suggestions were welcomed! Takamata was spun and landed on the album Trouble (1978) by Whitesnake. That album was submitted by listener Eugene B Sims from the Wheeler’s Dog Podcast and Camel City Radio. The Kousins spun it and gave an honest review of this album. Calls from Bruno from South Africa and Jem from Alabama. Have you heard Trouble from Whitesnake? If not, perhaps you should? If so, what did you think? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.

The reason this podcast started was that there were three KISS Kousins who needed something to do during the pandemic. Along came a fourth – honorary Kousin. We had a great run as a KISS podcast. But we moved away from KISS once they hung up the platform boots and batwings. And we acknowledge that our hard rock fandom would be nothing without KISS, and KISS would be nothing without the release of their 1975 live masterpiece, Alive!. Because it is a masterpiece doesn’t make it immune to scrutiny, however. The Kousins each took turns talking about other songs from the first three studio albums that they each would like to have heard on this album, and, in some cases, rearranged parts of the setlist to reflect their choices. We hope you enjoy our takes. Additionally, Gary discusses taking his kids to see Vola. Calls from Bruno from South Africa, Jim from Irwin, and Jem from Alabama, who delivers a bombshell line that keeps on giving throughout the podcast. Which songs from the first three studio KISS albums would you have rather heard on Alive!? And in what order? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.  

This weekend will be Kousin Marvin’s birthday! And thus, all four Kousins added three songs each from the year 1976 to celebrate him in a 1976 Mixtape (well, mostly). All the Kousins seemed happy with this mixtape. You should listen and see what you think. Calls from Bruno from Sunny South Africa, Jim from Irwin, and Dave from Winston-Salem. What are your three favorite songs from 1976? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.

This coming week, Kousin Gary starts his new residency on Camel City Radio. It will be about new music discovery and will be called Asylum – First Listen. It won’t necessarily be new releases, although that’s not ruled out. This will feature newly discovered music, not just from Kousin Gary, but also for listeners of this podcast and, hopefully, new listeners to both the radio show and this podcast. To preview the concept, at least relatively, the Kousins did an “Extended Now Listening,” offering things “new” to them (and hopefully to you). Scattered through the tunes from each Kousin, Kousin Marvin gave his “Let Me Know.” Calls from Bruno from Windy South Africa, Jim from Irwin, Jem from Alabama, Nick from California, and Ze German. You can get the Camel City Radio app in the Google Play Store and Apple Store. Camel City Radio is available in the  USA, Canada, Mexico, and the UK. There may be ways for you to listen outside of those areas. Google it! What’s something new you discovered recently? Let us know by calling the TLDNetwork (KUZZ Army) hotline and leaving a message for the Kousins at 336-422-NUMB (6862). We have Instagram and Twitter. We can’t ask for those “enjoy” things and for you to keep getting updates because Facebook doesn’t like that. Pfft… This podcast was recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza and connected via Zoom, sponsored by Top Leaf Cigar Lounge.