Solo squanderings of a shitty year, performative mustaches, Rob Reiner's greatest hits, Australia's Bondi Shooting, Antisemite of the year, and some rekindling. We are so back.
We're opening this week's episode with an infectious and broody melodic stomp from one of the funniest people I've ever had the pleasure of insulting. His new song "DECENT SEATS" is a painful reminder of how talented my friends are; especially Dustin Whalen. I'm very picky about the music I'll listen to at any given moment but this is truly such a sick track. He asked me to listen and share my thoughts recently much to my relief it didn't actually suck. Even if you don't make it through our two hour conversation (which is a mistake on your part) just sit and enjoy the song in all it's atmospheric glory. On the other hand you might actually hear him talk about the writing process, his instruments, and make more jokes per capita than I thought possible. We are two knuckleheads when we're together jabbing back and forth through murky waters of light beer. Listening back to these while I edit and post them is always a pleasure. Listener Discretion Advised.
Arguably the most mature, refined, and "normal" episode we've done together. Kale visited last Summer, laid down this great conversation, and sad to say I haven't seen him much since. He's been a constant in my mind, heart, and upbringing. Stephen King wrote the line "I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12"-The Body Kale was one of these friends at 12 that I will be thankful for as long as I live. We're 30 now. Who we grew up to become had many influences, one being his father Tom who passed away 07/31/24. I'd like to dedicate this episode and attribute part of who I am today is thanks to Thomas and his son, my childhood bestfriend, Kale.
A little over a year ago I was asked to be the Best Man for Lou's wedding; it was a flattering albeit stressful undertaking until I realized all I'll have to do is be there. I think. I mean that's the least you could do as a friend which is still too much to ask for people these days. However Lou isn't an ordinary do-nothing bitch. The positive pressure you feel around him is a standard that seems to be lost in most social circles. Without being unrealistic, he demands the best of you in subtle ways, not-so-subtle-ways, and everything in between. Not one to let his friends get away with the bare minimum you will be activated to potential or be well on your way. He occupies himself constantly I don't know how he finds the time to hang out because I know quite a few do-nothing-bitch-ass friends that don't do half the things he does and still can't find the time to call. Oh well we might all be created equal BUT we certainly do not develop equally. Enjoy the conversation. Read, study, workout, learn a new skill, train your passions, you're much better than this. Just give it a chance.
A few weeks ago my friend Nate took me out fishing for the first time on his dinghy. While it wasn't as erotic as it might sound I had a blast nonetheless. I caught my first fish and he caught about ten or twelve. We talked during the whole thing embracing the quiet morning, spotting our friend and podcast alumni Palmdale, discussed Nate's future plans for therapeutic fishing lessons for veterans with post-traumatic stress, humble beginnings catching sticks, and a fair amount of stigmatized subjects to ponder.
For our dedicated listeners you'll recognize this familiar face. Going all the way back to a world before this hellish cyber dystopia we call reality; my very first guest episode that i'm not even sure is still available anywhere I was joined on a folding stool in my bedroom by Phil. His charm, vulgarity, and verbal counter-strikes were immediately welcomed to your ears. Setting the precedent of political incorrectness, passion, and pure fun. Five years later worlds away and we're graced by his prescence for more dialogue, distatse, and heart. Skateboarding, white children's upbringing, firearms, homeless solutions, answering all of your guest questions inside this episode. Sit back, relax, tune-in, and watch the world burn.
We're lucky enough to know people that are closer to you than family. Some families are so intertwined with yours it would be remiss to not mention them in tandem. Garrett's family is my family. And mine is his. We're not blood relatives but that's the only thing separating us from one another. I'm proud to bring you an additional conversation that's brought me closer to understanding someone I've known for so long. I hope you get to know me a little better with each passing episode. I know I'm learning who all of you are piece by piece. Authenticity is a quality I strive for. Garrett embodies this. You'll get roughly an honest interaction from me, but you'll always get the real fucking deal from Garrett. From our family to yours please enjoy this edition of the Bad Etiquette Podcast.
When a friend suggests someone they know to be a guest on the podcast I'll be the first to admit its met with apprehension; however this one was a no-brainer. Daniel was so easy to speak with. A member of the Los Padres Forest Association, co-owner of TaylerMade Training, and outdoorsmanship to envy, Wildman Dan tells me about wine making, butchering livestock, hunting, playing guitar for Downhour, hanging out with The Bad Crowd, interfacing with local homeless, and dogtraining. Can't wait to have him around more. Enjoy the first guest of 2024!
Over the past few months I've had multiple recorded episodes fail to launch. Whether personal choice, guest apprehension, or the dreaded ever-present technical difficulties. This was the second attempt with my friend and recently discovered relative Matthew. Always punctual, always professional, and willing to record he was someone I knew i'd have a good conversation with let alone the two that stretched over 5 hours together. Matthew is a twin, born premature, with Cerebral Palsy although you'd never guess a single one of these facts. Never one to let anything slow him down, especially me interrupting, he came by to christen the new podcast set-up and blaze through and epic sequel conversation to recover the lost episode plagued with techincal failure.
If you've ever skated in Lompoc you know Ryan "Palmdale" Walters, he is synonymous with the skateboarding scene and one of the best to represent a once great individualist pursuit on the Central Coast. He's been a shoe-in for the podcast for years and I FINALLY got to sit down across from him to have a wonderful conversation. Only the best people in life seem to be so self-deprecating, it drives me nuts. Ryan is exactly that type of person. No matter how much love he gets he'll humble himself with a quick jab aimed at his own persona. Perhaps that's part of his charm and is why he is so universally (in my opinion) respected by his peers. I've watched his transformation from skate-rat to family man and I don't know many friends I'm so genuinely happy for. Take a moment out of your day to find the Palmdale in your life and text them to let 'em know they fucking rock. Enjoy us knuckleheads talking shit.
After a year away from the solo-episode I sat down in my new studio/office to get the lead out. It's always my intention to make rants and complaints as enjoyable as possible, hopefully even one day extracting material from these off-the-cuff proceedings, we all know people who complain at length and just exhaust our well-being. I promise to never exhaust you for too long. Not to brag but it's become quite a skill to talk shit uninterrupted for many, many, minutes at a time. Take note of when my first break is I surprised myself. Perhaps this is all too late but I expressed some grievences I'd been sitting on. Catharsis was acheived and I had an epiphany by the end of this episode. Simply being: I have to be myself, only myself, authenticity is purity. I've strayed to far from who I am. Course correction has taken place and you, the listener, shall witness. Enjoy!
Fellow podcaster Sophia Lynn let me infiltrate her dwelling on Easter Sunday to chat about being a Peer Support Specialist, homeschooled vs public school, men's mental health, winning "Nickelodeon Rock's Your School", playing an electric violin, being a horsegirl, and cute dogs arrive. Be sure to check out her podcast on Spotify "Nobody Likes You..."
Ben joins me in my secret living room lair while the podcast studio is being constructed, we chat about the Phat Jam 7 Skate Contest, the new skatepark in opening soon in my hometown of Nipomo, rehabbing our back/knee injuries, Ben's love for physical therapy, nearly becoming a father, living in Seattle, why we hate Reels on IG, the legendary Blake, Mr. Bungle/Mike Patton, living in a world that hates cops, and advocating for the future Santa Maria skatepark.
Tiff sits down with me in the blue room of local rehearsal space and live entertainment venue Stages letting me pick her brain about her first time doing stand-up, being a music teacher, why the hell she chose to be in Lompoc, Covid vaccines, and The Circus Starts at Midnight.
A few months ago a familiar name from my social media accounts approched me about doing stand-up for show he would be hosting at the local live music venue/rehearsal Stages. It was a successful night of laughter and meant a great deal to me; so I knew I had to get this man on the podcast, try to pick his brain, and maybe get to know him as a person. We got to talk about stand-up, forgery, scabies, goth kids, etc All in all it was a great conversation bringing me closer to our oldest guest yet. Please enjoy the quick wit of this geriatric Casey Fera.
Fan-Favorite of the show Kale invites me in and makes the best old fashioned I've ever had before we get down to the dirty, offensive, sense violating, discussion that's alwasy promised when you're talking to this lothario of lust and liquor. Everybody needs someone like him in their life and everytime I witness his social anarchy it reminds me to be a little more authentic, push the envelope, and forget to care what people think. After what I can only quanitfy as my entire life his influence bleeds into the spirit of this show and what I originally set out to do by starting a podcast. Saying the wrong thing at the right time, especially with the right person, will always be my favorite kind of moments to share. Please enjoy the explicit, unfiltered, and unwavering Kale Nickelson.
My friend Jason Elliott is the owner of Allegiant Futness and Gracie Barra Santa Ynez Valley, my jiu-jitsu coach, co-host of the Mat Brain Podcast, and finally got to sit down for an episode of the Bad Etiquette Podcast and share details of his life and fatherhood for your listening pleasure.
After business hours I sit down with Central Coast hairstylist and photographer Ruby Villalobos to discuss the origins of her career, have a whiskey, childhood reflections, surrounding yourself with interesting people, failing our punk roots, comfort movies, hard lessons learned, and plenty more hidden deep in our conversation waiting for you to discover.
Lead vocalist Kevin Lietz of the Lompoc local favorite pop-punk band Yearbooks sits down with me while on leave from the ARMY to chat about almost being my first guest on video, why he joined, male insecurities, MMA fighters we don't care for, starting music with his brother, (listen closely and you'll hear music throughtout being made), foreskin, military optics, living outside California, good cops vs bad cops, while I sit and enjoy his service member accent.
Thanks to this man for giving me the courage to ask you all for donations towards the video camera. I'm excited to show you what really goes on in this show. Corporal Navarro invited me into the back of his Tacoma outfitted for travel and told me some amazing stories including acute cirrhosis of the liver, sweeping for IED's in Afghanistan, international ladies of the night, helping a gunshot victim, and why he joined the Marine Corps. Dive into this week's episode and escape with us as we overlook the beautiful Lompoc Valley.