My Warped Life

Everyone’s life was changed after their first Warped Tour experience, especially in the case of Christian Picciolini. Christian is a former American extremist who, after spending time with people from the Warped Tour, founded the Free Radicals Project, to prevent extremism and help people disengage from hate movements. Christian explains how easy it is to pulled into these hate organizations because they prey on people in unfortunate situations and people who are desperate to find their purpose: “you don’t looking for them, they come looking for you.” Christian discusses what he does now to help break people from these groups and how others can help too. Plus, he and Kevin share their positive perspective on how the future can always be brighter. Read Breaking Hate: Confronting the New Culture of Extremism by Christian Picciolini HERE Use Code “KEVIN” on DRINKWEIRD.com to donate 100% of the proceeds from your order to Unite the United. Featuring: Christian Picciolini (@CPicciolini) - Author, Founder of the Free Radicals Project

If any of you have gotten a tattoo while at the Warped Tour, don’t tell Kevin… Or his insurance agent! This week, Kevin shares his opinions on tattoos from Warped, tattoos in punk rock, and tattoos in the workplace by catching up with three of his friends whose lives have been changed by tattoos. Kevin talks with Ink Master’s Oliver Peck, who traveled with Warped Tour for years giving tattoos without ever getting permission. Plus, Kevin asks Scott Alderman about his experience creating the Tattoo the Earth Festival, a massive tour that only lasted one year, and why it led him to write his book, Caravan of Pain. Also, Kevin catches up with Nathan Madden, a founding member of STAPAW (Supporting Tattoos And Piercings At Work) to hear why the organization started and the incredible impact they’ve had on the policies of major corporations. Buy Caravan of Pain: The True Story of the Tattoo the Earth Tour Join STAPAW Use Code “KEVIN” on DRINKWEIRD.com to donate 100% of the proceeds from your order to Unite the United. Featuring: Oliver Peck (@OliverPeck) - Tattoo Artist, Entertainer Nathan Madden (@STAPAW) - Founder of STAPAW Scott Alderman (@TattooTheEarthFestival) - Founder of Tattoo the Earth Festival

After recently rediscovering one of his favorite articles "9 Public Figures Who Famously Hate Heavy Metal" where he hysterically makes an appearance at number 4, Kevin explains why he referred to the heavy metal community as "Gray, Bald, and Fat." He details a very angry call he received from Sharon Osbourne and why he had to make a public apology to Sharon and Ozzy, plus the whole heavy metal community, after sticking his nose in someone else's business. Get a sneak peek of Kevin's new series, "Short Stories of My Warped Life" where you can finally hear about the things that we can't mention on the podcast. This first one is on us but, in the coming weeks, only a snippet of these episodes will be available on Spotify and the full versions can be heard on our Patreon for just $5 a month. Use Code “KEVIN” on DRINKWEIRD.com to donate 100% of the proceeds from your order to my charity, Unite the United.

Whether you lean left or right, the alignment of music and politics has always been extremely important, especially in Punk Rock. In this week's episode, Kevin catches up with 3 of his friends who have done more than their fair share of creating change by reminding people that they can use their voice to make a difference too. HeadCount and #iIVoted are the two largest organizations in America that encourage voting to people attending live concerts. You’ve probably been to a concert or festival (such as the Warped Tour) and been asked to register to vote by some HeadCount volunteers, and you couldn’t have missed the new and recurring #IVoted virtual festivals with artists like Billie Eilish, Taking Back Sunday, and more. Kevin also interviews the incredible Supla. A Brazilian artist and entertainer whose family helped found the labor party in Brazil. Supla talks about his discovery of punk rock and how it inspired him to create his own style of music, “Bossanova”, to use his voice for good. Use Code “KEVIN” on DRINKWEIRD.com to donate 100% of the proceeds from your order to Unite the United. Featuring: Supla (@SuplaOriginal) - Brothers of Brazil, Entertainer Emily White (@IVotedFestival) - Founder of #iVoted Festival, Author & Host Andy Bernstein (@HeadCountOrg) - Founder/ Executive Director of HeadCount

Thousands of Bands, Roadies, Bus Drivers, even Journalists, hit their big break while smoldering in the sun in a random parking lot on Warped Tour. It was the perfect place for developing talent in people who had trouble finding a place for themselves in the “real world.” This week, Kevin interviews 3 journalists who all started on the Warped Tour. These young people were seeking a way to escape home and express their creative expression. They joined the circus of the Warped Tour in one way or another and found a home in the people and the punk rock scene. After putting in the hard work and making sure to meet everyone on the tour, each one grew to achieve success in the ways they hoped. Ashley shoots some of today's biggest artists, Lisa has been in Rolling Stone and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Fish has his own radio show. Kevin wraps up with one of his oldest friends, photographer and skater, Pep Williams. After shooting a famous photo of his good friend and professional skater, Jay Adams, titled, “The Perfect Storm” (now worth over $1 million), Pep realized the impact he could have with his art and created a series on prison tattoos, called “Behind Bars” to reform the perspective that most people have on inmates and present them as what they are, humans. Use Code “KEVIN” on DRINKWEIRD.com to donate 100% of the proceeds from your order to Unite the United. Featuring: Ashley Osborn (@AshleyOsborn) - Professional Photographer Lisa Johnson (@LisaJohnsonRockPhotographer) - Professional Rock Photographer Mike “Fish” Fishkin (@MikeFishkin) - Journalist, Host of “Gone Fishkin” Pep Williams (@PepWilliams)- Photographer, Video Director, Skateboarder Website Links: Ashley’s Photography Website Fish’s Radio Show  Lisa’s Photography Website Pep’s Photography Website Warped Photo Book Vans Photo Book Classy

From ages 5 to 12, Chad Tepper and his family were homeless, finding different places to sleep every night. Listening to bands like Simple Plan and Bowling for Soup gave him the escape he needed and convinced him to pursue music as a career. After gaining attention online for his wild antics, he reached out to Pierre Bouvier and Jaret Reddick directly to tell them how big of a fan he was and that he wanted to make a song. Now, he has a hit record with each one. Kevin interviews Pierre Bouvier and Jaret Reddick to ask them what they thought when Chad reached out to them and what it took to convince them to make a record! Kevin also asks them if there's a difference in recording now, with a newer pop-punk artist, versus back when they were headliners. Plus, Chad shares his perspective on the music industry as an independent artist for his entire career and, what he would want from a label if he were to get signed.  Featuring: Chad Tepper (@ChadTepper) - Artist, Influencer, Entertainer Pierre Bouvier (@PierreBouvier) - Lead Vocalist and Bassist of Simple Plan Jaret Reddick (@Jaret2113) - Lead Vocalist and Guitarist of Bowling for Soup

When word got out that someone was filming a horror movie on the Warped Tour, every band wanted their own on-screen death scene. Earning “the highest on-screen body count in slasher film history” using entire crowds and over 110 band members doesn’t come easily. Kevin catches up with the Director, Doug Sakmann, to ask how Doug came up with the idea and what it was like to write, shoot, and edit a movie while on the road- especially without letting everyone know! The film achieved enough success to produce a sequel and to be translated into several foreign languages plus, it gave Kevin and the crew their first glimpse of stardom. Kevin also sits with Julia Ramadan, the Executive Director of Cancer Teamwork Response, to discuss what the charity does to help underserved cancer patients and why she joined the team. Featuring: Doug Sakmann (@DougSakmann) - Director/ Producer James Lynch - Editor/ Writer Heather Rasmussen (@heatherheatherbobeather) - Pit Reporter, Actress Julia Ramadan (@Julia.Rama) - Executive Director of Cancer Teamwork Response

We all know, when it comes to driving, it wasn’t Kevin getting everyone across state lines… it was the bus drivers! That’s why this week, Kevin interviews 5 of his favorite tour bus drivers, and 2 bus company owners, to highlight some of the most ridiculous moments from off of the stage. Whether it’s pretending to be a bull and running each other into walls or senior drivers pulling knives on each other, there was never a dull moment when it came to the unique personalities of these road cowboys. Even with all of the chaos, the drivers kept coming back year after year and worked together to succeed in bringing Warped to the punk rock kids in the next city. Plus, Kevin finds out exactly how it went down for the bus companies and drivers when all of the tours started canceling in March 2020. Featuring: Mikey Smith (@hotratts) - Tour Bus Driver Stephen Copeland - Tour Bus Driver Harlow Huggins (@harlowhuggins) - Tour Bus Driver Judi Teggart (@tinytegs) - President - California Coaches Jamie Morral (@jgm_coach_llc) - Founder, Owner - JGM Coaches Walter Trachsler (@fuqet) - Tour Bus Driver

The US justice system is far from perfect. Thousands of people a year are wrongfully put in prison for crimes they did not commit. Kevin sits with Jason Flom, CEO of Lava Records, to highlight the work that Jason does with the Innocence Project in assisting incorrectly incarcerated individuals. Kevin is also joined by Kiera Newsome, Darnell Phillips, and John Huffington, three wrongfully incarcerated citizens that Jason and the Innocence Project were able to assist in releasing from prison. Kiera served 19 years, Darnell served 27 years, and John did 32 years. Each for a crime that they undeniably did not commit. And, Jason details his other projects like; hosting his podcast, Wrongful Conviction, producing a children’s book alongside his daughter, managing the Church of Rock and Roll, and continuing to sign new artists. Jason hopes to educate and inspire people on how we all can make a difference and help change the broken judicial system that is tearing families apart every day. https://innocenceproject.org/ Featuring: Jason Flom (@ItsJasonFlom, @WrongfulConviction) - CEO of Lava Records and Host of Wrongful Conviction Kiera Newsome (@mrs.raychampion) John Huffington (@huffingtonjohn) Darnell Phillips (@darnphil19)

Kevin catches up with Tony to finalize the story of Kaves and dive deeper into the current success of NFTs. Specifically, how NFTs are being used in music and other creative industries. With the help of his guests, Kevin explains what an NFT is, how they are helping artists build a community and, the possibility of NFTs being the start of separating artists from labels and connecting them straight to their fans. What do a pro skater, an artist, a data analyst, and an entrepreneur all have in common…? NFTs! Featuring: Pep Williams (@PepWilliams) - Photographer, Director, Pro Skater Tatiana DeMaria (@TatianaDeMaria) - Artist and Crypto Trader Dionna McPhatter (@DMcPhatter) - Founder of Nacci, Data Analyst Matthew Dweck (@MattDweck) - Founder of doodlelabs.io

Getting it done by any means necessary, by hook or by crook. That is the Brooklyn way. Hear a true 'rags to riches' story as Kevin catches up with a long-time friend and renowned Brooklyn artist, Michael McLeer, better known as Mr. Kaves. Mr. Kaves grew up on the streets of Brooklyn trying to figure out how to use his creativity and artistic skill to make a name for himself. He achieved large fame as a graffiti artist before turning his attention to MC’ing and rapping as the frontman for the Lordz of Brooklyn. After a few years on the Warped Tour and the loss of his mother and sister, Mr. Kaves realized he was growing out of the scene and turned his attention to starting a tattoo parlor and a pizza shop in Brooklyn. Since getting off of the road, Mr. Kaves has continued with his art and recently found 7-figure success after partnering with Doodle Labs on an NFT project titled ‘The Family Mooks.’ Kevin also gets a word from Mr. Kaves' long-time wife and partner, Donna, as well as an explanation from the founder of Doodle Labs, Matthew Dweck, on why he wanted to partner with Mr. Kaves in the first place. Featuring: Michael McLeer (@MisterKaves) - Lordz of Brooklyn Frontman Donna McLeer (@DonnaMcleer) - Art Director, Editor Matthew Dweck (@MattDweck) - Founder of Doodle Labs

When CDs went out of style, so did making money from music sales. For years, artists have had to come up with creative ideas to support their careers, especially an artist following the Warped Tour. Whether it be working the Warped BBQ, starting a makeshift bar, or even baking cakes, artists will always find a way to make money using their skills and the things they love. Kevin catches up with 4 different bands to hear how they’ve paid their bills during times when the money wasn’t rolling in. Plus, Kevin talks about one of his passions turned career as he discusses the ever-changing culture at USC and this unique time to be an educator. Featuring: Josh Cruz (@JoshuaCruz43) - Vocalist/Bass for Cold Forty Three Moises Cruz (@MoisesCruz43) - Vocalist/Guitar for Cold Forty Three Dave McWane (@David_Mcwane1) - Frontman for Big D and the Kids Table Carlo Ribaux (@CarloRibaux) - Drummer for Victory Kid Jennie Cotterill (@JennieBakesThings) - JennieBakesThings, Vocalist/Guitar for Bad Cop/Bad Cop

Ever wanted to go camping in the outbacks of Australia? Kevin reunites with the Production Team and the athletes from the Warped Australia Tour to explain why most people should not even try! The artists, crew, and athletes were having the wildest time of their lives- riding in tourism buses, avoiding poisonous spiders, and trying to stop Fletcher from flying a plane. Kevin and the gang explain why this was one of his favorite tours from his career, and how impactful it was to the punk rock community in Australia by inspiring a new generation of show producers and promoters. If there's anything the US and AU have in common, it's a love for skating, surfing, and punk rock!   Featuring: Rick Thorne (@rickthorne) - Pro BMXer & Musician Andrew Tatrai - Production Manager Kerry Nicholson - Production Manager Kelley Electa (@kelleyelecta) - Production Coordinator Neal Hendrix (@nealhendrix) - Pro Skater Chris DeMakes (@lessthanchrisd) - Singer/Guitarist for Less Than Jake Joe Escalante (@joey.escalante) - Bassist for The Vandals

A 10 foot tall labia, a hyper-realistic murder room, and of course, a missing goat head. Just in time for Halloween, Kevin explains what all these things have in common… they were all a part of one of his greatest failures, The Great American Nightmare. In 2013, Kevin partnered with Rob Zombie on a haunted house experience based around Zombie’s films and the punk rock of the Warped Tour. Actors were beaten up, families were scarred, and Kevin was losing money by the hour. Hear perspectives from Kevin’s accountant, Matt Malles, and two of his closest employees, Kate Truscott and Dakota Gartner, as everyone describes this traumatic experience. To wrap up the episode, Kevin interviews Maggie Schneider, an artist who blew up on TikTok with her incredible Warped Tour mashups and asks her to play a couple of her most popular tracks. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and follow us on Instagram!  Featuring:  Dakota Gartner (@DakotaGartner) - Coordinator for 4fini Inc (2012-2016)  Kate Truscott (@k8dtd) - Sponsorships & Marketing for 4fini  Matt Malles (@ska987) - Accountant for 4fini  Maggie Schneider (@ItsMaggieSchneider) - Frontwoman of Glimmers

Every year, over 30,000 bands compete in a nationwide competition to see who has what it takes to be the next Battle of the Bands champion. The Warped Tour & Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands has been an integral part of punk history for decades. Kevin interviews the current and former CEOs of Ernie Ball, Sterling and Brian, to discuss just that. Sterling details the lessons that his father passed on to him before he was able to take over the business. He and Brian compare how different things were when Sterling took over versus when he passed it down to his son. And Sterling explains how Ernie Ball became a household name and the role that the NAMM show played in establishing his brand. The Ernie Ball Stage managers, Ryan and Justin, explain how hectic things could be while transporting a giant inflatable stage across the country while putting on a dozen concerts or more in a day. Plus, Kevin chats with a few bands who played the Ernie Ball Stage, Mayday Parade and Jaret Reddick from Bowling for Soup to relive the sensation of starting from the bottom of the lineup to becoming a regular headliner.   Featuring:  Sterling Ball (@ErnieBall) - Former CEO of Ernie Ball  Brian Ball (@flashnball) - CEO of Ernie Ball  Ryan McLain (@ryrymc) - Ernie Ball Director of Marketing  Justin Baumann (@jus10baumann) - Ernie Ball Mobile Stages Manager  Derek Sanders (@longdaysandpleasantnights) - Mayday Parade - Lead Vocals, Guitar  Alex Garcia (@maydayalex) - Mayday Parade - Guitar  Brooks Betts (@brooksmayday) - Mayday Parade - Guitar  Jaret Reddick (@jaret2113) - Bowling for Soup - Lead Vocals

Gritty in Pink is a new organization focused on creating gender equality in the music industry. Kevin invites its founder, Shiragirl, to discuss the disparities in the industry for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Shira had started the Shiragirl Stage on the Warped Tour with a focus on empowering girl bands and queer artists such as NO/HUGS and Plasma Canvas, while following Kevin's philosophy- "never judge people, just be a kickass band." Kevin also catches up with one of his favorite girl bands, The Randies, to hear some of their favorite and craziest moments from the tour, like seeing a plane crash and countless amounts of roadkill! Finally, Kevin and Tony sit with Wendy from Poca's Hottest Hot Sauce, to hear about her unique hot sauce recipes and most memorable collaborations. Don't forget to text us episode ideas and comments at 818-863-6445 or through @MyWarpedLife on socials.   Featuring:  Shira “Shiragirl” Yevin (@shira_girl, @grittyinpinklife) - Founder of Shiragirl Stage, Founder of Gritty in Pink  Narcie (@nohugsband) - NO/HUGS Front Woman  Adrienne Ash (@plasmacanvas, @plasma_queen) - Plasma Canvas Front Woman  Laurita Guaico - (@lgi_wan) - The Randies - Guitarist  Sienna DeGovia (@siennadegoviastudio) - The Randies - Bassist/ Lead Singer  Laura Cataldo - (@lilcat1111) - The Randies - Guitarist  Wendy Davis (@pocashottestsauces, @thebonnieandcassieshow) - Master of Peppers & Puppets  Biata Shem-Tov (@biatatata) - Events Producer, Kevin’s Ex-Student

If you've ever seen the skaters hitting the vert ramps at Warped Tour you've probably seen our guest this week. Kevin is joined by Steve Caballero, one of skateboardings biggest legends, and Emily Nielsen, the founder of Punk Rock & Paintbrushes. Listen as they tell stories from the road and of how they all got involved with the warped tour community. Also, Kevin discusses the idea of redemption as he explains that some of the biggest partiers he knew have turned their time to creating art and improving lives. Plus, our charity this week is The Nowell Family Foundation, focusing on preventing drug overdose and working through addiction, especially in the punk rock community. As always, please feel free to text us episode ideas and comments @ 818-863-6445.  Featuring:  Steve Caballero (@SteveCaballero) - Skateboarder, Artist, Guitarist for URETHANE  Emily Nielsen (@romanticrockemily, @PunkRockAndPaintbrushes) - Founder of Punk Rock & Paintbrushes  Jim Lindberg (@JimLindbergPW) - Vocalist of Pennywise, Creative Director of Beachlife Festival  Kellie Nowell (@NowellFamily) - Executive Director of The Nowell Family Foundation

If you know the Warped tour you’ve seen an act or two at one of the side stages. What you probably didn’t know was whether that stage was actually part of the tour or if it was set up without permission! Hear the stories that led Kevin to eventually learn how to use the word “No” as he catches up with some legendary DIY stage managers to chat about their greatest successes and worst memories from running a stage. From fights, to riots, to weather destruction, every stage had its own vibe and its own experiences.   Featuring:  AJ Bartholomew (@ajbartholomew4) - Guitarist/Vocalist for AllurA/Eyes Set to Kill  "Big" John Krishack - Guitarist for SweaterGirl, Host of "EventSpeak"  Zach Neil (@therealzachneil) - East Coast Independence Stage Manager  Ray Picard (@raydingo) - Smartpunk Stage Manager  Kenneth Kleege - Mobile Fleet Manager for Kleege Industries Inc.   Nick Martin (@nodirectioncasa) - Sleeping With Sirens - Guitarist  Shane Culpepper - Transform Stage Manager

Kevin sits with Gary Tovar, the founder of Goldenvoice, who shares his memories of producing his first events in Santa Barbara before moving to LA and harnessing the aggressive energy of punk rock. He explains his connection to the hardcore scene and the responsibility he felt for creating a safe space for these young kids to have a good time. Since there were no sponsors, and no alcohol sales, Gary chose to fund his shows with his “other business”. He would eventually be arrested for this “other business” but, not before finding and preparing two young men to carry on the legacy of Goldenvoice (and exploring 30 countries). Kevin also chats with Paul Tollett, the founder of Coachella and the current CEO of Goldenvoice, to hear how Gary’s legacy lives on in the organization.     Featuring:   Gary Tovar (@GaryTovar) - Founder of Goldenvoice   Bryan Meckelborg (@brockradioguy) - Goldenvoice Front Man   Ann Meckelborg (@annmariemeck40) - Goldenvoice Box Office   Greg Graffin (@GregGraffin) - Lead Singer of Bad Religion & Evolutionary Biologist    Paul Tollett - Founder of Coachella, CEO of Goldenvoice

Kevin highlights a few of the charitable events that the Warped Tour contributed to during its traditional “Give Back Days.” Along the way, he catches up with some of the people who cleaned up after Hurricane Rita, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Sandy, and more, to hear how these moments of giving back changed their lives. Kevin also catches up with an essential member of his crew, his brand and nonprofit manager, Kate Truscott. Kate explains how she ended up on the road and the transformation she went through after realizing the importance of a work-life balance. Plus, hear from Chris Bullard from Sound Mind Live, who focuses on utilizing live music to better Mental Health.      Featuring:   Kate Truscott (@k8dtd) - General Manager/Brand Partnership Manager   Andy Lee - Set Up Crew, Crew Chief   Jon “Birdie” Klucharitis (@eaglescoutjon) - Monitor Engineer/Playback Technician   Kellie McCarthy (@kellie_mccarthy) - Merchandise Manager   Jim Carroccio (@jimc0325) - Tour Manager (Avenged Sevenfold, Nine Inch Nails, etc)   Charlie Griggs - Backline Tech/ Stage Tech   Chris Bullard (@bullofard, @soundmind_live) - Founder of Sound Mind Live