I am honored to have on a great human and thoughtful music critic, author, podcast host and all around wordsmith, Hanif Abdurraqib. I felt compelled to reach out to him after loving his season of the incredible music podcast, Lost Notes, as I knew he had connections to our beautiful DIY punk/hardcore scene. We dive in to his life in Columbus, remembering to be a fan of music (as a critic) and the process of writing. LETS GO! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

Ray’s List:  Classics The Daily /Filmcast Bill Simmons Podcast Reply All  Best of 2020 Rabbit Hole  Whistleblower  Wind of Change   Behind the Police  Dying For Sex Honorable Mentions Sway Gamblers Mobbed Up: The Fight for Las Vegas Deanna’s podcasts: Welcome to Geekdom Chat Sematary Top 5: Servant of Pod According to Need The Bloody Disgusting Podcast 21st Century Spielberg The Old Man and the Three Other podcasts mentioned: The Lowe Post Post Mortem Off Panel Pass-Through Frequencies Thank the Maker Bantha Fodder Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

My friend Tim Riley from Souvenirs is on the podcast this week on the heels of the release of their newest LP called "Love For the Lack Of It", released by Other People Records. We roll up our sleeves and get into being welcoming, balancing creativity with "real life" and his battle with rheumatoid arthritis. It's quite a journey, so enjoy! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

I love the feeling of discovering new music, even when a band isn't technically "new" and Svalbard, did just that for me this year. I had to have Serena on the show, so we made it happen. Their new LP "When I Die, Will I Get Better" blew me away so Serena and I discuss that, the UK press, being an outsider and of course, roller coasters. Dive in and find out more about your new favorite band. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

Pull up a chair, pour a cup of coffee and hang out for over 2 hours as myself, Joey Cahill (6131 Records) and Jeremy Bolm (Touche Amore) talk about our favorite music of this horrible year. Visit our playlist on Spotify here! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

Turning Point. What a legendary band and I had the chance to speak to Jay Laughlin, who played guitar in the band as well as Godspeed (highly overlooked post-Turning Point emo band) and his current band, Honey (a rad metal band). We discuss how he views his musical legacy, how much it cost them to record "It's Always Darkest Before the Dawn" and being creative at all costs. Jay is a lifer and I am sure glad he's put out all of the music he has. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

Supporting your local scene is an important thing for ANY type of music, especially DIY punk/hardcore. Andy Franchere is an embodiment of that. He sang for the band Diehard Youth and currently plays in Ill Communication but more importantly, he is instrumental in encouraging his local scene. Andy's story may sound familiar because you most likely know someone like him, which is why I am glad to feature this discussion with him. We discuss his life as a firefighter, growing a scene and knowing your limits. Even though you may not know his bands, Andy's story will ring true to many of you. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

As he makes his podcast rounds, Aaron Marshall from Intervals stops by the show to talk about how the heck an instrumental metal band got so popular. We discuss in depth his decision to release his own records and maintain control, slow growth and the idea of turning his passion for music into an actual career. It's a deep dive into the business side of things but also an insightful look at the creative process. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

Pop punk is alive and well! Joe Taylor is the lead vocalist for Knuckle Puck and I am glad to have him on the show this week. We discuss having to grow up fast, being practical and doing your best to avoid cliches. He was honest and revealing, which is frankly what I want out of these conversations so...MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

I think this may be one of the first "ska" bands I have had on the show, but let's be honest...Less Than Jake is more than that. Chris Demakes is a great dude and this discussion about his band was very revealing. We were able to discuss punk rock guilt, navigating the highs and lows of a long music career and of course, we talk about Tony Hawk Pro Skater. Let's go! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers