Back On The Grind

Pepe Bandit
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

A podcast exploring life, music, people & the stories that bring us closer. Episodes are published on the 1st & 15th every month.   With intimate interviews, folk punk & my own personal experiences, I explore how we can show up for the story of life. There's no reason to do this alone, we can learn from each other, even if we make some mistakes along the way. Join me as I embark on a journey to figure out how to find meaning & balance, navigate relationships & culture, all while growing with you. We can survive our failures, learn from them & celebrate the victories we also achieve when we put in the work. I have a strong connection to the folk punk & DIY, underground music community in general, so expect to hear about that too. Some other common themes on the show are, creativity, prison, addiction/recovery, spirituality, personal authority & relationships. I hope to become a valuable part of your life through my efforts here at Back On The Grind as I bring you closer to myself & the guests I converse with. Stay Free, Pepe Bandit   Help support this project & overall journey & get some member exclusives: patreon.com/BackontheGrind  Do you have a question about something you heard in an episode?Do you have a question about something you're dealing with in life?Is there a topic you think should be discussed?Is there something you want to know about me?  Get in touch with your questions & I will do my best to address it on the show.   Email (I guarantee results) Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com  Connect on Instagram instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram Get coffee roasted by your host Pepe Bandit StayFreeCoffee.com DRINK COFFEE & STAY FREE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1 FEB

    From The Trail Of Tears To Touring All 50 States w/ A Day Without Love #65

    Pepe talks to A day Without Love (Brian Walker) who shares the profound impact of personal history, particularly the Trail Of Tears & its connection to the 50-state tour he completed. Brian explores how witnessing & acknowledging existing community strengths can foster genuine connections. We also discuss the challenges & triumphs of organizing within the music world, the importance of self-care on the road & the need to focus on collaboration over competition within the DIY/folk punk community. Join us for an inspiring conversation about building meaningful communities & the role of music in bridging divides across the country. We close out playing the track "Keyboard Warrior" by A Day Without Love. Support the podcast & get bonus episodes & goods patreon.com/BackontheGrind HIGHLIGHTS: Brian's family legacy & the Trail Of Tears connectionBreaking family curses to honor his GrandfatherMoving from anxiety & fear, to actually touring all 50 statesChoosing to share vulnerably after his Grandfather diedBooking logistics, DIY vs. having an agentDifferences & similarities Brian saw in DIY communities across the U.S.Connecting with people from different political/economic backgroundsThe prevalence of fear in our lives leading to bigotryHighlights from visiting all 50 statesBrian offers Pepe tips on visiting New Orleans & Denver"Keyboard Warrior" is played Listen to & connect with A Day Without Love open.spotify.com/artist/09JoYdZo9cekYMqyN1bsGD?si=KQyeEW0XS_-9kITM0dh0pwadaywithoutlove.com/adaywithoutlove.bandcamp.com/music Back On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch: backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe) StayFreeCoffee.com Follow the podcast on Instagram instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all) ***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:   Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :) Stay Free, Pepe Bandit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    59 min

  2. 15 JAN

    Pepe Bandit Gets Interviewed: Folk Punk, Community, DIY Bandits, Prison, Spirituality & Future Plans #64

    Things get flipped in this conversation & Pepe gets interviewed. He explores the journey of the DIY Bandits, a record label that emerged from personal struggles & a desire to create community through music. The discussion covers Pepe's unique work of blending folk punk & hip hop, & the challenges he faced, including being poor while raising a family, rejection from some of the folk punk community & his eventual incarceration. Pepe reflects on the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions & the role of music & spirituality as an outlet during difficult times. Hear about upcoming music & book releases & the conversation closes on the evolution of the folk punk community, its current state & its potential going forward. **This interview was conducted by Jarda (Smažená pikantní škeble) for the online Czech magazine Alarm. We play a song of their's at the end. There's links below to the print version if you want to read it or see some pictures of me since I don't post myself online much :) Support the podcast & get bonus episodes & goods patreon.com/BackontheGrind HIGHLIGHTS: DIY Bandits started as a response to personal strugglesBridging genres was a key focus from the beginningCommunity engagement was essential to the label's missionThe label was rooted in working-class experiencesIncarceration led to significant personal reflectionsThe importance of taking responsibility for one's actionsSupport from family & community was crucial during confinementSpirituality deepened through Pepe's solitary experiencesThe journey of writing a book was initially dauntingThe folk punk community is evolving & becoming more inclusiveThe importance of giving back to the community is emphasizedPepe feels a sense of responsibility to share his journeySong "Going Postal" by Smažená pikantní škeble Support Jarda (Smažená pikantní škeble) who arranged & conducted this interview: smazenapikantniskeble.bandcamp.com/musicRead the interview (english) medium.com/@michljarda/what-supports-you-when-theres-no-one-left-to-support-you-bab448d386d8Read the interview (czech) denikalarm.cz/2025/10/folk-punk-pro-me-vzdycky-znamenal-neco-vic-nez-jen-hudbu-rika-pepe-bandit/ Back On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch: backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe) StayFreeCoffee.com Follow the podcast on Instagram instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram Reach out...Send me questions, comments or topic suggestions to Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all) ***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:   Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :) Stay Free, Pepe Bandit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min

  3. 1 JAN

    Scott of Bridge City Sinners & his wife Becky on Trainhopping, Friendship, Love & Loss #63

    In this conversation, Pepe, Scott, & Becky explore the culture of trainhopping, & the connections formed through shared experiences. Scott recounts his journey into the world of trainhopping, influenced by his friend Tomas, while Becky shares her perspective on joining this lifestyle. The discussion highlights the joy of community, the challenges of societal discrimination, & the deep bonds formed through shared adventures. In this conversation, Scott & Becky delve into themes of living freely, love, loss, & the importance of cherishing memories, particularly of their friend Tomas, who embodied the spirit of freedom & connection. Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods (there's even a FREE option) patreon.com/BackontheGrind takeaways How Scott got introduced to trainhoppingScott's reconnection with TomasConnecting over punk music in high schoolHow Becky met ScottScott's first train with TomasBecky meets TomasTomas as a human beingBecky reflects on the traveller communityMusic's ability to bridge different culturesEmbracing conflict & challenging societal normsScott's difficulty talking about Tomas & Profane SassPiggly Wiggly storySupport, love & respect from familyCity Of The Rails podcastA tragic fire in a New Orleans squatThe potential consequences of trainhopping show upFond memories of TomasSong: Mexican Trains by Profane Sass Connect with Scott's projects Bridge City Sinners / Profane Sass / Flail Records: instagram.com/bridgecitysinners/instagram.com/flail_records/open.spotify.com/artist/1U68fpoBsx5HK1RSvr7yZQ?si=K77gP-lMQXyyW9k8Wmo2IQ Back On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch: backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe) StayFreeCoffee.com Follow the podcast on Instagram instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram Reach out! Send questions, comments or topic suggestions to Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all) ***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:   Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :) Stay Free, Pepe Bandit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 5m

  4. 01/12/2025 · BONUS

    COFFEE BREAK - April Hartman (of Apes Of The State) on Fear & Sobriety

    Todays COFFEE BREAK features April Hartman of Apes of the State discussing fear & sobriety. This clip originally aired in episode #1 Apes of the State On facing Fear (link below) Get coffee roasted by Pepe Bandit: stayfreecoffee.com Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods patreon.com/BackontheGrind Listen to the full episode - Apes Of the State On facing Fear #1: Spotify - open.spotify.com/episode/3zgVBj55YKIqErg55Jw1to?si=T0i_mqg-SAOE4Ea8GmdhNwApple Podcast - podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-on-the-grind/id1681556943?i=1000611301075Website/RSS - shows.acast.com/back-on-the-grind-1/episodes/facing-fear-with-apes-of-the-state Back On The Grind Records - DIY, Folk Punk & Music merch: backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music Follow/engage with the podcast on Instagram instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram Say hello, send me questions, comments or future topic suggestions to Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (I read them all) *Word of mouth really matters. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:   Share your favorite episode with a friend who you think will also enjoy it.Leave a rating or review. It will help me reach & support more folks like you & that's why I do this :) Stay Free until next time! Pepe Bandit Pepe Bandit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    7 min

  5. 15/11/2025

    My Friends In Crime w/ Brook Pridemore #62

    In this conversation, Brook Pridemore discusses their latest single My Friends In Crime & the more collaborative & community-focused approach in their upcoming album Only I Can Prevent Forest Fires. Brook offers thoughts on Pat (Friends In Real Life / formerly Pat The Bunny) & April (Apes Of The State) as well as other committed DIY musicians who appear on the single. The conversation also covers topics like the thigh master, how AI robot, humanoids are currently being sold to replace the deceased & what AI could mean for the future of music. Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods patreon.com/BackontheGrind HIGHLIGHTS: Beat based vs guitar based music“Once you’re identified as folk punk, you’ll always be identified as folk punk”Being among a community while creating the albumHaving a fear of confrontation Thoughts on April HartmanThoughts on Small ChucksThoughts on Patrick Schneeweis (formerly Pat The Bunny)Suffering quietly as an alcoholic Thoughts on Toby Goodshank & Angela Carlucci aka Double DeuceRemembering the Thigh Master & Suzanne SomersAI humanoids to replace the deadAI & the future of music Listen / Connect Brook Pridemore: open.spotify.com/artist/5ZWHEFolveKJpzm9Cbd5ml?si=z5QD8sMuSAOwhgAp14DFvQbrookpridemore.bandcamp.com/musicinstagram.com/brookpridemore/?hl=en Back On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch: backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe) StayFreeCoffee.com Follow the podcast on Instagram instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all, even if it's an older episode) ***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:   Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :) Stay Free, Pepe Bandit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min

  6. 01/11/2025

    Q&A Pt.2 Finding "The One," Books, Friends w/Addiction & depression, Renegade Shows + Mike Wilson & more #61

    Part 2 of a listener Q&A where Pepe dives deep into questions about passion, important books, relationships, supporting friends, setting up DIY shows and more, plus a cameo by musician Mike Wilson (who creates solo music and performs in Harley Poe). Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods (there's even a free option!) patreon.com/BackontheGrind Pepe's Spotify Playlist of folk punk & more mentioned in this episode: open.spotify.com/playlist/2Xhq4qecLwq8DiI5x0vVPA?si=vPyUnlUzQJCV7vafXEi8DA HIGHLIGHTS: How do I distinguish my many new “likes” from a true “passion”?You talked about never wanting to get married, so what changed & how did you know Lee was "the one"?6 Questions to bring your relationship closer & deeperMike Wilson on Fly Fly Superheart FlyI vibe with your intellectual space...Could you recommend some books?Ishmael by Daniel QuinnThe Untethered Soul by Michael SingerThe Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoStay Free Anthem by BlueRaspberryFinding Meaning In The Second Half Of Life by James HollisJung And The Alchemical Imagination by Jeffrey RaffHow do I help friends with depression or addiction?Advice for setting up renegade shows Listen to Mike Wilson: open.spotify.com/artist/0pULVNhcCRT9158jRhNaFr?si=0HvqwvHLSZCI3xA8P7MLswmikewilson.bandcamp.com/ Listen to BlueRaspberry: open.spotify.com/artist/3qe9yQNewUenzzMhfHLPmT?si=1ppcpODZR5GFaICHD4WDYQblueraspberry.bandcamp.com/?search_item_id%3D3919554126%26search_item_type%3Db%26search_match_part%3D%253F%26search_page_id%3D4794229089%26search_page_no%3D0%26search_rank%3D1 Back On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch: backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe) StayFreeCoffee.com Follow the podcast on Instagram instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all) ***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:   Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :) Stay Free, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    59 min

  7. 15/10/2025

    Jeffrey Lewis Talks About Sniffing Records, Streaming Music, The Story Behind His Band w/ Kimya Dawson & More #60

    Anti-folk legend, Jeffrey Lewis shares insights on sniffing records, his experience with the ever evolving music industry & streaming, & the secret impact of Donovan. Also hear about the unique connection between Jim Morrison's father & the start of the Vietnam War, & the history behind the band "The Bundles” (which Jeffrey was a member alongside Kimya Dawson) & why their album isn't available on streaming platforms. Tune in for a fun dive into the worlds of music, art, history, crate digging for vinyl records & more. Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods patreon.com/BackontheGrind   HIGHLIGHTS: Being an avid record snifferThe not spending more than $15 on a record ruleJeffrey's take on streaming musicJeffrey’s artwork & “low budget movies”Jim Morrison’s father’s connection to the start of the Viet Nam warDonovan as a secrete influenceThe history behind The Bundles & why it's not streaming anywhere"Do What Comes Natural" song is played Back On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch: backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe) StayFreeCoffee.com Follow the podcast on Instagram instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all) ***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:   Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :) Stay Free, Pepe Bandit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min

  8. 01/10/2025

    Q&A Pt.1 with Eric King, A Day Without Love & Justin Arena (prisoner support, music recs, finding folk punk friends, folk punk clothing & more!) #59

    Pepe brings on friends Eric King (former political prisoner), Brian Walker (A Day Without Love) & Justin Arena (musician/Together Press) to answer questions listeners sent in. Also, a bunch of songs get sampled throughout the episode. Be sure to check below for links to Pepe's playlists & the social pages of musicians mentioned in this episode. Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods patreon.com/BackontheGrind HIGHLIGHTS: What non-folk punk songs do you listen to?3 ways to offer prisoner supportTips for interviewing peopleWhat folk punk you listening to currently?Tips on finding folk punk friendsNew to the scene & wondering what it looks like to dress more folk punk at showsNew music from friends that Pepe is excited about currently Pepe's Playlist from this episode & more: open.spotify.com/playlist/2Xhq4qecLwq8DiI5x0vVPA?si=vPyUnlUzQJCV7vafXEi8DA Pepe's Rocksteady playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/1og9SP4Leh9a8mbcEqDI0c?si=SEH0yXawTFizpYgjFOcN0w DOUBLE RAINBOW Bandcamp - doublerainbow.bandcamp.com/track/i-talk-english-2 Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/i-talk-english/419670335 DUSTY THE KID Bandcamp - dustythekid.bandcamp.com/track/when-the-leaves-come-out Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/when-the-leaves-come-out/1804771643 instagram.com/dustythekidd/ CRAZY & THE BRAINS Bandcamp - crazyandthebrains.bandcamp.com/track/catatonic-youth Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/catatonic-youth/1828016948 instagram.com/crazyandthebrains/ CRICKET Bandcamp - crickettheguy.bandcamp.com/track/1-up Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/1-up/1695642904 instagram.com/crickettheguy/ RUEN Bandcamp - weareruen.bandcamp.com/track/a-neglected-spark-burns-the-house Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/a-neglected-spark-burns-the-house/1823876291 instagram.com/weare_ruen/ MARBLE BERRY SEEDS Bandcamp - marbleberryseeds.bandcamp.com/track/on-the-walmart-radio Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/on-the-walmart-radio/1813968478 instagram.com/marbleberryseeds/ CONFESSION KIDS Bandcamp - confessionkids.bandcamp.com/track/sprouts Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/sprouts/1820342010 instagram.com/confessionkids/ MYLES BULLEN Bandcamp - mylesbullen.bandcamp.com/music Apple Music - music.apple.com/us/song/iamnotforeveryone2-feat-chris-og-and-the-dopameanies/1832711191 instagram.com/beatboxpoet/ Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe) StayFreeCoffee.com Follow the podcast on Instagram instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram Reach out...Send us questions, comments or topic suggestions to Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.comLeave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all) ***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong: Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :) Stay Free, Pepe Bandit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 22m
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Trailer

About

A podcast exploring life, music, people & the stories that bring us closer. Episodes are published on the 1st & 15th every month.   With intimate interviews, folk punk & my own personal experiences, I explore how we can show up for the story of life. There's no reason to do this alone, we can learn from each other, even if we make some mistakes along the way. Join me as I embark on a journey to figure out how to find meaning & balance, navigate relationships & culture, all while growing with you. We can survive our failures, learn from them & celebrate the victories we also achieve when we put in the work. I have a strong connection to the folk punk & DIY, underground music community in general, so expect to hear about that too. Some other common themes on the show are, creativity, prison, addiction/recovery, spirituality, personal authority & relationships. I hope to become a valuable part of your life through my efforts here at Back On The Grind as I bring you closer to myself & the guests I converse with. Stay Free, Pepe Bandit   Help support this project & overall journey & get some member exclusives: patreon.com/BackontheGrind  Do you have a question about something you heard in an episode?Do you have a question about something you're dealing with in life?Is there a topic you think should be discussed?Is there something you want to know about me?  Get in touch with your questions & I will do my best to address it on the show.   Email (I guarantee results) Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com  Connect on Instagram instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram Get coffee roasted by your host Pepe Bandit StayFreeCoffee.com DRINK COFFEE & STAY FREE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Pepe Bandit
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © ...Who Cares
  • Show Website
    Back On The Grind

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