The Liquid Shape Podcast

Cody Perez

The Liquid Shape is a podcast centered on real conversations with real people—no matter their background, upbringing, or path in life. Everyone carries a story, and those stories are constantly shifting, shaping us through experiences both beautiful and painful. Each episode explores the highs and lows that define us: personal struggles, life-altering moments, victories, losses, trauma, growth, and self-discovery. Guests open up about what they’ve faced, how they survived it, how it changed them, and the after-effects those experiences left behind—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This is a space for honesty without judgment. Some conversations will be inspiring, others heartbreaking, uncomfortable, hilarious, or deeply relatable—but all of them are human. Liquid Shape is designed to make listeners feel seen, understood, and less alone, pulling on every emotion and reminding us that no matter how different our lives may seem, we’re all shaped by something.

  1. Aug 17

    Episode 31 - Tauren Blackman

    Send us Fan Mail Tauren Blackman’s story is a crash course in what it takes to build a real metal career from the ground up - from a Fender acoustic found on the side of the road to opening for national acts, blasting through the MySpace era, and finally stepping back onstage after eight years away. If you grew up on heavy music, local shows, or the wild early days of Pacific Northwest metal, this one hits hard. Cody sits down with longtime friend Tauren Blackman for a deep, funny, and surprisingly emotional ride through the scene that shaped him. They trace the moment Pantera, Black Sabbath, Ozzfest, and a teenage obsession with Crazy Train turned him from guitarist into vocalist, then follow the path through the first bands, the van-life rehearsal days, the flyers, the bike runs, and the clubs that turned Salem and Portland into a proving ground. You'll discover how 12 Gauge became Kill On Sight, why a battle-of-the-bands win changed everything, and what it was really like opening for Hed PE, Scum of the Earth, 36 Crazyfists, and other heavyweight names. Tauren also shares how Still Dead pushed his sound into darker, more theatrical territory, with horror imagery, serial-killer themes, and a full-length album - *Sharon the American Glory* - that still holds up today. We also break down the creative process behind "Time Bomb," including how an old riff idea became a new song, how Jonny Santos pushed Tauren into a raw, live-in-the-room performance, and why capturing a first-take emotional reaction can hit harder than overthinking every note. Then comes the payoff: Tauren’s first live appearance in eight years, back in his hometown, performing in front of family, friends, and the same community that watched it all unfold. This episode is packed with nostalgia, backstage stories, scene history, and the kind of hard-earned insight only comes from someone who’s lived every phase of the grind. Perfect for metalheads, musicians, and anyone who loves the stories behind the music. Follow:  https://www.facebook.com/share/19XqKF5bXA/?mibextid=wwXIfr listen to Still Dead:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/3LcHP3O4FvixNkpykDHoZL?si=aVCFS5GYShmu-uBxpcA7TA&utm_source=copy-link “Time Bomb” music video:  https://youtu.be/I4KTJ2bQmuw?is=61knsWdaix4YE2oj  Support the show

    Episode 31 - Tauren Blackman
  2. Aug 10

    Episode 30 - Feral Minx and Bounce Ball Boogie

    Send us Fan Mail Segment 1:  Cody and Mariah share insights from their recent experiences, including a live concert, personal reflections on legacy, and the importance of authenticity and community. They also discuss the impact of their recent band performances, personal growth, and future plans. Keywords: music, live concert, legacy, authenticity, personal growth, band performance, community, inspiration, mental health, motivation Segment 2:  Cody Perez hosts Bounce Ball Boogie and Feral Minx to explore their journeys in music, podcasting, and their unique perspectives on the underground scene. They share stories from the gathering, challenges with social media, and insights on building independent careers. In this episode, Cody hosts Bounce Ball Boogie and Feral Minx to discuss the underground music scene, digital marketing strategies, community building, and the importance of authenticity and kindness online. They share insights on navigating the industry, creating meaningful connections, and empowering artists and entrepreneurs. Keywords: music, podcasting, underground scene, independent artists, gathering, social media, YouTube, music promotion, neurodivergency, resilience music industry, underground artists, digital marketing, community building, authenticity, podcasting, networking, social media, mental health, self-sufficiency Follow Underground Nation Podcast:  https://underground-nation.com/podcast  Bounce Ball Boogie - Sunglasses at Night video:  https://youtu.be/sWV8L6vV8SA?is=AwKGGHGW3cK_oVZL  Support the show

  3. Aug 4

    Episode 29 - Better Late Than Never

    Send us Fan Mail Most people are unknowingly shaped by their parents' habits—and some of those routines are more ingrained than you think. In this lively episode, Cody and Mariah peel back the layers on the habits they swore they'd never adopt, only to find themselves falling into familiar patterns—and laughing about it. From childhood mishaps to adult realizations, they reveal how family influences subtly, yet powerfully, mold our behaviors, often after we’ve sworn against them. You’ll discover: how swearing to be punctual turned into a commitment to always be early, and why sobriety runs in the family despite current choices. Cody shares the family curse of alcoholism and his powerful reasons for breaking free, while Mariah reflects on her aversion to impulsive habits like smoking or excessive drinking. They dive into funny stories about childhood accidents, organic behavioral resemblances, and the sometimes surprising ways parenting patterns show up in adult life. This episode underscores why understanding your roots and habits can be transformational—whether it’s avoiding known pitfalls or embracing positive family traits. Aligning your future with self-awareness isn’t just insightful, it’s life-changing. If you’re looking to decode the habits that run your life or simply need a good laugh about our common human quirks, this episode is perfect for you. Get a glimpse into the real stories behind family influence, and learn how to challenge hereditary habits with humor, honesty, and a dash of reflection. Tune in to hear why breaking family curses might just be the most rebellious act of all—and how you can start today. Support the show

    Episode 29 - Better Late Than Never
  4. Jul 13

    Episode 27 - Ginger

    Send us Fan Mail Segment 1:  In this segment, Cody and Mariah share their recent experiences, upcoming tour plans, and delve into inspiring decision stories from listeners, including sobriety, career changes, and personal growth. They also introduce their beloved dogs and discuss the importance of taking risks and making life-changing decisions. In this episode, Cody and Mariah share personal stories, insights on overcoming adversity, and advice on self-love, relationships, and making life-changing decisions. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and pursuing passions to live a fulfilling life. keywords: podcast, life decisions, sobriety, career change, personal growth, dogs, travel, motivation, stories, inspiration personal growth, resilience, self-love, relationships, life decisions, overcoming adversity, mental health, music, sobriety, motivation Segment 2: Most of us think about suicide as an isolated tragedy—but Ginger’s story reveals the complex, heartbreaking ripple effects trauma leaves on families. When her brother took his own life in 2001, Ginger didn't just lose a sibling; she lost a part of herself, navigating grief, denial, and the long road to healing. Her journey exposes the raw, often unspoken truths of mental health, childhood trauma, and the importance of support systems—especially when it feels like everyone else wants to forget. In this deeply personal episode, Ginger shares how her brother’s struggle with a traumatic brain injury, addiction, and mental health culminated in a tragic ending that no family prepares for. She recounts the agonizing process of identifying his body, her fight to manage the aftermath, and her ongoing commitment to keep his memory alive through rebuilding his favorite car—an act of love and remembrance. Her story sheds light on the silent pain many carry, the importance of not suppressing grief, and the power of reaching out for help. You'll discover: *How trauma and mental illness can manifest unexpectedly, often with devastating consequences*; *The significance of community, therapy, and relentless support in the healing journey*; *Why sharing stories like Ginger’s can save lives—by breaking the silence around depression and suicidal thoughts.* We break down practical steps for recognizing warning signs, fostering compassion, and supporting loved ones who are battling unseen battles. This episode underscores the urgent need to prioritize mental health—and that healing begins with understanding, empathy, and conversation. Whether you've faced loss, struggle with mental health, or simply want to learn how to be a pillar of support, Ginger’s story is a powerful reminder that “you are not alone.” Her resilience, honesty, and compassion make this a must-listen for anyone committed to helping themselves or others through dark times. If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode offers hope, insight, and a gentle call to action—reach out, listen, and heal together.  **Ginger is a trauma survivor and mental health advocate, dedicated to sharing her story to prevent future tragedies.** For support or to connect, find Ginger on TikTok @Peacockmom  Support the show

    Episode 27 - Ginger
  5. Jul 6

    Episode 26 - Lexi the Dog Coach

    Send us Fan Mail Segment: In this segment of the Liquid Shape Podcast, hosts Cody and Mariah celebrate their dogs' birthdays, share experiences from a recent concert in Colorado, and discuss the challenges of merchandise availability at events. They also delve into personal reflections on forgiveness and grudges, exploring how these themes impact relationships and personal well-being. The conversation is light-hearted yet insightful, touching on the importance of moving on from negativity and the dynamics of personal connections. In this conversation, Cody and Mariah delve into the complexities of grudges and forgiveness, exploring the emotional burdens they carry and the importance of letting go for personal peace. They discuss the drawbacks of holding onto grudges, the benefits of forgiveness, and the nuances of unforgivable acts. The dialogue emphasizes self-forgiveness and the necessity of moving forward in life without the weight of past grievances. Keywords:   Liquid Shape Podcast, birthdays, family, Colorado, concerts, forgiveness, grudges, dog training, pets, forgiveness, peace of mind, emotional health, relationships, personal growth, self-acceptance, healing, emotional burden, mental well-being Segment 2: In this segment of the Liquid Shape Podcast, host Cody interviews Lexi, a professional dog trainer with over 15 years of experience. Lexi shares her journey from working with horses to training sled dogs and eventually becoming a dog coach. She emphasizes the importance of individualized training approaches based on each dog's unique personality and background, advocating for positive reinforcement methods. Lexi also discusses her decision to start her own training business to better serve her community and ensure that training is accessible to all families. In this conversation, Lexi A discusses her approach to dog training, emphasizing community involvement and understanding individual dog needs. She shares insights on the challenges of training, the importance of communication between trainers and clients, and the evolving landscape of dog ownership and animal welfare. Lexi also highlights the incredible abilities of dogs, including their capacity to detect health issues, and the significance of positive reinforcement in building a strong bond between dogs and their owners. The conversation concludes with Lexi sharing how potential clients can connect with her for training services.  keywords: dog training, animal behavior, positive reinforcement, dog coach, pet care, dog psychology, training methods, dog breeds, community training, professional dog trainer dog training, community-based training, service dogs, dog behavior, positive reinforcement, animal welfare, dog ownership, communication in training, dog trainer, pet care follow Lexi:  Instagram: @lexi_thedogcoach Email: lexithedogcoach@gmail.com  Website: lexithedogcoach.dog Support the show

    Episode 26 - Lexi the Dog Coach

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Liquid Shape is a podcast centered on real conversations with real people—no matter their background, upbringing, or path in life. Everyone carries a story, and those stories are constantly shifting, shaping us through experiences both beautiful and painful. Each episode explores the highs and lows that define us: personal struggles, life-altering moments, victories, losses, trauma, growth, and self-discovery. Guests open up about what they’ve faced, how they survived it, how it changed them, and the after-effects those experiences left behind—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This is a space for honesty without judgment. Some conversations will be inspiring, others heartbreaking, uncomfortable, hilarious, or deeply relatable—but all of them are human. Liquid Shape is designed to make listeners feel seen, understood, and less alone, pulling on every emotion and reminding us that no matter how different our lives may seem, we’re all shaped by something.