Punkast

Punkast

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MUSIC HISTORY

Jessica Schwartz, Associate Professor of Musicology and Music Industry at UCLA, sets out to explore the meaning of punk through conversations with the people who shape, live, and remix it—musicians, videographers, cultural producers, and the academics who study it—while animating punk’s DIY creativity, resistance, and sense of possibility. Schwartz also co-hosts the Punk Scholars Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3D AGO

Pavla Jonssonová (Subcultures)

Punkast is a weekly podcast exploring punk in the historical present through critical conversations, inquiry, and collaboration. >>> Follow the show to stay tapped in. New episodes every Friday. In this episode: “Like making something permanent, from impermanent to permanent. We managed to do that.” Jessica Schwartz is joined by musician, scholar, and educator Pavla Jonssonová in a conversation tracing punk, feminism, censorship, and subcultural survival across the former Soviet Bloc and beyond. Jonssonová reflects on performing in an all-female band while navigating state censorship, underground music networks, and the shifting political climate of late socialist Czechoslovakia. Together, they explore women in punk, the afterlives of Riot Grrrl, DIY creativity, and the circulation of subcultural ideas, music, and resistance across borders and generations. In addition, Jonssonová discusses her ongoing work in scholarship, music, and community-based performance projects. Pavla Jonssonová, PhD. has taught courses at Charles University in Prague, Anglo-American University in Prague, and CIEE Prague. Since her 1998 Fulbright scholarship at UC Santa Cruz, she has specialized in teaching about subcultures. Since 1980, she has performed original music as a founding member of the women’s rock band Zuby nehty, who have produced multiple albums, poetry books, and a film for Czech television. From Los Angeles and Prague, punk moves across time, borders, and political worlds. Recorded November 2020. Links + References: Pavla Jonsssonová (faculty profile) Zuby nehty - Website Zuby nehty (Wikipedia) Růžové vrány. Muzikantky 21. století (Interviews with twenty Czech women musicians) Volvox Globátor: Praha 2020 Devět z české hudební alternativy osmdesátých let (Czech Music Alternative of the 1980s) Karolinum: Praha 2019 Women, Music, Creativity: from Hildegard to Cosey Fanni Tutti. Lambert Academic Publishing: Berlin 2017 Credits: Punkast is hosted and produced by Jessica Schwartz. Editorial support: Melissa Hernandez – audio editing, episode notes, and audio-synced transcript. Transcript: Audio-synced transcript Theme Music: Lady Bits, "Bitch-a-thon," Lady Bits. Related: Jessica Schwartz co-hosts the Punk Scholars Podcast on the Punk Scholars Network. Connect with Punkast: Spotify Instagram: punkastucla Stay tapped in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

48 min
MAY 15

Jeff Hayton (Historian)

Punkast is a weekly podcast exploring punk in the historical present through critical conversations, inquiry, and collaboration. >>> Follow the show to stay tapped in. New episodes every Friday. In this episode: “... Show the kind of global nature of punk… retranslated or rearticulated.” Jessica Schwartz is joined by historian Jeff Hayton in a conversation exploring punk in East and West Germany across the Cold War divide. Together, they examine how punk circulated through underground networks, crossed political and cultural borders, and took shape differently on both sides of the Iron Curtain. Hayton reflects on the geopolitical and social conditions that shaped German punk, the infrastructures through which music and ideas moved, and the ways punk became a means of reimagining everyday life, identity, and possibility within divided Germany. Jeff Hayton is an Associate Professor of Modern European History at Wichita State University whose work explores punk, popular culture, and modern German history. His book, Culture from the Slums: Punk Rock in East and West Germany (Oxford University Press, 2022), examines punk scenes across the Cold War divide and the ways punk circulated, transformed, and challenged political and cultural systems. He is currently writing new books on mountaineering and modern Germany. This conversation includes questions and contributions from students in a UCLA musicology course facilitated by Jessica Schwartz and was recorded in March 2024. Links + References: Dr. Jeff Hayton (faculty profile) Email: jeffrey.hayton@wichita.edu Culture from the Slums: Punk Rock in East and West Germany | email Jeff Hayton for copy! Credits: Punkast is hosted and produced by Jessica Schwartz. Editorial support: Melissa Hernandez – audio editing, episode notes, and audio-synced transcript. Transcript: Audio-synced transcript Theme Music: Lady Bits, "Bitch-a-thon," Lady Bits. Related: Jessica Schwartz co-hosts the Punk Scholars Podcast on the Punk Scholars Network. Connect with Punkast: Spotify Instagram: punkastucla Stay tapped in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

56 min
MAY 8

Lesli Spivey (Deathrock)

Punkast is a weekly podcast exploring punk in the historical present through critical conversations, inquiry, and collaboration. >>> Follow the show to stay tapped in. New episodes every Friday. In this episode: “You’re like a horror movie on stage… Said “Oh yeah? Look at us!”... The media delegitimizes subcultures.” Jessica Schwartz and Tequila Mockingbird are joined by Lesli Spivey from the early Los Angeles deathrock scene, a genre shaped through punk, horror, and B-movie magic. Lesli reflects on how deathrock emerged beneath Hollywood’s bright lights and redefined Tineltown’s glitzy spectacle into gothic punk performances, offering insight into subversion and shaping her sound into something heavier, more grounded as rhythm, community, and subcultural survival. Her Indigenous heritage has influenced her views on anarchy, her critics of systems, and how the media delegitimizes subcultures. Spivey, both as part of the Cherokee Nation and the punk scene, has contributed to amplifying the voices often erased throughout history. Lesli Spivey is also known as Elvorian Von Spivey from the band “Penis Flytrap”. Penis Flytrap is an American deathrock band formed in Los Angeles. Known for “shock rock” sounds and intense, chaotic live performances, the group also includes Dinah Cancer (45 Grave), Lucifer Fulci, and Hal Satan. She was also in the band “Anima Mundi”, an anarcho-punk collective that toured the U.S West Coast with British punk band “Conflict”. Outside of music, she also contributed to starting the satellite version of the Cherokee nation out in Los Angeles, where she served on the council for several years. Since she started playing guitar in the Los Angeles punk/death rock scene in 1977, Spivey continues to be foundational in supporting and creating spaces for subcultural survival. Recorded May 2026. Links + References: Lesli Spivey Facebook Anima Mundi - Discography Penis Flytrap Discography William Faith - Faith and the Muse Tsa-La-Gi LA: Cherokee Los Angeles Credits: Punkast is hosted and produced by Jessica Schwartz. Co-hosted by Tequila Mockingbird. Guest produced by Tequila Mockingbird. Editorial support: Melissa Hernandez – audio editing, episode notes, and audio-synced transcript. Transcript: Audio-synced transcript Theme Music: Lady Bits, "Bitch-a-thon," Lady Bits. Related: Jessica Schwartz co-hosts the Punk Scholars Podcast on the Punk Scholars Network. Connect with Punkast: Spotify Instagram: punkastucla Stay tapped in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

59 min
MAY 1

Reine River (The Anti-Club)

Punkast is a weekly podcast exploring punk in the historical present through critical conversations, inquiry, and collaboration. >>> Follow the show to stay tapped in. New episodes every Friday. In this episode: “Anything goes kind of club… We had all kinds of different kinds of music… In order to promote shows, you had to go to shows.” Jessica Schwartz and Tequila Mockingbird are joined by Reine River, who ran the Anti-Club alongside her mother, Helen, at the center of the early LA punk scene. Together, they trace the energy of the Anti-Club, the broader landscape of the scene, and what it meant to book, promote, and sustain shows in a rapidly forming musical community. Reine reflects on her work as a booking agent, the material culture and memorabilia of the venue, and the infrastructures that supported live music at the time—while also highlighting the role of women in shaping punk’s spaces and networks. Reine River co-ran the Anti-Club with her mother, Helen—Helen managing the bar and Reine booking shows. With a background in fine arts and an MFA from Otis College of Art and Design, Reine continues to work across performance, visual art, music, and poetry. Recorded August 2024. Links + References: IG: @reine.river Read & Share Stories on The Anti Club Los Angeles Facebook Group! Music mentioned: Dwight Yoakam, Greg Davis Blood on the Saddle, Madonna, Sonic Youth, The Fall, Circle Jerks, The Skeletones, Big Drill Car, Jughead’s Revenge, Resistant Militia, N.W.A, Milo Aukerman, the Descendants, Henry Rollins, The Fibonaccis, Overman, The Skatalites, Green Day, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Pennywise, The Hangmen, The Blue Shadows, X, The Blasters, Javier Matos Credits: Punkast is hosted and produced by Jessica Schwartz. Co-hosted by Tequila Mockingbird. Guest produced by Tequila Mockingbird. Editorial support: Melissa Hernandez – audio editing, episode notes, and audio-synced transcript. Transcript: Audio-synced transcript Theme Music: Lady Bits, "Bitch-a-thon," Lady Bits. Related: Jessica Schwartz co-hosts the Punk Scholars Podcast on the Punk Scholars Network. Connect with Punkast: Spotify Instagram: punkastucla Stay tapped in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

59 min
APR 24

Stephen DePace (Flipper)

Punkast is a weekly podcast exploring punk in the historical present through critical conversations, inquiry, and collaboration. >>> Follow the show to stay tapped in. New episodes every Friday. “This record that just was so amazing that it's stood the test of time… and, and it's influenced so many people in so many bands… You know, bookshelf full of music history books that all mentioned Flipper.” Join Jessica Schwartz and Tequila Mockingbird in a discussion with Steven DePace, drummer of San Francisco punk pioneer band, Flipper. The sound of Flipper has countless artists, from San Francisco’s early punk scene to the present. This episode covers how the San Francisco scene felt as Flipper took shape, the recording process, how Flipper received the nickname “Grateful Dead of the 80s,” and how they ultimately solidified their legacy within music history. In addition, Steven DePace dives deeper into his own journey within the entertainment industry, from music business to the world of animation. Steven began his professional rock career in 1978 when he joined his first punk bank in San Francisco, Negative Trend. It was after the dissolution of Negative Trend that Flipper was first formed in 1979. Flipper has a long storied career and an amazing cast of players who have come and gone over the decades, including Krist Novoselic (Nirvana) and David Yow (The Jesus Lizard). Flipper carries on to this day with Steven DePace on drums, Kelli Mayo (bass), and Jon Kelly (guitar) for touring in support of the reissue of Flipper’s entire back catalog, beginning April 17th with their first album, Generic Flipper. Learn what’s on the horizon for Steven DePace and Flipper as they continue to set the pace for the industry and give us a lifetime of contribution to the punk scene. Recorded April 2026. Links + References: SEE FLIPPER IN CONCERT! Thu, May 7 - West Hollywood CA @ The Roxy Flipper - Generic Flipper (Color Vinyl) LP - Limited Edition IG: @_flipperofficial_ IG: @skatingpolly IG: @shimmer_bed Sean Shimmer Punkast episode Credits: Punkast is hosted and produced by Jessica Schwartz. Co-hosted by Tequila Mockingbird. Guest produced by Tequila Mockingbird. Editorial support: Melissa Hernandez – audio editing, episode notes, and audio-synced transcript. Transcript: Audio-synced transcript Theme Music: Lady Bits, "Bitch-a-thon," Lady Bits. Related: Jessica Schwartz co-hosts the Punk Scholars Podcast. Connect with Punkast: Spotify Instagram: punkastucla Stay tapped in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 36m
APR 17

Helen O'Neill (Retail Slut)

Punkast is a weekly podcast exploring punk in the historical present through critical conversations, inquiry, and collaboration. >>> Follow the show to stay tapped in. New episodes every Friday. In this episode: “Everything was just really based on music... Punk, ska, goth, New Wave... being powered by the music.” Retail Slut wasn’t just a store; it was a site where punk, fashion, and commerce collided, shaping a scene that still resonates in the present. Join Jessica Schwartz and Tequila Mockingbird in a discussion with Helen O’Neill, the original force behind the influential boutique. This episode covers a wide range of topics, including what Melrose meant for the punk scene, what inspired Helen to create her own clothing line, and how punk individuals were and continue to be policed in Los Angeles. Helen O’Neill is the founder of Retail Slut. Under Helen’s fearless direction, Retail Slut broke every rule - serving as a sanctuary for those who embraced counterculture. Since closing its doors in 2005, Helen’s vision continues to evolve–proving that punk isn’t just a style, it’s a way of life. For 40+ years, Helen O’Neill has supported LA local punk and expanded punk infrastructure, leaving an impact that will last a lifetime. Recorded February 2025. Links + References: Retail Slut Resident at Nude Healing Center-Harbin Hot Springs. Bike Ventura - local bike advocacy. Friends of Bates Beach - Coastal Clean-up. Artwalk Ventura Credits: Punkast is hosted and produced by Jessica Schwartz. Co-hosted by Tequila Mockingbird. Guest produced by Tequila Mockingbird. Editorial support: Melissa Hernandez – audio editing, episode notes, and audio-synced transcript. Transcript: Audio-synced transcript Theme Music: Lady Bits, "Bitch-a-thon," Lady Bits. Related: Jessica Schwartz co-hosts the Punk Scholars Podcast on the Punk Scholars Network. Connect with Punkast: Spotify Instagram: punkastucla Stay tapped in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

53 min
TRAILER

Punkast Is Back (Weekly)

Punkast is back—weekly. After years of building, recording, and collaborating, Punkast returns with a growing archive of conversations and a new rhythm: weekly episodes exploring punk in the historical present through critical inquiry, dialogue, and experimentation. We’re kicking things off this Friday with our first new episode, and new episodes will drop every Friday. >>> Subscribe and follow to stay tapped in. In this trailer: A quick update on what we’ve been building, where we’ve been, and what’s ahead for Punkast. Related Projects + Collaborations: Punk Scholars Podcast on the Punk Scholars Network MEI, the Podcast (Marshallese Educational Initiative): Spotify Jahmi Roc’s Jottings – S3E4 “Frequencies of Relief" Transcript: Audio-synced transcript Theme Music: Lady Bits, "Bitch-a-thon," Lady Bits. Connect with Punkast: Spotify IG: punkastucla New episodes every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 min
APR 6

Kristy Martinez with XTINE RECKLESS and TIFFANY YOUNG

PUNKAST BACK TO SCHOOL MINISERIES SPECIAL! “SoCal music spaces: Scene, Emo, and EDM” (part 3 of 3). “There’s more to us.. We all want to be seen, heard, and exist… The art you are creating is part of your soul.” Returning from spring break, we are back with the third and final part of our Back to School mini-series with guest host Kristy Martinez, a PHD Candidate in Musicology at UCLA. In these episodes, we meet some of the early-2000s scene and emo kids in SoCal. This episode features the second part of Martinez’s conversation with the musician Xtine Reckless (listen to the first part here), and fitness and health instructor Tiffany Young. Tiffany Young has introduced alternative music and other genres into her spin classes. Her cycle rides have included emo, pop-punk, Central American music, and rock. This episode discusses representation in the SoCal music scenes, how music is an extension of an artist’s identity, incorporating alternative music into untraditional spaces, addressing the erasure of POC contributions, the intersection between race and participation in music scenes, and SO MUCH MORE! Guest Bios. Xtine is a vocalist, guitarist, and essential figure in the OC and LA rock scenes with her previous band, Pretty in Stereo, and is currently in the band Xtine and the Reckless Hearts. Xtine has played Vans Warped Tour and various iconic venues and spaces in SoCal.// Tiffany Young is an Afro-Latina fitness and health instructor from Alhambra, the San Gabriel Valley, and now West Covina. She grew up listening to a wide variety of music, such as emo, pop-punk, neo soul, pop, and R&B. Young now incorporates the sounds she grew up with in SoCal into spin classes and heavily nostalgic-themed rides. Links 𝚇𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚎 & 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚁𝚎𝙲𝚔𝙻𝚎𝚂𝚜 𝙷𝚎𝙰𝚛𝚃𝚜 | Linktree Pretty In Stereo | Spotify IG: @pwrcyclewtiff PWR HQ Strength and Training | Try a Class! Music mentioned: Taking Back Sunday, Senses Fail, Offspring, System of A Down, Metallica, Aaliyah, Ashanti, Mariah Carey, Thursday, Eminem, Neo Soul, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, My Chemical Romance, Panic! At the Disco, The Paradox, Kid Cudi, Childish Gambino, Dance Gavin Dance, Norma Jean, Isadora Crane, Hot Water Music - We’d love to hear from you and are soliciting episode ideas and guests. Instagram: punkastucla Email: punkastucla@gmail.com The Punkast theme music is excerpted from “Bitchathon” by Lady Bits. All rights reserved. This episode was recorded on Oct 27, 2025 on Zoom. Kristy Martinez hosted and co-produced this episode with Jessica Schwartz. Melissa Hernandez edited the audio and audio-synced transcript, available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 15m

TRAILER

Punkast Is Back (Weekly)

Punkast is back—weekly. After years of building, recording, and collaborating, Punkast returns with a growing archive of conversations and a new rhythm: weekly episodes exploring punk in the historical present through critical inquiry, dialogue, and experimentation. We’re kicking things off this Friday with our first new episode, and new episodes will drop every Friday. >>> Subscribe and follow to stay tapped in. In this trailer: A quick update on what we’ve been building, where we’ve been, and what’s ahead for Punkast. Related Projects + Collaborations: Punk Scholars Podcast on the Punk Scholars Network MEI, the Podcast (Marshallese Educational Initiative): Spotify Jahmi Roc’s Jottings – S3E4 “Frequencies of Relief" Transcript: Audio-synced transcript Theme Music: Lady Bits, "Bitch-a-thon," Lady Bits. Connect with Punkast: Spotify IG: punkastucla New episodes every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 12

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2 min

Jessica Schwartz, Associate Professor of Musicology and Music Industry at UCLA, sets out to explore the meaning of punk through conversations with the people who shape, live, and remix it—musicians, videographers, cultural producers, and the academics who study it—while animating punk’s DIY creativity, resistance, and sense of possibility. Schwartz also co-hosts the Punk Scholars Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Creator

Punkast
Years Active

2K
Episodes

67
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Punkast
Show Website

Punkast