The Upful LIFE Podcast

upful LIFE

High-brow conversations with movers n’ shakers in the music industry, and beyond. Exploring diverse realms of sound art and festival culture, with a decided focus on inspiration and human resilience. Hosted by music journalist B.Getz

  1. 4D AGO

    097: JOHN SPEICE [drums - Brownout, Grupo Fantasma, Money Chicha, Hairy Apes BMX, Caramelo Haze] + JOHNNY WOODSTOCK [KNON, WWOZ, Blue Nile NOLA]

    Welcome to Episode 097 veteran drummer and percussionist JOHN SPEICE, prominently based in the Austin scene. Best known for work with Grammy-winning Latin ensemble Grupo Fantasma and its psychedelic-funk offshoot Brownout, including their beloved Black Sabbath-inspired side trip Brown Sabbath. Throughout his career, Speice has been core to a diverse array of bands like Money Chicha, Hairy Apes BMX, and Caramelo Haze, also collaborating with Black Pumas, Daniel Johnston, Golden Dawn Arkestra, Trio Asesino, Jon Muq, among many others. I first saw John Speice electrify with a one-off version of Marco Benevento Trio at Megalomaniacs Ball 2011 in New Orleans over Jazz Fest. In addition to giving us the lowdown on the Apes reunion, we get the scoop on a half-dozen of his super-dope bands.  John breaks down a bit of basic history and the musical/cultural impact of classic and contemporary cumbia/chicha styles. He reflects on how they've been interpreted/expounded upon since breaking through stateside some years ago. A friend for a dozen years, this pod conversation is many moons in the making. Give Thanks 4 John Speice!  0:00 - episode 097 preview 3:00 - Golden Road Gathering 5:00 - Four Peaks Medicinals 6:00 - Bub & Pop Podcast plug 7:15 - The Upful Update 14:00 - introducing JOHN SPEICE 16:00 - INTERVIEW - Speice [73m] 1:28:30 - introducing JOHNNY WOODSTOCK 1:31:10 - INTERVIEW - Woodstock [56m] 2:27:00 - afterglow: SCOTT T. Salutes BOB WEIR Johnny Woodstock is a radio personality/programmer and music enthusiast/historian who hails from Jerzadelphia, currently located in Dallas, formerly based outta New Orleans. We trace similar roots coming of age in the Philly area Grateful Dead/Phish scenes dating back over 30 years ago, Johnny Woodstock dubbed me many of my first Dead tapes. Host of "Sounds of New Orleans" on KNON NOW, the digital streaming sister station of KNON 89.3 FM.  His show focuses on the "Crescent City magic" like brass bands, Second-Line rhythms, NOLA funk, Mardi Gras Indian music, plus Interviews with New Orleans legends. Prior to moving to Texas, Woodstock hosted "Midnight Music" on the world-renowned New Orleans station WWOZ 90.7 FM.  Johnny is father to MaryElla Woodstock, who joins the pod for a quick check in: she’s KNON's youngest DJ (at age 10) hosting "Kidz Star Radio". She frequently assisted her father on his shows before launching her own. During his stint in NOLA, Johnny managed the box office at the legendary Blue Nile nightclub on Frenchmen Street. Eventually found his soulmate Tiffany through mutual pal Mike DIllon, a year later they made MaryElla, before eventually decamping to Dallas to live merrily ever after. Find out what’s in a nickname, and the colorful, heartwarming story of a pretty great guy. At the conclusion, Johnny says goodbye to famed Philly radio DJ & Deadhead legend Pierre Robert [WMMR], followed by some words on the dearly departed Bob Weir. The episode wraps with a heartfilling, tear-jerking purge from the grate Scott T., ruminating on the essence and energy that defined Cowboy Bobby, the mysterious and mystical Spirit of the Suwannee, and the unquestionable, transformational power of a song. John Speice links Money Chicha Caramelo Haze GRUPO FANTASMA Brownout Hairy Apes BMX Jon Muq Johnny Woodstock links Sounds Of New Orleans with Johnny Woodstock on KNON NOW Johnny Woodstock : Spiritual Chaos album KNON's Mary Ella Woodstock Is Now on the Air. She's 8. recent B.Getz appearances: In Search of D’Angelo - Delta Bravo Observation Team w/BG [2/26]  Peace & Lovecast - Ode to Genius [D’Angelo ep w/ BG segment [2/26] Behind the Dopey - BG talks RHCP on Dopey Podcast - 4/26 CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Four Peaks Medicinals Golden Road Gathering BISS LIST  AARON SCHWARTZ ART LAZYMOON DESIGN for promo/poster art needs Bub and Pop Podcast Support the Upful LIFE Send B.G. a coupla' dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

    2h 43m
  2. FEB 24

    096: lespecial - A Year In The Life ft. RORY DOLAN, LUKE BEMAND, JONNY G, w/ YHETI [LIMINOID], + BRET PERETZ [P4 TM]

    Episode 096 welcomes three-headed prog-tronic hydra lespecial, plus enigmatic bass-wizard Yheti, for an expansive deep dive into their mind-bending collaborative portal - LIMINOID. Framed through the lens of "A Year in the Life of lespecial," the conversations chronicle a monumental run from Jam Cruise 21 in Feb.2025, thru the LIMINOID experience, then NYE marking their 20th anniversary since forming as high-schoolers in the woods of Connecticut, before looking towards the future. This episode orbits LIMINOID’s debut The Outernet, an idiosyncratic sonic tapestry and brilliantly-bizarre concept album where the searing precision of Rory Dolan, Luke Bemand, and Jonny G is masterfully manipulated by the surgical, mad scientist sound design of Yheti. Ep.096 finishes with Tales of a Tour Manager featuring Bret Peretz [Pigeons Playing Ping Pong]. 00:00 - Ep.096 preview 03:30 - check out Four Peaks Medicinals 04:30 - Golden Road Gathering 05:45 - The Upful Update 09:15 - Intro: a year in the life of lespecial  Interviews  13:15 - Rory Dolan, Luke Bemand, Jonny G - Jam Cruise, Feb‘25 52:15 - Yheti & Jonny G - December '25 1:17:00 - Rory - Feb '26 1:39:45 - Luke - Feb '26 2:03:30 - Jonny G - Feb '26 2:28:30 - Tales of a TM ft. Bret Peretz (P4) - July ’25 lespecial: A Year In The Life begins on the ragey open seas, as B.Getz connects with all three members of lespecial while aboard Jam Cruise in Feb. 2025. This Day 5 cabin summit at the tail end of this floating carnival captures the fellas [Rory Dolan - drums/vox, Luke Bemand - bass/synths, Jonny G - guitar/synths, vox] reflecting on the boat’s bombastic musical escapades, playing with (friends of the pod) Alex Wasily, Mike Dillon and Skerik, Rory’s Primus audition, introducing new music onstage, revisiting “Cannibal Holocaust”, spotlighting their relationship with Yheti and a forthcoming collaboration at the time still in its infancy.  The narrative shifts to a focused deep dive in early December 2025 with Yheti, plus a little more color from Jonny G. Since it was always his baby, BG looks to Tyler Yheti to properly unpack the modus operandi behind the LIMINOID endeavor. Explore the creation of The Outernet, how they navigated the "liminal space" between organic instrumentation and avant-garde electronics. This segment highlights the brilliance of the concept, recalls initial challenges performing this project live (see - Mishawaka in May 2025), the tricks and tools required to bring this genre-schitzo robot to life - both in studio and then onstage, and creating a new hybrid strain of intoxicating, brain-splattering sound art that exists beyond traditional boundaries. The saga continues: a series of individual conversations with Rory, Luke, and Jonny from early Feb. 2026.  We complete this podcast revolution around the sun, honor 20 years of hometown buddies who made good, and look towards their mighty bright immediate future. These one-on-one sessions allow for a more granular peek into personal growth, interband dynamics, and creative philosophies as they recognize a brotherhood that has kept them bonded since teenage garage band glory. We amp the stoke for lespecial's long-awaited return to West Coast's burnin' shores on the cryptically-titled Tentacle Difficulties tour. Behold this monumental, DIY evolution from small-town Connecticut proggy power trio to a genre-blurring, frontal-lobe leviathan known to us mere mortals as lespecial. For an episode chaser B.Getz checks in with an old friend in Bret Peretz, a connection rooted at Spirit of Suwannee Music Park years ago. The longtime Tour Manager for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong has worked many jobs behind the scenes over the course of a decade-plus. Several months back, Bret opened up about his beautiful journey from the hotel hospitality industry and nearly joining the Coast Guard, humble backstage beginnings all the way to the P4 gig at the heart of contemporary jam scene success. ViBE Junkie Jam  lespecial - "Boundary Dissolution”  Suwannee Hulaween 2023 lespecial's signature blend of “heavy future groove” combines headbanging metal riffage and surgical rhythmic precision with bone shaking 808s, sub synths and ethereal vocal stylings for a dance floor that welcomes moshing, dancing and hip swaying alike. Listeners are taken on a journey to the musical netherworld through esoteric soundscapes punctuated by raw, primal power. LIMINOID is a musical entity formed through the integration of data streams from Yheti and lespecial, two distinct sonic architects. Yheti orchestrates the sonic experiment while lespecial contributes live instrumentation encoded with rhythmic complexity. Analysis of live performance recordings reveals high variability and dynamic modulation of energy states. Audience response patterns indicate elevated engagement during improvisational sequences. Conclusion: LIMINOID functions as a high-intensity auditory experiment, optimized for real-time adaptation and multi-genre convergence without reliance on predefined constraints. System recommends further observation.  Their debut live performance was May 2025 at Mishawaka Amphitheater in Bellvue, CO. 2025 debut LP ‘The Outernet’ is a 12 track concept album that explores the liminal space between humanity and technology. The group performed at several festivals and a short tour in November 2025. RORY DOLAN Interview w/ BG about Primus audition. March 2025 Upful LIFE 2025: Favorite Records & More! [LIMINOID review inside] Jonny G on The Upful LIFE Podcast - Ep.40 Slaytanic Panic: lespecial’s Wet ‘N’ Wild NorCal Debut  CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Four Peaks Medicinals Golden Road Gathering BISS LIST   AARON SCHWARTZ ART LAZYMOON DESIGN for promo/poster art needs Support! Send B.G. a coupla' dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

    3h 5m
  3. JAN 19

    095: OTIS McDONALD, DERRICK 'Smoker' FREEMAN [SOUL Brass Band, Shadow People Pod], PIET DALMOLEN

    Your boy is back from paternity hiatus with another banger! Preposterously prolific San Francisco composer, producer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist OTIS McDONALD is finally here. Hallelujah! Gov't name Joe Bagale, Otis has turned Hyde Street’s Studio D — a hallowed sacred ground in the annals of funk/rock/hip-hop history — into a potent personal laboratory where he generates/facilitates a steady flow of ridiculously dope records. The in-demand music man slides through episode 095 for a lengthy, illuminating upful discussion; BG also checks back in with Derrick 'Smoker' Freeman [SOUL Brass Band, Shadow People Podcast]; and later introduces rising NorCal guitarist/solo artist Piet Dalmolen. 0:00 - ep.095 preview 3:00 - SOUL Brass Band - NorCal run late January 4:00 - BISS List - Bay Area fan hub/newsletter 5:45 - The UPFUL Update 12:00 - introducing OTIS McDONALD 15:15 - INTERVIEW - Otis [117m] 2:12:15 - DERRICK 'Smoker' FREEMAN 2:28:00 - Introducing/Interview: PIET DALMOLEN [30m] 2:58:15 - Afterglow x ViBE Junkie Jam Otis McDonald released an original track every Friday for three years during the pandemic, though he since pumped the brakes to every third week. In addition, the gifted producer/engineer and sideman has delivered assorted crucial collabs with the likes of Eric Krasno, Nicholas Payton, Aloe Blacc, Wil Blades, Charlie Hunter, among others. Across two-plus decades in the Bay Area, he's worked extensively with scene stalwarts Jazz Mafia, Atta Kid, and their various spinoffs/side trips; Bagale even logged a couple years fronting an iteration of Mickey Hart Band on keys, guitar, and lead vocals.  Long before he moved into Hyde Street Studio D (the site of famed Wally Heider Studio in SF, where so many classic records were brought to life), Otis McDonald had become a ubiquitous presence online. He was repeatedly commissioned by YouTube and Facebook for free audio libraries offering copyright-free music to help video creators enhance their work. The dude has recorded hundreds of tunes that have been soundtracked in tens of millions of videos streamed into the billions! A Bay Area underground hero, multi-instrumentalist & all-world producer, keeper of the legendary Hyde Street Studio in SF, a streaming-era pioneer, & erstwhile music culture/industry philosopher: episode 095 welcomes OTIS McDONALD!    Episode 095 checks back with Derrick "Smoker" Freeman of SOUL Brass Band [Episode 008 circa 2018!] to discuss their imminent NorCal run at the end of January. We also reflect on the success of The Shadow People Podcast, his entertaining/education program co-hosted with (friend of the pod) Nigel Hall.   The NorCal vibes continue: a short, sweet chat with singer/songwriter & guitar troubadour PIET DALMOLEN way up in Humboldt County. His debut solo LP 'Time Stands Still' was profiled among Upful LIFE's annual favorite records in 2025's feature.   ViBE Junkie Jam  Otis McDonald "I Can't Stand [we can't stop]"   OTIS McDONALD  website, YouTube, IG, Bandcamp SOUL Brass Band - IG The Shadow People Podcast PIET DALMOLEN - Bandcamp, IG Upful LIFE 2025: Favorite Records & More!  9th annual comprehensive compendium w/ reviews, playlists, purchase links Spotify book - Mood Music by Liz Pelly     CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS BISS LIST   AARON SCHWARTZ ART LAZYMOON DESIGN for promo/poster art needs Send B.G. a coupla' dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

    3h 15m
  4. 10/30/2025

    094: D'ANGELO in Memoriam ft. ERIC KRASNO, JAY SMOOTH, URSULA RUCKER, DAN CHARNAS, NIKKI GLASPIE, VIVECA HAWKINS, OTIS MCDONALD, DJ WILLIAMS, DERRICK FREEMAN, JONNY G, SARI JORDAN & MORE!

    In the tailwind of D'Angelo's October 14th passing after a private battle with pancreatic cancer, your humble narrator was shell-shocked in a melancholic malaise. Over a week of confounding parasocial grief eventually gave way to a torrent of inspired creativity & righteous purpose. I found catharsis in embarking on a couple of legacy projects in tribute to the dearly departed.   This very lengthy, meticulously-crafted, deeply-intentional memorial episode welcomes a diverse smattering of vibrant voices across geography & generation. Musicians/artists, journalists, poets, archivists, superfans navigating the seismic loss, mining inspiration & mourning this monumental spirit in our own loving words & ways.   with very special guests: 16:30 - jay smooth 53:30 - dan charnas 1:01:25 - ursula rucker  1:29:55 - nikki glaspie 1:47:50 - eric krasno 2:28:00 - funk it blog shoutout  2:31:35 - d.j. williams  2:37:05 - otis mcdonald  2:43:50 - mista vee 2:52:40 - viveca hawkins 3 2:59:10 - fede pecoraro [ECHT!] 3:04:30 - jonny g [lespecial] 3:08:10 - adam spangler  3:17:00 - bombastic  3:23:25 - sari jordan  3:32:35 - derrick 'smoker' freeman 3:39:40 - jon hammer An afghan of reverential storytelling. FOUR heart-filling hours brimming with memories, love letters, & gratitude reflections from a blessed & benevolent collection of souls who've touched my life across the years & miles. We all share a profound reverence for the man born Michael Eugene Archer. Large UP each crucial contributor for their sacred offerings to this show. This passion purge in podcast form is my deepest bow. Give Thanks 4 D'Angelo. May the four winds blow you safely home. We'll be loving you always. -bg   D'Angelo In Memoriam: Thank You For Talking To Me Michael. B.Getz via Live For Live Music:   ViBE Junkie Jamz "Lady" - Chris Rock Show 1997   D' Angelo w/ Raphael Saadiq, Questlove, Spanky, Ali Shaheed Muhammed      "Cosmic Slop" [Funkadelic] D'Angelo & Questlove are Brothers in Arms 3/4/13 Brooklyn Bowl NYC     D'Angelo "Africa" [Demo] date unknown     Confessions of a Curly Mind - D'Angelo [6hr rarities mix]   Jesus Saves by Robert Christgau - Village Voice 3/28/00   B.Getz D'Angelo Voodoo Tour Feature on JamBase [2020]   MY REDEEMER - Voodoo Anniversary Deep Dive [B.Getz, 2020]       CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR - AARON SCHWARTZ ART! LAZYMOON DESIGN for promo/poster art needs! Send B.G. a few dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

    4h 2m
  5. 10/04/2025

    093: POLYRHYTHMICS vol.2 [Ben Bloom - gtr, Grant Schroff aka Champagne Bubblebath - drums]

    Episode 093 welcomes back POLYRHYTHMICS, the fantastically-funky septet primarily based in Seattle, but these days steadily spreading their net further and wider than ever before. BEN BLOOM (along w/ bassist Jason Gray) appeared on Ep.059 in 2022, now the guitarist/co-founder returns to chop it up once again, this time with drummer/co-founder GRANT SCHROFF (aka Champagne Bubblebath) also in the mix. 0:00 - ep.093 preview 03:25 - Sponsor- AARON SCHWARTZ ART 06:55 - Sponsor - LAZYMOON DESIGN 08:50- The Upful Update & B.G's BIG NEWS! 19:45 - introducing Ben and Grant from POLYRHYTHMICS 24:00 - INTERVIEW - Polyrhythmics [71 min] 1:34:45 - afterglow & ViBE Junkie Jamz Late 2025 brings busy, fertile, exciting times for the erstwhile groove merchants as they mark 15 years in the game, and we celebrate the release of their fiery new LP 'Life From Below'. They're hitting the road just as the pod goes to press, the boys ready to bless up some long dormant markets in the Northeast, Southeast, and beyond. We get the scoop on the blazin' new joints, before delving into some personal developents like how Bloom recently relocated back East with his family. The guys discuss the new geographical band dynamics, and how it affects the hang, writing, rehearsal, travel, and overall Polyrhythmics' modus operandi. We go inside the lab and look into studio sessions for the latest record, hear some philosophies on improvising, unpack band interpersonal communications, reflections on collaborating with vocalist Adryon de Leon, the forthcoming Champagne Bubblebath mixtape with Gray and searing Seattle axeslinger Jimmy James, plus a whole lot more!  -bg Bio: Seattle-based Polyrhythmics are celebrating 15 years of sonic exploration with the release of their highly anticipated new album, Life from Below. Since forming in 2010, this seven-piece powerhouse has redefined instrumental music with a sound that blends funk, soul, psychedelic rock, R&B, and Afrobeat into a kaleidoscope of rhythm and groove. Known for their dynamic live performances and innovative compositions, the band has earned a reputation as one of the most captivating acts on the contemporary music scene. This year’s Life from Below marks an exciting new chapter for Polyrhythmics, delivering a fresh collection of grooves infused with the bold creativity and signature tight-knit musicianship that fans have come to expect. As they celebrate their 15th anniversary, the band reflects on a decade-and-a-half of musical evolution, countless miles on the road, and a loyal community of listeners that continues to grow. Polyrhythmics website, BandCamp, Instagram ViBE Junkie Jamz "Mayo Con Yayo" - Polyrhythmics "Humpin' Around" -- The Nth Power GAP Band Tribute ft. Eric Gales and Nicholas Payton [9/21/25 Tipitina's in New Orleans for DJ Soul Sister's 50th] "New Life" - Blind Melon - demo 1995   CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR - AARON SCHWARTZ ART! LAZYMOON DESIGN for promo/poster art needs! Send B.G. a few dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

    1h 57m
  6. 09/12/2025

    092: MORiLLO [global-bass producer/DJ] + AIN'T SISTERS [Alt-Folk/Rock]

    Episode 092 is all about the underground, from sea to mighty sea; welcome MORiLLO and AIN'T SISTERS! Among my preferred dancefloor generals on the decks across the past decade, it’s high time to tap in with The Dub Cartographer, global bass sorcerer MORiLLO down in L.A. Gov’t name Zach Morillo, the Groundation drummer pulls double-duty as a dynamite producer-dj and modern-day dub maestro. My man was kind enough to share some stoke, perspective, co-conspirators, and crucial creative processes surrounding his intoxicating latest full-length release, and this exciting new collaborative chapter in an ever-evolving electronic dance music career.  Listen to MORiLLO - The Dub Cartographer Get the 411 on Atlanta-based, SOSMP faves AIN’T SISTERS. Frontpersons Barb Carbon and Arrie Bozeman join the pod from the deep Southeast, an insightful, humorous, nostalgic chat to discuss their unique connection, band origin/journey, their music & message, and the incomparable energy native to the Spirit of Suwannee. Across the past few years, it's been recommended I check out this white-hot band of badasses in ATL, by way of numerous folks in the know. As such, it was hella cool to finally hear their colorful story, karmic chemistry, and punky alt-folk rock musical adventuring; reflections and recollections heard straight from the Ain’t Sisters’ mouths.  0:00 - ep.092 preview 3:00 - SPONSOR - Aaron Schwartz Art 6:20 - The Upful Update 10:10 - introducing MORiLLO 13:20 - INTERVIEW w/ MORiLLO [40min] 53:40 - introducing AIN'T SISTERS 56:30 - INTERVIEW w/ Barb and Arrie [46min] 1:42:30 - Afterglow x ViBE Junkie Jamz MORiLLO bio- With a desire to expand his opportunities across the music world, Zach moved to Los Angeles in 2012. He quickly found work as a touring drummer for internationally acclaimed artists RHYE, Childish Gambino, and Groundation and has traveled the world performing at the biggest and best festivals and venues like Coachella, Red Rocks, and The Hollywood Bowl. In addition, he has been creating and developing his own unique sound and identity through music production and djing. As ‘MORiLLO’, Zach has released a multitude of projects on established labels such as Gravitas Recordings, Muti Music, High Vibe Records, Tribal Trap, Hybrid Trap, Simplify, and Play Me Records. As he continues to build his project, Zach’s music has been celebrated by music lovers and DJ's on stages and at festivals around the world. MORiLLO released his latest LP The Dub Cartographer in summer 2025. MORiLLO on Bandcamp MORiLLO on IG Ain’t Sisters bio - Fun, eclectic folk rock. Fronted by the deliciously androgynous duo Arrie Bozeman and Barb Carbon, the Aints deliver high-energy performances of their wildly diverse original music. Joined by the hardest working men in rock n Roll, Richie Jones on the Boom Chick thwackita whackita, and Justin Boudreau, aka BooDreamy, masterfully holding down the rhythm section and making everybody swoon with their gorgeous licks. Think Indigo Girls meets Dream Theater but with a little Birdcloud in the mix. AIN'T SISTERS YouTube AIN'T SISTERS IG   ViBE Junkie Jamz MORiLLO x Peace Sine "Tribal Dub" Ain't Sisters 11/11/22 Tree House   CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR - AARON SCHWARTZ ART! VENMO Bee a few dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

    1h 52m
  7. 07/31/2025

    091: BLAIR JACKSON [Jerry Garcia Biographer/Grateful Dead Historian]

    It's not every day a decorated Grateful Dead historian/Jerry Garcia biographer slides thru the crib for a nearly 3-hour interview spread across 2 separate sessions. Such was the case over a few days in July when BLAIR JACKSON visited with your humble narrator right here in the ViBE Junkie Studios in Oakland, Ca! Author of 1999's extraordinary, bar-setting bio GARCIA: An American Life; publisher of pioneering GD fan-zine The Golden Road; journalist with BAM Magazine; author of The Music Never Stopped; co-author of This Is All A Dream We Dreamed (with David Gans), blogger at Dead.net; among many other endeavors. This here OG is nothing short of a pillar in chronicling all things GD culture, a deeply-researched and articulate authority on that lovable fat man and how the music played the band. All that said, this episode is bound to cover just a little more ground! 0:00 - episode 091 preview 3:00- Sponsor: AARON SCHWARTZ ART 6:30 - The Upful Update 11:30 - introducing BLAIR JACKSON 18:20 - INTERVIEW - Blair Jackson [133 min] 2:31:15 - Afterglow x ViBE Junkie JAMZ Eternal thanks to the grate Blair Jackson for his precious time, energy, integrity, thoughtful recollections & personal reflections.   ViBE JUNKIE JAMZ “Welcome to the Basement” - RECONSTRUCTION 3/7/79 Rancho Nicasio, CA “Crazy Fingers” - GRATEFUL DEAD 8/15/75 - Great American Music Hall, SF   B.Getz profile of RECONSTRUCTION from 2020   CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR - AARON SCHWARTZ ART! VENMO B.Getz a few dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

    2h 57m
  8. 07/23/2025

    090: SHAWN SETARO [COMPLEX] - Unpacking the DIDDY Trial

    Episode 090 taps in with renowned hip-hop culture journalist SHAWN SETARO who recently spent 2 WILD Manhattan months courtside at the Sean "DIDDY" Combs trial reporting daily for COMPLEX. Definitely some different topical topography juxtaposed to the norm for this program. Please rest assured, this is a serious conversation; an insightful, illuminating, sobering look into the lengthy legal proceedings & celebrity circus surrounding this salacious sordid saga, and a sad, scary, depraved drug-addled cuck at the center of the chaos he created. 0:00 - episode 090 preview 3:15- Sponsor: AARON SCHWARTZ ART- LETT US PLAY 6:30 - The Upful Update 11:00 - introducing SHAWN SETARO 15:15 - Trigger Warning - SA/DV 16:45 - INTERVIEW - Shawn Talks DIDDY Trial [85 min] 1:42:15 - Afterglow x ViBE Junkie JAMZ Sean "Diddy" Combs fka "Puff Daddy" - founder of Bad Boy Records, Sean John clothing, and resident pop-culture megalomaniac - was involved in a high-profile federal criminal case where he faced charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. His former partner Cassie Ventura, once an artist on his label, was the star witness for the prosecution. After a seven-week trial, a jury found him guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted him of the sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges.    BIO: Currently a freelance journalist after many years on staff with Complex, Shawn Setaro has written for The Atlantic, Vibe, GQ, and Forbes, and is the writer and reporter on the Spotify/Complex podcasts 'Infamous' and 'Complex Subject.' Prior to Complex, Setaro worked for Genius.com and hosted The Cipher, a podcast featuring interviews with 250 legendary figures in hip-hop. Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and The Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods was his first book. Shawn first appeared on The Upful LIFE Podcast episode 052, in Dec. 2021.   Shawn Setaro - author page COMPLEX German article Shawn references/gets quoted THE CIPHER SHOW pod archives! Complex Subject: Pop Smoke [Shawn Setaro hosted pod series] Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and The Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods by Shawn Setaro [Complex Presents] Shawn Setaro on Grammy.com Shawn Setaro IG   Vibe Junkie JAMZ "24 Hrs. to Live" Mase ft. The Lox, Black Rob & DMX “The Last Huzzah (Remix)”  Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire ft. Despot, Das Racist, Danny Brown, EL-P    VENMO B.Getz a few dollas 4 makin U holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

    1h 57m
5
out of 5
122 Ratings

About

High-brow conversations with movers n’ shakers in the music industry, and beyond. Exploring diverse realms of sound art and festival culture, with a decided focus on inspiration and human resilience. Hosted by music journalist B.Getz

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