Common Thread

This two part episode features a conversation with Tuna Tardugno. Tuna is a wrestler, a vinyl pricer at an independent record store, and the vocalist in the hardcore punk band Sweat.The trio discuss Tuna's journey from Syracuse, NY to Los Angeles, and her work at Amoeba Records, which is the largest independent record store in the world. We also discuss her band Sweat and their new record and their recent southwest tour.In part two we talk extensively about her experience as a wrestler, training at Knokx Pro Academy with wrestling legend Rikishi, her work as an analog/vinyl DJ, and the evolution of punk/hardcore culture, and the influence people like Ryan Hex and Barb from I Object had on her life. The episode covers themes of community, mentorship, aging in punk, and maintaining integrity while navigating the challenges that arise during creative pursuits. Mentioned in this episode:Joe Bean RoastersVisit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription!Lunchador Podcast NetworkCheck out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.orgGetting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own BusinessCheck out Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/gettingrealwithbossy/

Rory Van Grol and Greg Benoit are back after a brief hiatus! This episode of Common Thread features an in-depth conversation with Greg Bennick, the vocalist of the legendary Seattle hardcore band @trialseattle. Greg Bennick is also an accomplished speaker, author, and filmmaker.The interview kicks off with a conversation about Bennick’s book, “Reclaim the Moment - Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now,” which is a book about how to use authenticity and human connection to facilitate personal growth “Reclaim the Moment “ serves two audiences, people who want to retrain their mind to be more focused on possibilities and mentally present in the moment, and people who want to improve their workplace dynamics and community leadership skills."The conversation shifts to discuss the two Gregs mutual interest in the life and works of Ernest Becker. Becker is an anthropologist who wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “The Denial of Death,” a book that proposes that all individual and collective actions, including the entirety of human civilization, are a defense mechanism against our awareness of our own mortality. The two Gregs discuss how Becker’s ideas have influenced their life choices, and their personal “immortality projects.”Rory and Greg also discuss Bennick’s nonprofit work with @onehundredforhaiti and the @portlandmutualaid, Bennick’s work producing documentary films like “Flight from Death: The Quest for Immortality” and the Bane documentary @holding_these_moments, and a biography on Ernest Becker that he is currently writing.Mentioned in this episode:Lunchador Podcast NetworkCheck out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.orgBehind the GlassPodcast and gallery focusing on underrepresented artists utilize the space to amplify their work. Curated by @Richardbcolon @qua.jay. Check out the podcast or join them in person first Fridays at 240 E Main St, Rochester, NY! https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fmJoe Bean RoastersUse promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.comESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20THTHE ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL, THE MOST ANTICIPATED FESTIVAL IN THE REGION, WILL ONCE AGAIN EXCITE AUDIENCES WITH NEARLY 650 PERFORMANCES SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH . FROM COMEDY, DANCE, AND THEATRE TO JAW-DROPPING SPECTACLES ACROSS THIRTY-NINE VENUES ALL AROUND ROCHESTER. DON’T MISS AMAZING PERFORMANCES IN THE SPIEGELTENT INCLUDING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CIRQUE DU FRINGE: CLAWS OUT, SHOTSPEARE, KIDS FRINGE, AND MORE. AND DIRECT FROM ITALY, SPHERE, A MIND-BLOWING OUTDOOR SPECTACLE FREE AT PARCEL FIVE SEPT. 19TH AND 20TH . ROCHESTERFRINGE.COM.

Rory Van Grol and Greg Benoit are back after a brief hiatus! This episode of Common Thread features an in-depth conversation with Greg Bennick, the vocalist of the legendary Seattle hardcore band @trialseattle. Greg Bennick is also an accomplished speaker, author, and filmmaker.The interview kicks off with a conversation about Bennick’s book, “Reclaim the Moment - Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now,” which is a book about how to use authenticity and human connection to facilitate personal growth “Reclaim the Moment “ serves two audiences, people who want to retrain their mind to be more focused on possibilities and mentally present in the moment, and people who want to improve their workplace dynamics and community leadership skills."The conversation shifts to discuss the two Gregs mutual interest in the life and works of Ernest Becker. Becker is an anthropologist who wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “The Denial of Death,” a book that proposes that all individual and collective actions, including the entirety of human civilization, are a defense mechanism against our awareness of our own mortality. The two Gregs discuss how Becker’s ideas have influenced their life choices, and their personal “immortality projects.”Rory and Greg also discuss Bennick’s nonprofit work with @onehundredforhaiti and the @portlandmutualaid, Bennick’s work producing documentary films like “Flight from Death: The Quest for Immortality” and the Bane documentary @holding_these_moments, and a biography on Ernest Becker that he is currently writing.Mentioned in this episode:ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20THTHE ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL, THE MOST ANTICIPATED FESTIVAL IN THE REGION, WILL ONCE AGAIN EXCITE AUDIENCES WITH NEARLY 650 PERFORMANCES SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH . FROM COMEDY, DANCE, AND THEATRE TO JAW-DROPPING SPECTACLES ACROSS THIRTY-NINE VENUES ALL AROUND ROCHESTER. DON’T MISS AMAZING PERFORMANCES IN THE SPIEGELTENT INCLUDING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CIRQUE DU FRINGE: CLAWS OUT, SHOTSPEARE, KIDS FRINGE, AND MORE. AND DIRECT FROM ITALY, SPHERE, A MIND-BLOWING OUTDOOR SPECTACLE FREE AT PARCEL FIVE SEPT. 19TH AND 20TH . ROCHESTERFRINGE.COM.Joe Bean RoastersUse promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.comLunchador Podcast NetworkCheck out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

Episode 12, part 2 continues our interview with Will Cleveland, who is well known in the Rochester area for his work as a journalist with the Democrat & Chronicle, his role with the Police Accountability Board, and his detailed and prolific writing on the regional beer scene and craft breweries.This episode delves into the significant matter of police accountability and the complexities surrounding civilian oversight of law enforcement. The discussions includes the contentious establishment of the Police Accountability Board in Rochester and the inherent challenges faced when empowering ordinary citizens to hold government accountable. We explore various perspectives on municipal governance, with Greg sharing his argument for the incorporation of citizen boards across all functions of municipal government, thereby enhancing transparency and democratic engagement at the local level.Will rounds out the episode with a conversation about finding hardcore punk later in life, and what appeals to him about the community and music. Will shares some bands that are currently in frequent rotation.Mentioned in this episode:Joe Bean RoastersUse promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.comMind of MagnusCheck out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fmLunchador Podcast NetworkCheck out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

Episode 12, part 1 features an interview with Will Cleveland, who is well known in the Rochester area for his work as a journalist with the Democrat & Chronicle, his role with the Police Accountability Board, and his detailed and prolific writing on the regional beer scene and craft breweries. Will is as affable as he is outspoken. Consequently, this interview is humorous and insightful.The discussion kicks off with a light-hearted examination of drop ceilings, which serves as a metaphorical (and literal) backdrop for exploring deeper themes of nostalgia and memory. As the conversation unfolds, Will recounts his journey into journalism, emphasizing the influence of his father, who instilled in him the value of being well-informed and engaged with the community.Throughout the episode, Will elaborates on his tenure at the Democrat & Chronicle, as well as his high school newspaper and newspapers in Montana and Ithaca. He details the challenges and successes he encountered while covering breaking news stories, including an account of a notorious triple homicide in Rochester, which required him to quickly mobilize and report on a rapidly evolving situation. The episode highlights his transition from journalism to a role within the Police Accountability Board, where he continues to advocate for transparency and reform. This transition underscores the importance of accountability in public institutions and the necessity for journalists to evolve into roles that further their commitment to social justice and community engagement.Check back on October 29th for the conclusion and part 2 of our interview with Will.Mentioned in this episode:Mind of MagnusCheck out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fmESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20THTHE ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL, THE MOST ANTICIPATED FESTIVAL IN THE REGION, WILL ONCE AGAIN EXCITE AUDIENCES WITH NEARLY 650 PERFORMANCES SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH . FROM COMEDY, DANCE, AND THEATRE TO JAW-DROPPING SPECTACLES ACROSS THIRTY-NINE VENUES ALL AROUND ROCHESTER. DON’T MISS AMAZING PERFORMANCES IN THE SPIEGELTENT INCLUDING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CIRQUE DU FRINGE: CLAWS OUT, SHOTSPEARE, KIDS FRINGE, AND MORE. AND DIRECT FROM ITALY, SPHERE, A MIND-BLOWING OUTDOOR SPECTACLE FREE AT PARCEL FIVE SEPT. 19TH AND 20TH . ROCHESTERFRINGE.COM.Dialed In: A Coffee PodcastGet Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm

Rory and Greg conclude their interview with Katy Otto from bands Sun Within, White Picket Fence, and record label Exotic Fever Records.Katy expounds upon her role as director of communications for Juvenile Law Center. The group discusses media literacy in a post-truth society, partake in more banter about punk rock parenting, and discuss the vegan dining options in Rochester, NY.Exotic Fever Records: exoticfever.comWhite Picket Fence: whitepicketfenceband.bandcamp.comSun Within: Sunwithin.bandcamp.comMentioned in this episode:Lunchador Podcast NetworkCheck out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.orgJoe Bean RoastersUse promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.comESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20THTHE ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL, THE MOST ANTICIPATED FESTIVAL IN THE REGION, WILL ONCE AGAIN EXCITE AUDIENCES WITH NEARLY 650 PERFORMANCES SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH . FROM COMEDY, DANCE, AND THEATRE TO JAW-DROPPING SPECTACLES ACROSS THIRTY-NINE VENUES ALL AROUND ROCHESTER. DON’T MISS AMAZING PERFORMANCES IN THE SPIEGELTENT INCLUDING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CIRQUE DU FRINGE: CLAWS OUT, SHOTSPEARE, KIDS FRINGE, AND MORE. AND DIRECT FROM ITALY, SPHERE, A MIND-BLOWING OUTDOOR SPECTACLE FREE AT PARCEL FIVE SEPT. 19TH AND 20TH . ROCHESTERFRINGE.COM.Mind of MagnusCheck out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fm

Rory and Greg interview Katy Otto in part one of this two part episode. Katie lives in Philadelphia, plays drums in Sun Within and White Picket Fence, runs Exotic Fever Records, and works as the director of communications for Juvenile Law Center, the first nonprofit, public interest law firm for children in the country.Karty's vibrant personality and passion for helping her community are immediately apparent as the group discusses their backgrounds in punk rock, parenting, autism/ADHD, the role of journalism in the current political climate, and the challenges nonprofit institutions are currently facing.Check back on October 8th for part two!Exotic Fever Records: exoticfever.comWhite Picket Fence: whitepicketfenceband.bandcamp.comSun Within: Sunwithin.bandcamp.comMentioned in this episode:Lunchador Podcast NetworkCheck out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.orgDialed In: A Coffee PodcastGet Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm Joe Bean RoastersUse promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.comESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20THTHE ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL, THE MOST ANTICIPATED FESTIVAL IN THE REGION, WILL ONCE AGAIN EXCITE AUDIENCES WITH NEARLY 650 PERFORMANCES SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH . FROM COMEDY, DANCE, AND THEATRE TO JAW-DROPPING SPECTACLES ACROSS THIRTY-NINE VENUES ALL AROUND ROCHESTER. DON’T MISS AMAZING PERFORMANCES IN THE SPIEGELTENT INCLUDING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CIRQUE DU FRINGE: CLAWS OUT, SHOTSPEARE, KIDS FRINGE, AND MORE. AND DIRECT FROM ITALY, SPHERE, A MIND-BLOWING OUTDOOR SPECTACLE FREE AT PARCEL FIVE SEPT. 19TH AND 20TH . ROCHESTERFRINGE.COM.

Rory and Greg interview Rich Gaccione from Providence, Rhode Island. Rich played guitar in What Feeds the Fire and Edict. He is also the owner of Providence Vegan Deli.We discuss how the Providence Vegan Deli grow of Rich's seitan business, Born from Pain, which which he started after losing his job during the pandemic. Rich speaks about the challenges he faced during the initial phases, including navigating the complexities of food production regulations and the necessity of establishing connections within local farmer's markets and other vegan related businesses. The conversation highlights the importance of community support in fostering the growth of small businesses, as well as the vital role of mentorship and collaboration within the local vegan and punk networks. This culminates in the eventual opening of the brick-and-mortar deli, a space that not only offers nourishing food but also serves as a hub for community engagement and support.Later in the episode, they discuss the ethos of altruism that permeates the punk and hardcore scenes, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community. The speaker shares heartfelt anecdotes about initiatives taken at the deli to provide free meals to those in need, and to touring bands, reflecting a deep-seated desire to foster inclusivity and compassion. This discussion serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of community, business, and ethical living, illustrating how the values borne from music and punk culture can manifest in meaningful, real-world applications.Mentioned in this episode:Lunchador Podcast NetworkCheck out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.orgDialed In: A Coffee PodcastGet Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm Joe Bean RoastersUse promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.comESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20THTHE ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL, THE MOST ANTICIPATED FESTIVAL IN THE REGION, WILL ONCE AGAIN EXCITE AUDIENCES WITH NEARLY 650 PERFORMANCES SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH . FROM COMEDY, DANCE, AND THEATRE TO JAW-DROPPING SPECTACLES ACROSS THIRTY-NINE VENUES ALL AROUND ROCHESTER. DON’T MISS AMAZING PERFORMANCES IN THE SPIEGELTENT INCLUDING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CIRQUE DU FRINGE: CLAWS OUT, SHOTSPEARE, KIDS FRINGE, AND MORE. AND DIRECT FROM ITALY, SPHERE, A MIND-BLOWING OUTDOOR SPECTACLE FREE AT PARCEL FIVE SEPT. 19TH AND 20TH . ROCHESTERFRINGE.COM.

In part one of a two part episode, Rory and Greg interview Al Brown, from the Los Angeles based band Dangers. In addition to being the vocalist in a hardcore band, Al is a college professor, writer, small business owner, soccer coach, and fitness trainer; a true Renaissance Man who the physical and intellectual aspects of punk rock into a program of person growth.Al discusses his introduction to hardcore punk through bands like as Nirvana and Offspring, the important relationship he shares with his family, and the music and lyrics of Dangers.We spend considerable time talking education, from Al's experience growing up in hometown of punk legends Pennywise and Black Flag, to attending colleges on both coasts, his first job working in education as a one-on-one aid for special needs kids, to his role as a professor, writer, and amateur photographer. Al expounds the relationship between education and punk rock and those things are more similar than they might seem on the surface.Our co-hosts also ask Al about how he grew his small business, Gate 14, from a group of friends and fitness enthusiasts into a viable gym. Rory and Al share their insights as small business owners who manage change and keep their respective business endeavors viable in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.Al is a fascinating individual and this interview is sure to grab your attention. Don't miss it!Mentioned in this episode:Lunchador Podcast NetworkCheck out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.orgMind of MagnusCheck out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fmJoe Bean RoastersUse promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

This two part episode features an interview with the founders and owners of Old Skull Skateboards, Steve Hild and Bob Stolte, and local skate scene personality, Paul Phillips.Rory and Greg discuss with the guests their respective introductions to skateboarding. This episode features a nostalgic look back at the developments and innovations in skateboarding and skate culture from the 1990s onward, with particular attention paid to the skate scene in Rochester and Fairport during 90s.We hear about how Bob and Steve made the transition from their typical 9 to 5 jobs to skate shop owners, the story behind the planning and construction of the Perinton Skate Park and the critical role Old Skull played in helping move the project along and bring it into reality.The group also discusses sharing their love of skateboard with their children and kids in general, and skateboarding's unlikely progression from a taboo activity for social misfits to official Olympic sport that is loved by multiple generations.Paul touches upon his involvement and participation in Mike Vallely's Street Plant skate team, his various interactions with notable skaters, and how learning to make Instagram videos helped him rise to a place of local prominence in Rochester's skate community.This interview was recorded on site at Old Skull Skateboards and features 100% authentic skate shop warehouse sounds in the background!Mentioned in this episode:Mind of MagnusCheck out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fmLunchador Podcast NetworkCheck out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.orgJoe Bean RoastersUse promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com