Punkast

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 transcriptTheme 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:SpotifyInstagram: punkastuclaStay tapped in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 SlutResident 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 transcriptTheme 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:SpotifyInstagram: punkastuclaStay tapped in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.  Links𝚇𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚎 & 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: punkastuclaEmail: 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.

PUNKAST BACK TO SCHOOL MINISERIES SPECIAL!“Alternative in the I.E. 2000s and more in the Inland Empire” (part 1 of 3)If you couldn't already tell by the title for Part 1, we, here at the Punkast, have a REALLY special summer mini-series for you! Your regular host, Jessica Schwartz, is handing the mic over to Kristy Martinez, a PhD Candidate in Musicology at UCLA and the OG TA for UCLA's "Punk" online course, who does amazing, compelling work (see 'host bio' below), and is bringing exciting guests into the Punkast mix for your 'back to school' listening and learning. Anyways...Here's Kristy's introduction to this episode: Jase Felder grew up in Moreno Valley and Riverside. As a BIPOC and gay man, Jase was heavily involved in the punk, indie, and dancey electro scenes in the Inland Empire. We discuss living in the I.E., punk at the Showcase theater, 2000s dance “scene” clubs, the rise of social media, as well as influential artists and soundtracks. And, amidst all that, Kristy and Jase provide the punk+ talk & tunes to supercharge your 'back to school' punk podcast playlist. Bands/Artists mentioned: The Bravery, AFI, Lady Gaga, Interpol, The Bled, Taking Back Sunday, Shiny Toy Guns, Dashboard Confessional, The Voids, Bloc Party, RihannaGuest Bio. Jase Felder was born an Inland Empire It Girl turned regular New Yorker. I look back on growing up in San Bernardino/Moreno Valley and think, it was pretty badass. However, you kind of have to leave it to really love it. The food, the music, the house parties, the mixed-culture, …Bakers—it all hits. I graduated in ’05 from Canyon Springs High School, did some time at RCC, which, by the way, is still one of the most beautiful college campuses I’ve seen (at least during my stint), and did what most of us from the area eventually do and moved. My choice: New York City. Since 2011, I’ve been in Brooklyn, living with my super chill Bull Terrier. I earned my Master’s in Public Health Policy and now work as an Infectious Disease Researcher at NYU’s Bellevue Hospital. It’s a long way from being carried out of Club VIP for doing the absolute most.Host Bio.Kristen Martinez (she/her/they) is a UCLA PhD Candidate in Musicology as well as a vocalist, mother, and archivist. Growing up in El Monte, her work examines subcultural movements in the San Gabriel Valley as well as ephemera, nostalgia, placemaking, musical analysis, and identity with a focus on punk, post-punk, and emo. She has created a D.I.Y. digital punk archive to document the various global Indigenous music movements called the "Indigenous Punx Archive" on Instagram. IG: Indigenouspunxarchive  LinksIG: Indigenouspunxarchive remembering ezzat soliman | Jerk of All TradesVIP-Nightclub.com-We’d love to hear from you and are soliciting episode ideas and guests. IG: punkastuclaEmail: punkastucla@gmail.com The Punkast theme music is excerpted from “Bitchathon” by Lady Bits. All rights reserved. This episode was recorded on July 2, 2025 on Zoom. Kristy Martinez hosted and co-produced this episode with Jessica Schwartz. Martinez and Schwartz edited the audio-synced transcript, available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“For me punk rock is really the song.” For some, punk means destruction and revolt; for others, it means DIY and community. In this episode, Jessica Schwartz and Tequila Mockingbird are joined by HUDLEY FLIPSIDE to explore her perspective on punk garnered from her formative Flipside zine-and-scene building experiences in the early LA scene.Guest Bio. Hudley Flipside 'HUD' is a versatile artist, filmmaker, writer, and publisher with a diverse background in punk culture and journalism. She is known for her involvement in various creative endeavors, including blogging, documentary filmmaking, and co-owning the punk rock fanzine Los Angeles Flipside Fanzine.LinksHudley Flipside: books, biography, latest updateThe Seminary of Praying Mantis Publishing (Hudley Flipside’s Portfolio) Los Angeles Flipside Fanzine Narrative Documentary Film. “Epeisodion One, Two and Three-We’d love to hear from you and are soliciting episode ideas and guests. Instagram: punkastuclaEmail: punkastucla@gmail.com The Punkast theme music is excerpted from “Bitchathon” by Lady Bits. All rights reserved. Season 2, Episode 20 was recorded on August 1, 2024, on Zoom with participants in the US. Jessica Schwartz and Tequila Mockingbird co-hosted and co-produced this episode. Bella Gerard edited the audio and transcript, which is available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"In 1967, Robby Krieger, the guitarist for L.A. band the Doors, wrote the hit single “Light My Fire” in the living room of his parents’ Pacific Palisades home. This week, nearly six decades later, the lyrics took on a disturbing resonance as the structure where the music originated burned to the ground." (Amy Kaufman, LA Times, 1/11/2025)Recent LA Times headlines:"The Doors’ hit ‘Light My Fire’ was written in Pacific Palisades home that burned"1/11/2025"Former Morrison Hotel, made famous by a Doors album, destroyed by fire in downtown L.A." 12/27/2024Devastating fires have destroyed lives, communities, and historical sites of memory in Los Angeles. I decided to hold off on posting the first release of the year to share this episode of my conversation with Robby Krieger and Tequila Mockingbird, given two fires - the massive Palisades fire and one that began in downtown LA a couple of weeks prior -greatly impacted two of these sites of memory of one of LA's most influential rock bands, the Doors, now considered a proto-punk band to many. I repost this episode from a few years back as an homage to these places, now destroyed, and the memories--and many others--that will carry on with the people, the music, and the communities that hold them dear and will help them persevere. With love (to/from) LA - the Punkast Team. --Original description: Increasingly, people recognize the LA band, the Doors, for their wide-ranging influence on punk, notably inspiring Iggy Pop, Patty Smith, X, Joy Division, Siouxsie, and the Banshees. In this episode, we speak with the Doors’ venerable guitarist and song-writer, Robby Krieger, to learn about his musical journey, contemplate how the Doors shaped punk, and share some of his more recent work, including collaborations with the seminal LA punk bands X and the Mau Mau’s. Inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and named one of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone, Krieger wrote or co-wrote some of the Doors’ most famous songs, including “Light My Fire” and “Love Me Two Times.”  Guest commentator David Schwartz offers personal reflections and political context to situate the intergenerational impact of the band.  Songs Excerpted:(0:51-1:16) The Doors. “The End.” The Doors, Elektra Records, 1967.(0:04-0:26) Chuck Berry. “Johnny B. Goode.” Johnny B. Goode, Chess, 1958.(0:26-0:58) The Doors. “Break On Through (To the Other Side).” The Doors, Elektra Records, 1967.(0:02-0:35) The Doors. “Seminary School.” The Soft Parade, Elektra Records, 1969.(0:24-0:43) The Doors. “Light My Fire.” The Doors, Elektra Records, 1967.(0:00-0:18) The Doors. “People Are Strange.” Strange Days, Elektra Records, 1967.(0:19-1:23) The Doors. “Horse Latitudes.” Strange Days, Elektra Records, 1967.This episode was co-produced and co-hosted by Jessica Schwartz and Tequila Mockingbird, with audio editing and cover art by Cheska Zaide. Bella Gerard edited the audio-synced transcript, which is available HERE.AUDIO REPOSTED from OCT. 2021. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This “Behind the Scenes” episode is the final episode in the PUNKAST/Adobe Punk: the concert Mini-Session Interview series. It features Jessica Schwartz in conversation with Theresa Chavez, Gabriel Garza, Dorothy Hoover, and Sage Lewis, who discuss their inspirations and contributions to Adobe Punk’s creation and production. Theresa Chavez highlights About Productions' collaborative approach, which has been building projects from the ground up for decades. Gabriel Garza emphasizes the intergenerational and historical aspects of Adobe Punk, while Dorothy Hoover and Sage Lewis elaborate on the set design and soundscapes, respectively. The conversation touches on future plans for the production and educational outreach efforts, aiming to deepen the connection between youth and historical and cultural contexts through the medium of punk theater.For more information: https://www.aboutpd.org/adobe-punkDorothy Hooverhttps://www.dorothyhoover.com/IG: _dorothyhooverGabriel Garzahttps://gaberealgarza.com/IG: gaberealgarzaSage Lewishttps://sagelewismusic.com/IG: sagelewisSong Samples: “Sound Collage” constructed by Sage Lewis for Adobe Punk, 2022.“Camera Shy,” Theresa Chavez and Nina Diaz, 2022.Interview Transcript: https://sonix.ai/share/SahkVXNiMPtBJRz1v67ZY1W2This episode was recorded over Zoom on May 23, 2004. Bella Gerard edited the audio and transcript. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Teresa Covarrubias was born and raised in the Boyle Heights section of East Los Angeles and became the lead singer for The Brat, a Chicano punk rock ensemble (lead guitarist Rudy Medina, and alternate lead and rhythm guitarist Sidney Medina) originating from the barrios of East Los Angeles, California. From their conception in late 1978, to their eventual break-up in1985, The Brat contributed to the customization and intermeshing of multiple musical and cultural models that culminated in the distinct East Los Angeles, Chicano punk sound. They are best known for their five song EP Attitudes, released in 1980 (Fatima Records), while contributing to the understanding of the many ways culture transforms and challenges dominant hegemonic ideologies. Musicians such as Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Benny Goodman and David Bowie had a heavy influence on Covarrubias and inspired her to seek alternative forms of music that deviated from the mainstream. This drive to seek alternative forms of media was only heightened when her sister shared D.I.Y. punk fanzines sourced in Germany.Links:http://www.thebrat.net/Song Samples:(0:00-0:23) The Brat, “Attitudes,” Straight Outta East L.A., RockBeat Records, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJqwgDmsDuI&list=OLAK5uy_kWbiEOUxWrfD7otT51pciNFBjWOo19x9o&index=12 (0:23-0:43) The Jam, “Going Underground,” Compact SNAP!, Polydor, 1983. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzkpgf2oXwo (0:00-0:24) The Dickies, “Walk Like An Egg,” The Incredible Shrinking Dickies, A&M Records, 1979. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4QxUjZeUvM (0:00-0:50) The Brat, “The Wolf,” Straight Outta East L.A., RockBeat Records, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye6XfmltEjE&list=OLAK5uy_kWbiEOUxWrfD7otT51pciNFBjWOo19x9o&index=7 (0:21-0:54) Los Lobos, “La Pistola Y El Corazón,” La Pistola Y El Corazón, Slash Records, 1988. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGn89hK1U9E (0:15-0:50) The Brat, “Misogyny,” Straight Outta East L.A., RockBeat Records, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrY3yQrJJJI&list=OLAK5uy_kWbiEOUxWrfD7otT51pciNFBjWOo19x9o&index=10 Interview Transcript: https://sonix.ai/share/Rqjcqmt2j29k5KZNK9aS496PThis episode was recorded on March 23, 2024, in front of a live audience at the Lineage Performing Arts Center in Pasadena. Bella Gerard edited the audio and interview transcript. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Watt is an American bassist, vocalist and songwriter. He co-founded and played bass guitar for the rock bands Minutemen, Dos, and Firehose. He began a solo career with the 1994 album Ball-Hog or Tugboat?, and has since released three additional solo albums. He is also the frontman for the supergroup Big Walnuts Yonder, a member of the art rock group Banyan and is involved with several other musical projects. From 2003 until 2013, he was the bass guitarist for The Stooges. In November 2008, Watt received the Bass Player Magazine lifetime achievement award, presented by Flea. The Red Hot Chili Peppers dedicated their best-selling album, 1991's Blood Sugar Sex Magik, to Watt. Watt continues to create and perform a wide array of projects. He wrapped up a 58-date North American tour with mssv (main steam stop valve) in the fall of 2023, and more of his musical collaborations will be released in 2024. Visit mikewatt.com for more information.Links:‘mike watt’s hoot page’: http://hootpage.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wattfrompedromusic/IG: wattfrompedroSong Samples:(0:04-0:46) Mike Watt + the Missingmen, “Spillage,” Missing the Minutemen, !Angrr!, 2014. https://archive.org/details/missing-the-minutemen/Mike+Watt+%26+The+Missingmen+-+Side+B+-+Missing+the+Minutemen.wav (0:00-0:37) Minutemen, “Jesus And Tequila,” Double Nickels on the Dime, SST Records, 1984. https://archive.org/details/Minutemen1987/Minutemen+-+39+-+Jesus+And+Tequila.wav (0:00-0:33) Mike Watt, “Tell ‘Em, Boy!,” Ball-Hog Or Tugboat?, Columbia Records, 1995. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReX5bkDxOWo&list=OLAK5uy_lV1Hh-Ue67bhtiEnGFBNIruG6YgHQ5uAA&index=13 (0:00-0:41) Minutemen, “Viet Nam,” Double Nickels on the Dime, SST Records, 1984. https://archive.org/details/Minutemen1987/Minutemen+-+04+-+Viet+Nam.wavInterview transcript: https://sonix.ai/share/tC8Bfuvef4zFH8Zis46ZhT1KThis episode was recorded on March 17, 2024, in front of a live audience at the Frida Kahlo Theater in Los Angeles. Bella Gerard edited the audio and interview transcript. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nina Diaz (co-songwriter and musician/performer) made her theatrical debut in 2019 as part of The Neighborhood Band in About...Productions’ Evangeline, the Queen of Make Believe. Now off-stage, Nina has co-written with Theresa Chavez the punk songs for About...Productions’ 2022 premiere of Adobe Punk. Nina Diaz's musical career began at the age of 13, as main writer and front woman for San Antonio all-female punk band Girl in a Coma. By the time she turned 17 the band was signed to Joan Jett's Blackheart Records where they released four albums. The band toured widely sharing the stage with Morrissey, Tegan and Sara, and The Smashing Pumpkins to name a few. Nina Diaz' vocals and songwriting style compare to artists like Bjork, Jeff Buckley, PJ Harvey, Garbage, The Smiths, Patsy Cline, Patti Smith, Hole, Stone Temple Pilots, The Breeders, Alanis Morrisette, Nirvana or Gwen Stefani. Recently, her vocals were featured on the Spanish-language reissue of Elvis Costello and The Attractions’ This Year’s Model titled Spanish Model. Nina kicked off the album with her version of “No Action.” Now a full-time solo artist/producer/engineer, Nina released her sophomore solo album in 2022, I Could Be You, You Could Be Me, under the label BeatGirlProductions. Visit ninadiazsolo.com for more information.Links:https://ninadiazsolo.com/https://www.facebook.com/ninadiazsolo/https://www.instagram.com/ninadiazsolo/?hl=enhttps://ninadiazsolo11.bandcamp.com/Song samples:(0:00-0:45) Girl In A Coma, “Smart, Exits & All The Rest, Blackheart Records, 2011. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIL6P2_B3gA (0:12-0:33) Nina Diaz, “Diddly Squat Teaser,” 2022.(0:44-1:00) The Bags, “Survive,” Survive EP, Dangerhouse, 1978. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivDsKQtou_w (0:32-1:00) X, “In This House That I Call Home,” Wild Gift, Slash Records, 1981. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFlGMARnaTQ (0:07-0:46) Nina Diaz, “Personality Confession,” I Could Be You, You Could Be Me, self-published, 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzHrTCMRNWQInterview Transcript: https://sonix.ai/share/VXvadvTVygfFqYDNuDkHxM9CThis episode was recorded on March 15, 2024, in front of a live audience at the Frida Kahlo Theater in Los Angeles. Bella Gerard edited the audio and interview transcript.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I owned a record store and all of a sudden I had a record. You know, why is RF7 anything? The only limit is what you put on yourself." Join Jessica Schwartz and Tequila Mockingbird as they speak with FELIX ALANIS  - singer-songwriter of RF7 and founder of Smoke 7 Records - about paving a DIY punk path in the early LA scene and reflecting on its historical importance as well as unpacking his music from the early years to now! Bio:In 1979, Felix Alanis co-founded the punk rock group RF7. A year later he started the record label Smoke 7 records as a vehicle to gain visibility for RF7. In 1981 the label released the compilation Public Service which included songs by Bad Religion, Red Cross, Circle One and RF7. The compilation received international recognition and helped establish the label on the punk music stage. Felix and RF7 have continued releasing albums to this day and with the original line up until 2017.  Links:IG: https://www.instagram.com/rf7_felixalanis/FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Felix-Alanis/61556547583235/?ref=xav_ig_profile_webYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RF7_FelixAlanisAudio Samples:‘Nuclear Device (The Wizard of Aus)’ - The Stranglers‘Live Fast Die Young’ - The Circle Jerks‘Jesus Loves You’ - RF7‘Song For Tequila’ - RF7‘Viet Vets’ - RF7‘Day At The Crisis’ - RF7Recorded on June 1, 2023, this episode was part of the UCLA course “Punk: Music, History, Sub/culture,” open to a live student audience. It was hosted and produced by Jessica Schwartz and features co-host and guest producer Tequila Mockingbird. Bella Gerard edited the audio and transcript. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lots of new PUNKAST content is coming soon! In the meantime...It’s here… the Punk Scholars Podcast! Co-hosts and producers, Jessica Schwartz (UCLA) and Paul Hollins (Bolton), set out to explore the seemingly paradoxical role of punk (and punks) in the academy and break with oft-generalized dismissals by highlighting the pivotal contributions and necessary interventions made by punk scholarship.And, who better to kick off the first episode than Punk Scholars Network (PSN) founding members Mike Dines (Chair and Co-founder of the PSN) and Russ Bestley (Designer and Writer). Our two illustrious guests have been at the forefront of the formation and development of the PSN, and we get in deep about issues of institutional legitimacy and the absolute necessity of punk scholars’ (networked) camaraderie. Both informative and poignant, this inaugural episode of the Punk Scholars Podcast (PSP) sets the stage for what promises to be an educational, engaging, and dare we say entertaining first season! About Our GuestsDr. Russ Bestley is Reader in Graphic Design & Subcultures at London College of Communication. His areas of interest include graphic design, popular culture, subcultures, comedy and humour. He is Lead Editor of the academic journal Punk & Post-Punk, now in its thirteenth year, Series Editor and Art Director for the Global Punk book series published by Intellect Books and a founding member of the Punk Scholars Network. In 2013, he established the Graphic Subcultures research hub at the London College of Communication, before going on to form the UAL Subcultures Interest Group in 2022. Mike Dines is Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader of BA (Hons) Music at Middlesex University. He is Chair and co-founder of the Punk Scholars Network and Series Editor for the Global Punk Series with Intellect Books. He has written extensively on punk (specifically spirituality and Krishnacore), subcultures and New Age Travellers, with recent volumes including the co-edited Exploring the Spiritual in Popular Music: Beatified Beats (Bloomsbury, 2021) and Punk Identities, Punk Utopias: Global Punk and Media (Intellect 2021). He is Lead Editor of the ground-breaking The Intellect Handbook of Popular Music Methodologies due for publication in 2025. He is an avid supporter of Portsmouth Football Club.For More Information Russ: www.hitsvilleuk.comMike: http://itchymonkeypress.com/Both:https://www.intellectbooks.com/global-punk-serieshttps://www.intellectbooks.com/punk-post-punk–We’d love to hear from you and are soliciting episode ideas: Contact us at: punkscholarspodcast@gmail.comThe PSP theme music is excerpted from “Crows” by Watch You Drown. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 1 was recorded on May 22, 2024 on Zoom with participants in the UK and the US. Paul Hollins and Jessica Schwartz co-hosted and co-produced this episode. Jessica Schwartz edited the audio and transcript.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Jessica Schwartz in conversation with Gary Leonard, acclaimed photographer of LA punk history and LA history more broadly as they discuss everything from being there to capture the nascent scene....and becoming part of LA punk history in the process...to having your work front and center in the Las Vegas Punk Rock Museum (among other notable locales and media). Artist Bio: Gary Leonard has spent the better part of the last 63 years photographing Los Angeles. His work has been featured in countless books, magazines, newspapers, and exhibitions. Published books of his photography include Make the Music Go Bang; Symphony in Steel: Walt Disney Concert Hall Goes Up; and Take My Picture Gary Leonard.Song clips and audio samples ‘Midnight’ - Venus and the Razorblades‘Red Eye #9’ - The Plugz‘Obviously Five Believers’ - Top Jimmy and the Rhythm PigsWebsites and Social Media Gary Leonard's website: https://takemypicture.com/IG: tmpgaryleonardThis episode was produced and hosted by Jessica Schwartz. Bella Gerard edited the audio and transcript*.  Questions were furnished by a live audience of UCLA undergraduates in the Spring 2023 MUSCLG 13 course. *Time-synced audio-transcript is available on the Punkast website episode page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.