THE WASTING TIME PODCAST

We headed to Slam Dunk Festival 2026 for a very special episode, and we got to do it properly, covering both festival sites across the weekend. It's a packed one. We had the privilege of chatting with the following artists: Comeback Kid Driveways The Menzingers zebrahead Allister Mike Herrera Hawthorne Heights Bayside A huge thank you to Slam Dunk Festival for having The Wasting Time Podcast along for the ride. This weekend is always one of the highlights of the year for us, and 2026 was no different. Listen now for all of our interviews and our review of the festival. Sponsored by Local Menace Apparell. Head to their store and use the code 'wastetime' for 25% discount. The Wasting Time Podcast is part of The Never A Phase Network.

Matt Richardson joins The Wasting Time Podcast and it's immediately clear this is going to be a good one. The UK comedian, presenter and all-round emo/pop punk obsessive sits down to talk career, craft and chaos. He discusses his stand-up shows as well as his presenting gigs, interviewing movie stars and the likes of blink-182 for Virgin Radio. Matt also looks ahead to Slam Dunk Festival this year and why the lineup has him excited. He gets into his TikTok blowing up, what it's like when the algorithm decides it's your moment, and why the emo kid never really left. Chris and Nick open the episode discussing the newly announced Four Chord Music Festival lineup, as well as new music from Mayday Parade, The Menzingers and podcast favourites, Social Distortion. Sponsored by Local Menace Apparell. Head to their store and use the code 'wastetime' for 25% discount. The Wasting Time Podcast is part of The Never A Phase Network.

Hot on the heels of their latest album Eternal Youth, Kenny Vasoli joins the podcast for a brilliant conversation about life in The Starting Line in 2026. Kenny takes us through the band's history coming up on Drive Thru Records, what it was like working with producer Howard Benson, and how he reacted when Taylor Swift name dropped them in a song. In the intro, Chris and Nick dig into new music from WALWIN and Sleeping With Sirens. And after Militarie Gun's stunning Tiny Desk performance got them talking, they both reflect on their favourite acoustic performances — including an unforgettable night they shared with Unwritten Law. Sponsored by Local Menace Apparell. Head to their store and use the code 'wastetime' for 25% discount. The Wasting Time Podcast is part of The Never A Phase Network.

Dylan Espeseth joins The Wasting Time Podcast to talk about his journey so far — from building a following on TikTok to stepping into the studio with legendary producer Aaron Sprinkle. Dylan shares how social media helped kickstart his career, the realities of navigating the modern music industry as a new artist, and the creative process behind his latest music. Dylan's new single Where’d The Time Go, is out now. His upcoming full-length album is out April 2. If you’re into discovering the next wave of pop-rock artists, this is one you won’t want to miss. The Wasting Time Podcast is part of Never A Phase Network, a collective of creators working to keep the scene alive.

Jordan Pundik joins The Wasting Time Podcast this week for a deep dive into all things New Found Glory — past, present and future. Jordan chats about the band’s brand new album Listen Up!, reuniting with legendary producer Steve Evetts, and what it feels like to release a record nearly six years after the last one. He opens up about how his kids view NFG, the excitement around the upcoming tour with Yellowcard and Plain White T’s, and shines a light on some seriously underrated NFG gems that deserve more love. The conversation also explores balancing life inside and outside the band — including Jordan’s work as a tattoo artist on the side. Before Jordan joins, Chris and Nick catch up on Nick’s night at the Arm’s Length, Koyo and Ben Quad show — breaking down each set and the energy of the night. The chaps also talk about recent music from Koyo and Sly Withers, and reflect on their own history and love for New Found Glory, setting the stage perfectly for this week’s guest. Pop punk royalty, deep cuts, tour hype and plenty of nostalgia — this one’s a must-listen. The Wasting Time Podcast is part of Never A Phase Network, a collective of creators working to keep the scene alive.

This week on The Wasting Time Podcast, we’re joined by Saxl Rose. From blowing up on the internet to carving out a genuinely wild music career, Saxl talks us through his journey so far — how going viral opened doors, the grind behind the scenes, and what happens when online momentum turns into real-world opportunities. We get into what it was like stepping on stage with Paramore, hitting the road with Neck Deep and State Champs, and collaborating with Wiz Khalifa. It’s a conversation about timing, talent, taking risks, and figuring out how to turn moments into milestones. Internet famous, industry respected, and absolutely not wasting any time — this is one you don’t want to miss.

We’re closing out the year with an absolute legend. For the final episode of the year, the podcast is joined by Bill Stevenson of Descendents / ALL — a drummer, songwriter, producer, and one of the most influential figures in punk and pop punk history. Bill dives into the origins of Descendents, the band’s enduring legacy and how he sees their influence on modern pop punk. He also talks about his work as a producer at The Blasting Room, shaping records for countless bands, what touring looks like at this stage of life, and finding balance after decades on the road. Along the way, there’s time for some unexpected but very on-brand detours into Monty Python, phall curries, and the humour that’s always been baked into punk culture. A genuine honour and the perfect way to wrap up the year. Chris and Nick also take a look back on 2025, sharing some of the highlights for the podcast (spoiler - Four Chord obviously included!). Favourite albums of the year etc are also discussed.

The Wasting Time Podcast X Four Chord Music Festival — Recap Episode Four Chord Music Festival and The Wasting Time Podcast present a retrospective look at Four Chord 11. Chris and Nick are joined by festival founder and main man Rishi Bahl, along with Marketing Director Adam Valen, to look back on this year’s event, its history, and what makes Four Chord such a cornerstone of the pop punk world. This special also features full interviews recorded across the festival weekend, including conversations with: Patent Pending Bowling For Soup Jawbreaker The Wonder Years Home Grown Drug Church Punchline Hot Mulligan Koyo It’s a packed celebration of community, chaos, and the bands who make Four Chord unforgettable.

This time, we’re joined by Cody Okonski from Millington. We chat about how the band first came together, how they crafted their unique ska-infused pop punk sound, and Cody’s experience interning for John Feldmann during the recording of blink-182’s California. We had a great time hanging out with Cody in Pittsburgh recently at Four Chord Music Festival. If you're not on the Millington train, get on it now! 'Better Safe and Sorry' by Millington is available everywhere now.

In the build-up to Four Chord Music Festival, The Wasting Time Podcast is thrilled to welcome Jim, Zach and Tom from Jimmy Eat World. The band look back on their incredible career, their creative process, and what it means to still be connecting with fans decades on. They also discuss playing the festival this year and what to expect. The episode also features an intro segment with Adam Valen of the Four Chord team, where he joins Chris and Nick to chat about this year’s festival. They also dive into new releases from Good Charlotte, The Burnt Tapes and Sam Russo, and Nick shares his experience catching friends of the podcast — and Four Chord staples — Keep Flying live in Newcastle.

We are beyond delighted to welcome The Paradox to The Wasting Time Podcast — and even more honoured to be their first ever overseas podcast appearance! In this episode, we dive into the band’s meteoric rise over the past year — from opening for Green Day, to dominating When We Were Young Fest and touring across the US non-stop. These guys are living the pop punk dream, and they’re just getting started. We also chat about some wild endorsements from A-listers like Shaquille O'Neal, Lil Nas X, Jenna Fischer, and Jeff Garlin – yes, really! The Paradox have already worked with legendary producers like Zack Odom & Kenneth Mount, John Feldmann, and Travis Barker – and they’ve got mentorship from pop punk royalty like Joel Madden and Simple Plan. This one’s packed with stories, laughs and a look behind the scenes at one of the fastest-rising bands in the scene. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!📸 Don’t forget to tag us and share your favourite moments!

We’re back from an unforgettable weekend at Slam Dunk Festival 2025 — and who better to help us break it all down than Nick Thompson of Hit The Lights? In this special episode of The Wasting Time Podcast, Nick Thompson joins us to swap stories from the festival — from his experience rocking the stage, to our own as press soaking in the chaos, catching amazing sets, and chatting with some of our all-time favourites. We were lucky enough to grab time on site with New Found Glory, The Ataris, Dream State and Save Ferris. Chris and Nick also dive into The Get Up Kids’ recent UK tour which Nick went to this week in Newcastle. Massive thanks to Nick T for joining us, and to Slam Dunk Festival for once again treating us so well. Apple Spotify Instagram Twitter Facebook Email

This week, we’re delighted to be joined by John J. Ryan from the unstoppable force that is Keep Flying. If you’ve seen them live, you know exactly why they’re one of the most exciting and unique bands in the punk scene right now—blending high-energy punk rock with saxophones, trombones, and an unrelenting stage presence. We first met the band at last year’s Four Chord Music Festival and instantly hit it off,so it was a real treat to catch up with John. We chatted just ahead of the release of their powerful new album Time and Tide, which dropped on April 24. John walks us through the band’s journey, their DIY ethic, and what the rest of 2025 looks like for Keep Flying. Spoiler: they’re not slowing down. Go spin Time and Tide now—available everywhere you get your music. With Nick away for the intro, Chris is joined by our good friends Gary Yay and Ade Holder from UK punk rock favourites Phinius Gage. We dive into some recent releases from The Ataris, Last Night Saved My Life, Orchards, and Propagandhi. We also have an exclusive first play of the new Phinius Gage single “Masquerade,” out May 16. Ade and Gary give us all the details on the song and what’s next for the band. Apple Spotify Instagram Twitter Facebook Email