Leanor Ortega Till (Five Iron Frenzy ) and Matt Johnson (Roadside Monument, Blenderhead, Don't Know etc)

In this special episode of The Rumors Are True, host Jeremy welcomes Leanor Ortega Till of Five Iron Frenzy and Matt Johnson, whose work spans influential bands like Roadside Monument and Blenderhead, for a rich conversation about their personal musical journeys and the wider culture that shaped them. The discussion begins with Leanor’s memories of breaking into the lively 90s ska and punk scene and how her experiences in Five Iron Frenzy helped define the sound and community that resonated with so many, while Matt reflects on his dynamic path through punk, math rock, and underground scenes and what those creative spaces meant for him as an artist. All three then dive into their experiences at TomCon 2025, the first-ever Christian alternative rock and hard music fan convention held in Orange County, California — a two-day celebration featuring over 50 artists on 12 interview panels, interactive Q&A sessions, meet-and-greets, and once-in-a-lifetime performances that brought together fans and legends from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s to honor the music that shaped a generation. Jeremy shares his excitement about witnessing firsthand how the convention created meaningful connections between artists and longtime fans, Leanor speaks to the emotional impact of revisiting old stories and seeing the influence of that era’s music on newer audiences, and Matt offers insight into the unique blend of nostalgia and community that made TomCon feel like a true reunion of friends, collaborators, and kindred spirits. Together they reflect on why events like TomCon matter beyond nostalgia — not just celebrating the past but reinforcing the ongoing legacy of a vibrant music scene built on creativity, faith, and genuine human connection. Produced by Wesley Hill @thebigwes Artwork by Jared Chase Bowser @jaredchasebowser Music by Brian Jerin R.I.P. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices