PODCAST · music
No Simple Road
by Osiris Media / No Simple Road Media
More than just a Grateful Dead Podcast, more than a music and culture show, something other than a family of cosmic wanderers.... Join the hosts of No Simple Road as they dive deep into the world of psychedelic exploration, music, art, and spirituality. Each week, they bring you captivating interviews with musicians, artists, authors, and visionaries from all walks of life. Join them on their long strange trip! Support this show http://www.patreon.com/nosimpleroad
Episodes
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Roy Donk of Good Baklava: You Can Feel Good About Baklava
This week on No Simple Road, Aaron, Mel, Apple, and Conner sit down with Roy Donk, the owner and driving force behind Good Baklava, for a conversation about music, community, entrepreneurship, and the beautifully unpredictable roads life can take. Roy's story starts where so many great stories do…
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Bronwyn: Sticks and Stones and the Art of Becoming
This week on No Simple Road, Aaron, Mel, and Conner (Apple is absent this week) welcome the incredibly gifted fiddler, songwriter, and musical storyteller Bronwyn for a conversation that dances between tradition, transformation, and the healing power of music. With the release of her upcoming...
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Mojo Fest and SMFO Recap: Feeling All The Feels
There's something magical about gathering in a field with people who speak the same language—the language of music, connection, and community. This week on No Simple Road, Aaron, Mel, Apple, and our newest co-host Conner hit the road to recap two unforgettable weekends that reminded us why we…
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Brick Lohr of The Ramble Festival and Kris Howland of Heady Wax Fiends: Ramble 2026
This week on No Simple Road, we're bringing together two passionate champions of music, community, and culture for a conversation that celebrates everything we love about the grassroots scene. Joining Aaron, Mel, and Apple are Brick Lohr, promoter and visionary behind the beloved Ramble Festival,...
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Tom Hamilton: Plumbing The Depths of Creation
This week on No Simple Road, Aaron, Mel, and Apple welcome guitarist, songwriter, and sonic explorer Tom Hamilton of Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD) for a deep dive into his haunting and beautifully personal new album, I Am Your Vampire. Known for his fearless improvisation and emotionally charged...
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Phish Sphere Recap - Possessed by the Sound
This week on No Simple Road, Aaron, Mel, and Apple gather around the virtual campfire joined by Venue Llama/Fire on the Mountain owner Jordan Busch to unpack one of the most talked-about live music experiences in recent memory — Phish at Sphere in Las Vegas. From the moment the lights dropped...
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Murph & Primo From The Warlock Kool Aid Campout
This week on No Simple Road, Aaron, Mel, and Apple sit down with Murph & Primo, the independent promoters behind the 2nd Annual Warlock Koolaid Campout — a grassroots music festival built by and for the Deadhead community in Oregon and beyond. From humble beginnings to a growing gathering of...
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Orca the Band: Following the Adventure
This week on No Simple Road, Aaron, Mel, and Apple welcome John Tyson and James McPhillips of Denver’s own Orca the Band — a group that’s carving out their own lane in the modern jam and indie landscape with what they call an “Adventure Band” spirit. From the jump, this conversation dives into…
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Ric Robertson: Gathering Souls in the Quiet Corners of New York
This week on No Simple Road, Aaron, Mel, and Apple welcome singer-songwriter Ric Robertson for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation about place, purpose, creativity, and the beautiful ways life and art intertwine. Ric joins us from his home in rural New York — a space that has...
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Matthew McDonald: The Long Groove from Perpetual Groove to Somnal
This week on No Simple Road, Aaron, Mel, and Apple welcome Matthew McDonald, keyboardist of Perpetual Groove, for a deep and thoughtful conversation that celebrates 25 years of music, community, and the ever-evolving journey of creativity. Matthew takes us behind the scenes of Perpetual Groove’s...
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Chris “Hollywood” English: Speaking Proper English
This week on No Simple Road, Aaron, Mel, and Apple sit down with the our Brother and the endlessly creative Chris “Hollywood” English, a multi-genre musician known for lighting up stages with bands like Grateful Shred, the high-octane bluegrass of Dirty Blanket, Cuppa Soup and a host of other...
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Bodhi Mojo: Calling the Tribe to Mojo Fest 2026
This week on No Simple Road, we welcome the vibrant souls behind Mojo Fest 2026 — the members of Bodhi Mojo — for a conversation that feels less like an interview and more like sitting around a late-night campfire with family. Aaron, Mel, and Apple dive deep with the band about how a dream, a...
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Andy Thomas: Hard Roads and Honest Songs
This week on No Simple Road, we saddle up for a deep, honest ride with Andy Thomas — a songwriter cut from the cloth of hard roads, real stories, and the kind of truth you can’t fake. Andy joins Aaron, Mel, and Apple for a conversation that moves far beyond the surface, exploring the grit, grace,...
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Tyler Ramsey & Carl Broemel: Finding Celestun in the Space Between the Notes
This week on No Simple Road, we sit down with Tyler Ramsey and Carl Broemel to talk about their stunning new collaborative album, Celestun. Known for their deeply expressive songwriting and textured guitar work, Tyler (formerly of Band of Horses) and Carl (of My Morning Jacket) join Aaron, Mel…
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Spencer Marlyn Band: Homegrown Sounds
This week on No Simple Road, we drop into Bend, Oregon to hang with Spencer and Scottie of Spencer Marlyn Band, a rising force in the Central Oregon music scene and a perfect example of what happens when community, creativity, and live music all grow together. We sit down in the studio with…
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The Unfaithful Servants: Vancouver Island Roots, Folk, and Bluegrass
This week on No Simple Road, we head north of the border to connect with Dylan Stone and Jesse Cobb from The Unfaithful Servants, the genre-bending roots outfit straight out of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Blending folk, bluegrass, old-time, and a healthy dose of irreverent spirit, this…
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Still on the Road: Jorma Kaukonen
This week on No Simple Road, we sit down with a true living legend — Jorma Kaukonen. Guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, Jorma joins Aaron, Mel, and Apple for a deep, thoughtful conversation that traces a lifetime devoted to music, meaning, and staying...
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Roots Rising: Inside the Newgrass Festival
This week on No Simple Road, we’re stepping straight into the heart of Pacific Northwest bluegrass culture with the amazing organizers of the Newgrass Festival in Newberg, Oregon, joined by our dear friends Christian DeBenedetti and Rachel Bonnett of Newgrass Fest as well as Joe Suskind and…
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Measuring Moments With Natalie Brooke
This week the No Simple Road Family welcomes the incredible Natalie Brooke — keyboard wizard, powerhouse vocalist, bandleader, and radiant force in the jam / funk / fusion universe! Natalie joins Aaron, Mel, and Apple to talk about her journey through music, creativity, self-discovery, and what…
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Beyond The Pick With Larry Keel
Get ready, family — this week on No Simple Road, we’re hanging with the one and only Larry Keel, a bluegrass legend, master picker, and true steward of the jamgrass spirit! Aaron, Mel, and Apple welcome Larry into the circle for a real, heart-forward conversation that goes way beyond the usual…
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Getting Shown The Light In The Strangest of Places - No Simple Road's Rewind Vol. 122
Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week's rewind takes us into a discussion around how healing can show up at the oddest of times and our willingness...
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The Future of Cannabis Culture with Brad Zerman of Seven Point
This week on No Simple Road, we sit down with Brad Zerman, founder of Seven Point Cannabis, to explore how cannabis, music, and culture intersect to create something bigger than business. Brad shares his journey of opening and running dispensaries across Illinois and beyond, and how his latest...
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Sonic Theater with Ben Garnett
This week on No Simple Road, we welcome guitarist and composer Ben Garnett to dive into the stories, sounds, and inspirations behind his brand-new album, Kites Keep. Ben takes us on a journey through the making of Kites Keep, exploring how his love of film and visual storytelling shapes his...
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Heady Wax and Sonic Treasures - Kris Howland of Heady Wax Fiends
Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week's rewind has us in the studio (without Mel) with our special guests Kris and Chelsea Howland! Kris is the man...
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Low End, High Vibes, & Bluegrass - Trish Imbrogno aka Trish Plays Bass
On this episode of No Simple Road, we sit down with Trish Imbrogno, aka Trish Plays Bass! From her early days training in classical music to diving headfirst into bluegrass, Trish shares the story of how music has shaped her path. We talk about the shift from structured classical training to the...
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The Alchemy of Billy Strings and the Microcosmic Lot - No Simple Road's Rewind Vol. 120
Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week's rewind has it all! We're talking about the upcoming Billy Strings shows here in Eugene this weekend which...
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Are We Really Just Plants? - No Simple Road's Rewind Vol. 119
Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week's rewind has all three of us back in the studio catching y'all up with Mel and Apple and diggin into some...
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It Hasn't Been Simple - No Simple Road's Rewind Vol. 118
Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week's rewind is a throwback to the very first episode of NSR. Aaron is here, solo, sharing what had been going on...
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Mandolin Mastery & Musical Alchemy with Joe K. Walsh | No Simple Road Podcast
This week on No Simple Road, we sit down with the phenomenal mandolin player, educator, and sonic explorer — Joe K. Walsh! From his early days with The Gibson Brothers to his mind-bending solo work and genre-blurring collaborations, to teaching at The Berklee College of Music, Joe has carved out…
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Bella Rayne: Psychedelic Strings, Authentic Expression, & Finding Her Voice | No Simple Road
Self-taught guitarist Bella Rayne shares her inspiring journey with us, beginning from the serendipitous discovery of an old guitar in her Northern California garage during 2020. Bella's passion for 90s alternative and grunge music sparked a creative awakening that has since led her to The…
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Eli Mathews & Alex Donahue of Mind At Large - Harmonious Chaos
We are joined by two-thirds of the dynamic force behind the art rock band Mind at Large this week... Eli Mathews and Alex Donahue! Eli jumps right in to share the exciting news of his engagement and the harmonious chaos of his life outside the spotlight. From the heartwarming proposal story to…
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Brick Lohr of the Ramble Festival & Kris Howland of Heady Wax Fiends - Ramble On
Ever wondered how music festivals can spark deeper human connections? Get ready to explore the transformative power of the Ramble Festival, as we chat with founder Brick Lohr and collaborator in this year's Ramble, Kris Howland of Heady Wax Fiends. Discover the innovative partnerships shaping the...
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No Simple Road's Rewind Vol. 117: Darwin
Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This is a tough one this week for us here at No Simple Road. We are coming in raw, unfiltered, and in the moment on…
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Mason Via - Roots in Harmony
We are extremely excited to have Mason Via join us for this week's episode of No Simple Road! Mason opens up about the highs and lows of touring life, balancing the demands of performance with personal health, and finding harmony between the expectations of a musician's life and the realities of...
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No Simple Road's Rewind Vol. 116: A.I. Consciousness
Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the Rewind we are in the studio, stuffy noses, coughs, and all talking about the emergence of A.I. Is it...
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No Simple Road's Rewind Vol. 115: Phish Spring PNW Recap
Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the Rewind we are finally recapping the whirlwind Spring Phish PNW run!! Better late than never, as they...
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Crystal Lariza of Never Come Down - Authenticity and Adventure
We are so excited to have Crystal Lariza of Never Come Down wtih us on No Simple Road this week. This episode spotlights the vibrant experiences of Never Come Down, a band that has carved its path across borders and bluegrass festivals, becoming musical ambassadors on a global stage. Excitement…
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Bob Bralove - Musical Magic
We are so excited to have the one and only Bob Bralove as our guest on No Simple Road this week! Reminiscing about the magnetic pull of legendary live performances, we reflect on the timeless impact of icons like Stevie Wonder, the Grateful Dead, and The Beatles. The past's vibrant music scene,...
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Mojo Family Pre-Fest 2025
This week we are joined in-studio by Jack McGrane , Chris Stein, and Baby Boy, organizers of Mojo Family Fest 2025! We dive right into the creative whirlwind that includes wild ideas like using EEG technology for live brain wave displays on stage, all of which make Mojo Family Fest a…
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No Simple Road's Weekly Rewind Vol. 114: The Supernatural Beavers
Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the Rewind we are in the studio with Jake O'Halloran and Thomas Jimenez of The Supernatural Beavers! This...
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No Simple Road's Weekly Rewind Vol. 113 - Inspiration
Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the Rewind we are back with in the studio caching y'all up on what's been going on over here! Apple's…
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Dennis McNally - Counterculture Movement
Join us on a captivating journey through the storied history of the counterculture movement with none other than Dennis McNally, the celebrated publicist for the Grateful Dead. Dennis brings his unique perspective to our discussion about the hippie movement's lasting impact on modern society,...
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SOMA Kirtan - Spiritual Hardcore
Mike and Steve from Soma Kirtan take us on an incredible journey, sharing how their roots in punk and hardcore music evolved into a deep appreciation for the Grateful Dead, and ultimately to Kirtan Music. They bring a unique perspective that intertwines music with spirituality, resulting in a…
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No Simple Road's Weekly Rewind Vol. 112 - Down Home
Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the Rewind we are back with a recap of the Newgrass Festival out in Newberg, Oregon this past weekend. We...
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Joel Timmons - Surfing Psychedelic Style
After an unexpected health crisis changed Joel Timmons' life, music became his refuge and a catalyst for a new direction in his career. From the sun-soaked shores of Charleston to the vibrant surf culture of Folly Beach, this episode explores Joel's journey of rediscovery and resilience. Join us…
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Yak Attack & Cytrus - The Adventure of Sound
Join us for an exciting episode where we explore the collaboration between Seattle's Cytrus and Portland's Yak Attack and their shared PNW run that starts today! We are joined by Dave and Jacob of Yak Attack, and Jared and Luke from Cytrus, as they share their musical journeys and the inspiration...
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No Simple Road's Weekly Rewind Vol. 111: With special Guest Christian DeBenedetti, Newgrass Festival Promoter
Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the Rewind we have a special guest in the studio, Christian DeBenedetti of Wolves and People Brewery out…
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Sierra Hull - Her Melody, Her Story
Sierra Hull takes us on an evocative journey from her small-town roots in Tennessee to the grand stages of bluegrass music. With a passion for music ignited at just eight years old, her story is a heartfelt testament to the power of familial support and the welcoming embrace of the bluegrass...
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Adam Greuel - The Bluegrass Life
In this episode, we welcome our guest, Adam Greuel, known for his work with bands like Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, the High Hawks, Adam Greuel and the Space Burritos, and Rucksack Revolution. Adam opens up about his musical journey, from early performances to the evolution of his career,...
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No Simple Road's Weekly Rewind Vol. 110
Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the Rewind we are taking you behind the curtain with us post Dark Star Orchestra. It's a little bit of…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
More than just a Grateful Dead Podcast, more than a music and culture show, something other than a family of cosmic wanderers.... Join the hosts of No Simple Road as they dive deep into the world of psychedelic exploration, music, art, and spirituality. Each week, they bring you captivating interviews with musicians, artists, authors, and visionaries from all walks of life. Join them on their long strange trip!
Support this show http://www.patreon.com/nosimpleroad
HOSTED BY
Osiris Media / No Simple Road Media
CATEGORIES
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