The Badass Cult Podcast

Be sure to check out this special 3-peat episode where indie music, existential crises and ancient McDonald’s spirits blend into one big, sweaty, cat-hesitant jam session. The cult welcomes back our good friend and first ever guest, Sunyote Wild (@sunyotewild), to celebrate life’s most important rituals: talking about musical gear we barely understand, debating whether adopting a cat is worth the emotional risk, and blaming everything on Linda (who we assure you is only partially a ghost).Tune in for tales of anxious pet ownership, questionable road trip playlists (think Deftones, Ecca Vandal, and Sunyote’s latest breakup banger), and behind-the-scenes drama—like flying with a yowling cat or mastering an album by sheer force of “I-have-no-idea-what-I’m-doing.”Acts of house-party heroism are plotted, as local legends brainstorm how to throw a non-brewery album release party where the only thing higher than the dynamic range is the probability of someone getting cactus spines in their face. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to get hit with a waffle at 2am, or how many artists it takes to screw in a lightbulb (answer: Linda), this is your home.Recurring characters include the socially awkward musical guest Sunyote, the mysterious Linda, and a rotating cast of podmates who aren’t afraid to ask the hard questions—like “who’s really listening?”Press play, bring your best rash joke, and grab your metaphorical red shirt. You’re about to enter the Badass Cult Zone: where the only thing we take seriously is banter.

Join the Badass Cult Podcast as Brian Lambe (@magicofbryanlambe) brings the magic, the puppets, and a masterclass in juggling both comedy and actual balls (air or otherwise). We riff on everything from feral cats and frosty Santas to cow tongues at FFA camp, with pit stops in Claymation specials, musical theater, and non-consensual magic. Plus: what happens when you hand a soundboard to comedians, and why does the theme song sound like Microsoft training music? Spoiler: it’s a compliment! This episode is full of inside jokes, whip-smart impressions, and one truly unforgettable haiku.

Meet Troy, a guitar Jedi, gear non-hoarder, and self-professed sympathetic psychopath (don’t worry—it’s in the haiku). Whether he’s engineering a record in his living room, swapping Red Sox trivia, or organizing musical clutter from the mid-2000s, Troy brings a blend of kindness, wisdom, and 'just good enough' vibes. On this episode, the group tackles big topics like creativity, finding enough, and the eternal struggle of mic stands—while never letting a clever cat or existential spiral get in the way of a good music store story.Tune in for deep thoughts, bad haikus, and a guide to earning Troy’s disrespect.@goodtroyedward

Standup comedian Traye Holland joins the Badass Cult Podcast to talk haunting open mics, comedy cults, dating app disasters, and why he can’t resist free rubber bands—or sock puppets. Join Traye for laughs, weird stories, book reviews and painfully real advice about bombing, belonging, and being the funniest guy you know (with 1,699 rubber bands to spare).@trayehollandcomedy

JD Nash joins the Bad Ass Cult Podcast for a hilarious, heartfelt romp through hats, aliens, cancer survival, cheap gigs, and custom puppets! From UFOs over New Mexico to the secret lives of beaver hats, JD and the hosts riff on music, mindset, loss, and life’s weirdest moments. Expect epic stories, accidental wisdom, and a puppet version of JD Nash. Tune in for laughs, deep thoughts, and maybe a spontaneous Alanis Morissette singalong.@jd_nash_music

Straight from R&B jams to boutique luthiery mayhem, Perry (“Unga”) with the High Desert Luthiery Invitational spills on breaking guitars, breaking the rules, and why you should always check your attitude—and your fingers—at the door. Come for the custom builds and stay for the sock puppets, funeral-worthy workbenches, and a no-asshole policy stricter than a Guitar Center return line.@unga_wood_workshttps://www.highdesertluthiery.com/

Stage manager, bandit, accidental circus ringleader—meet Margarita Wilds! Born with bonus fingers and hypermobile hands, she bends reality (and her pinkies) both backstage and behind a blue drum kit. Margarita keeps burlesque festivals running smoother than a fresh tattoo while dodging wardrobe critiques, wrangling props, and sneaking in tech rehearsal marathons. She’s Crash Bandits’ singing drummer, family band graduate, and low-key poetry slammer, known for her genre-hopping music and epic comeback lines to weird tattoo questions. Whether managing 20 acts or plotting puppet-based merch, Margarita keeps it real, loving body-positive art and legendary ghost stories. Fair warning: Don’t fan out, but do bring hot dog acts and costumes—bonus points for haunted venues.

Violett Femme joins the Badass Cult Podcast in an episode that’s equal parts flamingo feather and Faraday bag. We dive into the glamorous double life of an introverted-extrovert: needing both riotous protest and a good nap. Listen in as the crew swaps stories of activist street cred, modern youth raising hell (and protest signs), and turning Violett’s house into the neighborhood’s unofficial bunker for tired revolutionaries and injured street medics.Take a tour of New Mexico’s museum scene, where the art is magical and the feral cats are special visitors. Violett reveals what really goes down in the “business of art” (spoiler: it involves more binders full of intimidating ladies—and less spontaneous glitter—than you’d think). We pit Albuquerque against Santa Fe in a battle for Southwest art clout and weigh in on why Indigenous art deserves its own VIP section.In our performance segment: burlesque isn’t just pasties and high kicks—though there’s plenty of both. Get the real scoop from behind the sparkly curtain: blue law mishaps, DIY costuming victories, and puppet-based existential crises. Violett teaches us that sometimes, you just want to be a punk rock goblin in feather fans, and sometimes you want to be a dignified ghost with a message. Either way, you better have your emergency contact written in Sharpie.Stick around for wisdom on burnout, regret-proof creativity, creative ADHD, and why everybody—yes, everybody—needs more weirdos in their life. Also: haikus, jokes about butts and merkins, and inspirational reminders that everyone loves boobs. Support your local artists, keep your pasties attached, and never underestimate the power of a well-stocked safe house (or a really good sandwich).

On this episode of The Badass Cult Podcast, the crew welcomes PaulyNino (@paulynino)—car-obsessed ex-musician, king of weird automotive (and panda) facts, and genuine trendsetter—who went from motivational ski-mask videos to TikTok automotive stardom (with a detour into regular napping and hating swollen BMW nuts). Paul spills the oil on how he’d rather inspire the next viral creator than chase trends, prefers encyclopedia-deep dives via Reddit and Wikipedia over surface-level scrolling, and wields ChatGPT for everything except taco night. His proudest moments come from seeing fans outpace him, and his answer to haters? Block ’em faster than an M3 in sport mode. Now, with “The Ninoverse” on the horizon (imagine merch, coaching, and mega-vibes), his advice to aspiring creators: don’t be a copycat, dig deep into your niche, use AI, and promote yourself like you’re warming up for the TikTok Awards—maybe even with a horse-cam for good measure.

Tim Chivalette crashed the Bad Ass Cult Podcast for the Season 3 premiere wielding jokes about pyramid schemes, Irish-Italian guilt, and his questionable status as Jesus (spoiler: not Jesus). He regaled the crew with tales of family insanity, surprise marriage proposals with bonus fire alarms, and the legendary "Chiv luck" curse. As a self-proclaimed Leo, Tim can't resist the spotlight—whether he's acting, cracking jokes, or revealing the drama of community theater kids. Things took a heartfelt turn: Tim opened up about depression, loss, and the tough path to self-worth when the entertainment biz isn’t handing out hugs. Looking ahead, he's planning a smutty book club podcast, a ten-dollar game show, and offers real-life advice: get a second job, love yourself, and always double down on weird jokes. Final words? Laugh at the chaos, follow @tchivalette, and if you find yourself in Albuquerque, snag a ticket to the next show. It just might be worth $35—and you might even escape without a crying nephew in the audience.

Musical magicianand creative mind Ken Easton @southpaw.sounds.nm of local bands Hooks and the Huckleberries @hooks.and.the.huckleberries , JD Nash and the Rash of Cash @jd_nash_music , and Jimmy Deveny @jimmy.deveney.theholdfastunion and the Hold Fast Union stops by to chat about working as a musician in Albuquerque, and espouses some of that young gun wisdom on our old asses.

The big cheese at the New Mexico Brewer’s Guild, Ebbie Edmonston swings by and we dive deep on beer bacteria, burnout, and brews. We got to share some tasty Flock of Moons beers, sample some collectible fan favorite beers, and hear from Ebbie about all the local events she helps organize and execute around the state in her role as executive director for the guild.@ebbieboo. @nmbrewersguild

Oh shit, this episode features Josh Lee, lead guitarist for killer local band Hooks and the Huckleberries. But wait there’s more! When he’s not strolling his way through that catchy riff or solo you know him for, he’s karate chopping you into submission with his martial arts expertise. And when he isn’t putting you into a choke hold, he’s helping local bands rise up beyond local with his substantial network and musical experience. Keep an eye out for his curated events at the New Mexico State Fair, with local artists doing original music at big and small stages alike, including the first ever Soundwave NM music festival with some of the most talented artists in New Mexico on September 7th including the one and only Hooks and the Huckleberries!@telecastersandtattoos @hooks.and.the.huckleberries

Oh shit, this episode features Josh Lee, lead guitarist for killer local band Hooks and the Huckleberries. But wait there’s more! When he’s not strolling his way through that catchy riff or solo you know him for, he’s karate chopping you into submission with his martial arts expertise. And when he isn’t putting you into a choke hold, he’s helping local bands rise up beyond local with his substantial network and musical experience. Keep an eye out for his curated events at the New Mexico State Fair, with local artists doing original music at big and small stages alike, including the first ever Soundwave NM music festival with some of the most talented artists in New Mexico on September 7th including the one and only Hooks and the Huckleberries!@telecastersandtattoos @hooks.and.the.huckleberries

Neighborhood homies Paul and Travis join us from Albuquerque’s finest group of musical mayhem and madness, Dust City Opera (@dustcityopera). With multiple albums and awards to stand on, they sat down with a half cult to talk about Albuquerque music and arts, their local music venue La Sala (@lasalahouseconcerts), and cultivating engagement among their fans. Enjoy the haboob.

What’s in a name? Well when you’re THE Rusty Rutherford then it’s rust. Listen to local comedian, professional photographer, and wrestling enthusiast give the run down on his hustle through a world of performance and entertainment, and how roasting your friends doesn’t pay great.@rustarhymes2 @rustycreative2

New New Mexicans Billy and Bella bring their old soul energy to the cult living room for talks on UFOs, jungian psychology, and playing music here in Albuquerque and nearby. Catch them around town playing their original music, check out Bella’s art, and listen here lads.https://billyandbellaband.com/

Back for round 2, Ceekay Jones stops by for dinner and hangs out after to chat about his wild life’s journey through music and athletics, professional snowboarding, endurance athlete insanity, and the upcoming album he has coming out later this year with the help of Rio Grande Studios here in Albuquerque.

Mandy from Pureland Kava, Duke City’s first kava bar gives us tastings to get lifted and gifted in the Pureland. So good it makes you wanna call your grandma. Join us on our kava journey… Bula!

New local Lady Jenn D takes a break from creation and lays down some realness. An artist creating beauty from the old, corny, discarded, or otherwise forgotten. Catch her art at The Mothership Alumni in downtown Albuquerque.

Local top comedian under 5’4” Jake Otero makes a casual appearance and lays down burqueño wisdom for the new hosts, now that cancelled cami has been officially cancelled from the cult. Get a taste of the local comedy ongoings from a local making big strides in the Duke City entertainment world, and get a little weird with us.

The man with two left hands in a right handed land, wielding drumsticks like no one can. Matthew Tobias of Empty House Studio cuts his road trip to Hawaii short to JOIN US for dinner and a bit of the ol chit chat. Listen to a wealth of wisdom from a lifetime of experience in the music industry.www.emptyhousestudio.com

Wanna get spacey and untethered for a minute? Nora (@ladynoramadonna) comes to visit and lays down the ethereal as we take a dance through past lives, spirit guides, and musical muses. Keep an eye out for her solo work (with two brand new releases on this episode) while she gets her next round of Firebird FM up and going, ya dig?

This week we got May Darnell (@thundershowers.flac), 1/3 of local Albuquerque band Anything That Moves (@anythingtharmovesabq). A creative machine, May took the time to come and discuss life on the grind as a creative holding down a full time job with no time in between. Movies, music, and some new tunes make their way into this episode!

OG Texicans Idali (@idalip91) and Jacob (j_a_c_o_b_mann) take a road trip to Albuquerque and teach a bunch of low rhythm rejects how to move they hips… and feet… and all that shit that jiggle when you shake it.

Find out about the inspirational path arson and the Czech Republic will take you on. Oh wait, that’ll have to wait until next time. In the meanwhile, hear local legend, actor, and comedian Matthew Blood-Smyth (@bluddsmyff) tell us about his climbing boo boos, among other things.

Top 30 Albuquerque comedian and undisputed king of the roast battle Jared Ostrom (@jaredocomedy) is kidnapped from a concert and made to sit and entertain us with his funny words. With recent losses in the local comedy community, we appreciate the gift that laughter is when times are tough. We hear that Richard would agree. Maybe next time we’ll get honor roastings?

Like a warm cup of sleepy time tea with his soothing voice, east coast transplant to the land of entrapment Levi Dean (@levideanmusic) takes a minute from his busy schedule to sit down and judge his half witted friends. Park ranger by day, saving raccoon babies and ducks from danger, musician and father by day also, Levi is one of the best humans around, and we appreciate him sharing his stories with us!

Jazzy and soulful powerhouse Serene Amor (@serene.amor) and manager Eric make a round at cult headquarters for her second podcast of the day. Wanna know what she wrote her last record about? Well you can find out here, b.

Local legend, NM native, and all around badass takes time from her insane production schedule to sit and get real with us. Magnetically confident with a never ending flow of artwork that exemplifies her fearlessness, Beedallo gives us the business.Instagram: beedallowww.Beedallo.com

Albuquerque musical legend, South Valley native, and mover+shaker Felix Gato Peralta (@felixperalta on the IG) finds a couple minutes in his insane schedule to sit and wax poetically with us.

Another Texas transplant goes deep and finds his personal non-magnificence in New Mexico. A virtuoso guitarist with new music out under the project Sonino Nomade, Alex Ziete goes rounds and talks music, artistic process, and acknowledges the personal power he wields in his hair.https://www.instagram.com/sonidonomade?igsh=NTQ5MGRzczFtNTVv

Former Taoseño and current world champ of doing it all, artist Ceekay Jones gives a candid and impressive rundown of a few of his accomplishments while in town for an acoustic tour. Listen to this candid conversation that spans a couple decades in the music business, a platinum record, and more stories from the journey that most will live within a lifetime. A man with many plans, a soon to be Ironman, Captain Kirk has joined the cult.www.ceekayjones.com

Join this multi-part episode with none other than Jimmy Climbs himself. What does he climb? Everything. With new music always churning, a new music scene in New York, and balancing the woes of rockstar life, Big Jim gets real as we steer through any conversational lane that opens up.

Join this multi-part episode with none other than Jimmy Climbs himself. What does he climb? Everything. With new music always churning, a new music scene in New York, and balancing the woes of rockstar life, Big Jim gets real as we steer through any conversational lane that opens up.https://linktr.ee/jimmyclimbs?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

The original, OG only fan, van dweller, honorary cult member, and new father, River Man Dan himself comes by and gives us the gift of unformatted structure, a little poetry, and advice on how to keep being weird. We don’t have any structure, but we have a soundboard and haikus, and if that’s enough for River Man Dan, that should be enough for YOUUUU….

Jamie, Josh, Matt, and Shanit of Albuquerque rock infamy, join in the Clash of the Cults to talk shit, dicks, and other myriad struggles of the rock star lifestyle. With a brand new album just recorded out near Big Bend, Texas, they’re moving fast in 2025 with their uniquely engaging sound. With an album release on March 6 at Sister Bar in Albuquerque, and with songs of pure Magic, Cult Sister is a group to dig into. Alpaca life is no joke. Bonus child actor cameo included!

Join us for round 2 with local musician and advocate, Marion Carrillo! It’s his birthday month and he’ll plug what he wants to! Find out if you are team “shit in the woods” or not in the uprising against big toilet paper and be sure to head over to his birthday bash with a big heart on Feb 22nd at Albuquerque Social Club! Doors at 7 and show at 8! www.marioncarrillo.com

R U READY?! Chris from the 10 Drink Minimum podcast rolled through to share some stories of his time as a carnie. He also calls out other Carnies. From local who’s and what’s its to national reach, Chris is proof that just because you come from the sticks in New Mexico doesn’t mean you can’t get into some crazy shit. www.10drinkminimum.com

Long winded as usual, one more plea towards cult leader duties as his gummy has kicked in.

Humble. Quiet. Funny. All words never used to describe the former Badass Cult member and wannabe leader, and former frontman of Bellowing Bear, Matthew Shane. He’s curious like a cat, without the tail. Let’s see if his gummy kicks in.

The wannabe leader has left the cult, and joined another, cooler cult, Cult Sister. So the leftovers get together with a cockus of non-squonks and one actual Dr. of Squonks, and we ramble about abandonment and prime ourselves for a deeper dive into the paranormal. Yay for beans.

Homies from one of our local hangouts come hang at the cult headquarters. Can we finally keep a conversation on the rails? Perhaps…

Mr. Evan and Mr. John of Quality Control Show go full hamburger as they unhinge with the cult in a 90’s fever dream. Listen as these movie industry professionals talk used cars, 1776, derpy Foster, and being down to facilitate the stupid that takes things off the rails. Stay tuned for January 13, 2027 for the coup de grâce that will be episode 4 of the Quality Control Show. Can you help me fold these chairs?@quality_control_show

We got the trophy people. We got recovering Catholics. We got the tea. Ray and Lexy of Coalesce Blue give us the run down on heavy gigging in the Albuquerque metro area, winning, and losing dead weight. Come get polyjamorous with us. It’s what we ‘preciate ‘bout y’all.@coalesceblue@rayjabq@lexslayyye

A wise man once said “comparison is the thief of joy.” So listen as we compare local artist and multi-faceted fellow Mike Howland to other artists as we talk comics, fantasy, werewolf teats, and kung fu. Erudite AF and confident in his abilities. Be sure to catch him at the local breweries doing his work, and take a peek at his sexy vampire chicks. Even if it sucks hopefully you had fun.@howlandillustration

Too good for just one episode, we get deeper into conversations with artist El Moises of higher powers, art theft, and cheap tricks that threaten to undermine original human artwork in a world of AI content generation. Which side are you on, team robot, or team human?@artistelmoises

Knives, bow and arrows, and lipstick war paint. Listen to local icon and artist El Moises talk family, personal and professional growth, and the journey from Baja Mexico to billboards in Albuquerque. So go alone, if you wanna go fast, or come with us if you wanna go far. Grab your spoons, grab your forks, and give them away.@artistelmoises

Come play hide the slumdog salami with the delinquents in this bad ass episode. Sawndie joins the cult to talk woke culture, the Albuquerque music and arts scene, and how transplanting from a fast paced east coast existence into the land of mañana has molded her own enchanted view of the city she now calls home.@[email protected]

Triple tits, tarot, and the musical musings of Albuquerque-based singer/songwriter Marion Carrillo. Listen to this high-school-drop-out-turned-therapist as he provides a glimpse into Barnaby’s Tarot situation, sexual liberation, and nation hopping as a means towards growth and personal discovery.@themore_themarion