P is For Punk

This episode sits down with Jay from Punk4Kids, a musician turning punk energy into something bigger than music. What started as a fun project for his son has grown into a movement focused on creating original punk songs for kids, while highlighting the powerful connection between music and children with disabilities. We talk about how Punk4Kids began, the impact music can have on communication, behavior, and connection, and why punk is the perfect vehicle for reaching kids in a real, authentic way. Jay shares stories from his journey and how his work is helping bring awareness to the importance of inclusive, accessible music experiences. Whether you're a punk fan, an educator, a parent, or just someone who believes music can change lives, this is a conversation worth hearing

This episode dives into the comeback EP from The Lillingtons. After more than a decade away, Project 313 hits fast, catchy, and way darker than expected, blending sci-fi themes with anxiety, isolation, and mental unraveling. We break down all four tracks: "Until the Sun Shines," "Rubber Room,"  "Project 313," and  "It's On."  We dig into the lyrics, guitar tones, structure, and how this EP quietly tells a story of losing control while still sounding like classic pop-punk.

On this episode of P is for Punk, I sit down with Blag Dahlia of The Dwarves to talk about their upcoming album Jenkem. With pre-orders available now and the record dropping June 5, we get into the band's writing process, how their chaotic energy turns into music, and why The Dwarves continue to thrive as a collaborative, ever-evolving creative force. From raw punk ethos to the madness behind the scenes, this one pulls back the curtain on a band that's never played it safe

On this episode of P is for Punk, we sit down with punk rock legend Greg Norton (Hüsker Dü) and Ryan Smith (Soul Asylum) to talk about their new band, UltraBomb. We dive into their upcoming record The Bridges That We Burn, unpack the new single "No Cap," and explore how they're building something that stands on its own. Greg and Ryan get into their writing process, the intention behind creating fresh, relevant music, and what it takes to make a band feel new again after decades in the scene.

This week on P is for Punk, we're taking a deep dive into On the Impossible Past by The Menzingers,  a modern punk classic that helped define the sound and storytelling of the 2010s. Track by track, we break down the musical composition, lyrical themes, and emotional weight behind each song. This is an album built on memory, regret, growing up, and the moments that stick with you whether you want them to or not. I'm joined by my friend Josh for this episode, and we dig into why this record continues to resonate, how it blends punk energy with heartland storytelling, and where it stands in the larger punk landscape.

Eric from Western Mass Ska & Punk Shows and Heather of Futon Lasagna (and CEO of Vibes) stop by the show to talk all things Pioneer Valley Ska Fest, going down July 24–25 in Springfield, MA. With 30 bands across two days, including headliners Buck-O-Nine and Thumper—this fest is shaping up to be a can't-miss weekend. Eric and Heather dive into what it takes to bring a festival like this to life, the chaos of juggling band duties while running the show, and an unexpected emergency alert that cuts right through the conversation. Follow Eric on Instagram @413ska and Heather @futon.lasagna

This week on P is for Punk, I finally sat down and listened to Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols by the Sex Pistols front to back for the first time. I went in expecting sloppy, angry noise… but what I got was something way tighter, louder, and more intentional than I thought. From the stomp of "Holidays in the Sun" to "God Save the Queen" and "Anarchy in the U.K.," this record is controlled chaos with hooks. We break down the album track by track, lyrics, tone, and musical composition while also digging into the band's history, their impact on punk, and how this record helped shape everything from the Ramones to the Dead Kennedys and beyond. Plus, we get into the myth and reality of Sid Vicious, and why this album still punches nearly 50 years later.

This week on P is for Punk, we're hanging out with David McWane from Big D and the Kids Table. We talk about the new album The Good Ole American Saturday Night, the chaos behind the single "Whiplash," and Strictly Rude turning 19. David also breaks down how you pick the right single for a record and what it takes to stay true to your roots after 30+ years as a band.

This week on P is for Punk, we're breaking down Morbid Stuff by PUP. We go track-by-track through a record that turns anxiety, burnout, failing relationships, and full-on meltdowns into loud, catchy, and painfully honest songs and their impact on Drew personally. We also dig into where PUP came from, what makes this album stand out in modern punk, and why its mix of vulnerability and aggression continues to resonate. If you've ever felt like everything's a little out of control, this album probably hits closer than you'd expect. #PIsForPunk #PUP #MorbidStuff #PunkPodcast All things P is for Punk: Here

This week we cover Less Than Jake's sophomore album Losing Streak We break down the band's Gainesville DIY roots, their jump from the underground success of Pezcore to a major label with Capitol Records, and how Losing Streak captured a moment when ska-punk was exploding across MTV, college radio, and skate culture. Then we go track by track through the entire album and why these songs still resonate nearly 30 years later. We also explore why Losing Streak became one of the defining albums of 90s ska-punk, how it influenced the scene, and what Less Than Jake is up to today as one of punk's most consistent touring bands.

On this episode of P is for Punk, we break down the raw, reckless debut that helped launch thrash metal into the mainstream. From the firing of Dave Mustaine just before recording to Cliff Burton's legendary bass solo and the anthem "Seek & Destroy," we go track-by-track through Kill 'Em All and explore its punk roots, hardcore energy, and lasting legacy. Joining the show is Jason "Biggie" Mansmith, co-host of 95.1/96.1 The Rock WTCX's The Wheely Big Show, bringing radio insight, Wisconsin rock perspective, and serious thrash knowledge!

This week on P is for Punk, we break down Joyride the Pale Horse by Heart Attack Man. We cover the band's history, their evolution from Midwest DIY punk to a darker, sharper sound, and go track-by-track through songs like "One More Song (Imposter Syndrome)," "Call of the Void," and "The Gallows."  If you're into punk rock, pop-punk revival, emo revival, hardcore influence, and album deep dives, this episode is for you.

This week we're diving into In Desolation, the 2011 album from Off With Their Heads. With tracks like "Drive," "Trying to Breathe," and "Clear the Air," the record finds themes digging deep into depression, addiction, and isolation with striking honesty. Drew breaks down the songwriting, the emotional weight of the album, and why In Desolation remains one of the most impactful punk releases of the 2010s.

On this episode of P is for Punk, Tane from Tightwire joins Drew to dissect their 2023 album Head Full of Snakes. From track-by-track breakdowns to the meaning behind the artwork, they explore how emotionally honest songwriting can still deliver huge hooks. Catchy, vulnerable, and loud in all the right ways. Follow Tightwire on Instagram: @tightwirempls

Group Sex takes us straight into the filthy, fast, and furious heart of early '80s hardcore. This episode dives into the Circle Jerks' landmark debut, an album that didn't just define the sound of L.A. hardcore, but helped set the rules for punk's speed, attitude, and DIY chaos. I'm joined by Joel from High Anxiety Radio as we break down the history behind the record, the scene it exploded out of, and why these short, frantic songs still hit just as hard decades later. We talk track-by-track energy, the band's ties to Black Flag and the larger Southern California punk movement, and how Group Sex proved you didn't need polish, length, or permission to make something influential. Fast songs. Short runtime. Massive impact. Listen to High Anxiety Radio every week on the Code Zero Radio app.

This episode of P is for Punk dives into Failures in Art: Sordid Youth Vol. 2, a compilation that captures the evolution of Raging Nathans from 2017–2021. Joining me is Josh Goldman, frontman of the band and owner of Rad Girlfriend Records. Together, we break down every track on the comp, talk through the band's history leading up to this release, and dig into how these songs reflect different eras of the Nathans' sound and mindset. We also get into why compilation albums like this still matter in punk, touching on DIY ethics, physical releases, and how comps can tell a bigger story than a single LP. Plus, Josh shares insight and stories behind all the EPs and singles that went into how Failures in Art. If you care about modern punk, DIY culture, and the stories behind the songs, this one's essential listening.

On this episode of P is for Punk, I'm digging into Everything Sucks by the Descendents, the 1996 record that helped define what modern punk rock would sound like moving forward. After years of silence and lineup changes, the Descendents came roaring back with an album that blended their classic hyper-melodic punk sound with sharper production, tighter songwriting, and that same unmistakable mix of humor, frustration, and vulnerability. I break down where the band was at leading up to Everything Sucks, what came before it, what followed, and why this album still matters in the punk world decades later. From its impact on late-90s punk and pop-punk to standout tracks and lyrical themes, this episode looks at how Everything Sucks reintroduced the Descendents to a new generation while staying true to their roots. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "fd606660-c3c2-4509-a19a-76813ceb7388" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> If you love fast songs, catchy hooks, and punk rock honesty, this one's for you.    

In this episode of P is for Punk, we explore Blink-182's early history, the DIY roots that shaped Dude Ranch, and the releases that followed as the band moved toward mainstream success. We break down each track, discuss why the album remains a fan favorite, and make the case for Dude Ranch as one of the most important gateway punk albums of the 1990s. The question of "Is Blink 182 actually punk or not" is posed. 

Drew dives into NOFX's 2009 EP Cokie the Clown, a strange, hilarious, and honest snapshot of Fat Mike's mind. Released alongside their album "Coaster", this EP blends dark humor, emotional gut-punches, and classic NOFX skate-punk energy while introducing fans to the now-legendary alter ego, Cokie the Clown.  Drew breaks down each track as each explores themes of addiction, family trauma, punk fatherhood. And yes, he talks about the pee incident. 

We dive into the return of one of Chicago's darkest and most influential punk bands: Alkaline Trio. After a six-year gap, they dropped Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs.  Drew breaks down the band's history, the era that led to this record, and why this album marks both the end of one chapter and the rebirth of another.  Spin the album wherever you get music. 

This time through the alphabet, we explore the world of punk albums starting with the 1995 class, ....And Out Come the Wolves by Rancid. Drew explores the history behind the record, how it was recieved, and shares his own take on why it still matters.  It's the first go at it so we're trying to find a flow. Give it time!