Sayonara Cupcake

EP40 → The Nancy Guthrie Case — A Former Detective’s Perspective, Surveillance & Modern Investigationsthis week, i’m joined by my brother — a former police sergeant and detective with 29 years in law enforcement — and we take a closer look at the nancy guthrie case… this isn’t a news breakdown or play-by-play… it came up because i had a feeling people in this community might have questions, and i wanted to bring in someone who could offer real perspective from experience.he also brings a unique lens, having worked in mesa, arizona — about two hours from where this case took place — so we’re able to talk through terrain, conditions, climate, and how cases like this can play out in that specific environment.we walk through what’s been shared publicly, how investigations typically work, and why things can look one way from the outside but feel very different from the inside. we get into early response, how scenes are handled, and why those first hours matter so much, along with how information is sometimes held back for reasons people don’t always see.we also talk about surveillance — ring cameras, missing gaps, and the reality that even with technology everywhere, things still aren’t as airtight as people assume. the conversation expands into how different agencies work together, what roles actually look like behind the scenes, and how experience, resources, timing, and communication all play a part in how a case develops.we touch on AI and misinformation, and how easy it is now to be convinced of something that isn’t real — which affects not just the public, but how cases are understood in real time. we talk politics… without getting political — no sides, just perspective — and underneath all of it, this comes back to something human: a missing person, a family waiting for answers, and the reality of not knowing.we also get into practical things like home security, awareness, and simple steps people can take to better protect themselves and their families. this isn’t about having all the answers… it’s about asking better questions and understanding the complexity behind what we’re seeing.Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers. We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP39 → LV & Marty: AI, Truth, War, Algorithms & The Illusion of Realitythis week, it’s me and marty… and this one goes everywhere… it starts simple… health, routines, getting older… trying to hold onto discipline while the world feels like it’s speeding up… and then pretty quickly… it turns into something bigger…we get into AI… not just what it can do… but how fast it’s moving… making music, solving problems, teaching, creating… and also confusing the line between real and fake… to the point where you can’t always trust what you’re seeing anymore… videos, news, even people… everything starts to feel a little uncertain…that opens the door to a bigger conversation about truth… perception… and how two people can look at the exact same thing and see something completely different… not metaphorically… literally… and what that means for how we understand the world right now…from there… it gets heavier… war, geopolitics, fear, uncertainty… and yeah… we talk politics… without getting political…it’s less about sides… and more about the feeling… what people are actually experiencing versus what we’re being told… the distortion of information… how stories shift as they move… and how easy it is to lose clarity in the noise…we talk about the mood… in the u.s., abroad, online… the anger, the tension, the sense that things are shifting… maybe faster than we’re ready for… and whether we’re heading toward something bigger… or just stuck in a cycle that keeps repeating…then it swings back… into something more human… taking care of aging parents… raising kids in a world that doesn’t feel stable… trying to stay present when everything around you is pulling for your attention… and the quiet realization that time… is the only thing that actually matters…it dips into social media… algorithms… how they shape what we believe… what we see… what we think we discovered on our own… and how easy it is to get pulled into a version of reality that isn’t the full picture…and somewhere in all of it… there’s this thread…how do you stay grounded… when everything feels uncertain…what do you trust… when everything can be manipulated…and how do you hold onto what matters… when the noise never stops…like always… it branches… but it circles back… to something simple…focus… perspective… and choosing where your attention actually goes… because that might be the only real control we have left……oh—and somewhere in all of this… you finally get to hear the legendary story of the night of the eagles…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers. We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/(where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP38 → Surveillance, AI, Culture & The Nancy Guthrie Casethis week, it’s me and desmond again… and this one starts with the nancy guthrie case — a high-profile disappearance with some real gaps… limited surveillance, missing footage, and a lot that doesn’t quite add up… but that’s really just the entry point… because pretty quickly, it turns into a bigger conversation… about surveillance, privacy, and the strange illusion that we’re constantly being watched… when in reality… the system isn’t nearly as airtight as we think… we get into law enforcement decisions, public communication, and how messy things can get behind the scenes… especially when people assume there’s more clarity than there actually is… then it shifts into culture… community safety, trust, and the difference between how things feel in thailand versus the west… neighbor dynamics, shared spaces, and what happens when people actually look out for each other… versus when everything becomes more individual and disconnected… like always… it branches… into social media, authenticity, and how people present themselves now… whether younger generations are more real… or just better at curating the illusion… and how algorithms quietly shape what we think we discovered on our own… there’s also a detour (because of course there is)… into bizarre global competitions, weird human traditions, and the kind of stuff that reminds you the world is still… very human… but underneath all of it… there’s a thread… trust… in systems, in technology, in each other… and what happens when that trust starts to feel a little unstable… we get into AI… not in the abstract… but in the everyday… how it’s already helping with organization, learning, and clarity… while also raising questions about dependence, ethics, and emotional connection… it dips into mental health… how to deal with difficult people… trolling, social friction, microaggressions… and when to engage versus when to just… step back and protect your peace… and then it stretches out… into bigger reflections… how we spend our time… how quickly things change… and what society might look like hundreds of years from now… somewhere in all of that… we circle back to something simple… focus… being present… not getting pulled into every piece of noise around you… because sometimes… the world feels overwhelming not because everything is happening… but because we think we’re supposed to pay attention to all of it… and maybe we’re not…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers. We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP37 → AI, Authenticity & Trying to Stay HumanThis week, it’s me and Desmond — and this one moves between AI, music, culture… and the general weirdness of being human right now… we start with AI… music production, vocal manipulation… what it can do… what it can’t… and the bigger question underneath it all — what even counts as “real” anymore? from there, it expands… AI in everyday life — smart homes, creative tools… the convenience of it… and the ethical gray areas that come with letting it get closer and closer to how we live… then it shifts into culture… cancel culture, public figures, double standards… where accountability ends and performative outrage begins… and why owning mistakes should open conversation… not shut it down… music runs through everything… how your taste gets shaped — by family, by where you grow up… how discovery used to happen… versus now, with algorithms deciding what you hear next… we talk about luck… timing… and the simple joy of sharing music with someone who actually gets it… and what younger generations might be gaining… or missing… in a world where everything is curated for them…but this one also goes more personal… stepping away from social media… being more present… what it means to actually show up for the people in your life while everything else keeps pulling for your attention… we get into parenting, privacy, and whether kids should have a say in how their lives are shared online… and how something that feels harmless now might not feel that way later… from there it spirals (naturally)… into the ethics of AI… what happens when technology moves faster than the rules meant to guide it… who decides what’s okay… and whether accountability is even possible when everything can be created, altered, or denied… and because this is us… it doesn’t stay serious the whole time… there’s a detour into irrational fears becoming weirdly real… falling through the floor of a restaurant… chaotic travel stories… concert experiences, including Desmond’s first Smashing Pumpkins show… and how quickly perception can shift when you actually understand what you’re seeing… we circle back through music, memory, and the strange way everything connects… and underneath all of it… is the same question… how do you try to understand the world… without completely losing your mind in it?Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers. We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promis

EP36 →Travel, Neutrinos, Dreams & Staying (Somewhat) Sanethis week it’s me and Desmond — audio engineer / producer / intern / full-time chaos co-pilot — and we go everywhere…wellness, water therapy, time travel paradoxes, neutrinos just casually passing through your body like they pay rent here… dreams that may or may not be exposing us… and how to stay emotionally intact when the news feels like an all-you-can-eat doom buffet…we get into mobility (because apparently aging is real… rude), why recovery is the actual MVP, and how genetics and height quietly humble all of us…we talk early music memories, the shift from CDs to digital, what that did to our attention spans… and why independent artists are still getting squeezed, even now…and somewhere in the middle of all that — humor, coping, the teachers who shape you, and the uncomfortable truth that how we spend money says way more about us than we’d like to admit…it’s a conversation that kind of pinballs around the universe… but still lands on the one thing that matters — understanding ourselves just enough to stay human in a weird, loud world…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/⁠ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → ⁠https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake⁠• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP35 →Christopher CipolliniIn this episode, I sit down with author and poet Christopher Cipollini for his second appearance on the podcast, as we mark the release of his third book, Pantheon: A Cathedral of the Mind — available November 30 (details on the site).Our conversation moves through the inner architecture of creativity — the quiet alchemy behind making something meaningful, the way our environments begin to reflect our inner world, and the people who shape and sharpen our work in ways we don’t always recognize at the time.We explore poetry’s evolution — how younger generations are still deeply connected to it, just through a different lens — and how its influence continues to echo through modern music and art. We also talk about longevity in creative work, and why authenticity remains the one constant that continues to resonate.There’s an honest look at the present reality as well — creating in a time defined by distraction, algorithms, and the ongoing challenge of protecting original work in a digital landscape that rarely slows down.At the center of it all is community — not as a concept, but as a lifeline. The thing that sustains artists, amplifies their work, and keeps them grounded when everything else becomes noise.If you’re drawn to creativity, poetry, music, or thoughtful conversation — this episode offers a space to reflect, connect, and explore.— LVSayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP34 → Music, Memory & the Chaos of Growing Up (and Listening Closely)In this episode, I welcome back Anuj Rajkumar of The Legends of Music — at this point, he’s basically a regular — where he’s built a following of 1.6 million people sharing the music he loves.This conversation was originally recorded in two parts… not for artistic reasons, but because I spent a solid half hour talking into the wrong mic like an absolute professional. Meanwhile, my audio engineer / producer / intern Desmond (yes, that Desmond) didn’t show up. So we stitched it together. It works. Trust the process.From there, we go deep…family dynamics, generational sass-trauma, academic burnout, cultural expectations — and how emotional expression gets shaped by the environments we grow up in. Humor becomes survival, pressure turns into disinterest, and somehow we still come out semi-functional.We talk about the evolution of the music scene — how social media has diluted some of the magic, while still managing to create new forms of connection. Because at its core, music still does what it’s always done: it brings people together in ways nothing else really can.Concert culture gets its moment too — especially audience dynamics at a recent Guns N’ Roses show, and how wildly different crowds can be depending on where you are. Some are locked in. Some… should probably be studied.We also get into the emotional weight music carries — why certain songs stay with you, crack you open, and pull you back into versions of yourself you forgot were there… and how AI is quietly reshaping how we discover all of it.Through everything, one thing stays constant — music connects us. To people, to memory, to ourselves.If you’ve ever bonded over a song, lost your mind at a live show, or grew up in a household where “I love you” sounded more like “don’t get smart with me”… this one will feel familiar.Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP33 → Curiosity, Memory & the Stories We CarryIn this episode, I sit down with a dear friend and archaeologist, Sara Dowds — and we go everywhere… from high school reunions to cranial deformation… yes, seriously… we talk about growing up, the strange pull of nostalgia, and how something as simple as driving with the windows down can still feel like freedom… from there, we drift into nature — birdwatching, being outside, and the quiet practice of actually paying attention… Sara shares her work in archaeology, especially her time in Peru, and what it feels like to stand in ancient spaces that hold an energy you can’t quite explain… but definitely feel…we talk about textiles as currency, indigenous brilliance in understanding the environment, and how storytelling is what keeps knowledge alive long after civilizations fade… there’s a moment where she reframes cranial shaping — not as something “strange,” but as deeply cultural and intentional… and it shifts the lens completely… a reminder of how often we judge the past using modern assumptions… and how limited that can be… we also wander into spirituality, experimental archaeology, and the quiet loss of nuance in a globalized world that tends to flatten everything… sometimes at the cost of identity itself… music comes up — because it always does… the thread that ties memory, emotion, and connection together…at its core, this episode is about curiosity… about honoring mystery, asking better questions, and making space for both science and spirit… and maybe just remembering… the world still has a lot to teach us… if we’re actually paying attention…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers. We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP32 → Finding Your Voice in the Noise (with Christopher Cipollini)I discovered poet Christopher Cipollini the way a lot of good things happen now — he left a comment, I got curious, and I clicked…what I found wasn’t just someone writing beautiful words… he was speaking them — consistently, honestly, with heart, grit, and rhythm…so of course, I had to invite him on…what started as a conversation about music and poetry quickly opened into something deeper…we talk about the evolution of music discovery, the reality artists face in a world that consumes constantly but rarely compensates, and how performance poetry has the ability to crack something wide open — for both the artist and the listener…Chris shares his journey from visual art into spoken word, and we reflect on how the music we grow up with quietly shapes who we become…how real art always finds its people…and how finding your voice might be one of the most freeing things a person can do…unscripted… personal… communal…this one’s for the artists, the overthinkers, and anyone still trying to make sense of the noise…🎙️ new episode of Sayonara Cupcake w/ Christopher Cipollini 🖤hosted by LV(from his official bio)Christopher Cipollini is a writer, artist, and spoken word poet originally from Ventura, California. His work explores the surreal, the majestic, and the arcane, and has taken him from Hollywood to Seattle to Europe — blending poetry, performance, photography, and travel. He is the author of The Musings and The Secret Kingdom, and has contributed to publications including The Desert Observer, Downtown Zen, and French Quarter Magazine.Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP31 → Science, Spirit & the Space In Between (with Diana Dagaz)In this episode, I sit down with Diana Dagaz — cultural anthropologist and astrologer — someone who comfortably exists in both worlds… science and what many still label as mysticism…we ended up recording for over three hours… and honestly, we could’ve kept going…just two goth girls talking about… everything…we get into astrology — not the surface-level horoscope version, but as a framework for understanding relationships, identity, music, and even larger world patterns…we talk energy, vibration, and the possibility that what we can’t see might still be shaping more than we realize…the conversation moves through generational trauma, female identity, cultural resilience, and the intersection of compassion, science, and healing…Diana brings a perspective that connects cultural anthropology with personal growth — and we both reflect on how our experiences shape what we believe, what we question, and what we’re still figuring out…animals come up — because of course they do…along with neurodivergence, the weirdness of labels, and the ongoing work of showing up as yourself without editing it down for other people…we even wander into gaming as a metaphor for life… and how intentional community can become one of the most powerful spaces for healing…this one is open, honest, and a little unfiltered…a conversation about identity, culture, and the power of perspective…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP30 → LV & Damien: Punk Roots, Americana Roads & a Visit from the Secret Service⚠️ ADVISORY: This episode contains strong language. Not safe for work… or sensitive ears. You’ve been warned.This one’s a ride…Damien @chiodosupply and I go way back — Model Citizen days when I managed his punk rock band , sweaty venues, long nights, shared history… the kind that doesn’t really fade, even when life pulls you in different directions…we pick up like no time has passed… except all the time has…we get into our punk rock roots — the chaos, the heartbreak, the creative highs and crashes… and the strange ways grief can either fuel you… or shut everything down…and then there’s now…Damien’s moved into Americana — and honestly… it caught me off guard in the best way…same soul… different sound… deeper somehow…we talk about how music still saves lives — even when everything around it changes…how parenting and activism start to collide in unexpected ways…and how being human right now can feel like screaming into a soundproof room…America feels different… politics feel absurd…and relationships — with people, systems, and ideals — have only gotten more complicated…Model Citizen gets its moment…punk rock gets its temperature check — still scrappy, still loud, still swinging…and somewhere in the middle of it all…there’s the story of how the Secret Service ended up talking to Damien…and I’m not exaggerating when I say… it will have you dying laughing…from there, it spirals — animal rescue, pigeons, burnout, clarity…the kind of conversation that only works because there’s real history underneath it…equal parts deep dive and dry humor…but at its core — respect, curiosity, and the reminder that real connection is still one of the most radical things we have…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP29 → Music, Community & Bridging Worlds (with Justin Corwin)In this episode, I sit down with Justin Corwin of The Deep Dive — and like most good conversations… we go everywhere…music, storytelling, parenting… and how this whole podcast even came to life in the first place…we talk about building community — especially during the pandemic, when everything felt like it was falling apart…and how creativity somehow held things together…how music, as always, finds a way to connect people… no matter where they are…we also get into life in Saudi Arabia — what people think it’s like versus what it actually is…the misconceptions around culture and dress… the expat experience…and how starting a YouTube channel became a bridge between worlds…Detroit comes up too — the music scene, the influence, what it gives you whether you realize it or not…and yes… the underrated power of a really good bass line…there’s Smashing Pumpkins talk — obviously…fan communities then vs. now… and how the music we grow up with becomes part of how we parent, how we connect, and how we remember who we are……and if you’re a Pumpkins fan, you already know Netphoria… and you know it has a reputation…but if you were really around back then… you might remember there was a counter-site…similar name… a little more attitude…who started it… and what ever happened to it?yeah… we get into that…it’s personal… it’s funny… a little all over the place…but that’s kind of the point…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP28 → Deep Cuts, Tone Chasing & Pumpkins Lore (with BJ Russell)This week, I sit down with BJ Russell — the creator behind @spgeararchive on Instagram and @spguitar on YouTube — best known for his deep-dive guitar breakdowns and tutorials, mostly centered around Smashing Pumpkins tracks… the tones, the gear, the tiny details most people miss…he’s built a serious following of tone sleuths, musicians, and fans who care about how the sound actually happens…and before all of that — his previous band landed a Top 40 Billboard hit… so yeah… he’s not just guessing…we get into our shared love of The Smashing Pumpkins — standout shows, lineup shifts, the legacy of Machina and Zeitgeist, and the golden era of bootlegs…and yes… we absolutely talk about those 30-minute Gossamer performances that still live rent-free in certain corners of the internet…BJ shares his journey as a musician — how he got here, what keeps him creating —and I share a memory of the late, legendary producer Roy Thomas Baker…and somewhere in the middle of it all…there’s a secret…a very small, very specific detail that only a microscopic subset of fans will catch…if you know… you know…and if you caught it, you probably had a full “NO WAY” moment…🎧 this one’s for the deep-cut crowd…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP27 → Nostalgia, Noise & the Way We Experience the World NowThis week, it’s me and Desmond — and like most of our conversations… we start somewhere and end up everywhere…we get into public transportation stories (because somehow those are always chaotic)…and from there, it opens into something bigger — nostalgia, music, and how the world used to feel versus how it feels now…we talk about growing up with music — how different generations experience it, what gets lost, what evolves…and how culture shifts in ways you don’t really notice until you stop and look back…there’s a thread of social etiquette running through this too — how people interact now, what’s changed, what’s… not great…and how technology has quietly reshaped the way we see everything…we get into algorithms — how they feed us, shape us, and sometimes box us in without us even realizing it…childhood comes up… the freedom of it… the simplicity…and how that contrasts with the constant noise of being online all the time…we also talk about nature — the need to disconnect, to step outside, to remember there’s a world beyond screens…and somewhere in all of it…we circle around the bigger question — what does it mean to actually learn, to explore, to stay curious… in a world that’s constantly trying to decide things for you…it’s reflective… a little all over the place…but grounded in one thing — trying to make sense of how we got here… and where we’re going next…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP26 → Parenting, Pressure & Growing Up in a Very Online WorldThis week, it’s me and Desmond — and we cover a lot… because apparently once you start talking about life, it all connects…we get into podcasting first — what it actually takes, the learning curve, and the weird reality of figuring things out as you go…from there, it opens into something bigger — personal growth, shifting perspectives, and how the world keeps changing whether you’re ready or not…we talk about generational differences — how we were raised versus what kids are navigating now…independence, expectations, and the pressure to perform… especially in school…the education system comes up — homework, testing, diagnoses, and how labels can both help and complicate a child’s experience…and how learning itself has changed across generations…we also get into parenting — the balance between guiding and letting go…and how culture plays a role in what we expect from kids… and what they expect from us…technology is woven through all of it — social media, self-worth, perception…and how growing up online is a completely different reality than anything we experienced…there are moments of humor in it too — first impressions, awkward social interactions, the kind of stuff that sticks with you for no real reason…and then there’s nostalgia — travel, childhood freedom, the things that felt simple before everything became… louder…it’s reflective… a little chaotic…but grounded in something real — trying to understand what it means to grow up, raise kids, and stay human in a world that’s constantly shifting…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP25 → Full Circle: Music, Memory & Reconnection (with Cecilia Nordlund)In this episode, I sit down with Cecilia Nordlund — celebrated Swedish singer, songwriter, and artist — for a conversation that feels… full circle…you may recognize her voice from Fever Ray’s “Keep the Streets Empty for Me,” where she’s credited as a co-writer…but her story runs deep — across multiple projects including Souls, Monkeystrikes, Cilihili, and Fullmånen Från Helvetet…we go back nearly 30 years… to a moment we both remembered…and somehow, after all that time, found our way back into conversation — still carrying that same thread…we talk about Souls — working with the legendary Steve Albini on both albums…and what it was like living with Steve and his wife Heather during those sessions…a rare, intimate window into a world most people only hear about…we get into touring — being championed by Gavin Rossdale and joining Bush on the Razorblade Suitcase tour alongside The Jesus Lizard…the shift from small venues to massive stages…and the quiet loneliness that can come with it…Cecilia also shares her experience being part of the documentary Jag är min egen Dolly Parton (I Am My Own Dolly Parton) — a powerful film following five Swedish female artists navigating creativity, identity, and independence, including Nina Persson of The Cardigans, alongside Gudrun Hauksdottir, Helena Josefsson, and Lotta Wenglén…from there, the conversation opens up…music, identity, growth, loss…how the industry has changed… how artists move through it now…and how community — real community — is often the only thing that holds it all together…we reflect on spirituality, creativity, and generational shifts — in relationships, in music, in how people connect…and underneath all of it…is something simple, but powerful —music as a thread…the thing that carries memory, connects people across time, and somehow brings moments back around when you least expect it…this one is personal… reflective… and quietly powerful…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP24 → Perspective, Friendship & Making Sense of a Changing World (with Marty & Desmond)In this episode, I’m joined by Desmond — producer / audio engineer / intern — and my longtime best friend, Marty…and one of the things I’ve always valued about Marty is this — we don’t always agree…we see things differently… and that difference gives me perspective…honestly, a lot of the people I keep closest to me are like that…not echoes… but contrasts…because that’s where you actually grow…from there, the conversation opens up…we start light — personal stories, dogs, the emotional lives of animals…and then drift into something bigger…AI — what it is, what it’s becoming, and how differently people see it depending on where they stand…we get into its role in education, mental health, child safety…how algorithms shape behavior…and how different countries are handling it… or not…Marty brings in his perspective as a sustainability engineer — global policy, tech, and the bigger systems most people don’t think about…we talk natural disasters — including the Myanmar earthquake —plate tectonics, the Grand Canyon…how the planet itself is constantly shifting under us whether we notice or not…and then it moves again…misinformation…the changing job landscape under AI…the gaps in traditional education — especially around real-world things like economics…we get into gaming as a tool for learning and connection…relationships, expectations, and the strange, sometimes hilarious ways humans interact…and yes… animals come back in — pigeon society, rescue dreams, and the reality of raising a sewer rat…because of course they do…there’s also a thread of curiosity running through all of it —ancient civilizations, LIDAR discoveries, what we think we know versus what we’re still uncovering…and underneath everything…is the bigger question — how do we navigate all of this?how do we stay grounded, thoughtful, and human in a world that keeps accelerating?this one’s layered… a little chaotic…but rooted in something real — perspective, connection, and the value of not surrounding yourself with people who think exactly like you…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP23 → Family, Music & the Moments That Bring Us Together (with James Allan of Glasvegas)This one was never supposed to be an episode…it started as a quick 10–15 minute chat so Anuj from The Legends of Music could ask James a couple of questions…and somehow… it turned into a two-hour conversation…and honestly… I’m glad it did…because James isn’t just a guest — he, his wife Molly, his cousin and bandmate Rab (who’s been on before), and his wife Shannon… they’re what we call our Glasgow family…and that connection started in the most unexpected way — through my son…a massive Glasvegas fan… who ended up forming a real friendship with James…and from there… everything kind of grew…we talk about music, of course — early influences, songwriting, how sharing music has changed in the digital age…but it goes way beyond that…growth, collaboration, the realities of recording…how technology has reshaped the process… and how being a musician can completely change your life in ways you don’t expect…and if you’ve listened to Rab’s episode…you’ll recognize some of the stories — but this time, you get them from another side…different perspective… different details…the kind of thing that makes the whole picture come together in a new way…James shares stories from time spent in the jungle — encounters with spiders, shamans, fear, faith…the kind of experiences that push you out of your comfort zone and stay with you long after…and then there are the stories about family…how touring — even alongside bands like Oasis — somehow made its way into the stories involving their mums…moments that took on a life of their own in the best way…and it all circles back to something deeper…family…the role it plays in everything — especially in his music…the decision to include his mum’s voice on an album…and how those personal connections become part of the art itself…there’s humor in it… nostalgia…stories about growing up, about friendship, about navigating criticism and finding your way through it…and underneath all of it…is something simple but powerful — the people in your life shape everything…and sometimes, music is the thing that brings those connections full circle…this one’s personal… unexpected… and really special…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP22 → Books, Bite Marks & the Way We Argue About EverythingThis week, it’s me and Desmond — and somehow we go from skate culture to censorship to dog laws… like a completely normal conversation…we start with skateboarding — the culture, the inclusivity, and how it’s always been this space where people just… show up as they are…then it shifts into books — how kids read now versus how we grew up…what pulls them in, what pushes them away…and the quiet magic of old books — the ones with dedications, notes, little pieces of someone else’s life still tucked inside…we talk about revising books — where the line is between evolving language and rewriting history…and why preserving the original matters, even when it’s uncomfortable…from there, it spirals into censorship… freedom to read…and who gets to decide what stays and what goes…music videos come up — because nostalgia always finds its way in…the 80s, the 90s… when videos felt like events…and yes… the ones with animals automatically win…then the tone shifts again…we get into the UK ban on bully breeds — the reality, the fear, the personal stories…and the bigger question of responsibility…because it’s never just about the animal… it’s about the human behind it…and then — politics…the frustration of it… the noise…how everything’s become about personalities instead of actual policy…and how rare real debate and compromise feel right now…and somehow… after all of that…it lands back where it always does with us —two very different people, figuring things out in real time…it’s a little chaotic… a little reflective…but grounded in something simple — curiosity, perspective, and the willingness to actually talk things through…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP21 → Vintage Tees, Strange Encounters & the Chaos of ConnectionThis week, it’s me and Desmond — and this one really goes everywhere…we start in Thailand — the little cultural nuances, the things that feel unfamiliar until they don’t…colors, customs, everyday details that say more about a place than any guidebook ever could…then somehow we end up talking about second-hand clothes — where they go, how they’re resold…and the rise of vintage band tees…why people chase them, collect them, and what they represent beyond just clothing…from there… it drifts…fabric softeners, t-shirt nostalgia… and then into stories about running into celebrities…the kind of random moments that feel surreal even after they’re over…Gene Wilder, Bill Clinton… and that strange, undeniable thing some people have — presence…we talk about charisma — not just in celebrities, but in world leaders…and how personality can shape perception just as much as policy…and then… because this is how our conversations go…we get into probability, chance, and the weirdness of reality itself…quantum physics, observation, and the idea that things might not be as fixed as we think they are…music comes back in — it always does…our influences, our teachers, the moments that stick…and how those early experiences quietly shape everything…we talk about friendship too — the kind that builds over time…inside jokes, memes, shared language…and how those small things end up meaning more than you realize…and somewhere in all of it…is the bigger idea — learning to prioritize what actually brings you joy…especially as you get older and start seeing things a little more clearly…it’s chaotic… it’s funny… a little reflective…and very much what happens when two people just let a conversation go where it wants to go…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP20 → Animals, Energy & the Bonds We Don’t Fully Understand(…with a small detour into Star Wars… obviously…)This week, it’s me and Desmond — and this one leans heavy into animals… and the connection we have with them that we don’t fully understand…we start with the idea of frequency — energy, vibration…how it shows up in music, in astrology…and whether it’s possible that what we put out actually shapes what we attract…because somehow… animals always seem to find me…and it raises the question — is that random… or is there something more to it?we talk about animal behavior — the things we can explain, and the things we can’t…the limits of human understanding…and how much we still project our own meaning onto what they do…from there, it becomes more personal…the bond between humans and animals…the quiet trust, the companionship…and the kind of empathy that doesn’t need language to exist…we share stories — the good ones, the funny ones…and the harder ones too…loss…euthanasia…the emotional weight of loving something you know you’ll eventually have to let go of…and then… because we’re us…it somehow ends with Star Wars, voice-changing tech, and a much lighter tone than where we started…it’s reflective… a little emotional…but grounded in something simple — the connection we have with animals, and how much they shape us whether we realize it or not…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP19 → Parents, Patterns & the Things We CarryThis week, it’s me and Desmond — and this one gets a little more real…we talk about animals first — their personalities, their quirks…the stubbornness, the intelligence…and how, in a strange way, it starts to mirror something very familiar…because the conversation shifts into caring for aging parents…and all the complexity that comes with it…the roles reversing…the frustration… the love… the moments that feel impossible to navigate…and the reality that there isn’t exactly a guidebook for any of it…we get into generational dynamics — the expectations we grow up with versus what actually plays out…and how the version of “family” we’re shown in movies doesn’t always match real life…there’s a thread of generational trauma running through it too…how patterns get passed down…and how awareness doesn’t always make things easier… but it does make them clearer…we touch on perspective — the idea of personal responsibility, managing expectations…and how sometimes the only thing you can really control is how you respond…and because it’s us… it’s not all heavy…we drift into lighter things — t-shirt collections, CDs, old habits…stories about pranks, memories, the small stuff that somehow sticks…and even the idea of needing a “battle plan” for family visits…because sometimes… you do…it’s honest… a little messy…but grounded in something real — trying to understand the people who raised us… while also figuring out ourselves…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP18 → Sharks, Curiosity & the Things That Pull Us In (with Marty & Desmond)This week, Marty’s back — my BFF — and we start with a story that pretty much sets the tone for everything…he once called me up and casually invited me to go shark diving…no cage… no special suit… just… go…and somehow… I said yes…and ended up falling in love with it…we talk about that experience — the fear, the adrenaline, the weird calm that comes with it…and the reality of what’s actually out there off the coast of San Diego…the sharks, the dolphins… the kind of marine life people don’t realize is right there…from there, the conversation does what it always does…we drift into nature — the unpredictability of life, mortality, and those moments that remind you how small you are…and how alive that can make you feel…monarch butterflies come up — migration, instinct, the kind of precision in nature that feels almost impossible…then it shifts again…technology, automation, smart homes…the convenience of it… the trade-offs…and the quiet question of how much we’re willing to give up for ease…we get into always-on devices… privacy…and whether we’re slowly building a world that’s watching us more than we’re watching it…and then… because of course…the idea of simulation —are we in one? does it matter?and how people try to make sense of something that might not be fully knowable…we touch on decision-making, probability…cancel culture, politics…and the constant push and pull of trying to understand the world while also just… living in it…and underneath all of it…is something simple — curiosity…the thing that gets you in the water with sharks…the thing that keeps you asking questions…the thing that makes life feel bigger than whatever box you’re in…this one’s wild… reflective… a little philosophical…and exactly what happens when you let a conversation go where it wants to go…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP17 → First Friends, First Music & the Soundtrack That Stays (with Eric Feith)In this episode, I sit down with one of my oldest, dearest friends… and technically my first “boyfriend”…which, to be clear, meant absolutely nothing because we were 12…but what did matter — and still does — is music…Eric was always the one who knew…the one handing me tapes, pointing me in new directions…introducing me to bands that would end up shaping everything…and honestly… he was the king of the mixtapes…the kind that weren’t just thrown together… but curated… intentional…little worlds you could sit in and get lost…I still remember getting a Suicidal Tendencies tape from him when we were like 13…then Black Flag… Sonic Youth…and a long list of bands that quietly became part of my foundation…this conversation is a trip back — middle school, skateboarding, early shows…the kind of friendship that forms before you even know who you are yet…and somehow… still holds…we talk about skate culture — how open and welcoming it felt back then… especially in San Diego…the kind of scene where you could literally roll up to Tony Hawk’s house in Fallbrook, ask if you could skate his ramp…and he’d just let a bunch of random kids in… no questions asked…that kind of trust… that kind of community…it felt different…music, of course, is everywhere in this one…how we discovered it then — tapes, shows, word of mouth…versus now — algorithms, platforms, instant access…we get into festivals — X-Fest, Lollapalooza…mosh pits, chaos, those moments that feel bigger than you when you’re in them…and how music becomes more than just something you listen to…it becomes memory… identity… connection…we also touch on life now — parenting, health, perspective…I share a bit about my MS diagnosis and what comes with navigating that…and we talk about how priorities shift as you get older…but underneath all of it…is friendship…the kind that grows, changes, but doesn’t disappear…the kind that holds history… and still makes room for who you’ve become…this one’s nostalgic… honest… and rooted in something real —the people who shape your life early… and the music that stays with you long after…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP16 → Nostalgia, Noise & Trying Not to Be a Jerk About ItThis week, it’s me and Desmond — and this one bounces between nostalgia, real-life experiences, and the kind of unfiltered conversation that just goes where it wants…we start with childhood — growing up in different cities, the moments that stick…and the experiences that shape how you see people… especially when it comes to judgment and empathy…then we drift into nostalgia — metal lunchboxes, eBay rabbit holes, collectibles…Muppets, Funko Pops…and yes… Desmond has a ridiculous Funko Pop collection… the kind that makes you question life choices… in the best way…the stuff that shouldn’t matter as much as it does… but somehow does…from there, it shifts…we get into fame, accountability, and the complicated reality of separating art from artist…including conversations around movements like Scientology…and how public perception doesn’t always match the full picture…music culture runs through all of it…band dynamics, lineup changes, the chaos that comes with keeping something together…Joy Division into New Order… Queen with Adam Lambert…The Smashing Pumpkins… Oasis… The Smiths…and the personalities that can make — or completely derail — a band…then it pivots again…film — remakes, reboots… why some land and most don’t…and how nostalgia can either elevate something… or completely ruin it…and yes… somehow we end up talking about Tom Holland as Spider-Man…and how all these different worlds — music, film, culture — start to blur together…it’s reflective… a little chaotic…part nostalgia trip, part cultural commentary…and part trying to figure out how we got here… without completely losing perspective along the way…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP15 → Decisions, Noise & Protecting Your EnergyThis week, it’s me and Desmond — and we start with podcasting… and somehow end up in philosophy… like you do…we kick things off talking about Riverside — the platform, the process, what works, what doesn’t…and then it spirals… in the best way…into probability, decision-making…and the weird ways people justify the choices they make…from there, it gets a little deeper…AI-generated music — what it means, where it’s going…and the ongoing question of separating art from the artist…especially in a world where even doing something good can somehow still get you backlash…we talk about the shift in music — free downloads, the role of managers behind the scenes…and how much of what we see is actually being shaped by people we never hear about…and then… social media…the oddly satisfying act of blocking people…not out of anger… but out of self-preservation…protecting your energy… staying focused…and realizing you don’t actually have to give everyone access to you…because sometimes growth looks like… less noise…and of course… it wouldn’t be us without a few random turns…sports come up…the UK’s very specific love of indoor swimming pools…and just when it feels like we’re about to land the plane……it doesn’t…it ends on a cliffhanger…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP14 → Style, Soundtracks & the Meaning We Assign to EverythingThis week, it’s me and Desmond — and this one drifts in that classic “how did we get here?” way…we start with style — clothing, perception, first impressions…how what you wear ends up saying things about you before you even speak…and from there… it opens into identity… personality…and how people decide who you are in seconds…then — because this is how our brains work —we end up breaking down a viral video of a guy power-jumping over a car…and somehow… it turns philosophical…is it meaningless chaos… or is there something deeper in why we even care about watching it?from there, it’s all music and nostalgia…the magic of discovering a band before anyone else knows them…and that weird mix of pride and slight annoyance when the rest of the world finally catches up…we talk about how music becomes part of your identity…how it marks time, moments, versions of yourself…then it pivots again…Lost comes up — fate vs. randomness…and suddenly we’re deep into character breakdowns…favorites, least favorites…very strong opinions on Nikki and Paolo… Benjamin Linus… Hugo…because of course we are…we round it out with soundtracks, random celebrity encounters…and the bigger themes underneath it all — redemption, second chances… honesty…and the very underrated act of just… being a decent human…it’s part pop culture… part philosophy…and part beautifully chaotic conversation that somehow still lands…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP13 → Pen Pals, Music Snobs & the Friendships That Stick (with young adult author, Justin Carroll)In this episode, I sit down with longtime friend and author Justin Carroll — but this one starts in a way that still kind of blows my mind…we met on a plane…he was a kid traveling alone… I was an adult, minding my business, reading a music magazine…and he just looks over and tells me the band I’m reading about is crap…then proceeds to tell me what I should be listening to instead…which… honestly… bold move…we ended up exchanging addresses — actual addresses, pre-email, pre-everything —and became pen pals…he’d send me all the new music coming out of the UK and Europe…I’d send him what was happening in the US…and somehow… that turned into a friendship that’s lasted all this time…from there, we get into everything…nostalgia, of course — those early days, the music, the way we discovered things before algorithms decided for us…Justin’s journey as a writer… aging…and how books and music can act as escape hatches when life gets heavy…we talk about real life too — caring for aging parents, shifting responsibilities…and how those moments quietly change you…there’s a thread of creativity running through all of it…how people connect to art in completely different ways…and how numbers, analytics, and social media don’t always reflect what’s actually real…we get into identity, belief systems, boundaries…protecting your peace…and learning when to cut out energy that doesn’t belong in your life…music stays at the center…for both of us — a constant, a comfort…something that shapes who you are without you even realizing it…Justin talks about his character Hemlock Jones — and how that reflects parts of himself…that slightly offbeat, introspective way of moving through the world…and then… because it’s us…comic book shops… cemetery walks…shared World of Warcraft love… questionable hotel experiences…all the random threads that somehow still connect…this one’s layered… nostalgic… a little chaotic…but grounded in something real —friendship, creativity, and the things that stay with you long after everything else changes…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP12 → DIY, Sound & Building a Life Around Music (with Josiah Mazzaschi/ Child Seat)In this episode, I sit down with Josiah — the mind behind Child Seat — for a conversation that really gets into what it means to build a life around music…we start at the beginning…skate videos, college radio…those early discovery moments that shape your taste before you even realize it’s happening…Josiah talks about becoming a multi-instrumentalist…and how learning to record his own music became a turning point — not just creatively, but in defining his independence as an artist…and he’s been around it all…working with The Jesus and Mary Chain…spending time at Steve Albini’s Chicago studio…being part of a scene that included bands like Smashing Pumpkins…he was also in the band Light FM with former Smashing Pumpkins bassist Nicole Fiorentino…and later recorded a Child Seat track featuring a guest appearance by former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist Jeff Schroeder…and it’s clear — he’s not just adjacent to that world…he’s someone people across both the LA and Chicago scenes actually know…from there, we get into the realities of the music world…finding practice spaces in LA…how the scene has changed…and why community and collaboration still matter more than anything…we talk about the shift from traditional bands to solo artists…how genres cycle back around (shoegaze never really dies)…and what it actually takes to keep creating when the industry keeps moving the goalposts…live shows… discovery…the moments that remind you why you started in the first place…and we close on Child Seat — how it came together…the DIY approach to both music and visuals…and the constant push to evolve while staying true to your sound…it’s honest… grounded…and a real look at what it takes to keep going in an industry that doesn’t make it easy…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP11 → Way Out of Our Depth (in the Best Way) with Andy RickerThis one was different…Andy had just come off major dental work…and I was probably more nervous for this conversation than any I’ve ever done…because he lives in a world I know absolutely nothing about — the culinary world…and if I’m being honest…Desmond and I had no business interviewing a chef…we are two people with some of the weirdest food issues imaginable…but Andy’s one of those people where you just know… there’s something there…and I also knew there were connections — music… Thailand… culture…so we went for it…and I’m really glad we did…Andy shares his journey — from backpacking through Thailand to becoming a renowned chef, two-time James Beard Award winner, and Michelin-star recipient for Pok Pok NYC…and along the way, we get into something unexpected — his relationship with music…and how it’s quietly influenced the way he creates…he also talks about appearing on Parts Unknown with Anthony Bourdain…we get a real look behind the curtain of the culinary world —the difference between what you see on TV and what it actually takes to do the job…because for Andy, it’s not about flash…it’s repetition… discipline… showing up and doing it over and over again…we talk about creativity — what it actually is…and how it’s less about inventing something new, and more about connecting experiences in unexpected ways…he shares examples from his own process —from gelato affogato to Southeast Asian breakfasts…and how those memories translate into something new…and then there’s the reality of it all…running a restaurant… the business side…and how that can sometimes pull you away from the thing you love in the first place…and somehow… it circles back to music…how scenes are built… how they change once money gets involved…and why music feels like it lasts… while food — no matter how incredible — is fleeting…it’s honest… grounded…and a conversation that probably shouldn’t have worked on paper…but absolutely did…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP10 → Old Friends, Big Lives & Going Wherever It Leads (with Russ “Devlin Jones” Sabin)In this episode, I sit down with one of my oldest friends — Russ, aka Devlin Jones…we’ve known each other since we were 12…and he’s one of those people who’s just… lived a life…he’s also the one who got me into old school soul…the kind of music that sticks with you and quietly shapes everything…and honestly… Russ has had one of the most interesting paths of anyone I know…we start with technology — the impact it’s had on younger generations…social media, attention spans, identity…what it means to grow up online versus… not…Russ shares his early days in game development…that DIY mindset…and how the internet became both a tool and a playground for creativity…from there, we get into music — early influences, favorite instruments…and the San Diego scene that helped shape both of us…and then… it shifts…van life…Russ walks through what it was actually like converting and living in a bus…the freedom, the challenges…and what you learn when you strip life down to the essentials…we get into everyday realities too…waste, plastic use, sustainability…the differences between living in places like San Diego and Thailand…and how your environment changes your habits without you even realizing it…travel comes up — of course…New York, New Orleans, Paris…the pull of leaving your comfort zone…and what happens when you actually do…we talk about meeting people from different cultures…staying open…and letting go of that instinct to judge things too quickly…there are personal stories throughout —including navigating Thailand’s medical system…the kind of experiences that stay with you…and then, like always… it drifts into the random…bidets… solar power… irrational fears…all the small, weird things that somehow make up real life…but underneath all of it…is something simple…long-term friendship…the kind that spans decades…changes shape…but never really goes anywhere…this one’s thoughtful… a little chaotic…and exactly what happens when you sit down with someone who’s lived… and just let the conversation go…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP9 → AI, Authenticity & Trying to Stay HumanThis week, it’s me and Desmond — and this one moves between AI, music, culture… and the general weirdness of being human right now…we start with AI…music production, vocal manipulation…what it can do… what it can’t…and the bigger question underneath it all — what even counts as “real” anymore?from there, it expands…AI in everyday life — smart homes, creative tools…the convenience of it… and the ethical gray areas that come with letting it get closer and closer to how we live…then it shifts into culture…cancel culture, public figures, double standards…where accountability ends and performative outrage begins…and why owning mistakes should open conversation… not shut it down…music runs through everything…how your taste gets shaped — by family, by where you grow up…how discovery used to happen… versus now, with algorithms deciding what you hear next…we talk about luck… timing…and the simple joy of sharing music with someone who actually gets it…and what younger generations might be gaining… or missing…in a world where everything is curated for them…then it drifts into something more personal…trust — between people… between humans and animals…curiosity about other cultures…and that quiet nostalgia for when things felt a little more… simple…we circle back through media… connection…and yes… Lost makes an appearance…because somehow, it always does…and underneath all of it…is the same question…how do you try to understand the world…without completely losing your mind in it?Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP8 → Secrets, Nostalgia & the Friendship That Knows Too Much (with Marty)This one’s a little different…it’s the first time I bring on my BFF, Marty…the one who knows all the secrets…decades of history… the good, the questionable… all of it…so yeah… this one goes places…we start with AI — because apparently everything does now…its role in music… what’s real, what’s not…and how hard it’s getting to trust what you’re seeing online…from there, it shifts into nostalgia…MySpace days… starting bands…those early creative moments that felt messy and real and yours…music stays at the center…how we discovered it then…what it meant…and how different it feels now, with everything filtered through algorithms…we talk about the darker side of all of it too…social media addiction…the pressure to constantly produce…and how technology hasn’t just changed music — it’s changed attention itself…then it gets real…what artists are actually dealing with now —the commoditization of art… lack of support…and trying to stand out in a world where everything is oversaturated…we get into influencers… content creation…and how the line between art and algorithm is getting harder to see…and as it all expands…AI… disinformation…where this might all be heading…it circles back to something simple…friendship…growing up together…the difference between then and now…and that kind of freedom that feels harder to find these days…and for me… just appreciation…for a friendship that’s lasted…seen everything…and somehow still feels the same at its core…this one’s nostalgic… honest…a little chaotic… and very real…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP7 → From MySpace Messages to Real-Life Friendship (with Aaron of Nurses / S.E.C.R.E.T.S.)This one goes back…way back to the MySpace days…when unsigned bands would blast messages out trying to get people to come to shows…and Aaron hits me up…telling me to drive up to Orange County and check them out…because they had just driven all the way from Idaho… in a Jeep…to “make it” in music…which… honestly… respect…I went…and we’ve been friends ever since…Aaron — from Nurses (formerly The Fall Project) and now S.E.C.R.E.T.S. — joins me for a conversation that moves between music, creativity, nature… and everything that’s happened in between…in S.E.C.R.E.T.S., he works alongside his best friend Randy Strohmeyer — former touring mate from the band Finch — which adds another layer of history and connection to what he’s doing now…we start with podcasting and production…what it actually takes behind the scenes…the learning curve… and why creative control matters…then we go back to his early days in music —making the move to California…figuring out his sound…and how that’s evolved over time…and then… it opens up…history… the universe…that quiet sense of awe when you stop and actually look at the world around you…Aaron talks about his connection to the sky… clouds…and I get into caring for animals — pigeons, rescues…and how grounding it is to be close to something real and alive…and then there’s the wild part…he now lives near the Yucatán Peninsula…not far from where the asteroid hit that wiped out the dinosaurs…so naturally… we go there…time… existence…and the reminder of how small we are in the bigger picture…from there, it shifts back into modern life…technology… communication overload…the pressure to always be “on”…and learning how to set boundaries without feeling guilty about it…music threads through everything…sharing artists… discovering new sounds…the bands that shaped us…and the unexpected connections music creates between people…we also talk about Steve Albini — his legacy, his approach…and what it means to stay raw and honest in your work…bands like Hugo Largo come up…and the importance of staying on your own path…regardless of what the industry expects…this one’s thoughtful… grounded…and moves from the smallest details of daily life…to the kind of events that shaped the entire planet…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP6 → Music, Change & Holding Onto What’s Real (with Anuj Rajkumar)In this episode, I’m joined again by close friend Anuj Rajkumar — curator behind The Legends of Music Instagram account (1.6M+ followers) — along with Desmond…and like always… we go everywhere…we start with animals — pigeons, wildlife…those small, unexpected connections that end up grounding you more than anything else…from there, it moves into music…as therapy… as release…the emotional pull of live shows…and how music becomes a way to process life when nothing else quite works…we talk about cities — Dubai in particular…the image versus the reality…and how places evolve over time…which opens into something bigger…changing neighborhoods… gentrification…and the quiet loss of the spaces that once shaped who we were…there’s a reflective thread through all of it…the fragility of life…the importance of nature — especially trees…and the need to stay connected to something real in a world that’s starting to feel more and more artificial…we also get into culture…identity, language…and the subtle ways people express who they are depending on where they are…music anchors everything…soundtracks… storytelling…how we used to experience it — vinyl, CDs…versus now — streaming, instant access…and how artists evolve… experiment…sometimes pushing their audience… sometimes losing them…bands like Smashing Pumpkins and Radiohead come up…because of course they do…and underneath all of it…is appreciation…for music…for nature…and for those small, fleeting moments that end up meaning the most…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP5 → From Glasvegas to the Amazon: Music, Perspective & the Unexpected Path (with Rab Allan)In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Robert Allan — Rab Allan of Glasvegas — for a conversation that goes way beyond music…we start there, of course…how music is discovered… shared…how that’s changed in the age of TikTok…and the albums that don’t just play — they stay with you…we talk Glasgow… the scene…the influences that shape you early…and the records that leave a real emotional imprint — including Rab’s connection to Bob Marley’s Legend…but then… it shifts…because Rab’s story doesn’t follow a straight line…he talks about his upbringing… family…how music became this constant thread through everything…and then… one of the more surreal chapters of his life…living among an Amazonian Pygmy tribe…fully immersed…not observing from a distance — actually living it…and even experiencing the reality of jungle warfare between tribes…something that changes how you see the world… whether you want it to or not…from there… it turns again…into academia…what led him to pursue a PhD…why he made that shift…and how it reshaped his perspective on both music and life…we talk about the rainforest…the bond within Glasvegas…and how those relationships hold… even as life moves in completely different directions…it’s layered… unexpected…and a reminder that sometimes the most interesting stories are the ones that don’t follow any kind of plan…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP4 → The Drummer Everyone Knows (with Jake Najor)If you’re from San Diego and you play music…you either know Jake… or you’ve definitely heard of him…because he’s in everything…and he’s also a Grammy Award–nominated drummer who’s played on a Grammy-winning record…In this episode, I sit down with longtime friend and drummer Jake Najor for a conversation about music, persistence, and what it actually takes to build a life as a working musician…and I also share something personal…Jake is the artist I’ve photographed the most…because every single time he plays — no matter who he’s playing with — he looks like he’s having the best time ever…and that energy? it’s real…we start at the beginning…high school bands, early influences…the path that led him to become one of the most in-demand drummers around…and one thing comes up immediately —he never stopped playing…saying yes… staying active…putting himself in rooms where things could happen…because that’s how you build something real…and Jake’s done exactly that…he’s recorded and/or performed with artists like Big Daddy Kane, Empire of the Sun, TV On The Radio, Kelis, Redman, Jason Mraz, The Beatnuts, Raphael Saadiq, De La Soul, Aloe Blacc, Joss Stone…as well as groups like Blackout Party, Breakestra, and more…and locally — if you know the scene — the Greyboy Allstars connection runs deep too, with his brother Zak being part of that world…it’s a musical family for sure — shoutout to his sister Mia, who’s in the band Witchface…we get into what that actually looks like…moving between genres… adapting…showing up ready… no ego… just work…we talk about his experiences on the road…that Grammy connection…touring internationally — including Japan…and how those experiences shape not just your playing… but your perspective…we also get into how the industry has changed…smartphones at shows…how people experience live music now…and how different it feels from what it used to be…music stays at the center…favorite albums… influences…Metallica’s Ride the Lightning…Les McCann’s Invitation to Openness…discovering newer artists like Tame Impala…and then we go deeper…the kind of records that stay with you…Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew…and why some music doesn’t just age — it expands…we also talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention…the people…because chemistry offstage matters just as much as what happens on it…and if you’re going to do this long-term…you better actually like the people you’re doing it with…we wrap by looking ahead…AI, electronic production…what the future might look like for musicians…and what doesn’t change — the love of playing…this one’s grounded… real…and a look at what it actually means to stay in it… and keep going…Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP3 → One Walkman, Two Kids & a Lifetime of Music (with Alex)In this episode, I sit down with one of my oldest friends… and my childhood neighbor… Alex… I’ve known him since I was 13… and some of my clearest memories of that time look like this… walking home from school… sharing one pair of those foam Walkman headphones… each of us taking one side… and just… sitting in it… usually Depeche Mode… completely blown away… because the second we found one album… there were more… and we couldn’t get enough… (you know the joke if you know…) that was the beginning… a friendship built on music… on trading tapes… because each of us always had something the other didn’t…what unfolds in this episode isn’t really an interview… it’s more like a shared timeline… told through music… memory… and everything in between… we go back to those early days… cassette tapes… discovering bands like Depeche Mode and Duran Duran… building a collection before everything was instantly available… and not just the music — but how we found it… how much it meant to actually earn it… we talk about the culture around it… local radio like 91X… voices like DJ Steve West… the kind of influence that shaped an entire generation… and how Alex, whether he realized it or not, had his own quiet presence in that scene…from there, it moves into now… how our relationship with music has evolved… how it’s something we pass down… and the pride in watching our kids connect to the same sounds that meant everything to us… we also get into the reality of the current music landscape… streaming… what artists are up against… and why supporting independent musicians still matters more than ever… but underneath all of it… is connection… how music holds memory… how it shapes relationships… and how it stays with you through every version of your life… and it ends the way it should… with appreciation… for a friendship that’s lasted decades… and a shared soundtrack that never really stopped playing…DISCLAIMER (REMASTERED EPISODE):when i started this podcast, it was completely on a whim… idea to execution happened in about a week, and i was learning everything as i went… and yeah… i sucked.the sound wasn’t great, the mics weren’t great, and honestly, we were all just using whatever we had lying around. at the time, the conversation mattered more to me than the technical side of things. that hasn’t changed… but i do understand now that for a lot of people, sound quality can make or break the experience… and i’d be doing my guests a disservice if i didn’t try to present these conversations in the best way possible.also, this podcast was originally intended to be audio-only… early guests were told exactly that… which is why some episodes don’t have video. and because we weren’t planning for video… let’s just say lighting was not a priority. we all unintentionally look like goblins. it happens.we also don’t use any kind of beautifying filters… not that we wouldn’t… buta) our host doesn’t offer anyb) we kinda want to look like ourselves.our trick? recording in 720p… because honestly… who needs to see us in ultra-HD?so please bear with me as i continue to release current episodes while also going back and remastering older ones. this is one of those remastered episodes. it’s not perfect… but what is?the conversations are what matter. they’re real… they’re evergreen… and they’re always worth revisiting.original air date: may 2024Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers. We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/ (where the community lives)🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP2 → The Quiet Force Behind the Scene (with Mitch Wilson of No Knife)In this episode, I sit down with one of my dearest friends — Mitch Wilson… and if you’re from San Diego… you already know… Mitch has a kind of aura in the music community… from his time in the world-acclaimed band No Knife… to being featured in the San Diego–centric documentary It’s Gonna Blow… to now directing videos for local bands… he’s been part of it… shaping it… watching it evolve… and honestly… this one feels full circle… because he’s also part of Lunar Maps… and their track Diamond Seas closes out the Sayonara Cupcake Podcast… so yeah… this one matters…we go back to the early days… No Knife… touring… creating… building something that would quietly become foundational in the indie world… and then into the San Diego scene… places like The Casbah… not just venues… but real community hubs… where artists supported each other… where things felt connected… not competitive… we talk about how music discovery has changed… from word-of-mouth… local shows… to streaming… algorithms… instant access… what’s been gained… what’s been lost… and how scenes like San Diego’s gave artists space to grow… without losing who they were…we get into writing too… lyrics… instinct… that idea of “automatic writing”… and how literature has shaped the way Mitch approaches his work… and underneath all of it… is something deeper… the way music connects… the way it stays with people… long after it’s released… and the reality that Mitch isn’t just part of that world… he helped shape it… quietly… without needing to announce it… and this conversation really captures that… it ends where it started… music… community… and the importance of supporting the spaces and people that make it all possible…DISCLAIMER (REMASTERED EPISODE):When I started this podcast, it was completely on a whim—idea to execution happened in about a week, and I was learning everything as I went… and yeah, I SUCKED. The sound wasn’t great, the mics weren’t great, and honestly, we were all just using whatever we had lying around. At the time, the conversation mattered more to me than the technical side of things. That hasn’t changed—but I do understand now that for a lot of people, sound quality can make or break the experience, and I’d be doing my guests a disservice if I didn’t try to present these conversations in the best way possible.Also, this podcast was originally intended to be audio-only. Early guests were told exactly that—which is why some episodes don’t have video. And because we weren’t planning for video… let’s just say lighting was not a priority. We all unintentionally look like goblins. It happens. We also don’t use any kind of beautifying filters—not that we wouldn’t, but a) our host doesn’t offer any and b) we kinda want to look like ourselves. Our trick? Recording in 720p… because honestly… who needs to see us in ultra-HD?So please bear with me as I continue to release current episodes while also going back and remastering older ones. This is one of those remastered episodes. It’s not perfect—but what is? The conversations are what matter. They’re real, they’re evergreen, and they’re always worth revisiting.Original air date: May 2024Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers. We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP1+ → Origin Story, Bee People & the Birth of Sayonara CupcakeLV sits down with Desmond for a laid-back conversation about how music shapes identity, friendships, and life itself.She shares the real story behind starting the podcast—how it came together in about a week, with zero planning—and how Desmond (unpaid intern turned producer) stepped in to handle the audio side.They also get into where the name Sayonara Cupcake came from… a completely misheard lyric that somehow stuck.From there, it turns into something more familiar—music discovery, growing up, and how shared taste builds lasting bonds. The kind where you don’t have to explain why something matters… you just both get it.Bee People.It’s part origin story, part nostalgia, and part invitation—get in now so you can say you were here since the “vanilla” days.DISCLAIMER (REMASTERED EPISODE):When I started this podcast, it was completely on a whim—idea to execution happened in about a week, and I was learning everything as I went… and yeah, I SUCKED.The sound wasn’t great, the mics weren’t great, and honestly, we were all just using whatever we had lying around. At the time, the conversation mattered more to me than the technical side of things. That hasn’t changed—but I do understand now that for a lot of people, sound quality can make or break the experience. And I’d be doing my guests a disservice if I didn’t try to present these conversations in the best way possible.Also, this podcast was originally intended to be audio-only. Early guests were told exactly that—which is why some episodes don’t have video. And because we weren’t planning for video… let’s just say lighting was not a priority. We all unintentionally look like goblins. It happens.We also don’t use any kind of beautifying filters—not that we wouldn’t, buta) our host doesn’t offer any andb) we kinda want to look like ourselves.Our trick? Recording in 720p… because honestly… who needs to see us in ultra-HD?So please bear with me as I continue to release current episodes while also going back and remastering older ones. This is one of those remastered episodes. It’s not perfect—but what is?The conversations are what matter. They’re real, they’re evergreen, and they’re always worth revisiting.Original air date: May the 4th (be with you), 2024Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers.We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise

EP1 → We Had No Plan… and Then There Was a Podcast (with Anuj Rajkumar)This is how it started… no notes… no research… no plan… because honestly… does anyone ever prepare for real, spontaneous conversations? I was messing around with AI one day… made a completely fictitious logo for something called Sayonara Cupcake… and sent it to my friend Anuj like, “hey, if I ever had a music podcast, I’d probably use this…” just… talking… and he goes, “great — I’m free next week to record.” I said… “I don’t have a podcast. I don’t know how to do a podcast. I was just making conversation…” and then Desmond steps in… offers to handle the sound… and somehow… within a week… the podcast existed… fully DIY… completely organic… figuring it out as we go… and Anuj was the first… which feels right… because this conversation is exactly what the podcast is about… music… curiosity… and just letting things unfold…Anuj — creator of The Legends of Music Instagram page — talks about his journey… how his older brother introduced him to different sounds… and how that opened the door to rock, metal, electronic… everything… what started as personal discovery turned into something bigger… a platform built on sharing that passion… and what makes his approach different is simple… it’s not about critique… it’s about appreciation… storytelling… context… understanding the music you love on a deeper level… and bringing other people into that experience… we talk about B-sides… the thrill of finding something unexpected… and the kind of songs that stay with you for no logical reason… and then the bigger question… what actually makes music “legendary”? for both of us… it’s simple… if it moves people… if it connects… if it lasts… it matters… and that idea is what built his community… and honestly… what this podcast is built on too… we swap stories… discoveries… that feeling of finding something new… even after all these years… because that part never really goes away… and that’s where this all started…DISCLAIMER (REMASTERED EPISODE):When I started this podcast, it was completely on a whim—idea to execution happened in about a week, and I was learning everything as I went… and yeah, I SUCKED. The sound wasn’t great, the mics weren’t great, and honestly, we were all just using whatever we had lying around. At the time, the conversation mattered more to me than the technical side of things. That hasn’t changed—but I do understand now that for a lot of people, sound quality can make or break the experience. And I’d be doing my guests a disservice if I didn’t try to present these conversations in the best way possible.Also, this podcast was originally intended to be audio-only. Early guests were told exactly that—which is why some episodes don’t have video. And because we weren’t planning for video… let’s just say lighting was not a priority. We all unintentionally look like goblins. It happens. We also don’t use any kind of beautifying filters—not that we wouldn’t, but a) our host doesn’t offer any and b) we kinda want to look like ourselves. Our trick? Recording in 720p… because honestly… who needs to see us in ultra-HD?So please bear with me as I continue to release current episodes while also going back and remastering older ones. This is one of those remastered episodes. It’s not perfect—but what is? The conversations are what matter. They’re real, they’re evergreen, and they’re always worth revisiting.Original air date: May the 4th (be with you), 2024Sayonara Cupcake is a community for music + art lovers. We share stories, poetry, music, and things worth falling down the rabbit hole for — no monetization, ever. 🫶📍 Find us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sayonaracupcake/🔗 Everything in one place → https://linktr.ee/sayonaracupcake• Shared under Fair Use (17 U.S. Code §107)• All rights belong to their respective owners• If something’s yours and needs credit (or removal), just reach out — we’re nice, promise