Sonic Midlife

Cool new music, George Saunders love, midlife fridge and pantry staples, John Mulaney, Time Crisis, and Andor are among the topics discussed by our heroes: Zach Gibson and Jeff Poole.

Your favorite podcast pros are back at it, discussing new albums from The Format and Joyce Manor, as well as early 80s punk. They also discuss the novels Butcher's Crossing by John Williams and Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. Some recent kitchen successes are shared, including Zach's favorite homemade Indian dish and Jeff's preferred brand of refried beans (pun intended). Lastly, they go over recent YouTube and documentary faves, The Adam Friedland Show and Secret Mall Apartment.

In Episode 25, Zach and Jeff lock in their Best Albums of 2025, talking through the records that mattered most this year — the ones that held up, rewarded repeat listens, and stayed in rotation long after the hype faded.Jeff runs through his albums of the year, spotlighting releases from Fust, Bill Fox, SG Goodman, Kyle M, and billy woods, and why each one rose above the rest in 2025. Zach counters with his own favorites, including Geese, Cameron Winter, Japanese Breakfast, Jeff Tweedy, and Wednesday — artists whose records defined his listening year.The guys are also joined by their friend and old college pal Ryan Ward, who brings his own perspective and favorites to the conversation, including standout releases from Ty Segall and US Girls.Along the way, the episode drifts into books that didn’t make the cut — including Demon Copperhead and The Horse — and a broader conversation about quitting books, trusting your taste, and letting go of cultural “shoulds.” As always, there’s plenty of meandering about what they’ve been watching and listening to, and what actually earns your time as the year winds down.A year-end episode about attention, commitment, and the records that made 2025 worth remembering.

This week on Sonic Midlife, Zach and Jeff cover a lot of ground after their extended hiatus.This week on Sonic Midlife, Zach and Jeff cover a lot of ground — including plenty of sports, because that’s just part of the deal.Zach talks about the return of The Format, Kyle M’s Christmas EP, and Chris DeVille’s Such Great Heights, while also declaring that all food kind of sucks… except what he’s hoping to eat in San Francisco over Christmas. He also recommends the BBC podcast You’re Dead to Me, a reminder that history can be smart, funny, and not homework.Jeff brings Sharp Pins (filed somewhere between the Beatles, Guided by Voices, and Big Star), dives into N.K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season, and highlights Roadfood.com’s Northwestern Steakhouse. The conversation naturally turns to the NBA, with extended talk on the Spurs and the Thunder — expectations, vibes, and why watching young teams actually matters.Music, books, food, and sports — all mixed together the way they usually are.

Jeff explores the debut Lucky Cloud – Foreground from Chicago’s Chet Zenor, dives into Elif Batuman’s The Idiot and Benedict Anderson’s Imagined Communities, grabs a pupusa burger, and streams Patriot on Amazon Prime. Zach spins Credit Electric and Dean Johnson, eats Mexican hotdogs, and celebrates the return of PTI from summer break. There's even some Mel Gibson discussion — all in the latest episode of Sonic Midlife.

Zach and Jeff dive into fresh sounds from Ryan Davis & The Road House Band and Greg Freeman before trading book notes on Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Wait Till Next Year and Elif Batuman’s The Idiot. Food talk centers on dumpling tomato salad with chili crisp vinaigrette and mussels with pasta, while screens are filled with Chernobyl and the Locked on Sports Today podcast. Special guest Benjamin Martone joins for a wide-ranging college football preview—highlighting unforgettable Key & Peele skit names, the wildest BYU roster, new quarterbacks, shifting conferences, and bold playoff predictions

Jeff starts us off with Bill Callahan’s “The Mackenzies,” a quiet epic that opens wide with repeated listens, and Reporter, Seymour Hersh’s gripping memoir that’s part history lesson, part investigative masterclass. He also reflects on the humble joys of focaccia.Zach brings Bright Eyes’ “1st World Blues” to the table—a political ska-tinged anthem that feels like Desaparecidos on a beach vacation—and recommends Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green, a deeply personal and wildly informative takedown of global apathy.We also weigh in on QT’s brisket sandy, Cal Raleigh’s dinger parade, and American Movie. Then we’re joined by our college friend Bryce Woodhouse to rank the Bon Iver discography, celebrate the rise of Mk.gee and Dijon, and learn what goes into his latest culinary experiment: homemade lactofermented hot sauce.

Zach returns from Chicago with a full stomach and fresh takes on Small Cheval, Lou Malnati’s, and The Summer That Melted Everything by Tiffany McDaniel. Jeff takes us to Ann Arbor for a Zingerman’s run and dives into Kiwi Jr.’s Chopper and Jonathan Franzen’s Crossroads. The guys dig into Paul Westerberg’s underrated Suicaine Gratification, swap thoughts on Ken Burns: Baseball and The Clubhouse: A Year with the Red Sox, and Jeff recommends the podcast How Long Gone, featuring guests like Hamilton Leithauser, Panda Bear, Mark Hoppus, Bon Iver, and This Is Lorelei.

The gang is joined by very special guest Myke Olsen. They discuss the novels of Willy Vlautin as well as their favorite doughnuts. They don't think you should leave as they laugh it up about the wonders of Friendship and Tim Robinson. To cap it off, they dive into all things pizza with Myke, being the owner of downtown Mesa, Arizona's Myke's Pizza.

In Episode 18 of Sonic Midlife, Zach and Jeff go deep into Bob Dylan’s late-era classics—from Time Out of Mind to Tempest—arguing they stand tall next to his most revered work. They also spotlight some standout new music, including the dreamy alt-country debut from Echolalia, the fuzzy indie rock of Toronto’s Casper Skulls, and Underneath by Floodlights, a record built for fans of The National and Spanish Love Songs.On the reading front, Zach brings The Horse by Willy Vlautin and The Bad Guys Won (a deep dive into the wild 1986 Mets), while Jeff reflects on The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and On Trails by Robert Moor. The duo also talk summer foods (BLTs and hot dogs), shout out the Never Ending Stories podcast on Dylan bootlegs, and catch up on the NBA Playoffs and The Rehearsal.It’s an episode that swings from baseball chaos to Radiohead-tinged country—just another week on Sonic Midlife.

This week, Zach and Jeff are joined by their old college friend and resident NBA sage, Ford Thunder Erickson. The three dive into the heart of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, breaking down the best first-round matchups, offering bold predictions, and asking the big question: is OKC right on time or ahead of schedule?Off the court, Zach reflects on the quiet emotional power of Japanese Breakfast’s music, and Jeff takes us through a whirlwind night of live shows with Bob Dylan, Graham Hunt, and Liquid Mike. On the reading front, the guys discuss Jesus & John Wayne, exploring white evangelical politics, masculinity, and militarism—and Jeff adds Among the Bros to the mix, offering a sharp look at frat culture and privilege in the American South.Plus: a rice plate from Queen of Pho, a visit to Bravas, and all the stuff Ford’s into these days.

In this episode, Jeff and Zach dive into the lush landscapes of indie rock, starting with Hamilton Leithauser’s This Side of the Island and quick recs featuring Japanese Breakfast, Palmyra, Perfume Genius, and Deafheaven. They discuss Kyle M’s The Real Me and unpack the deeper meanings behind the sound.On the reading front, Zach explores how history is weaponized in Jason Stanley’s Erasing History: How Fascists Rewrite the Past to Control the Future, while Jeff ponders the absurdities of modern labor with David Graeber’s Bullshit Jobs.Also up for discussion: Bob Dylan’s enduring weirdness on stage, Parker Posey appreciation, the unsettling brilliance of Severance, The White Lotus, and some comfort food talk—from QuikTrip breakfast croissants to Jeff’s latest sourdough batch.

In this episode of Sonic Midlife, Zach and Jeff are joined by fellow teacher and cycling enthusiast Vincent Serrani for a wide-ranging conversation covering music, books, food, and public policy. Zach dives into Heavy Metal by Cameron Winter, while Jeff reflects on Superviolet - Infinite Spring. In the reading corner, Zach shares his thoughts on Margot’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe, and Jeff discusses All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr and Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob.The duo also talk food—Zach gets into pozole, while Jeff introduces the Tim Tam Slam, a chocolatey sensation. Meanwhile, Zach has been watching Dirt by Huckberry on YouTube, and Jeff is looking forward to baseball season, along with deep dives into Nathan Fielder and Adam Curtis.Vincent joins the conversation to share his experiences with cycling and the public policies surrounding it, as well as his latest interests in music, books, food, and podcasts.Buckle up for a ride through music, literature, food, and a bit of urban policy—this one’s got a little something for everyone.

In this episode of Sonic Midlife, Zach recaps the MJ Lenderman & Wild Pink show in OKC and dives into new music from Head North, Cameron Winter, and Frog, while Jeff highlights Rosie Tucker’s Utopia Now!. On the literary side, they discuss John Langan’s The Fisherman, Claire Vaye Watkins’ Battleborn, and Leslie Marmon Silko’s Almanac of the Dead.They also cover pozole, the Whole Foods hot bar, and the Eagles' beatdown of the Chiefs, plus a look at Once Upon a Time in the West and Bill Walton’s Back From the Dead.

This week on Sonic Midlife, Jeff and Zach reveal their favorite albums of the year in a highly anticipated countdown. Along the way, they discuss the timeless brilliance of Bob Dylan, the lasting impact of The Killers, Steven Hyden’s book There Was Nothing You Could Do, and the quirky charm of Simon Rich’s Glory Days. Plus, they serve up hot takes on pizza, soup, and the comedic legacy of SNL alumni. It’s a feast of music, books, and comfort food—don’t miss it!

In this special year-end episode of Sonic Midlife, Jeff and Zach are joined by certified public librarian Christina Matekel-Gibson (Zach's wife!) to discuss their favorite books of the year. From literary gems and thought-provoking nonfiction to can't-put-down novels, this conversation is packed with recommendations for every type of reader. Tune in for spirited discussions, insightful takes, and a shared love of great reads that will inspire your 2025 booklist!

This week on Sonic Midlife, Zach and Jeff go live with a breakdown of the upcoming 12-team college football playoff, analyzing matchups and making bold predictions. Then, they countdown their favorite non-Christmas Christmas songs—tracks that aren’t about the holiday but still bring a touch of yuletide magic. The duo also shares what they’re reading, rounding up literary gems to add to your list, and look ahead to some exciting movies, including A Complete Unknown and Y2K. It’s a lively mix of sports, music, books, and film to kick off the season with style.

This week on Sonic Midlife, Zach and Jeff blend the worlds of music, books, food, and sports into a rich conversation. They explore Father John Misty’s bold new album Mahashmashana alongside the labor-inflected melodies of Workers Comp - S/T (think The Velvet Underground meets Guided by Voices, with a country twist). On the literary front, Zach reflects on the spiritual journey of Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha, while Jeff revisits the timeless drama of Jane Eyre. In the kitchen, they savor Yucatan beef stew, pupusas, picadillas, and the comforting flavors of Salvadorian sopa de pata. For sports fans, Zach breaks down Bo Nix and the Broncos' resurgence, while Jeff shares his optimism for the Spurs’ future after a big win against the Warriors. And, of course, it all pairs perfectly with some classic coffee talk.

In Part 2 of our Bright Eyes journey, we pick up where we left off, diving into Conor Oberst’s expansive catalog, starting with the A Christmas Album and continuing through Five Dice, All Threes. Along the way, we explore Oberst's solo projects, reflecting on his evolution as a songwriter and the themes that define his work. Sean Poole returns to join Jeff and Zach for this deep dive, sharing personal stories and insights into the music that has shaped their lives. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to Bright Eyes, this episode is a heartfelt celebration of Conor Oberst's artistry.

In Part 1 of our Bright Eyes journey, Sean Poole joins us to reminisce about college days at Little Caesars and to launch into an exploration of Conor Oberst’s iconic discography. We cover every release from A Collection of Songs to Lifted, tracing Oberst's evolution and lyrical genius, while also discussing the impact of both Desaparecidos albums along the way. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we pick up with the Christmas album and dive through Five Dice, All Threes, including Conor’s solo projects. This episode is a must for anyone who’s been moved by Oberst’s music and poetry.

Episode 7 of Sonic Midlife kicks off with Jeff’s deep dive into the BFF Festival, where he caught performances from an incredible lineup including Home is Where, Pinback, Foxing, American Football, Fiddlehead, The Dismemberment Plan, Algernon Cadwallader, Cap’n Jazz, Braid, Jawbox, Built to Spill, Unwound, Mannequin Pussy and Sunny Day Real Estate. If you’re a fan of emo, post-hardcore, and indie rock, Jeff’s festival recap is a must-listen. Next, Zach brings a massive week of new music releases, starting with Christopher Owens' track “I Want to Run Barefoot Through Your Hair,” followed by High Vis’ punk-influenced Guided Tour, Bon Iver’s ethereal SABLE, and Japanese Breakfast’s Sable. Zach’s picks span from indie rock to atmospheric soundscapes, offering something for every listener. In the literary corner, Jeff discusses Caitlin Dickerson’s gripping article “Seventy Miles in the Darien Gap” from The Atlantic’s September 2024 issue, while Zach shares his thoughts on The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Jeff also tantalizes the taste buds with his review of a Hatch Green Chile Bacon Burger and Yukon Pizza. In the 'Watching and Listening' segment, Jeff covers the Hell 99 music video, while Zach recommends the YouTube channel Books are Sick. This episode is packed with stellar music, compelling reads, and mouth-watering food suggestions.

This week on Sonic Midlife, Jeff and Zach serve up a wild platter of music, books, and, of course, the best cheeseburgers they’ve ever tasted! They dive into albums like Lift to Experience’s apocalyptic concept record The Texas Jerusalem Crossroads and Being Dead’s Eels. Zach brings his thoughts on Tommy Orange’s Wandering Stars, touching on generational trauma and addiction, while Jeff’s got a review of The Dead Are Arising and The Talented Mr. Ripley. Plus, there's talk about Texas as the promised land, horns galore, and an unforgettable cheeseburger experience that might just be the best ever. Tune in for all this and more, including some fantasy baseball trophy talk!

In this episode of Sonic Midlife, Zach dives into MJ Lenderman’s latest tracks and Wall of Eyes by The Smile, while Jeff takes a nostalgic look at the 90s radio rock inspired albums, discussing Supercrush’s Sodo Pop, Webbed Wing’s What’s So F***ing Funny?, and Last Day On Earth by Slumped. On the literary side, Zach shares his thoughts on Hank Aaron’s autobiography, I Had a Hammer, while Jeff is reading The Dead Are Arising, the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Malcolm X by Les Payne. Jeff also talks about his current watch, English Teacher on FX and Hulu. The duo rounds out the episode with comfort food highlights—Applebee’s and pizza—and some discussion of The Athletic Football Show with Robert Mays. Plus, don’t miss their countdown of favorite fall albums.

In Episode 4 of Sonic Midlife, Zach, Jeff & old college pal, Thome mix music, books, and football as they dive into their latest discoveries and predictions. Here’s what they’re talking about: Jeff's Highlights: PACKS - Melt the Honey: A slacker guitar pop album full of nutritious hooks, with a Honey vs. HFCS analogy. Book Recommendations: Mexikid by Pedro Martin and the Front Desk series by Kelly Yang. Food Find: Pita Way. Matt Berry Appreciation: A deep dive into his work, from The IT Crowd (featuring Chris O’Dowd, Richard Ayoade, and Noel Fielding) to What We Do in the Shadows (Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, Mark Proksch, Kristen Schall), and his role in AD/BC - A Rock Opera. Zach's Highlights: High Vis - "Mind’s a Lie": A track that blends punk, hardcore, and house with a unique talk/sing delivery. Zach anticipates their new album, Guided Tour, dropping on October 18. Literary Spotlight: Beauty Land by Marie-Helene Bertino, a book that may sound like sci-fi but isn’t. It explores an alien’s observations of Earth. Currently Reading: Hank Aaron’s autobiography, I Had a Hammer. Custard Delight: Key Lime Pie Concrete from Andy’s Frozen Custard. Binge-Worthy TV: Just A Dash with Matty Matheson, the cooking show for people who don’t like cooking shows. Imagine Ford hosting a cooking show—without the swearing. NFL Preview with Thome Widdison: Zach and Jeff are joined by their old college buddy Thome Widdison to preview the NFL season. Topics include: Rule Changes: Thome explains the new kick-off rule. Patriots Without Belichick: What does the future hold? Tyreek Hill: Is he really the best player in football? Favorite Non-Patriot Player: Who’s catching Thome’s eye this season? Josh Allen Debate: Why is he overrated, and why is Thome wrong? Super Bowl Predictions: Who’s taking it all this year? Plus a round of Rapidfire Join Jeff and Zach for another dynamic episode packed with music discoveries, book insights, and bold football predictions on Sonic Midlife!

Sonic Midlife Episode 3: Wayne Bass, College Football, Classic Albums, and Celebrity Homes In Episode 3 of Sonic Midlife, Jeff, Zach & Professor Wayne Bass cover a wide range of topics, from college football dynamics to cultural deep dives. Here's what's on the agenda: The Cowboys' Sultan of Squat: Jeff introduces a new patio music classic  Dashboard Confessional’s album Dusk & Summer: Revisiting the iconic album and its impact. Literary Dive: Exploring Stoner by John Williams and Bats Out of Hell by Barry Hannah. Culinary Corner: A review of Baba’s Pantry in KC, where Middle Eastern flavors shine, and a love for chilaquiles. YouTube Discoveries: Zach shares his obsession with Architectural Digest’s "Open Door" series, highlighting celebrity homes. TV Picks: Poker Face makes it onto Jeff’s must-watch list. A modern who-done-it  2024-25 Season Preview: Predicting the future of college football with Wayne Bass, focusing on how the landscape will change. Realignment Discussions: Breaking down the SEC and Big 10 shake ups and the significance of the transfer portal. Big 12 Relevance: Debating if the Big 12 still matters in the new order of things. Heisman Watch: Who are the favorites this season? Deion Sanders and Colorado: What to expect from Coach Prime and his team. Playoff Expansion: Thoughts on this year's changes and what an ideal playoff structure might look like. Wayne Bass can only choose one in a lightning round of tough choices: Bob Stoops vs. Barry Switzer Josh Heupel vs. Sam Bradford Jim Harbaugh vs. Jim Tressel George Strait vs. Garth Brooks Tim McGraw vs. Toby Keith Red Hot Chili Peppers vs. Oasis Bitter Sweet Symphony vs. The Freshman (Bands named Verve) Lincoln Riley vs. Judas Iscariot Jeff & Zach's Highlights:College Football with Wayne Bass:Rapid Fire:Join Jeff and Zach for an episode packed with music nostalgia, college football insights, and a dash of celebrity glamor on Sonic Midlife!

In this episode of Sonic Midlife, Jeff and Zach bring an engaging mix of music, books, and entertainment to the table. Tune in as they dive into: Vampire Weekend Concert: Zach shares his exhilarating experience and standout moments from seeing Vampire Weekend live in concert. Cut Worms Cohort: Jeff explores projects influenced by Cut Worms, highlighting the unique sounds and connections within this music community. Joyce Manor Anniversary: Celebrating the ten-year anniversary of Joyce Manor's iconic album "Never Hungover Again", discussing its impact and legacy. 70s Country Music: Unearthing the charm of 70s country music, with a special focus on hidden gems like Joyce Street's "Tied Down". In addition to their musical journeys, Jeff and Zach discuss: Books They're Reading: Insights and reflections on their current reads, including existentialist masterpieces and engaging non-fiction. NCAA 25: Their thoughts on the new EA Sports video game, NCAA 25 & their experiences with the game in the past Current Watches: What’s on their screens right now, from TV shows to Youtube channels that are capturing their attention. Culinary Adventures: Sharing their latest culinary discovery of the week: pickled onions & garlic aioli and how they’ve been incorporating them into meals. Join Jeff and Zach for an episode filled with nostalgia, discovery, and lively discussions on Sonic Midlife!

Welcome to Sonic Midlife, the podcast where Jeffrey Poole and Zachary Gibson navigate the vibrant crossroads of indie rock, literature, film, and culinary delights. In our inaugural episode, we dive into a spirited debate about the best Bruce Springsteen album, share our thoughts on the band Good Looks, and explore the music of Zach Bryan and Sturgill Simpson. But that's not all – we also delve into the books currently on our nightstands and recount our latest culinary adventures. Whether you're a music aficionado, a book lover, or a culinary enthusiast, our lively discussions and personal insights are sure to resonate. Join us on this midlife journey as we celebrate the art, stories, and flavors that enrich our lives. Tune in to Sonic Midlife for your dose of inspiration, discovery, and good conversation.