The Local H Lifers Database

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Band

Led Zeppelin

Referenced in 79 episodes

Episode 268 cover
🤘 Iron Maiden

#268: Joe Swanberg

September 21, 2026

The Lifers podcast hosts Scott Lucas, Gabe Rodriguez, and Ben Reiser interview filmmaker Joe Swanberg about his new film "The Sun Never Sets," shot on 35mm film in Anchorage, Alaska, marking his first theatrical release in a decade. Swanberg discusses his mumblecore filmmaking origins, his transition from digital to film, his current analog filmmaking projects including a pornographic short shot entirely on 16mm, and his video store ventures in Chicago. The episode concludes with the hosts and Swanberg discussing their favorite "needle drops" (musical cues) in film history, with selections ranging from the Pixies in Fight Club to Led Zeppelin in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Episode 264 cover
🤘 Iron Maiden

#264: Clark Vogeler

July 31, 2026

Clark Vogeler, guitarist for the Toadies, discusses the band's new album "The Charmer" recorded with Steve Albini just weeks before his death, and how they're boldly performing 11 of the album's 19 songs in their setlist to surprisingly enthusiastic young audiences. The episode also features a lengthy debate about instrumental songs versus "background music," with the hosts and Vogeler sharing picks ranging from Santo and Johnny's "Sleep Walk" to Iron Maiden's catalog, while disagreeing about whether passive listening to music like Tortoise has merit. Vogeler reflects on his transition from film editing to music, the band's frustrating six-year delay between albums under Interscope Records, and why playing live shows remains fun for him despite decades in the business.

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#262: Deanna Belos #4

July 10, 2026

Deanna Belos of Sincere Engineer discusses the band's fourth album "Probable Cause," recorded at Electrical Audio, ahead of their extensive summer tour that includes dates from Iowa City to Seattle, San Diego, and Jacksonville. The episode features a "What's the Best Fourth Records" segment where the hosts and Belos debate classic fourth albums including Led Zeppelin IV, The Replacements' "Tim," Iron Maiden's "Piece of Mind," and Belos's pick of Modest Mouse's "Good News for People Who Love Bad News," while also revealing her controversial favorite album is Hootie and the Blowfish's "Cracked Rear View.\

Episode 261 cover
🎸 Replacements

#261: Mark Reznicek

July 3, 2026

Mark Reznicek, drummer for the Toadies, discusses the band's extensive touring behind their new album "The Charmer," recorded with Steve Albini shortly before his death, and reflects on their tumultuous major label experience with Interscope in the 1990s that led to a seven-year gap between albums. The conversation covers the Dallas-Fort Worth music scene, the band's breakup and reunion, and includes a "What's the Best?" segment where the hosts pick their favorite deep-cut Rolling Stones songs.

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#257: Album Imploder: AS GOOD AS DEAD (with Steven Haigler) Part Two

May 29, 2026

Local H's Scott Lucas, Gabe Rodriguez, and producer Steven Haigler dissect their 1996 album "As Good As Dead" track by track, revealing the influences behind songs like the kazoo-featuring "Lovey Dovey," the straight-edge parody "Back in the Day," and hit single "Bound for the Floor." The discussion covers production techniques, songwriting inspirations ranging from Led Zeppelin to REM, and how the band deliberately positioned themselves as being from Zion, Illinois rather than Chicago to differentiate from the 90s alternative rock scene. They also address the controversy around "Eddie Vedder," explain why the album's master tapes are likely lost in the Universal fire, and reflect on how the record's themes of small-town claustrophobia have endured beyond its initial reception as disposable summer rock.

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#255: Jack Douglas R.I.P.

May 14, 2026

Jack Douglas, legendary producer behind albums like Aerosmith's Rocks and John Lennon's Imagine, passed away after a battle with cancer. The episode features a previously recorded interview where Douglas shares stories about his career, including how he met John Lennon after being deported from Liverpool in 1965, his work with all four Beatles members, and his contributions to iconic albums by Cheap Trick, Alice Cooper, and the New York Dolls. The interview was conducted by Scott Lucas at G-Man in Chicago, where Douglas discussed his friendship with Lennon, the creation of "Walk This Way," and his later venture into running an artist-centric record label.

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🎸 Replacements

#245: Selena Fragassi

January 16, 2026

This episode features a conversation with author and music journalist Selena Fragassi about her recent book "Pearl Jam Live," along with discussions about her journalism career, interviews with rock legends like Chrissie Hynde and Debbie Harry, and the Chicago music scene. The hosts and Fragassi engage in a "What's the Best" segment where they debate their favorite Pearl Jam songs.

Episode 242 cover
🎸 Replacements

#242: Stacy Jones

December 4, 2025

Stacy Jones, musical director for artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Miley Cyrus, discusses his career drumming for bands like Letters to Cleo, Veruca Salt, and American Hi-Fi. He also shares a new American Hi-Fi song called "Mixtapes and Polaroids".

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#241: Tha Caterer III

November 28, 2025

The episode features guest Josh Caterer from the band Smoking Popes. They discuss his band's upcoming shows with Scott Lucas and the band Menthol, reminisce about touring together in the 90s, and play a game called "What's the Best" about the best guest spots on songs.

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#239: Road Report #27: So Much for the Afterglow

November 14, 2025

The band Local H discusses the highlights and lowlights of their recently completed 43-show tour opening for bands like Everclear and Sponge. They reminisce about their favorite pizza places on the road, standout shows in places like Minneapolis, Boston and Cincinnati, and the grueling final days of the tour. The band also previews some of their upcoming solo acoustic shows and New Year's Eve gigs to close out the year.

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#238: Road Report #26: One Battle After Another

October 31, 2025

Scott discusses the ups and downs of the current Local H tour, including a confrontation with an unruly fan at the merch booth in Cleveland. The band also reminisces about their recent shows and experiences on the East Coast leg of the tour.

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#237: Road Report #25: Ass, Gas or Grapes (No One Rides For Free)

October 17, 2025

Scott Lucas discusses having hotel issues on tour, including being kicked out of a Fort Lauderdale hotel on a day off due to parking problems. He also had confrontations with hotel staff and guests at other stops, leading to pranks and frustrations as the tour progresses.

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#235: Road Report #23: It's Karen's Band Now

October 3, 2025

Scott, Gabe, and Ben discuss the current Local H tour, which is halfway done and going well with many sold out shows. They talk about managing the long merch lines, an incident with an autistic fan, and the challenges of being on the road. The hosts also discuss their favorite Paul Thomas Anderson movie, answer listener questions, and banter about Gabe's dislike of The Big Lebowski and lack of interest in animated comedy shows like The Simpsons and South Park.

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#234: Road Report #22: Eastbound and Dog

September 18, 2025

Scott, Gabe and Ben discuss tour life as they drive through Baker City, Oregon after playing shows on the west coast. They answer listener questions about set lists, releasing old music on vinyl, and collaborating with other artists. The conversation veers into humorous tangents about Mexican restaurants, attending 90s hip hop concerts, and debating the best Steely Dan songs.

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#232: reFISTED reIMPLODED

August 27, 2025

In this episode, Scott Lucas and Gabe Rodriguez discuss the re-recording and reimagining of Local H's debut album Ham Fisted on its 30th anniversary. Lucas explains his motivations for revisiting the album, the challenges of the recording process, and the artistic choices made on each track of the new version titled reFISTED.

Episode 231 cover
🎸 Replacements

#231: Art Alexakis

August 20, 2025

Art Alexakis, frontman of the band Everclear, joins the Lifers podcast to discuss his life and career in music. Alexakis talks about growing up in Los Angeles housing projects, discovering rock and roll at a young age after family tragedy, and his path to getting sober and starting Everclear in Portland in the early 1990s. He shares stories behind the making of Everclear's breakout album Sparkle and Fade as the band rose to fame.

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🎸 Replacements

#230: Randy Jackson

August 14, 2025

Randy Jackson, guitarist and vocalist of the rock band Zebra, discusses the band's origins in New Orleans in the 1970s, their move to New York and rise to success in the early 1980s with their self-titled debut album produced by Jack Douglas, and the ups and downs of their career on the Atlantic Records label. Jackson reflects on Zebra's musical influences, touring with bands like Cheap Trick, and the loyalty of their fanbase as they celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2023.

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#225: Fig Dish Promotional Obligation Part 2: The Revenge

July 11, 2025

Blake Smith, Rick Ness and Mike Willison of the band Fig Dish discuss the inspiration, recording process and marketing of their 1995 debut album "That's What Love Songs Often Do" with Scott Lucas and Gabe Rodriguez. The band shares anecdotes about working with producer Lou Giordano, their expectations for the album's success, and the record label's reaction upon delivering the finished album. Thirty years later, the band reflects on their mixed feelings about the album as they prepare to re-release it on vinyl and play anniversary shows.

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#223: The Boys of Summer

June 27, 2025

In this episode, the hosts Scott Lucas, Gabe Rodriguez and Ben Reiser discuss various topics including the hot summer weather, Bruce Springsteen's upcoming film, and their favorite summer songs. They each pick a few songs that remind them of summer and engage in humorous banter throughout the conversation.

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#212: Dag Juhlin

March 21, 2025

Dag Juhlin discusses his music career, including playing with the band The Slugs, joining Poi Dog Pondering, and recently touring with "The R.E.M. Experience" tribute shows featuring Michael Shannon and other musicians playing R.E.M. songs. Juhlin reflects on what keeps him passionate about making music and his aspirations to continue creating and writing in the future.

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#209: Hello, Larry Damore and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

February 21, 2025

Scott Lucas and his co-hosts Gabe Rodriguez and Ben Reiser discuss this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees, doing a draft to pick their top choices from the list. They also briefly mention an earlier podcast episode featuring an interview with Larry Damore from the band Pegboy, which they decide not to replay due to being an off episode.

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🎸 Replacements

#208: Steven McDonald

February 14, 2025

Steven McDonald, bassist of the band Redd Kross, discusses the band's 40+ year career from their early days in the LA punk scene opening for Black Flag to their recent reunion, new album and documentary. He shares colorful anecdotes about the challenges and adventures of being a "lifer" musician.

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#207: Tom Rodriguez

February 6, 2025

In this episode, Scott Lucas and Gabe Rodriguez are joined by Gabe's brother Tom to reminisce about their upbringing and discuss notable bands featuring brothers. They talk about Gabe and Tom's band Good and Plenty from the early 90s, the brothers' shared love of music growing up, and pick some of their favorite brother bands including ACDC, Van Halen, The Bee Gees, and The Kinks.

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🎸 Replacements

#206: Will Dailey

January 30, 2025

In this episode, Scott Lucas interviews musician Will Dailey. They discuss Dailey's unique album release strategy of only selling his new record Boys Talking at live shows rather than online. Dailey explains he wants to encourage human connection through music and rebel against the current streaming-centric model.

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🤘 Iron Maiden

#205: William Goldsmith

January 22, 2025

In this episode of the Lifers podcast, Scott Lucas, Gabe Rodriguez and Ben Reiser interview Will Goldsmith, drummer of the influential band Sunny Day Real Estate. Goldsmith discusses the band's early days, getting signed to Sub Pop, their breakup and recent reunion, his drumming influences, and working with bassist Greg Saran. The hosts also discuss the recent passing of filmmaker David Lynch and share their favorite music moments from Lynch's films.

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#203: 203. The LIFERS Podcast presents LIFERS: A Local H Movie (live in Hobart, IN - 01/02/25)

January 8, 2025

Scott Lucas, frontman of the band Local H, premiered his concert film "Lifers" at a movie screening in Hobart, Indiana. The film, which Lucas directed and edited himself, captures a complete Local H show at the Metro in Chicago while also incorporating fictional narrative elements. After an acoustic set from Lucas, the film was shown, followed by a Q&A with Lucas and his longtime collaborator Gabe Rodriguez.

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🎸 Replacements

#198: Lorri Francis

November 22, 2024

Lori Francis discusses her experiences working at iconic Chicago clubs in the 1980s and 90s like Medusa's, the Cubby Bear, and the Double Door. She shares stories of booking bands, managing the clubs, and being part of the Chicago music scene at places like the juice bar Medusa's. The hosts also play a game picking their favorite movies, albums and TV shows from the year 1981.

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#188: Album Imploder: Whatever Happened to PJ Soles? (Side 2)

September 13, 2024

The second half of a deep dive into the album Whatever Happened to PJ Soles? by the band Local H. The two band members discuss the writing and recording process behind each song on the album's second side. They reflect on the album's varied musical styles, lyrical themes of midlife crisis and self-reflection, and how they pushed themselves creatively on an ambitious record that didn't always meet external expectations upon release.

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#187: Album Imploder: Whatever Happened To PJ Soles? (Side 1)

September 6, 2024

Scott Lucas of the band Local H discusses the writing and recording of their 2004 album Whatever Happened to PJ Soles? with two of the album's producers. They go in-depth on the creative process, influences, and production techniques behind each song on the first half of the album. The band aimed to create an ambitious, experimental rock record that was "handmade" with analog recording methods and a wide variety of sounds.

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🎸 Replacements

#186: Greg Norman

August 30, 2024

Greg Norman, an engineer at Steve Albini's Electrical Audio studio in Chicago, discusses his experiences working at the studio and learning from Albini and others in the Chicago music scene. Norman and the podcast hosts discuss their favorite album productions, spanning genres from indie rock to heavy metal to country. They also reflect on Albini's legacy and impact after his recent passing.

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🎸 Replacements

#185: Johnny Wator

August 23, 2024

Johnny Wator, longtime Chicago musician and founder of Daredevil guitar pedals, discusses his experiences touring and playing in bands like The Last Vegas and The Evictions. Wator and the hosts have an in-depth discussion about 80s hair metal bands and songs, debating their favorites from that era of rock music.

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🎸 Replacements

#182: Jim DeRogatis

August 2, 2024

Jim DeRogatis, a veteran music critic, joins the Lifers podcast to discuss his career, the R. Kelly case he helped expose, and his favorite drummers. DeRogatis shares anecdotes about interviewing Kurt Cobain, touring with the band Wire, and turning down an opportunity to participate in the Surviving R. Kelly documentary.

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🎸 Replacements

#177: Dimitri Coats

June 28, 2024

Dimitri Coats, member of the rock band OFF!, discusses the making of his debut film Free LSD which is connected to the band's final album of the same name. The film took nearly 8 years to complete due to financing challenges, but Coats was determined to see the unique project through, surrounding himself with an experienced team including Twin Peaks editor Duwayne Dunham. Free LSD will be screening in theaters across the country in July and August 2023, coinciding with OFF!'s final live shows.

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🎸 Replacements

#176: John Haggerty

June 21, 2024

John Haggerty discusses his influential guitar playing with the bands Naked Raygun and Pegboy, the 1970s Chicago punk scene, and his upcoming show at Metro. He also shares his favorite guitar solos of the 1970s, heavily favoring classic rock and metal.

Episode 173 cover
🎸 Replacements

#173: Jonny Polonsky

May 31, 2024

Jonny Polonsky discusses his musical journey from growing up in Chicago to becoming a professional musician in LA. As a teenager, he made home recordings that he sent to Frank Black of the Pixies, which led to getting signed to Rick Rubin's American Recordings label. Polonsky has since worked as a solo artist and played with bands like Puscifer. His new album Supernatural Radio is coming out on Loose Groove Records.

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#171: Bali High

May 17, 2024

In this episode, the hosts Lucas, Gabe, and Ben discuss various music-related topics while Scott is on vacation in Bali. They pay tribute to recently deceased music producer Steve Albini and actress Susan Backlinie from Jaws. The hosts then play a game called "What's the Best Song That Saves the Chorus Until the End", debating whether certain songs like "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Hey Jude" qualify. Scott also shares some stories from his trip to Bali.

Episode 167 cover
🎸 Replacements

#167: Jake Burns

April 19, 2024

Jake Burns, lead singer of the punk band Stiff Little Fingers, discusses the band's early days in Northern Ireland during the Troubles in the late 1970s. He talks about the influence of The Clash on Stiff Little Fingers' songwriting, getting support from BBC DJ John Peel, and the band's decision to participate in Rock Against Racism concerts. Burns also explains the factors that led to Stiff Little Fingers' initial breakup in the early 1980s before later re-forming.

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🤘 Iron Maiden

#164: Doni Blair

March 29, 2024

Donnie Blair, bassist of the Toadies, discusses his musical journey, from discovering punk and metal with his brother Zack, to playing in bands like Hagfish and Only Crime. He shares stories of touring with Bad Brains in the '90s, the ups and downs of major label deals, and how practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has impacted his life. The hosts also engage Blair in a game of "What's the Best" focused on Iron Maiden songs.

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#163: What's the Best?!?: Led Zeppelin (with Bruce Lamont)

March 22, 2024

In this podcast episode, Scott, Jade, and Ben discuss the best Led Zeppelin songs with guest Bruce Lamont. They each pick their favorite tracks, with picks including "Achilles Last Stand", "When the Levee Breaks", "In the Light", "Tangerine", "Fool in the Rain", and "How Many More Times".

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#161: Scott Lucas and the Married Men

March 8, 2024

In this episode, Scott Lucas discusses the history and dynamics of his band The Married Men. He talks about how the band formed, their songwriting process, and shares stories from their tours and performances over the years with bandmates and friends.

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🎸 Replacements

#160: Bobby Talamine

March 1, 2024

In this episode, photographer Bobby Talamine discusses his long career photographing rock bands. He talks about starting out shooting industrial bands in Chicago in the 1980s, and his approach of capturing moody, high-contrast black and white photos. Talamine also shares anecdotes about photographing bands like Depeche Mode, New Order, and The Replacements over the years.

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🎸 Replacements

#158: Nick Miller

February 16, 2024

Nick Miller, a legendary Chicago concert promoter, discusses his decades-long career booking shows for acts like Cheap Trick, Bruce Springsteen, and Jeff Beck. The hosts and Miller share stories of their most memorable concerts, including seeing the Replacements, Depeche Mode, and Metallica early in their careers. Miller recounts his unconventional start in the music business and reflects on how the Chicago music scene has evolved over the years.

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#156: 156. QUITTERS - Starring Freda Love Smith!!!

February 2, 2024

Freda Love Smith discusses her new book "Quit Everything", which explores her experiences giving up alcohol, sugar, caffeine, social media and other vices. While not a self-help guide, the book examines the role of addiction and the challenges and benefits of quitting things in midlife. Smith also talks about drinking songs and the sometimes problematic ways alcohol is romanticized in pop culture.

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🎸 Replacements

#147: Michael Tedder

December 1, 2023

Michael Tedder discusses his book "Top 8: How MySpace Changed Music" and shares his thoughts on selling out in the music industry. The guests also play a game picking their favorite songs from 2003.

Episode 146 cover
🤘 Iron Maiden

#146: Jess Margera

November 24, 2023

Jess Margera, drummer of the band CKY, discusses the early days of the band and how their unique mix of music and skate videos helped them gain a following. He shares stories of touring with Guns N' Roses in their "weirdest period" and reflects on the challenges of the music industry and staying creative during the pandemic. The hosts and guest also banter about their favorite songs with "black" in the title to tie into the Black Friday theme.

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#132: Sleepaway Glamp

August 25, 2023

Scott, Gabe, Ben and their significant others are on a "glamping" retreat at Camp Wandawega in Wisconsin. Scott and Gabe performed at a campfire the previous night, with mixed results. The group shares stories and jokes about their experiences at the camp so far, and discuss movies, music and pop culture tangents throughout the conversation.

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🎸 Replacements

#123: 123. LIFERS LIVE!!! - In Chicago with Josh Caterer

June 23, 2023

Josh Caterer of the band Smoking Popes joined the Lifers podcast for a live episode in Chicago. They discussed the band's history, Caterer's songwriting process, and funny tour stories. Caterer also played a few acoustic songs for the audience.

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#114: Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter

April 21, 2023

Scott Lucas and Gabe Rodriguez are joined by Scott's daughter Lily Reiser to discuss various topics including bootleg band merchandise, the upcoming "Festival of 1982" cover band show featuring Scott, and trying to guess which Canadian bands from 1982 might be covered. The episode ends with a young fan named Helena interviewing Scott about his favorite Local H songs, candies, albums to record, and Christmas stories.

Episode 101 cover
🤘 Iron Maiden

#101: Allen Epley

January 20, 2023

Alan Epley, frontman of the bands Shiner and The Life and Times, discusses his musical journey from growing up in a musical family to his early bands in Kansas City. He shares stories about Shiner's rise, near-misses with major labels, and eventual breakup, before detailing his subsequent projects like The Life and Times and his new solo record.

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🎸 Replacements

#99: Pat Healy

January 6, 2023

Pat Healy discusses his acting career, including working with renowned directors like Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg and Werner Herzog. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from films such as Take Me, The Post, Rescue Dawn and Better Call Saul, and reflects on the current state of the film industry. Healy also talks about his love of movies from a young age and how that passion has fueled his work as an actor and filmmaker.

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🤘 Iron Maiden

#96: Katie Augustyn + Here Comes The Zoom

December 16, 2022

Scott Lucas recently completed the Here Comes the Zoo 20th anniversary tour with Local H, which ended in Canada. The episode features calls from fans who attended shows on the tour, sharing their experiences and favorite moments. Katie Augustyn, the organizer of the annual Katie's Kids benefit concert at Liars Club in Chicago which Lucas performs at each year, also joins the podcast to discuss this year's upcoming event.

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#90: Road Report #15: Wausau You Have Me Do?

November 3, 2022

In this episode, Scott, Gabe and Ben discuss the current Local H tour, reminisce about old video games and candy, and debate the merits of The Replacements vs Iron Maiden. They also discuss the horror movie Terrifier 2 and the Beatles' newly released Revolver box set.

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#89: Road Report #14 : Slurry Road

October 28, 2022

In this episode of the Lifers podcast, Scott Lucas, Gabe Rodriguez and Ben Reiser discuss Rod Stewart's disappointing concert performance, share stories from their recent show at The Metro in Chicago, and debate the best rock and roll voices of all time. They also talk about the new Halloween movie, reminisce about seeing actor Udo Kier at a film screening, and answer listener questions about their favorite venues, songs, and black and white movies.

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#88: Road Report #13

October 21, 2022

Scott, Gabe and Ben discuss food preferences, including Gabe's unusual peanut butter, jelly and pickle sandwich, while driving between shows on their current tour. They also talk about the bands they've been listening to lately, upcoming Halloween costumes, and reminisce about having to stretch out their opening sets when touring with Stone Temple Pilots. The conversation meanders humorously as the band kills time on the road.

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#81: Paul Massaro

September 2, 2022

Paul Massaro discusses his experiences working as a live sound engineer and tour manager for bands like Local H, Cheap Trick, Mastodon, and Andrew WK. He shares wild stories from the road, including getting kicked off the Ozzfest tour after Brent from Mastodon insulted another band and trashed a bathroom, and an infamous incident where Paul destroyed a hotel room after partying too hard. Paul explains how the grind of constant touring and partying eventually led him to stop working on the road so he could focus on his family.

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#72: Matt Walker

July 1, 2022

Matt Walker, a prolific drummer who has played with bands like Filter, Smashing Pumpkins, Cupcakes, Morrissey and Garbage, discusses his music career. He talks about growing up in a musical family, early bands he played in, almost touring with Nine Inch Nails, the ups and downs of playing with Smashing Pumpkins and Cupcakes, and his long stint drumming for Morrissey. Walker also shares stories of encounters with musical legends like David Bowie, Chrissie Hynde and Bono.

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🎸 Replacements

#69: Pete Beeman

June 10, 2022

Pete Beeman, drummer of the band Killer Hill, discusses his musical history including playing in the bands Guzzard and Burning Brides. The hosts and Beeman have an amusing debate about favorite bands and movies, and whether one's favorite has to be considered the objective best. They also discuss Killer Hill's heavy metal sound and Beeman's experiences touring with bands like Mastodon.

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#68: Joe Kelly

June 3, 2022

Joe Kelly, former singer of the band Lost Cause, discusses his early music career, including touring with Ministry and the Mentors in the late 1980s. He also talks about his later band Beer Nuts and their antics on tour with Local H in the 1990s, such as playing shows naked and destroying the band Creed's career by opening for them with the song "Number of the Beast".

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#65: Pittsburgh and the Night of the Living Picklebacks (with Justine + Rookie + Karen)

May 13, 2022

The band Local H was on tour in Pittsburgh with the band Rookie. They hung out in a hotel room on their night off, drinking Jameson and pickle juice shots called "picklebacks". The members of both bands had a rambling, humorous conversation covering topics like the early days of Rookie, their mutual love of classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, and funny tour stories.

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#60: Joe Shanahan

April 1, 2022

Joe Shanahan, owner of the Metro and Smart Bar in Chicago, discusses the venues' 40-year history. He shares stories of booking and befriending influential artists like REM, Nirvana, New Order and Gang of Four in the 1980s and 90s. Shanahan also talks about his own battle with cancer and subsequent activism to support cancer research.

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#59: Greg Suran

March 25, 2022

Greg Suran discusses his long career as a touring and session guitarist, playing with acts like Cupcakes, Sunny Day Real Estate, the Goo Goo Dolls, Joe Walsh, the B-52's, and Lionel Richie. He shares stories of his experiences, from recording with famous producers to meeting musical legends while on the road with Joe Walsh. Suran reflects on the all-consuming dedication required of professional musicians and the disorienting impact the pandemic had on those who've built their lives and identities around performing.

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#56: Happy Anniversary!

March 4, 2022

Scott, Gabe and Ben celebrate the one year anniversary of their Lifers podcast by discussing listener feedback on favorite moments and guests from the past year. They reflect on how the podcast has evolved, their own rapport and dynamic, and memorable interviews with musicians like Justine Frischmann, John McCauley, and Scott's dad. Despite not having a clear mission, the hosts agree the podcast works as an entertaining hangout capturing the experience of friends casually discussing music and life.

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#53: J. Robbins

February 11, 2022

In this episode, J Robbins discusses his musical journey, from getting into the DC punk scene as a teen in the 80s to playing in influential bands like Government Issue and Jawbox. He shares insights into Jawbox's experience signing to a major label in the 90s while maintaining their DIY roots, and talks about his transition into producing and recording bands. Robbins also touches on Jawbox's recent reunion shows and the challenges of revisiting old material.

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#52: Dave Brooks

February 4, 2022

In this episode, guest Dave Brooks discusses his experiences growing up immersed in the New York City music scene, from hanging out at his father's Harlem jazz club as a kid to later playing in bands and working as a sound engineer. Brooks shares stories of crossing paths with famous musicians over the decades and reflects on how the NYC venue landscape has evolved, expressing concern about rising rents forcing out iconic clubs.

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#50: David Yow

January 21, 2022

In the podcast, David Yow discusses his music career with the bands Scratch Acid, The Jesus Lizard, and Flipper, as well as his acting career and work as a photo retoucher. He shares stories about recording albums, touring, and interacting with other musicians.

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#49: Joe Dapier and The French Dispatch

January 14, 2022

In this podcast episode, Scott Lucas, Gabe Rodriguez and Ben Reiser discuss the movie The French Dispatch and other pop culture topics with their guest Joe Dapier, who was the drummer for the band Dovetail Joint. They debate the merits of various Wes Anderson and Woody Allen films, reminisce about the 90s Chicago music scene, and argue about Led Zeppelin songs.

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#47: Page Hamilton

December 31, 2021

Page Hamilton, guitarist and vocalist of the band Helmet, discusses the band's early days playing in New York City in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He talks about the influence of jazz and classical music on his guitar playing, getting signed to Interscope Records amidst a major label bidding war in the wake of Nirvana's success, and briefly playing guitar with David Bowie in the late 1990s.

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#44: Kellii Scott

December 10, 2021

In this episode of the Lifers podcast, drummer Kellii Scott discusses his musical journey, from starting out playing along to KISS records as a kid to delivering cocaine in LA to make connections in the music scene. He talks about joining the band Failure, recording the album Fantastic Planet in Lita Ford's house, the band's breakup and eventual reunion years later, and his current prolific output recording drum tracks remotely for many artists during the pandemic.

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#41: Matt Radke

November 19, 2021

Matt Radke, the father and tour manager of the band Radkey, discusses the band's origins, their DIY approach to the music business, and their recent successes touring with major acts. Radke reflects on how he passed his own musical interests and influences on to his sons, who then taught themselves to play and started the band after being inspired by the movie School of Rock.

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#39: Road Report #8: LIFERS Re-Tour Final Three (part one)

November 6, 2021

In this episode, the band Local H performs the first two of three final shows on their tour with Radkey at Shank Hall in Milwaukee. Fans share personal stories and memories of seeing Local H over the years. After the second show, frontman Scott Lucas reflects on the performances and tour with Radkey member Dee Radke and podcast host Ben Reiser backstage.

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#36: Brian Blockinger

October 15, 2021

Scott Lucas and his bandmate Ryan both tested positive for Covid in the middle of their tour, forcing them to cancel several sold-out shows and quarantine at home. Despite feeling relatively okay, Scott is bummed about having to miss shows right as the tour was hitting its stride. However, the band plans to resume the tour at the Shaky Knees Festival in Atlanta which will take place outdoors.

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#32: Road Report #5: On The Road With Soul Asylum (Final Week)

September 17, 2021

Scott Lucas recounts playing Soul Asylum's hit song "Runaway Train" at a show, which angered frontman Dave Pirner at the time, though Pirner later claimed it was a joke. The episode features several interview clips with Soul Asylum band members discussing how they joined the group and what touring has been like during the pandemic.

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#31: Road Report #4: Detroit Rock Hotel (Waiting For Jeremy And Ryan)

September 10, 2021

Scott Lucas is in Detroit on tour with his band Local H, waiting for his bandmate Ryan and their friend Jeremy who plays bass in Soul Asylum, to return from a dispensary run. Lucas discusses the tour, playing pranks on other bands, and his plans to make a "slacker"-style concert film shot in real-time at a Local H show. The hosts also discuss music from Iron Maiden, Kanye West, the Replacements, Insane Clown Posse and ABBA.

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#25: Dave Pirner

July 31, 2021

In the podcast, Scott Lucas from the band Local H interviews Dave Pirner from Soul Asylum. They discuss the 1980s Minneapolis music scene that Soul Asylum emerged from, Pirner's creative influences and approach to songwriting, the challenges of sudden fame in the 1990s, and Pirner's move to New Orleans to recenter himself. Lucas and Pirner also share their frustrations with people refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19, forcing them to postpone touring plans.

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#24: Hey, Killer/Side 2

July 23, 2021

The members of the band Local H reflect on the writing and recording of their 2015 album Hey, Killer. They discuss the creative process behind specific songs, the production techniques used in the studio, and their thoughts on the album's lyrical themes of death, religion, and personal choice. The conversation also touches on the largely positive critical reception to the record upon its release.

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#22: Jeff Murphy

July 9, 2021

Scott Lucas of the band Local H talks with Jeff Murphy of the band Shoes about their shared experiences growing up and starting bands in Zion, Illinois. They discuss the challenges and benefits of coming from a small town with strict rules, Shoes' early home recordings and unique album-making process, and working with record labels. Throughout the conversation, Murphy shares fascinating stories about Shoes' career and imparts valuable wisdom about staying true to your musical vision.

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#19: John McCauley Part One

June 18, 2021

In this episode, Scott Lucas and John McCauley from the band Deer Tick discuss McCauley's musical career and influences. They also touch on McCauley's experiences playing with the surviving members of Nirvana.

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#16: Troy Van Leeuwen

May 28, 2021

Troy Van Leeuwen discusses his music career, from starting as a drummer and learning guitar at age 13 to playing in bands like Failure, A Perfect Circle, and Queens of the Stone Age. He talks about enjoying the role of being a multi-instrumentalist "secret weapon" in bands rather than the frontman. Van Leeuwen also shares anecdotes about the intense touring lifestyle with Queens of the Stone Age and the bands' evolutions across different album eras.

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#14: How To Fuck Up An Interview With Rick Froberg

May 15, 2021

In this episode, Scott Lucas, Gabe Rodriguez and Ben Reiser interview Rick Froberg from the bands Drive Like Jehu, Rocket from the Crypt, and Hot Snakes. They discuss the two Drive Like Jehu albums and debate which one is better, with Rick preferring the second album Yank Crime over the self-titled debut. Rick also shares stories about the early San Diego music scene, getting signed to Interscope Records, and the differences between his various bands.