The (unofficial) Lifers Database

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Band

Talking Heads

Referenced in 8 episodes

Episode 218 cover

#218: Bethany Dwyer

May 9, 2025

Bethany Dwyer discusses her multifaceted career as a standup comedian, writer, filmmaker and self-help author with the hosts of the Lifers podcast. She explains how her experiences with fear and seeking her authentic self led her to write the book "Break Free From Fear" to help others conquer their fears. Dwyer also talks about her views on conspiracy theories, her band Haunted Air, and movies that had a profound impact on her worldview such as The Matrix and The Wizard of Oz.

Episode 217 cover

#217: Ooh, Baby!

May 2, 2025

Scott and Justine Lucas recently had a baby girl named Scottie Rose. Scott discusses the challenges of new parenthood, including lack of sleep and an overabundance of unsolicited advice, while sharing candid thoughts on his evolving relationship with his newborn daughter.

Episode 180 cover
🎸 Replacements

#180: Vic Bondi

July 19, 2024

Vic Bondi, punk rock veteran of bands like Articles of Faith and Jones Very, discusses his 40-year music career, the Chicago punk scene in the 80s, and his viral essay "The Last Fourth of July". Bondi expresses deep pessimism about the direction of the country, predicting the U.S. will become a fascist one-party state under Trump, and voices concerns about climate change going unchecked by Republicans. The hosts and Bondi also discuss their favorite 70s punk songs from bands like the Ramones, Sex Pistols, Television and Blondie.

Episode 158 cover
🎸 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.

Episode 137 cover
🎸 Replacements

#137: Marc Solheim

September 29, 2023

Mark Solheim, the talent buyer for Riot Fest, discusses what goes into booking and organizing the annual music festival in Chicago. He shares behind-the-scenes insights on securing major headliners like The Cure, curating each day's lineup to have a certain theme and aesthetic, and some of the logistical challenges in the days following the festival. The hosts also do a "What's the Best" segment focused on everyone's favorite songs by The Cure.

Episode 115 cover
🤘 Iron Maiden

#115: Eric Oblander

April 28, 2023

Scott Lucas and co-hosts Gabe Rodriguez and Ben Reiser interview guest Eric Oblander, harmonica player from the blues rock band Five Horse Johnson. Oblander discusses his musical journey, touring extensively in Europe with Five Horse Johnson in the early 2000s, and recording with the band Clutch. The conversation touches on various topics including favorite cover songs, the preparations involved with getting a colonoscopy, and announcing upcoming live Lifers podcast shows in Chicago and Madison.

Episode 111 cover
🎸 Replacements

#111: Mike Zelenko

March 31, 2023

In this episode, Scott Lucas interviews Mike Zelenko, drummer of the Chicago band Material Issue. They discuss Zelenko's musical background, the formation and early days of Material Issue, and the new documentary film about the band called "Out of Time".

Episode 60 cover

#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.