The (unofficial) Lifers Database

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Justine

Referenced in 39 episodes

Episode 239 cover

#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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#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.

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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#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.

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#211: Road Report #23: The LIFERS movie tour edition #1

March 14, 2025

Scott Lucas is on a movie tour screening the Local H documentary "Lifers" in theaters across the country. He shares stories from the road, including screenings in St. Louis, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Portland. Lucas and his co-hosts also discuss his upcoming fall tour with Everclear and Sponge.

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🎸 Replacements

#204: Sean Rice

January 16, 2025

Sean Rice, longtime member of the Chicago music scene, discusses his experiences playing in bands like Made to Fade and Local H. He also talks about starting his company Lawless Lures, a fishing lure manufacturer based in Mississippi, and attending fishing conventions and trade shows. Rice reflects on the early days of Chicago venues like the Liar's Club in the 1990s.

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🎸 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 166 cover
🎸 Replacements

#166: Kii Arens

April 12, 2024

Kii Arens discusses his career as an artist, doing artwork for local H albums, a Dolly Parton album, and concert posters. He talks about growing up in Minnesota, getting into metal music at a young age, and moving to LA to pursue art and design.

Episode 152 cover
🎸 Replacements

#152: 152. LIFERS Live!!! - At Gman Tavern with Deanna Belos on New Year’s Day!

January 5, 2024

Deanna Belos of the band Sincere Engineer joined the Lifers podcast hosts Scott Lucas, Ben Massarella, and Gabe Rodriguez for a special live New Year's Day episode at GMan Tavern in Chicago. The hosts discussed past New Year's Eve antics, Belos' music career, and played a round of Cards Against Humanity with guest Brendan Kelly before Belos performed a couple original songs to close out the show.

Episode 150 cover
🤘 Iron Maiden

#150: Brendan Kelly’s War On Xmas

December 22, 2023

Brendan Kelly from the band The Lawrence Arms joins the Lifers podcast hosts to discuss their most hated Christmas songs. The group talks about why they dislike popular holiday tunes like "Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime", "Santa Claus is Coming to Town", "Last Christmas", and others, breaking down the annoying lyrics, instrumentation and overall cheesiness.

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#144: What’s The Best?!?: Green Day

November 17, 2023

The episode discusses the band Green Day in honor of the 30th anniversary of their album Dookie. The hosts share their favorite Green Day songs and debate the band's merits, with some praising their catchy pop-punk songwriting while others find the music less compelling.

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#141: Halloween IV: The Final Chapter

October 27, 2023

In this Halloween-themed episode, the hosts are joined by Ryan Oestrike, the general manager of the Music Box Theatre in Chicago. They each share their picks for the best horror movies of all time, discussing classics like Nightmare on Elm Street, The Thing, Night of the Living Dead, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and more. The conversation also touches on the challenges of programming horror movie marathons and events.

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.

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#136: Lifers Lunch Live

September 22, 2023

Scott, Gabe and Ben do a casual lunchtime episode of the Lifers podcast. They chat about various topics like what they brought for lunch, shows Gabe has been attending in Indianapolis, favorite teenage movies, and whether Prince or Jimmy Page is the better guitarist. A few listeners call in with additional questions for the hosts before Scott has to leave for a second lunch meeting.

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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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#126: AC/DC, America & Rick Froberg

July 14, 2023

The hosts discuss their Fourth of July experiences, touching on politics, favorite foods, and reflections on the holiday. They then pay tribute to musician Rick Froberg, who recently passed away at age 55, by sharing memories and discussing his musical legacy and impact. The hosts wrap up by debating and ranking their favorite AC/DC songs, with passionate arguments made for tracks spanning the band's discography.

Episode 121 cover
🎸 Replacements

#121: 121. LIFERS Live!!! - In Chicago with Chip Z'Nuff

June 9, 2023

In this live episode of the Lifers podcast recorded at G Man Tavern in Chicago, hosts Scott Lucas, Gabe Rodriguez and Ben Reiser interview special guest Chip Z'Nuff from the band Enuff Z'Nuff. Chip shares entertaining stories from his long career in music, including how his band got signed, crazy tour experiences, and collaborating with legends like Paul Stanley and Ann Margaret. The hosts and Chip also play a hilarious round of the card game Cards Against Humanity to close out the episode.

Episode 118 cover
🤘 Iron Maiden

#118: Jerry Newbrough

May 19, 2023

Scott Lucas and his co-hosts Gabe and Ben interview Jerry Newbrough, an old friend of Scott's who he was in his first band with called the Family Cruisers back in the 1980s. They reminisce about playing music together, the punk rock scene in Madison, Wisconsin, and Jerry's experiences working at the legendary music venue OK's. Though Jerry no longer plays music publicly, he explains that quitting the music business allowed him to regain his pure love for music itself.

Episode 117 cover
🎸 Replacements

#117: Tommy Stinson

May 12, 2023

Tommy Stinson, founding member of The Replacements, discusses his early start in music, playing bass in The Replacements from age 11, the band's trajectory and breakup, and his later work with Guns N' Roses and other projects. He reflects on the music industry, learning experiences, and his continued passion for making music despite the challenges.

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🎸 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 96 cover
🤘 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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#95: Road Report #17: Holy(sm)oke(s) Mass.

December 9, 2022

Scott, Gabe, and Ryan discuss their experience visiting a cannabis dispensary in Holyoke, Massachusetts while on tour. They sample some of the products and discuss the differences between CBD and THC. The band also performed shows in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, with some former podcast guests in attendance.

Episode 92 cover
🎸 Replacements

#92: Mike Willison

November 18, 2022

In this episode, Scott Lucas and Gabe Rodriguez interview Mike Willison, formerly of the bands Fig Dish, Caviar, and Prairie Cartel. Willison discusses the history and evolution of those projects, his songwriting process and use of sampling, touring mishaps and adventures, and his current career in the wine industry.

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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.

Episode 87 cover
🎸 Replacements

#87: Mike Alonso

October 14, 2022

Mike Alonso, drummer for bands including Flogging Molly, Electric Six, and Five Horse Johnson, discusses his long music career touring and recording with various rock acts. Alonso shares anecdotes about touring with bands like Dio and Motörhead in the 90s, his love of horror movies, and the importance of playing with great musicians who inspire him to keep performing.

Episode 70 cover
🤘 Iron Maiden

#70: Gary Kessler

June 17, 2022

Gary Kessler, nicknamed the "MacGyver of Liars Club", discusses his experiences working at the iconic Chicago bar and his DIY approach to artwork, merch and interior design. Kessler reminisces about his time in the band American Motherload and his battle with cancer in his late 20s.

Episode 69 cover
🎸 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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#66: Mike Lustig

May 20, 2022

Mike Lustig, former guitarist of the band Ruth Ruth, shares stories about his early music career, from getting signed quickly to Mercury Records with his high school band Janata, to the ups and downs of playing with Ruth Ruth in the 90s alt-rock scene. He discusses opening for major acts like the Kinks and Stevie Ray Vaughan, coping with frequent label changes, and some lowlight moments involving the radio host Mancow and an unfortunate gastrointestinal incident before a big showcase.

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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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#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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#48: Greg Corner

January 7, 2022

Greg Corner discusses his experiences growing up as a metalhead in the Chicago suburbs, playing in the band Kill Hannah, and navigating the major label music industry in the early 2000s. He also recounts how he transitioned into DJing, eventually playing Barack Obama's 50th birthday party fundraiser in 2011. Throughout the conversation, Greg and the hosts share stories and opinions on various music and pop culture topics.

Episode 1 cover

#1: Ben's Bits #1 - Waiting for Steve Tulipana

December 7, 2021

Scott, Gabe and Ben engage in a wide-ranging conversation while waiting for guest Steve Tulipana to arrive. They discuss topics including the new Beatles documentary Get Back, albums by the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen, and various movies and TV shows. The conversation is filled with tangents, inside jokes and playful arguments between the hosts.

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#42: A LIFERS Thanksgiving

November 26, 2021

Scott Lucas, Gabe Rodriguez and Ben Reiser host a special live Thanksgiving episode of the Lifers podcast. They discuss their Thanksgiving plans, answer listener questions, and bring on several fans as guests to chat about topics like the upcoming Lifers movie, Scott's gorilla suit, and everyone's favorite bands.

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#35: Matt Garcia

October 8, 2021

Scott Lucas and Matt Garcia discuss the early days of their band Local H, including their influences from metal and punk music that shaped the band's heavy sound. Garcia, who was Local H's original bass player, left the band in the early 1990s due to personal struggles and the challenges of the rock and roll lifestyle. Though Garcia has some regrets, he is ultimately happy with his decision to leave and has gone on to have a fulfilling career as an artist in Portland.

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#33: Wes Kidd

September 24, 2021

Scott Lucas interviews his old friend and bandmate Wes Kidd about their wild times touring together in the 90s in the bands Rights of the Accused and Triple Fast Action. They reminisce about crazy pranks, trashed hotel rooms, getting beat up by gangs of kids, and disastrous major label debuts before Wes reveals what he's up to these days managing bands like Old 97's. Despite the painful memories, Scott and Wes share laughs over their unhinged youthful hijinks.

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#30: Road Report #3: Waiting For Scott

September 3, 2021

Scott Lucas of Local H joins the podcast late after a long night selling merchandise on tour with Soul Asylum. Before Scott arrives, co-hosts Gabe Rodriguez and Ben Reiser discuss the podcast with Ryan Hembree, Lucas's bandmate, covering topics like tour life, food options, and fandom. The conversation turns to Lucas being perceived as bullying Rodriguez, which Lucas plans to address further in a future episode.

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#21: Herb Rosen

July 2, 2021

Herb Rosen, owner of Liars Club in Chicago, reminisces about his time playing in punk bands Rights of the Accused and Beer Nuts in the late 80s and early 90s. He shares wild stories from life on the road involving drugs, nudity, and pranks. The conversation also delves into Herb's love of KISS, a serious motorcycle accident he survived, and an upcoming variety show he hosts on Vans Channel 66.

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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.