The (unofficial) Lifers Database

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Person

Paul Thomas Anderson

Referenced in 14 episodes

Episode 251 cover

#251: In a Van 2: Diesel Boogaloo

March 27, 2026

The podcast finds Local H on tour with their rental van having broken down into "limp mode" near Nashville, forcing them to switch to a downgraded vehicle and losing items including a fart machine in the process. Scott discusses selling merch, responding to Facebook complaints from concertgoers about sound levels and his allegedly "off putting" demeanor, and the tour's stuffed pizza adventures with extra sauce and giardiniera. The band is currently opening for Filter and Finger Eleven, playing casino venues, and Scott reveals their upcoming Daytona Rockville Festival appearance will be a pre-show kickoff event rather than a main stage slot.

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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.

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#244: Richard Shepard and the Best Movies of 2025

January 8, 2026

Scott Lucas, Gabe Rodriguez, Ben Reiser, and director Richard Shepard discuss their favorite films of 2025, with Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" emerging as a consensus top pick. Shepard shares stories about his career, including making documentaries about John Cazale and his own cinematic journey documented in "Film Geek," rescuing "The Linguini Incident" from obscurity, and working with David Bowie who met his wife Iman on that troubled production.

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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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#189: Road Report #19 or: How To Stop Worrying and Learn To Pronounce Lititz, PA.

September 18, 2024

In this episode of the LIFERS podcast, Scott, Ben, Ryan and Gabe catch up while on tour in Pennsylvania. They discuss the shows so far, issues with rowdy audience members, and ongoing tour logistics. The conversation meanders through various topics including 80s novelty songs, recent movie remakes, and Gabe's struggles shipping merchandise. Overall, it's a casual, humorous chat between friends sharing the trials and tribulations of life on the road.

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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

#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

#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.

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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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#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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#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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#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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#15: Kelly Wey

May 21, 2021

Kelly Way, who has worked at the Metro music venue in Chicago since 1995, discusses her experiences in the music industry, her love of booking and promoting bands, and her extensive volunteer work rescuing and fostering dogs. She shares stories of memorable shows at Metro by bands like Foo Fighters and Nick Cave's Grinderman, the challenges and rewards of the past pandemic year, and her passion for helping animals in need through the MCP dog rescue organization. Throughout the casual, humorous conversation, Kelly's enthusiasm for music and animal welfare shines through.