The (unofficial) Lifers Database

← Back to All Episodes
Person

Ryan

Referenced in 28 episodes

Episode 235 cover

#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 232 cover

#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 211 cover

#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.

Episode 191 cover
🤘 Iron Maiden

#191: Road Report #21 (with Ronnie DiCola!)

October 1, 2024

Scott, Ben, and special guest Ronnie DiCola record a podcast episode while on tour in Memphis, Tennessee. They discuss Kris Kristofferson's recent passing, swap stories from the road, and debate which are the best road trip movies of all time. The casual, humorous conversation touches on wide-ranging topics and showcases the camaraderie between the hosts.

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 136 cover

#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.

Episode 124 cover
🎸 Replacements

#124: Greg Norton

June 30, 2023

In this episode, Greg Norton, former bassist of Hüsker Dü, discusses the band's early years, rise to prominence, and eventual breakup. He shares candid stories about the rivalries and tensions between band members Bob Mould and Grant Hart, and talks about inaccuracies in popular accounts of the band's history. Norton also discusses his post-Hüsker Dü musical projects and his recent battle with prostate cancer.

Episode 107 cover
🤘 Iron Maiden

#107: Jim Rota

March 3, 2023

Jim Rota, member of the band Fireball Ministry and producer who has worked on Dave Grohl's documentary projects, discusses his career path from getting a record deal in the late 90s to working in TV and film post-production. He shares stories of touring with bands like Dio and Motorhead, meeting Dave Grohl through mutual friends, and pioneering digital workflows on films like The Chronicles of Narnia. Rota emphasizes the importance of authenticity, building genuine relationships, and encouraging the next generation to pursue their passions in music and film.

Episode 106 cover

#106: What’s The Best?!?: Covers

February 24, 2023

The hosts discuss and play their top 5 favorite cover songs, with picks ranging from The Specials covering "A Message to You Rudy" by Dandy Livingstone to Cheap Trick's rendition of "Ain't That a Shame" by Fats Domino. They debate what makes a great cover song and whether the covers are better than the originals. No songs were picked by more than one host, highlighting the wide diversity of opinions and tastes when it comes to great cover songs.

Episode 102 cover
🎸 Replacements

#102: Justin Slazinik

January 27, 2023

Justin Slazinik, formerly of the band Sullen, discusses his new solo album "Lick Them Tomorrow" and his journey getting sober after struggling with alcohol for many years. The conversation covers Slazinik's musical influences, his time touring as a tech for the band Local H, and reconnecting with old bandmates. Slazinik expresses gratitude for the support of friends like the host Scott Lucas during his rough times.

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.

Episode 89 cover

#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 85 cover

#85: Road Report #12: Lost Highway

September 30, 2022

The podcast episode discusses Scott, Gabe and Ben's experiences and conversations while Scott and Gabe are driving on tour with their band. They cover various topics including movies, music, Judaism, and stories from past tours, interspersed with humorous banter and observations.

Episode 83 cover

#83: Road Report #10

September 16, 2022

Scott Lucas and Gabe Rodriguez of the band Local H discuss life on the road while touring to support their album Here Comes the Zoo. They reminisce about pulling a trailer, popping tires, and the long drives between cities. The band is currently traveling as a three-piece with Dave Lugo. Scott and Gabe also discuss the writing and recording of the 25-minute epic track "What Would You Have Me Do?" which closes out the album.

Episode 78 cover
🎸 Replacements

#78: Brian St. Clair

August 12, 2022

Brian St. Clair, best known as the drummer of the rock band Local H from 1999-2013, discusses his music career on the Lifers podcast. He talks about his time in bands like Triple Fast Action and Rights of the Accused, touring with acts like Ministry and Liz Phair, and recording the album Here Comes the Zoo with Local H and producer Jack Douglas. St. Clair also admits to an incident involving defecating in a hotel room and letting a bandmate take the blame for years.

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 62 cover

#62: Road Report #9

April 22, 2022

Scott Lucas, Gabe Rodriguez and Ben Reiser discuss their favorite movies and actors while on the road for their band Local H's "LIFERS" tour. They debate the merits of films starring actors like Bill Murray, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Aniston, Molly Ringwald and Kurt Russell in a free-flowing conversation typical of bandmates killing time together on tour. The discussion reveals the hosts' different tastes in movies and serves as the inspiration behind the band's latest t-shirt design.

Episode 56 cover

#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.

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.

Episode 43 cover

#43: Steve Tulipana

December 3, 2021

Steve Tulipana, owner of Record Bar in Kansas City, discusses his experiences as a musician and venue owner. He talks about discovering punk rock, starting bands like Season of Risk, opening for bands like Fugazi, getting signed to and dropped from a major label in the 90s, appearing in the movie Strange Days, and eventually opening Record Bar to support the local music scene. Despite setbacks, he's kept going and adapted. He also discusses challenges venues have faced during the pandemic with restrictions and getting government aid to stay afloat.

Episode 42 cover

#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.

Episode 40 cover

#40: Road Report #9: Last Night of the Re-tour at the Metro

November 12, 2021

Scott Lucas, Gabe Rodriguez and Ben Reiser discuss the final show of the Local H tour at the Metro in Chicago, which coincided with Gabe's 50th birthday. The show was filmed for a Local H movie, with the band giving the audience instructions on how to act and not look at the cameras. Throughout the evening, Ben interviews various people at the Metro about the band, the tour, and their experiences as Local H fans.

Episode 39 cover

#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.

Episode 37 cover

#37: Felix Pineiro

October 22, 2021

Felix Pinero, the director of the "Innocence" music video for the band Local H, discusses growing up in Chicago and his passion for filmmaking that developed from an early love of the arts. He talks about meeting and collaborating with Local H frontman Scott Lucas over the years. Pinero recounts the story of how he met actor Michael Shannon at a party in LA, and later convinced Lucas to ask Shannon to appear in the "Innocence" video, which Shannon agreed to do. Pinero describes the experience of directing Shannon in the video shoot. The discussion also covers Pinero's philosophy on directing and how he sees it as a collaborative, "tribal" process of getting the best out of the cast and crew. He compares it to his experience playing in bands. Lucas and Pinero also discuss their plans to shoot a concert film for Local H at the Metro in Chicago, done in an ambitious single-take style.

Episode 32 cover

#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.

Episode 31 cover

#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.

Episode 28 cover

#28: Michael Bland

August 20, 2021

Michael Bland discusses his career as a drummer, starting in church at a young age before joining Prince's band the New Power Generation in 1989. He reflects on Prince as a musician and bandleader, and shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time working with Prince. Bland also talks about drumming with Paul Westerberg and Soul Asylum, the Minneapolis music scene, and the challenges facing the music industry today.

Episode 21 cover

#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.