Troubled Men Podcast

The cannabis entrepreneur behind [Velobar CBD](https://velobarcbd.com) and former TV and film producer grew up on a West Virginia commune as the Aquarian Age was waking up with a massive hangover from drugs and free love. His family’s escape to L.A. landed him in a rundown Venice apartment as a feral child attending University High with the upper crust on the brink of the punk explosion. Brant has been fending for himself since he’s 7 years old. After dealing with all those dirty hippies, the Troubled Men should be no problem. Topics include pool parties, weight gain, Fathers Day, shaking hands, dating, a self-diagnosis, garbage pickup, a radical childhood, a new commune, rural schooling, gurus, Ghost Town, an attack, Dick Rude, KROQ, Pettibon flyers, a first Clash show, Suburban Lawns, film work, Alex Cox, “Leather Rubbernecks,” “Repo Man,” Zander Schloss, “Walker,” Brown University, tripping, straight life, the TV biz, interpreting, Cannabis Frontier, a new venture, Bridge City Collective, drug laws, a new

The veteran guitar master has logged tours of duty with Dr John, Boz Skaggs, Maria Muldaur, and the legendary Wayne Cochran and the C.C. Riders, among others. As a rock and roll animal, Cranston dove into the New Orleans punk scene with his own outlandish offering, Sex Dog, and practiced tone science in the lab with Morgus the Magnificent before delving into the rockabilly world of Joe Clay. Tonight he takes his chances with the Troubled Men. Topics include Phase 2, infection spikes, a new nickname, monuments, a Papa John Gros livestream, a councilman’s arrest, Fathers Day, birthdays, Snake and Jake’s, a covid joke, “Stroking,” a first meeting, Charlie Brent, Kenny Cordray, Jaco Pastorius, “Rice Pudding,” an audition, Jerry Meehan, Jamie Lynn Vessels, David Brouillette, Amanda Shaw, Joan Rivers, Nicky Sazenbach, Scott Goudeau, Rick Wigginton, Bobby Brennan, fan questions, pithy quotes, and much more. Support the podcast [here.](https://www.paypal.me/troubledmenpodcast) Subscribe, review, and rate (5 star

The piano player, guitarist, and composer has worked with everyone from Bauhaus’ Peter Murphy and Liquidrone to Hurray For The Riff Raff, the Special Men, and Langhorn Slim. A chance encounter and a fearless spirit has led to a busy career in film scoring and sound design. Casey’s humor and humility make him a sweetheart of a guy. His talent and work ethic make him someone you want to be around. Maybe some of that will rub off on the Troubled Men. Topics include bad soda, a return to the Ring Room, Phase 2, masking, protests, creative destruction, a standoff, NWA, Clint Maedgen, Fiorella’s, Baton Rouge, Jimmy Horn, the Ass Men, Luke Spurr Allen, sidemen, David Letterman, Paul Shaffer, Burbank studios, Don Knotts, BJ’s, crossing Canal St, recreating synth tracks, Bowie tributes, Mike Dillon, Carlo Nuccio, a donut delivery, the Ross Brothers, Casey Coleman, “Socks on Fire,” and much more. Support the podcast [here.](https://www.paypal.me/troubledmenpodcast) Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Pod

The singer and bandleader grew up playing in the Flying Neutrinos, the family band started by her father, Poppa Neutrino, that traveled the world by homemade rafts, trains and buses, and sheer determination. Documented in the film “Random Lunacy,” their unconventional lifestyle set the tone for Ingrid’s adventurous adulthood. After years as a solo artist and a stint fronting the Squirrel Nut Zippers, she comes clean about the ups and downs of her life as an entertainer in pursuit of the big time. Topics include a sacrifice, LAPD, the blue bikes, a close call, a brunch, school reopening, a body condom, train hopping, “The Happiest Man in the World,” the hierarchy of needs, family life, chart success, identity, circus life, making the band, stage poise, the Squirrel Nut Zippers, Jimbo Mathis, an airport incident, the aftermath, sobriety, healing, formative experiences, surrender, back to work, transcendence, a song commission, a new record, the future of the music biz, and much more. Support the podcast [here

The retired Florida police chief spent decades on the beat before taking command of his local force. He saw the cocaine cowboys up close and personal, and witnessed the militarization of law enforcement resulting from the war on drugs. As a community gadfly, Mark now takes aim at the Daytona area powers that be, making friends and enemies along the way. The former officer shares his view from behind the badge to the latest horrific realities inflaming the Troubled Nation. Topics include a crime surge, naming rights, a dinner outing, mask innovations, top 10 lists, a benefit, a drill mishap, a delivery, Casey McAllister, shadow forces, the five families of Daytona, pain clinics, Rick Scott, a pivotal event, a youth group, Will Smith, Mardi Gras at the Circle Bar, Chris Rose, “Scarface,” cartel time, the Keys, procedure, riots, due process, a new generation, and much more. Support the podcast [here.](https://www.paypal.me/troubledmenpodcast) Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,

The Memphis underground filmmaker, documentarian, comic book artist, and sculptor behind Guerrilla Monster Films is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his Cramps-endorsed noir classic, “Teenage Tupelo.” This semi-auto-bio-sexploitation-comedy-drama reimagining the director’s origin story is getting the royal treatment, with a new Blu-ray edition, a soundtrack LP, and a book about the movie and the makeshift creative community that came together to make it. Mike has an almost mystical connection to the midcentury pop culture of comic books, drive-in movies and rock and roll. He also has a knack for talking starlets out of their tops. In his words, nudity is the ultimate location. Topics include a new intro, distractions, a blog, a mood swing, Jerry Stiller, Fred Willard, a genetic taint, Tracey’s Bar, reopening, “The Sore Losers,” B movies, Doris Wishman, David F. Friedman, Elvis as inspiration, Memphis, Tupelo, self-mythologizing, movie posters, art bootcamp, Scopitones, the Antenna club, casting, art scho

The Antigravity Magazine editor-in-chief has a resume that includes tour managing Hooray For The Riff Raff and decades in the film biz, as well as masterminding the flagship alternative publication of the city. As a New Orleans native, Dan, along with his cat herd of writers, employs some tough love in an examination of sacred cows of local culture while he casts a hopeful gaze towards the horizon. He loves movie work, but the magazine is his passion. He writes because he has to. His appearance on the podcast was completely voluntary. Topics include Phase 1, appointments, a crisis, a fallen tree, a podcast plug, Danielle Dietze, a childhood home, NOCCA, Scott Plauché, a side job, Stein’s deli, the freeze response, a calling, a Vice submission, a critique, a sponsor, Howard Wetsman, Ending Addiction, a spy case, Ray Nagin, tour management, and much more. Support the podcast [here.](https://www.paypal.me/troubledmenpodcast) Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any pod

The recording artist and producer has been in hand-to-hand combat in the musical trenches since the Paisley Underground days of Green On Red. Since then Chuck’s solo career has included over a dozen releases as well as collaborations with Alejandro Escovedo, Tony Visconti, Jim Dickinson, and Kelly Willis, among others. With a terrific new record, “The Land That Time Forgot,” slated for an August release, he peers into the abyss of the unknown unknown and studies the tea leaves for signs of life. Fleas the size of rats may suck on rats the size of cats, but it’s going to take a lot more than that to keep this buoyant Diamond Dog down. Tonight he joins the Troubled Men to survey the landscape while keeping it pithy. Topics include a news conference, the supply chain, an analogy, shopping, miscues, essential business, the change, early shaming, Mexico City, swine flu, Alvarado Blvd, the Adolescents, Rusty Anderson, guitar world, the Bay Area scene, a new record, pimp talent, touring life, the Temple Beautiful

The Radiators co-founding guitarist/singer weighs in on the early days of the iconic band, the Tulane connection, and the accidental genius of success outside the music biz game. Dave discusses the MOMS Balls and the role of tape trading culture in building generations of devotees, as well as his post-Rads tenure with Raw Oyster Cult and recent dates with the Last Waltz Reunion tour. He’s been on COVID lockdown, but with the fever behind him, he joins the Troubled Men to blow off some steam. Topics include Jazzfest cultists, the 9th step, protesters, masks, junkies, Liuzza’s, Rads reunions, recovery, politics, alternate krewes, the NYC debut, Epic Records, Ed Volker, band dynamics, songwriting, demo mojo, CBD, Cooter Brown’s parties, Zeke Fishhead, the wild years, the Dream Palace, Frenchmen St, Earl King, Tipitina’s beginnings, and much more. Support the podcast [here.](https://www.paypal.me/troubledmenpodcast) Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast aggre

The Lost Bayou Ramblers frontman discusses a batch of new releases on his Nouveau Electric Records label. These include “Les String Noise” (with cellist Leyla McCalla and violin duo Pauline Kim and Conrad Harris) and “L.E.S. Douze Vol. 2” recorded during his residency at minimalist composer John Zorn’s The Stone concert series, as well as the trippy, ambient steel guitar record “Droste” by Lost Bayou Ramblers guitar player Jonny Campos’ Weeks Island project. Louis also talks about touring with Poguetry (w/ Spider Stacy and Cait O’Riordan) and his work preserving Cajun folkways in South Louisiana. He has his fingers in a lot of pies. Listen as he gets messy with the Troubled Men. Topics include quarantine violations, grocery shopping, returning to work, unemployment benefits, taxes, the Grammys, a Paul Shaffer story, an interrupted tour, live streamed sets, busking, Arnaudville, “Trois Rang” by Soul Creole w/Corey Ledet and Ashlee Wilson Michot, colloquial French, Rosetta Stone, blackberry wine, the Lower Eas

The legendary conga player was featured on classic recordings by Professor Longhair, the Meters, Dr. John, John Mooney, and Allen Toussaint, as well as foundational works by the Wild Magnolias and soul queen Irma Thomas, just to name a few. His eight years on the road with Fess prepared him for almost anything. Tonight he schools the Troubled Men. Topics include a cocktail party, a recap, a character, a crime report, a wager, ads, shaming, the Jeopardy, Alec Trebek, Ruta Lee, Easter, a nickname, Chris Owens, Jamaica Joe, landmass recordings, Michael Ward, school band, neighborhood talent. Quint Davis, Fess, touring, Johnny Vidacovich, studio work, John Mooney, Freddie Staehle, a medicine man, Cosmic Q, concert promo, Jazz Fest origins, Mardi Gras Indians, Willie Tee, Bo Dollis, Monk Boudreaux, school days, day jobs, Porgy Jones, music trends, a Japanese session, spousal support, artistic advice, and much more. Support the podcast [here.](https://www.paypal.me/troubledmenpodcast) Subscribe, review, and ra

In the third and final installment, the stellar lineup of guests, bassist/singer DC Harbold (Clockwork Elvis, More Fun Comics), podcaster Ian Wadley (Diabolus in Podcastica), guitarist/architect Jeff Treffinger (Geraniums, Tribe Nunzio), singer Glyn Styler (Lydia Lunch, Panther Burns), and guitarist/producer Dave Catching (Eagles of Death Metal, Queens of the Stone Age), weighs in from Safe Houses far and near to offer congratulations and condolences to the Troubled Men on their historic 100th Episode Party Line. And they said it couldn’t be done. Topics include a shout out, an apocalyptic hunch, irritating customers, a handout, Mardi Gras malaise, patient zero, Bipolaroid, Dan Cooper, impressions, advice, future plans, a podcast legend, Hagar hatred, essential services, new digs, a bus ride, Motorhead, old habits, dinner plans, a sea change, the Spanish flu, a Twister party, a viral march, a demolition plan, unemployment, a misunderstanding, TV news, a fatality, a job opening, future guests, discretion, gro

The cavalcade of superstars continues as pop icon Susan Cowsill (the Cowsills, Continental Drifters) hoodoo bluesman Papa Mali (Killer Bees, 7 Walkers), Soviet madman Yegor Romantsov (Debauche), singer/health advocate Kimberly Kaye (Loose Cattle, Chronically Chill), and singer/songwriter Luke Spurr Allen (Happy Talk) toe the Party Line with the Troubled Men. They draw the curtains, dim the lights, and podcast like there’s no tomorrow. Topics include Roger Corman, “Boxcar Bertha,” “Mean Streets,” shopping protocol, a recovery, “The Brady Bunch,” “Family Affair,” a curse, future plans, live streaming, stage fright, a missing guest, lost gigs, Eek-A-Mouse, sobriety, sword practice, Soviet methods, predictions, alternative methods, silver linings, health advice, vitamin C & D, sunlight, an escape, poor leadership, the homeless, cocktail hour, a new pogo stick, a last hurrah, a fundraiser, dad rock, future guests, the Pogues at Voodoo Fest, and much more. Support the podcast [here.](https://www.paypal.me/tro

After the 100th Episode Party gets scuttled by public health concerns and the stay-at-home order, the Troubled Men pivot to a series of 3-way calls to catch up with previous guests. In the first installment, Squirrel Nut Zippers founder Jimbo Mathus, composer/guitarist Jonathan Freilich, bassist/saloon owner Dave Clements, master drummer Johnny Vidacovich, and Tony Award-winning actor/musician Michael Cerveris check in from their safe houses to report on life since the podcast and where they’re at now. In the wake of the worldwide pandemic, they engage in some gallows humor and try to laugh to keep from crying. Topics include essential businesses, conspiracy theories, a health tip, tours interrupted, the social contract, rats, quitters, an unanswered call to Dave Slut, a prediction, mild symptoms, movies, a COVID test, the Clempire, an open tab, a bad joke, partying weight, nicknames, a job offer, campaign strategy, the Louisiana governor, a drink offer, messages of hope and faith, a long lockdown, a session

In the wake of the emerging pandemic, the Troubled Men convene from their respective safe houses on a party line with Dick Deluxe, the Zelig of rock and roll, to discuss the new paradigm, possible ways forward, and the loss of Kenny Rodgers. Social distancing may be new to most people, but it’s old hat to Manny Chevrolet. Topics include a prediction come true, a job opening, reduced resources, new methods, contagion, an encore appearance, a last hurrah, a sea change, a porchcast, police action, poetry reading, hoarding, essential business, creative solutions, the gig economy, hand washing, public filth, an unknown threat, a silver lining, alcohol therapy, failed leadership, Mickey Newbury, a bet, Neil Diamond, Diamond Heads, HD streaming, a learning curve, a golden age, a cliffhanger, and much more. Support the podcast [here.](https://www.paypal.me/troubledmenpodcast) Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast aggregator. Follow on social media, share with f

The A-list drummer has played and recorded with everyone from Willie Nelson, Gatemouth Brown, and Alison Krauss to Derek Trucks, Charlie Hunter, and Bobby Rush. Doug’s background as the son of a Lafayette session bass player and mentee of blues/zydeco master Lil’ Buck Sinegal fostered his roots inclinations, while mind-blowing exposure to jazz masters such as Johnny Vidacovich and Ricky Sebastian launched his love of that music. As he completes his documentary on New Orleans drumming and some of its top practitioners, “Street Beat: Drumming Below Sea Level,” he joins the Troubled Men in the Ring Room just before it all hits the fan. Topics include an injury, tax troubles, a proposition, a family legacy, church music, a first drum set, an all-night odyssey to New Orleans, Astral Project, Brian Blade, Dickie Taylor, advice from Ernie K-Doe, film production, Uganda Roberts, John Mooney, drummer impressions, a vast discography, Black music influences, Stryper, Anders Osborne, Jerry Douglas, Nashville post-Katri

The photographer and film editor has been a girl about town since she was a high school student on the nightclub scene. She has worked on such modern classics as “Bayou Maharajah” and “William Eggleston in the Real World.” Aimée now runs the Embassy, a nonprofit recording studio and fashion school in the 9th Ward. With a prominent street named after her Spanish converso ancestor, she’s New Orleans royalty. Tonight she gets down and dirty with the hoi polloi in the Ring Room. Topics include Super Tuesday, going viral, a 100th episode party, the Poguetry show, fever dreams, home remedies, the Spanish Inquisition, local accents, misspent youth, Russian studies, a beloved teacher, a generous benefactor, a film career, an apprenticeship, a fortuitous meeting, best friends, the Circle Bar pre-K, celebrity deaths, a Parisian sojourn, Bunny Matthews, a cub photographer, flirting, the record biz, future plans, a summer job, William Christenberry, and much more. Support the podcast [here.](https://www.paypal.me/trou

With the Klezmer All Stars, the Naked Orchestra, and his work in numerous side projects, you’d think the guitarist/composer would have a full plate. Jonathan’s appetite for adventurous music has also driven him into writing operatic works and creating sound design for film. He’s seemingly undaunted by a challenge, so let’s see how he meets the test of the Ring Room. Topics include a Mardi Gras wrap-up, Thai food, Lent, a 100th episode party, a recording session, “Judy,” a London childhood, an L.A. teen, Uni High, McCabe’s Music, Michael Ward, the Krewe of Julu, a rift, Helen Gillet, a dirty opera, Santa Cruz, free cigarettes, Walter Payton, Carl LeBlanc, Sun Ra, Fermin Muguruza & the N.O. Basque Orchestra, yoga training in India, a brush with death, a new perspective, a mystery disease, the “Esplanade” film, a debt of gratitude, and much more. Support the podcast [here.](https://www.paypal.me/troubledmenpodcast) Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast ag

He's hosted WWOZ’s “New Orleans Music Show” and the nationally syndicated “9-Volt Heart” radio program and is a sound recordist for film and an award-winning documentarian. George’s training in cultural anthropology and cinematography led him to teaching positions at Tulane, UNO, and NOCCA. He’s got a bright future ahead of him, but first he’s got to make it out of the Ring Room. Topics include Family Gras, malpractice, “The Pharmacist,” an eating contest, party planning, John Sinclair, new ventures, radio magic, a punk rock youth, crab cakes, the Shag, higher learning, early DJ practice, “Parasite,” a movie quote, a film career, PTSD, a failed polygraph, the Geraniums, a family documentary, a film archive, and much more. Support the podcast [here](https://www.paypal.me/troubledmenpodcast) Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast aggregator. Follow on social media, share with friends, and spread the Troubled Word. Intro music: Styler/Coman Outro music: “Ca

He’s been playing music professionally since he and his brother Charlie were 8- and 10-year-olds sharing stages with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Doug Sahm, and the cream of the Austin music scene. Will spent his teen years making records, touring the world, and hanging out with a who’s who of rock royalty from New York to L.A. The singer/songwriter/guitarist is all grown up with a terrific new record backed by the Iguanas, “Don’t Walk the Darkness,” coming out March 6. He slips into the Ring Room to chat about everything from songwriting with Waylon Jennings to showing up in the punchline of a Bill Hicks bit. Topics include an idle threat, a siege mentality, a Louisiana Legends show with Irma Thomas, an airline fracas, the end of an era, a U.K. tour with Amy LaVere, a first guitar teacher, Austin in the ’70s, W. C. Clark, Richard Elizondo, Speedy Sparks, home schooling, emancipated minors, Armadillo World Headquarters, Antone’s, Hubert Sumlin, Eddie Taylor, Luther Tucker, a personal approach, writing partners, an aw