Troubled Men Podcast

The adventurous jazz punk percussionist and vibraphonist with Rickie Lee Jones, Ani DiFranco, Les Claypool, and Critters Buggin’, as well as his own groups including Punkadelick, Nolatet, and Billy Goat, is one of the most dynamic performers you’ll find anywhere. His terrific trilogy of Quarantine-era albums has raised the bar for everyone else. Mike comes clean about his triumphs and regrets over a stellar 30-year career that’s stronger than ever and as wild as it gets. Topics include a maiden episode, a road trip, an MRI, RIP Don (and Phil) Everly and Charlie Watts, a dead squirrel text, Texas roots, the Bad Brains, the DIY ethic, fIREHOSE, Ten Hands, Deep Ellum, prog rock, Fishbone, Zappa damage, the New Bohemians, Matt Chamberlin, a psychedelic epiphany, a dope habit, getting signed to Hollywood Records, Bob Cavallo, getting clean, Skerik, a genius quote, jam bands, “Shoot the Moon,” “Suitcase Man,” Elliott Smith, Alex McMurray, depression, Bob Wills, “1918,

The recent Grammy winner and string multi-instrumentalist with the Afghan Whigs, the Polyphonic Spree, and the Twilight Singers is also the owner/engineer at the wonderful Marigny Studios. His early orchestral training and rock’n’roll impulses led to a decade touring with the Spree, including two Bowie tours. His post-Katrina volunteer work resulted in permanent relocation to New Orleans and the eventual establishment of the studio. Rick’s a real talent who believes in trusting the professionals he works with. Let’s hope his trust isn’t misplaced as he puts it all on the line with the Troubled Men. Topics include the Safe House, Hurricane Ida, roof damage, a tree cutter, coastal destruction, name confusion, music training, punk exposure, a first gig, older women, parents’ music, car trouble, UNT, violin to bass, loving school, an audition, a religious experience, future vision, not a cult, choir robes, 32 on a bus, a launch pad, meeting Bowie, studio training, Luthjen&rsquo

A founding member of Louisiana’s LeRoux, the multi-platinum-selling guitarist, songwriter, and singer rode the wave of chart-topping singles (“New Orleans Ladies,” “Nobody Said It Was Easy”) and tours with bands like ZZ Top, the Doobie Bros., Bob Seger, and John Prine. As a songwriter Tony spent 30 years in Nashville writing a string of #1 hits for top-selling country artists like George Strait, Keith Whitley, and Shania Twain. He likes to claim his music biz success has all been by accident. Tonight he joins the Troubled Men and learns just how bad an accident can be. Topics include the return to school, identity theft, “Christine,” campaign questionnaires, vaccine resistance, bilingual instructions, switching from trombone to guitar, joining the band, a new name, the new album, “One of Those Days,” longevity, prostitutes, pressure to repeat, influences, the New Orleans market, touring, perennial openers, Ozzy, Ronnie Milsap’s bus, John Mayer, the G

The boogie piano wild man with Mojo Nixon, the LeRoi Bros., Jello Biafra, Roy Head, Archie Bell, and the Neptunes was mentored early on by Nils Lofgren, Billy Gibbons, and Joe Ely. His tenure as co-owner of the Houston Continental Club has given him a view of the biz from the other side of the bar, while the viral “Altuve Polka” by his Polka? I Hardly Know Her Band was the sensation of the Astro’s World Series Championship. A first call player with Chuck Berry, Wanda Jackson, and Andre Williams, Pete checks in for a few innings with the Troubled Men. Topics include a vaccine mandate, cancellations, the start of school, an Iguanas tour, a roadwork scam, Robin, Steve Watson, Jake Flack, a Tipitina’s gig, moving to Austin, Steve Wertheimer, the ZZ Top studio, the big time, a Norwegian tour with Dash Rip Rock, volatile personalities, high concept bands, the Light Rock Express, Disco Expressions, Kinky Friedman, the Lawrence Welk Show, a viral video, ribbing Larry King, Game 7, sideman wor

The Dash Rip Rock singer/guitarist has spent a lifetime barnstorming the country fronting the revved-up roots punk trio he founded as a college student. The song parody “Let’s Go Smoke Some Pot” pushed them to the top of the radio charts. The band’s roster of drummers including Fred LeBlanc, Chris Luckett, and Kyle Melancon employ a specific muscular playing style, while Bill’s guitar prowess has landed him on projects with artists ranging from Mojo Nixon and the Dead Kennedys’ Jello Biafra to Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze. With a new record “Cherchez La Femme” coming out, he jumps on the line to catch the Troubled Men up on the latest mayhem. Topics include a road trip, breakthrough cases, the dump, infestation, trigger warnings, the swingers convention, a campaign update, Lake Charles bands, a KISS concert, an afro fire, Kelly Keller as manager, 688 Records, college radio, REM, the English Beat, the Beverly Hillbillies, Donna Douglas, a supergroup, Jim Dickinson,

The decorated organist and piano player’s star-studded resume includes long stints with Kenny Wayne Shephard and Gatemouth Brown as well as tours with Mavis Staples, Charlie Musslewhite, and the North Mississippi Allstars. He currently leads several world-class organ trios including a new one with Jason Ricci and Doug Belote whose debut record “City Country City” comes out in September. With admirers like Dr. John and Ike Turner, it was just a matter of time before he turned up with the Troubled Men. Topics include a fourth surge, roadwork, a campaign meeting, prickly heat, Robitussin, McCartney 3-2-1, Dusty Hill, a death scene, Boston, Luther Johnson, studying the styles, a weed pipe, a stolen name, solo records, an acoustic trio, a Maple Leaf residency, a golden gig, Walter Wolfman Washington, Mike Zito, Gulf Coast Records, a Battle Royale, the Hammond B3, a Toussaint tribute, Bobby Charles, Buddy Guy, Bruce Springsteen, and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the Patreon page here.

The Mekons and Waco Brothers founding singer, guitarist, and punk/alt-country pioneer takes a break from his latest Freakon collaboration to discuss his Welsh upbringing, his art school days with pals Gang of Four, his solo projects, and his successful career as a painter. Jon has a tremendous work ethic, releasing the first of 23 singles from the “Lucky Seven Series” and starting bands and records with any free moment. He’s also a real gentleman…qualities the Troubled Nation could use more of. Topics include roadwork, the Hard Rock Hotel scandal, the Rolling Stones at Jazzfest, vaccine resistance, port cities, Joe Strummer and the Clash, a record deal, LeMieux Galleries, Tom Stern and Blue Velvet Studio, Alex Rawls, OffBeat, Chickie Wah Wah, Steve Watson, Buddy Watson, the Sadies, Midway Pizza, country music, Thatcher and Reagan, union busting, signing to Virgin Records, a mining strike, the Aberfan 1966 mining disaster, moving to Chicago, honky tonk music, “Deserted,” in

The veteran WTIX radio personality behind "News You Need Now" and joke writer for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Joan Rivers stumbled into the comedy game while wisecracking during local traffic reports. He wound up writing 40 to 50 jokes a day for a variety of outlets including radio DJ clients across the country. The charm offensive continues as Ben drops in on the Troubled Men to dip his big toe into the podcast whirlpool. Topics include the mayor’s race, Edwin Edwards, David Duke, rally confusion, Bunny Matthews, Ron Cuccia, Brendan Gallagher, a Geraniums release, Reefer Ridge, Walnut Bend, UNO radio, the Jefferson Orleans North, wedding crashing, Dr. George Wallace, a cruise gig, standup comedy, a Manny t-shirt, a hair company, the Vagiplug, Best Life pharmacy restaurant, Captain Humble, modern radio, podcast listeners, Tom Fitzmorris, Ed Tyll, Art Bell, Coast To Coast, favorite comics, David Letterman, staff writers, SNL, and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the Patreon page here

The self-proclaimed Jew of Oklahoma and founding bassist with the Bad Livers and Killbilly recently cracked the Billboard Bluegrass chart with his solo release “The Triumph of Assimilation.” It’s a Judeo-Americana meditation on the present, with a view of the past and a cautiously hopeful eye to the future. Mark’s a master of slap upright bass and its use in rockabilly, swing, klezmer, and the conjunto style he played on accordion great Santiago Jimenez Jr.’s Grammy-nominated records. Tonight he kibitzes with the Troubled Men. Topics include an empty nest, the Broadside, “POV: Neutral Ground,” trash, Donald Rumsfeld, Edwin Edwards, Dale Triguero and Chickie Wah Wah, the drop zone, Mordecai Gebertig poetry, Charlottesville, QAnon, blood libel, kosher food, a cross burning, punk and roots rock, Danny Barnes, Dallas, hate eating, Kevin Smith, Juan Viesca, Richard Linklater, “The Newton Boys,” sideman work, a regional music resurgence, klezmer in Europe, blueg

The award-winning journalist and author of “Krazy: George Herriman, A Life in Black and White,” returns with his newest book, “My Father When Young.” It’s a collection of recently discovered mid-century photos taken by his father as a young man in post-war Europe, his Indiana home, and New Orleans during Mardi Gras. A beautiful Kodachrome time capsule, the book is a window into a life before domesticity and responsibility took over. Michael joins the Troubled Men as they enjoy the view. Topics include going meetless, a Dave Alvin connection, potholes, 3rd World pride, car repairs, road work, Britney Spears, a caper, Cosby freed, a film option, a pack rat, a secret life, Olympic trials, an overseas call, the Norske Nook, gay Mardi Gras, a mother-in-law, ebooks, the Sager Group, Jude Acers, a prison chess program, “The Queen’s Gambit,” Gilbert Gottfried, chess on the radio, a final question, and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the Patreon page here. Shop

He’s a Grammy-winning songwriter, singer, guitar player, record producer, and founding member of the legendary Blasters, who burst onto the early L.A. punk scene with a powerhouse mix of rockabilly, blues, country, and r’n’b. Major label records and worldwide touring followed. With teenage mentors like Big Joe Turner and T-Bone Walker, and a stellar career of solo recordings and top-tier collaborators, Dave has probably seen every scoundrel west of the Pecos. He spots the Troubled Men a mile away. Topics include a return to miserable, Jazzfest, Father’s Day, a flashback, a freaky-looking dog, troubled loners, Downey, the Carpenters, a sweet spot, musical cousins, L.A. radio, Jimmy Rabbit, Mom and Dad, Lee Allen, the Ash Grove, a music lesson, headhunting, getting signed, the Go-Go’s, Chris Gaffney, Dale Spalding, “The Third Mind,” and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the Patreon page here. Shop for Troubled Men’s Wear here. Subscribe, review, and rate (

The outstanding violinist and singer with Loose Cattle, whose new record, “Heavy Lifting” was just released, comes to New Orleans by way of a Moscow birth and a Georgia upbringing. Extensive classical training underlies his mastery of the instrument, but his love of the American roots canon keeps Rurik in the nightclubs and on festival stages with a Who’s Who of regional and national acts. The Troubled Men are all vaxxed up, so they return to in-person podcasting, but with this kind of exposure, a virus should be the least of Rurik’s concerns. Topics include a new location, a naked bike ride, a cabin in the woods, frolf, quicksand, a feral dog attack, the cone of shame, an African mission, a love story, Debauche, a prom date, Loyola U., Carrollton Station, Harry Shearer, “Evita,” Lynn Drury, hippy influences, Camper Van Beethoven, a musical family, the school lottery, youth baseball, the national anthem, live gigs, city hall, and much more. Support the podcast here. Join th

The original drummer with Tav Falco’s Panther Burns, he had already appeared on Alex Chilton’s “Like Flies on Sherbert” performing “Baron of Love” and cemented his place in Southern fringe folklore. His memoir, ”Baron of Love: Moral Giant,” chronicles the long, strange trip, while his latest band, TURNT, with fresh offerings like “Methadone Takeout Party,” keeps the toes tapping and the tongues wagging. Treat yourself to a taste before this stuff coagulates. Topics include the heat, a geriatric intervention, insider dealing, the mayor’s race, a first gig, meeting Jim Dickinson, a first firing, band history, “Sugar Ditch Revisited,” a European tour, opening for the Clash, an infamous gig, married but dating, a solo record, interviewing Iggy and the Stooges, a birthday set, a Berlin trip, George the Max, and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the Patreon page here. Shop for Troubled Men’s Wear here. Subscribe, review, and

The Commander Cody cofounder burst into the Top 10 playing the hot guitar on “Hot Rod Lincoln.” Grammy nominations and collaborations with Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, and Gene Vincent followed in a celebrated career spanning over 50 years. As a teenager he hitchhiked to see Dylan debut “Mr. Tambourine Man” at the ’64 Newport Folk Festival, then returned in ’65 to witness Bob “go electric.” At Ann Arbor High he played the talent show opposite classmate Jim Osterberg (Iggy Pop). Bill is a master of his craft and one of the most decent guys you could ever meet. Quite a contrast to the Troubled Men. Topics include a graduation, fears, forced jury duty, vaccine incentives, the folk scare, the Ark, going to California, Jerry Garcia, liquid LSD, a hit record, John Sinclair, early Stooges gigs, the Moonlighters, the D.C. scene, Too Much Fun, a Jim Jarmusch guitar, the Sons of Lee Marvin, moving to Austin, the Ameripolitan Awards show, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel,

The pioneering transgender singer, composer, writer, and activist’s band RZA was among the earliest acts on the New Orleans punk rock scene, and his Pop Combo fine-tuned the melodic, angular approach with a fresh lineup. Following a move to NYC, he led several other successful bands including Jenifer Convertible, Tenterhooks, and Minor Planets. His latest single, “Quarantine,” was recorded in New Orleans and NYC and benefits the House of Tulip. After a lifetime navigating the challenges of being trans in the rock’n’roll world, Lenny must have developed a pretty thick skin. That could come in handy with the Troubled Men. Topics include a new tenant, a nose biter, a firing squad, early life, a California transition, KROQ, WTUL, the Normals, Becky Kury, Julian Garcia, Ed White, opening for Iggy and U2, a tragic loss, MTV airplay, Cuban roots, cocktails, new music, the Losers Lounge, Blue Velvet Studio, Leigh Harris, the Streisand effect, the “Almost Ready” doc, the eleph

The virtuoso trombonist, arranger, and cofounder of Bonerama and Mulebone has also recorded with a laundry list of stars, including Sheryl Crow, Maceo Parker, R.E.M., and Tori Amos. Having cut his teeth in the Harry Connick Jr. Big Band, he’s more recently served as an arranger/producer with his own Levee Horns. These productions have included concerts for Blackbird Presents such as the Last Waltz 40 tour, Mavis Staples, Merle Haggard, and Dr John, and featured the legendary Don Was as musical director. It seems like Mark can work with almost anyone. Tonight that’s put to the test when he joins the Troubled Men. Topics include cicadas, the oldest woman, the end of school, rental returns, Mother’s Day, prison listeners, a provocative name, high school, Richard Erb, Loyola U., Dave Ferrato, Rum Boogie, a termite swarm, Brian O’Neill, Charlie Brent, Luther Kent and Trick Bag, George Porter Jr., Jon Langford, OK GO, Eric Traub, live dates, and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the

The songwriter, piano, accordion, and bass player is also the entertainment manager for the French Quarter Festival. His years of busking with Jeremy Lyons and club dates with his own bands have given him an intimate knowledge of the New Orleans music scene that proves invaluable in booking the world’s largest showcase of Louisiana music talent. His humanity and diligence have made him a universally loved figure. Tonight he presents a healthy counterbalance to the Troubled Men. Topics include a Cinco de Mayo gig, a crime spike, concealed carry laws, sex work, a retirement, stampedes, Truck Farm recordings, upstate New York, Cornell U., local weather, European street musicians, insect stings, musical influences, “Down by Law,” “The Big Easy,” Jerry Lewis, the Covid scramble, Satchmo Fest, virtual concerts, a fall festival schedule, live dates, the last Circle Bar gig with the Geraniums, and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the Patreon page here. Shop for Troubled Men&rsqu

The critically-acclaimed Americana singer and bass player was a favorite of legendary producer Jim Dickinson, who hired her for his band and helmed her breakthrough solo record, “Anchors and Anvils.” Six other excellent solo releases, in addition to collaborative projects Motel Mirrors, and The Wandering and Sisters of the Strawberry Moon, with N. Miss. Allstar Luther Dickinson, round out her body of work. As former guest Will Sexton’s musical partner and better half, Amy knew what she was in for with the Troubled Men. It seems she’s up for anything. Topics include Jazz Fest season, porch concerts, a loss at sea, recording sessions, a 2nd dose, a TV favorite, the drive to Austin, wanderlust, a first band, learning the bass, Memphis, the White twins, Liberty Land, marrying Will, a woman on tour, “Painting Blue,” road dates, a food cart, “Walk the Line,” Jimbo Mathus, a pet rat, Joaquin Phoenix, “The Heartbreak Kid,” Pepé Le Pew, a St. Croix vac

The mastermind behind the Soul Brass Band and Smoker’s World is a percussionist, composer, actor, and MC, with mentors such as Ellis Marsalis and Shannon Powell. From his 20 years with Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers as drummer and de facto tour manager, to the multiple bands he’s founded and continues to lead, to his critically-acclaimed solo releases, Derrick has no shortage of energy, drive and wry humor. The Troubled Men welcome his positive influence. Hopefully some of it rubs off. Topics include pain relief, Los Tremolo Kings, a full calendar, a stolen ambulance, celebrity deaths, America’s Most Wanted, a speeding ticket, 9-day weekends, the mayor’s race, music training, Shannon Powell, the Sandbar at UNO, Cafe Brasil, living with Delfeayo Marsalis, solo projects, “DWB,” a George Clinton story, Biz Markie, stand-up comedy, slam poetry, psychedelics, a medical card, a Juan LaFonta commercial, “Manny’s Choice,” and much more. Support the podcast he

The Cowboy Mouth guitarist and singer started as the frontman of the Rat Finks turned Red Rockers, in the thick of the New Orleans punk scene. Hit singles (“China,” “Good as Gold”), MTV success, and exhaustive touring with U2, the Go-Go’s, and Joan Jett followed. John is obviously a kind and patient soul. That should come in handy with the Troubled Men. Topics include a police visit, the mayor’s race, a 2nd dose, flaka, safe at home, a moose issue, a missing guest, a cumbia trio, life on the run, Aurora C.C., a Bocage house party, a car crash, George the Max, a name change, the Jam in Austin, a Boston band house, a 3rd record, Steve Walters, Darren Hill, Fred LeBlanc, livestreams, current stress, a chance encounter, and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the Patreon page here. Shop for Troubled Men’s Wear here. Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast aggregator. Follow on social media, share with friends, and spre