Advertise on podcast: The T&F Podcast

Tim Williams and Matt Baumbach of Vision of Disorder join the T&F Podcast to share stories from their touring years, focusing heavily on their time on Ozzfest. They recount the chaos and pressure of performing alongside major metal acts, detailing the desperate and sometimes creative measures they took to remain on the tour. The conversation reflects on the challenges of festival touring, the realities of life as working musicians, and how experiences like Ozzfest helped shape their careers and perspective within the hardcore and metal scenes.

John Joseph says the door is closed on the Cro Mags reunion while reaffirming his role as the original singer and addressing the controversial re-recording of The Age of Quarrel.  He looks forward with a new Bloodclot record, collaborations with Danny Ilchuk, and his crime novel City of Fear.  He also touches on disputes involving the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, reflects on being de-platformed for his views, and dismisses allegations tied to the Webster Hall incident.

In this episode, Sal LoCoco of Sworn Enemy talks about his life on and off the stage — from driving airport clients who have no clue he fronts a legendary hardcore band, to growing up in Queens on a mix of disco, rock, and punk. Sal shares how he started as a drummer, the moment the Cro-Mags pulled him fully into hardcore, and the rise of Sworn Enemy through As Real As It Gets, MTV, and the Ozfest tour. We get into his love for Kiss, his vocal influences, the band’s early name changes, and the chaos of switching labels — including a manager who ran off with their signing bonus. Sal also opens up about the impact of 9/11 and why The Beginning of the End remains his favorite record, even if some fans didn’t get it.

This episode of T&F features Jonathan Anastas of DYS and Slapshot as he dives into his musical roots, the early days of Boston hardcore, and how discovering punk reshaped his life. He talks about forming DYS through the DIY scene, the influence of local bands and Metallica’s early impact, and why the Boston scene became so intense and disciplined. Jonathan also reflects on DYS’s evolution, their later reunion, and his transition into Slapshot—joining a band with songs already written and experiencing a new kind of creative freedom.

In this episode of T&F, Chris Colohan shares his journey from early musical influences and his first concert experiences to his deep involvement in the hardcore punk scene through skateboarding. He discusses his personal adoption of a straight-edge lifestyle and veganism, and provides insights into the collaborative nature of the Toronto music scene. Colohan also details the formation and evolution of his bands Left for Dead, The Swarm, and Cursed, touching on their unique sounds and the challenging reasons behind Cursed's eventual breakup.

Arthur Shepherd, a Long Island and New York hardcore scene veteran, reflects on his musical journey from classic rock influences to leading bands like Mind Over Matter and Error Type 11. He highlights how Nirvana's rise propelled underground music, leading to unexpected success, including opening for Metallica. Shepherd also shares the story of opening the iconic St. Vitus Bar, known for its band-friendly atmosphere, which notably hosted a surprise Nirvana reunion.

Alex Dunne of Crime in Stereo talks about discovering hardcore through BMX and Long Island’s early scene, the influence of bands like VOD and Glassjaw, and why melodic hardcore became his lane. He breaks down how Crime in Stereo formed, how the sound of hardcore has shifted over the years, and which bands from past and present still define the genre. A sharp, insightful look at hardcore’s roots, evolution, and future.

Mike Olender discusses his love for Broadway musicals, movies, and nostalgic TV shows like Miami Vice, reflecting on how familiar art offers comfort. He traces his musical roots from early exposure to jazz, Christian rock, and ’80s pop bands to discovering punk and hardcore through skateboarding and friends. Hearing Gorilla Biscuits’ Start Today was a turning point, inspiring his commitment to positivity, anti-racism, and straight-edge values. He also describes navigating the clash between his religious upbringing and the political nature of hardcore.

Joshua Hurst breaks down his Hardcore Legends Trading Cards project—turning punk and hardcore figures into collectible cards that now help raise money for community causes. He shares his path through music, from discovering hardcore at Murphy’s Law shows to playing in bands like Kuya and briefly touring with Slapshot, plus some hilarious stories from his comic shop and love for quirky customers and classic comics.

Joe Rubino discusses his path through the Long Island music scene, from discovering hardcore in the late ’80s to founding Tension* in 1992, a band that blended metal and hardcore influences. He explains the origins of the asterisk in Tension*’s name, the evolution of the local scene, and how major label signings shifted its dynamics. Joe recounts touring Europe with Tension* and describes the group’s flexible, family-oriented approach. He now focuses on Ice Cold Killers, which reflects his personal mix of rock, punk, and rockabilly, while also working as a barber — a career that gave him the freedom to keep making music and connect with fellow musicians.

This episode features an interview with AVN Awards nominee Nikki Sexx, who discusses her path from microbiology to adult entertainment, her love of gaming, and her down-to-earth philosophy toward work and life. She opens up about growing up shy, her gaming roots with Nintendo classics, and how Portland’s open-minded culture has supported her career. The conversation touches on professionalism in the adult industry, balancing privacy, and the inspiration behind her stage name, which pays tribute to Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx.

Adam Cody reflects on his musical evolution, from early influences and his first bands like Narayan and Glass Casket to his later work with Vanisher, Wretched, and Columns. He opens up about using music as a form of therapy after his sister’s suicide, describing how support from his wife and peers helped him heal. Cody shares insights into life on tour with Glass Casket, the challenges of the underground metal scene, and his appreciation for both the North Carolina and West Coast music communities. He also explains Glass Casket’s hiatus, as members pursued college and joined other projects like Between the Buried and Me.

In this episode of The T&F Podcast, drummer Phillip Chamberlain discusses his musical journey—from playing Nirvana covers as a teen to forming and touring with This Runs Through, signing with Facedown Records, and later joining Sullivan and founding To Speak of Wolves. He reflects on faith’s role in his career, the challenges of touring life, and evolving his sound through perseverance and experimentation, citing Find Your Worth Come Home (2012) as his favorite release for its creative, late-night recording sessions. Phil also tells a funny story about how they acquired their van through gambling.

In this episode of The T&F Podcast, Chris Ruffini and Anthony Salerno of Overthrow discuss their upcoming album Setting the Price, the long creative process behind it, and recent singles like “Anywhere But Here,” “Tribute,” and “Incomplete.” They reflect on evolving their sound with new guitarist Steve, influences from bands like Madball and Incendiary, and overcoming recording challenges. Chris also talks about launching his podcast What Lies Ahead in early 2025, and the band previews upcoming shows and future collaborations.

Ernie Parada (TOKEN ENTRY, GORILLA BISCUITS, IN YOUR FACE, BLACK TRAIN JACK, GREY AREA) joins T&F. Ernie is an incredibly gifted story teller. We go into his early hardcore days where one of his bands escaped a venue that caught fire. We discuss the roadblocks when dealing with a major label and how he was able to fully pursue his passions.