100 Words Or Less: The Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Rose, frontman of beloved Chicago rock band Spitalfield, for a deep dive into the legacy of the band, the evolution of the scene, and his continued passion for making music. Rising out of the early 2000s emo and pop-punk surge, Spitalfield became a cornerstone of the Chicago music community—earning a loyal fanbase through honest songwriting, relentless touring, and their time on Victory Records.Mark reflects on those formative years, the tight-knit energy of the Chicago scene, and what it meant to come up through a label that helped define an era. We also talk about what drives him now—why creating new music still matters, and how staying connected to your roots doesn’t mean standing still.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we sit down with Ken Susi—guitarist for metalcore pioneers Unearth and a key force behind the scenes at Fishman Music—for a conversation that pulls no punches. Ken talks about what it’s like to never quite fit the mold, how being a loud mouth has both helped and hurt him over the years, and why he wouldn’t have it any other way. From tour stories to gear talk, and moments of real self-reflection, Ken opens up about the things he’s most proud of after two decades in heavy music and beyond. Whether you know him from the stage or the tech world, this is Ken Susi. Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we’re joined by Jimmy Stadt, frontman of the beloved post-hardcore band Polar Bear Club, for a conversation that traces the band’s journey from the heart of Rochester, NY to stages around the world. Jimmy reflects on the band’s whirlwind early days—how they started fast, caught unexpected momentum, and found themselves navigating a rapidly changing landscape in the hardcore and punk scenes.We talk about the impact of coming up in a smaller city, what it meant to find a voice in an era before social media dominance, and how the band learned to adjust their expectations as reality set in. Jimmy shares candid thoughts on identity, burnout, and the challenge of staying grounded when things move too quickly. It’s a look back at a pivotal time in underground music, through the eyes of someone who lived it in real time.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we’re joined by Troy Lusk, the founder and booking agent behind Tour Peachy, a boutique agency that’s redefining what it means to stay independent in the live music world. Troy walks us through his journey from fan to agent—breaking into the business the hard way, learning by doing, and eventually launching his own agency with a clear vision: keep it small, stay hands-on, and take the kind of risks that build real careers.Tour Peachy has grown steadily by focusing on meaningful relationships, artist-first decisions, and a roster that reflects not just taste, but trust. We talk about what it means to scale intentionally in an industry obsessed with numbers, how Troy navigates challenges with care and strategy, and why betting on the underdog often pays off. Whether you're in music or just chasing something on your own terms, this episode is packed with insight into how to build something real—and keep it that way.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we talk with Jensen Ward, guitarist/vocalist of the legendary powerviolence duo Iron Lung, about the band’s uncompromising path through the underground music world. Since forming in the early 2000s, Iron Lung has built a reputation for their blistering sound, minimalist lineup, and relentless work ethic—carving out a space where intensity and intention go hand in hand.Jensen dives into the origins of Iron Lung Records, and how the label has become more than just an outlet for his own projects—it’s a carefully curated home for experimental, heavy, and often unclassifiable music. We discuss what guides his choices as a label head, the importance of platforming artists that challenge norms, and how to balance curation with chaos. From global tours to warehouse shows, from brutal riffs to thoughtful releases, this conversation peels back the layers of one of punk’s most enduring and deliberate forces.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we’re joined by Aaron Marsh from the beloved indie/emo band Copeland for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation. Aaron reflects on the band’s evolution, from their early days crafting sweeping, emotional records to becoming a mainstay in the scene known for their lush arrangements and deeply personal lyrics. He opens up about the whirlwind years when Copeland played nearly 600 shows in just two years, and how that pace shaped both the band’s identity and his own growth as an artist.The conversation also takes an unexpected but fascinating turn into the world of Swedish music, with Aaron sharing how Scandinavian artists have influenced his songwriting and production approach. Lastly, we talk about the unique experience of anniversary touring—what it means to revisit old songs, how fans connect to those moments in time, and the balance between nostalgia and evolution.Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly) Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we sit down with Maik Weichert, guitarist and founding member of the legendary German metal band Heaven Shall Burn, for a powerful conversation about longevity in extreme music, the stark contrasts between touring in the US and Europe, and the band's enduring commitment to veganism and activism.Maik shares insights from over two decades of pushing sonic and ideological boundaries—from maintaining creative passion after all these years, to navigating the physical and emotional demands of relentless touring. We dig into the unique challenges and rewards of playing for American audiences, the differences in tour culture and infrastructure, and how staying true to ethical principles like veganism fuels the band’s identity both on and off the stage.Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly) Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Dan Campbell from The Wonder Years joins for a thoughtful, laid-back conversation about the band’s evolution over the years. He reflects on the idea of “passing the torch” — supporting younger artists and recognizing how the scene has shifted since TWY first got started. Dan also dives into the emotional weight of playing live shows and why those moments still matter so much to him and the band. A big part of the chat centers on moving past the early perception of The Wonder Years as a “joke band” and how they’ve worked hard to build something more meaningful and lasting. It’s a conversation about growth, community, and holding onto what makes music powerful, even as everything around it changes.Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly) Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we’re joined by Luke Bentham, the magnetic frontman of The Dirty Nil, for a conversation that captures the raw spirit and driving force behind one of Canada’s most electrifying rock bands. Luke opens up about life on the road, the band’s unshakable chemistry, and how their no-compromise approach keeps their sound sharp and their performances unforgettable. We discuss the best veggie burger ever, the impact of the American Hardcore documentary on him and the John Reis influence as a stage performer. Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly) Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, I’m joined by Nick Brooks, the vocalist of It Dies Today and Frozen Ground. The band played a major role in shaping the early 2000s metalcore scene, with albums like The Caitiff Choir becoming staples of the genre. Nick’s voice and energy helped define their sound and we spent a lot of time together on the road in the early 2000's so it was logical, since their return, I had to have him on. We discuss Buffalo, identity and Dad’s playing hardcore. It's a riot. Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly) Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.