Troubled Men Podcast

The strip-mine crooner burst onto the scene with Tuscaloosa art agitators the Raudelunas Pataphysical Revue, fronting No Wave big band Ron ‘Pate & His Debonaires. Their live record and the subsequent studio albums, “From the One That Cut You” and “Car Radio Jerome,” established them as a mythic presence in the southern underground. Years out of sight and scarcity of the discs heightened the mystery surrounding the singer. Fred Lane’s reemergence after 35 years with the “Icepick to the Moon” album and documentary and the recent cover of his "I Talk To My Haircut" by the Squirrel Nut Zippers has delighted fans and frightened foes from coast to coast. Now he trains his unblinking gaze on the Troubled Men. The hurricane killed the internet, so we strung together two tin cans to record this special episode. Topics include Hurricane Zeta recovery, a celebrity couple, the COVID vaccine, election stress, purple heroin, hospital food, New Orleans drivers, the 4-way stop, sober guests, a personal inventory, a star

The renowned bassist, along with fellow Meters Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli, and Zigaboo Modeliste defined New Orleans funk and R’n’B from the late 1960s on. From the explosion of classics like "Cissy Strut" and "Hey Pocky A-Way" for Allen Toussaint’s label, to session work with Dr. John, LaBelle, Paul McCartney, and Robert Palmer, the Meters are the gold standard. George has gone on to work with a stellar list of artists including David Byrne, Tori Amos, and John Scofield, as well as all-star groups the 7 Walkers, Voice of the Wetlands, and his own Runnin’ Pardners. He survived the 75-76 Rolling Stones. The Troubled Men should be a piece of cake. Topics include early voting, hate stuttering, a birthday speedball, an MRI nightmare, a clean checkup, a new record, early influences, guitar lessons, a new route, Poppi Francis, a frat house training ground, New Orleans music, Meters orthodoxy, touring the US, Route 66, the Ivanhoe, the Nightcap, a record deal, the New Barbarians, a hospital

The co-founding drummer of Thelonious Monster discusses his history with the band beginning with the 80s post-punk Hollywood scene that included the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jane’s Addiction, and Manny Chevrolet’s Too Free Stooges. It’s a stroll down memory lane filled with pitfalls and highlights that ultimately leads to redemption. The Troubled Men remain unredeemed. Topics include the end of the Circle Bar, a rich history, a test result, a priest’s porn shoot, a glimmer of hope, a new venture, a name change, a first meeting, a new band, a celebrity sighting, an L.A. heyday, a first record, Dick Rude, Fishbone, the Plugz, tour hijinx, a mystery solved, a conspiracy theory, bad behavior, pissing with Tom Waits, a documentary, a new record, Martyn LeNoble, Dix Denney, Bob Forrest, a solo deal, band alchemy, emotionalism, Zander Schloss, a bit, a music academy, humility, the Unabomber manifesto, another theory, a notorious Pink Pop set, a rock moment, and much more. Support the podcast [here.](https://www.pa

His work with Galactic, Big Freedia, Trombone Shorty, the Revivalists, and the Klezmer All Stars should be enough to keep anyone busy. Along with his Galactic bandmates, the saxophone/harmonica player and producer is also an owner of the iconic New Orleans music mecca, Tipitina’s. Ben’s long history with many of his collaborators is a testament to his good character and ability to get along with others. Maybe some of that will rub off on the Troubled Men, but don’t count on it. Topics include Daughters Day, “The Social Dilemma,” dog medicine, Dick Cheney, local crimes, a Hard Rock fire, a meeting on acid, memories of an L.A. childhood, hard touring, the 90s rock scene in N.O., Joe Cabral, Eric Traub, Theryl DeClouet, band democracy, studio workflow, production credits, Boyfriend, club upgrades, a black swan event, bailing water, the Tip’s TV streaming platform, e-cigarettes, a tight pod, Tito’s Tacos, and much more. Support the podcast [here.](https://www.paypal.me/troubledmenpodcast) Shop for Troubled Me

The guitar wizard, satirist, and provocateur’s record titles like “Innuendo Out the Other” and “Hello Dali” give you an idea of his sense of humor. Collaborations like “Just Duet” with heavyweights Larry Coryell, Mike Stern, and Charlie Hunter demonstrate his place in the guitar virtuoso community. Phil traces his journey from studying with master teacher Hank Mackie to creating a custom guitar/harp inspired by 7-string guru Lenny Breau. Phil has always followed his own path in music. After his sojourn with the Troubled Men, let’s hope he can find his way back. Topics include a sore winner, a harmonica player, the new Vegas stadium, “Casino,” the VagiPlug, in-person classes, a positive test, LSU culture, Squeaky Fromme revisited, a scary trip to Applebee’s, subversive stickers, David Vitter bed shopping, a second act, Filiberto’s World of Strings, a golden age, Steve Masakowski, Emily Remler, the Guitar Ensemble, fanned frets, playing for Chet Atkins, a murder allegation, music magazines, Steve Vai, Les Whit

She’s known as the mouthpiece for angular punk dance band Malevitus, and as MC Sweet Tea at the helm of her rap-burlesque troupe. Coming on like an unravelled Mrs. Robinson with a bone to pick, the performance artist has been covered by Queens of the Stone Age and played Mary Poppins for the spawn of the Hollywood elite. Tiana and Malevitus are releasing more videos from their recent record, with new music on the way, but she finds time to squeeze the Troubled Men onto her dance card. There’s no nondisclosure agreement in effect on this episode, so Tiana spills it all, the salty and the sweet. Topics include a birthday weekend, friendship, “Jeopardy,” Siegfried from “Get Smart,” Doug Belote, a mistaken identity, the TMP shirt release, a Covid cocktail, the High Holidays, a draconian measure, twin girls, Carlo Nuccio, celebrity nannies, discretion, early years in Austin, the Kentucky Derby, the move to N.O., the Diewater, Richard Linklater, post-Katrina L.A., the Shim Shamettes, a last gig, Luke Spurr Allen,

He was a member of Tin Machine with David Bowie as well as the drummer on classic recordings by Todd Rundgren and Iggy Pop, including the iconic “Lust for Life” which has become ubiquitous on film and TV. A child prodigy, Hunt was recording and performing professionally by age 11. With his older brother on bass, the teen band Tony and the Tigers had a hit record, and the Sales Brothers rhythm section went on to become rock legends. All this has led up to his latest solo release, ”Get Your Shit Together” by the Hunt Sales Memorial. He grew up with his comedy star father Soupy Sales as showbiz royalty, surrounded by entertainers like Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. Playing with some of the all-time mad men of modern music, he was surrounded by chaos. The Troubled Men are eager students at the feet of the master. Topics include a busy week, an allegation, similarities, first meetings, kind words, future gigs, integrating television, Clifford Brown, the 1950s Detroit jazz scene, a move to L.A., Earl Palmer as in

The Milwaukee bandleader and recording artist has spent his life exploring the musical tributaries that flow through New Orleans. From the masking Indians to Snooks Eaglin and Earl King to modern African forms, all have informed his original music. With Paul’s bands, first the Milwaukeeans and now Tomorrow Sound, he brings joyous sincerity to every performance. From his time on the mic on his long-running radio show, he’s developed a golden vocal tone and a sense of when to stay out of the line of fire. Both skills serve him well on this episode with the Troubled Men. Topics include a continuing condition, Morgus the Magnificent, People Watching by Chris Rose, street renaming, the Manson Family, NXIUM, “The Vow,” Wisconsin, a trip to New Orleans, James Booker at Tipitina’s, the Wild Magnolias in Milwaukee, Jeffrey Dahmer, a pivotal day, early bands, current conditions, early influences, a hard choice, Mississippi John Hurt, Taj Mahal, Ry Cooder, a first meeting, Derek Huston, Eddie’s Restaurant, Fitzgerald’

As an itinerant bluesman, the singer and harmonica ace sought out giants like James Cotton and Junior Wells to uncover the mysteries of the dark art. The former collegiate swimming star did stints in Colorado, Chicago, and Austin playing with the likes of John Lee Hooker and Ronnie Earl before landing in New Orleans as a seasoned songwriter and bandleader. Johnny has a dozen award-winning solo releases, as well as celebrated collaborations with Anders Osborne and John Fohl, and is a member of the Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars with Tab Benoit, Cyril Neville and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux. He may have dropped the “Jumping Johnny” moniker years ago, but on the Troubled Men Podcast, it’s not about how high you can jump, it’s about how low you can go. Topics include a new high, a deadly storm, Gompers, “Uncut Gems,” a law school brouhaha, a prayer call, an Estes rocket launch, meeting Joe Cabral and Rod Hodges, the Colorado connection, shaving down, a favorite stroke, Mark Spitz, Fort Collins, harmonica science,

The musician/journalist’s new book, “[Mind Over Matter: The Myths and Mysteries of Detroit’s Fortune Records](http://www.nortonrecords.com/kb-mind-over-matter-the-myths-mysteries-of-detroits-fortune-records-kicks-books-book-only-ships-sept-15/),” co-authored with the great Billy Miller of [Kicks](http://www.nortonrecords.com/kicks-books/?sort=alphaasc) magazine and [Norton Records](http://nortonrecords.com) fame, comes out September 15th. It covers the eclectic label and the entire Detroit underground music scene from the 1950s onward. Mike’s love of rockabilly, country, and garage rock has fueled such bands as the Alex Chilton-produced Royal Pendletons, his [Haunted Hearts](https://www.facebook.com/michaelhurttandhishauntedhearts/), and more recently, the New Orleans Night Howlers. His tenure in Tav Falco’s Panther Burns proves he’s paid some dues. His appearance on the Troubled Men Podcast shows he’s not done paying. Topics include a Circle Bar rent party livestream, a return to campus, a testing regimen,

The designer behind [Gogo Jewelry](http://www.ilovegogojewelry.com) is a New Orleans character through and through. Many know her as an actress in the long-running stage production “And the Ball and All” with Becky Allen and Ricky Graham. From her post-Mercy Academy years as an artisan, to her time studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design, to the establishment of her own store and signature line of jewelry, Gogo has a passion for the craft that has always guided the way forward. Her distinctive cuffs worn by fabulous locals and international superstars are instantly recognizable. Up until now the only cuffs on the Troubled Men have been handcuffs. Maybe it’s time to switch things up. Topics include pain management, school precautions, Wilford Brimley getting physical, a recovery, a sketchy appointment, an assessment, a birthday call, a mystery ailment, Reefer Ridge, a drag version, Y’at culture, jewelry training, Al Scramuzza, Steve Watson, Lusher moms, Bianca Del Rio, Varla Jean Merman, a first p

Growing up on the road with Spencer Bohren, his troubadour father, Andre saw the music game from the inside out. His early rock and roll affinity for drums and guitars led to playing with Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes and Rory Danger and the Danger Dangers. His classical piano mastery led to symphonic bookings and a drive to present the repertoire in the venues of the common man. As the producer for his father’s final collaboration with songwriting collective the Write Brothers, “Into the Sky,” Andre brings the family tradition full circle. His membership in the 610 Stompers, an all man dance troupe, shows he doesn’t take himself too seriously. That quality serves him well as he faces the Troubled Men. Topics include Canal St. drag races, Mid-city car burglaries, classic obits, college openings, canine COVID, presidential idiocy, a music school band, a family on tour, home schooling, a white sheep, rock clichés, classical live-streams, the Buddy D. parade, tough auditions, the Whippersnappers, theatrica

The Austin-based singer/guitar player has worked with artists including Glen Campbell, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, John Doe, and X, live and in the studio, written music for TV and film, and released over a dozen solo records. Film scores for Rob Zombie’s “The Devil’s Rejects” and “Halloween II” led to onscreen roles and writing/directing his own New Orleans-shot, post-Katrina feature, “Zombex,” starring Malcolm McDowell. Throw in his weekly Badass Country radio show on Gimmecountry.com, and you’re starting to get the full picture of this hard charger. Jesse’s new record, “Gulf Coast Sessions,” just came out, featuring “[Lo-Fi Lover](https://youtu.be/HKPl2bZMlg8)” as the first single and video. Tonight he joins the Troubled Men to find out just how Lo he can go. Topics include some killer take-out, a grocery switcheroo, a government contract, childhood trips, Huey P. Meaux, Rockin Dopsie, Johnny Adams, Flaco Jimenez, regionalism, drive-thru strip clubs, 70s country TV shows, Captain Clegg, Lew Temple, Tom

The drummer and co-founder of the legendary, multi-platinum selling band WAR has seen a lot of action in the last 50 years. With and without former Animals vocalist Eric Burdon, Harold and his compatriots conducted a chart-topping attack starting in L.A. and conquering the globe. The barrage of hits the unit created sounds as powerful today as ever. Harold always believed in his dreams and worked hard to achieve them. Listen in as he lives through the nightmare of the Troubled Men Podcast. Topics include a miracle, Shanti Ananda, family travel, housekeeping notes, a mitzvah, Long Beach Poly, radio influences, band origins, union work, Howard E. Scott, B.B. Dickerson, Lee Oskar, Steve Gold, Jerry Goldstein, Ike and Tina Turner, the Watts riots, an El Paso residency, a stroke of luck, surviving ‘Nam, one last shot, a band name, a string of hits, a rule of thumb, business acumen, credits, Latin influences, hanging out with Hendrix, a Bob Marley story, sample uses, self-education, the Chateau Marmont parties, pa

The producer, arranger, composer, and Piety St. Studio owner cut his teeth as a teenage songwriter signed to Elektra Records and an apprentice in the late 60s studios of NYC and L.A. Mark hung out with the Flying Burrito Brothers at the Whiskey and was seen as fresh meat at the Troubadour. Allen Ginsberg, REM, Marianne Faithfull, John Scofield, Sun Ra, and Hal Wilner are just a few of the projects he’s been a part of. The new Michot’s Melody Makers record, “Cosmic Cajuns From Saturn,” is the latest in his psychedelic journey. Mark’s stopover with the Troubled Men may be his strangest trip yet. Topics include an illness, a firing, Walter Mercado, “Judy”, Cabaret”, masking, a scam, pet sedatives, women doctors, Danny Fields, Elektra Records, an assault, a Yale happening, a fight with William Styron, the 70s Village, the Screaming Gypsy Bandits, dates with the Dolls, Glenn Branca, the Social Climbers, a John Cale story, Marty Thau, the Letterman show, N.O. music politics, an ad agency, the Boiler Room studio, a

The point man behind the Kingpin Pub and Midway Pizza, and bass player with $1000 Car, Mojo Nixon, and the Chris Lee Band spent his childhood bouncing from town to town with his parents on the pro-hockey circuit. Starting a new school on a day’s notice taught him to make fast friends. Growing up with hall-of-famers showed him what it took to be a champion. Tonight Steve accepts the challenge with the Troubled Men in their first in-person podcast since quarantine. Let’s hope his winning streak holds up. Topics include insomnia, the D.A.’s race, Kanye 2020, a vacation, school plans, public hygiene, a letter from Paul Williams, a bar tab, a photo opp, an airport deal, start-up PTSD, a hockey brat, a world record, Jake Flack, Austin, the Neptunes, the Continental Club, touring, the Dead Milkmen, a first meeting, Carrollton Boosters baseball, the Stanley Cup, Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, a ring, Sarah Odem, a relocation, SXSW, golfing, the Circle Bar fundraiser, Mark Hughes and the Dads band, the Lusher Soirée,

The accordionist and co-founder of the New Orleans Klezmer Allstars actually came to play the instrument and Yiddish music quite by accident. Glenn has played piano and organ with numerous rock acts including Anders Osborne, Susan Cowsill, and Lulu and the Broadsides and teaches Jewish music at Tulane University. Time spent playing klezmer music has also fostered a deepening spiritual life and religious practice. Listen in as his faith is put to the ultimate test with the Troubled Men. Topics include school predictions, the heat, the Clive Davis doc., the Paul Williams doc., Barry Manilow, “The Loved One,” Carpenters, Carl Reiner, Jeopardy, a gathering, Long Beach, early bands, Fishbone, a trip to New Orleans, Tulane time, the key to Miami, MasterClass, Yiddish music, Jonathan Freilich, the Naked Orchestra, the Playboy Jazz Fest, the Purple Onion, an O’Farrell Theater story, the Tenderloin, klezmer origins, a new generation, Mexican food, Kosher food, flexidoxy, and much more. Support the podcast [here.](ht

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