Fan favorite Joel Turcotte returns for his record FIFTH appearance on the Cody Kai Cast, bringing another round of unfiltered opinions, hilarious stories, and spirited debates.

Cody and Joel tackle some uncomfortable truths about Austin's live music industry, including underpaid musicians, venues settling for "good enough," cover bands playing the same tired material, and musicians whose confidence exceeds their talent.

The conversation also explores drumming, the closing of Tommy's Drum Shop, social media, Joe Rogan, Elon Musk, American culture, and Austin's growing pains.

From music industry frustrations to broader cultural commentary, it's another unpredictable conversation with one of the show's most outspoken returning guests.

Follow Joel: @joelturcotte

Cody Kai Cast | Episode 87

Kill Tony Golden Ticket winner Tony Scar joins Cody and Kai for Episode 86 of the Cody Kai Cast!

At just 22 years old, Tony has already experienced a whirlwind introduction to the comedy industry. He shares how he earned his Golden Ticket after only six months of stand-up, how his life changed afterward, and some of the wildest experiences he's had along the way.

From a billionaire's mansion filled with cocaine to performing at a Kid Rock charity festival, Tony has no shortage of outrageous stories.

The conversation also explores musical comedy, crowd work, controversial humor, improvisation, and the art of winning over an audience.

Follow Tony: @scarcomedy

Cody Kai Cast | Episode 86

Drummer Kevin Parm joins Cody and Kai for Episode 85, sharing stories from behind the drum kit and one terrifying experience that nearly cost him his life.

Kevin recounts a motorcycle accident that brought him within feet of a 400-foot cliff, discusses the artistry of Ringo Starr and other legendary drummers, and explores the music and musicians that have shaped his perspective.

The conversation also covers classic rock, the Austin music scene, modern technology, and plenty of unexpected tangents.

Follow Kevin: @kevparmdrums

Cody Kai Cast | Episode 85

Comedian Kandyce August joins Cody and Kai for a hilarious, unfiltered conversation about stand-up comedy, motherhood, and the challenges of making it in Austin's comedy scene.

Kandyce shares her experience becoming a mother at 47, her weight-loss challenge for another shot on Kill Tony, and her thoughts on controversial comedians like Patrice O'Neal.

Along the way, the conversation takes plenty of unexpected turns, touching on comedy legends, marriage, parenting, pop culture, and the ever-changing boundaries of humor.

Follow Kandyce on Instagram: @just_kandyce

Cody Kai Cast | Episode 84

Dr. Trent Morgan (@trentmorganmusic) joins Cody and Kai for a conversation that goes everywhere from guitar and improvisation to medicine, neuroscience, social media and sobriety.Trent talks about getting through medical school and a brutal surgical residency while realizing medicine wasn't ultimately the life he wanted. He explains why he chose to pursue music, how working as a physician now helps support that pursuit, and what years of playing guitar have taught him about perfectionism, experimentation and learning to fail without letting failure stop you. The conversation also gets considerably heavier as Trent puts on the literal doctor hat to discuss mental illness, neuroscience, personal responsibility, the limits of what medicine actually understands about the human brain, and why complicated social issues rarely fit neatly into the polarized narratives rewarded by social media.Then Trent and Cody get personal about alcohol, changing their behavior, and recognizing when something that once added to your life has started taking more from it. Trent describes the cumulative shift where drinking stops being mostly fun and begins interfering with the person you're trying to become. Plus: Billy Strings, music theory, guitar modes, Richard Pryor, comedy, the medical residency Match, biological determinism, Charles Whitman, internal monologues, psychiatry, social media, and plenty more.🎙️ Cody Kai Cast #83#CodyKaiCast #CKC83 #TrentMorgan #AustinMusic #Sobriety #Podcast

Drummer, singer and artist Gino V (@ginovmusic) joins Cody and Kai to talk about his journey from Louisiana to the Austin music scene and the lessons he's picked up along the way.

From learning drums as a kid and playing with Wayne Toups to starting over in Austin, Gino gets into developing your own sound, learning to listen, knowing when not to play, performing under pressure, and why technical ability doesn't necessarily mean someone knows how to jam.

Plus: bedroom shredders vs. live performers, AI vs. the human connection of live music, being a good hang on the road, Austin vs. Nashville, and plenty of drummer talk.

Cody Kai Cast #82

Kill Tony guitarist Matt Muehling joins Blake O’Neal and Nico Little for a deep dive into musicianship, obsession, competition, and Austin’s evolving music scene.

We get into Matt’s journey from obsessively practicing guitar to playing Madison Square Garden with the Kill Tony Band, why performing at that level doesn’t make him nervous anymore, and why some of his favorite shows ever happened in Austin rooms with only 25–50 people.

Blake breaks down why hard work eventually beats talent, Nico talks about finding his place in Austin’s music community, and the guys get into everything from bombing onstage and handling criticism to musical chemistry, improvisation, guitar tone, dynamics, and what separates great musicians from people who can simply play.

Plus: the rise of Da Homies, Matt’s signature guitar, Nico working with members of the Steve Miller Band, and why Austin continues producing some of the best musicians in the country.

🎙️ Cody Kai Cast — CKC81

Guests:
Matt Muehling
Blake O’Neal
Nico Little

#CodyKaiCast #CKC81 #KillTony #AustinMusic #MattMuehling

Austin’s own Bars Robinson joins Cody and Kai to talk about what happens when your comfort zone starts holding you back.

From declaring that hip-hop has become “easy” and exploring new genres, to the realities of performing live, navigating haters, building a business, Austin’s music scene and staying authentic in the content era, Bars breaks down the mindset behind his next chapter.

Along the way: Drake and Kendrick, Eminem vs. MGK, why you can’t hustle and hate at the same time, and plenty of completely unnecessary Cowboys slander.