Summary

Momma's in her first official ultramarathon training block, and things are getting real. Back-to-back long runs? Check. Experimenting with mashed potatoes in a Ziploc mid-run? Also check. (Sweet gels, sometimes we need a break.) As she navigates fueling flails, lopsided pistol squats, and the humbling realization that some “lost skills” were never there to begin with, the ultra journey is serving up equal parts grit and comedy.

But the real plot twist? A full-on obsession with the Black Canyon Ultras livestream. Eight hours of desert running, elite women crushing it, and shockingly good coverage, better than the Chicago and Tokyo Marathons. Trail running entered the chat with drones, commentary, and vibes.

From desert cacti to her new word "vert," Momma's falling hard for the ultra world, while also spiraling (just a little) into Olympic ski mountaineering fandom. Foot care books are on the way, shoe decisions loom large, and the quest for “vert” while living in a place with 11 feet elevation change is officially underway.

It’s midlife, miles, and mashed potatoes, and she’s saying all the quiet parts out loud.

Chapters

1. 00:12 - Beginning the Ultra Journey
2. 01:03 - Transitioning into Ultramarathon Training
3. 03:52 - The Transition to Trail Running
4. 04:39 - Experiencing the Excitement of Trail Running
5. 06:39 - Introduction to Skimo and Ultra Running
6. 07:29 - Preparing for the Ultramarathon

How I Procrastinate

1. Sleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep Podcast
2. Country Fried Rock, Podcast Archives from 2009-2020
3. Music Playlists
4. Support This Podcast
5. Dive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Happy Hour for Music Nerds

Recommended If You Like

ultramarathon training, trail running tips, ultra marathon nutrition, back to back long runs, desert running events, running coverage comparison, fueling for ultra marathons, ultramarathon for beginners, ultramarathon coaching advice, running and nutrition, marathon coverage issues, trail running for newbies, ultra marathon gear, how to run an ultra, best foods for running, ultra marathon training plan, ultramarathon experiences, running techniques for older runners, ultra marathon community, ultrarunning podcasts, Leah Yingling, Mountain Outpost, Hilary Yang, Hillary Yang, Molly Seidel, Des Linden

Mentioned in this episode:

Dive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Music Podcast

A rotating cast of The Regulars gather to chat about the music they're currently listening to.

Summary

It seems like it's a good time to play The Clash. Dive Bar Music Club is back and digging a little deeper this time. We’re diving into the crossroads of music and social awareness, sparked by the recent federal violence in Minneapolis. I’m Sloane Spencer, joined by Chad Cochran, the Nelson Gullett, and Charles Hale.

A couple of us are slightly under the weather this week, but we're psyched to chat about what we're listening to lately.

We’re still swapping our latest musical obsessions and what’s been living on our playlists, but today the conversation carries a little more weight. We’re talking about how music shows up when things get tense; how it pushes back, how it brings people together, and how artists turn frustration, grief, and defiance into something powerful and unifying. At the same time, we’re not forgetting what music also does best: giving us a breather, a release, a place to land when the world feels loud.

So settle in with us for thoughtful, unfiltered, interesting music conversation.

Catch Our Tastemaker Playlists

1. Apple Music
2. Tidal

Bands Featured in Episode 3

1. Iron Chic
2. Amelia Day
3. The Menzingers
4. Mon Rovîa
5. Off With Their Heads
6. Karen E. Reynolds
7. The Third Mind
8. W8ing4UFOs

Venues and Festivals Mentioned

1. Albino Skunk Music Festival, Greer, SC
2. Barley's, Knoxville, TN
3. Big Ears Festival, Knoxville, TN
4. Blue Plate Special, WDVX, Knoxville, TN

Summary

Teal Collins and Josh Zee, the powerhouse duo behind The Mother Truckers, are here to take us on a ride through their musical journey that's as untamed as a wild rodeo. They open up about how their family backgrounds sparked their creative fire. Teal’s dad, a jazz DJ, handed her a Les Paul electric guitar, while Josh's father, a folk singer, laid the foundation for his evolution into hard rock. They talk about their shift from California to the buzzing music scene in Austin and how it influenced the sound of their band. Now, with their latest album, Van Tour, they’ve embraced the DIY approach, self-producing the record with a level of freedom that’s made the whole process feel like an adventure. Between the humor and heartfelt stories, they reflect on the highs and lows of touring, the close-knit community with fellow musicians, and the genuine connection they feel with their fans. This episode is a celebration of the grind, the groove, and the joy of making music on their own terms.

Show Notes

1. Musicians Teal Collins and Josh Zee of The Mother Truckers join Sloane on Country Fried Rock to share their musical journeys and creative inspirations.
2. Teal discusses her early musical influences, particularly her father, a jazz DJ, who gifted her a Les Paul electric guitar, an instrument she still uses on stage today.
3. Josh talks about his upbringing, focusing on how his father shaped his love for music in the 80s, especially during the era of iconic guitar solos in rock.
4. They reminisce about their early band experiences and the challenges of breaking into the music scene, blending humor with reflections on their artistic growth.
5. The conversation shifts to their move to Austin, Texas, where they found a supportive and thriving music community that played a significant role in their success.
6. The duo discusses their latest album, Van Tour, emphasizing the freedom of creating music without the constraints of traditional record labels.
7. They provide a sneak peek into their upcoming U.S. and European tours, building anticipation for what’s next on the horizon.

Chapters

1. 00:00 - Introduction to Country Fried Rock
2. 02:21 - The Origins of the Mother Truckers
3. 06:46 - Run for Freedom: The Journey of Independence
4. 08:45 - Exploring Musical Influences and Inspirations
5. 11:51 - The Collaborative Process of Songwriting
6. 16:01 - Reflections on Touring and Connection

Takeaways

1. Teal and Josh talk about how their roots shaped the sound and style of The Mother Truckers.
2. The band shares how important collaboration is in their songwriting, letting creativity flow without too many...

Summary

From 2012: Brace yourself for some serious tunes and good vibes as Brason Alexander from Midnight Salvage hops on the mic with the gang at Country Fried Rock. They dive deep into the band’s origin story, filled with college antics, Craigslist connections, and the quest for musical magic that kicked off their journey. Brason spills the beans on how their sound has evolved, especially after bringing in a new drummer who’s been a game-changer for their live performances. The convo gets juicy with insights on the recording process, their ambitions for a bigger, bolder sound, and how they’re not just going to stick to the same ol' formula; oh no, they’re aiming to get all experimental and push boundaries this time around. Tune in for a laid-back chat that’s packed with musical passion and a sprinkle of good ol’ humor; this episode is a must-listen for any music lover!

Links

• REMINDER: IGNORE ALL LINKS OR EVENTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE FROM 2012
• Toss a few in our Tip Jar!

• Brason Alexander
• Midnight Salvage
• Alexander was later in Mismatched Black
• You may also enjoy this conversation with Annie Rothschild of Paladino from 2012

Show Notes

In this episode, Country Fried Rock welcomes Brason Alexander from Midnight Salvage for a laid-back, honest, and often hilarious look at the winding road of building a band from scratch.

Here’s what you’ll hear in the conversation:

• From friends to bandmates:
• Brason shares how a spontaneous family trip set things in motion—returning to find his longtime friend Brian Keel had taken some loose musical ideas and turned them into full-fledged songs.
• Craigslist, chaos, and commitment:
• The pair’s search for bandmates through unconventional means (yes, Craigslist) brings laughs and insight into the unpredictable process of forming a band.
• Garage shows to studio sessions:
• Brason talks about the evolution from casual gigs to recording their first album, focusing on quality over quantity and the decision to take their sound seriously.
• Poetry before notes:
• Songwriting started early for Brason—ditching classroom notes for poems in high school, laying the foundation for his expressive and thoughtful lyrics.
• A sound shaped by family and influence:
• With roots in a wide range of musical styles, Brason discusses how family and eclectic tastes helped shape Midnight Salvage’s unique blend of sounds.
• The Brason–Brian dynamic:
• Collaboration is key. Brason opens up about how he and Brian developed a creative partnership built on support, honesty, and mutual inspiration.
• Studio revelations:
• The recording process brought unexpected lessons. Brason reflects on working with a producer, the clarity it brought to their sound, and learning when to step back and let the music breathe.
• Eyes on the future:
• With new music in the works, Brason hints at pushing creative boundaries while staying grounded in the...

Summary

From 2012: Derek Hoke joins the Country Fried Rock crew for a chat that dives deep into his musical journey, with a special spotlight on his latest record, Goodbye Rock and Roll. He kicks things off by reminiscing about his punk rock roots, where he first caught the music bug, strumming guitars and belting out catchy tunes about World War III, classic teenage angst, right? As the convo unfolds, Hoch reveals how moving to Nashville was like jumping into the deep end, forcing him to shed his old skin and explore a more authentic sound that vibes with the city's rich musical tapestry. He spills the beans on the creative process behind his new album, highlighting how collaboration with pals like Dexter Green led to a unique blend of country and blues, all while keeping it refreshingly simple and relatable. With a wink and a nod, Hoke also shares the joy of fostering a community of artists eager to showcase their original tunes, making Nashville not just a backdrop, but a vibrant stage for fresh talent.

Links

• REMINDER: IGNORE ALL LINKS OR EVENTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE FROM 2012
• Toss a few in our Tip Jar!

• Derek Hoke
• Derek Hoke on Bandcamp
• You may also enjoy this conversation with The Famous from 2012

Show Notes

Finding His Footing in Punk and Beyond

• Derek Hoke looks back on his early days playing guitar and piano with a punk rock edge

• Shares memories of chasing loud, fast music and the energy that came with it

• Talks about the shift from covering songs in smoky bars to writing his own stories through music

The Move to Nashville and a Musical Reset

• Recalls the moment he knew it was time to take his craft seriously and move to Nashville

• Describes the challenges of carving out space in a city filled with talent

• Realizes that authenticity resonates more than nostalgia-driven covers

Birth of the ‘Quiet Billy’ Sound

• Introduces his unique musical identity, a blend of country cool and bluesy rhythm

• Talks about stripping songs down to their essence and letting the lyrics breathe

• Shares how simplicity became a guiding force in his creative process

Goodbye Rock and Roll and New Creative Horizons

• Offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of his latest album

• Describes the balance of upbeat energy and emotional depth in the new tracks

• Reflects on how the album captures both personal growth and musical exploration

Collaboration, Identity, and Creative Clarity

• Opens up about finding his voice after years of playing other people’s songs

• Talks about the push and pull between reinvention and staying true to his roots

• Highlights the joy of collaboration and how it keeps the process fresh

Connection Over Perfection

• Emphasizes the power of live shows, from cozy coffee shops to full-band gigs

• Shares how performance is less about polish and more about presence

• Stresses the importance of real connection with listeners and shared moments through music

Why This Episode Matters

• Derek’s story is about evolving without losing heart

• He brings humor, humility, and clarity to the winding path of a working...

Summary

From 2012: Brian Venable of Lucero drops in on Country Fried Rock to dish about the vibrant family vibe that permeates the music scene, especially with his band’s annual Family Picnic event. He dives deep into how this gathering isn’t just a concert; it’s a reunion of eclectic bands, each with their own unique sound yet tied together by a shared spirit of creativity and camaraderie. He reflects on his journey from a punk rock hobo kid to a seasoned musician, attributing much of his musical roots to his dad, who was a musician on Beale Street. As they chat, they explore the evolution of Lucero's sound, touching on their blend of rock and country, and how the addition of new members has sparked fresh creative energy. The conversation is a warm, entertaining dive into the heart of music-making, where experimentation meets tradition, and where every note is a step in a never-ending journey of artistic growth.

Links

• REMINDER: IGNORE ALL LINKS OR EVENTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE FROM 2012
• Toss a few in our Tip Jar!

• Lucero
• Lucero on Bandcamp
• You may also enjoy this conversation with Margo Price from 2012

Show Notes

In this episode of Country Fried Rock, we welcome Brian Venable of the beloved band Lucero for a warm, reflective, and deeply human conversation about music, roots, and the ties that bind creative souls together.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Musical roots run deep:
• Brian shares how his dad’s hustle on Beale Street and deep musical background shaped his early exposure, even as Brian leaned more toward punk than blues.
• Teenage rebellion with heart:
• Hear about Brian’s early pushback against his father’s influence, his dive into punk zines and poetry, and how that spirit still fuels his creative life today.
• Lucero’s evolution:
• From garage beginnings to a band with a devoted community, Brian reflects on Lucero's growth and what it means to be more than just a group that plays songs.
• A family picnic of bands:
• Brian paints a vivid picture of the interconnected world of bands—those that may not always hit the charts but share history, stages, and mutual respect.
• Genre is fluid:
• Punk, country, and everything in between—Brian breaks down how Lucero's sound isn't boxed in, but shaped by emotion, experience, and experimentation.
• On building creative community:
• More than fame, Brian values the friendships and shared stages that form a kind of musical family tree, where influence flows freely across acts and time.
• Candid and comforting:
• A conversation filled with honesty, humor, and heart—perfect for anyone who’s ever wrestled with the push and pull of expectations versus passion.

Listen in for a rich blend of storytelling, music history, and the kind of reflection that reminds us why we fall in love with bands like Lucero in the first place.

Chapters

• 00:09 - Introducing Brian Venable of Lucero
• 01:06 - The Journey into Music
• 04:48 - The Evolution of a Band
• 12:07 - The Evolution of Live Performance and New Music Release
• 19:40 - The...

Summary

From 2012: Bonnie Whitmore spills the beans on her music journey, revealing how her parents essentially crafted a band with their kids as the stars. She hilariously recounts her early days, starting on the fiddle and swiftly moving to the bass, where she found her groove at just five years old. The real kicker? Bonnie reflects on the quirky interpretations of classic songs she learned from her dad, which led to a surprising moment of musical revelation when she discovered he’d been singing the Beatles wrong all along. With roots steeped in a rich tapestry of influences, from Chuck Berry to Willie Nelson, she dives into how these experiences shaped her sound and songwriting. As she gears up for a new album, Bonnie’s journey is a vibrant blend of humor, heart, and the undeniable magic of music, proving that sometimes the path to creativity is as winding as the tunes themselves.

Links

• REMINDER: IGNORE ALL LINKS OR EVENTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE FROM 2012
• Toss a few in our Tip Jar!

• Bonnie Whitmore
• Bonnie Whitmore on Bandcamp
• You may also enjoy this conversation with Brett Detar from 2012

Show Notes

Musical Roots and Family Bonds

• Bonnie shares stories from her childhood growing up in a musical family

• Talks about how her dad turned the family into a band and handed her a bass at a young age

• Remembers learning songs that her dad slightly rewrote without realizing it

• Laughs about discovering the "real" lyrics to classic tunes later on

• Highlights early influences like Chuck Berry and The Beatles and how they shaped her musical lens

The Power of Storytelling Through Song

• Explains how storytelling became central to her approach as a performer and songwriter

• Describes music as a way to connect generations and share lived experiences

• Offers a window into the kind of songs that leave a lasting emotional impact

Life in the Austin Music Scene

• Reflects on her move to Austin and how the city helped her grow creatively

• Describes the energy and support of the local music community

• Talks about what makes Austin special for working musicians

Real Talk on the Modern Music Industry

• Gets honest about the challenges of touring, making a living, and staying afloat as an artist

• Discusses how streaming has shifted the music economy and what that means for indie musicians

• Emphasizes the need for community and mutual support among artists

Creative Process and Looking Ahead

• Shares how her songwriting continues to evolve with her personal journey

• Teases future projects and new themes she’s excited to explore

• Stresses the importance of staying open to growth and change as an artist

Why This Episode Hits Home

• Bonnie brings humor, warmth, and honesty to every story

• Her experiences feel familiar, whether you're a musician or just someone who finds comfort in a great song

• The episode is like catching up with a friend who’s seen a lot, learned even more, and still finds joy in it all

Listen in for an authentic conversation with Bonnie Whitmore about music, memory, and what it really means to find your voice. Available wherever you get your...

Summary

From 2012: Jimbo Mathus hops onto the Country Fried Rock stage, bringing a whirlwind of musical tales and soulful reflections that are as rich as a Mississippi mud pie. Right off the bat, he dives into the heart of creativity, revealing how his upbringing in the vibrant musical landscape of northeast Mississippi shaped his artistic journey. With a background steeped in family harmonies and raucous jam sessions fueled by cheap beer, Jimbo paints a picture of a life where music wasn’t just a hobby; it was the family business. He chats about his evolution from strumming mandolins as a kid to fronting one of Mississippi's first punk bands, showcasing a colorful tapestry of influences that range from blues legends to punk rock pioneers. As they meander through stories of juke joints, the beauty of original songwriting, and the importance of staying true to one’s roots, it becomes clear that Jimbo’s journey is not just a personal odyssey but a celebration of the Southern spirit and the transformative power of music.

Show Notes

Growing Up Mississippi Style

• Jimbo Mathus paints a vivid picture of his childhood in Northeast Mississippi

• Remembers chaotic and joyful family gatherings filled with music, cheap beer, and loud harmonies

• Shares how early exposure to banjos, mandolins, and gospel traditions lit the spark for a lifetime of music

Mandolins to Punk Rock

• Talks about learning the mandolin as a kid and the musical encouragement he got at home

• Reflects on forming one of Mississippi’s first punk bands, Johnny Vomit in the Dry Heat

• Discusses the challenges of building a punk scene in small-town Mississippi in the 1980s

Musical Identity and Evolution

• Shares his journey from punk to embracing blues, Southern rock, and traditional roots music

• Talks about the influence of Robert Johnson, Bill Monroe, and how those legends shaped his sound

• Emphasizes the importance of originality and blending genres in his songwriting

The Songwriting Craft

• Describes songwriting as a lifelong craft shaped by personal history and family tradition

• Highlights the role of Southern storytelling and creative persistence in his process

• Reflects on how returning home to Mississippi has deepened his artistic connection to place and people

Collaborations and Current Projects

• Talks about working with blues legend Buddy Guy and what that experience meant to him

• Gives a sneak peek into his upcoming album, White Buffalo, focused on cultural symbolism and storytelling

• Explains how he approaches new projects with intention and a desire to stay authentic

A Conversation That Feels Like Home

• The episode flows like a casual hangout on the porch with a good friend

• Filled with humor, insight, and heartfelt storytelling

• Jimbo’s passion for music, roots, and community shines throughout

Why You’ll Want to Listen

• Get to know the man behind the music, from punk pioneer to roots revivalist

• Discover how Jimbo blends rebellion with tradition to create something uniquely Southern

• Hear stories that reflect the deeper meaning behind the songs and the culture that inspires them

Tune in to hear Jimbo Mathus open up about the roads he’s traveled, the music he’s made, and the heart behind White Buffalo. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Links

• REMINDER: IGNORE ALL LINKS OR EVENTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE FROM 2012
• Toss a few in our Tip Jar!