In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Ben sits down with Jess MC — one of the original founders of the Pretty Lights Family Facebook group and a true OG in the scene since 2009. Broadcasting a lifetime of experience, Jess opens up about her deep connection to Pretty Lights’ music, the accident that nearly took her life, and how the music and community helped carry her through recovery and into a leadership role that shaped the culture of the PLF.

From discovering Pretty Lights on a road trip to photographing Derek from atop a Philly stranger’s shoulders at All Good 2011, Jess shares vivid stories that trace the evolution of the PLF and illuminators program. The episode also touches on the darker corners of the community — scams, safety issues, and the need for trust — and highlights the launch of Swirl Safe, a new initiative to protect fans during shows.

Come for the wild stories, stay for the heart: this is the story of one fan’s transformation into a leader, a healer, and a symbol of what makes the Pretty Lights family so special.

As time goes by, memories never die.

Recorded 4/22/2025

On this very special episode, Ben welcomes someone who's been part of his journey long before the podcast even began - his wife, Giselle (aka Mrs. Bahdoo)! Broadcasting from Las Vegas after seeing Dead & Company at The Sphere, they reflect on a lifetime of shared musical memories - from bumping into each other at random shows in Chicago to traveling across the country for Pretty Lights, String Cheese Incident, Sound Tribe, and more.

They dive into the highs and lows of The Sphere experience, their favorite festivals like Hulaween, Summer Camp, and Same Same But Different and how Pretty Lights and Sound Tribe each uniquely shaped their relationship with live music. There's plenty of laughs (and a few rants) along the way - plus some heartfelt moments about their growing family.

Come for the banter, stay for the memories - because as time goes by, memories never die... even if Giselle forgets a few along the way.

Recorded 3/21/2025

Ben welcomes back HammyT to deep dive into Pretty Lights history, community stories, and the moments that make this scene so special. As the first returning guest on Trip Thru Time, HammyT comes back with more tales, more insight, and plenty of laughs.

The two unpack major news in the PL universe—from Buena Vista being billed as the “only band event of the summer” to Derek and Uma expecting their first child—and speculate on what it all might mean for future shows, formats, and the fan experience.

HammyT shares stories that span from early meet-and-greets and setlist requests that actually came true, to riding the rail for all 3 nights of the armory in Minneapolis to end with his father-in-law buying a PL merch booth hat which Derek and Michal signed as they greeted the rail at the end of night 3.

Together, Ben and HammyT pull out some stand out stage quotes/banter moments from shows and experiences that could only happen in this uniquely connected fanbase. As time goes by, memories never die.

For reference this was recorded in early March, the day of the Buena Vista presale announcement.