What's The Reason For This Podcast

In this episode of What's the Reason for This, Kodi and Shay dive deep into a fascinating conversation with Andy Hall, renowned musician and dobro player from The Infamous Stringdusters. Hall takes listeners on a journey through his musical evolution, from his early days at Berklee College of Music to his transition from guitar to dobro after a hand injury. He shares how his passion for bluegrass developed and how he found himself immersed in Nashville’s legendary music scene, even playing alongside country icon Dolly Parton.Listeners are treated to Hall’s reflections on forming The Infamous Stringdusters and how the Colorado bluegrass scene profoundly influenced the band's sound and energetic, improvisational style. Hall also discusses his experiences touring with both traditional and progressive bluegrass groups, offering insights into the dynamic balance between honoring bluegrass roots and embracing improvisational freedom.The episode covers Hall’s unique musical journey, his approach to mental resilience, and how meditation and nature help him find balance amidst a busy touring schedule. The hosts also explore Hall’s thoughts on collaboration, the bluegrass scene in Colorado, and his aspirations for the dobro. This is an inspiring listen for fans of bluegrass and anyone curious about the life of a modern-day musician blending tradition with innovation.

This week, Kodi and Shay share the inside story of organizing their upcoming "Bluegrass and Bowling" benefit concert, a heartfelt endeavor to raise funds for Hurricane Helene victims. They dive into the rollercoaster of emotions, technical mishaps, and unexpected challenges of their first wave of fundraising, reflecting on the journey so far and the hope for an even bigger turnout at the event. Taking place at Chipper’s Lanes on November 15th, the benefit features live music from Magoo, Mighty Holler, and Strings in the Box—bands that are donating their time and talent to support the cause. Kodi and Shay emphasize that every ticket purchased, whether or not attendees make it in person, helps provide essential relief for communities in need.As always, the episode is filled with hilarious anecdotes, including Shay’s own wild (and slightly embarrassing) fainting experience at a sold-out Halloween show. They recount the unforgettable lineup at Globe Hall, the insane energy, and why, sometimes, a little hydration is key to making it through the night. Shay reflects on the surreal feeling of being face-down during one of his favorite band’s songs, while Kodi talks about the thrill of hearing bluegrass covers of songs like Enter Sandman and Billie Jean that took the crowd to a whole new level.Amidst the laughs and stories, Kodi and Shay call on their listeners to spread the word, support the event, and get out there to vote, even if it means skipping out on a favorite concert. They also announce a shift in the fundraising format from a glitch-filled auction to live raffle tickets, creating a more inclusive way for attendees and online supporters alike to take part in the cause. Kodi passionately explains why fundraising, even if it’s a bit chaotic, is essential and how every dollar raised goes directly to vetted nonprofits and relief efforts.Finally, the duo shares plans for future episodes and a call for any bluegrass experts out there to join them in a deep dive into the genre’s roots. With a blend of humor, music, and heartfelt activism, this episode shows that making a difference can be as rewarding as it is challenging.

In this episode, the hosts dive into their efforts to raise funds for natural disaster relief through their nonprofit initiative, "Melodies of Relief." They discuss the success of their recent fundraising at a Billy Strings concert in Huntsville, where they filled a U-Haul with essential supplies for victims in Appalachia. The hosts celebrate their collaboration with local venues and bands, such as Magoo and The Mighty Holler, and announce the upcoming "Bluegrass and Bowling" benefit show. They also share details about the challenges faced while setting up their auction website, encouraging listeners to bid on items, from concert tickets to unique memorabilia.The episode touches on the power of the music community and the importance of giving back. The hosts stress that 100% of proceeds from their efforts will go toward vetted nonprofits aiding disaster-struck areas. They call on listeners to spread the word, participate in the auction, and support their local communities. The tone remains lighthearted despite the serious cause, with humorous personal stories peppered throughout, like one host recounting a viral "McRib Run" adventure that gained national media attention.

In this powerful and emotional episode, we discuss the devastating impact of natural disasters, particularly focusing on Hurricane Helene. The conversation covers the widespread destruction caused by flooding, toxic mud, and downed power lines, shedding light on the often-overlooked dangers that follow these disasters, such as contamination in floodwaters and the serious mental health toll on survivors.The hosts reflect on the often short-lived media attention disasters receive and emphasize the importance of ongoing support. As the conversation deepens, they discuss the importance of grassroots relief efforts, the need for proper disaster education, and how the local community can play a pivotal role in recovery.A major theme in the episode is how the music community can come together to help. The hosts announce their initiative, Melodies of Relief, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for disaster victims through benefit concerts and silent auctions. They discuss how they’re partnering with small nonprofits and leveraging their network to make a real impact, encouraging their listeners to contribute, whether through donations, auctions, or by spreading awareness.Listeners will be inspired by stories of bravery, community support, and the creative ways people are coming together to rebuild. The episode concludes with a call to action, inviting the audience to join the cause by donating, participating in auctions, or simply sharing the message to help communities affected by natural disasters.

In this episode we welcome legendary guest David Gans, a multi-talented musician, journalist, and host of The Golden Road on SiriusXM. The conversation dives deep into Gans' life and career, including his experiences in the Grateful Dead community, his evolution from music journalism to radio, and his reflections on the Grateful Dead's lasting cultural legacy. Gans shares personal stories about his surgery recovery, his recent travels to Las Vegas for Dead & Company's final run, and a vacation in Hawaii. He also talks about his involvement in writing the book Playing in the Band and his journey in curating and hosting a Grateful Dead-themed radio show.The episode touches on the improvisational essence of Grateful Dead's music, Gans’ approach to interviewing legendary musicians, and the impact of Dead & Company's recent performances, particularly their collaboration with John Mayer. He discusses the importance of preserving the Grateful Dead's culture and community, how the band's music will continue to thrive through new generations of musicians, and shares insights on teaching his Stanford course on the band's music and culture. For Deadheads and music enthusiasts alike, this episode offers an enriching conversation on the ongoing influence of one of the most iconic bands in music history.

The button has been pushed, this time we come to you live from the Billy Strings Renewal festival poster line. We talk with numerous fans just hours before Billy announced he had to leave his own festival to fly back to Michigan on Ringo Starr's private jet to be with his wife Ally for the birth of their first baby.Join us as we discuss with the fans about how they got into the scene, what they love about Billy Strings' music, how many shows they've been to and what they think of his new Highway Prayers album. Not to mention what they may not love about the scene.We also take some time to sit down with a one on one interview with 13 year old mandolin player Vance Bonebreak. Sit with us as we learn just how long he's been playing, who he has had the pleasure of pickin' with and his big plans for the future.

In this special episode, we sit down with the legendary Smiley, the self-proclaimed "Mayor" of the Billy Strings fan community. Just days before the highly anticipated Renewal Festival, Smiley joins us to share his remarkable journey from being a disabled combat veteran battling alcoholism and PTSD to finding peace, purpose, and sobriety through the power of music and community.We dive deep into Smiley’s first Billy Strings show at Summer Camp in 2021, how a chance encounter with WSMFP changed his life, and why he’s now a fixture at over 230 Billy Strings shows. Along the way, Smiley shares personal stories, from losing his wallet in Las Vegas, to the challenges of balancing the love of live shows with financial reality, to his passion for protecting the next generation of Billy fans.With heartwarming anecdotes, raw reflections on sobriety, and laugh-out-loud moments about life on tour, Smiley opens up about what it means to be part of a fanbase that’s as tight-knit as it is misunderstood. He also addresses the keyboard warriors who question how he gets by and reveals the deeper purpose behind his ever-present smile.As we approach Renewal, this episode serves as both a celebration of the Billy Strings community and a reminder of the power of music to bring people together from all walks of life. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the scene, this episode is sure to resonate with anyone who’s ever been moved by the magic of live music.Join us for a candid, unfiltered conversation filled with laughter, insight, and a whole lot of heart.

In this episode, we dive deep into the vibrant world of music poster collecting with our special guest, Tony Sipich. A Las Vegas resident and longtime poster aficionado, Tony shares his journey from a passionate concert-goer to a key figure in the collector community. We discuss the allure of limited-edition gig posters, the wild experiences of waiting in line for hours, and the ever-growing poster scene, including the underground world of "waffles" and the intricate process of acquiring highly sought-after prints. Along the way, Tony and our hosts swap stories about iconic artists like Chuck Sperry, the madness of Dead & Co. poster drops, and navigating the challenges and joys of building a collection in today's fast-paced poster market. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just curious about the poster game, this episode is packed with humor, insight, and a genuine love for the art and community. Tune in for a raw, authentic conversation that will leave you itching to start your own collection!

In this episode, we sit down with the incredibly talented artist, Owen Murphy, known for his intricate and mind-bending poster designs. Owen takes us through his journey as an artist, sharing how his upbringing in a creative household in Ocean City, NJ, influenced his love for art and music. We dive deep into his career, from learning the ropes of screen printing to becoming one of the top poster artists for major bands like Pretty Lights, Billy Strings, and the Grateful Dead.Owen opens up about his creative process, the evolution of his work, and how major life events shaped his art. He talks candidly about the struggles and rewards of being an artist in today’s world, the impact of psychedelics on his creative vision, and how he's pushing himself into new mediums like painting. Plus, he shares the importance of staying grounded and balancing the pressure of constantly evolving his style while keeping the joy of art alive.Whether you're an art enthusiast, a fan of live music posters, or someone curious about the life of a full-time artist, this episode offers a raw and insightful look into Owen's world. Tune in to hear his inspiring story and his thoughts on the future of his craft.

That's right, we venture out onto shakedown street during night 3 of Phish's run at Dicks Sporting Goods Park. Join us as we interview Phans about their experiences with this polarizing band. We discuss how long they've been on the scene, what they love and don't about the band and the wookery that follows them. Did we mention that the three of us, Kodi, Shay and Jared aren't big "Phans" ourselves.... Making for some interesting conversations!See less

Join us this week as we recorded LIVE from The Mish! This is one of the greatest outdoor venues in the country, that very few people (other than locals) actually know about. Sit down with Dan Mladenik, part owner and booking manager, for this independent venue as we talk about the nuances of battling big corporate conglomerates as a smaller venue. What goes in to booking a band, how are they paid, who's in charge of merch, the rich history of the Mish and plans for the future. But more importantly, do they allow empty chairs in line? Also, we bring in Dan's production manager to discuss how someone can get into working in the scene and much, much more!

We're 4 episodes in and guess who finally showed up? Shay joins Kodi in the basement for this weeks episode as they discuss how it all started. Where did they meet? Does one of them really hate the Grateful Dead? And Phish? But what they really need to chat about is chompers and the poster line of course!

This isn't your grandparents Tye Dye! Join us as we talk with the amazingly talented Austin Mackereth of @Tyes_N_GoodVibes as we discuss all things tye dye. Learn about Austin's journey from addiction as a teenager to world renowned tye dye artist. Not only does he talk about some of his greatest works but also his challenges and methodology. If you've ever wondered what's the reason for tye dye, this is the episode for you. However, the story is compelling and the art so mesmerizing that you don't need to have any interest in tye dyeing to see that he's been doing something very special!

Join us on this weeks episode where we discuss the wonderful, or terrible world of ticketing. Everyone has had a horror story when it comes to buying or selling event tickets. Do we have other options? Of course we do, which is exactly why we brought on Cash or Trade CEO Brando Rich to discuss the platform he built for fans. As one of us, he has personally felt the anguish that can come from not getting a ticket on the drop. This journey started on the lot and grew to what it is today and will be in the future. Come check it out!