Flightless Bird

Peter Matthew Bauer, musician from The Walkmen and solo artist, recalls growing up inside a meditation ashram and how that shaped his life. He describes life in the community, power struggles and abuse, and the ashram’s later decline. He also discusses learning astrology, creative responses to chaotic energy, and performs several songs live.

A cross-cultural love story sparked at a birthday party and sealed with dancing. A chocolate-themed family history connects Hershey roots to a New Zealand advertising icon. Behind-the-scenes tales of an iconic commercial, costume keepsakes, touring memories and fan culture. Plans for a return trip bring the story full circle.

Phil Hirons, a lifelong Dungeons & Dragons player and dungeon master since the 1970s, shares stories from a five-decade campaign. He talks about teaching D&D in schools, hand-drawn campaign worlds, and how the game builds lasting friendships. The conversation covers D&D’s cultural shifts, its influence on video games, and why it keeps drawing new generations.

On this week's Flightless Bird, David Farrier temporarily halts his New Zealand holiday to bring you the guest to end all guests: Rosabel. If you've listened to Flightless Bird for awhile, you will be familiar with the Rosabel calls that kick many episodes off. You may also recall the time David cracked an egg on Rosabel's head. In this episode, let's learn a little more about Rosabel - and whether she has revenge in her heart. Support Flightless Bird on Patreon: www.patreon.com/flightlessbird Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/flightlessbirdpod Email us your feedback: flightlessbirdchat@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s Flightless Bird, David explores the world of the tribute band - meeting “Dirty Deeds”, America’s best AC/DC tribute band (yes, there are lots of them). With their youngest member in their 30s and their oldest in their 70s - David explores how these American friends ended up choosing to portray Australia’s biggest rock band, learning that the world of the tribute band is expansive, surprising, inspirational... and often deeply weird.  Links: - Email us your feedback: flightlessbirdchat@gmail.com - Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/flightlessbird Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raygun Busch and Sten from Chat Pile join the conversation, sharing their Oklahoma roots and the story behind their band's name, inspired by local hazardous waste hills. They reflect on their quirky experiences at church camp, like discussing Apollo 13 over meals. The duo dives into their songwriting for tracks like 'Tenkiller' and 'King', and even perform stripped-down versions. They also indulge in regional snacks, revealing the snack culture on their tours and the funny bits about their hometown's 'chat rat' culture.

Jared Garrett, a former member of the controversial Process Church, shares his childhood experiences growing up in a cult that eventually transformed into Best Friends, a prominent animal rescue organization. He recounts the cult’s bizarre practices, including raising German Shepherds and community living under neglectful conditions. Jared also reveals shocking details about how he and other children helped build the Utah sanctuary. The conversation dives into the group's mysterious past and its transition from a religious cult to a leading animal welfare organization.

A listener named Nick shares his transformative journey from a sudden medical crisis during a Zoom call to recovery and community support. The hosts dive into the intricacies of parasocial relationships, discussing how podcasts foster genuine connections compared to traditional media. They reflect on the power of listener emails and celebrate the kindness of Nick's community through initiatives like the Friendship Paddle. As the conversation unfolds, themes of resilience, optimism, and finding joy in the little things resonate, leaving a lasting impact.

Sara Reddy, a celebrated television showrunner behind hits like Toddlers & Tiaras, shares her insights on producing reality TV and the ethics involved, especially regarding children's consent. She recounts her journey, including creating Here Comes Honey Boo Boo and the complexity of behind-the-scenes storytelling. Jordan Wisely, a veteran reality contestant, discusses the challenges of filming shows like The Challenge while navigating fame and contestant treatment. Both guests reveal the manipulative yet authentic nature of reality TV.

Nathan Willett, lead singer of Cold War Kids, and bassist Matt Maust dive into their shared obsession with vintage t-shirts, sharing how punk culture fueled their collection. They discuss the uniqueness of worn shirts and why they resonate with collectors. Highlights include amusing stories of eBay negotiations and memorable local pickups. The duo also pays tribute to their late friend and collaborator Richard Swift, reflecting on his immense talent and the lasting impact of his work.