Amigos with Mike Finoia

We're into May. Quarantine is still happening. Mike checks in with amigos alum Jim Tews (@jimtews) to discuss life during quartimeThe two friends talk snacks, where they get fat, cats vs dogs, and music doodyshame. Follow @mikefinoia @amigospod and @jimtews on socials. Stay safe and thank you to all of the healthcare workers. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Steve's abound on this weeks Amigos! Phish Lyricist and Musician Steve Pollack (the Dude of Life) and FoxNY's Steve Lacy join Mike via Zoom to reminisce on fun hangs, the stories behind some lyrics, delivering the News in a bare bones studio, and the power of positivity during this shitty situation.Mike also finally learns the story behind the lyrics to his fav Phish song from day 1Follow The Dude on Twitter at @officialDudeofLife & @DudeofLife17 and on Facebook at Steve PollackFollow Steve Lacy at @stevelacy on IG and @stevenlacy on Twitter.Follow Mike at @mikefinoia on TW/IG and @amigospod on TW/IG See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Live from Lockdown! Mike is joined virtually by Dr. Jaime Friedman to discuss the current Covid-19 catastrophe. Mike & the good doctor discuss how to support your spouse who works in healthcare, dispel some myths that are floating around about Corona, and why Dr. Jaime loves the music of Phish & The Grateful Dead as a release. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Let's get our mind off of things. Mike discusses recent gigs, working with the photographer Limor Garfinkle, the beauty of Denver & Burlington, recommendations for long stays home, and a scary ass story from last week. Also some love for the Impractical Jokers peppered throughout. Be safe, stay positive, and try to chill. Amigos & Mike Finoia will be bringing you hours of distractions. Be there for each other. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Vol. 5 of the Still Chasing Interviews; Rebecca Adams. Rebecca Adams is the coolest professor in the history of academia. She brought a class of students on Dead tour to study the community surrounding the scene. Her work as Ph.D within the Gerontology Program at UNCG has led to amazing findings about the healing power of music. Give it a listen! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Volume 4 of the Still Chasing Interviews: Paul Glace. Paul is the founder & developer of PhantasyTour.com, or "PT". When Paul created the site over 20 years ago, he anticipated rabid fans would use the site to place their picks for upcoming tours. Little did he know, he'd create a community forum for fans of many influential bands in the jam scene. Mike & Paul's Discussion is part of the Still Chasing Series, which can be heard at https://www.osirispod.com/podcasts/still-chasing/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Vol 3 of the Still Chasing Interviews: Andy Bernstein. Andy is the curator of the Pharmer's Almanac & co-founder of Headcount.org; an organization dedicated to registering music fans to vote! Andy & Mike discuss the importance of each endeavor, the love of the music, and many fun moments along the way. Visit headcount.org and get involved in saving our Democracy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike Finoia's Podcast Series "Still Chasing" chronicles a life dedicated to chasing moments provided by improvisational musicians, particularly the Grateful Dead & Phish. In setting out to tell his own story, Mike reached out to friends, community members, and forefathers of the Jam music scene to discuss what keeps us coming back for more. The following series of interviews were conducted in preparation for the project. This week's interview is with Tom Marshall, Phish lyricist & host of Under the Scales Podcast. In this conversation, Tom and Mike discuss his lifelong friendship with Phish frontman Trey Anastasio, the importance of the connection between audience and band, & never before heard stories from The Clifford Ball, childhood and more. Thank you to Tom for his time and thoughts! Keep Chasing!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike Finoia's Podcast Series "Still Chasing" chronicles a life dedicated to chasing moments provided by improvisational musicians, particularly the Grateful Dead & Phish. In setting out to tell his own story, Mike reached out to friends, community members, and forefathers of the Jam music scene to discuss what keeps us coming back for more. The following series of interviews were conducted in preparation for the project. This week's interview is with David Gans; Grateful Dead historian, musician, & host of Tales from the Golden Road. Gans penned the analogous "Grateful Dead Concerts are like Baseball Games" which perfectly summates the figures found at a concert. The two discuss a life dedicated, a relationship between audience and performer, and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

FIRST EP of 2020. Mike introduces us to his project Still Chasing; a look back on a quarter century of fanaticism for the band Phish and the moments they provide. Through one on one convos with Mike & Co-Host Michael Shields, never before heard interviews with pivotal members of the community and truthful anecdotes about a life on the road, Still Chasing showcases two fan's long strange trip. It's available on Osiris so go give it a listen and thanks for listening to Amigos! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike sits down for another visit with American Badass Artist, David Welker. This time the guys don't talk Phish...instead they talk competitive drinking, crucifixions, questioning reality, questionable decisions that end in physical wreck, their favorite movies, and stinky prints. Visit welkerstudios.com for info on David's exhibition happening on 12/29 at Bottleneck Gallery in Brooklyn. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike is joined by Jenn Kessler (@Phishchicks) to recap Phish's Fall Tour, including the unique small show at The Met. The two discuss the energy at shows, the lights, the fun of seeing the band in small rooms, the Community, tension & release, and much more. Check it out, and check out Jenn's page @phishchicks / @JennkesslerArt See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Let's all give thanks for our Amigos!!! It's Thanksgiving Eve and MIke is giving thanks, and sharing his favorite November traditional listen, passed down by his Uncle Bill. Mike reviews Tool at Barclay's, gets pumped for PHiSH's impending fall run, and talks turkey. Enjoy!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The second part of a 2 piece interview with Oteil. The guys discuss the loss of Kofi, Oteil's spiritual awakening and how it prepared him for this rough year filled with unnecessary loss. The power of Jerry Garcia's music and the Oteil's approach to playing it to grateful fans is a must hear for any fan. Again , thanks to the man himself for taking time out of touring to speak with Mike. Enjoy!!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In between Dead & Co gigs, Oteil took time out of his busy schedule to talk to Mike. In a deep 2 hour conversation, the two discussed the power of comedy, music, friendship, life, death, and acknowledging the critic within. Through dealing with the death of family and friends & gaining a daughter, this year has been ups and downs for Oteil. And through it all, he continues to be a beacon of light. Enjoy and tune in next week for part 2! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike shares an archival chat with the amazingly talented artist David Welker. In this interview from 2015, Welker shares his story of collaborating with Phish on the Rift album cover & the iconic Mike Gordon image, as well as his love for the band and their sense of humor. Check out David's work, and keep an eye out for a NYC exhibit of his work around the Phish holiday run! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike is joined by friend and fellow music freak Michael Shields. The Mikes discuss catching 2 amazing events in one NYC night, their shared obsession with WILCO, and an upcoming collaborative project that looks back at a quarter-century of obsessive music consumption. Follow Mike at @acrossthemargin and @mikeshzaSubscribe and Follow at @amigospod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ryan Stasik returns to Amigos for another round. The bassist of Umphrey's McGee, Doom Flamingo, & Omega Moo chats with Mike about hoarding, ghosts, comedy specials, writing new material with his brothers in UM, and much much more. Ryan's many musical projects are charging ahead at full steam, so check out everything Ryan at Umphrey's.com and Subscribe / Rate Amigos Pod! Thanks! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Fall is here, a nip is in the air, and Mike is busy. In this episode we catch up on touring with Dave Attell, magic moments on stage, working on the Impractical Jokers, the many projects in the works, and the loss of Robert Hunter. Lots of great things in store for the Amigo's, so thanks for listening and stay tuned! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike is joined by Brent Gill, LA comedian by way of Colorado. Brent and Mike have been buddies for years, and they catch up on Brent's visit to NYC. The two discuss avoiding comfort, fear of doing Improv, moving, and service animals.Follow Brent, subscribe to the pod, share & enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After a long summer on the road, Mike is back in NYC, ready to hunker down for a fall full of standup and live music. In this episode, Mike recaps his itinerant summer, eating like a piece of garbage in casinos, VRBO disasters, doing standup at a legendary Hollywood club, and much more. Mike also shares a short interview with Karl Denson, one of the most talented, versatile, and hardworking musicians out there. On top of touring his new album, Karl holds the position of sax player on the Rolling Stones Tour. Check out all things Denson at karldenson.com and follow @amigos and @mikefinoia on Socials. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Mike talks Psychedelic Therapy with comedian Ari Shaffir and Dr. Will Siu, founder of Kura NYC. Ari & Mike, veteran mAcrodosers talk with the good doctor about the benefits of MDMA & Ketamine assisted psychotherapy, Big Pharma, and setting intentions for a life in the present moment. Check out Ari's podcast Skeptic Tank, and his Netflix special, and his standup dates at arishaffir.com and check out Kura.nyc for more information about Dr. Siu. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike is joined by Bass player / comedy junkie Ryan Stasik (Umphrey's McGee, Doom Flamingo, Omega Moo's) on an instant classic episode. Raised by a standup comedian mom, Ryan's love of comedy runs deep, and the two discuss bocce, injuries, bachelorette parties, Dave Attell, Improv, their amazing wives, and so much more. Check out Ryan, Umphrey's McGee, and Doom Flamingo wherever fine music is heard. Thanks! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

While in Portland Oregon doing standup, Mike took a trip down memory lane (Route 5 South) to visit with Author / Merry Prankster Ken Babbs. This was a special trip for Finoia, as it's been 18 years since Mike visited and interviewed Ken Kesey. Mike and Babbs discuss Mike's first visit, performing on stage with Phish, controlling the tenants that live in our mind, LSD, writing with Kesey, the Grateful Dead and much more. This episode is dedicated to the memory of my friend, David Kimowitz. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, Mike is visited by iconic NYC graffiti artists Claudia "Claw Money" Gold. Claw grew up in Queens, made her mark (literally) on the Lower East Side of NYC in the 90's and without trying became an icon. Now, Claw is a mentor, entrepreneur, and stylist to the stars. Check out @CLAWmoney on Twitter & @CLAWmoney on Instagram. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The bulk of Phish Summer Tour has wrapped, and real life is setting in. Mike recaps highlights, shares chunks of the live Mohegan Sun podcast (with Guests Tom Marshall, Benjy Eisen, and ZZYZX (David Steinberg & Dawn from Phemale Centrics) which includes some gems from Tom about the very beginnings of Phish lore. Mike also chats with Rob Chafin of The Werks about their 10th annual Workout Fest, happening 8/1-3 in Ohio. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike sits down with T-shirt designer Jeremy Dean (DeansNuts on Instagram) to discuss leaving his day gig to work for himself as a designer. He's created official tour merch for Dead & Co, Phish, and now the official Grateful Dead store! They talk punk, dead, work, and much more. Give a listen and support Jeremy Dean. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

While Mike is neck deep in Phish Summer Tour, we are proud to bring you a gem from the early days of Amigos; an intimate chat with Artie Lange (HBO's Crashing, Howard Stern Show, etc.) Artie and Mike get deep into music, growing up influenced by cool people, and standup comedy. This is a must hear for anyone who enjoys fun, and if you don't you are in the wrong place. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike and new Amigo, Bro Bible's Brandon Wenerd, catch up in Columbia Maryland while on Phish Summer Tour. These two clowns discuss comedy, LA vs NYC, Phish, mental health awareness, and so much more. Give it a listen and check out Brandon on social media at @brandonwenerd & @brobible See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Recorded the day before Mike's departure on Phish Summer Tour, Mike discusses an amazing night at the Cellar, the miracle that is Skankfest, and Greg Giraldo. Greg Giraldo is a standup comedian that is an inspiration to camp Amigos. From his guts to his jokes to his self-doubt, his life (and death) is all too common in the world of standup. Comedian Matt Balaker (author of Greg Giraldo; A Comedian's Life) stops by the pod to talk about Greg, his life, writing a biography, and the life of a dented can. Mike & Matt get deep into the brains of a comic. This is a fun one. Subscribe, Rate Review on ITunesFollow Mike Finoia on SpotifyFollow @mikefinoia & @amigospod on instagram & twitter See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Brando returns to the program to chat with Mike about an exciting advance in the world of Cash or Trade, the current landscape of the primary & after-market ticket world, and so much more. Also, Mike recaps the first two shows of Phish summer tour and perhaps there's a little special something within this episode? Tune in and find out! Thanks See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike is joined by fellow comedian / head / baseball fan Scott Rogowsky. (@scottrogowski) The two discuss minor league baseball, Mike's heartbreak caused by the NY Mets, sobriety at shows, turning on to Phish, hiatus' & traffic galore. Scott is a great dude, and we're happy to have him on Amigos. Mike discusses post show lotion for preventative maintenance. Follow us at @AmigosPod on Twitter & InstagramFollow @ScottRogowsky & @MikeFinoiaComedy dates at : www.mikefinoia.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike is joined by NYC's own Karina Rykman. Karina is the best. She is touring with her own band, she is holding down the rhythm for Marco Benevento, and she is NEVER living outside of NYC. The two discuss her upbringing in the music scene, Dave Drewitz, switching from guitar to bass, her first 5 iTunes purchases and so much more. Karina is tearing up the scene and we are happy to have her on the pod! Check it out! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike & his friend, the hysterical Jessica Kirson (HBO's Crashing, Comedy Central, & more) catch up while doing gigs at the casino. The two talk farts, shitting, orgasms, sadness, comedy, drugs, and so much more. Jessica is one of the strongest, most respected comics working today. Google her, follow her, and support live comedy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

While in Denver, Mike caught up with the dudes from Amoramora, a Jamband based out of colorful Colorado. Although they're only 3 years old, they've performed over 250 live shows, trucked around the country, and had their camper catch on fire. Mike & the band talk road struggles, getting pulled dover by the fuzz, and more. Check them out live and follow at @Amoramora_Music See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike talks to Nic Bodgal, the extremely talented concert poster artist and creative mastermind behind Oddline Design. The two nerd out on concert posters, the creative process, tripping and drawing, & much more. Mike talks about tour sneaker anxiety & his love of Wilco. Check out the episode and thanks for hanging! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike catches up with his old pal, guitar gunslinger Tim Palmieri ( Kung Fu / The Breakfast / Z3 ). The two discuss growing up, Jamming, Chris Farley, Frank Zappa, and work ethic. Tim is a powerhouse. His bands The Breakfast, Kung Fu, & Z3 are always playing live so be sure to check them out when they hit your town, and check out The Breakfast's new album Phantasmagoria. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

While in Denver, Mike had the pleasure of sitting down with String Cheese Incident's Keyboard Guru Kyle Hollingsworth. The two get deep quick. Kyle shares the secrets of his cat phase, writing with Robert Hunter, & the comedy albums that changed his life. The guys talk Horning's Hideout, the similarities & differences of live music & standup comedy, and the East vs. West Jamband war. Check out Kyle solo & SCI on tour this Spring & Summer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this week’s solo episode, Mike catches up with the Amigos about the Impractical Jokers Tour, Ghosts of the Forest, meeting Trey Anastasio’s dad, Italian Bread, maturity in writing, Neil Young, Mike’s stony experience at Claypool Lennon Delirium with a Cartoon icon, an amazing moment at DC Improv, What make’s a comedy club a great club, and the Miles Davis Autobiography See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike & comedian Jim Tews discuss the Beastie Boys Story, directed by Spike Jones, at the Kings Theater in Brooklyn NY. The two discuss accepting gifts, music, weird gigs, & more. Check out Jim Tews, and enjoy the pod! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike & the Weekend Wook discuss the #PhishBracket that took Phish Twitter by storm, causing families to separate and parents to disown their 3.0 children. During the last hour of voting, Mike and the Wook talk about the creation of the bracket, mind blowing bracket busters, & much more nerdy Phish talk. #PhishBracket was sponsored by Osiris Network, and donations have been made to the Mockingbird Foundation, so do your part. HailTweezer! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike and 2/4th's of the Fear of a Craft Beer crew record a hang at Tennessee Beer Hall in Atlantic City to discuss Netflix Docs, The Grateful Dead, Food & Booze. In the intro, Mike talks about the Motley Crue movie "The Dirt", upcoming festivals, the Impractical Jokers bus tour, and the Gary Clark Jr. show at the Beacon Theater. We make ALL the podcast mistakes on this one, including eating, drinking, talking off mic, but fuck it this is what makes it fun! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike visits with the coolest mofo alive, Mr. Ron Bennington (Bennington, Ron & Fez, Unmasked) to discuss that dirty mistress known as Manhattan, the power of music, being a grandfather, and David Bowie. Ron is the best and we at Amigos are so grateful for his time! Enjoy, Amigos! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike sits down with comedian / documentarian / psychedelic explorer Shane Mauss. The two discuss trips, comedy, Shane's epic DMT / Ketamine / Psilocybin journey which landed him in a facility, and his new documentary "Psychonautics: A Comic's Exploration of Psychedelics". The two agree that saying "I Don't Know" is a sign of intelligence. Mike recounts a week in Atlantic City, Floating, and the War on Drugs. Follow mike at @mikefinoia and shane at @shanecomedy See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike is joined by comedian Nathan Macintosh (Conan, Late Show, Fallon). These two handsome bastards discuss drugs, drinking, Jesus, the Devil, guilt, parents, and they even listen to Led Zeppelin & Lil' Wayne backwards for hidden messages. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Fresh off the Impractical Joker Cruise, Mike and fellow comedian / IJ tour opener JF Harris reminisce about working with the Impractical Jokers on tour, highlights from the cruise, and having the privilege to perform in front of the best fans in the world. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike is joined by Jenn Kessler. Jenn is an artist, and she paints quite a lot. She is also a baker, Phish nut, and founder of the PhishChicks page on Instagram. The two talk riding the rail, PhishChicks, Jenn's meeting with her spirit guide, crystals, Big Cypress, Ticketmaster, and much more. Check out her page and thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike sits down with Noam Dworman, musician, guitarist, & owner of the Comedy Cellar. The two discuss Noam's childhood around the booming west village art scene in the 60's, the New York City music scene, and playing guitar. Almost every weekend you can catch Noam & his band playing above the Cellar at the Olive Tree Cafe. Thanks to Noam for his time and thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike is joined by Tom Marshall on this weeks episode to discuss motivation, literature, Sherlock Holmes, Jack Kerouac, life changing events, vital Phish nuggets of wisdom, and how words can somehow lead us in weird directions (maybe?). Enjoy!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike is joined by standup comedian / musician / artist Jim Tews (@jimtews) to discuss Jim's intro to music, his time in the Coast Guard, his affinity for graphic design & Weezer. Jim is a great dude and funny mofo so check him out. Mike also discusses his plans for Phish Summer Tour & shares a story about losing his shit on mushrooms at the 8/14/09 Phish show in Hartford, CT. Enjoy, like, rate, review!!! R.I.P William Stephenson 1957-2019 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mike is joined by Fox 5 New York's Steve Lacy. Steve's a massive Phish & Guns n Roses fans, and the two sit down for an in depth chat about music, being on the news, and the most recent YEMSG run. Enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.