Brother Jack’s Soapbox

Mrs Brother Jack was making fun of my smooth dance moves. She said, “what is that, the chicken skin shake?” So I wrote a song about my fancy moves and prepared for it to become the latest dance sensation. I know that it will never be as awesome as the Hokey Pokey but I am proud of this new song. In this episode, you will hear the original demo version of the song and a songwriter session breaking down the writing. This episode also features an exclusive listen of an alternative studio version of the song. Grab some elbow room and get ready for some dancing. You are going to love the Chicken Skin Shake! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

This is a special birthday message from Brother Jack. No, today is not my birthday. However, I recorded this on my birthday and you get to hear it today. It’s all about my specific hairstyle choice. We all have choices to make and hairstyle is just one more decision from the expanding list of life choices. I guess that I’ve always been an “all or nothing” kind of guy. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

This episode is about a dream that I had. It’s also about a job. I guess it is also about finding purpose in our work in general. It’s also about a snake. Mostly it’s about a dream that I had. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

This is another installment from our Brother Jack Can’t Shut Up series. Listen as I go on and on and on about writing songs for kids. It’s all about our song Fox and Coyote from the Weird Folk record. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

This will probably be the last episode in our 2nd Getting Started series. During this series I talked about all of the limitations that I encounter when I am starting a new project. I made this series to help me focus on the creative work that could be the most important. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned through this process is that limitations are essential. Even if they are artificial, I need limitations. Self imposed rules force me to prioritize my work. I hope this helps you too. Let me know what self imposed limitations you use to get more work done. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

Here is the second installment of our quarantine journal. This might not be overt interesting but I wanted to share an update. If we all share and process our individual experiences, we will grow an awareness of this shared experience. Nobody is alone right now. Even though we are isolated, we are all going through this together. Share the nitty gritty details and we will find our shared connection. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

My kid made a video with me. It was amazing to create something together. If you want to see it, find Brother Jack on YouTube. It’s called Fox and Coyote - Origami Version. My kid is celebrating another year on this planet. To commemorate, we are rebroadcasting this interview. In this interview we talk about making the video together. She’s an amazing human. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

I wasn’t going to share this with the world but here it is. This is where I was, mentally, at one week into this pandemic. I recorded this interview with myself on March 22, 2020. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

This episode is another installment of our “Brother Jack Can’t Shut Up” series. In this episode, I go on and on and on about leftovers. The current global crisis has caused me to be more aware of the food we use. I need to be more thoughtful about our food consumption. We try to be good stewards of our food resources but I have realized that we waste a lot. Good thing I’ve got this episode that is all about leftovers to help me do a better job using our food. Brothers and sisters, eat your leftovers! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

I made a song called the Sacrament of Coffee. It was recorded on a pump organ. I love the sound of a pump organ. I wanted to share this episode about pump organs. It chronicles my adventure to acquire a pump organ. Mrs Brother Jack is still not happy about the pump organ. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

This one is a Malarkey story. It’s about a confrontation that Mr Malarkey had with Saint Patrick. I’m talking about the honest to goodness, religious superhero. This guy, Saint Patrick, brought Christianity to all the old Druids. That was a tall task and here we have an equally tall tale about Mr Malarkey’s chickens and some dirty old snakes. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

I am a stay at home dad. I love the perfect cup of coffee. My kids have dedicated themselves to destroying everything I love. They come up with new ideas everyday to distract me from my Sacrament of Coffee. My release for the month of March is all about the daily spiritual quest for a hot cup of coffee. This episode is all about writing the Sacrament of Coffee. AND......special sneak peek!!!!! You get to hear the new single before anybody else. Listen the whole way through to hear the new song before it’s officially released. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

The word malarkey means nonsense or meaningless talk. I resemble that. I think we all have alter egos or personas that we embody to help us accomplish certain things. Mr malarkey helps me be a better entertainer. It’s not acting or fake. It’s an amplification of a distinct part of myself. I want to be a good storyteller. Mr malarkey helps me tell better stories. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

We all have fears. They can be paralyzing. If we allow it, they will consume us and take over. The only way to conquer the fear is to start moving. Stop thinking about whatever it is and start moving. Just keep moving. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

This is another installment of our “Brother Jack Can’t Shut Up” series. Listen as I go on and on and on about the inability to quit. It’s not a noble character. It’s not due to genius, boldness, or braveness. Most people have a switch inside that makes them stop when facing devastating failure. I don’t have that. If I get an idea, regardless of how impractical or ridiculous, I just keep going. It’s not perseverance. It’s heroic stupidity. This episode is a result of a project on which I am working. Make sure to follow us on Spotify or any of those places to hear if we succeed with out heroic quest. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

This episode is from our series where I pick a topic and talk on and on and on about that topic. We call it Brother Jack Can’t Shut Up. It seems like an appropriate title. This installment is all about Valentine’s Day. We talk about candy hearts, school parties, beekeeping, murderous mobsters, and the brief period of time that Uncle Leroy spent sober. Grab some honey, it’s Valentine’s Day --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

Training should never be a barrier to entry at this point in history. It’s not hard to learn something new. The question becomes, is it necessary to master or perfect a new skill? I think it’s more beneficial to learn a lot of skills than to master one thing. The truth is that I hate to practice. I’ve found that being a little bit weird makes up for the lack of practice time. If you can’t be good, be interesting. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

Does anybody ever get to the end of the road and complain about too much time? Does anybody ever say, “I wish my life had been shorter?” Is anybody ever satisfied with the number of seconds they spent on this earth? How are you spending your time today? I could do a better job. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

I started this series to address all of the limitations I encounter when I am starting something new. Today we are talking about money. It doesn’t matter how much you plan ahead and prepare, there is never enough money to do everything you want to do. I guess the key is knowing when something is good enough. I guess that good enough usually happens around the time I become broke. Let’s get started. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

This is the first episode in our new series about the limitations I encounter when I am starting something new. The first issue we tackle is the crippling abundance of choices that show up when making important decisions. If I am making a record or ordering breakfast, an excess of options complicates the process. What are you having for breakfast? Time to get to work. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

This episode is from our “Brother Jack Can’t Shut Up” series. I go on and on about picking songs. This episode is also part of the exclusive content that we put together for the Weird Folk album launch. This is behind the scenes content and you are going to hear it, right now. This episode also introduces a new series we are doing about limitations. This will be the second chapter in our “Getting Started” series. You can go back and listen to episodes 1-7 of this podcast to hear the first part of that series. It was all about overcoming fear to start a new project. This second chapter will be all about the limitations we face with a new project. I guess this episode wears a lot of hats. I hope you enjoy it. Until next time, you all be fantastic. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

Whenever I try to do something, I fail at least once. Everything I do, always starts with a failure. Sometimes they are more epic than others. Sometimes it takes many approaches before I figure it out. If it is worth doing, eventually, I figure it out. I am starting a new series to showcase my failures. Yes, this might be a bad idea. If it all goes poorly, I can do an episode of my new series about how I failed while trying to make a show about failing. This episode of the podcast is the first episode of my new series documenting my failures, enjoy my misery! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

Pick a holiday, any holiday. It’s a gamble, brothers and sisters. This whole time of year involves taking some chances. Pick a direction and see how it turns out. The only guarantee is that the store will run out of eggnog three days before Christmas and you will be out of luck until next year. Happy holidays from Brother Jack. Here’s hoping it is reasonably uneventful. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

This episode is another installment in our “Brother Jack Can’t Shut Up” series. I started doing these videos as extras included in the exclusive digital version of our Weird Folk release. I love doing these videos. It’s probably because I can’t shut up. I was watching our Thanksgiving installment and noticed the lamp sitting behind me. I love that lamp. It reminds me of my Aunt Ruth and it means a lot to me. This episode is all about that lamp. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

Every lifelong tradition starts with the first time. This is the first year you listened to Brother Jack’s Thanksgiving special. I am sure we will tweak it over the years and it will change and adapt. But 20 years from now, you will be sitting on the couch in your stretchy pants with your belly protruding from the second piece of pumpkin pie and you will have the family gathered around to listen to Brother Jack tell you everything he knows about Thanksgiving. In that moment, you will be glad that you listened the first time and started this tradition. Skip the shopping and listen another time because Brother Jack can’t shut up about Thanksgiving! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

My oldest daughter and I recently worked on a project together. We both lived through it. She folded some origami and we set it to a song from the latest record, Weird Folk. It was unbelievable making a video with my kid. I am so blessed that we had the opportunity to create together. In this episode we talk about the creative process and making this video together. I hope you enjoy the conversation we had on Brother Jack’s Soapbox. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

This is another installment from our series where I can’t stop talking about a topic. It’s appropriately titled, Brother Jack Can’t Shut Up. The topic that I ramble on and on about this time is the lullaby. I argue with myself about the universal nature of the lullaby. Everybody sleeps. Try and stay awake through this episode. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

We have a new record dropping on Friday, November 8. We’ve been busy making it all happen. We don’t have an official new episode for this week but wanted to share this rant. It’s all about figuring out how to make a record valid during the era of free music. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

This episode comes out on Halloween. I wanted to do something scary for the occasion. I decided to showcase The Graveyard Song. On this episode, I walk through the writing process behind this song. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

I recently acquired a pump organ and I wanted to tell you all about it. Here is everything I know about pump organs. It’s not much. Brother Jack can’t shut up. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

This is the first episode in a new series. Brother Jack Can’t Shut Up will be exactly what it sounds like. When Brother Jack starts talking, it’s hard to get him stopped. This first episode in the series features a story from Brother Jack about getting a rhythm stuck in his head. This nagging rhythm turned into his song Boom Boom Ticka Ticka. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

This episode wraps up our first Getting Started series. When we first began our podcast, we did six episodes about overcoming the fear of failure and getting a project started. I guess we should have followed up with a series on how to keep a project going after it is started. We have been playing our preliminary Getting Started episodes as we get this new podcast iteration off the ground. This episode is a loosely edited version of the last three episodes from that series. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

If you want to get started with a new project, you need to have an idea. If you are going to come up with ideas, you need to carve out a little brainstorming time. You don’t have to be a genius to change the world. You just need to open up some time and come up with as many ideas as you can. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

If something is worth doing, then it is worth doing the required paperwork. Every artistic endeavor has bureaucratic time requirements directly proportional to the amount of time spent on creating the project. I hate jumping through regulatory hoops but I love registering my work. The paperwork makes it all valid and substantial. Paperwork makes the world go around. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

I should be podcasting, there is no real barrier to entry. I can’t decide what to talk about. What if nobody likes what I have to say? What if nobody listens? This episode is all about getting started with something new. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brother-jack/support

Pop some popcorn and pour your favorite libation. It's time for a bootleg concert with Brother Jack. I am drinking a cocktail made of chicken stock and bitters from a broken hour glass. * Bleeding Time * Agoraphobia * Chicken Skin Shake show notes ( 49-bootleg-2 ) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/brother-jacks-soapbox/donations

This is the first episode in a new series. It is an exclusive concert. You will only hear this performance right here. show notes ( https://brotherjackslostcause.com/48-bootleg-1 ) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/brother-jacks-soapbox/donations

Brother Jack delivers his annual Holiday Greeting. show notes Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/brother-jacks-soapbox/donations

I've always wanted to write a Christmas song but all the good material has been used. Every year I try a handful of ideas but nothing has worked. This year is different. I have to give credit where credit is due. This song was my cat's idea. She gave me the idea while I was cleaning up a little pile that she made for me. The pile was comprised of some chewed up ribbon, partially digested kitty kibble, shards of tinsel and a clump of cat fur. Thanks Maggie. Here is the New Song Nooner about my new song called Cat in the Christmas Tree. show notes ( https://brotherjackslostcause.com/46-all-about-the-cat-in-the-christmas-tree ) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/brother-jacks-soapbox/donations

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Today is Thanksgiving in the United States. Traditions are how we mark time and celebrate moments. This is a new Thanksgiving tradition for me. I hope you enjoy this Thanksgiving tradition and have a slice of pie today in honor of my favorite holiday. show notes ( https://brotherjackslostcause.com/45-all-about-thanksgiving/ ) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/brother-jacks-soapbox/donations

I love songwriting. This episode is all about how I wrote my song called The Hand Song. show notes ( https://brotherjackslostcause.com/44-all-about-the-hand-song/ ) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/brother-jacks-soapbox/donations

We have a new project that just came out. It is called Coffee Music, Vol. 3. It's three acoustic tracks in a philosophical style. Today's episode features two different New song Nooners related to the project. The New Song Nooner series is a songwriting session with a demo version of the new song. I record them whenever I write a new song. You will hear the birth of Agoraphobia and Nostalgic. Enjoy this explanation of how the soup is made. show notes ( https://brotherjackslostcause.com/43-all-about-coffee-music-vol-3/ ) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/brother-jacks-soapbox/donations

My most popular episodes have been the shows that include my kids. I understand. They are far more engaging, better public speakers, and much cuter than Brother Jack. In this episode I interview my 4 year old twins about Halloween. show notes ( https://brotherjackslostcause.com/42-my-kids-talk-about-halloween/ ) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/brother-jacks-soapbox/donations

This is how I wrote my song called The Graveyard Song. It's another songwriting session where I break down the nitty-gritty details on how the song got it's legs. Show notes ( https://brotherjackslostcause.com/41-all-about-the-graveyard-song ) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/brother-jacks-soapbox/donations

I love songwriting. I love talking about songwriting. I love hearing other people talk about songwriting. This episode is a deep exploration of songwriting. This is how I wrote Shadowlands. show notes ( https://brotherjackslostcause.com/40-all-about-shadowlands ) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/brother-jacks-soapbox/donations

Grab a snack and pour your favorite libation. It's time for a bootleg concert with Brother Jack. * Oddballs, Old Friends, and Weird Folk * Kissing Tree * Windows show notes ( https://brotherjackslostcause.com/61-bootleg-13/ ) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/brother-jacks-soapbox/donations

This one is all about our song called Where I Go. show notes ( https://brotherjackslostcause.com/60-where-i-go/ ) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/brother-jacks-soapbox/donations

Grab a snack and pour your favorite libation. It's time for a bootleg concert with Brother Jack. Today features some of my favorite songs because it’s my birthday!!! * Where I Go * Chicken Skin Shake * Bleeding Time * Boom Boom Ticka Ticka show notes ( https://brotherjackslostcause.com/59-bootleg-12/ ) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/brother-jacks-soapbox/donations

Grab a snack and pour your favorite libation. It's time for a bootleg concert with Brother Jack. This installment features the music from our release Coffee Music, Vol. 3. * Agoraphobia * Nostalgic * Grief show notes ( https://brotherjackslostcause.com/58-bootleg-11/ ) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/brother-jacks-soapbox/donations

Grab a snack and pour your favorite libation. It's time for a bootleg concert with Brother Jack. This installment features the music from our release titled, Coffee Music, Vol. 2. * Pedal Down * Surprise Me * The Hand Song show notes ( https://brotherjackslostcause.com/57-bootleg-10/ ) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/brother-jacks-soapbox/donations

Grab a snack and pour your favorite libation. It's time for a bootleg concert with Brother Jack. * A Chance * Shadowlands * Beautiful Grace show notes ( https://brotherjackslostcause.com/56-bootleg-9/ ) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/brother-jacks-soapbox/donations