Obscured State of Michigan

Hello everyone.  Welcome back to the podcast.  Downloads seem to be going through the roof so I am testing the waters with an underappreciated podcast I did a while back that I am sure you probably haven't heard yet.  Let me know what you think.  Follow the podcast on FB and Instagram and maybe we can get back in the swing of things with new guests and brand new fun to be had. Website Facebook YouTube (video version)

Tara Lynne (joined by Jordan Myers) is a clothing brand graphic designer, paranormal believer and for photographer at Tare Lynne Depicts. She drops some knowledge on the modeling industry, paranormal encounters and we discuss their journey through college and transitioning to a future PHD. Take a listen! Follow her here: By Flask and Lens Group Tara Lynne Depicts Photography Follow us here: YouTube (video version) Help support the show here on Patreon Website

Alexei Vandenbrink rejoins the podcast for a third time around. You may know that he is a chef at one of Hollands local hot spots and is also a producer of Lo-Fi and Electronic beats. Lets dive in! Follow him here: Instagram Follow us here: YouTube (video version) Website Patreon (extra content)

Tommy and Jon are both apart of the YouTube channel Tommy Amongst the Tombstones. A channel all about the paranormal with investigations and live stream interviews. Jon is the camera man behind the most recent investigations and going forward, while Tommy is, well hes the one "amongst the tombstones" with a case full of investigative gear. Lets hear some stories and FINALLY (after many digressions) get to the bottom of him "quitting YouTube". Follow Them here: YouTube Follow us here: YouTube (video version) Patreon Website

Kaira Williams is a stand up comedian from Grand Rapids, MI. She is also known for the great online content she creates including her "Midwest Mom" character. Also dabbled into being an author after writing a memoir on New Kids on the Block. She tells us that story and much more in this hilarious conversation as I have way to much to drink in this one. Follow her here! TikTok Follow us here: YouTube (video version) Website Patreon (To support the podcast click here)

Wavy Mac (Macauley Johnson) is an Emo Rapper out of Holland, MI. We talk about his musical journey from playing guitar, making beats and now rapping over the beats. Why did he decide to pick up the mic? Does he think people take him seriously when dabbling into so many things? What is his main goal? WHY IS POPCORN SO UNDERRATED! Lets discuss. Follow him here: Instagram Follow us here: Website Patreon for support and bonus extras YouTube (video version)

Chase "The Young Gun" Richard is a comedian out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Hes made his way around the local circuits creating a name for himself in the comedy scene and has a lot to talk about.  We save the sports for the end so if you are into sports we got you covered, as well as plenty of laughs and great stories along the way. Follow Chase here: Instagram Follow us here: Website Patreon YouTube (video version)

Ace Evans, Road Rash, Solomon Stone and Mr. Duality are all wrestlers for Pure Pro Wrestling in Michigan. We have a mix of veterans and young guns on the show with Mr. Duality being involved for about a year now and doing announcing duties as well. Get a mixture of opinions and voices on Indie Wrestling in Michigan. Follow Pure Pro Wrestling here: Facebook Follow us here: YouTube (video version) Website Patreon

Mia Banaszek is a current member of the SBLC (Saginaw Basin Land Conservatory) and is a former head zookeeper at the Saginaw Zoo in Saginaw, MI.  Some points of conversation are wild animals as pets, care for birds, and the mental and physical tolls the zoo life can have and why those who live it have to make a decision on being financially stable or continuing to do what they love.  Join us for this fun conversation on animals. Follow us here: YouTube (video version) OSOM Website Join our Patreon for extra content

Riley and Trevor from What Goes Bump in the Night Pod are back again and this time we dive into a plethora of topics. Remember "PT" the next greatest horror game that never came to be? Did you know Koala bears sound like the devil? Who touched Riley's arm at Mouth Cemetery? IS BIGFOOT REAL? All this and more in the latest release. Check it out! Follow WGBITN Here: YouTube Follow us here: YouTube (video version) All other socials

Zibby Aiken is a prominent female apart of the Michigan metal community. Also ran a very popular OnlyFans account before the regulations kicked in. Being popular in a scene full of dudes and then taking a deep dive into a lucrative business such as OF must have been awkward right? Maybe. But maybe its just the way you look at it. Take a walk with us down the wild side of the business of TikTok, OF, and the wonders of religion. Follow us here: YouTube (video version) All other socials Follow Zibby here: @zibbythagypsy on TikTok

We welcome back both Joe Elder and Brianna Blackburn to the show! These two very funny comedians are a couple of the best around! Brianna was just recently picked up by Full House Comedy to be under their management and is filming her first Comedy Special at The Park Theatre April 28th! Joe Elder is fresh of his amazing show he put together in Evart, MI raising $25,000 dollars for charity. We have a hilariously great conversation, don't miss out!  Follow us here! YouTube (video version) All other socials Follow Joe and Bri here! @joeeldercomedy @thatfunnygirlbri

Solomon Stone might be a furniture salesman by day, but he's a wrestler and gamer afterward punching out. Lets hear about where he started, from wrestling in gyms across multiple states to "Dollar General". We somehow side step in the metaverse again. I'm telling yah I don't script this! And lets find out he actual worth of the wrestling world Follow us here: Video Version LinkTree to other socials Follow Solomon here: Facebook YouTube

JJ and Kaity come back on the podcast since way back in the early days in the original set up with their new vocalist Collin! We discuss their last tour for Final Confession and all the details of the mishaps along the way. Voicemeover makes a return and its the best rendition yet, and I am extremely awkward with Collin because I know more people are going to arrive so we just played word association and its hilarious. Join us! Video Version LinkTree for all Socials Final Confession on YouTube Final Confession on Facebook

Well. We have reached the plateau of 100 episodes. Officially it's 99, but I have a special, and absolutely fun podcast planned for the "official 100". So, for today, I have a few words to express to the audience including my goals, ambitions, how this all began and where I want to go from here. After that I parsed out a clip from each podcast release for you to enjoy. Short sections of the clips that are posted to Facebook (not released here). This is a great time to see where it started, to where it is today, and how we have grown together, and also to see what guests have appeared! Thank you all for the memories and time spent listening or watching. I truly appreciate it and hope you will help me grow this channel. Video Version LinkTree to all Socials

Please welcome back my friend, and long time guest of the show Scotty Lange. We talked about the various air force bases he has been to, including Qatar labeled the "pimple off Saudi Arabia, the black mold issues, being a bit to "bougie" and your normal comedic conversation. Its always a pleasure talking with my buddy Scotty. Join us! Video Version All other social media

Alexei Vandenbrink is a producer and chef out of Holland, MI.  His works of art including both food and music can be found on his Instagram account.  He has a new album coming out in Mid-April coming at us with another Lo-Fi (as I describe) flow.  We discuss the Melon Heads, local urban legend with a compelling backstory leading to an almost plausible outcome.  That outcome being botched surgery victims with enlarged heads being set free to the woods of Allegan, MI and still roam them to this day.  We also spend a chunk of time on sports.  Rarely does that become a topic on this show so its nice to talk once in a while.  This was about Tim Lincecum missing the 1st ballot for the HOF.  Effectively ending his chances of making it.  Tons of other great conversation! @_lex.thechef Follow us here: Video Version All other socials

Jimmy Sok is the man that undertook the task of managing one of the most demanded restaurants to come to Holland, Michigan.  That restaurant would be Popeyes.  The lines have been long, the reviews have been great, ignorant and right on par.  We get to the bottom of how its been going.  Takeout Takeover is his pride.  Going on his 3rd food truck upgrade now, with a complete wrap job, hes rocking and ready to go.  You can catch him at a food truck festival near you or right here in Holland at most events.  Street food is their specialty and they make it right!  We go over some of the food in the pod.  We also play Way Too Many Questions, talk about dads, and crazy Holland stories.  Check it out!   Takeout Takeover Website Follow us here: Video Version All other socials

(Bonus 15min for audio listeners included at the beginning of the show) Mike and Mike from the band Fleshbore out of Indiana paid a visit on the podcast.  O'Hara (The Green Leaves, Fleshbore, Lucidium) and McGinley (Fleshbore, Diabolist) are a couple of great guys to talk music with.  If you don't know these guys well now is the time before they start to invade Michigan with their brutal riffs.  We tried coming up with another Alternate Band names segment but I couldn't come up with any good ones, but boy did it end up working out!  We talk about record labels, and what to expect to get out of them for what you give to them.  Lots of talk on music, how to define genres and why I don't particularly like bands with two vocalist doing nothing besides vocals.  Lets dive inside the minds of Fleshbore. Follow us here: YouTube (video version) All other socials Follow Fleshbore here: FB Bandcamp

Alex Plotkowski is a comedian from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He hosts Tip Top Comedy Tuesdays at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill. We focus most of the discussion about the metaverse and what it will mean for all of us. While also discovering new things as well as things we should have already known. Let the hilarity commence in the latest laugh filled cast! Follow us here: YouTube (video version) All other socials Follow Alex here: Twitter @probsmcgobs

The Caudle Bros. Mike and Phil Caudle are two fantastic guitarist and brothers from the east side of the mitten state. Mike has been apart of the band After the Minor, a once stand out band apart of the Michigan Metal scene. Phil called is apart of the band The Realm Between. We had a great conversation talking about their music together in Caudle Bros, a huge focus on Astrology and everything in-between. Don't miss this very thought provoking podcast! Follow us here: YouTube (video version) All Other Socials (Linktree) Follow Caudle Bros Here: Caudle Bros on YouTube

Cam Honeyager is a comedian soon to be out of Chicago, IL. Hes lived on the west coast in California, down south in Florida and also out here in the Midwest doing comedy in all sorts of places. We talk about his come up, new voicemail segment, how to TikTok effectively, what words you shouldn't say on stage, and a slew of other great, hilarious moments. Check this out! Follow us here: Watch here LinkTree for all other socials and to find the podcast Follow Cam here: @camhoneyager

Zach Dubay is a 21 year old drumming prodigy out of the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.  He is currently working as a paid drummer for area shows and events including the multiple bands he is apart of.  Lets take a dive inside his mind along with a slew of other things like video games, religion, how he started drumming, Japanese Spidermans and more!   Follow us here: YouTube (video version) All other socials, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple, etc Follow Zach here: Instagram

Clout chasers?  Clout masters?  Just for the clout?  Why do you do what you do?  Is because you actually love it or because you just need them views?  So why not bring the Kings of Clout in and discuss it and all things urban exploring.  This is their 3rd time on the podcast and 1st actual guest of the show so I'm always happy to have them back.  We go through true crime linked to urbex locations, what makes a bad explorer, getting caught by the police and a whole lot more.  Check this one out! Follow us here: YouTube (video version) All other socials Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple, etc Follow Ruin Road here: YouTube Facebook

Michael Glover, Biffy and Tyler Sutton have some stories to tell of what was known as "The Devils Playground".  Known for a section of the Haunted Acres and scaring those who dare to walk through, but also a raging concert hall the rest of the year.  All kinds of bands, shenanigan's and stories were made at the playground until one fateful day when it burned down.  Hear some of the stories of both The Playground and Haunted Acres, some behind the scenes of the haunt and maybe a possible comeback of a new playground to explore. Follow us here: YouTube (video version) All other socials Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple, etc Haunted Acres: Facebook The Playground Facebook 

John Penman is an original rap artist out of the Detroit, Michigan area.  He makes rap, pop, hip hop and whatever he is feeling in the moment.  The originality is there throughout all of his music making you want to come back for more.  He has a plan to go along with his new music which starts with mastering the art of social media.  TikTok, Reels, how do you do it?  How do you gain traction?  We also answer questions like where did last names come from?  And is America being overrun by China?  All this and more in this great conversation with my brother John Penman. Follow us here: YouTube (video version) All other Socials Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple, etc. John Penman: Spotify Facebook

Don Veltman has ran several bowling alleys leading him into his endeavors of booking comedy shows.  Culminating into what is now know as Full House Comedy.  Taking West Michigan by storm with the top level comedians coming through the area at the various venues he has under his belt.  Including the Park Theatre in Holland, the new Grand Rapids Comedy Club in GR, his first venue Back Alley Comedy Club in Muskegon and many more.  We talk a fair bit about bowling, the grips, the throws, the different oils and lane lengths for it.  We for sure get into comedy, how it started and what he has up his sleeve for the coming year and beyond, and some stories you really want to hear.  Check it out! Follow us here: YouTube (video version) All other socials Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple, etc. Full House Comedy: Tickets Facebook

Will Wilson is a musician out of Grand Rapids, MI.  He can also fit you with your new pair of glasses.  This is also his third appearance on the show because I enjoy his company so much!  Hear a sneak peak only right here on the podcast of his new bands song.  We also get into how to launch your band successfully, the worst kind of eye condition to have, tromboners, myspace days and his great mask collection.  Check this out! Follow us here! Don't forget to subscribe! YouTube (video version) All other socials Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple and more!

Joshua Rosales (V1), Biffy (Jeff Shannahan), Jessie Sutton and Justin Allen comprise the "J-Mafia". Missing just a few guys but my podcast room was pushed to its limits and my poor computer struggled to keep up when using chrome so there is some slight lag during those parts. Anyway, this group of guys are some OG's to the music scene and need no introduction. Enjoy this podcast full of hot takes, shoutouts (good and bad) and everything in-between. Follow us here: YouTube (video version) All other socials Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple and more!

Donte Lillard is a Grand Rapids, MI comedian.  You can catch him at open mics around West Michigan most commonly and also opening up some Full House Comedy shows.  Our discussions on the podcast are always taking us down a curvy road and this one was no different!  Catch all the laughs and hilarity with this one as we get into bleaching certain areas of your body, Impressions of New Yorkers and Jewish people, talk about backstage banter, and what movie sequel Donte wants to write. Follow us here: YouTube (video version) All other social medias Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple, etc Follow Donte Here: @emmetttrillard 

Corey Alexander is a musician, and producer for QUA Productions.  He has toured far and wide in his previous band Dead Eyes Always Dreaming as the guitar player.  Reaching to parts of Europe and all over the US.  He still plays guitar now in his band Hail of Fire and recently has taken on vocals in his newest endeavors which we get to talking about in the episode.  We hook up the green screen and as he gives us a few guitar playthroughs in this one.  Listen to those as well as the great conversation, and hilarious Obama impressions. Follow us here: DIRECT DOWNLOAD YouTube (Video Version)  All other socials, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple, ect. Follow him here: Instagram HOF Instagram Corey

This was previously recorded LIVE on Facebook Saturday, December 18th.  Tim and Jordan from the metal giants From Blue to Gray and Joe Hafer from the hand made metal Nagazi were in town.  We had fun, we were recording live to shenanigan's took place.  We worked out some green screen material, had serious chats and cut each other off.  A lot.  Check it out if you dare. Follow us here: YouTube (video version) All other socials Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple, TikTok and more Follow them here: Facebook - FBTG Facebook - Nagazi 

Chris and Kevin are apart of the band Ritualist out of Grand Rapids, MI. They come out with fits throwing in their live shows with a banging EP to blast in your car. We start off talking about the band, but slowly warm up with each other and let the hilarity ensue! New Segment called Worst Love Story was introduced, along with voice acting, learning Spanish, photography, pizza and a whole lot more. Check it out!   Follow us here: YouTube (video version) All other socials (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, Apple, Ect) Follow Ritualist here: Bandcamp Facebook

Alfonso Civile is the vocalist for the always ahead of their time band Heartsick, and bassist for Heart of Jordan. Its always great to be in the presence of a man who has put his life's work at the forefront, while still taking care of business at home. We had a short (compared to) amount of time so we made the most of it.  We talk about the bands name changing to Heartsick, what it really takes to make it in todays world as a musician, the differences in Judo vs Jiu Jitsu, and more great conversation. Follow us here: YouTube (Video Version) All other platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple, etc) Follow Heartsick Here: Website Facebook YouTube

Justin Lamerson is the guitar player for Archimime out of the Detroit area.  He also ran Diddybop Entertainment, who was someone I booked a few shows with back in my earlier playing days.  We talked about a variety of things including how the way he rights music is similar to a wrestlers entrance song.  The trying times of Covid, some classic video games like Virtual Bart, discovering new music and a whole lot more.  Tune in anywhere you like to listen to podcasts. Follow us here: YouTube (video version) Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple, etc Follow his band here: ARCHIMIMEBAND

Exit Door Productions (EDP BEATS) Jason Ingersoll joined me on the podcast for a great discussion about music, his past (and future) musical endeavors, camping and big cats, marketing yourself as a brand and a whole lot more. You can follow EDP everywhere @exitdoorproductions or @edpbeats EDP on Beatstars EDP on YouTube @edpbeats on Instagram Follow us here: YouTube (video version) All our links (Facebook, Instagram TikTok)

Jonathan Rikelme normally is in the background running cams and looking up information on the podcast.  You can occasionally hear him busting his gut in the background.  We decided to sit down and have chat about his time in the service and being stationed over in Afghanistan.  He may not have been enlisted as "infantry" but his experiences are not any lessened.  Hear about it now! Follow us here: YouTube (video version) LinkTree to all our media

Hello everyone! Just informing everyone that we have decided to switch hosting platforms to be able to upload a higher quality audio for you.  I loved my experience using Libsyn but just can't quiet justify the extra money to invest at the moment.  With that being said we have switched to Podbean has our hosting service.  Please make sure you are subscribed on your favorite service or head over to Podbean and subscribe there! Thank you all for the listens so far on this journey.  There is so much more in store for the growth of this podcast. Kyle Ariss Host of Obscured State of Mind

Darius Stowers is a comedian, and podcaster with "The Jungle Is Hell Podcast" our of Grand Rapids, MI.  He brings on all kinds of guests to his show that he runs with his co-host Di'Shun.  You can catch him at an open mic around GR and catch his podcast at least once a week.  We dive into some "Hot Takes", another piece of mail in the mailbag, we play Way Too Many Questions, and discuss life in the current state of mind. Follow us here: LinkTree (all our links) YouTube (video version) Follow The Jungle is Hell Podcast here: Spotify

Justin Chupp is a comedian from the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.  He works for Full House Comedy being the MC at a lot of area comedy events.  We dive into the local comedy scenes and discuss some of the events including his story about Eddie Griffin's cobb salad and plums.  Also we introduce a brand new segment called "Mailbag" where we had fellow comedians and random people send in videos talking shit about our guest.  You don't want to miss it. Follow us here: LinkTree YouTube (video version) Follow Justin here: Instagram Facebook

Caleb Susman plays guitar in the local heavyweights Recorruptor.  A face metaling, blast beating, slew of death and thrash metal.  But, he is also a self employed reseller of all things old and interesting like pokemon cards and old vintage t-shirts.  He can also sell you a house, and figured out how to Astral Project himself.  Hear about that and more, tune in! Follow us here: LinkTree YouTube (Video Version) Follow Recorruptor here: Bandcamp Facebook Instagram

Hunter Miles is a comedian from Zeeland, MI and podcast host of the Where is this Going Podcast.  Hunter hosts Comedy Night at Parrots Lounge in downtown Holland, MI every Thursday night at 9pm and has performed all over Michigan and NYC.  His podcast features other comedians, local artists and a fun dose of comedy. We get into a slew of things including, racism, tushy bidets, drug addiction (trigger warnings), best nights for comedy, how to properly wipe and a whole lot more.  Check it out! Follow him here: YouTube Instagram Follow us here: LinkTree YouTube (video version)

Riley Clark and Trevor are podcasters and paranormal investigators from "What Goes Bump in the Night". Their podcast is released weekly on all streaming services and their YouTube channel features evidence, and full investigations of the places they have been. We talk all things paranormal so get ready to sit back and hear some creepy stories. Follow us here: YouTube (video version) Facebook @obscuredstateofmind linktr.ee Follow them here: Facebook Spotify

Tyler Sutton (Guitar) and Jason Miller (Vocals) are members of the long time band Kill Tomorrow. They are fresh out of the studio after recording a new full length album, and they have some stories to tell. This was a hilariously good time. Be sure to check it out! *WARNING* We had some technical difficulties with Camera 2 (on miller). There is an echo when switched to him. I apologize for this mistake and it shouldn't happen again. I hope you enjoy besides the fact! YouTube (video version) Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Kill-Tomorrow-145767308792466

Alexei is a music producer/beat maker from Holland, MI.  He has collaborated with many artists in the area and is on a mission to release a collab album with all West Michigan artists.  Alexei is also a chef and currently works at Boatworks in Holland.  Follow him on his Instagram to see all the wonderful dishes he creates and check out his newest album "Melodic Stories" released on September 23rd, 2021.   Follow us here: YouTube (video version) Facebook @obscuredstateofmind Follow Alexei Here: Spotify @_lex.thechef

Derek Thornley is a YouTuber that goes by the name of ChunkeyMonkey40.  You may remember him from being on the podcast back in April of this year but we had to bring him back.  We talk about his travels through Philly, and NYC to Tennessee and back to Michigan.  His "Traveler" series is currently being released but we talk all about it, including how he managed to meet Kid Rock.  Also, his thoughts on presidents, when Biden came to Michigan (he was there) and we play Way Too Many Questions: Chunkey Edition. Follow us here: YouTube (Video Version) Facebook @obscuredstateofmind Linktree Follow Chunkey Here: YouTube

Well, we have officially came full circle from the first episode of this podcast.  Welcome back Eric Upson, who was my partner when Obscured State started out as just exploring abandoned buildings.  Its nice to explain how this came to be, what actions lead to this point and how we have flourished since.  Hear about his favorite explores, tips on what to do when exploring, see some of his outstanding pictures and so much more.  This was so much fun! Follow us here: Facebook YouTube (video version) @obscuredstateofmind Follow him here: @the.unknown.abstract

Jordan and Jessie are apart of the long time band Withhold the Blood out of Muskegon, MI.  We catch up, get a few updates on the band and their drummer search.  We get intellectual with Logic and how to define such a thing.  College and what a waste of time and money it really is.  Plus much more.  Give this a listen or watch today! Follow us here: Facebook YouTube (video version) @obscuredstateofmind Follow WTB Here: YouTube Facebook

Jordan Kolberg is a musician and makes incredible guitar cover videos posted all over his social media. Since he is a soon to be Texas resident I had to have him back on before he leaves Michigan. Listen to us talk some shit a little more coherently this time (this is his third appearance) and enjoy. Follow us here: Facebook YouTube (video version) @obscuredstateofmind

Ace Evans (Sean), Jheras Grey, and Zak "The Oracle" Wilkins joined the podcast.  We talk about all things wrestling including the day to day grind, death matches, finishers, hot takes, what moves you won't take/do, and taking an overall deep dive into indie wrestling.  Stroll down memory lane of the Attitude Era of the WWE and talk about the up in coming AEW.  We cover a lot in this wrestling inspired podcast. Follow us here: Facebook YouTube (video version) @obscuredstateofmind Follow them here: Pure Pro Wrestling PPW YouTube

Kathy Conder has been a paranormal investigator and enthusiast for over 35 years.  She has traveled across different countries and the United States to all different types of haunted places.  She recently wrote a book called Hauntings, Spirits & Eats Michigan.  Its basically your go to itinerary for a weekend of paranormal investigating helping you plan your stay and go to the good spots.  She also is the creator of the Michigan Paranormal Encounters Facebook page that has over 8,000 members.  It was a great conversation on all things paranormal so give this a listen today! Follow us here: Facebook YouTube (Video Version) @obscuredstateofmind