Weapon of Self-Distraction™ Podcast

The big rant: vaccinations, the Delta Variant, selfless vs. selfish and conspiracy theories. Plus, Jean Smart gets very well-deserved Emmy nominations for her roles in two HBO Max series, Mare of Easttown and the hilarious Hacks. And decisions, regrets, and moving forward.

A review of the newest HBO series , Mare of Easttown. Spoiler alert: it's terrific! Is there anything that Kate Winslett hasn't been good in? For more: Mare of Easttown | HBO

Same management, same RSS feed, same dumb podcast, but with a new name: The Weapon of Self-Distraction Podcast is now Distraction Avenue. This episode: having vaccine envy, the top 10 people you see at the gym and TV ratings for the Jeopardy! guest hosts. Finally, RIP to the amazing and wonderful Charles Grodin. 

The trial and conviction of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd. Plus, some interesting social media statistics - numbers on Facebook, TikTok and more. And the return of an Obscure But Cool Song.

Two guys in Australia drift two miles out to sea on an air mattresss, a new foster dog named Jessie, and some thoughts on being single...again. Plus, comedian Danny Jolles has his first special, "6 Parts" available for free on You Tube. He's amazing, and so is his special. 

Doug Brod is the author of the fantastic book, They Just Seem A Little Weird: How Cheap Trick, KISS,  Aerosmith, and Starz Remade Rock and Roll. We talk about how he wrote the book, how those bands are all connected, their influence and how they're still relevant today. And that despite a lot of trial and tribulations, they're each still great. At the top: Super Bowl LV, the Tampa Bay Bucaneers vs. the Kansas City Chiefs, and Ten Random Super Bowl Facts. They Just Seem A Little Weird: How Cheap Trick, How KISS, Cheap Trick, Aerosmith, and Starz Remade Rock and Roll is informative, fun, and awesome and is available online and in bookstores. For more info and retailers, click here.  

Quick reviews: Steve's all-time favorite band of all-time, Cheap Trick just released a rocking song, "Light Up The Fire," and it rocks! "Light Up The Fire" rocks! Plus, new music from Dead Daisies and Smith/Kotzen, a new side-project from Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen. Its all killer!

Why not say "Happy New Year" deeper into January? Guests hosts on Jeopardy! Crocs had a booming 2020, Netflix massive spend for new content and Ben & Jerry's doggie desserts.

The new song by Van Morrison and Eric Clapton, protesting their being asked to help the greater good during a pandemic, is discussed, and Rickie Lee Jones' reaction to their song. Plus, holiday traditions come and go, and a reminder of a previous tradition: Wilford Brimley, via the old Imus in the Morning Show, talking about oatmeal. 

The awesome cat and occasional unwitting podcast guest Pluto passed away; a euology for the best pet, ever. And paying it forward - 900 times! - at a Dairy Queen in Minnesota.

Various distractions and shenanigans...and wouldn't the latter make a great name for a restaurant: a familiar concept is discussed. The biggest distraction: Covid-19 all the time, the five likliest places you get the virus and the overall statistics are staggering. Warner Brothers announces all their 2021 movies will open simultaneously on HBO Max and theatres. Plus, dairy camels in Australia. Yes, dairy camels

The start of another Covid-19 lockdown/shutdown should mean more time for a few things, including new podcast episodes. Quick takes on that viral Tik Tok video of the skateboard guy and the Fleetwood Mac song "Dreams," some shows on Netflix,  including David Letterman's My Next Guest Needs No Introduction and the British crime drama Broadchurch. Plus, A Cool But Obscure Song.

News about new music from AC/DC, Foo Fighters, and Paul McCartney. Plus, Wolfgang Van Halen's solo debut and upcoming Howard Stern interview

The most influential guitarist of a generation, Eddie Van Halen, died October 6, 2020 succumbing to cancer after a long fight. Full details and discussion provided in this episode from The DLR Cast, the podcast by and for fans of David Lee Roth, hosted by Steve and his good friend Darren Paltrowitz. Plus AC/DC drops a new single, "Shot In The Dark," from their forthcoming album Power Up, which comes out November 13. Darren Paltrowitz is a freelance journalist covering entertainment. He also hosts the cool interview podcast, The Paltrocast, available everywhere.

Talking about cool new music from Deep Purple, who recently released their 21st (!) album, Whoosh; two new songs from Bruce Springsteen, the newest/latest album from the great Butch Walker, American Love Story, and Cheap Trick who just released a cover of the David Bowie classic, "Rebel Rebel," produced by Jack Douglas. Plus a wild boar is chased by a nudist!

On being officially an "empty-nester" with college starting, a mix of bittersweet and excitement. Plus, the new Netflix series Away

Coivd-19 puts the kibosh on some travel plans - rather, fear and risk does. Plus, a new podcast, by Steve and his friend Darren Paltrowitz, The DLR Cast - the essential podcast by and for fans of David Lee Roth!

One of the greatest hard rock albums, and the second-biggest selling album of all time, Back In Black by AC/DC, turns 40 years old this week. The album is a document to the perseverance, work ethic, and musical greatness of Angus and Malcolm Young, following the death of their inimitable lead singer Bon Scott; where the terrific Brian Johnson is a perfect fit, all combining to make incredible, and history making, music.   Plus, some recommended reading as there's no shortage of informative and cool books on AC/DC. Worth checking out: Maximum Rock n' Roll, AC/DC 1973-1980: The Bon Scott Years, and AC/DC Album by Album.

Steven Jurgensmeyer specializes in creative direction, branding and graphic design and is the founder of AllMusicBooks.com which is a music book recommendation site. AllMusicBooks.com features reviews of books on artists, bands, and more, as well as interviews with the book’s authors. Steven is also a producer and writer of the forthcoming documentary film, Sign of the Times: The Rock n’ Roll Billboards of the Sunset Strip. Sign of the Times tells the story of the amazing billboards in L.A. during the 60’s & 70’s and the artists who created them. These billboards featured virtually every major pop and rock act including The Doors, Beatles, Kiss, Pink Floyd and dozens of others. For more on Steven and his work visit www.stevenjurgensmeyer.com. Also, a quick review of the new Will Ferrell movie, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, which recently premiered on Netflix.

It's everyday and all the time: the twin battles against Covid-19 and racism. Some meandering mumblings on adapting to whatever the new normal is going to be. And an Obscure But Cool Song.

The new Dave Chappelle comedy special 8:46 is a searing commentary on George Floyd, police brutality and much more.  HBO Max, HBO Go, HBO Now, or just HBO? A bit of an explainer. The new and cool book by Billy F Gibbons, the legendary singer and guitarist for ZZ Top, Rock + Roll Gearhead Fighting ennui and getting closer to being a full-on empty-nester

The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN and its aftermath. The very good Amazon Exclusive TV series Bosch.

Author and automotive and Route 66 historian Jim Hinckley is the guest. Mr. Hinckley has written extensively on Route 66 - "America's Most Famous Highway" and his books include Ghost Towns of Route 66, Travel Route 66, The Route 66 Encyclopedia, and The Illustrated Route 66 Historical Atlas. Jim is a fountain of fascinating facts and information and we discuss how and why Route 66 is so endearing and popular, its huge international appeal, and much more. There's also Route 66 road trip ideas, and some other interesting roads, like US 6. At the top: the deaths of comedic giants Jerry Stiller and Fred Willard.  You can find out about Jim Hinckley's work and books at www.JimHinckleysAmerica.com

How will entertainment - concerts, sports, etc. - and society, evolve due to COVID 19? Live Nation look will test drive-in and virtual concerts. The five-year-old kid that stole his parents car to go and buy a Lamborghini could be a great entrepreneur someday. Who was the Supreme Court justice that flushed? And the deaths of Little Richard and Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy.

Not brought to you by Lysol or any disinfectant. Self-isolation stay-at-home Covid19 coronavirus well-being tips. The top Google searches recently. And a Cool But Obscure Song.

The ever-fun and interesting pop culture writer Darren Paltrowitz returns. We discuss the tragic death of Fountains of Wayne co-founder Adam Schlesinger and his huge body of great music - FOW, That Thing You Do! Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and so much more. Its corona virus and self-isolation time and there's lots to watch, read, and listen to: Better Things, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Brockmier, All-Elite Wrestling and Colt Cabana; books on Quentin Tarantino, Van Halen and KISS; new music from the amazing Nada Surf, The Strokes and others. Plus, our last concerts, at least for a little while. And veteran acts we love: David Lee Roth, Zebra, Y&T. Cool apps Watch Worthy, Tune In and Special Guest. And all about Darren's great podcast, Paltrocast, where you can find a ton of interviews with a huge array of people including, Dan Rather, Myles Kennedy, John 5, Adam Carrolla, Ace Frehley, Bruce Kulick, Dennis Quaid, Mickey Dolenz of The Monkees, Chris Jericho, Ted Nugent, Englebert Humperdink and dozens more. You can find Paltrocast at Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, Tune In and more. Follow Darren at Paltrowitz.com and @Paltrowitz at Twitter

The first podcast in just about a month! The coronavirus, Covid19 and hanging in there; Tom Brady leaves the New England Patriots, bidet sales increase exponentially, and a few of the best feel-good movies. Plus, books to binge: Bond vs. Bond: The Many Face of 007 Revised and Updated by Paul Simpson and Quentin Tarantino: the iconic filmmaker and his work by Ian Nathan.

The recent Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder heavyweight boxing title fight was epic - and crazy, before and after the fight. Why being a news and current events junkie can be a grind. Searches for Shakira, Jennifer Lopes and Demi Lovato increased over 1,000% after their appearance at the Super Bowl at a certain NSFW website. Plus, a bag of bacon makes a great snack. And an Obscure but Cool Song. Visit www.weaponofselfdistraction.com for more distractions.

What do you do to get yourself psyched before a concert? Those familiar pre-concert rituals from the drive to the show, the music, merch and more. Heading to the east coast to see Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame members Cheap Trick for three straight shows in NY, Atlantic City and Washington D.C. and the setlists of late have been amazing. Plus, quick details about a poignant and wonderful short film, "Today You Tomorrow Me," Pluto makes an appearance, and an Obscure But Cool Song. Check out weaponofselfdistraction.com for more missives and occasionally interesting stuff Visit the cool website Laughing Squid for more about the movie "Today You Tomorrow Me"

The latest stats, info and how to protect yourself from the Coronavirus. The 92nd Academy Awards and the steep ratings decline; Quentin Tarantino still can't get a Best Director award and The Irishman gets 10 nominations but no awards. Check out weaponofselfdistraction.com for more missives and occasionally interesting stuff.

The tragic death of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, the media coverage, and TMZ breaking the story. Super Bowl LIV facts, figures and more. Plus, getting out of a rut means making an effort and some changes. Plus a Cool But Obscure Song

Detroit Lion great, and a personal hero, Alex Karras, gets elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, its the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV. Major League Baseball and the Houston Astros sign-stealing cheating scandalPlus, should Whitney Houston be in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame?  For more visit www.weaponofselfdistraction.com  

Happy New Year! Starting the start of the third decade of the 21st century, talking about New Year's Eve and seeing the always-amazing Cheap Trick. Plus, dealing with some anxiety, some new things to watch on HBO and the death of radio legend Don Imus. And, a Cool But Obscure Song! For more visit Weapon of Self-Distraction 

Author Greg Prato returns to talk about his new book, TAKE IT OFF: KISS TRULY UNMASKED. Its the first book that focuses solely on the years that KISS was sans the famous greasepaint. The book is an oral history and a slew of terrrific contributors weigh on the music, the look, and the live shows of this time, including Eddie Trunk, KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, Charlie Benante (Anthrax), Ron Nevison and many others.  Take It Off: KISS Truly Unmasked is available where ever you buy cool books. Visit QuartoKnows.com for more information.  

Allen Ling is a graphic novelist who's first publication, Genesis II, is out now, and its very cool! Its a sci-fi story with a real and plausible human element to it. Allen talks about how he and collaborator Christian Boe came up with the book's great characters and compelling story, the long process in creating it, as well as how the Genesis II story will continue.  For more information on Allen and Genesis II, as well as how to purchase it, visit www.Genesis2Comics.com

An annual tradition at the podcast: the famous and funny "Turkeys Away" episode of the classic and hilarious TV series WKRP In Cincinnati. "As God is my witness...I thought turkeys could fly" Happy Thanksgiving! Forty years later, it still holds up, its still hilarious.   

The USA Today might be ending its print edition after four decades and a lone Waffle House employee gets help in Alabama. Plus, a funny and weird tattoo, and an obscure but very cool song.

Back from a break, but not back from a continuing social media respite: why be constantly reminded of what you don't have? A rambling review of the movie JoJo Rabbit...and an obscure but cool song.

The Fall Movie Preview features a special guest, Tyler Smith from the very cool movie review website and podcast Battleship Pretension. Tyler gives details and recommendations on the best movies coming out this fall, including  Joker, The Lighthouse, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Knives Out, The Irishman, Won't You Be My Neighbor, Uncut Gems, Richard Jewell, Marriage Story and The Report. Plus, Steve guests on the new episode of the Three Sides of the Coin Podcast!  

Back from a bit of a respite: McLovin' in real life, the Washington Nationals and the World Series, Righteous Gemstones and HBO, Netflix and streaming competition, a new book, Take It Off: KISS Truly Unmasked by Greg Prato, coming out November 19. And A Cool And Obscure Song

While in high school Rishi Sharma started Heroes of The Second World War, a non-profit organization whose mission is to interview veterans of World War II. He started by biking around his city to interview veterans and three years later he has interviewed over 1,000 veterans from the Allied countries around the world. For more information, interviews and how you can get involved visit www.heroesofthesecondworldwar.org  

Happy and really healthy at (almost) 52-years old...what's working, why and how. What would you do if $120,000 accidentally ended up in your bank account? Plus, circumstances, timing, and eight (!) discerning months. And an obscure and absolutely incredibly awesome song.

100 episodes? Why that's really not a big deal...its back to school time - where did the time go? A really big idea - what if we got a rebate on all the data social media, websites and internet service providers get from us, and make billions on? Plus three things that motivate you, the new HBO series The Righteous Gemstones and an obscure, yet awesome song

A quick review of the new Quentin Tarantino film, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. Synopsis: it's great!

AUTHOR/JOURNALIST GREG PRATO returns to talk about his great new book, KING'S X: THE ORAL HISTORY. Its the definitive story about a great band, in the members' own words, along with a slew of hard rock luminaries. We also discuss Greg's next book, TAKE IT OFF: KISS TRULY UNMASKED, out November 19, 2019, which is all about when KISS was sans makeup, 1983-1996. PLUS, semi-coherent ramblings about the new season of Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee and the great Gary Gulman's new comedy special, The Great Depresh, which will premiere on HBO this fall. AND a new Obscure And Cool Song. To buy KING'S X: THE ORAL HISTORY and pre-order TAKE IT OFF: KISS TRULY UNMASKED, both published by Jawbone Press, click here. For occasional ramblings, podcasts and more visit www.weaponofselfdistraction.com.   

The new Chevrolet Corvette makes it's debut on July 18, the Bagel Boss is loose on Long Island and an Area 51 meetup! Plus, the David Bowie Barbie doll and a new feature, an obscure but awesome song. For the occasional missive and bon mot, the Weapon of Self-Distraction blog

Friend of the Podcast Barrie returns and we discuss how to survive - and possibly thrive? - the often mind-numbing online dating process. Things to do, first date ideas, what to watch out for, and more. Plus, quitting Diet Coke/Coke Zero, at least for a month. And, all about Kima, the awesome pitbull. 

A weird Air BnB story and happy birthdays to Sir Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson.  

More semi-coherent thoughts for a Friday night. Classic rock radio reminiscing, the Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, one last thing about Game of Thrones, and a new Cheap Trick song, a cover of Harry Nillson's "Ambush." www.weaponofselfdistraction.com for the occasional blog post and other ramblings

A $2,000 Uber ride - to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Plus, the end of Game of Thrones, why being included feels so good, and a review of The Winery Dogs concert in Minneapolis. Weapon of Self-Distraction for more distractions and Facebook.com/WeaponofSelfDistraction

Darren Paltrowitz is a NYC-based freelance music and entertainment journalist, author and podcaster. who's work has appeared in the New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Business Week and dozens of other outlets. We talk about his excellent new book, Good Advice From Professional Wrestling: Full Contact Life Lessons (Leadership Every Day) written with D.X. Ferris, which is filled with insightful and motivational information and quotes from some of the biggest and most influential athletes in pro wrestling. We also get into wrestling's influence on rock artists. Darren also has a terrific podcast, Paltrocast with Darren Paltrowitz featuring exclusive interviews with top entertainers, entrepreneurs and other influencers including Adam Carolla, Dionne Warwick, Diamond Dallas Page, Eddie Trunk, Kaley Cuoco, Adam Duritz, John5 and many others. For more information on Darren, his writing, and his podcast, visit Paltrowitz.com. His new book is available at Amazon.com and other retailers.