Magnified Pod

In this episode, Andrew and John stuff your stocking. It's the end of 2023 and we have one more episode for you! In September, we traveled to Virginia to see Ghoti Hook play a killer reunion show. We also had a chance to chat with the dudes (Joel, Adam, and Jamie) before they went on stage. And more recently, we sat down with Shadow Producer Jason from Unoriginal Vinyl to discuss some behind the scenes stories about the Five Iron Frenzy box set.

In this episode, Andrew and John are angels, but never gods. But first a long overdue update on what's been going on in our lives and why we had such a long break. Plus some listener voicemails about their favorite 2023 albums. Finally, Andrew and John run down their 10 favorite albums of 2023 (with some honorable mentions). AOTY discussion begins at 57:40.

In this episode, Andrew and John are brothers. But first, an interview with guest Mason Mennenga: theologian, podcaster, great Twitter follow. We talk about his introduction to mewithoutYou, his favorite albums, and what makes the band so unique. Then, Andrew and John do a track by track discussion of the 2006 album Brother, Sister. Mason interview begins at 28:10. Album discussion begins at 1:18:47. *Note* This episode was recorded in July 2023 and was intended to be our Season 4 finale. There will be some additional episodes to follow before we begin Season 5, but this episode concludes the indie band discussion for this season. Thank you for your patience!

In this episode, Andrew and John are torches together. In this penultimate episode of season 4, educator, seminarian, and Patreon Punk, Meg from Monterey joins the pod to discuss mewithoutYou's album "Catch for Us the Foxes." Her deep love and knowledge of this band was critical and appreciated for our conversation! This is a deep dive episode! Album discussion begins at 52:08.

In this episode, Andrew and John celebrate. Mag Pod is officially 5 years old! Join us as we catch up after a little break and talk future pod plans. Also, what does Andrew know about Lake Superior and European pop bands? Find out in this week's quiz!

In this episode, Andrew and John can't stop thinking about it. Joining the pod this week is Danny Bracken. He is the former guitarist for the band Anathallo as well as a visual artist and director of exhibitions for the Mattress Factory art museum in Pittsburgh. We discuss his history with the band, writing and recording Floating World and Canopy Glow, crafting an interesting live show, and turning down a tour opportunity with one of his musical idols. Then, a track by track discussion of the Anathallo's final album "Canopy Glow." Album discussion begins at 1:02:43.

In this episode, Andrew and John dig up slugs and bugs. But first, thoughts on the Dalai Lama, Timothy Keller, Metallica, Babymetal, and the Olsen Twins. Then, a track by track discussion of the Anathallo album "Floating World." Album discussion begins at 28:26.

In this episode, Andrew and John dig through the Mag Pod mail bag. It's been a whiiilllle since we've read your emails and listened to some voicemails. We got a ska cover, some discussion about purity culture, and an email from someone with a very personal (and familial) connection to the Christian alternative scene.

In this episode, Andrew and John ruin it. Shadow Producer Jason returns to discuss his favorite Tooth & Nail Records release, "North To The Future" by Georgia indie rockers Joe Christmas. Jason details all the ways this record has impacted his life, from influencing design choices to the very personal moments he listens to certain tracks.

In this episode, Andrew and John go to a skating party. Joining the pod this week is Andrew Gill. He is a senior producer of the beloved music podcast Sound Opinions, former host of the WBEZ beer podcast Strange Brews, and co-creator of an upcoming PRX narrative podcast examining how the Christian music industry has impacted American culture. We talk about how important indie music was to him growing up in Florida, the Athens, Georgia music scene, and how he made Joe Christmas his identity. Then we go track by track of the Joe Christmas album "Upstairs Overlooking." Band and album discussion begins at 46:28.

In this episode, Andrew and John ride neon dolphins. After a little break, we're back to discuss the debut album by Fantasy League, a project by Scott Kerr (Five Iron Frenzy, Yellow Second) and Matt Langston (Eleventyseven).

In this episode, Andrew and John are simply having a wonderful Christmas time. It's that time of year! In this final episode of the year, Andrew and John list their top 10 albums of 2022 (plus honorable mentions). Then, a track by track discussion of the 1999 BEC Recordings compilation "Happy Christmas Vol. 2." If you want to listen to the top album discussion, jump to 27:50. To listen to the "Happy Christmas Vol. 2" discussion, jump to 1:35:57.

In this episode, Andrew and John enjoy their Christmas whisky. But first, some holiday candies and beverages. And a voicemail about our episode with Jenny Booth Potter. Then the return of the Winners Circle and the Losers Lounge. Andrew shares his feelings about a new book on deconstruction. Plus a game about Christmas songs! Finally, a track by track discussion of the David Bazan Christmas album "Dark Sacred Night." Album discussion begins at 1:24:48.

In this episode, Andrew and John can't keep silent on their own pod. At long last, Craig's Brother vocalist/guitarist/lyricist Ted Bond joins the pod! We talk youth group culture, songs about lust and abortion, being accepted in the punk scene, writing the new Craig's Brother album, and...the Craig's Brother biopic? Conversation with Ted starts at 3:16.

In this episode, Andrew and John open a box of Oops! All Voicemails. After a month of spooky music and too much sugar, we're back to a regular episode...sort of. We tackle a backlog of voicemails, talk about Andrew's recent trip to Chicago to hang with John, enjoy a couple sweet and not-so-sweet taste tests, and once again visit the Winner's Circle.

In this episode, Andrew and John show mercy. Magnifright Pod is coming to a close for 2022, so the dudes enjoy their last spooky candies and beverages for October. Then some more ghost story voicemails. Andrew shares his experience hunting for the Hat Man with his brother. Also, for this week's game, Andrew and John "feud." John shares an update about seeing Grave Robber and Leper live. Finally, a track by track discussion of the Spy Glass Blue EP, The Blue EP. Album discussion begins at 1:10:11.

In this episode, Andrew and John enjoy milk and cookies. We're opening up the Mag Pod archive for an episode recorded back in October 2021. We talked with Shadow Producer Jason (Unoriginal Vinyl) about the Colorado industrial band Rackets & Drapes as well as gothic metal band Saviour Machine. Jason gets personal and shares his story and how these bands fit into it. Conversation starts at 3:08. A few show notes: Jason is doing a visual bit at the beginning of our conversation so you won't hear him talk for about the first 40 seconds. At 1:12:12 you will hear an audio transition because our Zoom crashed, so we just jump back into the conversation. This conversation is also largely unedited. Enjoy.

In this episode, Andrew and John crush skulls. But first, the latest in spooky candy wins and losses for the boys. And some non-spooky discussion of Blink-182. Then more haunted voicemails. This week John puts the Quizmaster Pants back on and asks Andrew about horror movie facts! Finally, a track by track discussion of the S.S. Bountyhunter album "Serpents For Eggs." Album discussion begins at 1:12:59.

In this episode, Andrew and John put the "fun" back in funeral. But first, another round of spooky beverages and candy! Then some voicemails about ghost stories and Neon Horse. Also, find out what John knows about haunted theaters and old-timey radio ghost stories in this week's quiz! Finally, a track by track discussion of the 2005 Mercury Radio Theater album "Blue Eyed Model." Album discussion begins at 1:03:41.

In this episode, Andrew and John sin for the first time in years. Magnifright Pod is back! For the month of October, we will get extra spooky with coverage of bands that put us in the Halloween spirit. But first, some seasonal beverages and candy! Then, does Andrew have a ghost in his house? And which road will he take in the dark forest? Also, John retells his famous Hat Man story. If you haven't heard this true story before, listen to it with the lights off. Finally, track by track of the Neon Horse album "Haunted Horse: Songs Of Love, Defiance & Delusion." Album discussion begins at 56:50.