Best Brain Stew Podcasts (2025)

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Kettle Whistle Radio # 321 Brain Brew for your Mind Stew 1:08:40

Play Pause

18d ago1:08:40

1:08:40

Got conspiracy? Need company? Dave & the other Dave discuss the things that go bump in their brains. Giant Spiders and Time Travel. Creepy theories are presented around the Congolese J'BA OFFI, or giant goddamn spiders, amid intense theories and facts on the time traveling- Mad Mike Marcum. Radio host Art Bell presented the case of the brilliantly …

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EP #227 - Struggling To Stay Invisible In Prison 52:20

19h ago52:20

52:20

As Bobby gets closer and closer to the door, the more important staying invisible becomes. He reflects on the life and death rules you learn during incarceration, and how he now has one foot inside the prison and one on the outside. Less than a month to go for his release. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website: notesfromthe…

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Episode 70 - So Fresh, So Clean 1:07:18

9h ago1:07:18

1:07:18

"Ain't nobody dope as me. I'm just so fresh, so clean. So fresh and so clean, clean." Our heroes finally stay in one place long enough to enjoy the perks of city life. Will Buttons' godly reviews live up to the hype? And will they tempt fate—and the GM—by testing the teleportation circle? Find out this week on Peak D&D! It's episode seventy of Peak…

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Epoch #124- A Smashing We Will Go 45:48

4d ago45:48

45:48

All four of our heros have fallen into a trap set by the Avatar of Putracepes in The Rotting Gardens. Surrounded on all sides by even larger versions of the "hugging" creatures, they decide there is only one thing they can do. Intro/Outro Music by Bryce Publow Additional Soundscapes and Music: Ruined Temple by Tabletop Audio…

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Ep #226 - Preparing For Life Outside While Living In A Prison Void 47:28

6d ago47:28

47:28

Bobby understanding how living in a giant void in prison, affects his perception of what life on the outside looks like when he's released next month. How to build a mental construct of life outside of prison. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website: notesfromthepen.com And check out the GoFundMe to help with Bobby’s new star…

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Episode 69 - Run This Town 1:05:08

7d ago1:05:08

1:05:08

"Can't be scared when it goes down. Got a problem, tell me now. Only thing that's on my mind, is who's gonna run this town tonight." After cracking the case of the fallen hotelier, the Vortorrim gain full access to Jaastien’s vault—and its arcane treasures. With a mysterious teleportation circle beneath Zharo and a suite upgrade above, will they ri…

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Epoch #123- The Rotting Garden 41:09

12d ago41:09

41:09

The Bad Luck Brigade has be found by the rotting Botanical Garden and swallowed them into its ever growing undeath. Luckily, this is where the next heart the crew needs to find! Trouble is, the natives seem nice and reaaally want to give them hugs. Intro/Outro Music by Bryce Publow Additional Soundscapes and Music: Battle in the City/Desert Campfir…

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Kettle Whistle Radio # 322 Bonnie & the Mere Mortals 1:39:59

11d ago1:39:59

1:39:59

Southern Gothic band Bonnie & the Mere Mortals are a powerhouse combo of rockin' classic country rock and synthwave reverb combined with hooks so tasty that you feel like you're revisiting territory you'll find familiar but with a new shade of genre- bend that pulls you in and enthralls your nervous system with passionate curiosity. What amazing ta…

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Time Warp: Comedy Adjacent And Stand UP 43:22

15d ago43:22

43:22

Alright, so this is a repeat. Look, the weather in Michigan is crapy, they keep closing the prison yard, and Bobby has been a bit down lately so coordinating prison phone time has been a bitch this week. I spent over 30 mins trying to figure out which ep to replay, it's after 10 pm and this old lady is tired, so I threw a dart and it landed on this…

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Epoch #122- Escape the Block 51:28

23d ago51:28

51:28

With one "gods" heart in hand, the Bad Luck Brigade have unknowingly destroyed the theocracy in the town below. Now they will have to escape a town of murderous warriors that no longer believe in the honor system. But even if they get outta town, something still waits for them, under the dunes. Intro/Outro Music by Bryce Publow Additional Soundscap…

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EP #225 - Puzzle Pieces, And Feeling Purposeful In Prison 35:55

22d ago35:55

35:55

Bobby grapples with understanding his mood changes while recording these episodes, and returning from the black hole of prison. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website: notesfromthepen.com And check out the GoFundMe to help with Bobby’s new start https://www.gofundme.com/f/j3khzk-help-for-a-new-start Twitter: https://twitter.…

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Episode 68 - We R Who We R 1:30:47

21d ago1:30:47

1:30:47

"Tonight we're going hard. Just like the world is ours. We're tearing it apart. You know we're superstars. We are who we are." Jaastien lives—but barely. Trapped beneath Zharo and hunted by the Black Wake Syndicate, he’s not the only one in danger. Can the Vortorrim survive the battle in the sewers? And will they live long enough to uncover what se…

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Epoch #121- Blood, Jewels and Tentacles 37:44

27d ago37:44

37:44

The end of the this gauntlet has been Haven's personal nightmare. Mindflayers, bigger Mindflayers, Lich Mindflayers! Almost every high level threat to Haven is circling the crew; and Giddy constantly setting off Wild Magic, isn't helping. Intro/Outro Music by Bryce Publow Additional Soundscapes and Music: Forge of the Ages by Michael Ghelfi…

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EP #224 - Phone Standoff, Floating Between Prison And The Future, And Brain Dead 39:51

1M ago39:51

39:51

A close call at the prison phone kiosk is a reminder of the lack of phone-line integrity with the newer inmates. Bobby also reflects on the emotions of re-visiting the places that he shared with Monica, and the feeling of floating between prison and the future. Last, the story of a man who was left as brain dead, and after a long battle was able to…

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Episode 67 - Hangman Jury 1:10:40

28d ago1:10:40

1:10:40

"Like lyin' to a hangman jury. I swear I didn't know that .45 was loaded. In fact my memory ain't too clear. That's not to say (s)he didn't get what (s)he deserved." Murder in The Bone Palace—and the Vortorrim just checked in. With Jaastien Ja’lysanthier dead and a room full of suspects, can our heroes piece together the clues before it all goes up…

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EP #223 - OCD In Prison, Dr. Nut Clip, And What To Keep 55:28

1M ago55:28

55:28

Bobby shares how prison affects his OCD and what he's learned about it during his 12 years behind bars, and what topic to talk about on his last episode in prison. He also mentions Leo Stanley, America's Dr. Frankenstein, who experimented with testicular transplants on inmates from 1913 - 1951. He took testicles from dead civilians and transplanted…

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Episode 66 - Brain Stew 1:08:44

1M ago1:08:44

1:08:44

"I'm having trouble trying to sleep. I'm counting sheep, but running out As time ticks by, still I try." Having found Cecil aboard the Veil of Tides, the party finally gets some answers—about the old gods, the Vortorrim, and their place in a much bigger story. How far back does Ravi’s bloodline go? And who—or what—awaits on the mysterious Vortor Is…

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Oppressionism Art Series; How 2 Jail Vol. 1 4:37

1M ago4:37

4:37

Bobby talks about the art pieces he's currently working on. To learn more please go to our website https://www.notesfromthepen.com/new-page-31

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EP #222 - Walk This Way, It's Getting Harder, Art Desert, And Gate Keepers 27:56

1M ago27:56

27:56

Bobby is experiencing more stress the closer he gets to the door, he's never passed a mirror he didn't like, the art desert in prison, and subverting the gate keepers. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website: notesfromthepen.com And check out the GoFundMe to help with Bobby’s new start https://www.gofundme.com/f/j3khzk-help-f…

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Episode 65 - 24K Magic 1:36:33

2M ago1:36:33

1:36:33

"Put your pinky rings up to the moon. Girls - what y'all trying to do? 24-karat magic in the air." The party takes a well-earned breather in Zharo, the capital city and jewel of the Marshlands. Will the Bone Palace’s magical baths, bottomless dips, and psionic hotelier be enough to recharge their spirits? And can a fresh coat (literally) help them …

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Kettle Whistle Radio # 320 Demo Diving with Johnny Daggers 2:27:00

1M ago2:27:00

2:27:00

Before becoming the indie horror director icon of films like Lachrymose Primrose, Blood on the Reel, Tablet of Tales and the Film Noir favorite, Noctambulist, J.D. Ellenberger cut his passionate incisors on music. Today we focus on Johnny Daggers, his AlterEgo, the dark gothic composer and musician that brought about projects like the ambient THE S…

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NFTW (64) - A Stewing Bunkie, And Prison Hoarding 22:14

2M ago22:14

22:14

Come spin a few laps on the prison yard with Bobby and Co-Host JD. There's a bunkie in the cube that holds on to his feelings until they boil over, and hoarding in prison is a real thing for Bobby. This episode is on the short side because...well...it's a prison podcast, Bobby's a bit down, JD is out of town, and mama c needs to get this out by tom…

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Episode 64 - Bombtrack 1:14:15

2M ago1:14:15

1:14:15

"It goes one, two, three, another funky, radical bombtrack. Started as a sketch in my notebook, and now dope hooks make punks take another look." The bayou battle for the bomb wagon rages on! Will our heroes and their beaverfolk allies prevail—and what were the bandits really planning? Find out this week on Peak D&D! It's episode sixty four of Peak…

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EP #221 - The Edge Of Freedom; Anxiety, And The Balance Between Control And Love 46:57

2M ago46:57

46:57

Bobby, standing on the threshold of freedom after 12 years, grapples with the rollercoaster of feelings that comes with it. He recounts his initial surge of anxiety when well-meaning parents, in a sincere effort to help, made a significant decision about his life on the outside without his input. For someone whose past 12 years have been entirely c…

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Episode 63 - Swamp 1:22:33

2M ago1:22:33

1:22:33

"And when they split those atoms, it's hotter than the sun. Blood is a special substance, and they are going to pray for that man." Nursing hangovers from a drinking game with a god—that they actually won—our heroes set off with the caravan toward the port city of Zharo. Will they have time to digest their Beaverhome gumbo and new roles as Vortorri…

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EP #220 - Prison Is Closer Than You Think, Rules, And Amputations Won't Solve The Problem 42:13

2M ago42:13

42:13

Bobby and Co-host JD are back this week and dive into how easy it is to imagine you'd never end up in prison. "There but for the grace of God go I." Have you ever had that extra beer, or glass of wine, and got behind the wheel? There's a difference between intended violent criminal actions, and accidents, but the media and general population don't …

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Episode 62 - Shots ft. Jaastien 1:10:29

2M ago1:10:29

1:10:29

"Shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, Everybody!" The battle is over, the hydra is down—but the real challenge begins as Jaastien the pirate god invites our heroes to play a dangerous drinking game. Can they outwit a god at his own table? What truths—and lies—will come to light in the depths of the underground temple? Find out this week on Pea…

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Kettle Whistle Radio # 319 N17 with Chris Cannella 1:59:00

2M ago1:59:00

1:59:00

A huge thank you to Jason Kowalski (drummer), one of the founding members of the highly influential, viscerally contagious November 17. Co-founder, Jason made this interview possible by bringing the other founding member Chris Cannella to the plate. N17 has been a catalyst to the crust or formation to so many other metal, industrial rock, and death…

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NFTW (63) - Play It Again: Cpt Last Call & Sweaty Balls 15:22

2M ago15:22

15:22

Bobby is sick, so we're not able to record this week. He's okay, just feeling under the weather. I thought I'd play this one again because it ties into Bobby's last year of prison. Even though this was recorded in 2021 it talks about 'lasts' which is what Bobby is going through for the next 3 moths. We'll be back next week with a new recording, so …

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EP #219 - The Diaz Brothers, Displaying Tattoos In Prison, And POC Art 40:55

3M ago40:55

40:55

Who is your favorite Diaz Brother, Shane Gillis is a big boy, the tattoos you get in the real world take on a whole new meaning behind bars, placing new inmates in max security joints lead the fresh inmates down the fraternity path, and POC (Paint On Canvas) art. Plus a post show clip. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:…

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Episode 61 - The Prettiest Sea Slug 1:41:42

3M ago1:41:42

1:41:42

"What matter if you come from heaven or hell, O Beauty! Monster huge, alarming, pure!" Deep in the dungeon, a battle erupts for Jaastien’s final relic. Can the crew survive the sea beast’s fury and claim the sword? Or is doom the only language the sea remembers? Find out this week on Peak D&D! It's episode sixty one of Peak D&D's, Return to Argilia…

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EP #218 - Trump Takes Historic Lead On Prison Reform; And Prison Yard Pride 37:30

3M ago37:30

37:30

Michale Bay movies, an emotional dilemma on the prison yard and, for the first time in history, the Federal Bureau Of Prisons (BOP) has appointed a former inmate to the position of Deputy Director. Will this appointment mark a turning point in prison reform? Bobby shares his thoughts on the man responsible for this decision, and what it means to so…

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Episode 60 - The Lantern 1:21:48

3M ago1:21:48

1:21:48

"We, in our present life, knew that the stars were right, that if you are the first to go, you'll leave a sign to let me know, tell me so, please, carry the lantern lights." In the depths of Jaastien’s temple, old magic stirs and ancient treasure calls. Can the party solve the puzzle of the lanterns before the water claims them? And what terrifying…

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Kettle Whistle Radio # 318 Shadows of a Silhouette 1:36:19

3M ago1:36:19

1:36:19

Right out of the gates, Shadows of a Silhouette grabbed us in their firm Rock N'Roll hands, then shook us and made it clear that they were going to take on the world with a power-grip of songs that not only turn your head but enforce their potential on the highly anticipated upcoming debut LP, "For Those that know". Sincerity and intensity beckon t…

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EP #217 - The Painful Journey Of Self Awareness 35:31

3M ago35:31

35:31

Join a conversation that begins with mythology and how others may view an individual. Bobby reflects on the mistakes and missteps of youth, the moments that, in hindsight, make us wince. But this isn't just about regret; it's about growth and exploring how confronting our past selves can be a powerful catalyst for change. How would others from your…

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Episode 59 - Anchor Drops 1:07:40

3M ago1:07:40

1:07:40

"The less you have to offer, the less you stand to lose." Deep beneath the log temple of Beavertown, our heroes explore an ancient flooded dungeon. Can they recover the relics needed to restore Jaastien? And what secrets stir in the waterlogged halls below? Find out this week on Peak D&D! It's episode fifty nine of Peak D&D's, Return to Argilia, do…

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Kettle Whistle Radio # 317 Lorquins Admiral 1:48:42

3M ago1:48:42

1:48:42

Dandy and Dawn (of the Fizz Fuzz) brown return with their new band, Lorquins Admiral, a melodic, sometimes heavy, always beautiful rock band featuring the talents of bands like Kyuss, Luna Sol, Yawning Sons, Afghan Wigs, Hermano and Sons of Alpha Centauri. Erika and Dave discuss the making of this classic album, tour plans, sound design and the wri…

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EP #216 - Prison Culture Is Shifting 33:39

3M ago33:39

33:39

Prison culture encompasses the values, beliefs, norms, and behaviors that emerge within a prison environment. What happens when this culture changes? Bobby shares valuable insight on how prison is shaped by the 'prison code', a set of unwritten rules crucial for maintaining order and safety within prison. What happens when what was once order among…

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Episode 58 - Evelene 1:19:48

3M ago1:19:48

1:19:48

"Evelene yo ho. Evelene yo ho. Evelene yo-oo-oo!" The great swashbuckling god Jaastien is back—and seems to be wreaking havoc. Can the party hold the line before the town is lost? And will Big Buford make sense of a god’s fury? Find out this week on Peak D&D! It's episode fifty eight of Peak D&D's, Return to Argilia, done in the DC20 system, where …

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EP #215 - Just Trying To Get Across The Line 35:57

4M ago35:57

35:57

Bobby talks about joining the Marines, priority changes as we age, and just trying to get across the line during his last few months in prison. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website: notesfromthepen.com And check out the GoFundMe to help with Bobby’s new start https://www.gofundme.com/f/j3khzk-help-for-a-new-start Twitter: …

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Episode 57 - Into the Deep 1:16:46

4M ago1:16:46

1:16:46

"And I know. You should know. It's these words that make us whole. Into the deep we go." Transported back to the bayou, our heroes wake in Beavertown with more questions than answers. Who let the gods out? And is the gumbo good enough to distract from the divine fallout? Find out this week on Peak D&D! It's episode fifty seven of Peak D&D's, Return…

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NFTW (62) - Parole Decision Is In 38:20

4M ago38:20

38:20

Bobby shares his parole news, someone is looking for Mark, and getting excited about stand-up. Plus, don't miss a post show clip of mama c and Bobby talking about how his parole news was delivered. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website: notesfromthepen.com And check out the GoFundMe to help with Bobby’s new start https://ww…

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Episode 56 - The Wicker Man 1:14:04

4M ago1:14:04

1:14:04

"Hand of fate is moving, and the finger points to you. He knocks you to your feet, and so what are you going to do?" The fate of the world rests in our heroes’ hands as a Fey Lord offers impossible choices. What paths lie before them—and what will each one cost? Can they rise to meet a moment that will reshape Argilia? Find out this week on Peak D&…

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Kettle Whistle Radio # 316 We Are 13 with Thomas R. Clark 1:42:39

4M ago1:42:39

1:42:39

Splatterpunk Award Nominee, Senior Columnist of Memento Mori Ink and folk horror author, Thomas R. Clark provides renewed fear and passion in the realm of horror, beckoning you to quickly bolt your doors shut after you kill your nightlights. His curated collection, We Are 13 is robust with druids, witches, werewolves, bogeymen and creatures ripped …

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Epoch #120- My Uthilliad Romance 26:09

4M ago26:09

26:09

The Bad Luck Brigade has reached the final level of The Gauntlet! But what awaits the crew is Haven's darkest nightmare. Intro/Outro Music by Bryce Publow Additional Soundscapes and Music: Forge of the Ages by Michael Ghelfi

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NFTW (61) - Anthony Bourdain Likability, And Addiction 39:06

4M ago39:06

39:06

Prison phones have been down for a few days, which means Bobby hasn't been able to call to record an episode, so I'm using unpublished recording with JD from last month. We promise next week we'll have an update on Bobby's parole hearing process. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website: notesfromthepen.com And check out the G…

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Episode 55 - Master of Puppets 1:29:22

4M ago1:29:22

1:29:22

"Master of puppets, I'm pulling your strings. Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams. Blinded by me, you can't see a thing." Our heroes have tracked Ravi’s real dad to a primordial temple deep in the Netherdark. What ritual is being performed—and to what end? Can they stop it in time? Find out this week on Peak D&D! It's episode fifty five of …

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Kettle Whistle Radio # 315 Never Mind the Gossip, its J.Asadi 1:20:30

4M ago1:20:30

1:20:30

Rising above, with new music, dark rapper J.Asadi returns, bringing forth his own story that beckons his rise from the ashes of a past, permeating with struggles that had forced him to thrive through solitude wielding the lyrical blades of a magnitude all his own. "I connect to a darker sounding music because I am a dark artist. If you ain't lived …

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Epoch #120- Gaston and The Merovingians 48:42

4M ago48:42

48:42

As the Bad Luck Brigade closes towards the end of the Battle Gauntlet; they reach an infernal forge that is guarded by a team of high level fiends, forged from infernal metal. Intro/Outro Music by Bryce Publow Additional Soundscapes and Music: Forge of the Ages by Michael Ghelfi

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NFTW (60) - A Single Story, And The Weight Of Looking Different 36:57

5M ago36:57

36:57

With Bobby's upcoming parole hearing, it's been a bit challenging getting into the mindset of recording lately, as you'll hear. In this episode Bobby recounts his childhood experiences of feeling like an outsider in the only world he knew, and how those early experiences shaped his life. This one offers a crucial look at the nuances of identity, th…