Best Max Darwin Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 165: Metal Gear Solid: The Board Game, Sanctuary, Twinkle Twinkle, SILOS, Gatsby 27:20

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6d ago27:20

27:20

Hello friends and welcome to The Five By! Your quatriweekly source of rapid-fire board game reviews. 00:00 Jose - Introduction 00:39 Justin - Metal Gear Solid: The Board Game 05:57 Amanda - Sanctuary 10:44 Sarah - Twinkle Twinkle 15:56 Jose - SILOS 21:04 John - Gatsby 26:38 Justin - OutroBy The Five By

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Sonic Theater with Ben Garnett 1:10:48

13d ago1:10:48

1:10:48

This week on No Simple Road, we welcome guitarist and composer Ben Garnett to dive into the stories, sounds, and inspirations behind his brand-new album, Kites Keep. Ben takes us on a journey through the making of Kites Keep, exploring how his love of film and visual storytelling shapes his approach to composition and improvisation. We discuss the …

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Heady Wax and Sonic Treasures - Kris Howland of Heady Wax Fiends 1:04:43

20d ago1:04:43

1:04:43

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week's rewind has us in the studio (without Mel) with our special guests Kris and Chelsea Howland! Kris is the man at the helm of Heady Wax Fiends. We talk about the s…

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Low End, High Vibes, & Bluegrass - Trish Imbrogno aka Trish Plays Bass 1:05:12

1M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

On this episode of No Simple Road, we sit down with Trish Imbrogno, aka Trish Plays Bass! From her early days training in classical music to diving headfirst into bluegrass, Trish shares the story of how music has shaped her path. We talk about the shift from structured classical training to the freedom of improvisation, the energy of the bluegrass…

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Episode 164: CVLT, Lightning Train, Bonds Between, Galileo Galilei, Azul Duel 28:58

1M ago28:58

28:58

Hello friends and welcome to The Five By! Your quatriweekly source of rapid-fire board game reviews. 00:00 John - Introduction 00:34 Aaron - CVLT 06:03 Amanda - Lightning Train 11:36 Sarah - Bonds Between 17:06 Meeple Lady - Galileo Galilei 22:37 John - Azul Duel 28:06 Justin - OutroBy The Five By

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The Alchemy of Billy Strings and the Microcosmic Lot - No Simple Road's Rewind Vol. 120 55:11

1M ago55:11

55:11

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week's rewind has it all! We're talking about the upcoming Billy Strings shows here in Eugene this weekend which leads to a discussion around the genius surrounding th…

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Are We Really Just Plants? - No Simple Road's Rewind Vol. 119 59:34

2M ago59:34

59:34

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week's rewind has all three of us back in the studio catching y'all up with Mel and Apple and diggin into some theories and thoughts on EMF smog, sunlight exposure, mi…

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It Hasn't Been Simple - No Simple Road's Rewind Vol. 118 29:50

2M ago29:50

29:50

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week's rewind is a throwback to the very first episode of NSR. Aaron is here, solo, sharing what had been going on with him lately. Going through a re-examination of c…

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Episode 163: Innovation Ultimate, Almanac: The Dragon Road, Tower Up, The Lord of The Rings: Fate of the Fellowship, Rats of Wistar 26:32

2M ago26:32

26:32

Hello friends and welcome to The Five By! Your quatriweekly source of rapid-fire board game reviews. 00:00 Meeple Lady - Introduction 00:53 Jose - Innovation Ultimate 05:44 Aaron - Almanac: The Dragon Road 11:10 Justin - Tower Up 16:17 Amanda - The Lord of The Rings: Fate of the Fellowship 20:53 Meeple Lady - Rats of Wistar 25:47 John - Outro…

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Mandolin Mastery & Musical Alchemy with Joe K. Walsh | No Simple Road Podcast 1:15:35

2M ago1:15:35

1:15:35

This week on No Simple Road, we sit down with the phenomenal mandolin player, educator, and sonic explorer — Joe K. Walsh! From his early days with The Gibson Brothers to his mind-bending solo work and genre-blurring collaborations, to teaching at The Berklee College of Music, Joe has carved out a space as one of the most innovative voices on the m…

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Bella Rayne: Psychedelic Strings, Authentic Expression, & Finding Her Voice | No Simple Road 1:19:09

3M ago1:19:09

1:19:09

Self-taught guitarist Bella Rayne shares her inspiring journey with us, beginning from the serendipitous discovery of an old guitar in her Northern California garage during 2020. Bella's passion for 90s alternative and grunge music sparked a creative awakening that has since led her to The Grateful Dead and to performing with some of her heroes. He…

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Eli Mathews & Alex Donahue of Mind At Large - Harmonious Chaos 1:37:36

3M ago1:37:36

1:37:36

We are joined by two-thirds of the dynamic force behind the art rock band Mind at Large this week... Eli Mathews and Alex Donahue! Eli jumps right in to share the exciting news of his engagement and the harmonious chaos of his life outside the spotlight. From the heartwarming proposal story to the everyday joys of dog sitting and culinary escapades…

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Episode 162: Newton, Judge Dredd, Fateforge: Chronicles of Faan, Dr. Finn's Book of Solo Strategy and Word Games, Shuffle and Swing 28:27

3M ago28:27

28:27

Hello friends and welcome to The Five By! Your quatriweekly source of rapid-fire board game reviews. 00:00 Sarah - Introduction 00:39 John - Newton Episode 70 Darwin's Journey 06:15 Aaron - Judge Dredd 11:49 Justin - Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan 16:56 Sarah - Dr. Finn's Book of Solo Strategy and Word Games 22:02 Jose - Shuffle and Swing 27:46 Meep…

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Brick Lohr of the Ramble Festival & Kris Howland of Heady Wax Fiends - Ramble On 1:14:51

3M ago1:14:51

1:14:51

Ever wondered how music festivals can spark deeper human connections? Get ready to explore the transformative power of the Ramble Festival, as we chat with founder Brick Lohr and collaborator in this year's Ramble, Kris Howland of Heady Wax Fiends. Discover the innovative partnerships shaping the festival scene, like the vinyl submission contest by…

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No Simple Road's Rewind Vol. 117: Darwin 50:53

4M ago50:53

50:53

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This is a tough one this week for us here at No Simple Road. We are coming in raw, unfiltered, and in the moment on this episode. We're getting ready to lose a member of th…

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Episode 161: Iliad, That's Not a Hat, Daimyo: Rebirth of the Empire, Rivages, SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence 27:13

4M ago27:13

27:13

Hello friends and welcome to The Five By! Your quatriweekly source of rapid-fire board game reviews. 00:00 Justin - Introduction 00:49 Sarah - Iliad 06:03 Meeple Lady - That's Not a Hat 10:33 Jose - Daimyo: Rebirth of the Empire 16:01 Aaron - Rivages 21:20 Justin - SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence 26:28 John - Outro…

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Mason Via - Roots in Harmony 1:07:00

4M ago1:07:00

1:07:00

We are extremely excited to have Mason Via join us for this week's episode of No Simple Road! Mason opens up about the highs and lows of touring life, balancing the demands of performance with personal health, and finding harmony between the expectations of a musician's life and the realities of constant travel. Our conversation meanders through Ma…

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No Simple Road's Rewind Vol. 116: A.I. Consciousness 1:05:23

5M ago1:05:23

1:05:23

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the Rewind we are in the studio, stuffy noses, coughs, and all talking about the emergence of A.I. Is it connected to a universal field of consciousness, can i…

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No Simple Road's Rewind Vol. 115: Phish Spring PNW Recap 1:08:26

5M ago1:08:26

1:08:26

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the Rewind we are finally recapping the whirlwind Spring Phish PNW run!! Better late than never, as they say. Join us for an in depth chat about our experience…

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Episode 160: The White Castle: Matcha, The Bird Oracle, Enemy Anemone, Darwin's Journey, Silver & Gold 29:54

5M ago29:54

29:54

Hello friends and welcome to The Five By! Your quatriweekly source of rapid-fire board game reviews. 00:00 Aaron - Introduction 00:56 Justin - The White Castle: Matcha 06:20 Sarah - The Bird Oracle 11:55 Jose - Enemy Anemone 17:47 John - Darwin's Journey 23:57 Aaron - Silver & Gold 29:14 Meeple Lady - Outro…

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Crystal Lariza of Never Come Down - Authenticity and Adventure 1:26:56

5M ago1:26:56

1:26:56

We are so excited to have Crystal Lariza of Never Come Down wtih us on No Simple Road this week. This episode spotlights the vibrant experiences of Never Come Down, a band that has carved its path across borders and bluegrass festivals, becoming musical ambassadors on a global stage. Excitement and exploration define our conversations with Crystal,…

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Bob Bralove - Musical Magic 1:30:21

5M ago1:30:21

1:30:21

We are so excited to have the one and only Bob Bralove as our guest on No Simple Road this week! Reminiscing about the magnetic pull of legendary live performances, we reflect on the timeless impact of icons like Stevie Wonder, the Grateful Dead, and The Beatles. The past's vibrant music scene, where creative titans like John Cage and Salvador Dali…

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Mojo Family Pre-Fest 2025 1:37:27

6M ago1:37:27

1:37:27

This week we are joined in-studio by Jack McGrane , Chris Stein, and Baby Boy, organizers of Mojo Family Fest 2025! We dive right into the creative whirlwind that includes wild ideas like using EEG technology for live brain wave displays on stage, all of which make Mojo Family Fest a one-of-a-kind experience and explore the lessons learned from fiv…

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Episode 159: Jubako, The Elder Scrolls: Betrayal of the Second Era, The Castles of Burgundy, Before the Guests Arrive, Creepshow: The Suspense-Building Game 28:36

6M ago28:36

28:36

Hello friends and welcome to The Five By! Your quatriweekly source of rapid-fire board game reviews. 00:00 John - Introduction 00:43 Aaron - Jubako 06:17 Justin - The Elder Scrolls: Betrayal of the Second Era 11:32 Sarah - The Castles of Burgundy (Chateauma PNP) 16:59 Meeple Lady - Before the Guests Arrive 22:13 John - Creepshow: The Suspense-Build…

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No Simple Road's Weekly Rewind Vol. 114: The Supernatural Beavers 1:12:38

6M ago1:12:38

1:12:38

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the Rewind we are in the studio with Jake O'Halloran and Thomas Jimenez of The Supernatural Beavers! This one has been a long time coming for sure! We get righ…

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No Simple Road's Weekly Rewind Vol. 113 - Inspiration 1:03:53

6M ago1:03:53

1:03:53

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the Rewind we are back with in the studio caching y'all up on what's been going on over here! Apple's recent brush with gravity, a night of Pigeons Playing Pin…

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Dennis McNally - Counterculture Movement 1:34:08

6M ago1:34:08

1:34:08

Join us on a captivating journey through the storied history of the counterculture movement with none other than Dennis McNally, the celebrated publicist for the Grateful Dead. Dennis brings his unique perspective to our discussion about the hippie movement's lasting impact on modern society, including the rise of organic food, yoga, and Human righ…

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SOMA Kirtan - Spiritual Hardcore 1:59:32

6M ago1:59:32

1:59:32

Mike and Steve from Soma Kirtan take us on an incredible journey, sharing how their roots in punk and hardcore music evolved into a deep appreciation for the Grateful Dead, and ultimately to Kirtan Music. They bring a unique perspective that intertwines music with spirituality, resulting in a sound that resonates with authenticity and soul. We’re h…

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No Simple Road's Weekly Rewind Vol. 112 - Down Home 51:32

7M ago51:32

51:32

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the Rewind we are back with a recap of the Newgrass Festival out in Newberg, Oregon this past weekend. We has an absolute blast at this new festival and loved …

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Joel Timmons - Surfing Psychedelic Style 1:18:54

7M ago1:18:54

1:18:54

After an unexpected health crisis changed Joel Timmons' life, music became his refuge and a catalyst for a new direction in his career. From the sun-soaked shores of Charleston to the vibrant surf culture of Folly Beach, this episode explores Joel's journey of rediscovery and resilience. Join us as we uncover how his latest album, "Psychedelic Surf…

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Episode 158: Mountain Goats, Xylotar, Lok, Castle Combo, Bottle Imp 27:16

7M ago27:16

27:16

Hello friends and welcome to The Five By! Your quatriweekly source of rapid-fire board game reviews. 00:00 Jose - Introduction 00:50 John - Mountain Goats 05:39 Justin - Xylotar 11:04 Sarah - Lok 16:19 Meeple Lady - Castle Combo 21:04 Jose - Bottle Imp 26:34 Aaron - OutroBy The Five By

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Yak Attack & Cytrus - The Adventure of Sound 1:33:00

7M ago1:33:00

1:33:00

Join us for an exciting episode where we explore the collaboration between Seattle's Cytrus and Portland's Yak Attack and their shared PNW run that starts today! We are joined by Dave and Jacob of Yak Attack, and Jared and Luke from Cytrus, as they share their musical journeys and the inspiration behind their partnership. Discover how their shared …

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No Simple Road's Weekly Rewind Vol. 111: With special Guest Christian DeBenedetti, Newgrass Festival Promoter 1:14:52

7M ago1:14:52

1:14:52

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the Rewind we have a special guest in the studio, Christian DeBenedetti of Wolves and People Brewery out of Newberg, Oregon and Newgrass Festival Promoter! Chr…

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Sierra Hull - Her Melody, Her Story 1:25:56

7M ago1:25:56

1:25:56

Sierra Hull takes us on an evocative journey from her small-town roots in Tennessee to the grand stages of bluegrass music. With a passion for music ignited at just eight years old, her story is a heartfelt testament to the power of familial support and the welcoming embrace of the bluegrass community. Sierra shares intimate stories of how her pare…

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Adam Greuel - The Bluegrass Life 1:20:14

7M ago1:20:14

1:20:14

In this episode, we welcome our guest, Adam Greuel, known for his work with bands like Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, the High Hawks, Adam Greuel and the Space Burritos, and Rucksack Revolution. Adam opens up about his musical journey, from early performances to the evolution of his career, exploring the therapeutic balance between music, nature, an…

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No Simple Road's Weekly Rewind Vol. 110 29:09

8M ago29:09

29:09

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the Rewind we are taking you behind the curtain with us post Dark Star Orchestra. It's a little bit of what we are up to after midnight when we are letting it …

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Steve Kelly - Anticipating Harmony 1:38:20

8M ago1:38:20

1:38:20

We are stoked to have singer/songwriter, Producer, and entrepreneur Steve Kelly on No Simple Road this week! Steve reveals his compelling journey to recovery through perseverance, ingenuity, and strength. We also explore the vibrant history of New Orleans, diving into the city's music scene and the beloved Le Bon Temps Roule, a venue that has stood…

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Episode 157: Murray the A**hole Frog, The Fellowship of the Ring: Trick-Taking Game, ARTBOX, Rebel Princess, A Gentle Rain 26:40

8M ago26:40

26:40

Hello friends and welcome to The Five By! Your quatriweekly source of rapid-fire board game reviews. 00:00 Meeple Lady - Introduction 00:43 Jose - Murray the A**hole Frog 06:18 John - The Fellowship of the Ring: Trick Taking Game 11:02 Aaron - ARTBOX 16:35 Justin - Rebel Princess 21:38 Meeple Lady - A Gentle Rain 26:02 Ruel - Outro…

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No Simple Road's Weekly Rewind Vol. 109: Country That Is Cosmic 50:32

8M ago50:32

50:32

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the Rewind we are recapping having our minds individually and collectively blown this weekend by Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country here in Portland and in Eugene!…

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The Tuesday String Band - The Strings of Change 1:09:28

8M ago1:09:28

1:09:28

Stumbling upon a dusty mandolin in an antique store wasn't just a chance encounter for Ryan—it was the spark that ignited a passion for bluegrass music. Join us as we recount the fascinating journey of The Tuesday String Band, musicians who transitioned from the world of jazz music and outdoor rehearsals at Western Oregon University to the vibrant …

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No Simple Road's Weekly Rewind Vol. 108: Celebrating 400 Interview Episodes 50:26

8M ago50:26

50:26

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the Rewind we are celebrating a huge milestone for No Simple Road... 400 interviews! It's hard to put into words the feeling of coming from a solo podcast on t…

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Bronwyn Keith-Hynes - The Heart of Bluegrass 1:09:58

8M ago1:09:58

1:09:58

What can a whirlwind wedding day and a Grammy nomination teach us about music and life? Join us as we chat with the phenomenal Bronwyn Keith Hynes, a Nashville-based bluegrass fiddler and singer, whose recent personal milestones offer us insight and inspiration. From an early morning ceremony at The Opry to a brunch reception with loved ones from a…

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Max Wareham - Taking Musical Chances 1:29:20

8M ago1:29:20

1:29:20

Discover the fascinating journey of musician Max Wareham as he transitions from jazz to bluegrass, uncovering a serendipitous family connection with legendary bluegrass artist Peter Rowan. Max’s tale is not just about finding lineage but also about the dedication and persistence required to learn from a master. We explore how Max's musical understa…

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No Simple Road's Weekly Rewind: Vol. 107 - Back At It 47:54

8M ago47:54

47:54

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the Rewind we are recapping this past weekend's Disco Biscuits show here in Portland! Beyond amazed at what that band can do. We are also heading into that tim…

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John Mailander - Life Changing Melodies 1:20:19

9M ago1:20:19

1:20:19

What if the essence of music could transcend time and space, connecting artists and audiences in a magical symphony of shared experiences? Join us as we explore the intricate world of fiddle playing with the incredibly talented John Mailander. John opens up about the profound influence of music festivals like Yosemite's Strawberry Music Festival an…

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Episode 156: Murdle, Cat Blues: The Big Gig, Combo aka Surfosaurus MAX, Shackleton Base: A Journey To The Moon, Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West 26:43

9M ago26:43

26:43

Hello friends and welcome to The Five By! Your quatriweekly source of rapid-fire board game reviews. 00:00 Sarah - Introduction 00:38 Meeple Lady - Murdle 05:19 Jose - Cat Blues: The Big Gig 09:54 Aaron - Combo aka Surfosaurus MAX 15:12 Justin - Shackleton Base: A Journey To The Moon 20:26 Sarah - Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West 25:58 Jo…

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No Simple Road's Weekly Rewind Vol. 106: Let's Get Together 41:25

9M ago41:25

41:25

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! We are taking this week's Rewind and sharing some information and resources for those out there affected by the fires in Los Angeles. L.A is Aaron's childhood home, our dau…

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Langhorne Slim - A Sweet and Mad World 1:34:15

9M ago1:34:15

1:34:15

Life’s complexities are our playground as we welcome Langhorne Slim to No Simple Road! We navigate the quirks of growing older, embracing our passions with a bit more fervor and curiosity. Despite the chaos, enduring friendships and the legacies of loved ones remain our anchors. UFOs might hover in our musings, but it's the relationships we cherish…

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No Simple Road's Weekly Rewind: Vol. 105 - Evolving 1:01:35

9M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the No Simple Road Weekly Rewind we jump right into the fray discussing Phish's New Year's Eve performance at Madison Square Garden! Love it or hate it, it was…

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No Simple Road's Weekly Rewind Vol. 104: 2024 Rewound 1:10:11

9M ago1:10:11

1:10:11

Catch up with the No Simple Road crew as they discuss everything from the music scene, family life, show recaps & reviews, spirituality, psychedelics, and everything in-between! This week on the No Simple Road Weekly Rewind we are journeying through the year 2024 to find our "favorite" episodes. As with any labor of love, it is extremely difficult …