Best The Brian Oake Show Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 478 Breanne Marie (of Breanne Marie and the Front Porch Sinners) 57:14

14d ago57:14

57:14

What exactly is a front porch sinner? You'll just have to listen to find out. This outstanding Duluthian band has a new album coming out soon...if only enough people kick on their Kickstarter campaign. https://tinyurl.com/525yusfk We had a great conversation with Breanne and found out why she's so passion about their music AND she shared secret pla…

1
International student visa revocations, the future of abandoned boats in Morro Bay, Robin Greenfield's experiments in non-ownership, and a volunteer's tribute to the Live Oak Music Festival 58:51

22h ago58:51

58:51

Professor Jared Van Ramshorst from Cal Poly's Department of Political Science talks to KCBX's Meher Ali about recent student deportations and visa revocations that have impacted international students across the country, including at Cal Poly. Then, KCBX’s Adam Solorzano reports on a state grant received by Morro Bay that will enable it to demolish…

1
Ep 480 Paul Irmiter (local filmmaker) 1:04:58

14h ago1:04:58

1:04:58

MN filmaker Paul Irmiter (39 Seconds) joins us to talk process, story and many other fascinating facets of filmaking. Hit latest full-length documentary '39 Seconds' tell the very little-known story of a man who many considered the greatest baseball player of his generation. It's an incredible story, and the story about making this film is also ver…

1
Ep 479 Edie Rae 1:09:17

6d ago1:09:17

1:09:17

Edie Rae (The Edie Rae Band, The deLinda's, etc) makes her inaugural visit to the SmartStart MN studio! From humble beginnings in Spread Eagle, WI, she brings a lifetime of songwriting, storytelling and a fierce love of the Twin Cities music community to the conversation. She runs her own record label, is bringing out a MN Music themed cookbook, an…

1
Congressman Salud Carbajal on the state of our democracy, Fr. Ian travels to Guadalupe for locally-made sausages, and a peace activist shares their story of how they got banned from Israel for 99 years ... 58:37

9d ago58:37

58:37

Congressman Salud Carbajal speaks with KCBX’s News Director Monica Lopez and KCBX reporter Gabriela Fernandez about the current administration’s policies and actions and what resonated with him at the Town Hall meeting that he co-hosted with Senator Adam Schiff at Cuesta College on April 22nd. For Playing with Food, KCBX's Fr. Ian Delinger travels …

1
Ep 477 Youa Vang 59:10

15d ago59:10

59:10

Our old friend, Youa Vang stopped by to share what she's working on at the Ramsey County Historical Society and of course her amazing cross-stitch work with her sister. Third Daughter, Restless Daughter work can be found at 3drdcrafts.com and on all the socials. See them at Art-A-Whirl this year. We love Youa!…

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Celebrating the history of our county's diverse workforce, Jennifer Adams on the impact of potential federal funding cuts on survivors, and Elaine Genasci reflects on two decades of keeping felines healthy ... 58:09

16d ago58:09

58:09

By Meher Ali

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Ep 476 Chris Mozena & Ira Ford (Hook & Ladder Bong Show 4/20) 56:11

18d ago56:11

56:11

This Sunday may be Easter, but it's also 4/20!! Chris Mozena, Executive Director of the Hook & Ladder, tells us all about the annual ZEN20 celebration. Stoner bingo, live music (dosh!!!) and a coule rounds of The Bong Show, hosted by local comedian Ira Ford. Tune in turn on and turn out this Sunday for this highest of holidays! Cheers!!…

1
475 Matthew French 52:49

22d ago52:49

52:49

Matthew French comes back to the 'cast and opens up a vein! We go unexpectedly deep on his journey with mental health. We also hear three songs from his new full length "Circles', which is largely informed by his aforementioned journey. The new album streams everywhere May 1st. You can also check him out live in Duluth on 4/27. Find out more at mfr…

1
Ep 474 Drew Peterson (40 Watt Bulb) 50:30

28d ago50:30

50:30

These days, Drew Peterson is a solo artist, but he used to be the main man behind Midwestern greats 40 Watt Bulb. This Friday (4/11) at the Hook and Ladder, Drew and company will be playing 40 Watt's debut release 'Shovel's Length Short' in it's entirety to celbrate the 21st anniversay of that release. We talk life in rural Minnesota, on the road a…

1
Poets from SLO County celebrate National Poetry Month, Immigrant winemakers on their journey from "cellar rats" to entrepreneurs, and seeing the world through the SLO International Film Festival 58:21

1M ago58:21

58:21

April is National Poetry Month, and we invited Caleb Nichols, the Poet Laureate of San Luis Obispo County, to gather local poets from the region to do a poetry reading session at our studio. Caleb hosts the segment. Mira Honeycutt, host of Wine Country, speaks to winemakers Edgar Torres and Enrique Torres about their journey to making Spanish wines…

1
Ep 473 Ryan Robert Nelson (Actor, Improvisor, Writer, singer) 1:01:20

30d ago1:01:20

1:01:20

Ryan Robert Nelson joined us on today's show! You've seen him in local TV commericals, in local productions for many years at Brave New Workshop and Yellow Tree Theater and now Ryan joins us to talk to us about his current project, the Folsom Prison Experience and original Johnny Cash tribute show that is touring and will arrive at the Fitzgeral th…

1
472 Martin Devaney 55:04

1M ago55:04

55:04

It's the return of the Unofficial Mayor of St. Paul! Once again, Martin Devaney is back in the SmartStartMN Studio. We talk about his latest release, Blueprint For A Ghost, and his upcoming gigs. I'm glas Martin is a friend of the show. Enjoy!

1
Ep 471 Local author Scott Berndt 56:52

1M ago56:52

56:52

This time, we are joined by MN author Scott Berndt. His book John Cleese Saved My Life...and Other True Tales of Pop, Politics and Prayer is an illuminating look at the intersection of Life, Music and Perspective. A very thoughtful man with great taste in music. Enjoy!

1
Ira Glass on storytelling and documenting our times, making handmade caramels with entrepreneur Erin Holden, and a nonprofit's fundraiser to boost school band programs 59:09

1M ago59:09

59:09

Marisa Waddell, KCBX Program Director, is in conversation with Ira Glass, the creator, producer, and host of This American Life. Ira is touring with a show called An Evening With Ira Glass, Seven Things I’ve Learned, and he’s coming to the San Luis Obispo Performing Arts Center on April 5th at 8 pm. Here, he shares his thoughts about what makes a g…

1
Ep 470 Jim Meyer 1:04:55

1M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

Reknowned MN music writer Jim Meyer joins to talk about the halcyon days of writing about the scene for City Pages. We also cover his time at the Minnesota Daily, The Star Tribune, writing for a major record retailer and more. After a twenty year absence from music journalism he's back on Substack. We cover a lot of ground and he chose some excelle…

1
Ep 469 Kung Fu Hippies (Chad Whitaker) 49:50

1M ago49:50

49:50

Chad Whittaker (Kung Fu Hippies) is back! Kung Fu Hippies are also back with a brand new album 5+ years in the making. 'North' will be released Friday March 28, and their massive album release extravaganza will happen the following night at Bunker's. The new songs sound great! Just listen for yourself. Enjoy!…

1
Monarch butterflies and why their survival is key, Mothers for Peace on advocating for Diablo Canyon's closure, the Santa Barbara Transgender Advocacy Network and a brief history of birthright citizenship ... 58:11

1M ago58:11

58:11

KCBX Programming Intern Sam Doyle-Jacobson's interview with Randy Widera, Director of Programs for California State Parks Foundation, where he discusses the decline in monarch butterfly populations and why their survival is key. Linda Seeley and Jane Swanson, board members of San Luis Obispo Mothers for Peace, speak with KCBX's Meher Ali about thei…

1
Ep 468 Keri Noble and Matt Patrick 57:25

2M ago57:25

57:25

Yay! It's the return of my dear, dear friend Keri Noble! She just recorded a brand new album in a highly unothodox manner. She brought along Matt Patrick (The Library Recording Studio) who helped her with this unlikely, yet wonderful project. We also debut three brand new songs! This one warmed my heart. I hope you enjoy it. Cheers!…

1
Following Harry Belafonte in Santa Barbara, Wine for Paws weekend and a wine memoir about working the 1995 crush on California's Central Coast 58:56

2M ago58:56

58:56

Susanne Rostock, director of “Following Harry,” a documentary about the life of singer, actor and activist Harry Belafonte, speaks with KCSB reporter Kelly Darroch about her lifelong friendship with Belafonte. The documentary was featured at this year’s Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Then, for Peace, Love and Pets, Robin Coleman of Wood…

1
Ep 467 Cosgrove (The All Irish Show) 1:30:01

2M ago1:30:01

1:30:01

John Cosgrove joined us for the All Irish edition of the show in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Always great craic with Johnny! Enjoy the tunes and the cheeky banter.

1
Vintners carrying the Paso Cab flag, nurturing youth learning through the loop of music and how Dignity Health's hospitals serve the Central Coast 59:30

2M ago59:30

59:30

We have a brand new segment here on Issues and Ideas! It’s called Wine Country and it’s hosted by wine journalist Mira Honeycutt. Mira is in conversation with Paso Vintners Gary Eberle, founder of Eberle Winery, and Jerry Lor, founder of J. Lor Vineyards and Wines, about Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles. Sarah Mason, founder of the nonprofit Inf…

1
Ep 466 Mike Michel (The Orange Goodness & Indie Rock Den) 54:14

2M ago54:14

54:14

Mike Michel is more than the main brain behind the band The Orange Goodness. He's also a frequent musical collaborator, educator and a wealth of musical knowledge and good stories. His Indie Rock Den series (think School Of Rock for adults) has an upcoming showcase and is taking applicants for the next series. Enjoy!…

1
Ep 465 Dylan Hicks 55:57

2M ago55:57

55:57

This time Dylan Hicks stops by to talk about the life and times of...Dylan Hicks. We also cover his upcoming show at the Dakota with Sarah Morris, and hear plenty of his music. Enjoy!

1
Ep 464 Elizabeth Ghandour from ELOUR 1:02:35

2M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

We were joined by Elizabeth Ghandour from the band ELOUR. She's the main singer and songwriter for the band. This was a band stumbled into at The Big Turn festival a couple of weeks ago and we knew we had to have her on. She plays one live and a couple off of her last album. Shows coming up. Check your local listings.…

1
Ep 463 Turn Turn Turn (Adam Levy & Barb Brystad-Sans Savannah Smith 1:02:54

2M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Two-thirds of Turn Turn Turn stopped by to premier their new song "Hungry Ghosts", which is being released on Friday, February 298th. Lovely conversation with Adam and Barb. Enjoy!

1
Amanda Wernik on the Refugio pipeline, California's Wheat2School program, SLO Repertory's Million Dollar Quartet and a poetry reading to honor Refaat Alareer 57:01

2M ago57:01

57:01

KCBX reporter Amanda Wernik talks about why it's important for her to report on the Refugio pipeline. Fr. Ian Delinger visits schools in San Luis Obispo County to learn more about California Wheat Commission's Wheat2School project. KCBX reporter Alyssa Toledo's story about the musical Million Dollar Quartet playing at the San Luis Obispo Repertory …

1
Ep 462 Sean's review of Big Turn Music Festival 44:45

2M ago44:45

44:45

Sean and his wifey went to the Big Turn Music Festival this last weekend. He reviews the entire weekend and picked some songs that he absolutely loved on trip. Please subscribe and share.

1
Ep 461 Karan Casey (Zoom interview from Cork Ireland) 58:39

3M ago58:39

58:39

The lovely and fierce Karan Casey spent an hour with us today to discuss her music which is rooted in passion and social justice. She's performed with James Taylor, The Dubliners, The Chieftain's and many others. She'll be performing at Celtic Junction in St. Paul on March 16th and tickets are still available. Slainte'!…

1
Central Coast's first-ever cat cafe, Cal Poly's Mariachi ensemble, musician Chencho Perez's journey and author Yang Huang on her life and writing 59:35

3M ago59:35

59:35

KCBX's Robin Coleman talks with Jaime Pierce, owner of the Caffeinated Cat Cafe in Grover Beach for Peace, Love and Pets. Sam DJ, Programming Intern at KCBX, talks to members of Cal Poly's Mariachi ensemble about their heritage and what Mariachi means to them. From the California Report, reporter Benjamin Purper talks to Chencho Perez, a musician, …

1
Ep 460 Pam Linton 1:07:06

3M ago1:07:06

1:07:06

Minnesota's own Pam Linton joined us to talk about her life as a country music performer, her life with country star Sherwyn Linton and her upcoming CD release party of "Songs of the Carter Family" on March 14th at Crooner's Supper Club in Fridley. Get tickets before they're gone!

1
Ep 459 Michael Anschel OA Design Build Architecture 1:06:38

3M ago1:06:38

1:06:38

Our dear friend and sponsor, Michael Anschel of OA Design, Build, Architecture joined us to let out some frustration about the current administration and to give some hope for our entire nation. We talk Super Bowl halftime show, his fantastic business and so much more. Enjoy!

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Maureen Zawalick on Diablo Canyon's safety and future, fulfilling end-of-life dreams at Dream Makers SLO and sips of wisdom on building a brand 57:12

3M ago57:12

57:12

Jim Dantona, host of Working Lunch and CEO of San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce sits down with Maureen Zawalick, Vice President of Business and Technical Services at PG&E to talk about the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. KCBX's Brian Reynolds talks to Reilly Newman, co-author of a new book, along with his business partner Scott Saunders, title…

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ep 458 Sarah Morris & Doug Collins "Family Dinner" at The White Squirrel 1:02:03

3M ago1:02:03

1:02:03

Sarah Morris and Doug Collins treated us to three live songs in the SmartStartMN studio. We shared "Plinko" stories, "petting the Ginko" and much much more. They are both old friends of the show, so this one is particularly silly. They will be at the White Squirrel the last Wednesday of every month until the end of time. Enjoy!…

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Music education and the SLO Youth Symphony, scholarships to honor Dr. King, SLO County's immigrant community and the NIH funding pause 59:15

3M ago59:15

59:15

Grace Seng, Music Education Manager of the SLO Symphony, in conversation with Marisa Waddell, KCBX's Program Director about music education and the SLO Youth Symphony. Mary Matakovich, Board President for the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. High School Memorial Scholarship Fund, speaks to Sam DJ, Programming Intern at KCBX, about honoring Dr. King thr…

1
Ep 457 RIP Rob Sheeley 50:02

3M ago50:02

50:02

Friend of the show, Ric Menck, joins us to pay tribute to Rob Sheeley. Rob was many things throughout his life, but probably best known as the proprietor and spritual core of the the Hopkins record store, Mill City Sound. We talk about the man and play some of his favorite songs. Enjoy!

1
Ep 456 Bicycle 48:15

3M ago48:15

48:15

It's going to be close to 50 degrees in Minneapolis today. Sean has a hankerin' for a bike ride. That's today's theme. Enjoy!

1
Lee Herrick, California's poet laureate, affordable pet boarding and the Garagiste Wine Festival 59:43

3M ago59:43

59:43

Lee Herrick, the poet laureate of California in conversation with Caleb Nichols, the new poet laureate of San Luis Obispo County. Robin Coleman for Peace, Love and Pets speaks to Isabelle Gullö from Care for Paws and Katie Bean from Creekside Pet Boarding, about their efforts to make pet boarding more affordable in San Luis Obispo County. KCBX’s Fa…

1
Ep 455 Brian is back! 42:22

3M ago42:22

42:22

Brian is back from an illness. He talks about it on the show and his path moving forward. You'll hear some great tunes...a few tears from both of us, and some hope!

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Ep454 Julius Collins (Greazy Meal, Dr. Mambo's Combo, Prince Tributes & More)! 1:07:10

4M ago1:07:10

1:07:10

My dear friend, Julius Collins comes out swinging! We talk about the Trumpster fire, what's wrong and right with America. Vikings intergenerational heartbreak. And, Juice picks some outstanding tunes, from Greazy Meal to Prince, to Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Check out his Marvin Gaye tribute at the historic Capri Theatre on the North Side in Fe…

1
Ep 453 John Cosgrove (Cover Songs) 47:17

4M ago47:17

47:17

John Cosgrove (our Irish brother) talked about his Minnesota connections traveling to Ireland. We talked a bit about what the Irish think about our recent election and John and I share many cover songs and why we love it when an artist makes the cover their own. Enjoy the craic!

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New California laws, reflecting on the Live Oak Music Festival, UCSB's researchers speak against war and a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum 58:28

4M ago58:28

58:28

A summary of state laws taking effect this year, from the California Report. Frank Lanzone, KCBX Director and General Manager, and Greg Perry, Development Director and key organizer of the Live Oak Music Festival chat with KCBX's Meher Ali about their best moments at Live Oak. Festival tickets go on sale January 20th at 10 am. Researchers Against W…

1
Ep 452 John Cosgrove (Accents) 58:52

4M ago58:52

58:52

Our good friend John Cosgrove joined as co-host today. John is from near northern Ireland and he shared a bevy of great stories about growing up in Ireland and we focused the music around the trend of performers singing with their original accents, instead of trying to sound American. We had a blast!…

1
Ep 451 Katy Vernon Co-host 2 1:01:24

4M ago1:01:24

1:01:24

Katy Vernon is back to talk about her music, music she loves and about her version of spirituality and so much more. Enjoy! Help her fund the new Favourite Girl album by going to GoFundMe.com and searching "Favourite Girl" (in that funky English spelling.

1
Navigating life in a divided nation, the Morro Bay Bird Festival and the concerns of undocumented immigrants living on the Central Coast 58:45

4M ago58:45

58:45

Tania Israel, author and Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of California at Santa Barbara, speaks with KCBX’s Brian Reynolds about her new book Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation. Registration is open at this year’s Morro Bay Bird Festival that starts on January 16th until the 20th. …

1
Ep 450 Katy Vernon Co-host 58:11

4M ago58:11

58:11

Katy Vernon was on the show. We talked a ton about her new music with her band, Favourite Girl and upcoming events like the Women's March and an event at White Squirrel. We added a dose of recovery and mental health solutions as well. Enjoy!

1
Ep 449 Front Row Paul 2025! 50:35

4M ago50:35

50:35

You say you want a resolution, well, ya know... Front Row Paul is back as co-host and this time we talk about what he's looking forward to in 2025, live shows, golf and giving back. He pulled some great tunes for this show. Enjoy!

1
Ep 448 Front Row Paul (Engebretson) 55:04

4M ago55:04

55:04

Are you kidding me? Front Row Paul was on the show with me today, filling in as co-host while Brian is out. We talked about the history of FRP and how he fell in love with music, a little politics and even some golf. Enjoy!

1
Ep 447 Aaron Seymour 2024 YIR and 2025 Early Look 1:06:58

4M ago1:06:58

1:06:58

Aaron Seymour joins the Brian Oake Show once again. This time he highlights his favorite songs and shows of 2024 and previews his hopes and fears of 2025. Enjoy!

1
E 446 Aaron Seymour Christmas 1:00:30

4M ago1:00:30

1:00:30

You may remember him from such bands as The Widgets, The Delilahs or even Bleek & Grimm. I know him as Aaron Seymour, international man of mystery. Aaron and I played some of our favorite Christmas tunes and told stories of getting the gifts we almost wanted as children. Thanks to Aaron for co-hosting. We're all hoping Brian is on the mend and will…

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