Rain on the glass, fire in the stove, and a brand-new song hitting the headphones for the very first time. That’s where we begin—a cozy Northern California night that quickly swells into a music-first journey, a kitchen tale, a sports rollercoaster, and a heartfelt goodbye to a songwriter who meant more than a chorus or two could hold.
We kick off with local love for Rock and Soul Diner’s two-for-one dinner deal and then spin straight into a cold premiere of Johnny Quality’s Sweet Jesus. No pre-listen, no notes—just raw, gritty textures that echo Tom Waits and dark-country grit. The track unfolds like a neon-lit back road, and we talk about how a song’s pulse can slow the room down until you can finally hear yourself think. Between sips of split pea soup (with a soft asparagus twist) and a brown-butter pie story, we dig into why cooking from scratch feels a lot like good radio: it takes time, intention, and the courage to share the result.
From there, the mood shifts to the weekend’s NFL beats: Rams bringing heat that forces mistakes, Niners steady over the Cardinals, and the eternal tug-of-war among family fandoms—Vikings, Bears, Rams, and Niners all claiming a corner of the living room. We pull the lens back from blame to the trenches, where pass rush and protection write the truth most box scores miss. A quick nod to Herb Alpert and a charming archival drop from Rick Moranis on the intimate cadence of FM DJs bridge us into the night’s heaviest moment.
Todd Snider’s passing lands hard. We remember the wit, the roadside wisdom, and the vulnerability inside songs like Alright Guy, and we trace his path through alt-country circles, Oh Boy Records, and festival stages that still hum with his stories. We share what made his writing feel like a friend you could count on—honest, funny, a little bruised, and always trying. The episode closes where his music lives best: out under festival lights, among people who listen with their whole hearts.
If this mix of first listens, kitchen warmth, sports perspective, and a sincere tribute resonates with you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Your notes and stories keep the fire going.