Eat the Brick

Eat the Brick Ep 30 : 'We're not back'

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 07:47:30 -0300

This was pre-recorded when the fellas knew they would be away. We may say we're back but currently Joel is back in Alaska and Randy is somewhere in midwest America coming home from the Telluride Bluegrass Festival

But for this ep, Joel had just gotten back from Alaska. Randy had just gotten back from an East Coast run with Nick Lutsko and the 100k Band.

We sat down to talk about touring and mostly ended up talking about the ins and outs of life on the road and how it affects us.

Money, burnout, relationships, long drives, great gigs, and the strange feeling of spending weeks trying to get home only to realize you may have left part of yourself out there.

Episode 30: We're Not Back.

Ep 29 'Eight Gigs a Week'

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 22:37:27 -0300

Episode 29: 8 Gigs a Week with Dan Pinson

How many shows should a musician be playing?

This week, Randy Steele sits down with Chattanooga musician Dan Pinson to talk about finding the right balance between performing, creating, and promoting. The conversation explores the realities of booking gigs, staying active on social media, overcoming the fear of self-promotion, and keeping momentum going as an independent artist.

Dan also shares what he has coming up, thoughts on the Chattanooga music scene, and lessons learned from playing regularly around town.

A candid conversation about music, motivation, and making it work as a working musician in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Eat the Brick is a podcast about music, creativity, culture, and the people building communities around them.

🎙️ Hosted by Randy Steele
📍 Chattanooga, Tennessee

Ep. 28 'Arsonists on Ice' w/Spencer Blake

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 07:16:33 -0300

Eat the Brick Podcast Episode 28: Arsonists on Ice with Spencer Blake

This week, Randy Steele sits down one-on-one with musician, educator, and mentor Spencer Blake for a conversation about learning music, starting bands, and helping the next generation of musicians find their footing.

Spencer shares stories from his first bands, what it was like learning music as a young player, and how those experiences led him to create a summer rock camp designed for musicians under 18. The camp goes far beyond learning songs—it teaches young musicians how to play with other people, work as a band, prepare for a live performance, and experience everything that goes into putting on a real show.

If you're a musician, a parent, a music educator, or someone who remembers the excitement of starting your first band, this episode is packed with stories, lessons, and insight from someone passionate about growing the local music community.

Topics include:
• Spencer Blake's musical beginnings
• First bands and early gigs
• Learning to play with other musicians
• Building confidence as a young performer
• The importance of live music education
• Summer Rock Camp for musicians under 18
• What it takes to prepare for a live show
• Chattanooga music community

Subscribe for more conversations about music, creativity, bluegrass, rock, songwriting, festivals, touring, and life in the Southeast.

#EatTheBrick #SpencerBlake #ChattanoogaMusic #MusicEducation #RockCamp #Podcast #RandySteele #Songwriting #LiveMusic #MusicLessons

Ep. 27 Shawkra Pt. 2 w/ Jakey Lutsko

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:36:29 -0300

Episode 27 of the Eat the Brick podcast is here: Shawkra Pt 2 with Jakey Lutsko. This episode turned into something we honestly weren’t planning to release. This was supposed to be the 2nd part of Joel’s goodbye as he left for Alaska. We talked about what was happening and what Joel has coming up over the next few months. I really thought that what this episode would be but after the response to the clips and social media videos from Jakey last week and after getting a flood of messages, comments, and emails, we decided it was important to put everything on the table and clear the air. Bad news : Joel will be gone for a few months. Good news : we had already been pre-recording episodes for my upcoming touring schedule so we have a ton to get us through until he returns! In the second half of the episode, Jakey Lutsko joins the conversation as Joel and Randy talk openly about his massive head wound and how he needs to get it check out. Jakey goes on multiple weird rampages about obvious falsehoods and Joel inexplicably follows him right down the rabbit hole. This is also part of Joel’s final run of episodes before heading to Alaska, making this one feel especially raw, reflective, and honest. If you like gaping head wounds, conspiracy theories about nothing in particular, or if you’ve been following the Eat the Brick podcast, the Chattanooga music scene, southeastern jam culture, bluegrass, Americana, folk music, or independent artists trying to navigate creative life, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Eat the Brick Podcast 📍 Chattanooga, Tennessee 🎶 Music • Conversation • Culture • Storytelling #EatTheBrick #Chattanooga #Podcast #AmericanaMusic #Bluegrass

Ep. 26 Shawkra Pt. 1

Mon, 25 May 2026 08:00:00 -0300

Episode 26 of Eat the Brick Podcast — “Shawkra” (Part 1)

Joel and Randy explore the connections between music, rivers, creativity, and culture in this wide-ranging conversation centered around Joel’s ambient music project inspired by the chakras of the body.

The episode dives deep into the influence of the Ocoee River on Chattanooga and the Southeast — from rafting and kayaking culture to the musicians, artists, and wandering personalities that have helped shape the region’s creative identity.

They talk about how rivers influence rhythm, community, and musical journeys, while also touching on jam bands, bluegrass, folk traditions, Appalachian culture, and ambient composition.

Joel also discusses his upcoming temporary move to Alaska and what that season of life means creatively, though plenty more episodes featuring Joel are still on the way.

A conversation about sound, movement, nature, and the Southeast.

Ep. 25 'Alaskan Walkabout' w/ Austin Otis

Mon, 18 May 2026 08:01:58 -0300

On episode 25 of Joel and Randy Eat the Brick, we sit down with special guest Austin Otis, mayor of Ketchikan, Alaska, to talk about small towns, local politics, music scenes, and what life is really like in southeast Alaska as Joel gets ready to spend a few months living there. We get into Chattanooga culture, Tennessee music communities, road stories, local food, bluegrass and Americana scenes, and the differences between life in Alaska and the Southeast. If you’re into podcasts about music, local culture, live events, small-town stories, or just hearing good conversation between friends, this one’s for you. Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Joel and Randy Eat the Brick covers music, food, touring, live shows, and the people that make local communities interesting. If you’re watching from Chattanooga, Cleveland, Athens, Knoxville, Dalton, North Georgia, or anywhere nearby, make sure to subscribe and leave a comment.

Ep. 24 'Section 405' w/ Mike Monen

Mon, 11 May 2026 07:00:00 -0300

Episode 24 of Joel & Randy Eat the Brick features Mike Monen from Barrelhouse Ballroom.

Mike joins the show to talk about the vision behind Barrelhouse Ballroom, what it’s really like opening and running a live music venue, and the challenges that come with trying to build something meaningful for Chattanooga’s music community. Along the way, we get into pizza, jam bands, bluegrass, touring culture, and some hilarious Phish stories from years of going to shows.

If you’re into live music, local venues, jam bands, bluegrass, Americana, or Chattanooga culture, this episode’s for you.

Ep. 23 East Coast Tour Stories Pt. 2 w/ Nick Lutsko

Mon, 04 May 2026 08:23:24 -0300

East Coast Tour Stories (Part 2) | Eat the Brick Podcast w/ Nick Lutsko In this episode of the Eat the Brick Podcast, Randy sits down with songwriter, philosopher, and touring artist Nick Lutsko to break down his recent East Coast tour. Nick is now a multiple award-winning commercial songwriter with a growing reputation as a unique voice in independent music and comedy. After wrapping a run of shows up and down the East Coast, joined by Randy, the conversation dives into what really happens on the road, well not everything but a lot! This is Part 2 of a two-part series covering the full east coast tour. Nick Lutsko and the 100k Band’s West coast Tour begins in July, you can keep up with him at www.nicklutsko.com

2026 Lutsko Dates 5/30 - Gainesville, FL 7/9- San Diego, CA 7/10 - Hollywood, CA 7/11 - Berkeley, CA 7/12 - Felton, CA 7/14 - Sacramento, CA 7/16 - Bend, OR 7/17 - Seattle, WA 7/18 - Portland, OR If you’re into songwriting, touring life, indie artists, or the behind-the-scenes reality of live music, Eat The Brick is for you.

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of the Eat the Brick Podcast.

Ep. 22 East Coast Tour Stories Pt. 1 w/Nick Lutsko

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:19:51 -0300

East Coast Tour Stories (Part 1) | Eat the Brick Podcast w/ Nick Lutsko

Description:

In this episode of the Eat the Brick Podcast, Randy sits down with songwriter and touring artist Nick Lutsko to break down his recent East Coast tour.

Nick is now a multiple award-winning commercial songwriter with a growing reputation as a unique voice in independent music and comedy. After wrapping a run of shows up and down the East Coast, joined by Randy, the conversation dives into what really happens on the road: the highs, the crowds, and the moments you don’t see on stage.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series covering the full east coast tour.

Nick Lutsko and the 100k Band’s West coast Tour begins in July, you can keep up with him at www.nicklutsko.com

2026 Lutsko Dates

5/30 - Gainesville, FL

7/9- San Diego, CA

7/10 - Hollywood, CA

7/11 - Berkeley, CA

7/12 - Felton, CA

7/14 - Sacramento, CA

7/16 - Bend, OR

7/17 - Seattle, WA

7/18 - Portland, OR

If you’re into songwriting, touring life, indie artists, or the behind-the-scenes reality of live music, Eat The Brick is for you.

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of the Eat the Brick Podcast.

Ep. 21 Disco Load Out pt. 2 w/Tyler Martelli

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:45:16 -0300

This was a pretty fun day, we’d recorded a Podcast with Tyler earlier in the day and then he came along with Joel and I as we did an Interview

What’s it like to go from the local scene to playing packed rooms with one of the fastest-rising indie bands?

On this episode of Eat the Brick, we sit down with guitarist Tyler Martelli, who’s been on the road with Monrovia as their momentum has exploded over the last two years.

Tyler shares what it’s really like behind the scenes—touring, leveling up as a musician, and playing bigger stages night after night. We get into the growth of Monrovia, what separates bands that make it from those that don’t, and how the grind of the road shapes you as a player.

If you’re a fan of jam bands, indie rock, bluegrass, or the Chattanooga music scene, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes to break through—and what happens after you do.

🎧 Whether you’re here for insider info on Monrovia, discovering new music podcasts, or just love hearing real stories from working musicians, you’re in the right place.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations with artists, musicians, and scene builders

👉 Drop a comment if you’ve seen Monrovia live or caught Tyler on the road

Ep.20 Disco Load Out pt.1 w/ Tyler Martelli

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:50:39 -0300

This was a fun day, we'd already recorded one Podcast earlier that day, then Tyler came with Joel and I as we did a Radio interview about Eat The Brick. Then we came back and did these 2 podcasts back to back. Hanging with Tyler is a lot of fun and he gives some great insight into the ins and outs of being a touring musician. What’s it like to go from the local scene to playing packed rooms with one of the fastest-rising indie bands? On this episode of Eat the Brick, we sit down with guitarist Tyler Martelli, who’s been on the road with Monrovia as their momentum has exploded over the last two years. Tyler shares what it’s really like behind the scenes—touring, leveling up as a musician, and playing bigger stages night after night. We get into the growth of Monrovia, what separates bands that make it from those that don’t, and how the grind of the road shapes you as a player. If you’re a fan of jam bands, indie rock, bluegrass, or the Chattanooga music scene, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes to break through—and what happens after you do. 🎧 Whether you’re here for Monrovia, discovering new music podcasts, or just love hearing real stories from working musicians… you’re in the right place. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with artists, musicians, and scene builders 👉 Drop a comment if you’ve seen Monrovia live or caught Tyler on the road

Ep. 19 Suwanee Spring Report '26

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 08:17:55 -0300

In this episode, the fellas dive into Joel’s full recap of the Suwannee Spring Reunion. Joel shares his favorite moments from the weekend, the bands that surprised him, and the one artist you NEED to have on your radar, here's a hint, it's Tire Fire. From late-night jams to unexpected discoveries, this is a boots-on-the-ground report from one of the most beloved festivals in bluegrass and jam band culture.

The conversation turns into a funny discussion centered around one question, Do you go talk to your musical heroes or leave them alone?

If you’ve ever been to a festival, chased a set, or debated walking up to an artist you admire—this episode is for you.

🎧 Perfect for:

• Bluegrass fans

• Jam band fans

• Independent musicians

• Festival lovers

👇 Drop a comment: Would YOU go talk to your favorite artist?

Subscribe for more real conversations from the Chattanooga music scene. #Bluegrass #JamBand #MusicPodcast #SuwanneeSpringReunion #FestivalLife #IndependentMusicians #EatTheBrick

Ep 18 'The Hammer' w/Tyler Martelli

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 06:01:00 -0300

On this episode of the Eat the Brick Podcast, longtime friend Tyler Martelli joins us to talk about the importance of friendship and “the hang,” discovering the truth about his Italian heritage, and earning a new nickname along the way.

Ep. 17 'The Molehill'

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:59:11 -0300

Stage fright before a show, is it a mountain or a molehill?

In this episode of the Joel and Randy Eat the Brick podcast, we get into a long discussion about pre-show nerves, performance anxiety, and what it feels like right before going on stage. Joel confesses that his stage fright is a molehill that can be overcome and harnessed, while Randy shares his ongoing struggle with pre-show anxiety as a performing musician.

If you're a musician, performer, or anyone dealing with stage fright or performance nerves, this episode breaks down both sides of the mindset.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast:
www.EatTheBrick.com

📸 Follow us:
Instagram: @joelandrandyetb

Joel: @joelforlines
Randy: @randysteeleonbanjo

👍 Like & Subscribe for more musician stories, bluegrass talk, jamband talk and podcast clips every week

#stagefright #performanceanxiety #podcast #musicians #livemusic

Ep. 16 Colors

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0300

Joel and Randy Eat the Brick Ep.16 Colors

Joel gets new vision, the guys discuss the legendary status of local musician BJ Hightower, Randy has break through while attending a High School Soccer game, Joel takes a hard stance on Jam band vocals.

Ep. 15 'Atlantic City'

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0300

Joel and Randy Eat the Brick Episode 15 'Atlantic City'. Joel learns that Randy is doing some music for the Chattanooga Ballet and he loses his mind about it. The guys discuss the infamous campfire scourge of 2018 known as the song 'Atlantic City'. We had fun, please like and comment! #chattanooga #music and #lifestyle #podcast

Ep. 14 Bill E. Piphany

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:01:52 -0400

Ep 14 Joel and Randy Eat the Brick ‘Bill E. Piphany’. We had a great conversation this week about Nashville, letting go, Joel gives a show report on Billy Strings and Randy commits the ultimate music sin.

Ep. 13 With a K w/ Bryan Knispel

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Joel and Randy Eat the Brick Episode 13 'With a K' w/ Bryan Knispel. This week we talk Chattanooga music, IBMA, Jam Band Culture, and part 1 of a fun discussion with Bryan Knispel. Bryan is the Venue Manager at Barrelhouse Ballroom and a longtime Sound Engineer. We happen to catch him coming out of a meeting and asked him to come in for an impromptu discussion about soundcheck, shows in and outs and the mysterious 'House Nut'. Thanks for listening! #chattanooga #musicpodcast

Ep. 12 Pellissippii Phil

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 07:52:11 -0400

We had a great conversation detailing Joel's mentor, reggae music, bluegrass music and folk festivals. Thanks for listening! Joel and Randy Eat the brick is a music and culture podcast based out of Chattanooga Tennessee

Ep. 11 The Dan Plan w/Alex Volz

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:20:48 -0400

This week we try having a guest! Alex Volz is local musician, author, teacher and radio broadcaster at WUTC 88.1. He's been looking into the local scene weekly on his show 'Scenic Sounds', which just began it's 3rd season on WUTC. You can find more info on Alex at www.wutc.org/people/alex-volz

Ep. 10 : Joel Makes Tea

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:26:12 -0400

Episode 10 : Joel Makes Tea

Man, it’s cold outside! A big thanks for all the folks who are listening and giving us feedback. Please feel free to let us know what we are missing in the comment section of theJoel and Randy Eat The Brick Youtube Page. We spent this week talking about booking shows, Chattanooga music cliques, booking strategies and tactics, Star Wars, and how to deal with all of em. I’ve added all the booking contact pages for the venues that I knew below, I decided not to put out emails but to list pages where those emails can be found. If I need to add some, let me know on Youtube. Thanks

Barking Legs Theater

https://www.barkinglegs.org

Barlery

https://www.instagram.com/barlery.chat/

Barrelhouse Ballroom

https://www.barrelhouseballroom.com/booking

Boneyard

https://www.boneyardbar.com/readme

Bud’s Bar and Grill

https://budssportsbar.com/contact/

Cherry Street Tavern

https://www.instagram.com/cherrystreettavern

Elsie’s Daughter

https://www.elsiesdaughters.com/contact

The Feed

https://www.feedtableandtavern.com/contact-us

Gate 11 Distillery

https://www.gate11distillery.com/events

Hi Fi Clyde’s

https://www.hificlydeschattanooga.com/live-music

JJ’s Bohemia

https://www.facebook.com/jjs.bohemia/

Redbud

https://redbudvenue.com/booking-%26-events

Songbirds

https://songbirds.org/contact/

Sluggo’s

https://sluggos.weebly.com

Tremont Tavern

https://www.tremonttavern.com/contact

Wanderlinger Brewery

https://www.wanderlinger.com

Westbound Honky Tonk

https://www.westboundhonkytonk.com/live-music

Whiskey Cowgirl

https://whiskeycowgirltn.com/contact-us/

The Woodshop

https://www.facebook.com/thewoodshoppresents

Yellow Racket Records

https://www.yellowracket.com/aboutus

Episode 9 : 'We don't need to practice, Randy'

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 07:49:55 -0400

Joel and Randy take on the hard questions about our beloved local music scene in Chattanooga Tennessee. Practice and Communication were the big issues of this episode begging the question, how often do you practice?

Joel and Randy Eat the Brick Episode 8 'For Real'

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:19:16 -0400

Joel and Randy take it outside to talk about Studio time, Social Media pressures, and the Chattanooga Local/Jam Band scene at the Barrelhouse Ballroom. Find us at EatTheBrick.Com

Joel and Randy Eat the Brick Test Episode 7

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:43:54 -0400

In this episode we discuss the Cover Band/ Tribute Band situation in our city.