🎙️ <strong>What’s the Reason for This?</strong> is the unfiltered, unexpected, and sometimes unhinged podcast where music meets mayhem. Hosted by Kodi and Shay, two jamgrass junkies with a knack for storytelling, this show dives into the heart of the bluegrass and jam band scene—with a few nitrous-fueled detours along the way. 🤠🎻</p>From parking lot legends and VIP miracles to deeply personal redemption arcs, each episode brings you wild tales, offbeat interviews, and honest conversations that explore the <em>why</em> behind the chaos. It’s about the music, the misadventures, and the magic that ties it all together.</p>
In this high-energy and heart-filled LIVE episode of What’s the Reason for This Podcast, we sit down with the full crew of Magoo—one of Colorado’s most exciting rising bluegrass-jam outfits. The boys share hilarious stories, wild origin tales, and honest reflections on their musical journey, from School of Rock performances in KISS 😜 makeup to shredding Telluride’s contest stage.
🎸 Courtlyn talks about swapping his electric guitar for flatpicking during the pandemic and shares his roots in the Texas band Podunk and eventual pivot to the Mandolin.
👋 Dylan reflects on his hand issues early on and what he did to overcome the injury and eventually switching to the Dobro.
🐸 Eric reveals the unexpected guitar skills that led to the birth of the current trio.
🧸 Denton enters the pod late, only to casually drop the story of getting mauled by a grizzly bear—and how it led to buying his first bass. (Yes, really.)
Together, they break down what it means to write music as a collective, how the band evolved with Denton’s addition, and what the future holds as they kick off their first national tour! 🚌🔥
Oh, and there's Slim Jim engagements, overdrive pedals, XXL shirt complaints, and a firm promise of a future bear-themed set. 🐻🎶
Tour stops, new music vibes, cover song chaos, and lots of laughs—this one’s packed.
🎵 Catch Magoo live and support the band as they climb faster than a mountain goat on Colombian nose candy!
🥁🎻 We’re in Louisville, CO with bluegrass trailblazers Hot Buttered Rum, straight outta California and into our hearts (and vintage stores). In this episode, Nat and Eric drop by the dungeon—err, green room—for a raw, hilarious, and heartfelt session featuring stripped-down songs and a full-circle journey from biodiesel buses to brand new studio albums.
🎶 In This Episode:
📧 Plus, they share why their email newsletter might just be the last non-soul-sucking form of social media. (Facts.)
🗺️ Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering them for the first time, this one's got laughs, lore, and a reminder that music is movement—both literal and cultural.
🎧 Listen now and catch them back in Colorado this August for RABAGRASS in Idaho Springs!
👉 hotbutteredrum.net 📨 Sign up for their newsletter — it’s old-school cool.
#HotButteredRum #BluegrassRevival #BiodieselBus #JamGrass #GhanaToNashville #AcousticSessions #WhatstheReasonforThis #PodcastLove #RabaGrass2025 #LiveMusicMatters #TempuraTourLife
🎸🔥 In this unforgettable episode of What’s the Reason for This?, we’re joined by Nashville’s own country guitar-slingin’ outlaw, Ben Gallaher—and let’s just say he came in stompin’. From soup cans and toy guitars in Pennsylvania to viral riffs and raw, gritty storytelling, Ben walks us through a career built on authenticity, calloused fingers, and the kind of passion you can feel through the strings. 🎶
✨ Episode Highlights:
🧒 Early Grit – From drumming on soup cans to mastering acoustic rhythm solos as a teenager, Ben shares how a loud kid with a love for 90s country found his way to Nashville at just 19.
🎸 The Riff Heard Round the World – The viral story behind Stomp, a riff he wrote 5 years prior that took off with 35M+ views, sparked a guitar giveaway, and became a breakout hit—proof that music doesn’t need words to hit the soul.
🎙️ True to the Tune – Why Ben left Sony Records to stay true to his sound, how he writes with feeling over theory, and what it really means to “serve the song.”
🏕️ Eagle Scout Energy – From outdoor adventures to emotional performances in max-security prisons, Ben talks about his moral compass, service mindset, and how the outdoors fuels his artistry.
🎶 The New EP ‘Bullet’ – Ben dives into the new tracks like “Bullet,” “Dirt Roads,” and “Mistakes,” showing off his blend of heartland rock, country grit, and emotional storytelling.
🎥 A Music Video That Hits Hard – Behind the scenes of the cinematic “Bullet” video (Bonnie & Clyde meets Romeo & Juliet), why it had to be intense, and how it took the story to another level.
If you’ve ever felt something deep just from a guitar riff, this episode’s for you. From writing by ear to redefining country music on his terms, Ben Gallaher is here to remind us—there are still a few cowboys left. 🤠
🎧 Listen now and catch him on tour soon — all dates at bengallaher.com 👢 And yes, you better believe we talk about boot stomping…
#WhatsTheReasonForThis #BenGallaher #CountryMusic #GuitarRiffs #Stomp #NewEP #Bullet #CountryRock #MusicWithSoul #AuthenticSound #MusiciansOnTheRise #GritAndGrace #EagleScoutVibes #PrisonConcerts #StillAFewCowboys #AcousticGuitar #SongwritingJourney #LiveMusicMatters #PodcastInterview #CountryLife #NashvilleBound
🎙️ In this jam-packed and gloriously unfiltered episode of What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay welcome the full force of Sicard Hollow into the dungeon for a rowdy ride through the band’s origin story, sonic evolution, and the occasional felonious Twiddle show ejection. 🚨🎻
🔥 If you’re not already familiar, pause this episode and go look them up. Then come back, because this one’s for the real ones—the weirdos, the wanderers, the slap-bass believers, and the bluegrass punks who feel the music in their bones.
✨ Episode Highlights:
💬 The band reflects on their growth, perfectionism, and unapologetically weird path to bluegrass glory. If you’ve ever questioned whether you belonged in a genre, scene, or moment—this one’s for you.
💥 Final verdict: Sicard Hollow isn’t just bending genres—they’re breaking molds, melting faces, and slapping their way into a space all their own.
🎧 Hit play, light the sage, and let’s get high up in a tree. 🌿
#WhatsTheReasonForThis #SicardHollow #BluegrassRevolution #JamGrass #PunkGrass #SlapBassNation #NewGrass #FestivalVibes #LiveMusicMatters #IndependentMusic #MusicianStories #BehindTheBand #JamBandCommunity #AcousticAndElectric #PodcastLife #MusicDocumentaryStyle #SoberMusicians #HighUpInATree #GratefulDeadVibes #ModernBluegrass #EPComingSoon
🎙️ What's the Reason for This Session? – Live from the Dungeon with Sicard Hollow
In this raucous, smoke-laced session of What’s the Reason for This?, we kick things off with a high-energy, jammed-out performance straight from the underground—literally. Nashville’s psychedelic grass pioneers Sicard Hollow rolled through the dungeon to drop four soulful, weed-soaked, and emotionally charged tracks—and damn, it’s a ride. 🌲🔥
✨ Episode Highlights:
🎶 “High Up in a Tree” – A stoner’s daydream turned existential spiral, this unreleased tune from their upcoming EP is as much about tree climbing as it is about the highs (and paranoia) of youth.
💥 “Motivation” – A revival from their debut album Secret of the Breeze, this track is an anthem for those crawling through burnout, searching for fire, and praying for inspiration to hit harder than Jim Beam at 9AM.
💔 “Yours to Keep” – A raw and vulnerable love song about regret and redemption, revamped and resurrected from the band’s early days—guitar, car, and clothes included.
🐾 Final Jam: "The Pink Panther Theme" – Just when you think it’s over, Sicard Hollow closes the session with a sneaky, swagger-filled take on the Pink Panther theme, capped by Parrish slapping the absolute shit out of the bass like it owed him money.
🪕 From playful banter and blurry-eyed bass slaps to stories of songs once shelved and now reborn, this episode is a front-row seat to a band that refuses to stay quiet or still.
🎧 Press play. Roll one. Climb a tree. And don’t forget to bring your feelings.
#SicardHollow #PsychedelicGrass #LiveSession #WhatsTheReasonForThis #BluegrassJam #HighUpInATree #MotivationSong #YoursToKeep #PinkPantherTheme #BassSlapMadness #LiveFromTheDungeon #MusicPodcast #NashvilleSound
🎙️ In this foot-stompin’, heart-warmin’ episode of What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay sit down with the sensational mother-son duo behind the viral dance team, the J Creek Cloggers — Kim and Zeb Ross. 👩👦💃🕺
From viral fame to Fortnite, CMAs to square dancing history, this one’s a journey through Appalachian rhythm, Southern hospitality, and the legacy of storytelling through dance. 🎶🏔️✨
✨ Episode Highlights:
🔥 The Viral Spark – Zeb’s performance at Darnell Farms lit up the internet, racking up over a billion views 🌍📲 thanks to a blue shirt, some serious footwork, and that legendary smile 😁👟
📜 Behind the Buck Dance – Kim drops knowledge on the deep cultural roots of clogging, flatfooting, and Appalachian tradition — passed down through generations with pride and purpose 🪕📚👢
🌟 From Barn Floors to the CMAs – From surprise red carpet moments with Luke Bryan to bustin’ moves with Peyton Manning, Zeb went from local legend to national spotlight 🚀🏆🎤
🎮 Fortnite Fame – Yup, that dance is officially in the game. No motion capture suit needed, just pure Zeb energy 💻🎮🕹️
🎬 Clogging With Cole Swindell – A secret music video, some unexpected line dancing, and Cole learning a few moves of his own 🤠🎥💃
🌍 Cultural Preservation in Motion – The J Creek Cloggers aren't just dancing — they’re preserving history, telling stories, and teaching the world one tap at a time 🌱🕰️📖
🍗 Family, Food, and Footwork – From three-footlong Subway subs to dancing with a glass of water on your head, it's all love, laughs, and legacy for Zeb and Kim 🥪🩰🤣
🇺🇸 Bonus History: Haywood County dancers performed at the White House in 1939 for FDR and the King & Queen of England — and the tradition is still alive today! 👑🏛️🕺
🎧 Whether you’re a lifelong flatfooter or someone whose only move is the “stand still and clap,” this episode is a celebration of rhythm, roots, and real joy 🎉👣💖
🩰 Follow the fun: 🌐 jcreekcloggers.com 📱 TikTok: @zebbysgothappyfeet 📸 IG/FB: @jcreekcloggers
#JCreekCloggers 👢 #ZebRoss 😄 #AppalachianDance 🏔️ #Clogging 💃 #Flatfooting 👣 #Bluegrass 🎻 #FolkDance 🕺 #TikTokFamous 📱 #SouthernTradition 🌾 #DanceHistory 📚 #FootworkFrenzy 🔥 #WhatstheReasonForThis 🎙️ #CulturalPreservation 🧬 #FortniteDance 🎮 #CMAs ⭐ #ZebbysGotHappyFeet 🐧
📸 In this vibrant and heartfelt episode of What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay sit down with Jack Demurjian, the passionate creator behind Red Daisy Sporting Club. From his first humid Billy Strings show in Baltimore to becoming a fixture in the bluegrass scene, Jack shares how a love for music, a cell phone, and a bit of “tism-fueled” determination built one of the most beloved grassroots media pages in the jamgrass world.
🚐 Jack unpacks his evolution from working vending gigs at festivals like All Good to becoming a trusted media presence on the rail at DelFest and beyond. Despite juggling a demanding medical sales job, he captures the magic of live performances with dedication, humility, and zero desire to turn his craft into a job.
💬 Episode Highlights:
🎸 From Fan to Fixture – Jack tells the origin story of Red Daisy, including his unforgettable first show (July 2, 2022) and how he fell head-over-heels for the music of Billy Strings.
🎥 iPhone to Icon – Hear how Jack uses just an iPhone 15 Pro Max, battery packs, and pure hustle to document the soul of the bluegrass scene—earning the respect and gratitude of artists like Shadowgrass, Mountain Grass Unit, and Jason Carter.
🧢 Merch with Meaning – The hats weren’t meant to sell—they were tokens of appreciation. But when you see big names wearing them on stage, you know you’ve struck a chord.
🔥 DelFest and Beyond – Jack shares behind-the-scenes stories from his jam-packed DelFest adventures, including shooting from sunrise to late nights, building friendships with young pickers like Vance, and feeling the love from legends and rising stars alike.
💙 Why It Matters – This one’s all about love: love for the music, the scene, the people, and the community that fuels it all. Jack reminds us that when you give without expecting anything in return, the universe finds a way to say thanks.
🎧 Whether you're a seasoned taping vet or a couch tour rookie, this episode is a heartfelt ode to the DIY spirit and deep connections of the bluegrass family. Tune in and get inspired to chase your own dragon—camera in hand or not.
#RedDaisySportingClub #BillyStrings #DelFest #JamGrass #BluegrassCommunity #LiveMusicPhotography #TaperCulture #CouchTour #Shadowgrass #MountainGrassUnit #EastNashGrass #JasonCarter #FestivalLife #BluegrassForever #FanToCreator #BehindTheLens #MusicNeverStopped #WhatstheReasonForThisPodcast #DIYMedia #ArenaGrass #BluegrassLove #BillyNation #PickinAndGrinnin
In this boundary-blurring episode of What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi sits down with the genre-bending bass legend and co-founder of the Disco Biscuits — Marc Brownstein — for an electrifying conversation that bridges jam band history, DJ misadventures, songwriting science, and the true story behind Brownie’s sprawling side projects. 🎶💥
From the origins of Jamtronica at UPenn to crafting a future where “Brownie & Friends” becomes a headlining brand, this one’s packed with wisdom, weirdness, and a whole lotta low-end thunder.
✨ Episode Highlights ✨
🎛️ Birth of a Genre – Brownie details how the Disco Biscuits fused classic jam bands with Goa trance and UK psy into something entirely new — setting the foundation for today’s jamtronica explosion.
🥁 Fearful Symmetry Origins – Yes, the guy who helped shape an entire genre started out playing bass on a keyboard in a Depeche Mode-meets-The Doors cover band... at age 11.
🌀 DJ Brownie 101 – How a DJ set on Jam Cruise turned into a full-blown passion (and mild disaster) that Brownie now uses to train his ears, his fingers, and his mind for every other project he's in.
🛠️ Failing Forward – The art of beatmatching, embracing the sync button, and learning how to keep the dance floor alive — even when things go to hell behind the decks.
🎸 Writing with the Biscuits – From acoustic uke demos to Ableton-powered studio tracks built from jams, Marc explains the evolution of the Biscuits’ writing process and why 2023–2025 has been a renaissance.
✍️ Lyric Lab Masterclass – Brownie’s deep dive into teaching songwriting, complete with Pink Floyd demos, Eminem rhymes, and the real struggles of putting your soul on paper without sounding like Dr. Seuss.
🪑 Chair-Guy Origins – Brownie Declares Kodi the Hawk Tuah of the Jam Band scene, who shares the story behind his viral vigilante moment, how it launched this podcast, and why he just couldn’t let chair scalpers ruin the live music experience.
🎤 Brownie & Friends Dream – Whether it's DJ Brownie, Electron, or family bands with Eggy members, Brownstein lays out his long-term vision to roll it all into one project under one mighty name.
🔥 Whether you’re a hardcore Biscuit head, a casual jam fan, or just love a good story about perseverance and reinvention, this episode hits every note. Hit play, feel the drop, and let the lasers guide you home.
#DiscoBiscuits #MarcBrownstein #Jamtronica #DJBrownie #Songwriting #GoaTrance #WhatstheReasonForThis #ChairGuy #BassLife #BrownieAndFriends #LiveMusicScene #JamBandCulture #TeachingSongwriting #AbletonJams
In this jam-packed and side-splitting episode of What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay sit down with the genre-hopping wizards of Spafford for a conversation that’s equal parts musical insight and complete chaos—in the best way possible. From dissecting the art of the jam to swapping fart stories in a van, this one has it all: heart, humor, and a whole lotta vibe. 🎶💨
✨ Episode Highlights:
🎸 The Art of Controlled Chaos – The band breaks down their improvisational alchemy—how they navigate shifting keys, tempos, and genres without crashing the train (too hard).
🥁 Welcome to the Band, Shon – New bassist Shon Gordon talks about trial-by-fire festival sets, adapting to jam-heavy madness, and fixing his pedal board five seconds before showtime.
🎤 From Plush to Pizza – Why Spafford’s take on Stone Temple Pilots’ “Plush” now lives in an electronic pocket, and how the band ranks regional food as passionately as their setlists (spoiler: Ohio wins for crispy chicken).
🎧 Live Wax & Studio Drops – Get the inside scoop on Live Wax Vol. 4, the Halloween-vibe-heavy Hulaween set that made the cut, and what it’s like crafting a cohesive vinyl jam with 20+ minute tracks.
🤳 Fan Love & Socials – Brian shares how he reclaimed the band’s voice on social media, why fan chats and emojis matter, and the importance of showing fans they’re heard—on and off the stage.
💬 Merch, Posters & Parts – From hilarious inside jokes like “I Know Your Farts” to tour posters that surprise even the band, they reveal how merch keeps the magic (and the bills) rolling.
🧠 Mental Health & Music for Kids – Offstage, the guys talk therapy, fatherhood, digging in the dirt, and why Shon’s side gig teaching music to toddlers is just like playing to “tiny drunk people.”
🎶 Comedy Tracks & Auditions – Oh, and did we mention Shon’s old comedy album titled Big Black Hawk? It might have been his unofficial audition tape. And yes, there's a sequel coming.
🎟️ Whether you're deep in the nerd herd or just discovering the magic of Spafford, this episode is a genre-defying journey through jam band life—with plenty of laughs and a whole lotta love. Tune in, flip the vinyl, and don’t forget: Dude, we know your parts.
#Spafford #WhatsTheReasonForThis #JamBands #LiveMusicLove #NerdHerd #MusicPodcast #BandLife #VinylVibes #BigBlackHawk #KnowYourParts #ImprovisationNation #TourLife #MentalHealthMatters #FartConfessions #PlushRemix #HulaweenMagic
Kodi and Shay sit down with flatpicking phenom Zeb Snyder to trace his journey from the family band circuit to his first solo blues-inspired album. With deep roots in North Carolina and a passion for pushing genre boundaries, Zeb opens up about his evolution as a musician, teacher, and torchbearer of a new acoustic sound. 🎶💬
✨ Episode Highlights:
👨👧👦 The Snyder Family Band – Zeb shares how he and his younger sister Samantha started playing music young, eventually teaching their dad the upright bass and forming a family trio that toured and recorded for over a decade.
🎸 Bluegrass Meets Southern Rock – Growing up on a mix of Doc Watson, Tony Rice, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Rush, Zeb talks about the unconventional influences that shaped his distinctive guitar style and improvisational approach.
🎻 Teaching Without Tablature – Zeb breaks down his ear-based teaching style and the philosophy behind helping students connect emotionally to their instrument—no sheet music required.
🌀 Improvisation & Flow State – A technical yet soulful explanation of how Zeb hears music in numbers, trains his mind to “stay out of the way,” and connects deeply with the audience through emotion-driven playing.
💡 Why the Family Band Ended – Zeb reflects on the natural conclusion of the Snyder Family Band and the challenge of marketing progressive music under a traditional “family band” label.
🎤 Joining Appalachian Road Show – From filling in with Darrell Webb to collaborating with Barry Abernathy and Jim Van Cleave, Zeb talks about leveling up musically while honoring bluegrass tradition.
🎶 Making His Solo Debut – Zeb opens up about the personal low that sparked the idea for his blues-inspired album, the instrumentals born from solitude, and the freedom of creating without compromise.
🌄 Collaborating with Legends – Stories from the studio featuring Sam Bush, Jason Carter, and Todd Phillips, including the emotional moment when Sam’s slide mandolin entered on “Sunset on 70 West.”
💿 Stream It Everywhere – Zeb discusses the challenges of self-releasing an album in today’s music landscape, balancing teaching, touring, and promotion without a label or team.
🎧 Whether you’re a picker, a purist, or just love a good musical journey, this episode shines a light on the humility, grit, and brilliance behind one of acoustic music’s rising stars.