This week I sat down with Raegan Gordon—drummer, vocalist, and songwriter for Leisure Hour, a band that grew out of Muncie’s DIY basements and is now grinding through a coast-to-coast run.

We talked about growing up in a 50k college town, how that community shaped their ear, and what it took to turn a one-night fill-in into a permanent spot and a voice on “Ode to Muncie.” Raegan walked me through the Richmond breakdown that ate a week, the night they refused to play when a venue wouldn’t protect fans, and the small habits—journaling, space, honesty—that make 27 shows in 30 days possible.

Leisure Hour’s headed out with Arcadia Grey toward Fest. If you haven’t pressed play yet, start here.

This episode is about more than music—it’s about claiming where you’re from, protecting your people, and betting on yourself.

—Hayden

Songs (in order): “Validation,” “Ode to Muncie,” “If I Could Kill You I Would,” “Jenny” — all by Leisure Hour.
Reagan’s recs: Cinema Stair, Moose Creek Park, Pretty Bitter, Clipboards, Summerbrews, Later Gator, Juice Falls, Final Boss Fight, No Problemo.
Tour note: Leisure Hour is out with Arcadia Grey Aug 28–Sep 28. I’m planning on Long Beach, Sep 3—say hi if you’re there.

—Hayden

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This week I finally got to sit down with the whole lineup of All the Wine—Danny, Mike, and Wes. Their debut LP Farewell Currents came out last July, and it’s been living rent-free in my top albums list ever since.

We talk about how they made it work with one member living four hours away, the story behind Empire Builder (one of my favorite songs, period), and the inspiration for 97 Astro. We get into album art, growing up in the suburbs, and why they’ll always sneak a cover or two into a setlist. And if you’re a drummer—or just someone who likes to hone in on a single part—you’re going to want to hear the story behind Concave.

Songs in this episode: 97 Astro, Empire Builder, and Concave—all from Farewell Currents.

Stick around for the Final Spin where they drop some great below-the-radar artist recommendations—and if you’re in Chicago, go see them live. Trust me on this one.

🎧 Listen if you like: The Gaslight Anthem, The Menzingers, The National.

Artists Recommended in the Final Spin

• Lobby Boxer → Listen on Spotify
• Tuff Sudz → Listen on Spotify
• Meryl Streak → Listen on Spotify

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Thanks for listening—see you next week.

This week I got to talk with Mike Bay of Borrowed Sparks, someone whose music I’ve loved for years. We talked about his move to Nashville—how one Springsteen concert, a job lead, and a surprise lease ending all lined up—and how that kicked off a journey he didn’t totally expect but clearly needed.

Mike opened up about growing up in the Midwest, playing in church bands, and how songwriting has always been his way of processing life—even when he didn’t know that’s what he was doing. We also talked about building community as an independent artist, how grief shows up in his work, and why putting out a record takes so much more than just hitting "upload."

Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

This one meant a lot to me. I hope it lands with you too.

Songs in this episode (in order):

• Let a Little Light In
• The Prettiest One Left
• Are You Listening

–– Hayden

If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot if you left a quick review—it's one of the best ways to help new listeners find the show.

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Thanks for listening—see you next week.