Rory Van Grol and Greg Benoit are back after a brief hiatus! This episode of Common Thread features an in-depth conversation with Greg Bennick, the vocalist of the legendary Seattle hardcore band @trialseattle. Greg Bennick is also an accomplished speaker, author, and filmmaker.

The interview kicks off with a conversation about Bennick’s book, “Reclaim the Moment - Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now,” which is a book about how to use authenticity and human connection to facilitate personal growth “Reclaim the Moment “ serves two audiences, people who want to retrain their mind to be more focused on possibilities and mentally present in the moment, and people who want to improve their workplace dynamics and community leadership skills."

The conversation shifts to discuss the two Gregs mutual interest in the life and works of Ernest Becker. Becker is an anthropologist who wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “The Denial of Death,” a book that proposes that all individual and collective actions, including the entirety of human civilization, are a defense mechanism against our awareness of our own mortality. The two Gregs discuss how Becker’s ideas have influenced their life choices, and their personal “immortality projects.”

Rory and Greg also discuss Bennick’s nonprofit work with @onehundredforhaiti and the @portlandmutualaid, Bennick’s work producing documentary films like “Flight from Death: The Quest for Immortality” and the Bane documentary @holding_these_moments, and a biography on Ernest Becker that he is currently writing.

Mentioned in this episode:

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

Behind the Glass

Podcast and gallery focusing on underrepresented artists utilize the space to amplify their work. Curated by @Richardbcolon @qua.jay. Check out the podcast or join them in person first Fridays at 240 E Main St, Rochester, NY! https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fm

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH

THE ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL, THE MOST ANTICIPATED FESTIVAL IN THE REGION, WILL ONCE AGAIN EXCITE AUDIENCES WITH NEARLY 650 PERFORMANCES SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH . FROM COMEDY, DANCE, AND THEATRE TO JAW-DROPPING SPECTACLES ACROSS THIRTY-NINE VENUES ALL AROUND ROCHESTER. DON’T MISS AMAZING PERFORMANCES IN THE SPIEGELTENT INCLUDING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CIRQUE DU FRINGE: CLAWS OUT, SHOTSPEARE, KIDS FRINGE, AND MORE. AND DIRECT FROM ITALY, SPHERE, A MIND-BLOWING OUTDOOR SPECTACLE FREE AT PARCEL FIVE SEPT. 19TH AND 20TH . ROCHESTERFRINGE.COM.

Rory Van Grol and Greg Benoit are back after a brief hiatus! This episode of Common Thread features an in-depth conversation with Greg Bennick, the vocalist of the legendary Seattle hardcore band @trialseattle. Greg Bennick is also an accomplished speaker, author, and filmmaker.

The interview kicks off with a conversation about Bennick’s book, “Reclaim the Moment - Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now,” which is a book about how to use authenticity and human connection to facilitate personal growth “Reclaim the Moment “ serves two audiences, people who want to retrain their mind to be more focused on possibilities and mentally present in the moment, and people who want to improve their workplace dynamics and community leadership skills."

The conversation shifts to discuss the two Gregs mutual interest in the life and works of Ernest Becker. Becker is an anthropologist who wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “The Denial of Death,” a book that proposes that all individual and collective actions, including the entirety of human civilization, are a defense mechanism against our awareness of our own mortality. The two Gregs discuss how Becker’s ideas have influenced their life choices, and their personal “immortality projects.”

Rory and Greg also discuss Bennick’s nonprofit work with @onehundredforhaiti and the @portlandmutualaid, Bennick’s work producing documentary films like “Flight from Death: The Quest for Immortality” and the Bane documentary @holding_these_moments, and a biography on Ernest Becker that he is currently writing.

Mentioned in this episode:

ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH

THE ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL, THE MOST ANTICIPATED FESTIVAL IN THE REGION, WILL ONCE AGAIN EXCITE AUDIENCES WITH NEARLY 650 PERFORMANCES SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH . FROM COMEDY, DANCE, AND THEATRE TO JAW-DROPPING SPECTACLES ACROSS THIRTY-NINE VENUES ALL AROUND ROCHESTER. DON’T MISS AMAZING PERFORMANCES IN THE SPIEGELTENT INCLUDING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CIRQUE DU FRINGE: CLAWS OUT, SHOTSPEARE, KIDS FRINGE, AND MORE. AND DIRECT FROM ITALY, SPHERE, A MIND-BLOWING OUTDOOR SPECTACLE FREE AT PARCEL FIVE SEPT. 19TH AND 20TH . ROCHESTERFRINGE.COM.

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

Episode 12, part 2 continues our interview with Will Cleveland, who is well known in the Rochester area for his work as a journalist with the Democrat & Chronicle, his role with the Police Accountability Board, and his detailed and prolific writing on the regional beer scene and craft breweries.

This episode delves into the significant matter of police accountability and the complexities surrounding civilian oversight of law enforcement. The discussions includes the contentious establishment of the Police Accountability Board in Rochester and the inherent challenges faced when empowering ordinary citizens to hold government accountable. We explore various perspectives on municipal governance, with Greg sharing his argument for the incorporation of citizen boards across all functions of municipal government, thereby enhancing transparency and democratic engagement at the local level.

Will rounds out the episode with a conversation about finding hardcore punk later in life, and what appeals to him about the community and music. Will shares some bands that are currently in frequent rotation.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fm

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

Episode 12, part 1 features an interview with Will Cleveland, who is well known in the Rochester area for his work as a journalist with the Democrat & Chronicle, his role with the Police Accountability Board, and his detailed and prolific writing on the regional beer scene and craft breweries. Will is as affable as he is outspoken. Consequently, this interview is humorous and insightful.

The discussion kicks off with a light-hearted examination of drop ceilings, which serves as a metaphorical (and literal) backdrop for exploring deeper themes of nostalgia and memory. As the conversation unfolds, Will recounts his journey into journalism, emphasizing the influence of his father, who instilled in him the value of being well-informed and engaged with the community.

Throughout the episode, Will elaborates on his tenure at the Democrat & Chronicle, as well as his high school newspaper and newspapers in Montana and Ithaca. He details the challenges and successes he encountered while covering breaking news stories, including an account of a notorious triple homicide in Rochester, which required him to quickly mobilize and report on a rapidly evolving situation. The episode highlights his transition from journalism to a role within the Police Accountability Board, where he continues to advocate for transparency and reform. This transition underscores the importance of accountability in public institutions and the necessity for journalists to evolve into roles that further their commitment to social justice and community engagement.

Check back on October 29th for the conclusion and part 2 of our interview with Will.

Mentioned in this episode:

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fm

ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH

THE ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL, THE MOST ANTICIPATED FESTIVAL IN THE REGION, WILL ONCE AGAIN EXCITE AUDIENCES WITH NEARLY 650 PERFORMANCES SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH . FROM COMEDY, DANCE, AND THEATRE TO JAW-DROPPING SPECTACLES ACROSS THIRTY-NINE VENUES ALL AROUND ROCHESTER. DON’T MISS AMAZING PERFORMANCES IN THE SPIEGELTENT INCLUDING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CIRQUE DU FRINGE: CLAWS OUT, SHOTSPEARE, KIDS FRINGE, AND MORE. AND DIRECT FROM ITALY, SPHERE, A MIND-BLOWING OUTDOOR SPECTACLE FREE AT PARCEL FIVE SEPT. 19TH AND 20TH . ROCHESTERFRINGE.COM.

Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast

Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm

Rory and Greg conclude their interview with Katy Otto from bands Sun Within, White Picket Fence, and record label Exotic Fever Records.

Katy expounds upon her role as director of communications for Juvenile Law Center. The group discusses media literacy in a post-truth society, partake in more banter about punk rock parenting, and discuss the vegan dining options in Rochester, NY.

Exotic Fever Records: exoticfever.com

White Picket Fence: whitepicketfenceband.bandcamp.com

Sun Within: Sunwithin.bandcamp.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH

THE ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL, THE MOST ANTICIPATED FESTIVAL IN THE REGION, WILL ONCE AGAIN EXCITE AUDIENCES WITH NEARLY 650 PERFORMANCES SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH . FROM COMEDY, DANCE, AND THEATRE TO JAW-DROPPING SPECTACLES ACROSS THIRTY-NINE VENUES ALL AROUND ROCHESTER. DON’T MISS AMAZING PERFORMANCES IN THE SPIEGELTENT INCLUDING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CIRQUE DU FRINGE: CLAWS OUT, SHOTSPEARE, KIDS FRINGE, AND MORE. AND DIRECT FROM ITALY, SPHERE, A MIND-BLOWING OUTDOOR SPECTACLE FREE AT PARCEL FIVE SEPT. 19TH AND 20TH . ROCHESTERFRINGE.COM.

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fm

Rory and Greg interview Katy Otto in part one of this two part episode. Katie lives in Philadelphia, plays drums in Sun Within and White Picket Fence, runs Exotic Fever Records, and works as the director of communications for Juvenile Law Center, the first nonprofit, public interest law firm for children in the country.

Karty's vibrant personality and passion for helping her community are immediately apparent as the group discusses their backgrounds in punk rock, parenting, autism/ADHD, the role of journalism in the current political climate, and the challenges nonprofit institutions are currently facing.

Check back on October 8th for part two!

Exotic Fever Records: exoticfever.com

White Picket Fence: whitepicketfenceband.bandcamp.com

Sun Within: Sunwithin.bandcamp.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast

Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH

THE ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL, THE MOST ANTICIPATED FESTIVAL IN THE REGION, WILL ONCE AGAIN EXCITE AUDIENCES WITH NEARLY 650 PERFORMANCES SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH . FROM COMEDY, DANCE, AND THEATRE TO JAW-DROPPING SPECTACLES ACROSS THIRTY-NINE VENUES ALL AROUND ROCHESTER. DON’T MISS AMAZING PERFORMANCES IN THE SPIEGELTENT INCLUDING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CIRQUE DU FRINGE: CLAWS OUT, SHOTSPEARE, KIDS FRINGE, AND MORE. AND DIRECT FROM ITALY, SPHERE, A MIND-BLOWING OUTDOOR SPECTACLE FREE AT PARCEL FIVE SEPT. 19TH AND 20TH . ROCHESTERFRINGE.COM.

In part two of episode 10, Rory and Greg conclude their conversation with Rich Gaccione from Edict and What Feeds the Fire.

The group discusses middle age, the inevitability of death, their own mortality, and how giving back to the community can make it all bearable. But don't worry, it isn't all grim and serious. Rich closes out the episode with a hilarious story about his legal troubles stemming from the theft of a few Pringles cans twenty years ago while on tour with What Feeds the Fire. (See Common Thread Podcast Instagram for related mugshot.)

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH

THE ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL, THE MOST ANTICIPATED FESTIVAL IN THE REGION, WILL ONCE AGAIN EXCITE AUDIENCES WITH NEARLY 650 PERFORMANCES SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH . FROM COMEDY, DANCE, AND THEATRE TO JAW-DROPPING SPECTACLES ACROSS THIRTY-NINE VENUES ALL AROUND ROCHESTER. DON’T MISS AMAZING PERFORMANCES IN THE SPIEGELTENT INCLUDING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CIRQUE DU FRINGE: CLAWS OUT, SHOTSPEARE, KIDS FRINGE, AND MORE. AND DIRECT FROM ITALY, SPHERE, A MIND-BLOWING OUTDOOR SPECTACLE FREE AT PARCEL FIVE SEPT. 19TH AND 20TH . ROCHESTERFRINGE.COM.

Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast

Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

Rory and Greg interview Rich Gaccione from Providence, Rhode Island. Rich played guitar in What Feeds the Fire and Edict. He is also the owner of Providence Vegan Deli.

We discuss how the Providence Vegan Deli grow of Rich's seitan business, Born from Pain, which which he started after losing his job during the pandemic. Rich speaks about the challenges he faced during the initial phases, including navigating the complexities of food production regulations and the necessity of establishing connections within local farmer's markets and other vegan related businesses. The conversation highlights the importance of community support in fostering the growth of small businesses, as well as the vital role of mentorship and collaboration within the local vegan and punk networks. This culminates in the eventual opening of the brick-and-mortar deli, a space that not only offers nourishing food but also serves as a hub for community engagement and support.

Later in the episode, they discuss the ethos of altruism that permeates the punk and hardcore scenes, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community. The speaker shares heartfelt anecdotes about initiatives taken at the deli to provide free meals to those in need, and to touring bands, reflecting a deep-seated desire to foster inclusivity and compassion. This discussion serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of community, business, and ethical living, illustrating how the values borne from music and punk culture can manifest in meaningful, real-world applications.

Mentioned in this episode:

Lunchador Podcast Network

Check out all the shows on the Lunchador Podcast Network at Lunchador.org

Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast

Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm

Joe Bean Roasters

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH

THE ESL ROCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL, THE MOST ANTICIPATED FESTIVAL IN THE REGION, WILL ONCE AGAIN EXCITE AUDIENCES WITH NEARLY 650 PERFORMANCES SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 20TH . FROM COMEDY, DANCE, AND THEATRE TO JAW-DROPPING SPECTACLES ACROSS THIRTY-NINE VENUES ALL AROUND ROCHESTER. DON’T MISS AMAZING PERFORMANCES IN THE SPIEGELTENT INCLUDING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CIRQUE DU FRINGE: CLAWS OUT, SHOTSPEARE, KIDS FRINGE, AND MORE. AND DIRECT FROM ITALY, SPHERE, A MIND-BLOWING OUTDOOR SPECTACLE FREE AT PARCEL FIVE SEPT. 19TH AND 20TH . ROCHESTERFRINGE.COM.