The Mekons and Waco Brothers founding singer, guitarist, and punk/alt-country pioneer takes a break from his latest Freakon collaboration to discuss his Welsh upbringing, his art school days with pals Gang of Four, his solo projects, and his successful career as a painter. Jon has a tremendous work ethic, releasing the first of 23 singles from the “Lucky Seven Series” and starting bands and records with any free moment. He’s also a real gentleman…qualities the Troubled Nation could use more of. Topics include roadwork, the Hard Rock Hotel scandal, the Rolling Stones at Jazzfest, vaccine resistance, port cities, Joe Strummer and the Clash, a record deal, LeMieux Galleries, Tom Stern and Blue Velvet Studio, Alex Rawls, OffBeat, Chickie Wah Wah, Steve Watson, Buddy Watson, the Sadies, Midway Pizza, country music, Thatcher and Reagan, union busting, signing to Virgin Records, a mining strike, the Aberfan 1966 mining disaster, moving to Chicago, honky tonk music, “Deserted,” inspiration, Yard Dog Gallery, “Lofty Deeds,” the chicken and the egg, and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the Patreon page here. Shop for Troubled Men’s Wear here. Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast source. Follow on social media, share with friends, and spread the Troubled Word. Intro music: Styler/Coman Break music: “Memphis Egypt” from “Heaven and Hell” by the Mekons Outro music: “Only The River” from “Jon Langford’s Lucky Seven Series, part 1” by Jon Langford & the Skull Orchard Welsh Male Choir Troubled Men Podcast Facebook Troubled Men Podacst Instagram Jon Langford Facebook Waco Brothers Mekons Jon Langford Artwork 

Troubled Men Podcast

TMP165 JON LANGFORD TELLS TALES OF FEAR AND WHISKEY

The veteran WTIX radio personality behind "News You Need Now" and joke writer for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Joan Rivers stumbled into the comedy game while wisecracking during local traffic reports. He wound up writing 40 to 50 jokes a day for a variety of outlets including radio DJ clients across the country. The charm offensive continues as Ben drops in on the Troubled Men to dip his big toe into the podcast whirlpool. Topics include the mayor’s race, Edwin Edwards, David Duke, rally confusion, Bunny Matthews, Ron Cuccia, Brendan Gallagher, a Geraniums release, Reefer Ridge, Walnut Bend, UNO radio, the Jefferson Orleans North, wedding crashing, Dr. George Wallace, a cruise gig, standup comedy, a Manny t-shirt, a hair company, the Vagiplug, Best Life pharmacy restaurant, Captain Humble, modern radio, podcast listeners, Tom Fitzmorris, Ed Tyll, Art Bell, Coast To Coast, favorite comics, David Letterman, staff writers, SNL, and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the Patreon page here. Shop for Troubled Men’s Wear here. Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast aggregator. Follow on social media, share with friends, and spread the Troubled Word. Intro music: Styler/Coman Break music: “My Darlin’ New Orleans” from “Home” by L’il Queenie and the Percolators Outro music: “Sidewalk Chicken” from “Heavy Lifting” by Loose Cattle Troubled Men Podcast Facebook Troubled Men Podacst Instagram  Benny the Jokeman Homepage Sgt. T-Ben Boudreaux Facebook

TMP164 SGT. T-BEN BOUDREAUX REPORTS FOR DUTY

The self-proclaimed Jew of Oklahoma and founding bassist with the Bad Livers and Killbilly recently cracked the Billboard Bluegrass chart with his solo release “The Triumph of Assimilation.” It’s a Judeo-Americana meditation on the present, with a view of the past and a cautiously hopeful eye to the future. Mark’s a master of slap upright bass and its use in rockabilly, swing, klezmer, and the conjunto style he played on accordion great Santiago Jimenez Jr.’s Grammy-nominated records. Tonight he kibitzes with the Troubled Men. Topics include an empty nest, the Broadside, “POV: Neutral Ground,” trash, Donald Rumsfeld, Edwin Edwards, Dale Triguero and Chickie Wah Wah, the drop zone, Mordecai Gebertig poetry, Charlottesville, QAnon, blood libel, kosher food, a cross burning, punk and roots rock, Danny Barnes, Dallas, hate eating, Kevin Smith, Juan Viesca, Richard Linklater, “The Newton Boys,” sideman work, a regional music resurgence, klezmer in Europe, bluegrass heartbreak, Bill Monroe, the Butthole Surfers, John Paul Jones, steel guitar, Jimmy Day, the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, Leo Frank, and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the Patreon page here. Shop for Troubled Men’s Wear here. Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast aggregator. Follow on social media, share with friends, and spread the Troubled Word. Intro music: Styler/Coman Break music: “It’s Burning” and outro music: “A Day of Revenge” from “The Triumph of Assimilation” by Mark Rubin, Jew of Oklahoma Troubled Men Podcast Facebook Troubled Men Podacst Instagram Mark Rubin, Jew of Oklahoma Homepage Mark Rubin Facebook Mark Rubin Instagram

TMP163 Mark Rubin: The Triumph of Assimilation

The award-winning journalist and author of “Krazy: George Herriman, A Life in Black and White,” returns with his newest book, “My Father When Young.” It’s a collection of recently discovered mid-century photos taken by his father as a young man in post-war Europe, his Indiana home, and New Orleans during Mardi Gras. A beautiful Kodachrome time capsule, the book is a window into a life before domesticity and responsibility took over. Michael joins the Troubled Men as they enjoy the view. Topics include going meetless, a Dave Alvin connection, potholes, 3rd World pride, car repairs, road work, Britney Spears, a caper, Cosby freed, a film option, a pack rat, a secret life, Olympic trials, an overseas call, the Norske Nook, gay Mardi Gras, a mother-in-law, ebooks, the Sager Group, Jude Acers, a prison chess program, “The Queen’s Gambit,” Gilbert Gottfried, chess on the radio, a final question, and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the Patreon page here. Shop for Troubled Men’s Wear here. Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast aggregator. Follow on social media, share with friends, and spread the Troubled Word. Intro music: Styler/Coman Break music: “These New Dreams” from “Hope Is Not for the Weak” by the Geraniums Outro music: “Secret World” from “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” by Glyn Styler/ René Coman Troubled Men Podcast Facebook Troubled Men Podacst Instagram Michael Tisserand Facebook Michael Tisserand Homepage Order Michael's new book, "My Father When Young" 

TMP162 Michael Tisserand Reveals A Secret World

He’s a Grammy-winning songwriter, singer, guitar player, record producer, and founding member of the legendary Blasters, who burst onto the early L.A. punk scene with a powerhouse mix of rockabilly, blues, country, and r’n’b. Major label records and worldwide touring followed. With teenage mentors like Big Joe Turner and T-Bone Walker, and a stellar career of solo recordings and top-tier collaborators, Dave has probably seen every scoundrel west of the Pecos. He spots the Troubled Men a mile away. Topics include a return to miserable, Jazzfest, Father’s Day, a flashback, a freaky-looking dog, troubled loners, Downey, the Carpenters, a sweet spot, musical cousins, L.A. radio, Jimmy Rabbit, Mom and Dad, Lee Allen, the Ash Grove, a music lesson, headhunting, getting signed, the Go-Go’s, Chris Gaffney, Dale Spalding, “The Third Mind,” and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the Patreon page here. Shop for Troubled Men’s Wear here. Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast aggregator. Follow on social media, share with friends, and spread the Troubled Word. Intro music: Styler/Coman Break music: “Marie, Marie” from “American Music” by the Blasters Outro music: “On the Way Downtown” from “From an Old Guitar: Rare and Unreleased Recordings” by Dave Alvin Troubled Men Podcast Facebook Troubled Men Podacst Instagram Dave Alvin Homepage Dave Alvin Facebook

TMP161 Dave Alvin: King of California

The outstanding violinist and singer with Loose Cattle, whose new record, “Heavy Lifting” was just released, comes to New Orleans by way of a Moscow birth and a Georgia upbringing. Extensive classical training underlies his mastery of the instrument, but his love of the American roots canon keeps Rurik in the nightclubs and on festival stages with a Who’s Who of regional and national acts. The Troubled Men are all vaxxed up, so they return to in-person podcasting, but with this kind of exposure, a virus should be the least of Rurik’s concerns. Topics include a new location, a naked bike ride, a cabin in the woods, frolf, quicksand, a feral dog attack, the cone of shame, an African mission, a love story, Debauche, a prom date, Loyola U., Carrollton Station, Harry Shearer, “Evita,” Lynn Drury, hippy influences, Camper Van Beethoven, a musical family, the school lottery, youth baseball, the national anthem, live gigs, city hall, and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the Patreon page here. Shop for Troubled Men’s Wear here. Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast aggregator. Follow on social media, share with friends, and spread the Troubled Word. Intro music: Styler/Coman Break and Outro music: "Gasoline and Matches" and "Aunt Avis" from "Heavy Lifting" by Loose Cattle

TMP160 Rurik Nunan: Mission from Moscow

The original drummer with Tav Falco’s Panther Burns, he had already appeared on Alex Chilton’s “Like Flies on Sherbert” performing “Baron of Love” and cemented his place in Southern fringe folklore. His memoir, ”Baron of Love: Moral Giant,” chronicles the long, strange trip, while his latest band, TURNT, with fresh offerings like “Methadone Takeout Party,” keeps the toes tapping and the tongues wagging. Treat yourself to a taste before this stuff coagulates. Topics include the heat, a geriatric intervention, insider dealing, the mayor’s race, a first gig, meeting Jim Dickinson, a first firing, band history, “Sugar Ditch Revisited,” a European tour, opening for the Clash, an infamous gig, married but dating, a solo record, interviewing Iggy and the Stooges, a birthday set, a Berlin trip, George the Max, and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the Patreon page here. Shop for Troubled Men’s Wear here. Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast aggregator. Follow on social media, share with friends, and spread the Troubled Word. Intro music: Styler/Coman Break music: “Baron of Love Pt. II” by Ross Johnson and Alex Chilton from “Make It Stop! The Most of Ross Johnson” Outro music: “Methadone Takeout Party” by Ross Johnson and TURNT

TMP159 Ross Johnson is the Baron of Love

The original drummer with Tav Falco’s Panther Burns, he had already appeared on Alex Chilton’s “Like Flies on Sherbert” performing “Baron of Love” and cemented his place in Southern fringe folklore. His memoir, ”Baron of Love: Moral Giant,” chronicles the long, strange trip, while his latest band, TURNT, with fresh offerings like “Methadone Takeout Party,” keeps the toes tapping and the tongues wagging. Treat yourself to a taste before this stuff coagulates. Topics include the heat, a geriatric intervention, insider dealing, the mayor’s race, a first gig, meeting Jim Dickinson, a first firing, band history, “Sugar Ditch Revisited,” a European tour, opening for the Clash, an infamous gig, married but dating, a solo record, interviewing Iggy and the Stooges, a birthday set, a Berlin trip, George the Max, and much more. Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast aggregator. Follow on social media, share with friends, and spread the Troubled Word. Intro music: Styler/Coman Break music: “Baron of Love Pt. II” by Ross Johnson and Alex Chilton from “Make It Stop! The Most of Ross Johnson” Outro music: “Methadone Takeout Party” by Ross Johnson and TURNT

The Commander Cody cofounder burst into the Top 10 playing the hot guitar on “Hot Rod Lincoln.” Grammy nominations and collaborations with Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, and Gene Vincent followed in a celebrated career spanning over 50 years. As a teenager he hitchhiked to see Dylan debut “Mr. Tambourine Man” at the ’64 Newport Folk Festival, then returned in ’65 to witness Bob “go electric.” At Ann Arbor High he played the talent show opposite classmate Jim Osterberg (Iggy Pop). Bill is a master of his craft and one of the most decent guys you could ever meet. Quite a contrast to the Troubled Men. Topics include a graduation, fears, forced jury duty, vaccine incentives, the folk scare, the Ark, going to California, Jerry Garcia, liquid LSD, a hit record, John Sinclair, early Stooges gigs, the Moonlighters, the D.C. scene, Too Much Fun, a Jim Jarmusch guitar, the Sons of Lee Marvin, moving to Austin, the Ameripolitan Awards show, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, CSNY, band friendships, livestreams, and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the Patreon page here. Shop for Troubled Men’s Wear here. Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast aggregator. Follow on social media, share with friends, and spread the Troubled Word. Intro music: Styler/Coman Break music: “Hot Rod Lincoln” by Bill Kirchen Outro music: “Word to the Wise” by Bill Kirchen (with Dan Hicks)

TMP158 Bill Kirchen: Hammer of the Honky Tonk Gods

The Commander Cody cofounder burst into the Top 10 playing the hot guitar on “Hot Rod Lincoln.” Grammy nominations and collaborations with Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, and Gene Vincent followed in a celebrated career spanning over 50 years. As a teenager he hitchhiked to see Dylan debut “Mr. Tambourine Man” at the ’64 Newport Folk Festival, then returned in ’65 to witness Bob “go electric.” At Ann Arbor High he played the talent show opposite classmate Jim Osterberg (Iggy Pop). Bill is a master of his craft and one of the most decent guys you could ever meet. Quite a contrast to the Troubled Men. Topics include a graduation, fears, forced jury duty, vaccine incentives, the folk scare, the Ark, going to California, Jerry Garcia, liquid LSD, a hit record, John Sinclair, early Stooges gigs, the Moonlighters, the D.C. scene, Too Much Fun, a Jim Jarmusch guitar, the Sons of Lee Marvin, moving to Austin, the Ameripolitan Awards show, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, CSNY, band friendships, livestreams, and much more. Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast aggregator. Follow on social media, share with friends, and spread the Troubled Word. Intro music: Styler/Coman Break music: “Hot Rod Lincoln” by Bill Kirchen Outro music: “Word to the Wise” by Bill Kirchen (with Dan Hicks)

The pioneering transgender singer, composer, writer, and activist’s band RZA was among the earliest acts on the New Orleans punk rock scene, and his Pop Combo fine-tuned the melodic, angular approach with a fresh lineup. Following a move to NYC, he led several other successful bands including Jenifer Convertible, Tenterhooks, and Minor Planets. His latest single, “Quarantine,” was recorded in New Orleans and NYC and benefits the House of Tulip. After a lifetime navigating the challenges of being trans in the rock’n’roll world, Lenny must have developed a pretty thick skin. That could come in handy with the Troubled Men. Topics include a new tenant, a nose biter, a firing squad, early life, a California transition, KROQ, WTUL, the Normals, Becky Kury, Julian Garcia, Ed White, opening for Iggy and U2, a tragic loss, MTV airplay, Cuban roots, cocktails, new music, the Losers Lounge, Blue Velvet Studio, Leigh Harris, the Streisand effect, the “Almost Ready” doc, the elephants’ graveyard, Nicole Pavy, and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the Patreon page here. Shop for Troubled Men’s Wear here. Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast aggregator. Follow on social media, share with friends, and spread the Troubled Word. Intro music: Styler/Coman Break music: "Daddy Don't" by Lenny Zenith and RZA Outro music: "Figment" by Lenny Zenith's Pop Combo

TMP157 Lenny Zenith: How We Got Here

The pioneering transgender singer, composer, writer, and activist’s band RZA was among the earliest acts on the New Orleans punk rock scene, and his Pop Combo fine-tuned the melodic, angular approach with a fresh lineup. Following a move to NYC, he led several other successful bands including Jenifer Convertible, Tenterhooks, and Minor Planets. His latest single, “Quarantine,” was recorded in New Orleans and NYC and benefits the House of Tulip. After a lifetime navigating the challenges of being trans in the rock’n’roll world, Lenny must have developed a pretty thick skin. That could come in handy with the Troubled Men. Topics include a new tenant, a nose biter, a firing squad, early life, a California transition, KROQ, WTUL, the Normals, Becky Kury, Julian Garcia, Ed White, opening for Iggy and U2, a tragic loss, MTV airplay, Cuban roots, cocktails, new music, the Losers Lounge, Blue Velvet Studio, Leigh Harris, the Streisand effect, the “Almost Ready” doc, the elephants’ graveyard, Nicole Pavy, and much more. Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast aggregator. Follow on social media, share with friends, and spread the Troubled Word. Intro music: Styler/Coman Break music: "Daddy Don't" by Lenny Zenith and RZA Outro music: "Figment" by Lenny Zenith's Pop Combo

The virtuoso trombonist, arranger, and cofounder of Bonerama and Mulebone has also recorded with a laundry list of stars, including Sheryl Crow, Maceo Parker, R.E.M., and Tori Amos. Having cut his teeth in the Harry Connick Jr. Big Band, he’s more recently served as an arranger/producer with his own Levee Horns. These productions have included concerts for Blackbird Presents such as the Last Waltz 40 tour, Mavis Staples, Merle Haggard, and Dr John, and featured the legendary Don Was as musical director. It seems like Mark can work with almost anyone. Tonight that’s put to the test when he joins the Troubled Men. Topics include cicadas, the oldest woman, the end of school, rental returns, Mother’s Day, prison listeners, a provocative name, high school, Richard Erb, Loyola U., Dave Ferrato, Rum Boogie, a termite swarm, Brian O’Neill, Charlie Brent, Luther Kent and Trick Bag, George Porter Jr., Jon Langford, OK GO, Eric Traub, live dates, and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the Patreon page here. Shop for Troubled Men’s Wear here. Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast aggregator. Follow on social media, share with friends, and spread the Troubled Word. Intro music: Styler/Coman Break music: “Frankenstein” by Bonerama Outro music: “Charity” by Mulebone

TMP156 Mark Mullins Goes Deep with Bonerama

The virtuoso trombonist, arranger, and cofounder of Bonerama and Mulebone has also recorded with a laundry list of stars, including Sheryl Crow, Maceo Parker, R.E.M., and Tori Amos. Having cut his teeth in the Harry Connick Jr. Big Band, he’s more recently served as an arranger/producer with his own Levee Horns. These productions have included concerts for Blackbird Presents such as the Last Waltz 40 tour, Mavis Staples, Merle Haggard, and Dr John, and featured the legendary Don Was as musical director. It seems like Mark can work with almost anyone. Tonight that’s put to the test when he joins the Troubled Men. Topics include cicadas, the oldest woman, the end of school, rental returns, Mother’s Day, prison listeners, a provocative name, high school, Richard Erb, Loyola U., Dave Ferrato, Rum Boogie, a termite swarm, Brian O’Neill, Charlie Brent, Luther Kent and Trick Bag, George Porter Jr., Jon Langford, OK GO, Eric Traub, live dates, and much more. Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast aggregator. Follow on social media, share with friends, and spread the Troubled Word. Intro music: Styler/Coman Break music: “Frankenstein” by Bonerama Outro music: “Charity” by Mulebone

The songwriter, piano, accordion, and bass player is also the entertainment manager for the French Quarter Festival. His years of busking with Jeremy Lyons and club dates with his own bands have given him an intimate knowledge of the New Orleans music scene that proves invaluable in booking the world’s largest showcase of Louisiana music talent. His humanity and diligence have made him a universally loved figure. Tonight he presents a healthy counterbalance to the Troubled Men. Topics include a Cinco de Mayo gig, a crime spike, concealed carry laws, sex work, a retirement, stampedes, Truck Farm recordings, upstate New York, Cornell U., local weather, European street musicians, insect stings, musical influences, “Down by Law,” “The Big Easy,” Jerry Lewis, the Covid scramble, Satchmo Fest, virtual concerts, a fall festival schedule, live dates, the last Circle Bar gig with the Geraniums, and much more. Support the podcast here. Join the Patreon page here. Shop for Troubled Men’s Wear here. Subscribe, review, and rate (5 stars) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or almost any podcast aggregator. Follow on social media, share with friends, and spread the Troubled Word. Intro music: Styler/Coman Break music: “Show Business” from “Where the River Meets the Railroad Tracks” by Greg Schatz Outro music: “I’m Building A Robot” from “Amoebotics” by Greg Schatz

TMP155 Greg Schatz, Schatzy, and the Friggin' Geniuses

René Coman sits down with the original Troubled Man, Manny Chevrolet, over cocktails at the Ring Room, in the heart of an old-school New Orleans social haunt. Manny is an L.A. native who had been through the Hollywood wringer by his late 20s. He then moved to New Orleans to become a perennial candidate for mayor and make a feature film about it. René is a New Orleans native who's been in the music biz wringer since he was a child. They are the Troubled Men for Troubled Times.

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Troubled Men Podcast

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