This week on Late For Load In, hosts Chris and Josh look back on a massive year in music and podcasting. They discuss the rise of rock music in 2025, share their favorite albums and songs of the year, and revisit standout moments from the podcast.

The conversation also touches on the return of Warped Tour, its impact on the scene, and a reflection on the life and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne following his passing. To wrap things up, Chris and Josh look ahead to 2026, sharing their hopes for the future of the podcast and the music industry.

A thoughtful year-end conversation for anyone who loves music, touring culture, and the stories behind it.

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• 10% OFF at Rockabilia — Use code "LOAD" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rockabilia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• 10% OFF at Best Tronics Pro Audio — Use code "LFLI10" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠btpa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

💙 Mental Health ResourcesFeeling the weight? You’re not alone.

Text "lateforloadin" to 1-512-647-2871 for free, confidential support via Heart Support.

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• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LateForLoadIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Chris Davis: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Chris_TGI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Josh Korel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JoshKorel⁠⁠

Booking agent Nick Storch joins us for a sharp and insightful conversation about building a career in the music industry and staying grounded while doing it. Nick shares his path from Lancaster, PA, to becoming one of the most trusted agents in heavy music, reflecting on the early influences and community that shaped him.

We dig into the realities of balancing family life with a demanding career, navigating personal and professional relationships, and defining what success actually looks like. Nick talks about the importance of kindness, vulnerability, and saying yes to opportunities — even when they feel uncertain.

We also get into the legacy of bands like Metallica, the unique moments that make this industry unforgettable, and the joy that keeps him inspired after years in the industry.

A thoughtful, honest, and encouraging look at the business behind the music.

🚐 Join The Road Crew (Patreon)

Support the show, unlock exclusive content, and keep the tour rolling:

👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/lflipod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

💀 Exclusive Listener Discounts

• 10% OFF at Rockabilia — Use code "LOAD" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rockabilia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• 10% OFF at Best Tronics Pro Audio — Use code "LFLI10" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠btpa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

💙 Mental Health ResourcesFeeling the weight? You’re not alone.

Text "lateforloadin" to 1-512-647-2871 for free, confidential support via Heart Support.

Want to give back? Volunteer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠heartsupport.com/volunteer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📲 Follow Us

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LateForLoadIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Chris Davis: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Chris_TGI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Josh Korel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JoshKorel⁠⁠

🎙️ Metal Royalty joins the show!
This week on Late For Load In, we’re talking with the one and only Brian Slagel, founder of Metal Blade Records and a true pioneer of heavy music.

Brian shares stories from the early days of rock and metal, how the Metal Massacre compilation (which featured Metallica’s first-ever recording) came together, and what it took to bring heavy music to the masses. We also dive into the current state of the scene and what drives him to keep Metal Blade thriving more than 40 years later.

If you care about metal, passion, or building something that lasts — this one’s essential listening. 🤘

🚐 Join The Road Crew (Patreon)

Support the show, unlock exclusive content, and keep the tour rolling:

👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/lflipod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

💀 Exclusive Listener Discounts

• 10% OFF at Rockabilia — Use code "LOAD" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rockabilia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• 10% OFF at Best Tronics Pro Audio — Use code "LFLI10" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠btpa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

💙 Mental Health ResourcesFeeling the weight? You’re not alone.

Text "lateforloadin" to 1-512-647-2871 for free, confidential support via Heart Support.

Want to give back? Volunteer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠heartsupport.com/volunteer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📲 Follow Us

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LateForLoadIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Chris Davis: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Chris_TGI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Josh Korel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JoshKorel⁠⁠

🎙️ This week on Late For Load In we’re joined by JT Cavey of ERRA and Texas In July!

JT takes us through his journey from competitive swimming to fronting two powerhouse metalcore bands. We talk about the pressures of joining an established group, the emotional toll of touring, and the creative process behind music that connects on a personal level.

From Warped Tour memories to lessons learned on the road, JT shares stories of growth, resilience, and the importance of communication in both music and life. Stick around for a fun lightning round that shows a whole new side of him!

🚐 Join The Road Crew (Patreon)

Support the show, unlock exclusive content, and keep the tour rolling:

👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/lflipod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

💀 Exclusive Listener Discounts

• 10% OFF at Rockabilia — Use code "LOAD" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rockabilia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• 10% OFF at Best Tronics Pro Audio — Use code "LFLI10" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠btpa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎶 Launch Music Conference — Lancaster, PAOver 100 acts across 3 nights, plus 2 full days of panels and networking.🎤 Submit to perform, register for the weekend, or grab your passes now:👉 www.launchmusicconference.com

💙 Mental Health ResourcesFeeling the weight? You’re not alone.

Text "lateforloadin" to 1-512-647-2871 for free, confidential support via Heart Support.

Want to give back? Volunteer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠heartsupport.com/volunteer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📲 Follow Us

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@LateForLoadIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Chris Davis: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Chris_TGI⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Josh Korel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JoshKorel⁠⁠

🎙️ This week on Late For Load In, we’re joined by Scott Lee — artist manager, longtime promoter, and the founder of the legendary New England Metal & Hardcore Festival.

Scott has been a driving force in the heavy music world for decades, from booking gritty hardcore shows in the Northeast to helping launch some of the most influential bands in the genre. He’s also the mind behind NEMHF, one of the most beloved festivals in hardcore and metal.

We get into his journey, the evolution of the scene, behind-the-scenes challenges like merch cuts, launching a VIP ticketing company, and how this year’s stacked festival lineup came together.

If you’re into hardcore, metal, or just love hearing the stories that built the scene, this is one you don’t want to miss.

🚐 Join The Road Crew (Patreon)

Support the show, unlock exclusive content, and keep the tour rolling:

👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/lflipod⁠⁠⁠⁠

💀 Exclusive Listener Discounts

• 10% OFF at Rockabilia — Use code "LOAD" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠rockabilia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

• 10% OFF at Best Tronics Pro Audio — Use code "LFLI10" → ⁠⁠⁠⁠btpa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎶 Launch Music Conference — Lancaster, PAOver 100 acts across 3 nights, plus 2 full days of panels and networking.🎤 Submit to perform, register for the weekend, or grab your passes now:👉 www.launchmusicconference.com

💙 Mental Health ResourcesFeeling the weight? You’re not alone.

Text "lateforloadin" to 1-512-647-2871 for free, confidential support via Heart Support.

Want to give back? Volunteer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠heartsupport.com/volunteer⁠⁠⁠⁠

📲 Follow Us

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@LateForLoadIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Chris Davis: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@Chris_TGI⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Josh Korel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@JoshKorel⁠⁠

🎙️ This Week on Late For Load In — riff architect & sonic innovator, Mike Stringer!

Widely regarded as one of the most forward-thinking guitarists and songwriters in modern heavy music (even if he’d never say it himself), Mike and his bandmates continue to push the boundaries of what is achievable in heavy music. In this episode, we trace his entire journey — from grinding it out at local shows on Vancouver Island, to multiple Grammy nominations, to shredding live on Jimmy Kimmel.

This one’s packed front-to-back with insight, stories, and inspiration. An absolute can’t-miss episode!

🚐 Join The Road Crew (Patreon)

Support the show, unlock exclusive content, and keep the tour rolling:

👉 ⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/lflipod⁠⁠⁠

💀 Exclusive Listener Discounts

• 10% OFF at Rockabilia — Use code "LOAD" → ⁠⁠⁠rockabilia.com⁠⁠⁠

• 10% OFF at Best Tronics Pro Audio — Use code "LFLI10" → ⁠⁠⁠btpa.com⁠⁠⁠

🎶 Launch Music Conference — Lancaster, PAOver 100 acts across 3 nights, plus 2 full days of panels and networking.🎤 Submit to perform, register for the weekend, or grab your passes now:👉 www.launchmusicconference.com

💙 Mental Health ResourcesFeeling the weight? You’re not alone.

Text "lateforloadin" to 1-512-647-2871 for free, confidential support via Heart Support.

Want to give back? Volunteer: ⁠⁠⁠heartsupport.com/volunteer⁠⁠⁠

📲 Follow Us

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@LateForLoadIn⁠⁠⁠

• Chris Davis: ⁠⁠⁠@Chris_TGI⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Josh Korel: ⁠⁠⁠@JoshKorel⁠⁠

🎙️ This Week on Late For Load In — Bob Strakele

We’re joined by front of house engineer Bob Strakele, the man behind the live sound for bands like Slipknot, Avenged Sevenfold, Greta Van Fleet, and more.

From chasing a career in the culinary world, to starting a recording studio, to hitting the road with The Bouncing Souls, Bob’s path to mixing some of the biggest bands in rock and metal is anything but ordinary. His story is packed with lessons for anyone chasing a career in audio or the music industry.

🚐 Join The Road Crew (Patreon)

Support the show, unlock exclusive content, and keep the tour rolling:

👉 ⁠⁠www.patreon.com/lflipod⁠⁠

💀 Exclusive Listener Discounts

• 10% OFF at Rockabilia — Use code "LOAD" → ⁠⁠rockabilia.com⁠⁠

• 10% OFF at Best Tronics Pro Audio — Use code "LFLI10" → ⁠⁠btpa.com⁠⁠

🎶 Launch Music Conference — Lancaster, PAOver 100 acts across 3 nights, plus 2 full days of panels and networking.🎤 Submit to perform, register for the weekend, or grab your passes now:👉 www.launchmusicconference.com

💙 Mental Health ResourcesFeeling the weight? You’re not alone.

Text "lateforloadin" to 1-512-647-2871 for free, confidential support via Heart Support.

Want to give back? Volunteer: ⁠⁠heartsupport.com/volunteer⁠⁠

📲 Follow Us

• Instagram: ⁠⁠@LateForLoadIn⁠⁠

• Chris Davis: ⁠⁠@Chris_TGI⁠

⁠⁠⁠• Josh Korel: ⁠⁠@JoshKorel⁠⁠

🎙️ This Week on Late For Load In — we’re joined by producer powerhouse Dan Braunstein!

If you’ve been listening to heavy music in the last few years, chances are Dan has had a hand in shaping it. From his early days in California — where a single Meshuggah track flipped his entire musical worldview — to co-founding Volumes, Dan’s story is anything but ordinary.

After stepping away from metal to spend years working in pop, Dan made a thunderous return to heavy music, producing some of the earliest and most iconic Spiritbox releases. In this episode, he shares his unconventional journey, what he learned crossing genres, and what it really takes to push the scene forward.

Packed with wisdom, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes stories, this is one you don’t want to miss.

🚐 Join The Road Crew (Patreon)

Support the show, unlock exclusive content, and keep the tour rolling:

👉 ⁠www.patreon.com/lflipod⁠

💀 Exclusive Listener Discounts

• 10% OFF at Rockabilia — Use code "LOAD" → ⁠rockabilia.com⁠

• 10% OFF at Best Tronics Pro Audio — Use code "LFLI10" → ⁠btpa.com⁠

🎶 Launch Music Conference — Lancaster, PAOver 100 acts across 3 nights, plus 2 full days of panels and networking.🎤 Submit to perform, register for the weekend, or grab your passes now:👉 www.launchmusicconference.com

💙 Mental Health ResourcesFeeling the weight? You’re not alone.

Text "lateforloadin" to 1-512-647-2871 for free, confidential support via Heart Support.

Want to give back? Volunteer: ⁠heartsupport.com/volunteer⁠

📲 Follow Us

• Instagram: ⁠@LateForLoadIn⁠

• Chris Davis: ⁠@Chris_TGI

⁠• Josh Korel: ⁠@JoshKorel⁠

• Editor Shoutout: ⁠@Rilst0ne⁠