Ep 7: Join host, Joshua Zeck, and his guest, Shane “The General” Murray—guitarist, songwriter, and concert promoter from Lawrence, Kansas, and leader of the cosmic stoner doom band They Watch Us From The Moon. Shane shares his journey through the Midwest music scene, from his earliest musical memories to founding the Midwest Doom Coalition, a network supporting up-and-coming bands.

Discover how Shane’s experiences in bands like Slack Jaw, Creeper, and Truth Cell shaped his approach to music and community. Hear wild stories about opening for GWAR, collaborating with legendary keyboardist Tommy Stephenson (Peter Frampton, Joe Walsh), and the origins of They Watch Us From The Moon’s theatrical, sci-fi-inspired performances. The episode also dives into the challenges of self-promotion, building a musical legacy, and the importance of community in the DIY music world.

Your host also discusses How to Know a Person by David Brooks and The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.

Whether you’re a fan of punk, doom, or stoner rock, or just love stories of perseverance and creativity, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a celebration of underground music culture.

Resources:

Midwest Doom Coalition | Facebook

Official TWUFTM (@theywatchusfromthemoon) • Instagram photos and videos

They Watch Us from the Moon! | Spotify

Music | They Watch Us From the Moon

Keywords: Shane Murray, They Watch Us From The Moon, Midwest Doom Coalition, Lawrence Kansas music, stoner doom, punk rock, concert promotion, GWAR, Tommy Stephenson, cosmic rock, band networking, DIY music, legacy, music community, Morning Almonds podcast. the Outhouse, the Bottleneck, Mammoth Productions

Bands Mentioned in This Episode:

• They Watch Us From The Moon
• Slack Jaw
• Creeper
• Truth Cell
• GWAR
• Dead Kennedys
• Scorpions
• Queen
• Circle Jerks
• Black Flag
• Sleep
• Clutch
• Kyuss
• Hawkwind
• Sleep
• St. Vitus
• Monster Magnet
• Holy Ghost
• Wormwood
• Samothrace
• Castle Rat
• Cocknoose
• Godhead
• High Desert Queen
• Spirit Mother
• Bongzilla
• Dope Throne
• Red Beard Wall
• The Bad Ideas
• Low Forest
• Reptile House

Ep 6:🎄 Welcome to a special holiday edition of the Morning Almonds podcast! In this festive episode, host Joshua Zeck brings you the “Ultimate Christmas Vacation Quiz,” inspired by the classic film National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for some holiday fun, this interactive quiz is perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy nights in.

You’ll also hear about the importance of giving back through the Salvation Army Angel Tree campaign, a creative way to make a difference this season. Plus, get access to printable quiz questions and answer sheets—perfect for your next Christmas event!

Tune in for:

• 100 fun and challenging Christmas Vacation trivia questions
• Tips for using the quiz at your holiday party or family night
• A personal challenge to support children in need through the Angel Tree program
• Reflections on the true spirit of the holidays

Don’t miss this joyful, community-focused episode packed with Christmas cheer, movie nostalgia, and practical ways to spread kindness. Subscribe to the Morning Almonds podcast for more episodes on music, food, storytelling, and honest conversation.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

SALVATION ARMY/WALMART Angel Tree Campaign

Quiz Questions

Quiz Answer Key

Keywords: Christmas Vacation quiz, holiday trivia, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Christmas podcast, Angel Tree campaign, Salvation Army, holiday party ideas, family Christmas games, Christmas traditions, giving back, Morning Almonds podcast.

Listen now and make your holiday season brighter!

Ep 5: In this heartfelt episode of the Morning Almonds podcast, we dive deep into the transformative power of music and how it shapes our lives plus the psychology of music in public. Host Joshua Zeck shares personal stories, from childhood memories of Neil Diamond, Prince, Roy Orbison, and Dion, to discovering the raw energy of live music.

Explore the evolution from worship songs and classic rock to the rebellious sounds of KRS-One, Boogie Down Productions, Public Enemy, Tribe Called Quest, and the genre-bending styles of 311. Relive the magic of live shows with bands like Steppenwolf, Wilco, Typo Negative, No Doubt, PJ Harvey, Bush, Goo Goo Dolls, The Urge, Reverend Horton Heat and more.

Josh reminisces about the 90s music scene, he also shares stories from legendary festivals like Lollapalooza, featuring Metallica, Soundgarden, Rancid, Ramones, Cocteau Twins, Screaming Trees, Ben Folds Five, and Sponge.

Discover new favorites as Josh discusses recent listens: The Revivalists, Magic City Hippies, Thievery Corporation, Stick Figure, Tosca, John Kennedy, Coyote Island, East Forest, Gramatik, Moderator, Aesop Rock, Fugazi, and more. Plus, hear about unforgettable concerts with Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, Ween, Long Beach Dub All Stars, Pato Banton, Poppy, Jane’s Addiction, and Smashing Pumpkins.

Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, rap, ska, grunge, or indie, this episode is a celebration of music’s power to connect, heal, and inspire.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

https://open.spotify.com/user/31rxkfdyo4httmnywjmf53t5xypq?si=ecbbe3603cbb45b4

JZ - playlist by J Zeck | Spotify

JZ AM - playlist by J Zeck | Spotify

Don't De-Rock Me - song and lyrics by Tesla | Spotify

Paw | Spotify

Alchemy of the Heart - Album by Ram Dass, David Starfire | Spotify

Misfits of Ska I - Compilation by Various Artists | Spotify

Music (The Angels Fly Because They Take Themselves Lightly) • Akira The Don, Alan Watts

Keywords: Ween, Neil Diamond, Prince, Roy Orbison, Dion, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, NWA, KRS-One, Boogie Down Productions, Public Enemy, Tribe Called Quest, 311, Sublime, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Steppenwolf, Wilco, Type O Negative, No Doubt, PJ Harvey, Bush, Goo Goo Dolls, The Urge, Reverend Horton Heat, Tripping Daisy, Paw, Godzillionaire, Stick, Tenderloin, Slackjaw, Salty Iguanas, Kill Creek, Morphine, Soul Coughing, Cake, Radiohead, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Matthew Sweet, Tesla, Lollapalooza, Metallica, Soundgarden, Rancid, Ramones, Cocteau Twins, Screaming Trees, Ben Folds Five, Sponge, The Revivalists, Magic City Hippies, Thievery Corporation, Stick Figure, Tosca, John Kennedy, Coyote Island, East Forest, Moderator, Aesop Rock, Fugazi, Les Claypool, Fearless Flying Frog Brigade,

Long Beach Dub All Stars, Pato Banton, Poppy, Jane’s Addiction, Smashing Pumpkins.