Episodes

  • Episode 31 Constellation 01
    Jul 20 2026

    Ben and Kris, (aka ToferToast and Yellow Shirt Guy), continue their journey through the Pretty Lights galaxy with a deep dive into Constellation 1 of A Trip Thru Time Fantastic.


    In Episode 31, they break down the first five tracks of the album, exploring the moments that feel different, fresh, or newly revealed within the official releases. They revisit elements that have already become personal favorites, uncover details they had never noticed before, and share the sounds that continue to reveal themselves with every listen. Sample hunter Kris brings some deep sample discoveries to the table, while Ben fills in the musical layers, connections, and subtle details that even dedicated listeners might have missed. Together, they examine the transitions, vocals, production choices, and sonic elements woven throughout each track.


    This partial album review covers:

    * The Sun Spreads in our Mind

    * Road to the Stars

    * Time to Build a Home

    * How Can You Lose

    * Private Ledge


    Join Ben and Kris as they begin breaking down the galaxy one constellation at a time and discovering just how much more there is to hear within A Trip Thru Time Fantastic.

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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Episode 30 Fantastic Pretty Lights Album Tour Announcement
    Jul 6 2026

    Ben is joined by regular guest Kris (aka ToferToast) to dissect the monumental return of Pretty Lights. The wait is officially over as Derek Vincent Smith drops A Trip Thru Time Fantastic—a massive 45 track masterpiece divided into nine distinct constellations, with the first 15 tracks already available for free download and streaming.
    In this episode, we explore:

    * The New Album 'A Trip Through Time Fantastic': A deep dive into the surprise multi part release structure and the sonic themes of this long awaited era.
    * Band Member Changes and Creative Direction: How the live lineup has been deconstructed and reassembled into the evolved Soundship Space Bus project, shifting their collective creative workflow.
    * The Evolution of Pretty Lights' Sound and Production: An analysis of how the music has matured, blending classic analog sampling with futuristic modular synthesis and live, real time audio manipulation.
    * Tour Dates and Locations: Full coverage of the newly announced 2026 itinerary, highlighting multi night runs at legendary venues like The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester NY, The Fillmore in New Orleans LA, and the iconic Fox Theater in Oakland CA.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Episode 29 Mark Cooley
    Apr 20 2026

    In this episode of Trip Thru Time, Mark Cooley, also known as Shuj Roswell of Super Best Records, joins the show to discuss his recent performance at the Meow Wolf Prismatic Fleet Danceportation event. Mark shares his perspective as both a performer and a dedicated archivist within the Pretty Lights Family, detailing his role in marking setlists and documenting the evolution of the band’s various iterations over the years. The conversation explores the shifting landscape of touring, the transition from working with hired guns to true collaborators, and the unique challenges of creating music during the pandemic. Along with plenty of other Pretty Lights and music scene topics, this episode captures the heart of live performance and the importance of preserving musical memories.

    Check out Shuj Roswell on these various platforms

    Web page shujroswell.com

    Youtube @MarkACooley

    Sound Cloud soundcloud.com/shujroswell

    Spotify spoti.fi/2N4yQXG

    Facebook facebook.com/ShujRoswell

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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Episode 28 Danceportation Review
    Mar 4 2026

    In this episode of Trip Thru Time, Kris, the Yellow Shirt Guy returns to discuss his experiences at the Meow Wolf Dance Portation event, reflecting on the vibrant community atmosphere, the performances of various artists, and the unique format of the event. They share insights on the significance of Pretty Lights in the electronic music scene and speculate on future events and collaborations. The conversation captures the essence of live music experiences and the connections formed within the community.

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    54 mins
  • Episode 27 Prismatic Fleet Uplink
    Feb 23 2026

    In this episode, Ben and Justin Balboa of Out of Time Studios @studiooutoftime explore the Prismatic Fleet event Danceportation at Meow Wolf in Denver CO, discussing its unique multi-channel experience and the evolution of music festivals. They delve into Justin's personal journey with Pretty Lights, the intersection of art and music, and the cultural dynamics that shape identity and trends in the music scene. The conversation reflects on the impact of technology on live music experiences and the importance of community and collaboration in the industry. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the evolution of music festivals, discussing the impact of camping, venue choices, and the future of music collaborations. They explore the role of visuals in live performances and the importance of community and connection in music events. The anticipation of future shows and the balance between virtual and live performances are also highlighted, along with thematic elements in music and performance. The conversation concludes with reflections on the event and future prospects.

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    3 hrs and 15 mins
  • Episode 26 Yahn Dawn with Tofer Toast Part 3 - Night 2
    Jan 5 2026

    The cosmic voyage concludes! In this final installment of our Yahn Dawn trilogy, Ben accompanied by "Yellow Shirt Guy," Tofer Toast, break down the climactic yet to some controversial second night of Pretty Lights’ inaugural festival in Buena Vista, Colorado.

    Ben opens the episode by acknowledging the long break he took from podcasting due to significant life changes. He candidly discusses the emotional and logistical challenges of moving back to the Chicagoland area from San Diego, particularly with the arrival of his first child. This transition marks a pivotal moment not just in his life, but in his creative endeavors as well. He highlights how packing, moving, and adjusting to living with his in-laws have consumed his time and energy, leaving him feeling overwhelmed yet grateful for the experiences. Maybe this is the end of the road... or just a new beginning?" Life can take unexpected turns, but every experience shapes us.

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Episode 25 Elements
    Oct 2 2025

    In this episode of Trip Thru Time, we explore the unforgettable experience of Pretty Lights at Elements Festival with our guests, Brandon and Molly. Dive into the magic of the secret renegade set that took place at 3:30 am, a spontaneous performance that left festival-goers in awe. We also discuss the two captivating sets on Sunday: a solo set that showcased Pretty Lights' unique soundscapes and a full band set that brought the festival to a thrilling close. Join us as we relive these extraordinary moments and hear firsthand accounts from Brandon and Molly, who were there to witness it all. Tune in for an insider's look at the festival's highlights and the community that makes it all possible.

    Recorded 9/6/2025

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    1 hr and 42 mins
  • Episode 24 Yahn Dawn with Tofer Toast Part 2 - Night 1
    Sep 2 2025

    Ben and Kris are back, for a deep dive into the cosmic voyage of Pretty Lights' first night at Yahn Dawn in Buena Vista. In this second part of the recap, the duo breaks down both sets of the legendary performance, giving you a track-by-track analysis and discussing the overall atmosphere of the night.

    Featuring exclusive audio and visual clips from the iconic lucid stream, Ben and Kris weave you in and out of the conversation, reminiscing on standout musical moments, and sharing some off-topic and unfiltered musings. Whether you were there under the stars at Meadow Creek or following the stream from afar, get ready for an intimate and insightful trip back to one of the most talked-about nights of the summer.

    Recorded 7/10/25

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    1 hr and 33 mins