Surprise Cast

Surprise Cast #192 Ryan Lescure (Devoted Fans/Lavender Blush)

Dear Ryan,You're a talented songwriter, musician, and educator. I love exploring the unique energy of Berkeley and college-town life, the importance of community for creative work, and how place shapes artistic expression. Articulated beautifully!
You discuss the duality of emotion using the "two wolves" metaphor, explaining how music helps you navigate joy, fear, anger, and longing. You describe songwriting as a space where opposing emotions coexist and where vulnerability and humility become sources of strength. I enjoy discussing your two musical projects —Lavender Blush and Devoted Fans—highlighting particular songs. 
One of my favourite parts of the episode is listening to you speak about your work as an educator: teaching interpersonal communication, public speaking and how you try to model courage and vulnerability inside your classroom. I know you make strong connections with your students because you believe in the whole student.Keep putting yourself out there in the world of teaching and music. You can tap into universal themes of love, humility, courage, and creativity through the art of making music and conversation. Your work continues to make a difference!Follow Devoted Fans: https://devotedfans.bandcamp.com/album/devoted-fans
Follow Lavender Blush: https://lavenderblush.bandcamp.com/music
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean or Spotify

Surprise Cast #191 Susanne Darre

Dear Susanne,Your openness and generosity of words brought tremendous warmth to our conversation. You're a talented Norwegian composer, pianist, and public health nurse that provides many gifts to our dark world. I'm impressed how you juggle a career as a nurse, wife, mother, and a recording artist. 
It was fun exploring your ep, Travel Back, and full album, 'Fragile'. I learned quite a bit on what inspires you and the creative process. Hearing your music influences and contemporary pianists was interesting. I also appreciated your connection to another artist, Hollie Keniff and San Francisco based company, Fluttery Records. Don't forget that your music acts are healing and meditative, keep trusting your inner voice when it comes to performance, and don't ever lose that important DNA of yours, which includes endless caregiving and creativity. Follow Susanne Darre: https://flutteryrecords.com/susannedarre
Follow Fluttery Records: https://flutteryrecords.com/
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify

Surprise Cast #190 Bret Miller (Eardrum Buzz Radio)

Dear Bret,Thank you for being on Surprise Cast. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation about life experiences, music, movies, Eardrum Buzz Radio and Cruel World Festival, 2025. The way you unfolded story after story offers the listeners a rich blend of deep wisdom and podcast entertainment. I feel confident the audience will appreciate the important themes of connection, personal growth, and resilience. 
Because of your wonderful sense of cinematic humor, I'll leave you with another great quote from one of our favourite films, The Blue Brothers. "Hey, Jake. Gotta be at least $7 worth of change here!"
Follow Eardrum Buzz Radio: https://www.eardrumbuzz.net/
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify*Additional music by Alison Moyet, Henry Smith, Jammy Jams
 
 

Surprise Cast #189 Robert Sekula (14 Iced Bears)

What impresses me about Robert's commitment to evolving as a musician? I sit down with musician Robert Sekula, known for his involvement with the indie band 14 Iced Bears, to discuss his life, inspirations, and new EP 'Asyd Mouse.' He takes listeners on a journey through his life in Camberwell, South London and Brighton. He reflects on his early days of being inspired by The Beatles, The Monkees, Marc Bolan, and John Peel's impactful role in his musical career. Wait til you hear some great stories about memorable experiences with Graham Coxon from Blur and his reflections on Sarah Records. Enjoy the warmth of Rob Iced Bear!Follow Robert Sekula:
https://14icedbears.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/14_iced_bears/
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify
 

Surprise Cast #188 Peter Kember (Sonic Boom)

What makes Peter's insights and musings on music and life quite fascinating? I engage in a profound conversation with the renowned musician and producer Peter Kember, also known as Sonic Boom. He passionately articulates how complex interactions within vocals and melodies create profound harmony. Pete delves into his political views and challenges listeners to question political norms and educational practices. He also reflects on his upbringing, musical influences, and collaborations with iconic figures like Panda Bear and Dean Wareham, Britta Phillips, and Jason Pierce(Spacemen 3). This episode is a treasure for music enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the edge of art!Follow Sonic Boom: https://linktr.ee/sonicboom
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify

Surprise Cast #187 Ken Sweeney

How do we unravel the magic of music and the arts with Ken Sweeney? Surprise Cast welcomes back Ken, a multifaceted creative who is an entertainment writer, playwright, radio documentarian, and musician. He shares his experiences as a writer in Ireland, reflecting on the vibrant Irish culture and his unique role in covering events, theater, and movies, offering an insider's perspective on what's buzzing in the Irish arts. A major episode highlight is Ken's nostalgic and insightful look back at his time with the indie band Brian, particularly focusing on the emotionally charged and celebrated album "Understand" now being reissued on Needle Mythology Records. As an artist, listen to the impressive stages he has gone through in life--it's not an act by any means!Follow Ken Sweeney: Kensweeney.net Follow Needle Mythology: https://needlemythology.com/Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify

Surprise Cast #186 Heavenly

What makes this dynamic duo such a fabulous team?We delve into the lives and minds of two influential musicians, Amelia Fletcher and Rob Pursey, members of bands like Heavenly, Swansea Sound, and The Catenary Wires. They provide a personal reflection on historical events, political perspectives, the Heavenly reformation, and concerns about A.I. Rounding off with exciting updates, the duo talks about their recent and upcoming releases, including the reissue of Heavenly's 'Operation Heavenly' and their latest singles. Amelia and Rob pack the conversation with intelligent insights and humorous tales. Follow Heavenly: https://www.facebook.com/HeavenlyGroupOfficial
Purchase from Skep Wax Records: https://www.skepwax.com/
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube

Surprise Cast #185 Matt Aston

What makes a die hard Wedding Present fan? This episode explores the fascinating journey from concept to reality as Matt shares his experience of bringing the TWP music to life on stage. He recounts his own journey from being a music fan to directing theater productions, detailing how university life opened his eyes to new ways of thinking and ultimately led him into the theater world. Matt discusses the challenges and triumphs of creating a musical based on The Wedding Present's music. He opens up about working closely with the band's frontman, David Gedge, receiving his blessing, and the meticulous process of curating songs for the show. Showtime!Follow: https://www.weddingpresentmusical.com/
Follow: https://www.scopitones.co.uk/
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube

Surprise Cast #184 Catherine Laura (Photographer)

How does Catherine "find the magic"?We dive deep into a conversation with the talented photographer, Catherine Laura. Broadcasting from her quaint town in northern England, she shares her unique journey as an artist, mother, scuba diving enthusiast, and creative photographer. Her personality is as warm and infectious as a La's tune!Follow Catherine: https://www.catherinelaura.com/
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, Spotify, or YouTube*Additional music by Ocie Elliot, Kirsty Almeida, and Six Pence None the Richer

Surprise Cast #183 Bobby Martinez (Dandy Boy Records)

Who has the pulse on the heartbeat of the Bay Area's music scene?Bobby Martinez, founder of Dandy Boy Records, joins me for a journey through music, memories, and the vibrant culture that shapes underground music. He shares his music-rooted life story, reminiscing about his early days and experiences that ignited his love for punk rock. He takes us on a tour through the legendary Gilman Street in Berkeley, a special venue that remains a beacon for underground music enthusiasts. We explore his passion for writing about music and the evolution of his record label, Dandy Boy Records, which supports artists often seen as 'awkward kids' in the music realm. We uncover the stories behind a gentleman who gives us panoramic insights about the bones of East Bay music culture. Go forth with the podcast adventure. 
*music courtesy of Grey Causeway, Kelly Stoltz, RYLI, The 1981, Smile Too Much, Whitney's PlaylandFollow Dandy Boy Records: https://dandyboyrecords.bandcamp.com/
Follow Surprise Cast: Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Podbean, or Spotify