Throwing Quarters Podcast replay [audio]

Here is the audio for Season 3 Episode 2.

You can catch the Video Replay in the post below for click here. 

If you so choose, you can also download it on iTunes.  Just search the podcast library for Throwing Quarters Podcast.

You can also find us on your iPhone and Android using the UStream App, just search Throwing Quarters for the video, or stream it on Stitcher Podcast Radio from your smartphone.  

Enjoy.

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Musical Guest: American Swill [Redwater Rojo]
Mentioned Artist: Rob Evan [Minerva Realm]

Throwing Quarters Podcast

You can also click here to go right to UStream Feed

Free TV Show from Ustream

Throwing Quarters Podcast Season 3 Episode 1

As promised, we did it.  Episode 1 is in the can.  Hope you enjoy it.  It was certainly a ton of fun.

Take a listen.  It should be up in iTunes shortly.  If you are impatient you can just listen below!

Important Dates that were mentioned.
Video Shoot for Vendetta Point.  February 21, 2010 @ 2:30pm at Peabody's. Free to public.  Just show up and look good

CD Release Show for Vendetta Point.  April 3, 2010 @ 7:00pm at Peabody's.  $6.00 at the door, free if you contact Jim or Ken or Me. 

I want to thank Vendetta Point for stopping by, and as promised in the podcast, here are all the links you need to know.

Vendetta Point  and Vendetta Point Twitter
Jim Skirtch
Ken Obloy
Kasey Crabtree and Kasey's Twitter
Dan Ryan
Mrs. Throwing Quarters 


During the Plugs I mentioned a community theater in Avon Lake, Ohio.  You can find them here.

Here is the hour of mayhem!

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You can also find us on Stitcher Podcast Radio from your iPhone, BlackBerry, or Droid.

Mark you calendars.  Our next Episode is February 21, 2010.

Throwing Quarters Podcast Season 3 Live 8pm EST

Today is the day. The Throwing Quarters Podcast goes live at 8pm EST.

Starting at 7:30pm EST we have a pre-show. It will include some great music from Dave Ritz, Auralis, Adam Taylor, The Ohio Sky, Philo, Ryan Humbert, and Love Drug.

8pm EST Live!  With Adam, Kasey, and Dan

Guests this month: Vendetta Point

*If you do not see the uStream Feed and Chat Feed below, please click here to go to the direct show page*



Live Videos by Ustream

It's coming

Changing requires planning.  It requires discipline.  It requires forward thinking.  It requires support. 

This week I make a huge change personally.  It has been the source of my seemingly ever ending sour mood.  It has caused me sleepless nights and early mornings.  It has me distracted.

What is it that is changing?  My podcast. 

Since April, my podcast has been a labor of love.  My baby.  I have planned and executed everything on it.  From booking my guests, to reaching out and looking for new ones, I was in charge of it all.

This year it's changing.  This anxiety started after our first meeting on the format.  Kasey and Dan came over and we talked about how and what this whole thing is going to look like, sound like, time tables, etc etc etc.

Planning.

After the meeting I kept going over and over in my head.  Is this right?  Am I sure?  Oh my god this is really happening!  With change comes doubt.  Always doubt.  Keeping my resolve, and having faith in myself that I can guide this process through is something I must do. 

I have no doubt that this is something that is going to happen.  The wheels are in motion.  The ustream feed is set up, but not all the technical bugs are worked out.  The soundbites I want to use are not edited yet.  I. am. freaking. out.

I am sure after this Sunday, it will all go off without a hitch.  The camera will work and provide a picture, but I am still a little sketchy on how it is working.  It seems that I can get it to work one day, but not the next.  The computers webcam works like a champ, but my hand held is a 50/50 shot. 

So needless to say I am a little worried.  I am excited.  I am nervous.

I am giving up a small level of control to make something better.  Let's hope it all works out.

Worst case scenario is that you can hear us but not see us.

After all, this is a radio show first. 

Throwing Quarters Podcast [Bigger, Better, and Uncut]

Well 2009 is quickly coming to a close.

It's been one hell of a year for not only the blog as a whole, but also the podcast.  It went from idea to reality so fast it's hard to believe everything that went on.  Here is a recap.

This year we have had a whole bunch of different guests.

My friend Amber was the first guest/co-host way way back.

My brother Steve made an appearance.

My other brother Keith was on as we took the show on the road to Chicago and his improv group Legitimate Beef was on.  They were hilarious, they were back in episode 6.

A fellow blogger and do-gooder, Julie [Tangobaby] was on the show back in Episode 7.

Then we took it into Season 2.

We had Alexa from Cleveland's a Plum on the show to kick off Season 2.  Alexa, as you might know, went on to be awarded the "Best Blogger in Cleveland" award by Cleveland Magazine.  This episode was also when Dan Ryan came to the show and became the announcer of Throwing Quarters.

Like I said before, Dave Ritz broke Throwing Quarters' live music cherry with a great great set.  In that same show we also met another blogger buddy from Minnesota, Jules from Just Jules.

Then we had on Adam Taylor and Kate Young live at the Barley house and we also met what would become a good friend and fellow guest blogger, Kasey Crabtree.  That show was the most stressful, and also the most fun of all the shows.

Then on the latest episode we had Ken and Jim from the up and coming Cleveland band, Vendetta Point.  We played 3 tracks on the show that you cannot hear ANYWHERE else for download.

This little show has grown.  Each show got a little better.  Each show was a little different.

Now this leads me into the next evolution.

Over the past few days I have been sleeping like crap.  I have been up all night thinking about a ton of things as it relates to my little podcast.  I wanted to take it to the next level and I knew I couldn't do it all on my own.

So yesterday morning I sent out an email to some key people in my vast network.  I gave them this long drawn out vision of my podcast.  Where I wanted to take it and why I needed their help and why I think they would be the best people for the job.

With in hours I got back tweets, e-mails, and a long phone call that was one of the best phone calls ever.  All of the pieces are in place for the next season of the podcast.


Let me start at the top.

I have been listening to all of the feedback I have gotten.  Many of you wanted a more regular podcast.  So starting with this new season, I have put together a production schedule for the remainder of the year.  It will be on the same day, same time, every month.  So instead of going months with out a podcast, you will get it like clock work every month at the same time.  Keep reading, I will tell you when that is.

Next, many of you wished that you could interact as we put on the show.  Well, I am glad to say I have figured out a way for you to interact with the show.

Next, many of you wished that they could see what happens in the process of making a podcast.  You wanted to see behind the curtain if you will.  Well, I am really glad to say that this season's podcast is NOT only going to have killer audio, but you are going to be able to watch us produce it.

As the ideas in my head kept popping I got more and more excited.  A phone call a few weeks ago made me realize that I needed to have more than just me too.  I needed people that I was comfortable enough around to talk to, but I didn't want to have people in the studio and behind the microphone that were ultra green, and also, ultra nervous.

That is when I enlisted the help of 2 trusted friends.  I want you to meet the 2 new additions to the Throwing Quarters Team.

Kasey Crabtree has quickly become a very close and dear friend.  You may remember the stellar guest post a few weeks back.  She is a real radio professional currently on the air with WNCX Saturday mornings from 10am-2pm.  She spins classic rock, but has been behind the mic for nearly 16 years.  When she got my e-mail she called me later that night and we talked for a long time about what my vision was.  She is ready to help, and I cannot wait to start the next season with her sitting across from me.

Dan Ryan and I met in broadcasting school of all places.  We were energetic students who had a huge desire for radio, and a disdain for television production and it showed.  When I first met Dan the first thing I noticed was for his ability to cut through a room with only his voice.  I mean you could hear it down the hall.  He and I collaborated quite a bit through the radio program at school, and after school he moved away.  Not too long ago through FaceBook, we reconnected and ever since, he has been a part of the show.  His Hollywood Spin this next season is going to blow away anyone else's ability to report on the entertainment industry.

Not only are we going to have 2 new co-hosts and collaborators, but we are also going to have a new format.

Our production schedule is going to start on the 3rd Sunday of January.  We will start the show promptly at 8pm and we are going to do the whole thing from start to finish, live.  We are going to broadcast the audio on uStream and also have what Kasey has dubbed, a fly on the wall cam.  Using uStream not only will you have the ability to interact with the show as it is happening, but because you rock, we are also going to try and incorporate exclusive giveaways on the uStream broadcast.  

Don't worry, if you can't tune in live we are also going to be posting the audio in iTunes like we always have, and also posting it right here in the blog, and we are still are going to stream it on Stitcher for you iPhone, Blackberry, and Droid users.

So there you have it.  The next evolution of the podcast.  Bigger, better, and uncut. 

Set your calendar for January 17 at 8pm, and tune in for The Throwing Quarters Podcast [LIVE].

From Stranger to special BFF in 48 hours: A True Twitter Tale [Guest Post from Kasey Crabtree]

Well, like everything, the guest post segments fumbled on Black Friday.  I finally got Kasey's blog post so Kasey is here to lead us off.  Her tale that is pretty remarkable considering how VAST our world is, but then again with advents in social media, our world has definitely gotten smaller.  

But first, here is a little background on our guest blogger. 

@KaseyCrabtree is a DJ with Classic Rock 98.5, WNCX in Cleveland, OH (WNCX.com) and can be heard Saturdays from 10am-2pm.  Watch for the launch of her website www.KaseyCrabtree.com within the next couple of months, and check back here for info on her own, yet-to-be-titled blog which will have its first official posting before her birthday on December 19^th.

-Adam

**************************************************************************************************************

From Stranger to special BFF in 48 hours: A True Twitter Tale

by: Kasey Crabtree

That is how I would describe my relationship with Adam (AKA Throwing Quarters).  So when he asked for guest bloggers to help cover his posts over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, it seemed the logical thing to do; the next progression of our friendship. It is also an honor to have this, my first ever blogpost, featured in his blog. 

But in order to appreciate where Adam and I are today, we need to look back and review how we got here.  Ours is truly a happy story of the ‘social’ aspect of social media; of some of the best results one could hope for from this new era of communication.  The coolest part: versions of this story could be happening to people everyday, maybe even to you!

The Common Question (?)

“So how have things been?”  “What’s new?” “Whatcha been up to?”

“How ARE you?”

How many of us will be asked these ubiquitous questions over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend?  How many times will we answer with polite, generic responses: “Things are the same”, “nothing much”, “I’m good”. 

I was recently asked these very questions by a friend I hadn’t seen in a few months.  I looked at her and I wasn’t sure where to begin. Instead of giving her one of the usual scripted responses, I was honest with her, telling her how I had been let go from my ‘day job’ on 4/3/09 – and I that am still job hunting.

I saw her look of concern and sympathy, but before she could say anything, I told her it was all ok – even better than ok. Now she looked puzzled. 

I explained I felt like Dorothy when she opened the door from her black and white world to the new world of Oz in Technicolor, or, maybe more appropriately, like Neo, when he swallowed the red pill and wakes up in ‘the real world’ and begins to understand the true nature of The Matrix.

No, I wasn’t on drugs: rather, I had finally discovered the world of social media, and I couldn’t imagine how I had ever lived without it.  She looked skeptical and dismissive, possessing the same attitude I had toward social media only 6 months ago: Facebook and twitter are a playground for self-absorbed people with way too much time on their hands.

Extolling the virtues and conveniences of twitter (especially once I had been shown Tweetdeck) fell on deaf ears with her, and the glazed look in her eyes made me realize I was losing her.  I offered to give her an example of the power of twitterverse….  Here it goes….

The common (or not-so-common?) occurrence

My first day on twitter was Friday, 7/31/2009; just five short months ago. (I’m @KaseyCrabtree, BTW).  Two weeks later, Friday August 14, 2009, I experienced my first #FollowFriday using Tweetdeck.  It was so exciting - I felt like I had arrived! I think I had about 75-100 followers at that point and was excited to connect with new people. 

@TeamNEO (an organization that promotes business growth and development in NE Ohio) had several #FollowFriday suggestions, many were business, but there was one in the list that was just a name - @acgercak.  I clicked on it and stumbled across one of Adam’s great Throwing Quarters blog entries discussing an “off day” vs. a “day off”.  The quick read was entertaining, candid, witty and well written. I was intrigued.

I tweeted him back complimenting his writing, and so began a dialog between us.  Based on some of his writing, I wondered if he worked in retail? yes he did; I then shared how I had recently been let go from a high-end retail job myself.  As our short tweets continued back and forth, we both began to see a picture of each other and how many common interests we shared.  Moreover, he was working practically right across the street from my condo, AND we both regularly frequented the same Starbucks.  It was quite the series of coincidences!

I can’t remember the exact sequences of events as he discovered I work part time as a radio DJ (Adam also has some radio experience), and I then invited me to attend the taping of a ThrowingQuartrs podcast on Sunday Aug 16^th at The Barley House.  Sunday rolled around; I went to the show featuring singer/songwriter Adam Taylor (@AdamTaylorMusic) and then found myself sitting in on the recording of the podcast, interjecting questions.  It all seemed so effortless, so natural, so comfortable.  By the time the night had ended, many smiles had been exchanged and pictures taken.

Adam seemed like a friend I had know for years, yet 48 hours prior, neither one of us had known of the other’s existence (Adam may have heard me on the radio).  Now, I couldn’t imagine not having this kindred spirit in my life.  I told him he was like my new BFF GF, but he wasn’t a girl, nor was he gay!  However, I felt like I could talk with him about almost anything, and I have!

We are still good friends; I have come to know his wife Jenn, and I tease both of them about the fact that they may have named their new daughter Addison, but I already had a 3 yr old cat by the same name.  See??? Yet another coincidence. 

Now remember, this wonderful friendship is ALL a DIRECT RESULT of having connected on twitter.

So what did my friend think of this story? She was intrigued, but still concerned about my current status. I acknowledged that on paper, my situation might seem bleak:  I am divorced with no kids (I have 3 cats), I have been unemployed for over 6 months, plus I am deeply in debt and terribly behind on all my bills.

I smiled and looked her straight in the eyes.  All these facts are true; these are all hurdles for me to overcome.  However, I have more hope and a stronger positive feeling toward the future than I have had in over 10 years!  I feel that our society is on the cusp of a new dimension of communication, almost as significant as the invention of the printing press. 

Yet more importantly, I feel like I have finally found “my people”.  A community of caring, positive, foreword-thinking people who embrace change and the future, with excitement and awe.  I have happily stepped into the new world of Social Media, and with every bone in my body; I believe it represents my future. 

To paraphrase a line from a favorite book, please join me; please join US, as we ‘tweet the road of happy destiny’.  See you all in the twitterverse!

Throwing Quarter Podcast Season 2 Ep. 4

[image credit to Natural Synthetic]

Finally! After how long? Well it has been a while and it feels great to be back and podcasting again.

This episode features music from a new Cleveland Band Vendetta Point. They brought with them, 3 exclusive tracks from their yet to be released EP The Scars. I am really excited about this band. They have a sweet sound, down to Earth musicians, and the ability to fuck your ear pussies.

They have a ton of great stuff and I hope you like it.

Dan came by with some Hollywood Spin.

We also bantered about the swine flu, giving birth, bad/good sex, and horses and humans having sex.

This episode is must listen, but I want to warn you, it is definitely NOT kid friendly, so you've been warned.

As always mobile users can get the podcast on the go with their BlackBerry or iPhone on Stitcher. You can also download this episode on iTunes too! Just search for Throwing Quarters in the podcast library.

Enjoy!

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Throwing Quarters Podcast Season 2 Episode 3 w/music from Adam Taylor

Here it is. The biggest podcast I have ever done. We took the show on the road the Cleveland Barley House in lovely Downtown Cleveland.

This was the first time I have ever taken the crew and I out of our comfort zone and into the fire of live.....anything. Even this podcast wasn't truly live because I did cut a ton of stuff out, but it was pretty damn stressful to do a podcast in front of people. I had a great time and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

I learned a ton from this experience and we are ready for the next time we go out and do a show somewhere in this fine city.

Technical glitches aside, Adam Taylor and Kate Young did a lovely performance live on stage and I was so glad to get it all recorded. I was so glad Adam Watt and Dan were able to get down there as well, because without these guys, I would not have a show. And a special thank you goes out to Kasey Crabtree from a 'real' radio station here in Cleveland. She told us many great stories and even some really juicy stuff that I had to leave on the cutting room floor! Oh, you should have been there. You could have heard it! Oh I have deleted a few lines from this post for fear that it may get out. You're welcome Kasey.

Anyway, the podcast goes down like this. We open the podcast with Adam Taylor and Kate Young. After the first song we sit down and talk with Adam about his album, genre, influences, and favorite songs on the radio. We then send it over to Dan and his Hollywood Spin. We come back with a beautiful song with Adam and Kate again, and then we wrap it up with 'Tell Us a Story" with Kasey Crabtree and then Adam Taylor Brings down the house with his sweet ass cover of No Diggity.

Here are some sights and sounds from the night. All the photos were taken by Melissa Hofelzer. She was great, and it was nice to see here again. If you want to see all the photos you can see those right here.

[L-R Kasey Crabtree, Adam Taylor, Me]

[Kate Young, Adam Taylor, Adam Watt in background]

[L-R Dan Ryan, Kate Young, Adam Taylor, Me, Adam Watt]

[L-R Kasey Crabtree, Adam Taylor, Kate Young]

[L-R Kasey Crabtree, Me]

Mobile Users you can download Stitcher on you BlackBerry or iPhone or click here.

Enjoy!

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A Big Thank You

Well last night was the night. We got together at the Barley House in Cleveland and had a show. It went well, and I had a great time, despite all the stress and issues that went into it, but oh well. This was the first time I took on anything on this scale, however small it might have been. Here is a sneak preview of a photo I grabbed with the help of my blackberry.
Look for the new episode on Wednesday morning at 12:01am here on the blog, and shortly there after with iTunes.

The Next Level

Waking up this morning was about as easy as doing 2+2. I know, the answer is 65. I know I know.

Ok, I don't know.

The sun was shining, the air was cool, and it smelled just like you would expect a summer morning would smell. The birds were doing a remix of 2Pac and Dr Dre's classic hit, California Love. Everywhere I walked I could hear the classic bass line hitting. I am a gangsta. Ok, not really. I am a white dude from the 'burbs from Cleveland, but a guy can dream.

Wifey and I trekked to the doctor this morning. She is about ready to pop. It was ultrasound day. Apparently someone sneaked some HGH into wifey's uterus, because this baby is growing. I checked and last sighting of Jose Canseco's trainer was a few weeks ago in L.A. so I think my wife is drug free, but you never know.

According to the ultrasound technician, our baby currently weighs 7 pounds 1ounce. So if the baby books are right and she goes full term, that is going to make baby 10 pounds. Holy hell. That child will be almost grown by the time we get her out! Jenn is a bit freaked out to say the least. There is only one way for that baby to come out, according to Jenn, and it doesn't sound fun.

After the doctor it was time to get the hair cut. I have been going to the same place for close to 5 years now. The ladies there are awesome, and they take care of me. During my hair cut, the awesome lady cutting my hair was asking about what was new. Boy did I have a story to tell. I have been going there for a while, so they all know my story. They have heard about the wife and kids, the dog, the job, but they haven't heard of the blog. What better time than now to tell them about the blog? After I told her the story you already know, she looked at me. She was astounded. She looked at me like I was a rockstar. Was it truly shocking that I can write and blog? Or was she doing what she thinks I want to see for the tip that is in my pocket? I think it was the former, but then again, my rose colored glasses look pretty awesome on me.

After the hair cut and a hefty tip, I was off to meet with a guy that writes a pretty awesome Cleveland blog. I won't get into details about the meeting, but all I can say is damn. Michael DeAloia is awesome, down to Earth, and totally awesome! I really do appreciate all the time he took with me and I left the meeting inspired. It's just amazing at the people you meet through something so unassuming as a simple blog.

After the meeting I needed to get down to the Barley House. As you can see from my previous post the meeting went well, although it took me a few minutes to convince the manager that I was NOT selling something to him. I dropped a few names and he calmed down. But as you can see, the meeting was successful! I am heading down there to have lunch with a member of the Throwing Quarters tech crew, and we are bringing Audrey with us. We hope to get a tour of Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Now, since my day was almost done,
I had one piece of unfinished business. I had to set up the new BlackBerry for the blog. I have a BlackBerry for
work and with my small trickle of e-mail I have been getting, it didn't pose a distraction or create a conflict of interest between work and personal life. Now that I am getting e-mails from everywhere under the sun, the potential for conflicts has doubled significantly, so getting a communication tool for the blog up and on the air separate from my work, then that's all the better. It also allows me to carry two cutting edge devices, and my technology addict in me is pleased.

Once I got home I had a doting wife and awesome little girl waiting to welcome me home. I never get tired of coming home. When I got home my wife had another surprise waiting for me.

I have been waiting to make business cards for a long time, and today, since I was getting so much attention, having a business card gives me a little bit more legitimacy. I am not just some dude writes some blog.

What do you think? I need some feedback. I also never get tired of plugging my wife's work. She is for hire. We have kids to put through college.

Front
Back

I think my wife has talent. Seriously. What do you think? Would you buy it, cuz I just did!

Season 2 Episode 3 Announcement

There has been a buzz around my next podcast. I said yesterday that it was going to be huge, and for a podcaster who hosts his podcast out of his living room, this next episode is going to be HUGE!

First let me tell you the Rest of the Story. [May you rest in peace Paul Harvey]

Up until August 3rd, my blog/podcast was a proverbial nobody. I had only 33 loyal followers. I wasn't looking for anything larger than what I was able to grow myself. I used Twitter and Facebook to 'market' my blog, but other than the occasional links I got from other bloggers, it was just a word of mouth operation over here.

A few months back I was able to get out to an Ohio Sky show with my buddy Julie. As a happy coincidence, it was a dual show at the Beachland Ballroom, and a folk-pop artist called Adam Taylor was playing. I sat at the back of the room, just taking in the music, and Julie was around snapping photos with her analog 35mm camera. [what is it about friends of mine named Julie, and their obsession with photos? It must be the name.] I was impressed with Adam. His sound was original, fresh, and it made you tap your feet. It was an intimate show. I picked up some of his drop cards from a makeshift merch table at the back of the house, and I looked him up with my Blackberry.

I wanted to have this kid on my podcast. I learned that he was on his way to Summerfest in WI and Cleveland was the first stop on his tour. I really wanted him on my podcast at this point. I grabbed his e-mail from his website and punched out an e-mail all the while sitting at the back of the room.

It wasn't for a few weeks later than Adam e-mailed me back. By that time I had already played his stuff on the podcast, to great reviews, and he was delighted. He said that when he came through Cleveland, he would definitely stop by the podcast and do a show. That was in July.

August 3rd I got a tweet message from Adam Taylor. He was going to be in town on August 16th. That is also the same day Blogger decided that I should be the Blog of Note. With increased traffic and a ton more visitors than I have ever seen, I decided to try and find a venue for this I wanted to share this spotlight with MY city. I wanted Cleveland to come along for the ride too. I didn't know a single person in the Cleveland bar scene. I mean I knew Alexa from Cleveland's a Plum, but that's about it, but then that is when it hit me. I have been exchanging tweets and links back and forth with Joe Harvey from Local Food Service. I asked him for help.

Joe went a little further. He e-mailed my request to several friends of his, and then posted a news post on his website calling for restaurants to help me. I thought it was an exercise in futility. My e-mail box had been silent with news. I sent an e-mail out to Adam Taylor and my crew and said that we would just have the podcast at the Couch Potato Studios, also known as my living room. That was the plan.

Then Joe Harvey sent me an e-mail at 4:53pm on Monday August 10th. The Cleveland Barley House said yes. They said that we could monopolize their restaurant to do our podcast. Adam Taylor was now going to play a venue that was larger than my living room.

So 7pm on August 16, 2009 at the Cleveland Barley House, the Throwing Quarters Podcast brings you Adam Taylor live and in person. It's a free show and I want you there to make this podcast special. Adam Taylor is going to play a live set then we are going to sit down and talk to him after the set.

This is by far the largest under taking I have ever done. It may seem small to some, but to me this is huge. If we are lucky, Adam Taylor will bring stuff to giveaway, so stay tuned for that!

I couldn't have done it without the help of Joe Harvey at Local Food Service and his colleague Joe Arico. Thank you again to the Cleveland Barley House for opening your doors to this small Cleveland blog/podcast.

Throwing Quarters blog/podcast w/ guest Adam Taylor
Barley House Cleveland
1261 W. 6th Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44113

All that is missing is you and your friends! Be there! Make make sure you drink heavily. They are letting us do the show there for free!

Mini Panic Attack

Ok, it's not that serious, my head is swimming, my heart is pounding, and I am on the verge of losing it! In a good way.

Today Cleveland, Ohio came through for me, and I am going to give back to the city and people that have given so much to me. Tomorrow is shaping up to be a big day, but I can't spill the beans on it until I work out some small minor details.

I am suddenly nervous. I was talking to my brother this evening and I told him that I feel like I've been in the bathroom jerking off, and turns out that the mirror was a two way. Hell I am an exhibitionist. So I'm going to keep going.

I can't wait to share with you what is happening. Let's hope it goes through for us!

What happened?

Many things happen in your life that you never knew would ever happen. That promotion at work, that hot piece of ass at the bar you somehow talked into going home with you, the home run you hit in little league, or the first time you stepped onto a football field to either play, or perform. These things in life can change you, forever. They never come announced. Wouldn't it be great if these little events came with an RSVP card? Or maybe a calendar invite on your Blackberry?

Today one of those 'events' happened.

This morning was nothing but routine. Wake up, coffee, breakfast, drive to work. It's August in retail. Let the back to school specials begin. When I got to work I was greeted by 15 people waiting to get into the store. This day was shaping up to be the craziest day. With a short staff, and an average transaction time in the 20 minute range, welcome to my life. Grinding out sales from people who have such a tight hold of their money, I can see the imprints of the letters on their hand. People do not want to let go of anything. So thus, this is when I get to do my job. I need to change your perception of what I sell, and get you to part with your precious money. It's tiring work, but rewarding.

Now before you get all mad, I work in sales. I don't sell you something you don't need, because if you return it, I don't get paid, so what's the use of selling something to you that you are going to turn around and return?

But my day was trucking right along when the Blackberry on my hip chimed to life. It was from my good buddy Lou Duk. He was a recent Blog of Note, but I was one of the people who followed him before all that. His e-mail was simple. "you just got blog of note for today no joke"

My heart skipped a beat. I have been secretly in awe of anyone who has been named a Blog of Note. I met some pretty cool people who have been Blog of Note, or through some people who have been Blog of Note. Tangobaby was the first time I reached out to someone else that I didn't know in this vast world of blogs. I surprised at the response I got. She e-mailed me right back and checked my blog out as well. I felt really good. Someone whom I had never met, liked what I wrote to this blog. From there I would read her comments and I met a few other great people. Jules from Just Jules was another person I have met. I have personally helped her with her cell phones [I sell those]. I have also sold a phone to ~K over at Still Breathing.

Some people have come out and found me from Tangobaby. Lou was one of them.

Now that I am a Blog of Note, I feel undeserving. Tangobaby writes a wonderful blog and take some spectacular pictures, Lou is another one of those people who has an eye for photography which I feel I will never have. So as I am sitting back wondering about what the hell Blogger was thinking, I just feel I owe a thank you to those who have read when I wasn't expecting it, commented it when I needed it, and to all the new bloggers who find my little corner of the blogosphere intersting enough to click the follow button, and to all of you who follow, but don't make it publicly known, I still like you.

My statcounter is getting a workout today. Just some quick points.

• This is not just a blog, but also ground zero for my Podcast. You probably have listened to my latest episode and if you would like to follow the podcast in iTunes, just search for 'Throwing Quarters' in the Podcast Library.
  
• All of the banners and logo's on my blog were created by my wife. If you like what she has done, e-mail her and tell her how awesome it is. If you want to hire her to do some work for you [inexpensive] you can also e-mail her! She loves feedback and creating!
• If you know an unsigned musician, or a musician who is signed to a indie label, please have them e-mail me so I can get them on my Podcast.
  
• This blog is broadcast from Cleveland, Ohio! Word up to my Cleveland, Ohio fans!
• You will read a lot about my wife, my 7 year old daughter, and my new baby due in less than a month!
  
• You can follow me on Twitter.
• I like comments, and I like it when you tell your friends.
• The Crazy Lady has been good since posting my blog about her! Thanks for reading that, but she will make another blog, soon.
  

So, thank you for stopping by and saying hello!

Season 2 Episode 2

What happens when you have a singer/songwriter, a guitar, a sound guy, Skype, and some friends over?

This Podcast.

This episode of the Podcast was by far my favorite to produce, edit, and actually put together. As you can hear, we had a great time, and I hope you do as well. Here is a little run down of what we talk about, and listen to.

First and foremost, I cannot say enough great things about Dave Ritz. Truly a great guy, with a great voice, just happy to be doing what he loves to do; entertain. I won't lie, I was a bit nervous about this podcast. Was Dave going to think I was a hack [the answer is more than likely a resounding yes I'm sure] because he's been on bigger and better shows than mine. So having someone over the house and playing for me was a humble experience. I loved every second of it and I cannot thank him enough for coming out. I can't wait to see his live shows with his band behind him. Please go check out his website and say hello.

Dan Ryan, my announcer, and now a contributor to the podcast was also here [he drove Dave from the far East Side to the far West Side] and he brought burgers to grill. There is nothing like having a guest come over and bring burgers for me to grill up and be the butt of a few jokes, but then again, tell us about the movies. Check out his blog and keep tabs on it.

Adam Watt was also here for this podcast making sure it all sounded ok. He brought a studio in a box to capture Dave and his Guitar. He was awesome to hang with as he always is and again, I cannot thank him and his record label enough for supporting this small podcast. Thanks again Adam. If you are a singer/songwriter and want to be considered for a project with Adam, please e-mail him: atomwatt [at] papyrusrecords.com.

On the phone this week we had Jules from Just Jules. It is always funny to hear someone's voice after reading their blog and have your own version of what their voice sounds like. She broke in a new segment called, 'Tell us a story". Her story is a must hear, and by God, when I taped this, long after the rest of the gang had left, I was rolling and laughing to the point my eyes watered.

Tune in!

I was able to snap a few photos of Dave Ritz rocking the Couch Potato Studios. Check em.

Blackberry and iPhone users can download Stitcher and search for Throwing Quarters Podcast to listen on the go.

Here is a photo of all of us on the show today.
[left to right: Dan Ryan, Adam Watt, Me, Dave Ritz, and that's Audrey in front]

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Let the new Season Begin!

Well, after a ton of work, and very stressful moments, Season 2 of the Throwing Podcast is now upon us.

As you can see, some things have changed on the blog. The look has been updated thanks to my lovely wife and her amazing skills of taking my vision and making it a reality. I couldn't have asked for a better logo and header images. Please leave some comments so she knows she is totally awesome!

Next, we have a packed show. We have 3 different bands on the show today.

The first artist is Adam Taylor. I blogged about him not too long ago, and now you can hear his music. The title of the track is called 'Painting the Leprosy (Untitled)'. Folk-pop has made a resurgence, and he is one of the fresh new voices.

The second artist Auralis. A band from right here in Cleveland, Ohio, I first heard about them through Allan Fee's Twitter page when he tweeted about this band at a private party he attended. I heard their first track and was shocked that I haven't heard of them before. They have a great sound!

The last artist is Ryan Humbert from Canton, Ohio. My guest mentioned this guy on during our over the phone interview, and once I started listening, I had to put him on the show!

Now, onto the special guest.

Her name is Alexa and she writes a blog called, Cleveland's a Plum. She writes about Cleveland and she has got to be one of the most fun people to talk to. Full of energy [and Uzzo, she's Greek] we called her and we let the insanity ensue. She is tapped into the Cleveland food scene and also the social scene here in Cleveland, and I was so glad we were able to get her on the show. Check out her blog, and I do suggest to make regualr visits to her blog, because it's funny, fresh, and fun.

This podcast has become a labor love, and I hope you enjoy.

Mobile readers can click here to get it on their Blackberry's or download the stitcher application for your Blackberry or iPhone here and search their podcasts for 'Throwing Quarters' and you can get it there.


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The Weekend Approaches

This week is the 4th of July week. In Cleveland that means hosts of carnivals, fireworks displays, and other completely random types of activities. So what is on the agenda.

Unfortunately I cannot attend the opening of the new Bar Symon today. Work gets in the way of a night life all too often. But I am sure it will open to a packed house and rave reviews. I got up early this morning to read up on some of my favorite blogs, and since posting my blog yesterday, I met some very cool people who share my affinity to Cleveland. Check my profile to see some new ones on there. They are all definately worth the read!

I am also excited to see one of my favorite bands on Friday night at the Beachland Ballroom. The Ohio Sky will be rocking it, and it will offer an opportunity to talk to the band 1-on-1 to get a solid date in the books for an appearance on the Podcast. I hopefully will be able to book a few more musical guests as well. On my wish list is a Columbus, Ohio band called Philo, an acoustic band from Florida coming through Cleveland today called Boyce Avenue, Carrie Sample from the Papyrus Records Record 'Portable Words vol 1', a local metal band Morality Check, Zach Watt also from Papyrus Records, a new band to Cleveland Vendetta Point, and The Doctor Teeeth.

Its a large wish list, and if I could land even 3 of these bands, I would be happy. If I land all of them, it would be awesome, but very unlikely considering Boyce Avenue is in town today and leaving tomorrow and they have yet to return any of my phone calls. I also have a HUGE interview planned, but with whom will have to wait until it gets closer.

Big news

I usually try really hard to come up with an interesting way to tell a story. Whether it is to go into detail and put you there with me, or just give you the rough outline, I try and take a different angle.

Well today I am not really going to go there. I am just going to give it to you straight up.

I have been working feverishly to get my Podcast better and more widely distributed. My last podcast was a smash hit by my total hits standards, I have decided that that podcast will be the last one of "this season". I have gone into my writing studio and started writing a bunch of stuff for the podcast. I have a lot on the agenda and my next Podcast will be bigger, louder, and more entertaining as ever. I have some special musical guests lined up. The Ohio Sky, Morality Check, and a new band, Vendetta Point will all make it onto the show coming soon along with great music from Papyrus Records. Not only will I be able to bring you great stuff from these guys, but we also were able to find a new comer to the professional photography industry and we can bring you video and photos, and with the help of Papyrus Records, great live concerts.

So what's content without a way to distribute it? I have tried to make my podcast accessible to anyone. With a live feed on this blog, to a dedicated Podcast page over at Podbean, I have even bitten off a piece of the forbidden fruit and it's now on iTunes. With all of those great avenues to bring Throwing Quarters to you on your computer and also on your portable music device, I have gone one step further. I can now bring you my Podcast from a mobile application for iPhones and Blackberry smartphones called Stitcher. If you have listened to NPR in the last 2 weeks, you will hear that they have a commercial for this app in every commercial break. Stitcher is really cool and yesterday I heard back from ther Senior VP of Business Development, Mike Ghaffary, and gave me the green light to have my podcast join the line up of other great Podcasts on Stitcher.

A lot has happened since my little interview with Tangobaby, but I think this is just the beginning of things to come. The wifey is working diligently on making the look of the Blog page and Podcast Page more professional using her graphic design skills, so when the new season of Podcasts launch, so will all the new art work.

I will be placing promos for the new season of the Podcast to hype it up, and I am going to ask for your help to spread the word. I can't wait!

But before I go, I do need your help. Since many of you are very photographically inclined and I want your input, I am wondering if anyone out there has a way to take or get a photograph that inturprets the title of my blog in an interesting way. This way I can hand them over the wifey [aka as the Throwing Quarters Art Department] and she can try and take each one and incorporate it into the banner. You can find my e-mail in the right side margin of the blog or click here.

Thank you all for the support, and thanks for reading! This is going to be an exciting summer.

I find myself.......

Sitting up in the morning, thinking, and typing on my wife's MacBook Pro.  I am secretly longing to have one of my own.  Besides the small differences in the mouse pad, and not having a right and left click button is driving me nuts, but for the most part I love it. 

The one thing that I have learned to love about Apple is that their design and ergonomics are wonderful and as they modify their iPhone and make it more inline with what I sell, I also find myself wanting to sell them.  It's not that it is superior to what I sell, it's just another product to sell, and the more choice I can give the customer, I more opportunity I have to capture their business.  

One thing I have really learned to hate is that registering a Podcast with iTunes is proving to be difficult.  It took me about 3 hours after work last night to figure it out.  With any luck, you should be able to search my Podcast in the iTunes Podcast directory, rather than having to go directly to my Podcast website and subscribing that way.  

Worn out isn't the word, but it's close.  

But I am currently working on a few things for my next Podcast.  We may finally get to talk to the guys from The Ohio Sky as they are playing another show I am going to try and get to on the 16th.  I might have some live tracks live from the Grog Shop.  If all goes well, we will have my buddy Adam Watt recording the live performance, my friend Moe photographing it, and you listening on the Podcast.  If you want to hear more from the Ohio Sky you can check their music out on Podcast #3 and then I play more on Podcast #4 and talk about how their show was.  

Until then, take care.  I have a busy day lined up today.