Welcome back to Truckin’ Through Time , our six-part chronological journey through the history, music, and lived experience of the Grateful Dead. In this episode, we pull straight into the absolute whirlwind of 1985 to 1989 —the era where the Deadhead universe experienced its ultimate expansion. Your host, Will, tackles the late eighties with total honesty. This is the era of the great health scare, Jerry's miraculous comeback, and the massive cultural shift that occurred when the mainstream fin...
Jun 08, 2026•10 min•Season 4Ep. 32
Welcome back to Tales From The Lot and Part 4 of our 6-part series, Truckin’ Through Time . Today, we are pulling into the early 1980s—covering the grit, the gear, and the massive cultural shift of 1980 to 1984 . A lot of casual listeners skip over the early '80s, but for true Deadheads, this is the era where the walls of our traveling city were officially built. Your host, Will takes you inside the years where the band traded their cowboy hats for synthesizers, Brent Mydland officially became t...
Jun 02, 2026•10 min•Season 4Ep. 31
The Dead took a break in 1975, which in Deadhead terms means everyone just got louder about them in their absence." Welcome back to Truckin’ Through Time , our six-part chronological journey through the history, music, and lived experience of the Grateful Dead. In this episode, we tackle 1975 to 1979 —the crucial half-decade where the "culture" officially became the "community." Your host, Will, shifts the spotlight to the asphalt. This episode is all about how the fanbase transformed into a sel...
May 26, 2026•11 min•Season 4Ep. 30
Welcome back to Truckin’ Through Time , our six-part chronological journey through the history, music, and mythology of the Grateful Dead. In this episode, we are pulling up to what many heads consider sacred territory: 1970 to 1974. We look at the massive pivot where the band traded psychedelic feedback loops for acoustic guitars and timeless American myths. This is the era where the Grateful Dead stopped being just a local San Francisco trip and started inventing the road as they drove it. In ...
May 19, 2026•11 min•Season 4Ep. 29
Truckin’ Through Time (Part 1): The Primal Years (1965–1969) "The Warlocks, soon to be the Grateful Dead, were mostly just trying to make sure the floor didn’t swallow them whole." Welcome to the series premiere of Truckin’ Through Time , a special six-part deep dive into the 30-year odyssey of the Grateful Dead. In this kickoff episode, we’re heading back to where the sidewalk ends and the trip begins: 1965 to 1969. This isn't a dry history lecture—it’s a storyteller’s look at how a rag-tag gro...
May 12, 2026•13 min•Season 4Ep. 28
TFTL Ep 27 Greatest Hits Volume 2 As we hit a milestone of 25 episodes and over 25,000 downloads, I'm thrilled to bring you a collection of some of the most memorable moments from the journey so far. Join me as we revisit more episodes of Tales From the Lot. From the moments that made us get on the bus to the colorful people we saw at Grateful Dead shows, these guests show just how the band touched all of our lives. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Here's to many more episo...
May 17, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 27
TFTL Ep 26 Greatest Hits Volume 1 As we hit a milestone of 25 episodes and over 25,000 downloads, I'm thrilled to bring you a collection of some of the most memorable moments from the journey so far. Join me as we revisit the first 12 episodes of Tales From the Lot. From impromptu jams to heartwarming encounters, these stories encapsulate the essence of the Deadhead experience and the spirit of community that binds us together. Each tale is a testament to the enduring legacy of the band and the ...
May 08, 2024•43 min•Season 3Ep. 26
Venture back in time with Boston's very own Paul Cirincione as we unravel the enthralling narrative of a life steeped in the melodies of the Grateful Dead and the dynamic world of live music recording. Our foray begins with Paul's initiation into the taping culture at a Dead show in '78, with nothing but borrowed equipment from an unlikely source. His chronicles from the golden era take us through the small, smoky venues and the blossoming vending scene, contrasting the cumbersome recording gear...
Apr 25, 2024•40 min•Season 3Ep. 25
When Bob Ingersoll describes his first Grateful Dead concert, you can almost feel the pulsing energy of the crowd and the transformative power of the music. This episode takes a wild ride with Bob, a chimp expert, and Deadhead, as he shares his life's tapestry woven with threads of passion for primates and the Grateful Dead. His stories transport us from his early college days to the emotional depth of his bond with Nim Chimpsky, a chimp he worked with closely. Bob's journey is not just about hi...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 3Ep. 24
Bill Bigelow takes us on a journey through the heart of the Bay Area's legendary music scene, where the melodies of the Grateful Dead once danced through iconic venues like the Carousel Ballroom and the Fillmore West. As we explore his stories, from the Beatles to Bob Dylan, we witness the origins of a community united by music. Bill's encounters with the Dead's intimate shows and his insights into their ever-evolving relationship with promoter Bill Graham offer a rare glimpse into the spirit of...
Apr 09, 2024•45 min•Season 3Ep. 23
Ever found yourself entranced by a rhythm, a melody, or a memory that transports you to another place and time? That's the magic Bruce Ascher, a die-hard Deadhead from Putnam County, brings to the table in our latest episode. With the backdrop of Led Zeppelin and Motown beats, Bruce's musical pilgrimage led him to the Grateful Dead's doorstep, and he's never looked back. We journey with him to his first Dead concert—a serendipitous celebration on Bob Weir's birthday—and through the enchanting li...
Apr 01, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 22
Join us on a sonic journey as Tommy Kennedy takes us from the electric buzz of a Bob Dylan fandom to the psychedelic swirl of becoming a Grateful Dead convert. The episode kicks off with Tommy's rich storytelling, painting the scene of his first Grateful Dead concert where the air was thick with excitement and faces were adorned with vibrant paints. His tales extend beyond the music, revealing the tapestry of experiences that hooked him into the Dead's unique culture, and how one album, "Wake of...
Mar 26, 2024•40 min•Season 3Ep. 21
Ever found yourself reminiscing about your first psychedelic experience while listening to the Grateful Dead? Or how about that time when you unearthed your love for genres you didn't even know existed? Join my dear friend Kurt and I as we take a trip down memory lane, discussing our shared love for music, and our unforgettable concert experiences including our time at the Grateful Dead concert at Deer Creek in 1992. Kurt opens up about his musical journey, how he transitioned from '80s rap to a...
Oct 23, 2023•56 min•Season 3Ep. 20
Ever found yourself lost in a parking lot for hours after a mind-blowing Grateful Dead concert? George Michaels, author of ' Grateful Dead Tour Tales' , not only knows exactly how that feels, but also crafted an entire collection of captivating stories based on such experiences. Join us as we journey through George's transformation from a club kid to a devoted Deadhead, and get a glimpse of the Grateful Dead culture through his eyes. Hear about his first Grateful Dead concert in Saratoga, where ...
Oct 16, 2023•21 min•Season 3Ep. 19
TFTL Ep18 Always Feeling Like Some '69 - 5/6/1990 - California State U. Dominguez Hills My guest, CP, is here from AZ to discuss seeing the Grateful Dead at Cal State on 5/6/1990, the fine wine that is the Dead's catalog, and The 48 Laws of Power. Send Me A Message This episode is sponsored by ShakedownTshirts.com with unique lot-style T-shirts and gifts for Grateful Dead, Phish, Zappa, Panic, and more. All US orders over $35 Ship Free. Use code "Lot20" for 20% off any order. Tales From The Lot ...
Oct 09, 2023•28 min•Season 3Ep. 18
TFTL Ep17 Super Hippie Dippy - 5/27/1989 - Oakland Coliseum My guest, Michael Leube, is here from Budapest, Hungary to discuss seeing Grateful Dead at the Oakland Coliseum in 1989, the 80/20 Rule, a heartbreaking Stella Blue, and why Billie Jean is the best pop song. #GratefulDead #OaklandColiseum #MusicMemories #StellaBlue #BillieJean #Podcast Send Me A Message This episode is sponsored by ShakedownTshirts.com with unique lot-style T-shirts and gifts for Grateful Dead, Phish, Zappa, Panic, and ...
Oct 03, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Season 3Ep. 17
TFTL Ep16 A Ring of People Dancing - 10/17/1983 - Lake Placid, NY My guest, Steve White, is here to discuss seeing the Grateful Dead at Lake Placid, the Spud Hut, and much more. Send Me A Message This episode is sponsored by ShakedownTshirts.com with unique lot-style T-shirts and gifts for Grateful Dead, Phish, Zappa, Panic, and more. All US orders over $35 Ship Free. Use code "Lot20" for 20% off any order. Tales From The Lot will@talesfromthelot.org Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/talesfrom...
Sep 07, 2023•50 min•Season 3Ep. 16
TFTL Ep15 The Circus Is In Town - 9/15/2021 & 7/2/1995 - Deer Creek Music Center My guest, Aaron Okerson, is here to discuss seeing Dead and Company at Ruoff Music Center on 9/15/2021, Hyryder, and much more. In the second half, I take a deep dive into the fence crashing on 7/2/95 at Deer Creek and the "Tour of Doom". Send Me A Message This episode is sponsored by ShakedownTshirts.com with unique lot-style T-shirts and gifts for Grateful Dead, Phish, Zappa, Panic, and more. All US orders ove...
May 24, 2022•40 min•Season 2Ep. 5
TFTL Ep02-04 Too Many Shows, Too Little Time - 5/5 & 5/6/1990 - Cal State, Carson, CA My guest, Paul Kjellberg, is here to discuss his experience seeing the Grateful Dead at Cal State on 5/5 & 5/6/90, and much more. Send Me A Message This episode is sponsored by ShakedownTshirts.com with unique lot-style T-shirts and gifts for Grateful Dead, Phish, Zappa, Panic, and more. All US orders over $35 Ship Free. Use code "Lot20" for 20% off any order. Tales From The Lot will@talesfromthelot.org...
May 10, 2022•46 min•Season 2Ep. 4
TFTL Ep13 It's the Soundtrack to Your Life - 12/31/81 - The Oakland Auditorium My guest, Jeff Kerper, is here to discuss his experience seeing the Grateful Dead at the Oakland Auditorium on 12/31/1981. And if you can't decide what to listen to next, check out Jeff's Grateful Dead musical suggestions on his IG page Chestnuts From the Archive https://www.instagram.com/chestnutsfromthearchive Send Me A Message This episode is sponsored by ShakedownTshirts.com with unique lot-style T-shirts and gift...
May 03, 2022•45 min•Season 2Ep. 3
TFTL Ep12 Oh, That's Why They Have Balloons My guest, Thomas Shortall, is here to discuss the Grateful Dead at the Philly Spectrum on 3/18/1995, Kurt Vonnegut, and much more. Send Me A Message This episode is sponsored by ShakedownTshirts.com with unique lot-style T-shirts and gifts for Grateful Dead, Phish, Zappa, Panic, and more. All US orders over $35 Ship Free. Use code "Lot20" for 20% off any order. Tales From The Lot will@talesfromthelot.org Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/talesfromthe...
Apr 26, 2022•39 min•Season 2Ep. 2
TFTL Ep11 Jerry Had His Game Face On My guest, Gary Kerper, is here to discuss the Grateful Dead at Cornell University on 5/8/1977, and I take a dive into the internet conspiracy surrounding this show. Was Jerry part of the CIA? Did Microsoft and Disney team up? Did it really even snow that night? Send Me A Message This episode is sponsored by ShakedownTshirts.com with unique lot-style T-shirts and gifts for Grateful Dead, Phish, Zappa, Panic, and more. All US orders over $35 Ship Free. Use code...
Apr 20, 2022•40 min•Season 2Ep. 1
TFTL Ep10 Feeling All This Love My guest, Eric Skjerseth, is the founder of Planetary Transport Company ( www.planetarypartybus.com ) and the nonprofit STAMP (Sustainable Touring for Artists, Musicians, and Performers) Eric is here to discuss the Grateful Dead at Soldier Field on 7/8/95, sustainable transportation for traveling artists, and much more. Send Me A Message This episode is sponsored by ShakedownTshirts.com with unique lot-style T-shirts and gifts for Grateful Dead, Phish, Zappa, Pani...
Feb 08, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Tales From the Lot Ep9 - Untethered From Time I talk about my first Grateful Dead show, 6/7/91 at Deer Creek. Send Me A Message This episode is sponsored by ShakedownTshirts.com with unique lot-style T-shirts and gifts for Grateful Dead, Phish, Zappa, Panic, and more. All US orders over $35 Ship Free. Use code "Lot20" for 20% off any order. Tales From The Lot will@talesfromthelot.org Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/talesfromthelot YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@talesfromthelot Support th...
Jan 25, 2022•7 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Tales From the Lot Ep8 - The Best Grateful Dead Show I Have Been To Michigan Brian is my guest to discuss the Grateful Dead at Richfield Coliseum on 3/21/94 and the Soldier Field '93 & '94 shows. Send Me A Message This episode is sponsored by ShakedownTshirts.com with unique lot-style T-shirts and gifts for Grateful Dead, Phish, Zappa, Panic, and more. All US orders over $35 Ship Free. Use code "Lot20" for 20% off any order. Tales From The Lot will@talesfromthelot.org Facebook - https://www....
Jan 18, 2022•39 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Tales From the Lot Ep7 - The Genesis of the Face Melt Geoffrey V. Carter is my guest to discuss the Grateful Dead 7/18/1990 & 7/19/1990 at Deer Creek, Neal Cassady's legacy, and much more. Send Me A Message This episode is sponsored by ShakedownTshirts.com with unique lot-style T-shirts and gifts for Grateful Dead, Phish, Zappa, Panic, and more. All US orders over $35 Ship Free. Use code "Lot20" for 20% off any order. Tales From The Lot will@talesfromthelot.org Facebook - https://www.faceboo...
Jan 11, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Tales From the Lot Ep6 - I Was Forced to Like It By Mtv Gunnar Hanson is my guest to discuss the Grateful Dead at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on 6/24/1984 in Saratoga Springs, NY. Send Me A Message This episode is sponsored by ShakedownTshirts.com with unique lot-style T-shirts and gifts for Grateful Dead, Phish, Zappa, Panic, and more. All US orders over $35 Ship Free. Use code "Lot20" for 20% off any order. Tales From The Lot will@talesfromthelot.org Facebook - https://www.facebook....
Dec 14, 2021•41 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Tales From the Lot Ep5 - Maybe U2 Does That, But I Doubt It Cameron Patrick is my guest to discuss his life-changing experience on the way to the Grateful Dead show on 7/4/1990 at Sandstone Amphitheater in Bonner Springs, KS. Send Me A Message This episode is sponsored by ShakedownTshirts.com with unique lot-style T-shirts and gifts for Grateful Dead, Phish, Zappa, Panic, and more. All US orders over $35 Ship Free. Use code "Lot20" for 20% off any order. Tales From The Lot will@talesfromthelot.o...
Oct 05, 2021•41 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Tales From the Lot Ep4 - Doing Questionable Things in Questionable Places Keith Eaton is my guest to discuss the Grateful Dead "Formerly the Warlocks" show on 10.9.89 at Hampton Coliseum. Send Me A Message This episode is sponsored by ShakedownTshirts.com with unique lot-style T-shirts and gifts for Grateful Dead, Phish, Zappa, Panic, and more. All US orders over $35 Ship Free. Use code "Lot20" for 20% off any order. Tales From The Lot will@talesfromthelot.org Facebook - https://www.facebook.com...
Sep 28, 2021•51 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Tales From the Lot Ep3 - Thank You, Sir. May I Have Another? 9/19/90 MSG Scott Barsamian is my guest to discuss the Grateful Dead show on 9/19/90 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Send Me A Message This episode is sponsored by ShakedownTshirts.com with unique lot-style T-shirts and gifts for Grateful Dead, Phish, Zappa, Panic, and more. All US orders over $35 Ship Free. Use code "Lot20" for 20% off any order. Tales From The Lot will@talesfromthelot.org Facebook - https://www.facebook.co...
Sep 20, 2021•49 min•Season 1Ep. 3