The Grit City Podcast - podcast cover

The Grit City Podcast

The Grit City Podcast is a weekly audio experience like no other! Hosted from the vibrant city of Tacoma, Washington - also known as "Grit City," our show has been entertaining and informing listeners since 2014. And what a ride it's been! Every week, we release a new episode that introduces you to the dynamic and inspiring individuals who call the Pacific Northwest home. From local business owners and entrepreneurs to authors, artists, and unique characters, our guests embody the hard-working, blue-collar spirit that Grit City is known for. And let's not forget the occasional drug-fueled weirdo we may have met at a comedy club the night before! The Grit City Podcast first launched back in the summer of 2014 and quickly built a loyal fanbase of listeners who appreciated the show's unique perspective on the Seattle/Tacoma area. After a brief hiatus in 2017, the podcast was rebooted in 2018, with even more friends and family members involved. It quickly regained its "must listen to" status and went on to deliver an impressive 275 episodes and counting, delivering over 280 hours of audio content to our fans since. With no signs of slowing down soon! Our mission at The Grit City Podcast is simple: to bring the hard-working spirit of the Pacific Northwest to the world and have a good time doing it! We aim to create a community of listeners who understand and appreciate the concept of "grit". With a focus on local business owners, entrepreneurs, and unique characters, sprinkled with a good dose of humor, The Grit City Podcast is a one-of-a-kind audio experience that you won't want to miss. So, if you're looking for a weekly dose of inspiration, laughter, and a celebration of the human spirit, look no further than The Grit City Podcast! Subscribe now and join us for the ride! We would love to hear how you found us. Get in touch here (/contact/) or: info@gritcitypodcast.com Looking for a way to support the show? Stop by the Store (/store) and pick up some Merch or Check out our Patreon page (https://www.patreon.com/GritCityPodcast): https://www.patreon.com/GritCityPodcast

Episodes

GCP: Bonus - Friday Night Hangout - South Sound Music Festival

Bonus episode!!! The guys talk with Dalton Haegele, member of the band Ruston Way, and host of the upcoming event South Sound Music Fest. They discuss the event and give end-of-the-year shout outs. 01:23 – Jeff reflects on how he and Scott first met, introduces Dalton, and Dalton shares the type of artists people can see at the South Sound Music Fest at Real Art Tacoma. He talks about putting the festival together, the most significant challenges with putting it together, and his hope for a good...

Dec 09, 202431 minEp. 358

GCP: Friday Night Hang Out - Thanksgiving 2024

In this episode, the guys discuss all things Thanksgiving, the recent Mike Tyson fight, scamming in the news, Disney ticket swindling, and the GCP season break. Many, many thanks to our listeners and guests on this GCP series! Happy Holidays! The crew is looking forward to our new series in 2025. Stay tuned!! 01:14 – Jeff wishes Scott a Happy Thanksgiving, they discuss holiday traveling, and give a shout-out to people working over Thanksgiving. Jeff talks about the vegetarian options for the hol...

Nov 27, 202454 minEp. 357

GCP: Friday Night Hangout - Comic Show Recap / Tyson vs. Paul

On this GCP episode, the guys chat about the Grit City Comic Book Show, the Mike Tyson fight projections, enhancing your Thanksgiving experience, GCP movie night, small community family relations, and topics you could discuss at the Thanksgiving get-together. 01:37 – Jeff welcomes listeners from around the world, Scott talks about hanging out at the Grit City Comic Book show, and running into Ethan HD while being there. He gives a shout-out to the Camp Bar, talks about the Elf on the Shelf at th...

Nov 20, 20241 hrEp. 356

GCP: Friday Night Hang Out - Guns and AI Girlfriends

On this episode, the guys chat about state public records laws, the upcoming Grit City Comic Show, Thanksgiving table topics, AI chatbots, and this week also features the next DB Cooper episode with Larry Carr. 01:43 – Jeff kicks the podcast thanking veterans for their service, Scott welcomes the Ohio listeners, and Jeff reflects on the great day he and Scott met. He talks about working at a health clinic in Yakima, crazy things that happened there, and scary happenings in the Freddy Krueger bas...

Nov 13, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 355

GCP: Sunday Sermon - All The Cons! Featuring The Cooper Vortex

This time, the guys talk about the recent Washington State Horror Con, the upcoming Grit City Comic Show, the after-party plans, and they drop the second episode of The Cooper Vortex series featuring the interview with Pat and Ron, authors of The Legend of DB Cooper: Death by Natural Causes. 01:24 – Jeff welcomes GCP friend Cnote, Scott talks about hanging out with Brogan for his birthday, and talks about enjoying breakfast at The Valley. He talks about his experience at the recent Washington St...

Nov 06, 202453 minEp. 354

GCP: Saturday Night Grit - Halloween Favorites and Top 10's with Suzanne and Derek!

GCP friends Derek and Suzanne hang with Jeff on this episode. They chat about Drinking for Conservation‘s upcoming events, Derek’s trip to Tokyo, Halloween Costumes, favorite Halloween Candy, top scary movies, and much more! 01:17 – Jeff starts the show discussing how he and Derek met, Suzanne gives a shout-out to the next Drinking for Conservation upcoming event, Owl Have a Drink, and shares some of the other animals and habitats they’ve supported through drinking. Derek talks about his recent ...

Oct 30, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 353

GCP: Saturday Night Grit - Getting Creative - Bonus w/ Joshua W. Turner

On this episode the guys chat about Auto Zone, Grit City Comic Con, photomicrography, and segment guest Joshua W. Turner discusses the topic “what kind of musician are you”, what lead him to finding the type of musician he is, and the exciting news that his band We Wept are releasing their second single on October 23rd. He closed by expressing the point that there’s different ways of being the same thing as others. The guys finish off the podcast discussing the Washington State Horror Con, Steph...

Oct 23, 20241 hr 21 minEp. 352

GCP: Friday Night Hang Out - Spooky Things, Weiner Dogs, & Sports

This week’s segment is with Erik, GCP’s Tacoma Sports expert! He discusses the haps on sports in the community and Jeff and Scott chat about Oktoberfest, Washington State Horror Convention guests, movie night, slugs, and saying goodbye to summer. 01:18 – Jeff welcomes new listeners, talks about how his week has gone, and what got him through the week. He reflects on the first scary game he played, shares that Derek and his wife are visiting Japan, and Scott talks about going to Oktoberfest in Pu...

Oct 16, 202443 minEp. 351

GCP: Sunday Sermon- Oktober! Bonus - GCP Gamer talk with Derek

On this episode, Scott and Jeff welcome new listeners and chat about Oktoberfest, horror movies, scary games, and Mount Adams's increased activity. The podcast also includes the next installment of Derek’s, aka The Sometimes Geek, Gaming series, which recommends horror games to enjoy as we approach the spooky season. 01:42 – Scott welcomes new GCP listeners, thanks all of the listeners who continue to support the podcast, and Jeff encourages people to start their own podcast. Scott shares where ...

Oct 09, 202458 minEp. 350

GCP: Saturday Night Grit - Caturday! Featuring The Cooper Vortex Podcast

This episode stars the first of The Cooper Vortex series, featuring clips from The Cooper Vortex podcast episode and conversations with Bruce A. Smith. Direct from The Cooper Vortex Podcast: Bruce A. Smith is a legend in the Vortex. He's the author of DB Cooper and the FBI: A Case Study of America's Only Unsolved Skyjacking, and the force behind The Mountain News. You may have seen him on Discovery's Expedition Unknown and most recently in the BBC/HBO documentary The Mystery of DB Cooper. Jeff a...

Oct 02, 202446 minEp. 349

GCP: Saturday Night Grit - Animals, Drinking, & The Coloring Book! Bonus featuring Suzanne Akerman

Scott and Jeff discuss otters in the news, Tibbitts@FernHill, and GCP coloring books. Long-time friend of the podcast, Suzanne Akerman, kicks off her series at Peaks and Pints with September's Drinking for Conservation, supporting Washington Wild. Washington Wild is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect and restore wild lands and waters in Washington State through advocacy, education, and civic engagement. Founded in 1979 as the Washington Wilderness Coalition, Washingt...

Sep 25, 20241 hr 6 minEp. 347

GCP: Saturday Night Grit - Cannabis Shopping and Unmarked Vans. Bonus featuring Joshua W. Turner

Jeff and Scott kick off the episode talking cannabis and podcasting then rolls into this weeks segment with Joshua Turner. This time, Josh discusses why it’s the best time to be a musician, including his musical journey, the change of the musical landscape, starting the band We Wept, and why here and now is the best time to put music out. He talks about how people are paving new ways for creating and performing music and challenges people to ponder on what they can do to be part of this amazing ...

Sep 18, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 346

GCP: Saturday Night Grit - Family, Candy, and Sports

This time Jeff and Scott discuss Jeff’s adventures with his grandkids, public transportation, concerts, and Erik gives an update on some of Tacoma’s upcoming sporting events. 01:20 – Jeff and Scott kick off the podcast chatting about their previous episode, Scott talks about taking his visiting family to Crypticon, and Jeff talks about his amazing grandkids. He talks about doing senior portraits in Tacoma for his grandson, how he accommodated the family during their stay, and places he got pics ...

Sep 11, 202441 minEp. 345

GCP: Vacation is Over!

After their summer break, GCP has returned!! Jeff and Scott kick the episode off by discussing what they were up to during the break and the exciting things coming up during the fall. Derek also gives an update on gaming, including PAX and past conventions. 00:08—Jeff and Scott kick off the return episode, Jeff talks about the summer ending, and they wish Justin good luck on his break from the podcast. Scott talks about how much he loved being outdoors this summer, Jeff talks about being re-intr...

Sep 04, 202431 minEp. 344

GCP: Sunday Sermon

Join the guys as they honor the memory of Louie G, dive into Jeff's thrilling experience at the Northwest Pinball & Arcade Show, and explore Justin's public transit escapades. Plus, don't miss a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT about the future of GCP! 04:20 - Justin reflects on the passing of Louie Galarza, the former bassist for ANTIHERO and founder of the beloved all-ages concert venue and pizza shop, Louie G's. They discuss his profound impact on the local music scene and his positive influence on count...

Jun 12, 202450 minEp. 343

GCP: Rusty McClintock & Ken Carlson at the Union Club

This week the guys are joined by friends of the show Rusty McClintock (Comedian | RCF Exteriors & Remodeling) and Ken Carlson (Artist, Director, and General Artistic Badass)! They catch up with a chat about Justin's new house projects from RCF, Ken's recap from Crypticon 2024, pet ownership, video game hangups, exercise problems, and more! 02:30 - The gang enthusiastically welcomes back Rusty and Ken to catch up on the latest happenings in their lives. Justin can’t help but gush over the incredi...

Jun 05, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 342

GCP: Rainy Day Rabbit Holes

GCP invites podcasters Shea & Jody from the Rainy Day Rabbit Holes podcast to discuss podcasting, Tacoma life, and the Union Club! 00:00 - GCP welcomes Shea & Jody by popping a few cold ones, talking about their Juneau beers! Shea & Jody are hosts of the Rainy Day Rabbit Holes podcast, discussing Pacific Northwest history. They share how their bond formed during a 9-day Alaskan cruise and camping trip, leading to their podcasting journey. The gang marvels at Shea and Jody's extensive research, p...

May 29, 20242 hr 31 minEp. 341

GCP: Friday Night Hangout -Java Jivin'

This time, the crew discusses gaming, wild animals, An Evening with John Cusack, movies filmed in Tacoma, and local sports! 00:00 – GCP welcomes this episode by discussing gaming, recent bear sightings in the area, and other wild animals the crew has seen. Derek talks about running into wild bison, Justin reflects on getting into a drunken argument with raccoons, and Scott talks about having a pet scorpion. He talks about watching free-range bulls fight, and they ponder when Tacoma’s cocaine bea...

May 22, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 340

GCP: Saturday Night Grit - Aurora Borealis, Mt. St. Helens, and Crypticon

The crew discusses the aurora borealis, Crypticon adventure, Jeff’s Capades, and much more! 00:16 — Justin sets the stage by wishing Happy Mother's Day to our listeners who are mothers. Jeff stirs up anticipation for the hot aurora borealis medicine, and Justin shares the best way to witness the breathtaking northern lights. He also hints at the upcoming anniversary of Mount St. Helens, Jeff's reflections on living through it, and Derek discusses the intriguing Ape Caves story. 23:43 — Jeff read...

May 15, 20242 hr 30 minEp. 339

GCP: Best Of - Casey McLain

This best-of is a replay of the crews conversation with local comedian and podcaster Casey McLain from episode 265. During that episode, he chatted with the guys about comedy, podcasting, and The Pacific Northwest. Follow him on his socials for information on his upcoming performances! 04:51 – Justin kicks off the show by sharing how listeners can tune into live recordings of the show, introduces Casey, and Casey talks about the demographics of his pet t-shirt sales. Justin talks about having st...

May 08, 20241 hr 15 minEp. 337

GCP: Friday Night Grit - Car Problems, AI Music, and Things Happening

This Friday Night Grit, the crew discusses Crypticon, upcoming guests, car problems, public transportation, moon talk, Over The Moon Café, and AI music. 01:34 – Derek reflects on harassing Discord live stream during the recording of the last episode, each expresses their love of partying, and Justin shares their excitement for the upcoming Crypticon. He talks about the 13th-floor parties happening at the event, they discuss the celebrities attending this year, and Justin discusses upcoming GCP g...

May 01, 20242 hr 34 minEp. 336

GCP: Sunday Sermon - The Next Day, The Coloring Book, and Neighbors

This time the crew discusses 4/20 partakings, Fallout, GCP Coloring Book, Jeff’s Capades, Crypticon, and much, much more! 01:23 – Justin kicks off the episode reflecting on recording the day before, what they did post their 4/20 recording, and Derek talks about binge watching Fallout. Justin talks about the bonuses Patrons get, how Discord has been a savior for the podcast, and he gives a rundown of his weekend events. He talks about watching his favorite band of all time and the last time he sa...

Apr 24, 20241 hrEp. 334

GCP: Saturday Night Grit - Eclipse, Rage Rooms, & Fallout

The guys chat about the recent Best Of, Jury Duty, Scott Topics, the Fallout show, and local sporting events. 00:02 – The official GCP Robot sings us into this episode, Justin starts off discussing the events around the recent eclipse, and Mercury retrograde. He gives a shout-out to CNote who has been re-discovering GCP episode gems, being recently summoned to Jury Duty, and manifesting the case being resolved before trial. 15:49 – Justin talks about Kaysha enjoying Cosmic Bottles, plans to redo...

Apr 17, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 332

GCP: BEST OF - Streetball Supe

This week's episode is a blast from the past. The crew brings you a Best Of where they talked to local Seattle rapper Streetball Supe back in 2019. Streetball Supe is an independent artist from Seattle's Central District. You can find him on your favorite music streaming service including Apple Music or Spotify. Special props to GCP friend Cnote for suggesting the replay of this episode! 5:46 - Justin apologizes to Brogan for hijacking his backpack 22 years ago, Supe introduces himself, and play...

Apr 10, 202444 minEp. 331

GCP: Tacoma Handywoman

Michelle and David from Tacoma Handywoman join the crew on this episode. Michelle, Tacoma’s local “Jill” of all trades has over 5 years experience as a handywoman. She dedicates herself to serving the community by offering knowledgeable, affordable, and high-quality services. Check out the website for information on the services they offer and conveniently book an appointment online! 00:00 – Justin starts the episode reflecting on their flat earther podcast, Michelle talks about what got her sta...

Apr 03, 20241 hr 28 minEp. 330

GCP: St. Paddy's Sermon

This time the crew discusses top travel plans, Point Defiance AAZK Pet Pageant - Silly Edition, past episodes that have stood out over the years, and being a part of the gym rat family. 00:00 – This episode kicks off discussing if they would take DNA tests, Jeff opens a beer to cheer St. Patrick’s Day, and Justin talks about his past vendetta against Oregon. Jeff expresses his want to visit Ireland, his tropical preference over cold areas, and Justin talks about his family lineage in Ireland. He...

Mar 27, 20241 hr 14 minEp. 329

GCP: Sunday Sermon - Jury Duty and Jeffrey Crocker

This time the guys chat about jury duty, Jeff’s Capades, cooking stories, Buddy’s Chicken and Waffles, and Girl Trouble's 40th Anniversary. 00:00 – The show kicks off with a Woot Woot, Jeff shares that Cosmic Bottles is now selling Faygo, the Jugglaos drink of preference, and Justin thanks all of GCP’s new listeners. He talks about the bonuses GCP offers to their Patrons, how people are sharing their love of GCP art, and being summoned for Jury Duty. The rest of the team shares their jury duty s...

Mar 20, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 328

GCP: Sunday Sermon - Strange State Facts, Pecans, and Chicken & Waffles

This week the hot topics of discussion include including Buddy’s Chicken and Waffles, state statistics, Picon Punch, the sad closure of the Manuscript Library Museum, and the new look coming to the Proctor District. 00:15 – Justin kicks off this episode chatting about the recent crow saga, getting the Rock Band game up and rolling again, and the pain of having to re-download his songs. Derek breaks into nerd talk, talks about their recent Q and A episode, Justin shares his love of their Discord ...

Mar 13, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 327

GCP: Sunday Sermon - Board Games, Trivia, and Putt Stuff

On this Sunday Sermon, the guys get together to talk about how they survive the commute, the Tacoma Trivia Game, Is It Tacoma, and upcoming plans. 01:53 – The guys share what they’ve been up to so far the day of recording, Derek talks about what’s been up on the GCP Discord, and trophy plans for this year's Putt Stuff. Jeff proposes a new business idea to help protect commuters, Justin reflects on early morning commuter traffic, and Jeff shares what helped ease his while driving to and from work...

Mar 06, 20241 hr 13 minEp. 325

GCP: Side Piece Kitchen

It’s finally happening!! Owners Hailey Hernandez, Dante Hernandez, and Sous Chef Ivan Carillo from Side Piece Kitchen sit down with the guys to talk food, how the place came to be, future plans, and much more!! Side Piece Kitchen specializes in Bangin’ Biscuits & Dank AF Cheesecake. They’re located in Tacoma at 4704 S Oakes Street and are open Wednesday and Thursday from 9 am to 2 pm and Friday through Sunday from 8 am until they sell out! 01:27 – Justin expresses his excitement to be sitting do...

Feb 28, 20241 hr 18 minEp. 324