Common Thread

14 Episodes
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By: Lunchador Podcast Network

Rory Van Grol & Greg Benoit talk with guests about how the values, philosophies, and sense of community found in hardcore punk has influenced the trajectory of our lived experiences in unexpected ways. It features organic discussions that illuminate how this music is the common thread that provides continuity throughout our lives and connects us to one another.

Common Thread - Episode 6.2 (Rob Antonucci)
#14
07/02/2025

Greg and Rob kickoff the episode with a very important discussion about generational preferences relating to spreadsheet and word processing software in the workplace.

Part two of Rob's interview contains further discussion of recent record releases the trio have enjoyed, tariffs as they relate to coffee beans, how creative elements of the new Turnstile record remind us of the Beastie Boys, and Matty Matheson as hardcore punk ambassador to mainstream popular culture.

Mentioned in this episode:

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Common Thread - Episode 6.1 (Rob Antonucci)
#13
06/25/2025

Greg and Rory welcome long time listener, first time caller Rob Antonucci to the show. Rob is a regular behind the scenes collaborator with Common Thread, and today he joins us on the mic for what will be a two part episode.

The trio share updates related to the podcast and life. Rory discusses the recent tenth anniversary of Ugly Duck Coffee and some of the festivities they coordinated in recognition of the milestone including a magician for the kids, and (real) tattoos for the adults applied by tattoo artist Benton Sillick from Lucky Folk Tattoo. Rory...


Common Thread - Episode 5.3 (Tom Schlatter)
#12
06/18/2025

In the final installment of episode five Rory and Greg interview Tom Schlatter of Saetia, You & I, SpiritKiller, and The Assistant.

Rory starts things off by discussing the impact You & I had on his relationship with hardcore with a particular focus on his experience traveling to see their final show.

Tom talks about how punk rock influenced his career trajectory in the IT field, eventually leading him to seek meaningful work by managing technology in the public library setting. Greg and Tom discuss their experiences working in public libraries, how the current social and political...


Common Thread - Episode 5.2 (Tom Schlatter)
#11
06/11/2025

In part two of episode five Rory and Greg interview Tom Schlatter of Saetia, You & I, SpiritKiller, and The Assistant.

Rory starts things off by discussing the impact You & I had on his relationship with hardcore with a particular focus on his experience traveling to see their final show.

Tom talks about how punk rock influenced his career trajectory in the IT field, eventually leading him to seek meaningful work by managing technology in the public library setting. Greg and Tom discuss their experiences working in public libraries, how the current social and political climate...


Common Thread - Episode 5.1 (Tom Schlatter)
#10
06/03/2025

In part one of episode five Rory and Greg interview Tom Schlatter of Saetia, You & I, SpiritKiller, and The Assistant.

Rory starts things off by discussing the impact You & I had on his relationship with hardcore with a particular focus on his experience traveling to see their final show.

Tom talks about how punk rock influenced his career trajectory in the IT field, eventually leading him to seek meaningful work by managing technology in the public library setting. Greg and Tom discuss their experiences working in public libraries, how the current social and political climate...


Common Thread - Episode 4.2 (The Unraveling - Karl Buechner, Jeremy Mueller, Keith Ward)
#9
05/28/2025

In part two of two, Rory and Greg interview authors Karl Buechner (Earth Crisis, Path of Resistant, Freya), Jeremy Mueller, and Keith Ward about their debut novel The Unraveling: The Council of Crows.

Drawing from influences like the Redwall series, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, and Watership Down, this book is targeted towards kids ages 8 - 12, but it will appeal to readers of all ages who enjoy high fantasy, books with anthropomorphic animals, or adventure stories featuring an ensemble of characters.

Our guests discuss the origins of this unique multi-author project, the collaborative...


Common Thread - Episode 4.1 (The Unraveling - Karl Buechner, Jeremy Mueller, Keith Ward)
#8
05/20/2025

In part one of two, Rory and Greg interview authors Karl Buechner (Earth Crisis, Path of Resistant, Freya), Jeremy Mueller, and Keith Ward about their debut novel The Unraveling: The Council of Crows.

Drawing from influences like the Redwall series, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, and Watership Down, this book is targeted towards kids ages 8 - 12, but it will appeal to readers of all ages who enjoy high fantasy, books with anthropomorphic animals, or adventure stories featuring an ensemble of characters.

Our guests discuss the origins of this unique multi-author project, the collaborative...


Common Thread - Episode 3.3 (Angie Cooper)
#7
05/14/2025

In the final installment in our three part episode, Angie delves into the intricate dynamics of real estate transactions, particularly emphasizing the ethical considerations faced by agents when negotiating sales. She explores the delicate balance of client desires and legal obligations, highlighting how agents must navigate the nuances of fair housing laws while advocating for their clients' preferences. Angie has found from discussions with sellers, who frequently express a desire to sell their homes to owner-occupants rather than investors. This sentiment underscores the broader implications of real estate decisions on neighborhood integrity and social fabric.

The episode...


Common Thread - Episode 3.2 (Angie Cooper)
#6
05/07/2025

Part two of the interview with Angie Cooper kicks off with a guest appearance by Rory's 9 year old who provides us with a summary of some of the best books he has recently read.

Angie, Rory and Greg share insights about their respective careers, highlighting how their backgrounds in punk culture inform their professional ethics and professional relationships. The conversation explores the challenges faced by younger generations in navigating home ownership amidst economic challenges and corporate encroachment in real estate.

The important role financial planning and mentorship has played early in their careers is discussed...


Common Thread - Episode 3.1 (Angie Cooper)
#5
04/30/2025

Rory and Greg interview Angie Cooper, a real estate agent from Richmond, VA. Angie first met Rory on the 1999 xHead Onx tour. We hear about how a chance encounter facilitated through "Book Your Own Fucking Life" lead to their friendship that now spans over 25 years.

Angie has worn many hats throughout her life: teacher, tour/merch manager for bands like The Disaster, Strike Anywhere, Avail and Lamb of God, video editor and producer, and now real estate agent. She discusses how punk rock has influenced her the various stages of life and each of her career choices. <...


Common Thread - Episode 2
#4
04/23/2025

Rory and Greg each share five songs that influenced them in meaningful ways at various points in time in their lives.

Discussion topics also include feedback from listeners on the first three episodes, the format for the upcoming interviews, skinwalkers, the 1995 family comedy Jumanji, Minor Threat and the national treasure that is Ian MacKaye, coping with grief through music, punk rock songs that require dictionary to fully understand, the popularization of nerd culture, finding religious guidance through Start Trek: The Next Generation, and escaping challenging family dynamics through skateboarding and hardcore punk.

This episode includes...


Common Thread - Episode 1.3
#3
04/16/2025

Rory and Greg reflect on their families with their parents and siblings, and with their spouses and children. They discuss the important role their significant others play in their life and process of self discovery. Greg discusses his experience raising a child with autism, and both hosts discuss the importance of empathy and understanding in parenting.

Greg discusses public libraries in the context of the current volatile social and political climate. Libraries are becoming a flash point in the culture wars, and Greg discusses specific incidents and challenges that have arisen.

The dialogue takes a...


Common Thread - Episode 1.2
#2
04/09/2025

Rory and Greg discuss the significant role "third spaces" like coffee shops and libraries have in fostering connections between individuals and creating authentic, organic communities. The hosts advocate for the preservation of these increasingly scarce 'third places,' arguing that they are critical in combating the isolation often brought on by technology and social media.

Greg and Rory also discuss the role skateboarding played in their formative years, and how it introduced them to a community that embraces nonconformity and independent thinking.

This episode also features a segment where Greg and Rory talk about traumatic...


Common Thread - Episode 1.1
#1
04/03/2025

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Common Thread.

This podcast will explore territory beyond the typical interview questions about musical influences and favorite bands. It will feature organic discussions that illuminate how hardcore and punk rock influenced the trajectory of our lives in unexpected ways.

Common Thread will showcase authentic conversations with small business owners, educators, activists, artists and people who have lived unique and interesting lives. We will introduce you to individuals who have found ways to apply the values, philosophies, and sense of community found in hardcore punk to overcome obstacles, resolve problems...