From Akron & Beyond Podcast

“From Punk to Paris: Award Winning Graphic Novelist John Derf Backderf, Part 2”

Our in-depth conversation continues!
Listen to The Summit FM, 91.3, on Thursday, January 16, at 10 pm, or later, wherever you get your podcasts!
 
 

From Punk to Paris - Award Winning Graphic Novelist John Derf Backderf, Part 1

Nick and Bob welcome in the new year with an expansive two-part interview with Akron’s own Derf Backderf!In these episodes, we do a deep dive into Derf’s youth in Richfield, his pursuit of art as a career, working as a comic artist for newspapers and magazines, his popular strip “The City”, on through his breakthrough as an internationally successful graphic novelist. Amongst other topics, we discuss “Punk Rock and Trailer Parks”, “Trashed”, Derf’s life-changing “My Friend Dahmer”, the acclaimed “Kent State: Four Dead in Ohio”, and get a sneak peek at his forthcoming epic project….The Bank, press rooms, controversies, health challenges, his working methods - It’s all here, in Derf’s most extensive interview yet.  Don’t miss this one!

The Appropriately Named Laura Smiley

Our “Getting to Know The Summit FM” Series continues as we chat with Sales Director and On-Air Host Laura Smiley.  We talk with Laura about her path to radio, her many diverse interests, and (of course!) her deep love of music.  Nick and Bob learn a lot, and so will you!Listen this Thursday, December 5, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later anytime, wherever you get your podcasts!

From Akron to Barberton via Boston, MA with Ronald Koltnow

In this this episode, we talk with publishing veteran, raconteur, and all-around Man About Town, Ronald Koltnow.An Akron native, now living in Boston, Ron has long been interested (ie, obsessed) with our area’s nationally known delicacy: Barberton Fried Chicken!  So much so that he literally wrote the book about it.Exploring its Serbian origins, the immigrant community that popularized it, and yes, just how it’s prepared, Koltnow answers the question: What makes this dish so distinctive, and just plain good to eat? (Don’t forget the Jo-Jo’s and hot sauce!).Along the way, Ron has some hilarious stories and general life wisdom from his career in the book trade.Listen Thursday, 11/14, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3…. Or wherever you get your podcasts!

Downtown with Danny Basone

Rock ‘n’ Roll drummer turned entrepreneur, Danny Basone has for years been a major player in downtown Akron.  There was The Lime Spider, a club which featured both National and local bands, and has become legendary for many great shows.  Then, the Lockview, which remains one of best bars and restaurants in town. And now, he’s opened United States Potato Service, a truly unique new eatery.In this epidode, Nick and Bob talk with Danny about his life in music, the memorable shows he’s hosted, and the challenges of running a business during a pandemic, with regular street repairs, etc…This is a fun one!Listen on The Summit FM, 91.3, on Thursday, November 7, at 10 pm - or later anytime, on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!

The Rock Religion of Dave Swanson

Maybe you know him from his radio show/podcast REVOLT INTO STYLE. Or from his bands Rainy Day Saints, Death of Samantha, or currently Dave Swanson’s Mystery Airship….But you’ll really know Dave after our two-part deep dive conversation with one of NE Ohio’s most respected musicians and knowledgeable fans. If Rock can be a religion, then Dave Swanson is high priest!LOTS of great music in this one!  (And Bob gets his GUIDED BY VOICES questions about Dave’s time with the band answered!)Listen to Part One on The Summit FM, 91.3, on Thursday, October 31 at 10 pm, or anytime on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube - or wherever you get your podcasts!

Kenny Lambert - Just A Dad From Akron

Nick and Bob chat with Kenny Lambert, whose journey from addiction through recovery has resulted in his becoming an in-demand clothing designer, starting his Just A Dad From Akron business in Kenmore, and being a respected community leader. His commitment to helping others - and how he got there, is a truly inspiring story, and we go deep in this episode.Listen Thursday, October 17, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or anytime on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!

A Superhero of Kenmore Boulevard - John Buntin

For over 30 years, Kenmore Komics and Games has been a fixture in Kenmore, and a destination for comics fans from all over Northeast Ohio.  John Buntin is the person behind the magic.  Nick and Bob discover that running Kenmore Komics is similar to a record store - you have to have a passion for the business, deep knowledge of the genres, and good relationships with your customers.Lots of fun geekiness in this episode!Listen to The Summit FM, 91.3, on Thursday, October 24 at 10 pm, or soon on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube - or wherever you get your podcasts!

The Multiverse of Jacob Trombetta

One of the most creative, talented and eclectic musicians working in NE Ohio today is Jacob Trombetta.  Producer-Filmmaker-Guitarist-Keyboardist-Pedal Steel Guitar Player…. Well, you get the idea!  He’s played with Six Parts Seven and Richard Buckner, and leads an untold number of bands and artistic projects, including Glenn Lazear, Phantom Lease, Horses 4K, and his most recent endeavor Greening.  He’s composed soundtrack music, produced albums by other artists (Anya Van Rose), and made acclaimed films and music videos…..…. But, for all of his accomplishments, Jacob remains little known in the Akron area, a situation Bob and Nick have found to be all too common with any number of local artists.A lot of great music and stories in this episode!Listen Thursday, September 12, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or soon afterwards on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, SoundCloud, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Workin' the Jazz Life with Justin Tibbs

One of Akron’s most talented and busy musicians is saxophonist extraordinaire Justin Tibbs. Whether playing on other musicians’ dates, recording, composing, arranging, or leading his own group JT’s Electrik Blackout, Justin Tibbs has established himself as a force to be reckoned with.In this episode, Nick and Bob talk with Justin about his life, inspirations, and goals, as he negotiates the challenging life of a working Jazz musician.Lots of good talk and great music in this episode!Listen on The Summit FM, 91.3, Thursday, September 5 at 10 pm - or later anytime on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbean, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!