Des Moines calling: My adventures on the 'Punk Nite Podcast'
This couple is building community around the elusive definition of punk, one conversation at a time.
What does punk rock mean to you?
That was the first question I faced from Saeed Tokhi when I sat down with him and Jen Morrow to record an episode of their “Punk Nite Podcast.”
I had an absolute blast.
As a rabid podcast consumer as well as a podcaster myself of more than a dozen years, I’m always game to get on the mic — especially in a room as genuinely thoughtful, grassroots, and fun as this one. This Des Moines couple has been hosting these conversations since November. The premise of their pod: “‘Punk Nite’ emcee Saeed explains all things punk rock to his normie wife, Jen. Listen in as they explore various topics such as community, subcultures, and music.”
Community, subcultures, and music — as it happens — are three of the most recurring threads in my decades of journalism.
Listen to my episode of “Punk Nite”:
My wide-ranging chat with Saeed and Jen touched on topics both familiar and unexpected, including:
My changing definition of punk rock through the years
Why Bob Dylan has done some of his best work in the 21st century
The evolution of the American news media
Why I once publicly challenged Randy Owen — the lead singer of country band Alabama — to a fight
My newspaper story most likely to be remembered long after I’m gone
Recent music recommendations, including a band called Damaged Bug
“Punk Nite” is also more than a podcast; it’s a monthly gathering, held the second Monday of the month at Maggie’s Rumble Room, 1430 Second Ave. in Des Moines. (This dsm magazine feature story explains its origins.)
Put it on your calendar if you’re in the capital city: The next Punk Nite on June 8 features a performance by Saeed’s new Devo cover band, the New Traditionalists.
Hey! Ho! Let’s go!
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Enjoyed the podcast! But still want the Bono imitation!!