Upstate New York’s got the ways and means! This week, our hosts Game, FiG and Knob are heading to Binghamton for the Grateful Dead’s May 9th, 1979 show. This was only the seventh show played by our friend Smiling Brent. Discussions abound about Brent’s early days, the new Taylor Swift album, and taking yet another step back. Sugaree Me & My Uncle L…

We’re getting a mile high! This week our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob heading west to Colorado to hear the Grateful Dead’s December 14th, 1990 show at the McNichols Sports Arena. Discussions abound about Victim or the Crime, viewer mail, and Knob’s killer impression of Bob’s slide solo. Shakedown Street Picasso Moon Peggy-O Little Red Rooster Stagger …

And in the end, the dead you take is equal to the dead you make. This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are heading to Chicago for the Grateful Dead's July 9th, 1995 show at Soldier Field. This would be the last show Jerry Garcia ever played. Discussions abound about Robert Hunter's found manuscript, Childhood's End, an…

Are you ready to rock?? Red rocks!! This week, our hosts FiG and Knob are heading to Morrison, Colorado for the Grateful Dead's July 27th, 1982 show at Red Rocks Ampitheatre. Discussions abound about what makes "On the Road Again" work, what shows we would time travel to, and what Jerry's favorite reality show would've been. Jack Straw > Sugaree On…

Grab your soup cans, we're heading to the Cafe Au Go Go! This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are heading to a helluva town for the Grateful Dead's September 29th, 1969 show at the Cafe Au Go Go. Discussions abound about Lenny Bruce, Knob's interview with Betty Cantor-Jackson, and The Grateful Dead's history in 7/8 ti…

In a very special bonus episode of Help on the Way, Knob is joined by legendary audio engineer Betty Cantor-Jackson. The two discuss Betty's storied history working for the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band. Along the way, they talk about Grateful Dead Cover Bands, the making of Europe '72, and a little bit about 5/26/73 at Kezar Stadium.…

Happy Boxing Day! This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts Game, FiG and Knob are heading to Oakland for the Grateful Dead's December 26th, 1981 at the Oakland Auditorium Arena. Discussions abound about Phil Lesh's 84th birthday clusterf*ck, A Day at the Dentist, and which New Jersey icons could rock The Other One. Alabama Getaway > Promised…

This week on the Help on the Way podcast, we're having a two for one deal! Our hosts FiG and Knob are discussing two short Grateful Dead shows: 11/12/70 and 12/7/68. Discussions abound about the Phil Lesh Quintet, whether or not FiG will like Aoxomoxoa, and Knob’s overuse of the phrase “not an all-timer.” 11/12/70 Till the Morning Comes China Cat S…

Ruby Cowling's extraordinary realismsBy Livi Michael

Get on the LIRR, we're heading to Long Island! This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts Game and FiG are Going to Nassau to listen to the Grateful Dead's March 28th, 1990 show at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY. Discussions abound about Knob seeing Phil, gushing over Brent, and how it's important not to overlook the night before a big show.…

Meet us in St. Louis! This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts Game, FiG and Knob are heading out west to hear the Grateful Dead's December 10th, 1971 show at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri. This show was released as part of the Listen to the River box set. Discussions abound about Peach on the Beach, the evolution of songs in 1971, …

Say hi to Kesey, we're going to Eugene! This week on the Help on the Way podcast, our hosts FiG and Knob are heading out west. They're going to listen to the Grateful Dead's January 22nd, 1978 show at McArthur Court at the University of Oregon. This show was released as Dave's Picks 23. Discussions abound about Vince Welnick's birthday, Close Encou…

The visionary worlds of Michel Faber.By Livi Michael

California! This week on the Help on the Way Podcast, our hosts Game and Knob are heading to Watsonville, California to listen to the Grateful Dead's September 24th, 1983 show at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Discussions abound about the Phil Lesh Quintet, a fast Bird Song, and some rumors that Dead and Company might be playing The Sphere... A…

SPAC(e). The final Frontier. This week on Help on the Way pod, our hosts Game and Knob are going where no podcasts have gone before- SPAC. They'll be listening to the Grateful Dead's show on June 27th, 1985 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Discussions abound about The Sphere, how to pronounce the word "arguably", and some exciting new merch …

Happy New Year! This week on the Season 2 Finale of Help on the Way, our hosts Game and Knob are heading to Oakland for the Grateful Dead's February 27th, 1994 show at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Discussions abound about the Cosmic Charlie tease, The Beatles' "Rain," and, you guessed it, The Sphere. Hell In A Bucket Row Jimmy New Minglewoo…

We're ga ga for Onondaga! This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are heading to Syracuse for the Grateful Dead's May 17th, 1981 show at the Onondaga Auditorium. Discussions abound about Phil's new podcast, Bobby's slide solos, and Knob's Dad's take on the Philly Spectrum. Alabama Getaway > The Promised Land Peggy-O Mama…

Cheerio, lads. This week on Help on the Way, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are crossing the pond for a little Europe 72 action. It's April 8th, 1972, and the Grateful Dead are playing at the Wembley Empire Pool in London, England. Discussions abound about Dead Ahead, why this Dark Star works, and who would play Pigpen in a movie. Bertha Me & My Unc…

Wave that flag! This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts FiG and Knob are celebrating the fourth of July six months early! They're heading to Bonner, Kansas, for the Grateful Dead's July 4th, 1990 show at the Sandstone Ampitheatre. Discussions abound about Just a Little Light, the triumphant return of Scarlet > Fire, and Knob reads some comm…

Back to that same old place, sweet home... Rosemont. This week on Help on the Way, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob celebrate their hundredth episode with special guest Mike, host of the Guess the Year podcast. They're heading to Rosemont to listen to the Grateful Dead's March 10th, 1993 show at the Rosemont Horizon. Discussions abound about Dick Clar…

Happy Holidays! This week, to get in the holiday season, our host FiG is heading to the Big Apple for the Grateful Dead's September 18th, 1991 show at Madison Square Garden. Discussions (well, monologues) abound about a thoughtful essay from Kabonius. In the Midnight Hour Ramble On Rose Wang Dang Doodle Candyman Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memp…

Get your lot tees ready, we're heading to Alpine Valley! This week, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are heading to Wisconsin, for the Grateful Dead's June 28th, 1986 show at Alpine Valley. Discussions abound about what constitutes an "early" Touch of Grey, whether or not a self-respecting person listens to Drums/Space, and an update on Gawanus Red's …

Keeping it weird! This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts FiG and Knob are heading out to Portland, and are joined by new friend of the show Gowanus Red! Together, they discuss the Grateful Dead's February 3rd, 1968 show at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon. Discussions abound about New Potato Caboose, Dead cover bands at the Jersey …

Happy birthday, Vince! This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are heading to Oakland for a special birthday celebration - the Grateful Dead's February 21st, 1993 show at the Oakland Coliseum Arena. Discussions abound about FiG's brother meeting a fan of the show, Knob's beef with Row Jimmy, and which of the three new so…

Be sure to wear a flower in your hair. This week, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are heading back to San Francisco for the Grateful Dead's October 9th, 1980 show at the Warfield Theater. Discussions abound about Knob seeing JRAD, how to critique the acoustic sets, and what we want out of Tennessee Jed. Dire Wolf Dark Hollow I've Been All Around This…

Get ready for The Grateful Dead Hour and a Half. This week on the Help on the Way Pod, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are joined by the one and only David Gans. Together, they listen to and discuss the Grateful Dead's June 8th, 1994 show at the Cal Expo Center in Sacramento, California. Discussions abound about the first ever Samba in the Rain, the …

This week on the Help on the Way podcast, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are traveling slowly down the 405. It's December 15th, 1994 and the Grateful Dead are playing a show at the Los Angeles Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California. Discussions abound about the Shakedown Street album, the big news stories of 1994, and Knob’s ever-changing feelings …

Two stories of resistance and subversion.By Livi Michael

There's gold in the hills, so we're heading back to California. This week our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are heading to San Rafael for the Grateful Dead's October 30th, 1983 show at the Marin County Veterans Auditorium. Discussions abound about Phil's new podcast, the new Grateful Dead Gravity Infuser, and Game's favorite song: Day Job. Alabama Geta…

Move over Christmas in July, it's time for Spring Break in November! This week our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are headed down to Miami, Florida for the Grateful Dead’s April 6th, 1994 show. Discussions abound about Billy’s Halloween Show (both Kreutzmann and Strings), Game’s love of Bobby Darin, and the true meaning of UCLA. Jack Straw Jack-A-Roe Wa…

We're going to Kansas City to get our baby back home! This week on the Help on the Way podcast, our hosts are heading down to Kansas City for the Grateful Dead's September 3rd, 1985 show at the Starlight Theatre. Discussions abound about John Mayer's recent Dead Covers shenanigans, Jerry's opinions on rap music, and whether or not Knob likes The Gr…

Come on Seawolves, we're heading to SBU! This week, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are all back and heading to SUNY at Stony Brook for the Grateful Dead's October 30th, 1970 show at the SUNY Gym. Discussions abound about New Riders of the Purple Sage, whether or not being "droll" is a good thing, and the debut of a brand new segment. Cold Rain & Sno…

This week on the Help on the Way pod, our host FiG spends a few minutes taking about the Grateful Dead's March 9th, 1993 show at the Rosemont Horizon in Rosemont, Illinois. It's a short one, but stay tuned for a real cool first set from 90s Dead. We'll be back next week. Here Comes Sunshine Wang Dang Doodle Loose Lucy Me & My Uncle > Mexicali Blues…

Grab your acoustic guitars, because we're heading to the Warfield! This week on the Help on the Way pod, our hosts FiG and Knob are headed to San Francisco, California to discuss the Grateful Dead's September 27th, 1980 show. Discussions abound about the history of the Warfield run, our love of Monkey and the Engineer, and which Grateful Dead song …

A complex and multi-layered short story, about a place haunted by the past.By Livi Michael

Plug in that soft machine. This week on the Help on the Way podcast, FiG has recovered from dysentery, and he and Game are headed to Dallas, Texas to discuss the Grateful Dead's October 20th, 1988 show at the The Summit. Discussions abound about Farm Aid, the first Built to Last, and the venue's storied history from wrestling arena to megachurch. C…

You can call us prophets on the burning shore, because this week on Help on the Way we're heading to CALIFORRRNIA. This week our hosts Game and Knob are discussing the Grateful Dead's December 28th, 1988 show at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Discussions abound about When Push Comes to Shove, the Wolf Bros tour, and the importance of The Show…

These little town blues are melting away. This week on the Help on the Way Pod, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are heading to New York, New York. They're listening to the Grateful Dead's March 26th, 1972 show at the Academy of Music, which was raved about by new friend of the pod Charlie Miller. Discussions abound about Dead Ahead, how good Chinatow…

This week on the Help on the Way Pod, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are joined by very special guest, the legendary taper Charlie Miller! The four of them head to California to listen to the Grateful Dead's March 3rd, 1987 show at the Henry J. Kaiser Center in Oakland, California. Discussions abound about Charlie's Grateful Dead Dance Parties, The …

It's Spring Break (well, not really), so we're heading to Tampa (sorta). This week our hosts FiG and Knob are heading down to Tampa to discuss the Grateful Dead's April 7th, 1995 show. Discussions abound about Visions of Johanna, the passing of James Casey, and whether or not Samba in the Rain is a good song. Jack Straw Peggy-O Little Red Rooster L…

Put some shredded cheese on your chili, we're heading to Cincinnati. This week, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are heading to River Bend Music Center for the Grateful Dead's June 24th, 1985 show. Discussions abound about Knob's adventure with Billy and the Kids, the Book of Iko Ikos, and whether or not 1985 is an underrated year. Alabama Getaway > G…

Orlando, we love you Orlando. This week, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are heading down to Florida for the Grateful Dead's April 4th, 1994 show at the Orlando arena. Discussions abound about Robbie Robertson, Prince Vince, and the clash between the Deadheads and the Orlando police after the show. Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower Littl…

These little town blues are melting away! This week, our hosts Game and FiG are heading to New York, New York to discuss the Grateful Dead's September 23rd, 1988 show at Madison Square Garden. Discussions abound about the life and legacy of Jerry Garcia, I Will Take You Home, and a game show about Grateful Dead hot takes! Let The Good Times Roll He…

Make sure to wear a flower in your hair... Our hosts Game and FiG are going to San Francisco to discuss the Grateful Dead's June 8th, 1977 show at the Winterland Arena. Discussions abound about Winamp, the anniversary of Brent Mydland's passing, and daydreams of what a Summer '77 tour would've been like. New Minglewood Blues Sugaree Mexicali Blues …

In Birmingham they love the governor, but here on Help on the Way they love The Dead. Our hosts Game and FiG are heading down to Alabama for the Grateful Dead's December 15th, 1978 show. Discussions abound about Phil Lesh & Friends, Crossword Puzzles, and which is the best Donna song: From the Heart of Me vs. Sunrise. Promised Land Shakedown Street…

This week on the Help on the Way Podcast, our hosts Game, FiG, and Knob are joined by Zach Nugent, guitarist for Dead Set and former guitarist for the JGB. The four of them are heading to California to listen to the Grateful Dead's April 15th, 1970 show at the Winterland Arena. Discussions abound about the final (?) Dead and Company shows, Zach's f…

Phil loves New York, and so do we. This week on the Help on the Way podcast, our hosts Game and Knob are going to Go the Nassau for the Grateful Dead's March 29th, 1985 show. Discussions abound whether or not there will be a special guest at the last Dead and Co show, the Drumstick Incident, and a nice interview with Knob's Dad about his first time…

Happy Fourth of July... well, Sixth of July... well, Third of July. This week on the Help on the Way Podcast, our hosts FiG and Knob went riding down South Colorado for the Grateful Dead's July 3rd, 1969 show at Reed's Ranch in Colorado Springs. Discussions abound about Ol' Slewfoot, what constitutes the Terrapin Suite, and FiG debuts his killer Kn…

We're off to the island- Rhode Island. This week we're heading to Providence to discuss the Grateful Dead's April 3rd, 1985 show at the Providence City Center. Discussions abound about , an interesting blues combo called Down in the Bottom > I Ain't Superstitious, and how all meals are made up, maaaan. Hell In A Bucket > Sugaree Me & My Uncle > Mex…

We're meeting up at the movies! This week on the Help on the Way Pod, we're dancing in Chicago and listening to the Grateful Dead's June 22nd, 1991 show at Soldier Field in Chicago. This show has been released for Meet Up at the Movies today and Saturday! What a nice coincidence. Discussions abound about Game and Knob's adventure in Philadelphia, B…