Best El Random Show Podcasts (2026)

1
Running Toward Second Chances - John David Graham : 175 39:16

5d ago39:16

39:16

What if the finish line you’ve been chasing keeps moving because life isn’t a race at all? John David Graham joins us at 77 with a story that rewrites the rules on success, failure, and second chances. After years bouncing between jobs, counsellor, truck driver, fireman, contractor, journalist, even pastor, he and his wife bought a beat-up house, f…

1
From Burnout To Spiritual Awakening - Padmini Pandya : 174 36:47

22d ago36:47

36:47

What if the life you built was only training for the life you’re meant to live? Padmini Pandya joins us to trace a life shaped across continents and identities, born in the UK to East African Indian parents, rooted in Hindu tradition, and transformed by a decade in Asia, before corporate burnout cracked open an entirely different path. A modern-day…

1
Intuition Isn’t Enough - Refining the Inner Voice - Inna Segal : 173 1:04:28

1M ago1:04:28

1:04:28

We explore how trauma, ancestry, and attention shape the body’s signals, and how clear daily practices can turn symptoms into guidance. Ina shares how refining intuition, setting boundaries, and choosing exact words can shift healing from generic advice to personal change. Inna Segal is a pioneer in the field of energy medicine and human consciousn…

1
A Little Black Friday for Your Black Friday - 11/28/80 3:02:43

1M ago3:02:43

3:02:43

And we're back with another one -- this time from 1980. It's Black Friday, its 1980, and you just bought a Rubik's cube (the toy of the year for 1980) and headed to a small town between Orlando and Tampa to see the Dead! Here how it sounds on this AUD! Here's the setlist: One Jack Straw [5:24] ; Peggy-O [6:30] ; Little Red Rooster [9:17] ; Tennesse…

1
"T" for New York City - 4/9/82 1:17:12

2M ago1:17:12

1:17:12

It's a bird, it's a plane it's a . . . FiGpod! Enjoy this one from 4/9/82 where Bobby kind of forgets where he is. Along the way FiG will discuss additional remembrances for Donna Jean and will give an update on the big Archive fundraiser, URL below: https://donate.archive.org/team/776830 Here's the set (we'll be featuring set 1): One Alabama Getaw…

1
Del “Hello” a la Fluidez - Cómo su Amor por el Inglés se Volvió una Misión "Pa'Mi Gente" - Erika Warner : 172 49:52

2M ago49:52

49:52

¿Qué tal si lo más difícil de aprender inglés no fuera la gramática, sino la vergüenza? En este episodio hablamos con Erika Warner, profesora de inglés certificada con 10 años de experiencia y, sobre todo, inmigrante latina orgullosa, con la misión de educar y empoderar a su gente. Pasó de ser estudiante de ESL en Denver a enseñar por el mundo y cr…

1
Remembering Donna Jean - 11/14/71 1:52:14

2M ago1:52:14

1:52:14

A sad week on the pod as your hosts FiG and Knob remember the life and legacy of Donna Jean Godchaux, who was an official member of the band from 1972 to 1979 and whose work made an indelible impact. Along the way way we'll get an update on the fundraiser for the Archive and read some reddit comments about this week's show, 11/14/71, the first set …

1
Out in the West Texas Town of El Paso - 11/23/73 1:48:12

2M ago1:48:12

1:48:12

I fell in love with a show from 73! Hear your hosts FiG and Game talk about this excellent show! Conversations abound about Bobby's birthday (and Johnny's), as well as an update to the subreddit's Archive.org fundraiser Here's the set (we feature set 1): One Bertha ; Mexicali Blues ; Deal ; Looks Like Rain ; Don't Ease Me In ; The Race Is On ; Lose…

1
From Not Enough - To Financial Freedom - Linda Grizely : 171 41:22

2M ago41:22

41:22

After divorce, a shrinking income, and a dream job that didn’t add up, Linda Grizely hit a wall. All because she couldn’t check one box: “bachelor’s degree.” What came next was bold: eleven classes across four schools, a dual major at 49, and a complete mindset shift about worth, work, and money. Today, Linda is a Motivational Speaker, Financial Ed…

1
My Little Indigenous Person - 10/10/81 1:56:28

3M ago1:56:28

1:56:28

We're back for the second (?) European tour of 1981! Your hosts Game and FiG will talk about this smoker of a show (including the last ever set 2 Sugaree) and wrap up the West LA Giveaway as well as introduce a new fundraising effort to help the Archive! https://www.reddit.com/r/gratefuldead/comments/1o5tepa/lets_donate_to_archiveorg/ Here's the se…

1
Unbroken – Life Outside the Lines: Finding Strength in the Unscripted - Adriene Caldwell : 170 39:26

3M ago39:26

39:26

Adriene’s story moves from a childhood of instability and abuse to the discovery of hope through books, teachers, and unexpected kindness. A spelling bee, a near-adoption, and an exchange year in Germany become lifelines that change her sense of belonging. Adulthood brings its own trials—addiction, loss, and rebuilding from rock bottom. On November…

1
Singing the Gospel with Bobby Weir - 12/27/81 3:09:54

3M ago3:09:54

3:09:54

The Brent-era Boys are simply having a wonderful Christmas time in 1981 on home turf! For a review, join your hosts for the evening TheGame and FiG. Along the way conversations abound about a new fundraiser for the Archive that FiGs been kicking around. If you can and would like to donate here's the link! https://donate.archive.org/fundraiser/67303…

1
The Emotion of LOUD - 9/25/81 2:13:42

3M ago2:13:42

2:13:42

Let's All Get Yacco'd as the Dead hit up the Stabler Arena in Christmas City, USA - Bethlehem, PA! Here's the set (unfortunately Tons of Steel was still in Brent's beautiful brain): One New Minglewood Blues [6:42] ; Friend Of The Devil [9:02] > El Paso [4:55] ;Peggy-O [6:37] > Little Red Rooster [8:02] ; Bird Song [10:15] > Beat It On Down The Line…

1
From Injustice to Reform -The Birth of Canada’s Miscarriages of Justice Commission - Ruth Van Vierzen : 169 41:16

3M ago41:16

41:16

Ruth van Vierzen's journey began in 1970, the year she was born and David Milgaard was wrongfully convicted of murder. While Ruth built her life, Milgaard spent years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, until his release in 1992. This injustice inspired a remarkable advocacy journey that ultimately reshaped Canadian law. In 2019, after Milgaard…

1
Long Live Rock - 5/25/95 1:38:19

3M ago1:38:19

1:38:19

It may have been the grunge capital of the world, but its May 25, 1995 and the kids were alright and could still get down and boogie to some Good Ole Grateful Dead!! Hear our hosts FiG and Knob discuss The Who, some GD trivia, Mickey's B-day, and a very special Reddit AMA! https://www.reddit.com/r/gratefuldead/comments/1nkjfe4/we_just_published_a_b…

1
How Solo Travel Transforms Loneliness into Solitude - Tsvety Roo : 168 45:35

4M ago45:35

45:35

Tsvety Roo is a digital nomad and solo traveller on a mission to explore loneliness, self-discovery, and what it truly means to connect in today’s fast-paced world. Her journey began when she made the bold decision to leave a successful career at a NYC agency, embrace minimalism, and step into life as a nomad. For the past two years, Tsvety has liv…

1
Knobs of the World - 8/23/69 2:32:50

4M ago2:32:50

2:32:50

It might not be Halloweentown yet, but it’s never too early to visit St. Helens! This week, our hosts Game and FiG are heading to Oregon. It’s August 23rd, 1969 and The Grateful Dead are playing at Pelletier Farm as part of the Bullfrog 3 Festival. Along the way, discussions abound about 710 Haight Ashbury, Tom Constanten’s GoFundMe, and the Bullfr…

1
Excellent Whomps - 10/19/74 4:26:48

4M ago4:26:48

4:26:48

If you can’t meet up at the movies, you can at least hang out with us! This week, our hosts FiG and Knob are heading to the Winterland Coliseum. It’s October 19th, 1974 and the Grateful Dead are playing the shows that will make up The Grateful Dead Movie. Discussions abound about the movie, the Who’s “final tour” and a slowed down Dire Wolf. Missis…

1
A Tuesday Night Heater from Philly PA - 4/26/83 (& 10/24/72) 1:32:08

5M ago1:32:08

1:32:08

Holy Sh!t this Shakedown! We're shaking it down to South Philly as the boys rock the spectrum! A FiG-pod including GD 60, a new JGB offering, and FiG's anticipation of seeing the Grateful Dead Movie in IMAX! Shoutout to JWG3 who's review is featured. Stay tuned for set 1! Also 10/24/72 is discussed. Here's the set from 4/26/83: One Shakedown Street…

1
How Random Acts of Kindness Transform Leadership - Ben Dias : 167 42:20

5M ago42:20

42:20

Leadership through mentorship is the heartbeat of this inspiring conversation. Ben Dias shares how a job he took after high school to support his family—born out of necessity—grew into a fulfilling 30-year career, thanks to the guidance of remarkable mentors. What brings Ben to the podcast, however, is a single act of kindness: a stranger repairing…

1
Emotional Agility - How To Transformed Pain into Purpose - Tricia Parido : 166 33:55

5M ago33:55

33:55

What if your deepest pain could become your greatest source of resilience? Tricia’s journey shows that it’s possible through what she calls “emotional agility,” the ability to sit with, navigate, and learn from life’s most challenging moments. Tricia Parido is a visionary speaker and emotional strategist, creator of Total Emotional Performance—a sy…

1
Brent F*ckin Mydland - 10/28/79 2:02:26

5M ago2:02:26

2:02:26

We're snackin on potato chips listening to 10/28/79 as the boys rock Cape Cod! Conversations abound as hosts TheGame and FiG wildly speculate about GD 60 (dated we know), Jerry's Bday, and his life long love affair with Golden Gate Park! Stay tuned for set 2! One Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo [13:27] > Franklin's Tower [17:41] ; Mama Tried …

1
Where the Dark Star Crashes - 6/19/91 2:18:03

5M ago2:18:03

2:18:03

The venue isn’t named after Knob, but we still had a real good time. This week on Help on the Way, our hosts FiG and Knob are headed to Clarkston, Missouri. It’s June 19th, 1991 and the Grateful Dead are playing Pine Knob Music Theatre. Discussions abound about Bruce Hornsby, the role of Victim or the Crime, and nepo hosts. Feel Like a Stranger The…

1
From Combat To Community - Clear Path's Mission To Help Veterans Rebuild Their Lives - Ryan Woodruff : 165 41:04

5M ago41:04

41:04

Ryan Woodruff shares his journey from a rootless childhood to finding purpose as CEO of Clear Path for Veterans, an organization dedicated to helping veterans transition from military to civilian life. • Moving frequently as a child created a desire for community and led to military enlistment at 17 • Deployed to Iraq twice during Operation Iraqi F…

1
Flintstonian - 5/3/91 2:19:58

6M ago2:19:58

2:19:58

Amphitheatre? I hardly know ‘er. This week on Help on the Way podcast, our hosts FiG and Knob are heading to sunny Sacramento, California. It’s May 3rd, 1991 and the Grateful Dad are playing at the Cal Expo Center. Discussions abound about the wrap-up of the West LA Giveaway, and the Grateful Dead and America (it was recorded the week of the 4th of…

1
A Show of Firsts -3/23/74 1:46:30

6M ago1:46:30

1:46:30

I’ve got to moooooove. Because this week, our host FiG is heading to the Cow Place. It’s March 23rd, 1974 and the Grateful Dead are playing in Daly City, California. Along the way, discussions abound about Meet Up at the Movies 2025, The Wall of Sound, and a show of firsts. U.S. Blues The Promised Land Brown Eyed Women Mexicali Blues Tennessee Jed …

1
Sleep in Heavenly Peace Beds for kids - Luke Michelson - 164 51:03

6M ago51:03

51:03

Luke shares the journey from that first bed build with his church youth group to leading an international movement powered by volunteers, local chapters, and companies eager to make a difference. More than just building beds, they are a community working together to restore dignity, comfort, and hope, one child at a time. If you've ever wondered ho…

1
Moogsploitation ft/Dew Roller - 9/22/93 2:35:26

6M ago2:35:26

2:35:26

It’s not really square, and it’s not really a garden, and I don’t know who Madison is. But this week, our hosts FiG and Knob are joined by special guest Dew Roller to talk head to New York City. It’s September 22nd, 1993, and the Grateful Dead are playing Madison Square Garden. Along the way, discussions abound about Tiny Tim, the history of Dark S…

1
Bad Game - 12/4/71 1:47:46

7M ago1:47:46

1:47:46

Run Rudolph Run! It’s time for Christmas in… June. This week, our hosts FiG and Game are heading to New York City. It’s December 4th, 1971, and the Grateful Dead are playing at the Felt Forum at Madison Square Garden. Conversations abounded about the West LA Giveaway, The Felt Forum, and a very "farty" kick drum. Truckin' Sugaree Mr. Charlie Beat I…

1
The Mindful Swimmer’s Journey Beyond the Physical - Cori Myka 163 45:29

7M ago45:29

45:29

Apparently, learning to swim as an adult isn’t just about technique—it’s about healing your relationship with water and with yourself. In this episode, mindful swim coach Cori Myka shares her powerful journey from self-taught swimmer to transformational guide. She explains why traditional swim lessons often fail adults and how fear, judgment, and p…

1
The Frampitheatre - 4/30/88 2:07:12

7M ago2:07:12

2:07:12

The Frampitheatre Comes Alive! This week, our hosts FiG and Knob are heading to Palo Alto. It’s April 30th, 1988 and the Grateful Dead are playing the Frost Ampitheatre in Palo Alto, California. Along the way, discussions abound about the passing of Sly Stone, the debut of Let the Good Times Roll, and rare encores Good Times > Feel Like a Stranger …

1
A Wild KnobPod Appeared - 3/24/71 1:32:39

7M ago1:32:39

1:32:39

No better cure for the summertime blues than a quick trip to Winterland. This week, our host Knob is heading to San Francisco. It’s March 24th, 1971 and the Grateful Dead are playing the Winterland Arena. Along the way, discussions abound about Pigpen’s strengths as player and singer, how songs evolved in ‘71, and how Knob’s voice was shredded at k…

1
I am Tired and FiG is Sticky - 7/6/86 1:38:37

7M ago1:38:37

1:38:37

Happy sixth of July! This week, our hosts FiG and Game are headed down to Washington DC. It’s July 6th, 1986 and the Grateful Dead are playing at RFK Stadium. On the way, discussions abound about whether GD60 is streamed, Boss Baby Game, and the return of the West LA Giveaway. Hell In A Bucket > Sugaree Me & My Uncle > Big River Row Jimmy Cassidy A…

1
Nunca es Tarde - Cuatro Cuerdas, Nuevos Sueños - Maria Virginia Lara Diaz 162 47:50

7M ago47:50

47:50

Mi invitada, María Virginia Lara Díaz, nació en Caracas el 2 de agosto de 1953. Es ingeniera civil especializada en estructuras, graduada de la Universidad Central de Venezuela en 1979. A lo largo de su carrera, vivió y trabajó en Guatemala, Panamá, Inglaterra y Chile, recorriendo Latinoamérica durante 18 años. Desde niña sintió una profunda pasión…

1
West LA Giveaway - 6/8/93 1:39:14

7M ago1:39:14

1:39:14

Grab your gloves! This week, our hosts FiG and Knob are heading to Michigan. It’s June 8th, 1993, and the Grateful Dead are playing at The Palace in Auburn, Michigan. Discussions abound about JRAD in Asbury Park, the history of That Would Be Something, and our first ever West LA Giveaway… For giveaway guesses, please email [email protected]…

1
He Likes Flat Sevenths and He Cannot Lie - 7/6/90 2:22:17

8M ago2:22:17

2:22:17

This week, we’re headlights on a southbound train. Our hosts FiG and Knob are heading to Louisville, Kentucky. It’s July 6th, 1990, and the Grateful Dead are playing at Cardinals Stadium. Along the way, discussions abound about the mixolydian scale, Dead and Co’s San Francisco shows, and what makes Standing on the Moon so good. Hell in a Bucket > S…

1
It's Always Saturday in Philadelphia (ft/Knob's Dad) - 7/10/87 3:17:31

8M ago3:17:31

3:17:31

More like Dyladelphia, am I right? This week, our hosts FiG and Knob are joined by Knob’s dad, as we head down the golden road (well, really I-676). It’s July 10th, 1987, and the Grateful Dead are playing at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, PA. Discussions abound about an iguana named Iko, the story of Black Peter, and, of course, the 2024 movie A Comp…

1
The Full Catastrophe - Finding Belonging After Repeated Loss - Casey Mulligan Walsh 161 48:13

8M ago48:13

48:13

What does it mean to truly belong? When Casey lost her father at 11, her mother at 12, and her brother at 20, she began a lifelong search for family. Through this journey, she realized that what she was truly seeking was a sense of belonging, which would shape everything that followed. I find this conversation about her new memoir, "The Full Catast…

1
Post-Sphere FiG - 5/10/78 1:37:11

8M ago1:37:11

1:37:11

Go to Haven! This week, our hosts Game and FiG are heading to New Haven, Connecticut. It’s May 10th, 1978 and the Grateful Dead are playing Veterans’ Memorial Coliseum. It’s the night before the mescaline show, and the band is having a lot of fun. Discussions abound about FiG’s trip to the sphere. Jack Straw They Love Each Other Cassidy Ramble On R…

1
Neigh for High Time - 3/24/95 1:37:24

9M ago1:37:24

1:37:24

Don’t kick the Hornets nest! This week, our hosts FiG, Game, and Knob are heading to Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s March 24th, 1995 and the Grateful Dead are playing at the Charlotte Coliseum. Along the way, discussions abound about FiG’s upcoming trip to The Sphere, how audience energy feeds a show, and whether or not If the Shoe Fits is a good …

1
QLLP - 1/27/69 and 6/21/95 3:08:56

9M ago3:08:56

3:08:56

Two coasts, three decades apart. This week, our hosts FiG and Game are heading to Seattle and then taking a red-eye straight to Albany. They listen to a Spanish Jam from January 27th, 1968 at the [Go] Eagles[!] Auditorium. Then they check out all of March 21st, 1995 at the Knickerbocker Arena. Discussions abound about The Sphere, FiG’s new found lo…

1
Encontrando Voz en Tierras Extranjeras - La Transformación de un Escritor Migrante - Luis Alejandro Ordóñez 160 30:52

9M ago30:52

30:52

El momento en que Luis Alejandro Ordóñez llegó a Chicago marcó un giro decisivo en su vida creativa. Aunque había escrito durante sus años en Venezuela, fue este cambio geográfico el que transformó la escritura de una actividad secundaria a su identidad principal. Como politólogo que trabajaba en Venezuela y enseñaba a nivel universitario, la migra…

1
Deextinction - 10/23/72 1:40:25

9M ago1:40:25

1:40:25

As the Bucks make their way towards the playoffs*, we make our way to Milwaukee! This week, our host FiG is getting himself a mansion in Wisconsin. It’s October 23rd, 1972, and the Grateful Dead are playing at the Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. Discussions abound about the deextinction of the Dire Wolf, Dave’s Picks 54, and the free GD Channel o…

1
Go To Prison - 8/4/71 2:22:53

9M ago2:22:53

2:22:53

We got the Terminal Island Correctional Facility Blues. This week our host FiG is heading to San Pedro, California. It’s August 4th, 1971 and the Grateful Dead are playing Terminal Island Correctional Facility. Discussions abound about Bobby Weir and the Wolf Bros in London and Herb Greene’s passing. Truckin' Yellow Dog Story Bertha Me And Bobby Mc…

1
An Oy Vey of a Bobby Slide Solo - 5/8/81 3:16:53

9M ago3:16:53

3:16:53

Go to Nassau! This week, our hosts FiG and Knob are heading to Uniondale, New York. It’s May 8th, 1981 and the Grateful Dead are playing at Nassau Coliseum. Discussions abound about Ken Jennings’ favorite Grateful Dead songs, the start of the Sphere run, and the platonic ideal of a Loser. Jack Straw Peggy-O Me and My Uncle > Big River Loser C.C. Ri…

1
Honking the Car Horn Like Miles Davis - 4/26/77 1:45:34

10M ago1:45:34

1:45:34

I’m in love with a Jersey show. This week, our host Knob celebrates their home state. It’s April 26, 1977 and the Grateful Dead are playing at the a Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey. Discussions abound about what to expect from the Sphere, the importance of Betty Cantor-Jackson and the transitional nature of 1977. Bertha Me and My Uncle It Mu…

1
From Engineer to Ultralight Pioneer - A Journey of Curiosity and Contentment - Glen Van Peski 159 40:11

10M ago40:11

40:11

Glenn Van Peski shares his journey from free-range kid to ultralight backpacking pioneer and accidental entrepreneur. His experiences include a cross-country bicycle adventure at 17, surviving an airplane incident, and founding Gossamer Gear, a multi-million dollar company, without ever taking a salary from it. Glen, known by his trail name "Legend…

1
"You People Will Cheer for Anything" - 6/22/86 1:17:03

10M ago1:17:03

1:17:03

86 those blues, June 86 that is. This week, our host Knob is heading to Berkeley, California. It’s June 22nd, 1986 and the Grateful Dead are playing at the Greek Theatre. Along the way, discussions abound about the best year for Row Jimmy, what separates New Minglewood Blues, and the podcast becomes a true crime podcast about Terrapin Crossroads. J…

1
Help on the Way (LA) - 4/11/89 1:47:05

10M ago1:47:05

1:47:05

This week, our host FiG finds himself in Rosemont, Illinois. It’s April 11th, 1989, and the Grateful Dead are playing the Rosemont Horizon. Discussions abound about a rare off night for Bobby, Help on the Way LA, and executive producer Baby Game executive producing Game right off the show. Shakedown Street Little Red Rooster Friend Of The Devil Vic…

1
Finding the Extraordinary in Ordinary Life - Florian Horning : 158 44:29

10M ago44:29

44:29

Florian Horning takes us on an exhilarating journey exploring what it means to live an extraordinary life. He shares how reading about inspiring figures propelled him toward adventure and discovery, illustrating the importance of individuality and authenticity in our choices. Flohjoe is a "Happy Life" coach, founder of "Simplicity of Happiness," an…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

El Random Show Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide