Best Pacific Underground Podcasts (2025)

1
In Conversation: SUNFLOWER BEAN 1:12:46

4h ago1:12:46

1:12:46

Ian chats with Julia Cumming and Nick Kivlen of Sunflower Bean about sharing a stage with The Beach Boys, the brilliance of Smiley Smile, learning how to make being in a rock band work, existing outside the standard genre paradigm, hanging on to your ego, Bob Dylan as the ultimate Boomer, and their killer new record, Mortal Primetime. LISTEN TO "MO…

1
ICYMI: Three Focus Areas to Build a Safer Network 12:12

3d ago12:12

12:12

For this Line Life Podcast episode in our ICYMI series, we are featuring the narrated version of the article, "Three Focus Areas to Build a Safer Network," by Jason Marsh, damage prevention supervisor for New York State Electric & Gas Corp (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas & Electric Corp. (RG&E). This story, which was originally published in the March pri…

1
NES 035: Bob Dylan LIVE, 3/18/24 1:38:28

5d ago1:38:28

1:38:28

Like what you hear? SUBSCRIBE TO NEVER ENDING STORIES NOW FOR ACCESS TO ALL EPISODES AND BOOTLEGS ~ March 18th, 2024 Crown Theater Fayetteville, NC The Players Bob Dylan: vocals, harp, piano Bob Britt: guitar Doug Lancio: guitar Donnie Herron: violin, mandolin, pedal steel Jerry Pentecost: drums Tony Garnier: bass…

1
Roadmap to the Apocalypse: A Quaker Guide to the End of Our World with Doug Gwyn 38:28

5d ago38:28

38:28

Are we living through apocalyptic times? If so, how can we navigate this time of turmoil and come out on the other end with a society more whole, more just, and more guided by love? Quakers may have (part of) the answer. Quaker author and retired pastor, Doug Gwyn joins Jon Watts to explore how the "apocalyptic spirituality" of early Friends offers…

1
Teaser // The Beach Boys: ADULT/CHILD 9:12

7d ago9:12

9:12

SUBSCRIBE TO JOKERMEN ON PATREON FOR ACCESS TO ALL EPISODES AD-FREEBy Jokermen

1
Lineworker Focus: Salt River Project's Arthur William Muñoz Lights Up Navajo Nation 31:08

10d ago31:08

31:08

Happy National Lineman Appreciation Day to all our Line Life Podcast listeners! To celebrate all the hard-working lineworkers out there, we are releasing a special episode today focused on Arthur William Muñoz, a journeyman lineworker for Salt River Project (SRP) in Arizona. He has been in the trade for 23 years and progressed from a trades helper …

1
Teaser // Bruce Johnston: GOING PUBLIC 9:36

10d ago9:36

9:36

SUBSCRIBE TO JOKERMEN ON PATREON FOR ACCESS TO ALL EPISODES AD-FREEBy Jokermen

1
Special Episode: Featuring T&D World Podcast's Interview with Alan Drew on Powering Progress in the Line Trade 51:57

12d ago51:57

51:57

T&D World, which produces the Line Life Podcast, just launched a brand new podcast--the T&D World Podcast--to focus on the rest of the audience served by the magazine. Because one of the recent episodes is about line work, we are excited to share it with our Line Life Podcast listeners. This bonus episode features an interview between Christina Mar…

1
Cellphones Rock 28:35

12d ago28:35

28:35

Cellphones put the power of the world at our fingertips. With the touch of a finger, you can instantly connect with your doctor, have food delivered to your office or simply obliterate your niece at Words with Friends. And it's all made possible by rocks formed millions of years ago, deep underground. Join us as we bust open our devices to figure o…

1
"SMiLE: The Rise, Fall, & Resurrection of Brian Wilson" with David Leaf 1:40:43

13d ago1:40:43

1:40:43

In a very special interview, Ian speaks with author and documentarian David Leaf about his essential new oral history of SMiLE, years of friendship and collaboration with Brian, and how to make a dream come true. BUY THE BOOKBy Jokermen

1
In Conversation: LANCE BANGS 54:25

15d ago54:25

54:25

Ian raps with friend of the pod Lance Bangs about his new music video for MJ Lenderman, his time on the road with Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy on their recent tour playing the music of REM, the recent (and accidental) REM reunion, the upcoming "Pavements" motion picture, capturing footage of David Berman in the 90s, and much more. WATCH LANCE'…

1
Teaser // Dennis Wilson: PACIFIC OCEAN BLUE with Jason Woodbury — Side B 7:18

17d ago7:18

7:18

SUBSCRIBE TO JOKERMEN ON PATREON FOR ACCESS TO ALL EPISODES AD-FREEBy Jokermen

1
ICYMI: Mysterious Transformer Trips: Solving Three Mysteries 16:20

17d ago16:20

16:20

Transformer trips are a common problem, but the solution is sometimes not immediately obvious. This audio story, narrated from the April 2025 cover story of T&D World's print magazine, shares three stories from the field from Mose Ramieh of CBS Field Services. These examples illustrate that regardless of the complexity of the situation and system, …

1
Dennis Wilson: PACIFIC OCEAN BLUE with Jason Woodbury — Side A 1:07:00

21d ago1:07:00

1:07:00

The Jokermen welcome Jason Woodbury back to the program to dive in (get it?) to "Pacific Ocean Blue," Dennis Wilson's legendary first and last album. SIDE B COMING THURSDAY ONLY ON PATREON SUBSCRIBE TO JASON ON SUBSTACK LISTEN TO TRANSMISSIONSBy Jokermen

1
Training LUMA's Lineworkers in Aerial Rescue and Emergency Response: Featuring José Luis Campos Figueroa 20:22

24d ago20:22

20:22

To continue to provide resilient, safe and reliable power to its 1.4 million customers on the island, LUMA Energy has trained specialized lineworkers in Human External Cargo (HEC) work methods. This allows the trained lineworkers to access infrastructure in mountainous terrain, and the utility to place materials near work sites on the island. At th…

1
In Conversation: DAVID LONGSTRETH 1:09:40

24d ago1:09:40

1:09:40

Ian speaks with friend of the pod David Longstreth about his excellent new release "Song of The Earth," the muddy line between himself and Dirty Projectors, the past present and future of the Bay Area, the misery and rewards of writing, Rick Rubin, and much more. LISTEN TO "SONG OF THE EARTH" SUBSCRIBE TO "WELL-TEMPERED ZEALOT" READ THE NEW YORKER …

1
The Art of the Fist 34:49

26d ago34:49

34:49

The United States has more martial arts schools than any other country – by far. Chances are you or someone you know practiced karate or another martial art growing up. While martial arts gained popularity in the U.S. for many reasons, one name stands out: Jhoon Rhee. Known as the Father of American Taekwondo, Rhee famously taught Bruce Lee how to …

1
In Conversation: MICHELLE ZAUNER 1:12:15

27d ago1:12:15

1:12:15

Ian chats with Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast about loving Billy Joel, working with Blake Mills (and his famous nails), coming to terms with Los Angeles, giving Jim Keltner Korean food recs, the joys of playing festivals, the perils of Studio Ghibli AI, writing with the sticker system, "A Complete Unknown," assorted Beach Boys takes, and muc…

1
ICYMI: Dominion Powers Through Tough Terrain 20:04

1M ago20:04

20:04

T&D World has shared stories of construction projects and best practices for decades to help its readers and subscribers to discover innovative work methods and technologies. For the cover story of the February 2025 print magazine, we featured the article, "Dominion Powers Through Tough Terrain." A narrated version of the article is now part of our…

1
Teaser // The Beach Boys: LOVE YOU with Matt Farley — Side B 7:34

1M ago7:34

7:34

SUBSCRIBE TO JOKERMEN ON PATREON FOR ACCESS TO ALL EPISODES AD-FREEBy Jokermen

1
T&D Talk: Empowering DEMCO: The Role of Southwire’s Data Analytics in Grid Management 20:49

1M ago20:49

20:49

T&D Talk is a special series on the T&D World Line Life podcast channel. For each episode, companies can share their stories about how they are supporting the electric utility industry. Through their tools, technologies, products and services, they are helping lineworkers and fieldworkers improve their productivity and safety. For Part 1 of our new…

1
The Beach Boys: LOVE YOU with Matt Farley — Side A 1:02:35

1M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

The Jokermen are joined once again by friend of the pod/songwriting maven/filmmaker extraordinaire Matt Farley (phone number 603-644-0048) for look at Brian Wilson's oddball outsider masterpiece. SUBSCRIBE TO JOKERMEN ON PATREON FOLLOW MATT ON X.COMBy Jokermen

1
Working as a Troubleman in the Pacific Northwest: Featuring Jon Backman of Puget Sound Energy 21:17

1M ago21:17

21:17

This Line Life Podcast episode highlights the 25-year career of Jon Backman, an IBEW journeyman lineworker, troubleman for Puget Sound Energy and founder of Making Connections, LLC. The graduate of Northwest Lineman College started in the line trade in the utility line clearance program before joining an apprenticeship program at a municipality in …

1
Asteroid Tag 36:59

1M ago36:59

36:59

A billion-dollar spacecraft, a daring deep-space mission, and one of humanity’s biggest questions: Where did we come from? NASA’s OSIRIS-REx set out to collect a pristine sample from asteroid Bennu, a cosmic time capsule that may hold clues to the origins of life in our solar system. But the journey was anything but easy. Guests: Erica Jawin, postd…

1
Teaser // Van Dyke Parks: CLANG OF THE YANKEE REAPER 8:10

1M ago8:10

8:10

SUBSCRIBE TO JOKERMEN ON PATREON FOR ACCESS TO ALL EPISODES AD-FREEBy Jokermen

1
39 Ways to (Nonviolently) Overthrow a Dictator, with George Lakey 33:38

1M ago33:38

33:38

As our democracy faces an existential threat it’s important that we look to other countries whose people have resisted autocrats and won, according to Quaker peace activist George Lakey. Lakey has been singing freedom songs in the streets since the civil rights movement, and on this week’s podcast episode we talk with George about the nonviolent da…

1
ICYMI: NYPA Harnesses the Power of AI for Inspections 9:30

2M ago9:30

9:30

Our latest episode in our In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) series takes us to New York, where the New York Power Authority (NYPA) is streamlining its maintenance program with AI technology to detect anomalies and prioritize tasks in the field. This article, which was originally published in the March 2025 issue of T&D World magazine, explores how the …

1
Teaser // The Beach Boys: 15 BIG ONES 8:12

2M ago8:12

8:12

SUBSCRIBE TO JOKERMEN ON PATREON FOR ACCESS TO ALL EPISODES AD-FREEBy Jokermen

1
The Beach Boys: IT'S NOT O.K. 1:23:06

2M ago1:23:06

1:23:06

The Jokermen journey into the wilderness with Brian Wilson, Dr. Eugene Landy, and the downright baffling "It's O.K." television special. SUBSCRIBE TO JOKERMEN ON PATREON WATCH “THE BEACH BOYS: IT’S O.K.”By Jokermen

1
Working Underground in Chicago: Featuring Apprentice Luis Gutierrez of ComEd 17:29

2M ago17:29

17:29

For Part 8 of our Faces of the Future podcast series, we are highlighting Luis Gutierrez, an underground apprentice for ComEd in Chicago. During the episode, Luis describes what it's like to work in manholes as part of the underground crew, how he is learning new skills at ComEd's underground training center and what he sees in the future for the l…

1
NES 032: Bob Dylan LIVE, 8/19/98 1:41:43

2M ago1:41:43

1:41:43

Like what you hear? SUBSCRIBE TO NEVER ENDING STORIES NOW FOR ACCESS TO ALL EPISODES AND BOOTLEGS ~ August 19th, 1998 Mercury Lounge Melbourne, AUS Tony's Choice IV — Thanks Louis! The Players Bob Dylan: vocals, guitar Larry Campbell: guitar Bucky Baxter: pedal steel, slide guitar David Kemper: drums Tony Garnier: bass…

1
Poison and Poisonability 35:17

2M ago35:17

35:17

When we think of serial killers, we tend to think of men—Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, Jack the Ripper. But in the 1800s, the deadliest killers often wore corsets. In fact, so many women were arrested for serial poisoning that the era became known as the “Golden Age of Arsenic.” Journey back in time to trace the crimes of Lydia Sherman, a Victorian Er…

1
🔓 Unlocked // The Beach Boys LIVE in Show & Concert 1:13:40

2M ago1:13:40

1:13:40

We're getting the Jokermen schedule back in order after some time in New York folks, so this week we're unlocking a recent classic this week. We'll back to business next week! ~ The Jokermen recount their experiences witnessing The Beach Boys ("The Beach Boys") live in show and concert.By Jokermen

1
The Rise of Tech in UVM: Exploring the Impact of AI, VR and AR in the Utility Industry 23:39

2M ago23:39

23:39

Tree crews and lineworkers often work side by side, especially following storms. This T&D World Line Life Podcast episode explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) on utility vegetation management and the electric utility industry. Guests include Phil Swart of Clearway Industries; Jason Gro…

1
The Beach Boys: IN CONCERT with Steven Hyden 1:03:38

2M ago1:03:38

1:03:38

The Jokermen are joined by their Never Ending Stories co-host Steven Hyden for a very special crossover event discussing the brilliant The Beach Boys In Concert live record. SUBSCRIBE TO JOKERMEN ON PATREON FOR ACCESS TO ALL EPISODES AD-FREEBy Jokermen

1
Lineworker Focus: Journeyman Brian Lozano of Midwest Energy 19:48

2M ago19:48

19:48

Brian Lozano, a journeyman lineworker for Midwest Energy, shares his story of working on the line in Hays, Kansas. The 28-year-old father of two started working for a contractor in Colorado in 2016, and six years later, he moved to central Kansas to work for Midwest Energy. In his service territory, he responds to wind and tornadoes, but he has als…

1
Right Stuff, Wrong Sex 40:35

2M ago40:35

40:35

There was a time, before Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, when some researchers believed women were better suited for space than men. In 1961, a group of female pilots—today known as the Mercury 13—quietly aced NASA’s toughest astronaut tests, even outperforming the Mercury men in some areas. But with the space race heating up, their mission wa…

1
Teaser // The Beach Boys: ENDLESS SUMMER with Jake & David Longstreth 19:19

2M ago19:19

19:19

SUBSCRIBE TO JOKERMEN ON PATREON FOR ACCESS TO ALL EPISODES AD-FREEBy Jokermen

1
ICYMI: Training on the Line: Highlighting Brittany Grammer of Northeast Community College 15:10

2M ago15:10

15:10

This episode of the Line Life Podcast takes us to Nebraska, where Brittany Grammer is studying to become a lineworker at Northeast Community College. Todd Pfeil, an instructor of the Utility Line Courses and an alumnus from the program, shares the story of the 36-year-old mother of four and the only woman in her class of 48 future utility lineworke…

1
Teaser // Dennis Wilson: POOPS 8:05

2M ago8:05

8:05

SUBSCRIBE TO JOKERMEN ON PATREON FOR ACCESS TO ALL EPISODES AD-FREEBy Jokermen

1
Can We Make America Good? with Philip Gulley 37:46

3M ago37:46

37:46

Using both the pulpit and the page, Quaker pastor Philip Gulley has been a bold voice that challenges the church’s stance on heaven and hell, LGBTQ issues, and more. As he’s seen greater censorship in the publishing world, Phil has moved to an online newsletter where he questions the rise of Donald Trump and calls Christians to be more active in th…

1
Teaser // The Beach Boys: MT. VERNON & FAIRWAY 3:30

3M ago3:30

3:30

SUBSCRIBE TO JOKERMEN ON PATREON FOR ACCESS TO ALL EPISODES AD-FREEBy Jokermen

1
The Beach Boys: HOLLAND 2:06:41

3M ago2:06:41

2:06:41

The Jokermen set up shop in a converted barn in Bambrugge to record a disastrously expensive but artistically triumphant episode about 1973's HOLLAND. SUBSCRIBE TO JOKERMEN ON PATREONBy Jokermen

1
Faces of the Future, Part 7: Featuring Bryce Zahn of Capital Electric Line Builders 18:15

3M ago18:15

18:15

For Part 7 of our Faces of the Future series for the Line Life Podcast, we are featuring Bryce Zahn, an apprentice lineworker for Capital Electric Line Builders. For this episode, he shares his story about restoring power following Hurricane Helene and spending two weeks in North Carolina helping Duke Energy get the lights back on following floodin…

1
In Conversation: MARK DOYLE 1:00:23

3M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

Ian speaks to Mark Doyle about his new 33 1/3 book about John Cale's 1972 masterpiece, Paris 1919. BUY THE BOOKBy Jokermen

1
To Sweat Like Beyoncé 18:21

3M ago18:21

18:21

Beyoncé is one of the most well-known and appreciated Black women in music today, but to understand her work, we need to look at who came before her and what those women contributed to the story of Black women on stage. In this special guest episode, curator Krystal Klingenberg introduces a new season of Collected, a podcast from the Smithsonian’s …

1
Van Dyke Parks: DISCOVER AMERICA 1:29:01

3M ago1:29:01

1:29:01

The Jokermen pack their bags for a trip down Trinidad way with their old friend Van Dyke Parks. SUBSCRIBE TO JOKERMEN ON PATREONBy Jokermen

1
Teaser // American Spring: AMERICAN SPRING (1972) 8:53

3M ago8:53

8:53

SUBSCRIBE TO JOKERMEN ON PATREON FOR ACCESS TO ALL EPISODES AD-FREEBy Jokermen

1
In Conversation: BENJAMIN BOOKER 1:08:51

3M ago1:08:51

1:08:51

Ian chats with Benjamin Booker about the delights of downtown Los Angeles, meeting Daniel Lanois, not meeting Neil Young, getting way too high at a Bob Dylan concert, his excellent new record LOWER, and much more. LISTEN TO LOWER CATCH BENJAMIN ON TOUR NEXT MONTHBy Jokermen

1
ICYMI: Lineman's Rodeo Week Connects the Competitors 11:38

3M ago11:38

11:38

Lineworkers and their loved ones came from all over the world to celebrate the line trade at the 40th anniversary of the International Lineman's Rodeo. While the competition is always the Super Bowl of the line trade, participants can enjoy several days of camaraderie and networking before the competition even begins on the Rodeo grounds. Every Dec…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Pacific Underground Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide