May 8 2013
Video

Travelogue 017b: Bay Area Punk

This Travelogue dives into the world of “Independent Record Labels” in the form of a two part interview with the Bay Area’s legendary labels Fat Wreck Chords (and Owner “Fat Mike” Burkett) and Asian Man Records (and Owner Mike Park).

Mike Park is a humble, unassuming, and handsome record label owner. When not touring the country with one of his many musical endeavors (including, but not limited to, Skankin’ Pickle, The Bruce Lee Band, the Chinkees, or as a solo artist), Mike has been running an ultra-DIY record label since 1996 that has been home to such incredible and legendary acts as Alkaline Trio, The Queers, The Lawrence Arms, Slapstick, and The Toasters.

Mike shows you around his famed “parents garage,” where he has run the label since its inception. We also get a little slice of horticultural heaven in the form of Mike’s mother’s meticulously-manicured back yard. What a treat.

Get in touch with Mike if you’re ever in the South Bay. He is quite a cool cat.

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May 8 2013
Video

Travelogue 017a: Bay Area Punk

This Travelogue dives into the world of “Independent Record Labels” in the form of a two part interview with the Bay Area’s legendary labels Fat Wreck Chords (and Owner “Fat Mike” Burkett) and Asian Man Records (and Owner Mike Park).

In these tours, you’ll find out some interesting tidbits about how these labels started, and have managed to survive and thrive while the rest of the music industry tanks.

The people at Fat Wreck Chords are great. Fat Mike was surprisingly candid and casual during our interview and the warehouse tour. It may have been the jet lag he had from just returning from South America (where he’d just wrapped Season 2 of his own TV show, “Backstage Passport”), but we really got along like gangbusters.

Go visit fatwreck.com and find out when their record shop opens next, it is well worth the trip to pick up your favorite record for cheap (as well as colors of records exclusive to the store)!

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May 8 2013
Video

Travelogue 016: North Central Washington

In this Episode, I visit the unique town of Winthrop, Washington… which was created to have an “Old Western, wood-plank sidewalk facade” in the early 1970’s (for what reason, no one really knows). I meet a guy at Glassworks Windsor with the coolest name in history: Garth Mudge. All of the sudden a giant navy plane buzzed over my head. I got super scared.
I also get some fake history lessons from a lady about some old mining equipment that were either “Built on Site OR brought here…” Is there a third option that I didn’t know about?
Your mission, find a small, weird little town within 100 miles of you and spend a few hours there talking to the locals.. it’ll do your soul some good.

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May 8 2013
Video

Travelogue 015: Hawaii Part One

In this episode, my lovely cohost Emily and I travel half way across the Pacific to the beautiful Island of Oahu.
Per usual, we mix the unusual with the historical as we learn about Pacific Island history at the Polynesian Cultural Events Center, watch Teddy Bears assassinate other Teddy Bears with extreme prejudice (on more than one occasion), meet Babe, the most inspiring two-legged dog in the world, explore Pearl Harbor, and more!

Smile! The world is a remarkable place!

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May 8 2013
Video

Travelogue 014: Utah Part Two

I explore some of the most strange, and some of the most commercial parts of Southern Utah. From the “Abandoned” Little Hollywood Movie Set in Kanab, Utah to the “High School Musical 2” film locations in Saint George, we sure find out how commercially viable this area is for movie makers.
Oh, and don’t forget my short stop in at Lance’s Antiques in Orderville, Utah, proclaiming itself to be “One of the CHEAPEST Antique Shops in the USA.” We’ll see if you agree.
As an interesting aside, the tiny town of Orderville was originally established by Brigham Young as a planned “United Order” community… an idea founded in roots of Communism, where everyone in the town contributes equally and lives communally, without divided incomes. Orderville, and its residences experienced one of the most successful runs of this “Ordered” style of government, and continued it long after the Church’s sanction had ceased.
As a guy like Lance WOULD say, “There ain’t nothin’ special.”

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May 8 2013
Video

Travelogue 013: San Antonio

It’s time to take a trip down San Antonio way… Where nothing happens. Except for me meeting the most amazing gentleman to ever don a Plumber’s Uniform: Barney Smith, Owner and Creator of “Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Museum.”
Barney is the nicest guy you’ll ever find. Go visit him, and you’re sure to have a fantastic time. Call ahead to make an appointment, and give yourself plenty of time… with over 1,000 ornately-decorated toilet seats (and counting), each one with its own unique tale to tell, you’re sure to be in that garage quite awhile.
I am humbled by this man’s creativity and his infectious smile. If you don’t find yourself smiling at least once during this adventure, you need to get a better job.

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May 8 2013
Video

Travelogue 012: New Orleans

In this episode, I take you on a journey to Ol’ New Orleans. I bring a special guest along with me for this adventure, as we compete in the Great Urban Race National Championship, visit the NEW ORLEANS VOODOO MUSEUM, and try some of the local cuisine.

I must say that New Orleans is a fabulous experience. Not to be missed (especially at night)!

Also, Find out how to make a famous New Orleans-Style “Voodoo Daiquiri!”

Live your life with wonder and enjoyment,

#theTravelogue

Jason

May 8 2013
Video

Travelogue 011: Utah Part One

Welcome to my TRAVELOGUE. Season Two!
I will take you on journeys to places in America and beyond that you can hardly imagine existing in the modern age. I hope you have fun with me!

Let’s take you on a journey into the Wild, WILD west of Southern Utah.
Bryce Canyon National Park! The entrance to Hell!

Oh, and have you heard of the Religious sect called the “Fundamental Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints” (FDLS)? Perhaps you’ve known about their leader, Warren Jeffs, who was sentenced to life in prison recently? Well, I take a risk and travel to their town, and learn a bit about their “non-tabloid-making” facts..

So many adventures, such little time..

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May 8 2013
Video

Travelogue 010: Alaska Part One

It’s time to conclude “Travelogue: Season 1” with one of my favorite spots: The Last Frontier. I’ve been traveling to Alaska at least twice a year since around 2007. I’ve made many great memories and friends up there…
Come along and see what Santa’s Reindeer keep busy doing in their off-season (Hint: Some regrow their antlers, and some end up “In The Bowl”)..
Who’s up for a game of “Midnight Golf”?
I also check out Seward’s phenomenal “Exit Glacier,” which you can literally walk right up to and touch! Also, the mountain in the picture preview is the legendary Mt. Mckinley (Denali, as the locals call it), the tallest mountain in the North American Continent at 20,335 Ft. tall.. This is the view of it from sea level!

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May 8 2013
Video

Travelogue 009: Montana

I will take you on an Edu-tainment journey to exotic locales like the Montana VORTEX and HOUSE OF MYSTERY. Also, why not visit the Miracle of America Museum, Montana’s Wackiest Museum EVER!

All the while, I am on the hunt for the elusive FLATHEAD LAKE MONSTER! Will I find the creature that has been eluding both Scholars and Monster Hunters alike?!

Find out in the episode of the Travelogue!

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