THE WASTING TIME PODCAST

The Wasting Time Podcast is joined by Tom Keiger of pop punk favourites Houston Calls.

Tom looks back on the band's journey from their early days through to becoming one of the most beloved names in the mid-2000s scene. The conversation dives into the stories behind the albums, life on the road, and the moment Mark Hoppus almost ended up producing the band's second record.

The episode also explores what life looks like for Tom today, when the time felt right time for Houston Calls to return, and whether fans can expect new music. Along the way, Tom shares some great memories from touring the UK and reflects on the special relationship Houston Calls has always had with UK audiences.

Chris and Nick also find time to discuss new releases from Rufio, Mayday Parade, Uppity and more.

Sponsored by Local Menace Apparell. Head to their store and use the code 'wastetime' for 25% discount.

The Wasting Time Podcast is part of The Never A Phase Network.

This week, we are joined by Dylan Guzman and Gabriel Muñoz of Super Sometimes. Gabe was mostly keeping his eyes on the road, so Dylan did most of the talking. The San Diego pop punk outfit have had one of those genuinely exciting couple of years, culminating in the release of their new record Show the World What's Underneath.

We dig into their deep, real love of pop punk. Not the kind people perform for credibility, but the kind that comes from growing up in San Diego and absorbing everything the scene has to offer. Dylan walks us through the band's journey: where they came from, what shaped them, and how they got to where they are now.

Sponsored by Local Menace Apparell. Head to their store and use the code 'wastetime' for 25% discount.

The Wasting Time Podcast is part of The Never A Phase Network.

This week we are joined by CARR. A singer/songwriter and recent signee of Pete Wentz. She talks about how that signing came about and what it's meant for her, as well as diving into her new album CARRGIRRL, the stories behind it and where she's at right now.

Sponsored by Local Menace Apparell. Head to their store and use the code 'wastetime' for 25% discount.

The Wasting Time Podcast is part of The Never A Phase Network.

We headed to Slam Dunk Festival 2026 for a very special episode, and we got to do it properly, covering both festival sites across the weekend. It's a packed one.

We had the privilege of chatting with the following artists:

• Comeback Kid
• Driveways
• The Menzingers
• zebrahead
• Allister
• Mike Herrera
• Hawthorne Heights
• Bayside

A huge thank you to Slam Dunk Festival for having The Wasting Time Podcast along for the ride. This weekend is always one of the highlights of the year for us, and 2026 was no different. Listen now for all of our interviews and our review of the festival.

Sponsored by Local Menace Apparell. Head to their store and use the code 'wastetime' for 25% discount.

The Wasting Time Podcast is part of The Never A Phase Network.

 

This week, The Wasting Time Podcast is joined by Kevin Lyman for a deep dive into the history and legacy of the Warped Tour. Kevin reflects on building the iconic festival from the ground up, balancing its modern-day return with his role as a university professor, and what it was like bringing Warped Tour to the UK for the very first time. He also discusses the huge impact bands like blink-182, Pennywise and Less Than Jake had on the festival’s rise and its lasting influence on alternative music culture.

In the intro, Chris and Nick look ahead to this weekend’s Slam Dunk Festival, discussing the bands they’re most excited to see, while also chatting about new music from Social Distortion and Brian Fallon.

Sponsored by Local Menace Apparell. Head to their store and use the code 'wastetime' for 25% discount.

The Wasting Time Podcast is part of The Never A Phase Network.

Matt Richardson joins The Wasting Time Podcast and it's immediately clear this is going to be a good one. The UK comedian, presenter and all-round emo/pop punk obsessive sits down to talk career, craft and chaos. He discusses his stand-up shows as well as his presenting gigs, interviewing movie stars and the likes of blink-182 for Virgin Radio. Matt also looks ahead to Slam Dunk Festival this year and why the lineup has him excited. He gets into his TikTok blowing up, what it's like when the algorithm decides it's your moment, and why the emo kid never really left.

Chris and Nick open the episode discussing the newly announced Four Chord Music Festival lineup, as well as new music from Mayday Parade, The Menzingers and podcast favourites, Social Distortion.

Sponsored by Local Menace Apparell. Head to their store and use the code 'wastetime' for 25% discount.

The Wasting Time Podcast is part of The Never A Phase Network.

Some bands never get the recognition they deserve. Bottom Line were one of them.

We were always fans. We followed this band through the early 2000s, watching them build something real, and waited on a record made with legendary producer John Feldmann that simply... never came out.

In this episode, we finally get the answers we’ve been waiting for.

Benjamin James Howard joins the show for a candid, no-holds-barred walk through those years.  The sessions, the stories, the industry, and the album that got away. It's raw, it's honest, and is a conversation we loved.

This is exactly why we make this podcast.

Bottom Line recently released a 20th anniversary edition of their fantastic 2005 record ‘Eloquence’. If you have not heard this, check it out now!

 

Sponsored by Local Menace Apparell. Head to their store and use the code 'wastetime' for 25% discount.

The Wasting Time Podcast is part of The Never A Phase Network.

Hot on the heels of their latest album Eternal Youth, Kenny Vasoli joins the podcast for a brilliant conversation about life in The Starting Line in 2026.

Kenny takes us through the band's history coming up on Drive Thru Records, what it was like working with producer Howard Benson, and how he reacted when Taylor Swift name dropped them in a song.

In the intro, Chris and Nick dig into new music from WALWIN and Sleeping With Sirens. And after Militarie Gun's stunning Tiny Desk performance got them talking, they both reflect on their favourite acoustic performances — including an unforgettable night they shared with Unwritten Law.

Sponsored by Local Menace Apparell. Head to their store and use the code 'wastetime' for 25% discount.

The Wasting Time Podcast is part of The Never A Phase Network.

 

 

The Wasting Time Podcast is joined by Rae Brazil, vocalist of Leeds alt-rock outfit Artio, to talk all things Soul Rot — the band's sophomore album, released January 21st via LAB Records.

Rae talks about how the album came together, what it means to make a truly intentional body of work in an era that demands content over craft, and why listeners should experience Soul Rot front to back rather than on shuffle.

And because no conversation with Rae would be complete without it — they get into their love of Tolkien, and what Middle-earth means to them.

Plus, in the intro, Chris and Nick discuss new music from Super Sometimes, Grade 2, and Good Riddance.

Dylan Espeseth joins The Wasting Time Podcast to talk about his journey so far — from building a following on TikTok to stepping into the studio with legendary producer Aaron Sprinkle. Dylan shares how social media helped kickstart his career, the realities of navigating the modern music industry as a new artist, and the creative process behind his latest music.

Dylan's new single Where’d The Time Go, is out now. 

His upcoming full-length album is out April 2.

If you’re into discovering the next wave of pop-rock artists, this is one you won’t want to miss.

The Wasting Time Podcast is part of Never A Phase Network, a collective of creators working to keep the scene alive.

 

On this episode of The Wasting Time Podcast, we’re joined by After Midnight for a conversation about momentum, identity, and putting Penang on the global pop punk map.

The band break down their rapid rise over the past six months — how the buzz started, what’s changed, and how they’ve handled the jump from local favourites to building international attention. They open up about what it’s like being a pop punk band in Penang, growing a scene outside of the traditional US strongholds, and the realities of pushing the genre forward from Southeast Asia.

We also dive into their US pop punk influences — the records that shaped them, the bands that made them want to start, and how they balance those inspirations with creating something that feels uniquely their own.

In the intro, Chris and Nick catch up on the brand-new album Listen Up! by New Found Glory, alongside new music from The Menzingers and Social Distortion. There’s also spotlight time for Ninebanks and other emerging UK artists, plus a wider conversation about the strength of non-US scene bands and why the global pop punk community feels more connected than ever.

A worldwide episode with local roots — and proof that pop punk has no borders.

The Wasting Time Podcast is part of Never A Phase Network, a collective of creators working to keep the scene alive.

 

Jordan Pundik joins The Wasting Time Podcast this week for a deep dive into all things New Found Glory — past, present and future.

Jordan chats about the band’s brand new album Listen Up!, reuniting with legendary producer Steve Evetts, and what it feels like to release a record nearly six years after the last one. He opens up about how his kids view NFG, the excitement around the upcoming tour with Yellowcard and Plain White T’s, and shines a light on some seriously underrated NFG gems that deserve more love. The conversation also explores balancing life inside and outside the band — including Jordan’s work as a tattoo artist on the side.

Before Jordan joins, Chris and Nick catch up on Nick’s night at the Arm’s Length, Koyo and Ben Quad show — breaking down each set and the energy of the night. The chaps also talk about recent music from Koyo and Sly Withers, and reflect on their own history and love for New Found Glory, setting the stage perfectly for this week’s guest.

Pop punk royalty, deep cuts, tour hype and plenty of nostalgia — this one’s a must-listen.

The Wasting Time Podcast is part of Never A Phase Network, a collective of creators working to keep the scene alive.

Matt Caughthran (Mariachi El Bronx / The Bronx) stopped by the show to discuss all things Mariachi El Bronx — from the brand new record to how they juggle two very different bands under one roof.

Matt also discusses the upcoming shows where fans get both The Bronx and Mariachi El Bronx in one night, catching Oasis live, and the experience of being a podcaster himself.

As well as the new Mariachi El Bronx album, Chris and Nick also discuss new music from Joyce Manor and Goldfinger.

This week on The Wasting Time Podcast, we’re joined by Saxl Rose. 

From blowing up on the internet to carving out a genuinely wild music career, Saxl talks us through his journey so far — how going viral opened doors, the grind behind the scenes, and what happens when online momentum turns into real-world opportunities.

We get into what it was like stepping on stage with Paramore, hitting the road with Neck Deep and State Champs, and collaborating with Wiz Khalifa. It’s a conversation about timing, talent, taking risks, and figuring out how to turn moments into milestones.

Internet famous, industry respected, and absolutely not wasting any time — this is one you don’t want to miss.

The Wasting Time Podcast kicks off 2026 with a familiar face as Steve Soboslai of Punchline returns to the show.

Chris and Nick catch up with their friend to talk all things Four Chord Music Festival, the magic of Pittsburgh, and take a deep dive into Punchline’s Somewhere To Land — an album that firmly landed on both hosts’ favourite records of 2025 lists. Punchline will also be on a killer tour in the US this spring with hellogoodbye and The Early November.

From festival memories to songwriting reflections, this episode is the perfect way to start the new year with good friends, great stories, and even better music.