Showing Promise

Vans Warped Tour Vs When We Were Young - Ultimate Emo Festivals

We’re kicking off 2026 with a deep dive into live music! In this episode, I’m breaking down some recent standout shows before turning the spotlight on the two biggest events in the alternative music world: the return of Vans Warped Tour for its 30th anniversary and When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas. I briefly explore the history of both festivals, what makes them fun, and how they’ve evolved over time. I also share my personal experiences attending each one—from the lineups and crowds to the food and bathrooms. And finally, a look at how the two festivals compare. Whether you grew up going to Warped Tour, made the pilgrimage to Vegas for When We Were Young, or just love festival stories and music history, this episode hits with reflection, comparison, and a lot of love for live music. Thank you for listening! Find me on Instagram at @mattxcementina [https://www.instagram.com/mattxcementina/?hl=en] Intro/Outro music by Stuart Stock-Tucker

The Mighty Wine: Harvesting the Perfect Notes with Brook Munro

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Brook Munro. Brook and I met back in the early 00's, just as our local punk and hardcore scene was on the rise. Over the years, Brook has played in numerous bands, evolving as both a musician and a songwriter. Brook shares his personal journey through music — from punk rock gigs to the more intentional artistry of his current projects. And, of course, we also take the occasional side quest, reminiscing about some of the most memorable shows, bands, and venues that defined our scene. Now focused on his solo work, Brook continues to push his creative boundaries, blending raw emotion with immersive soundscapes. We dive into his recent releases, including Harvest In Twelve Parts — an ambitious, organic album that sonically explores the craft of winemaking — and Portals, a deeply atmospheric collection inspired by the rhythms of everyday life. Find Brook on Instagram at @brookmunro [https://www.instagram.com/brookmunro/?hl=en] Thank you for listening! Find me on Instagram at @mattxcementina [https://www.instagram.com/mattxcementina/?hl=en] Intro/Outro music by Stuart Stock-Tucker

We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat with William "Bill" Eck

Holy crap! It's episode 30! I can hardly believe we've made it this far. To say I’m grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it. Thank you so much to every guest who’s joined me on this journey, and to every listener who’s tuned in. Your support means everything. For this special milestone episode, I’m thrilled to welcome back my dear friend Bill. Nearly two years after our original conversation, we’ve finally reunited for the long-awaited sequel. And trust me, we picked up right where we left off. In this episode, we dive deep once again—exploring the strange inner workings of infamous cults, revisiting some "wild" shared memories, and celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of our all-time favorite films. Plus, we also couldn’t resist dissecting a few of our favorite action movies and reveling in all their glorious absurdity. Thanks for hanging with us and being part of the madness for 30 episodes! Listen to my first episode with Bill right here [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2003918/episodes/14178464]! Thank you for listening! Find me on Instagram at @mattxcementina [https://www.instagram.com/mattxcementina/?hl=en] Intro/Outro music by Stuart Stock-Tucker

My Day At Tokyo Disneyland: A Hardcore Theme Park Breakdown

This is the second and final episode recapping my recent trip to Japan. In April 2025, I spent a week exploring the vibrant city of Tokyo — a highlight of which was an entire day at Tokyo Disneyland. As a lifelong Disneyland enthusiast, I’ve always been excited by the idea of visiting the international parks, and the chance to experience Tokyo Disneyland was truly irresistible. In this episode, I’m taking you through my full Disney day — from the moment I stepped through the gates to the grand finale under the night sky. I cover it all — the rides, the food, the merch, and my take on the park as a whole, including how Tokyo Disneyland stacks up against other Disney parks, especially the OG Disneyland in California. Getting to explore a new Disney park was seriously awesome and a magical way to wrap up my trip. Thank you for coming with me on my journey through Japan! Check out my first episode detailing my entire week in Tokyo right here [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2003918/episodes/17220183-i-went-to-japan-star-wars-celebration-and-my-first-time-in-tokyo.mp3?download=true]. Thank you for listening! Find me on Instagram at @mattxcementina [https://www.instagram.com/mattxcementina/?hl=en] Intro/Outro music by Stuart Stock-Tucker

I Went to Japan! Star Wars Celebration and Exploring Tokyo for the First Time

Konnichiwa, friends! I have recently returned from my latest international travel adventure, and it was a sick one. I went to Tokyo, Japan! It has been a long time since I've set foot in a new country, and while I was slightly nervous about the trip, it ended up being an awesome experience.  Inspired by this year's Star Wars Celebration, I spent a week exploring the streets, sights, and shrines of Tokyo. Oh yeah, and hit up Tokyo Disneyland! This is my full recap of the trip, taking you from the first idea to the heart of the city and back home.  Tokyo is easily one of the most unique and exciting places I have ever visited, and I would love to return. If you are interested in traveling to Japan, I highly recommend going! Hopefully this will give you some insight and encouragement to make a trip of your own. Arigato! Listen to my day at Tokyo Disneyland right here [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2003918/episodes/17379618-my-day-at-tokyo-disneyland-complete-experience.mp3?download=true]. Thank you for listening! Find me on Instagram at @mattxcementina [https://www.instagram.com/mattxcementina/?hl=en] Intro/Outro music by Stuart Stock-Tucker