Back on the Chain

Sphere Recap #4: SnubHub w/ Asher

In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Asher to relive our Phish-at-the-Sphere adventure that collided with Bitcoin week in Vegas. We unpack the pre-show chaos at security that spiked the anxiety meter, how it shaped the vibe walking into Night 1, and why optimizing your show flow (bathroom timing, crowd avoidance, section neighbors) matters when you’re tripping. Asher gives a vivid seat-level account of the 400s: the unexpectedly perfect sightlines, the mini-community that formed over three nights, and the visuals that stole the show—from CK5’s jaw-dropping real-time “wall of light” rig to the Gamehendge animations and the hilariously psychedelic Meatstick “hot dog planet.” We compare notes on the Thursday set (great moments but not the weekend’s peak), why Friday felt like the true climax, and how the Sphere subtly shifts Phish’s musical calculus. We also go deep on the long-running “Dead snub?” debate—Baker’s Dozen omissions, Rock & Roll Suicide as an encore on Jerry’s birthday, and the enduring choice not to cover the Dead post-Fare Thee Well (outside of special circumstances). From ordinals as on-chain keepsakes of the Vegas crew to the delicate dance between band, crowd energy, and the wider culture, we trace the connective tissue between music, tech, and scene dynamics. We close with plans for summer tour, a Lake Satoshi reunion, and an open invite to more of the crew to jump on future recaps.

Sphere Recap #3: Richard Greaser goes to a Phish Show

In this episode, we keep the Sphere recap rolling with our friend Richard Greaser, reliving a high‑vibe Phish night shared by a motley Venn diagram of Bitcoiners and music lovers. From “Clown Town” lore to why the Sphere’s projection-based visuals felt so natural, we dig into audience energy, phones staying pocketed, and how the band’s dynamics (including a tender Page moment) shaped the room. We swap road stories, rank where and when fans “go hardest,” and parse what makes Phish’s improvisation tick versus jazz showboating—plus why time, silence, and crowd buy‑in can elevate a jam. We also zoom out to culture: the power of live music to build trust, why meet-space beats timelines, and how scenes (music, comedy) were warped by lockdowns—and what it takes to rebuild. There’s plenty of playful trolling (stickers and “donks”), music-nerd talk (Reba, Sloth, metronomes, groove), and a heartfelt invite: let’s get more Bitcoiners to shows together, jam at Lake Satoshi, and keep seeding real‑world culture. Bonus: a mini ode to venues like First Avenue, a nudge to form bands, and plans for an on-site set this summer.

Sphere Recap #2: Goin to ClownTown w/ Liz P

In this episode, we’re back on the chain with our first post-recap conversation featuring our friend Liz, fresh off two Phish-at-the-Sphere shows wrapped around the Bitcoin conference in Vegas. We trade stories about the magic of the Sphere visuals, seat vibes, and the joy of finding a “great section” that feels like a team. Liz recounts how her Saturday night turned a previously lukewarm stance on Phish into full-on enthusiasm, from prime-center seats with haptics to beehive visuals and hot-dog lore, plus serendipitous run-ins with old friends and brand-new ones. We also dig into the unexpected overlap between Bitcoiners and live-music diehards, the power of meetups, and how this Vegas run uniquely fused both worlds—creating a communal afterglow that’s still buzzing.  We get candid about set break meetups, side quests, sound quirks, favorite moments, and even the shared language of “Clown Town.” We celebrate Liz’s meetup crew winning a conference award, dream up future Bitcoiner pre-show meetups (NYC, anyone?), and imagine what a true “Bitcoin Phish summer tour” could look like. If you were there, this will feel like reliving it with friends; if you missed it, consider this your invite to the next link-up.

Back on the Chain at the Sphere: Tits Resolved!

In this episode, I take you inside our unforgettable Phish-at-the-Sphere weekend wrapped around the Bitcoin conference—a once-in-a-lifetime collision of worlds that exceeded every expectation. From a near ticketing disaster turned “tits resolved” mantra, to Ash’s unbelievable generosity that transformed our seats, our night, and frankly the entire story, I walk through the chaotic entry, the crew’s rich cast of characters, and why sharing this show with friends mattered as much as the music. We celebrate Craig-from-Programming’s Clark Kent-to-superfan switch, Greaser’s first-show glow, and the hilarious double-Liz mix-up that became instant lore. The Sphere itself? Zero-to-one. We try to put into words the fireworks-level awe and the intimate magic of moments like Page’s on-screen grin and the Squirming Coil drive-in visual sendoff. Musically, I share why Set 2 felt exceptional to me—especially the risk-taking in A Wave of Hope—and why Sneakin’ Sally and Sloth hit so hard in the room, regardless of tape-judgment. I also open up about how this show intersected with bigger life currents: two years to the day since leaving fiat world; searching for meaning, purpose, and God; and realizing Phish has been a spiritual companion for decades—even as that relationship evolves. We may never get another Bitcoin-conference-meets-Phish-at-the-Sphere week, but the bonds forged—old friends, new friends, and the energy of being truly present—are now part of our permanent story. Next up, we’ll bring the whole crew on to relive it from every angle.  Resources mentioned: After Midnight (Big Cypress podcast by Jesse Jarnow).

Quantum Kuroda and Sigma Truths: Emergency Sphere Recap

In this emergency episode, I break down Night 3 of Phish’s current Sphere run in Vegas and why the setlist threw up both thrilling signals and a brief moment of alarm. From the barn-burner intent telegraphed by a Buried Alive opener to a vintage-feeling first set (AC/DC Bag, Reba, Forbin>Mockingbird), we zoom in on Sigma Oasis as the patron-saint song of this show and our podcast—touching on its uncanny lyric resonance and why “sigma” and “oasis” together capture the Bitcoin-meets-Phish ethos. We also dissect Trey’s heartfelt nod to Joe Walsh before Walk Away (with Walsh in attendance), why that erased my “walk away” crash-out jitters, and how the visuals at the Sphere—Gamehendge animation, Rift album imagery, and “quantum Kuroda”—are an order of magnitude beyond the first 2024 run. We trade stories on jadedness vs. newness in different Phish eras (’97–’98, 3.0 early years), Fishman’s surprising triplet work in Split Open and Melt, and the evolving sound adaptations to the Sphere’s house system. We connect song “older brothers” across eras (Kill Devil Falls → Wingsuit → Sigma Oasis; Time Turns Elastic → Petrichor → Drift While You’re Sleeping), revisit favorite New Year’s gags, and level-set Vegas meetup logistics and tickets as Bitcoin and Phish worlds prepare to collide next week. Back on the chain indeed—see you in Vegas.