Distraction Avenue
145 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1 rating(Formerly The Weapon of Self-Distraction Podcast) Conversations about various distractions in life, including people, pop culture and more.
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Episodes
Various Sadness, Loss, Stats, and More
September 22, 2021 02:25 - 28 minutes - 30 MBThe way-too-soon deaths of comedian Norm MacDonald and actor Michael K. Williams and what we've lost. Covid stuff and why there is not a "vaccine mandate." Plus, 99.9% of K-Mart stores are gone.
Back From Our Summer Hiatus
September 04, 2021 02:30 - 20 minutes - 21.7 MBBack from a summer break and trying to stay on top of the news. carrying on with Covid and the Delta variant, travelling and the deaths of actor Ed Asner, ZZ Top bass player Dusty Hill, and Charlie Watts, the drummer for the Rolling Stones
If You Had To Do It All Over...
July 14, 2021 02:59 - 28 minutes - 30.3 MBThe big rant: vaccinations, the Delta Variant, selfless vs. selfish and conspiracy theories. Plus, Jean Smart gets very well-deserved Emmy nominations for her roles in two HBO Max series, Mare of Easttown and the hilarious Hacks. And decisions, regrets, and moving forward.
"Mare of Easttown" - A Quick Review
May 25, 2021 03:22 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBA review of the newest HBO series , Mare of Easttown. Spoiler alert: it's terrific! Is there anything that Kate Winslett hasn't been good in? For more: Mare of Easttown | HBO
New Name, Same Dumb Podcast
May 19, 2021 03:12 - 38 minutes - 37.5 MBSame management, same RSS feed, same dumb podcast, but with a new name: The Weapon of Self-Distraction Podcast is now Distraction Avenue. This episode: having vaccine envy, the top 10 people you see at the gym and TV ratings for the Jeopardy! guest hosts. Finally, RIP to the amazing and wonderful Charles Grodin.
Episode 139: Just Some News From Minneapolis
April 23, 2021 03:58 - 23 minutes - 23.3 MBThe trial and conviction of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd. Plus, some interesting social media statistics - numbers on Facebook, TikTok and more. And the return of an Obscure But Cool Song.
Episode 138: Two Dudes On A Mattress And A Foster Dog
March 31, 2021 02:36 - 21 minutes - 21.5 MBTwo guys in Australia drift two miles out to sea on an air mattresss, a new foster dog named Jessie, and some thoughts on being single...again. Plus, comedian Danny Jolles has his first special, "6 Parts" available for free on You Tube. He's amazing, and so is his special.
Episode 137: Interview with Doug Brod, author of "The Just Seem A Little Weird"
February 06, 2021 04:35 - 1 hour - 47.1 MBDoug Brod is the author of the fantastic book, They Just Seem A Little Weird: How Cheap Trick, KISS, Aerosmith, and Starz Remade Rock and Roll. We talk about how he wrote the book, how those bands are all connected, their influence and how they're still relevant today. And that despite a lot of trial and tribulations, they're each still great. At the top: Super Bowl LV, the Tampa Bay Bucaneers vs. the Kansas City Chiefs, and Ten Random Super Bowl Facts. They Just Seem A Little Weird: How C...
Episode 137: Interview with Doug Brod, author of "They Just Seem A Little Weird"
February 06, 2021 04:35 - 1 hour - 47.1 MBDoug Brod is the author of the fantastic book, They Just Seem A Little Weird: How Cheap Trick, KISS, Aerosmith, and Starz Remade Rock and Roll. We talk about how he wrote the book, how those bands are all connected, their influence and how they're still relevant today. And that despite a lot of trial and tribulations, they're each still great. At the top: Super Bowl LV, the Tampa Bay Bucaneers vs. the Kansas City Chiefs, and Ten Random Super Bowl Facts. They Just Seem A Little Weird: How C...
Episode 136: New Music from Cheap Trick and Other Faves
January 28, 2021 04:21 - 14 minutes - 13.9 MBQuick reviews: Steve's all-time favorite band of all-time, Cheap Trick just released a rocking song, "Light Up The Fire," and it rocks! "Light Up The Fire" rocks! Plus, new music from Dead Daisies and Smith/Kotzen, a new side-project from Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen. Its all killer!
Episode 135: Happy New Year, Jeopardy!, Crocs, and More
January 18, 2021 19:20 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBWhy not say "Happy New Year" deeper into January? Guests hosts on Jeopardy! Crocs had a booming 2020, Netflix massive spend for new content and Ben & Jerry's doggie desserts.
Episode 134: Holiday Traditions or Lack Thereof
December 24, 2020 03:48 - 21 minutes - 21.3 MBThe new song by Van Morrison and Eric Clapton, protesting their being asked to help the greater good during a pandemic, is discussed, and Rickie Lee Jones' reaction to their song. Plus, holiday traditions come and go, and a reminder of a previous tradition: Wilford Brimley, via the old Imus in the Morning Show, talking about oatmeal.
Episode 133: Goodbye, Pluto
December 13, 2020 21:24 - 22 minutes - 22.2 MBThe awesome cat and occasional unwitting podcast guest Pluto passed away; a euology for the best pet, ever. And paying it forward - 900 times! - at a Dairy Queen in Minnesota.
Episode 132: Lots of Shenanigans
December 05, 2020 05:23 - 26 minutes - 26.1 MBVarious distractions and shenanigans...and wouldn't the latter make a great name for a restaurant: a familiar concept is discussed. The biggest distraction: Covid-19 all the time, the five likliest places you get the virus and the overall statistics are staggering. Warner Brothers announces all their 2021 movies will open simultaneously on HBO Max and theatres. Plus, dairy camels in Australia. Yes, dairy camels
Episode 131: Lock It Down, Shut It Down - For A Little While
November 22, 2020 03:18 - 31 minutes - 32.5 MBThe start of another Covid-19 lockdown/shutdown should mean more time for a few things, including new podcast episodes. Quick takes on that viral Tik Tok video of the skateboard guy and the Fleetwood Mac song "Dreams," some shows on Netflix, including David Letterman's My Next Guest Needs No Introduction and the British crime drama Broadchurch. Plus, A Cool But Obscure Song.
Episode 130: Lots of New Music!
November 13, 2020 03:06 - 24 minutes - 23.7 MBNews about new music from AC/DC, Foo Fighters, and Paul McCartney. Plus, Wolfgang Van Halen's solo debut and upcoming Howard Stern interview
Episode 129: Eddie Van Halen, R.I.P.
October 08, 2020 00:05 - 46 minutes - 40.6 MBThe most influential guitarist of a generation, Eddie Van Halen, died October 6, 2020 succumbing to cancer after a long fight. Full details and discussion provided in this episode from The DLR Cast, the podcast by and for fans of David Lee Roth, hosted by Steve and his good friend Darren Paltrowitz. Plus AC/DC drops a new single, "Shot In The Dark," from their forthcoming album Power Up, which comes out November 13. Darren Paltrowitz is a freelance journalist covering entertainment. He also...
Episode 128: Some Very Cool New Music!
September 27, 2020 00:21 - 30 minutes - 30.8 MBTalking about cool new music from Deep Purple, who recently released their 21st (!) album, Whoosh; two new songs from Bruce Springsteen, the newest/latest album from the great Butch Walker, American Love Story, and Cheap Trick who just released a cover of the David Bowie classic, "Rebel Rebel," produced by Jack Douglas. Plus a wild boar is chased by a nudist!
Episode 127: Officially An Empty-Nester
September 07, 2020 22:27 - 26 minutes - 26 MBOn being officially an "empty-nester" with college starting, a mix of bittersweet and excitement. Plus, the new Netflix series Away
Episode 126: Covid Kibosh and a New Podcast
August 13, 2020 23:37 - 47 minutes - 44.8 MBCoivd-19 puts the kibosh on some travel plans - rather, fear and risk does. Plus, a new podcast, by Steve and his friend Darren Paltrowitz, The DLR Cast - the essential podcast by and for fans of David Lee Roth!
Episode 125: The 40th Anniversary of AC/DC's "Back In Black" Album
July 25, 2020 20:24 - 21 minutes - 20.6 MBOne of the greatest hard rock albums, and the second-biggest selling album of all time, Back In Black by AC/DC, turns 40 years old this week. The album is a document to the perseverance, work ethic, and musical greatness of Angus and Malcolm Young, following the death of their inimitable lead singer Bon Scott; where the terrific Brian Johnson is a perfect fit, all combining to make incredible, and history making, music. Plus, some recommended reading as there's no shortage of informative...
Episode 124: Interview with Steven Jurgensmeyer of AllMusicBooks.com
June 29, 2020 13:46 - 48 minutes - 35.4 MBSteven Jurgensmeyer specializes in creative direction, branding and graphic design and is the founder of AllMusicBooks.com which is a music book recommendation site. AllMusicBooks.com features reviews of books on artists, bands, and more, as well as interviews with the book’s authors. Steven is also a producer and writer of the forthcoming documentary film, Sign of the Times: The Rock n’ Roll Billboards of the Sunset Strip. Sign of the Times tells the story of the amazing billboards in L.A. ...
Episode 123: Adapting and Evolving and the New Normal
June 27, 2020 04:21 - 18 minutes - 18.9 MBIt's everyday and all the time: the twin battles against Covid-19 and racism. Some meandering mumblings on adapting to whatever the new normal is going to be. And an Obscure But Cool Song.
Episode 122: Friday Night Fighting Ennui
June 13, 2020 03:47 - 25 minutes - 24.6 MBThe new Dave Chappelle comedy special 8:46 is a searing commentary on George Floyd, police brutality and much more. HBO Max, HBO Go, HBO Now, or just HBO? A bit of an explainer. The new and cool book by Billy F Gibbons, the legendary singer and guitarist for ZZ Top, Rock + Roll Gearhead Fighting ennui and getting closer to being a full-on empty-nester
Episode 121: Every Emotion in Minneapolis
June 01, 2020 02:10 - 22 minutes - 22.2 MBThe murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN and its aftermath. The very good Amazon Exclusive TV series Bosch.
Episode 120: Author & Route 66 Historian Jim Hinckley
May 17, 2020 23:25 - 47 minutes - 36.9 MBAuthor and automotive and Route 66 historian Jim Hinckley is the guest. Mr. Hinckley has written extensively on Route 66 - "America's Most Famous Highway" and his books include Ghost Towns of Route 66, Travel Route 66, The Route 66 Encyclopedia, and The Illustrated Route 66 Historical Atlas. Jim is a fountain of fascinating facts and information and we discuss how and why Route 66 is so endearing and popular, its huge international appeal, and much more. There's also Route 66 road trip ideas...
Episode 119: What Happens Next?
May 09, 2020 23:29 - 30 minutes - 28.9 MBHow will entertainment - concerts, sports, etc. - and society, evolve due to COVID 19? Live Nation look will test drive-in and virtual concerts. The five-year-old kid that stole his parents car to go and buy a Lamborghini could be a great entrepreneur someday. Who was the Supreme Court justice that flushed? And the deaths of Little Richard and Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy.
Episode 118: Self-Isolation Well-Being Tips
April 26, 2020 15:54 - 26 minutes - 29.1 MBNot brought to you by Lysol or any disinfectant. Self-isolation stay-at-home Covid19 coronavirus well-being tips. The top Google searches recently. And a Cool But Obscure Song.
Episode 117: Music & Pop Culture Writer Darren Paltrowitz
April 07, 2020 03:22 - 1 hour - 75.6 MBThe ever-fun and interesting pop culture writer Darren Paltrowitz returns. We discuss the tragic death of Fountains of Wayne co-founder Adam Schlesinger and his huge body of great music - FOW, That Thing You Do! Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and so much more. Its corona virus and self-isolation time and there's lots to watch, read, and listen to: Better Things, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Brockmier, All-Elite Wrestling and Colt Cabana; books on Quentin Tarantino, Van Halen and KISS; new music from the amazi...
Episode 116: So, What's New?
March 29, 2020 00:35 - 28 minutes - 27.9 MBThe first podcast in just about a month! The coronavirus, Covid19 and hanging in there; Tom Brady leaves the New England Patriots, bidet sales increase exponentially, and a few of the best feel-good movies. Plus, books to binge: Bond vs. Bond: The Many Face of 007 Revised and Updated by Paul Simpson and Quentin Tarantino: the iconic filmmaker and his work by Ian Nathan.
Episode 115: Heavyweight Craziness
February 29, 2020 01:06 - 21 minutes - 22.8 MBThe recent Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder heavyweight boxing title fight was epic - and crazy, before and after the fight. Why being a news and current events junkie can be a grind. Searches for Shakira, Jennifer Lopes and Demi Lovato increased over 1,000% after their appearance at the Super Bowl at a certain NSFW website. Plus, a bag of bacon makes a great snack. And an Obscure but Cool Song. Visit www.weaponofselfdistraction.com for more distractions.
Episode 114: Pre-Concert Rituals
February 14, 2020 00:08 - 37 minutes - 38.1 MBWhat do you do to get yourself psyched before a concert? Those familiar pre-concert rituals from the drive to the show, the music, merch and more. Heading to the east coast to see Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame members Cheap Trick for three straight shows in NY, Atlantic City and Washington D.C. and the setlists of late have been amazing. Plus, quick details about a poignant and wonderful short film, "Today You Tomorrow Me," Pluto makes an appearance, and an Obscure But Cool Song. Check out weap...
Episode 113: Protect Yourself! Coronavirus Stats and Info
February 11, 2020 03:17 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBThe latest stats, info and how to protect yourself from the Coronavirus. The 92nd Academy Awards and the steep ratings decline; Quentin Tarantino still can't get a Best Director award and The Irishman gets 10 nominations but no awards. Check out weaponofselfdistraction.com for more missives and occasionally interesting stuff.
Episode 112: Getting Out of a Rut
February 01, 2020 22:21 - 35 minutes - 36.3 MBThe tragic death of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, the media coverage, and TMZ breaking the story. Super Bowl LIV facts, figures and more. Plus, getting out of a rut means making an effort and some changes. Plus a Cool But Obscure Song
Episode 111: Pro Football Hall of Fame & the Super Bowl
January 20, 2020 16:32 - 31 minutes - 32.1 MBDetroit Lion great, and a personal hero, Alex Karras, gets elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, its the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV. Major League Baseball and the Houston Astros sign-stealing cheating scandalPlus, should Whitney Houston be in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame? For more visit www.weaponofselfdistraction.com
Episode 110: Here's To The New Year!
January 05, 2020 01:33 - 37 minutes - 38 MBHappy New Year! Starting the start of the third decade of the 21st century, talking about New Year's Eve and seeing the always-amazing Cheap Trick. Plus, dealing with some anxiety, some new things to watch on HBO and the death of radio legend Don Imus. And, a Cool But Obscure Song! For more visit Weapon of Self-Distraction
Episode 109: Greg Prato, Author of Take It Off: KISS Truly Unmasked
December 22, 2019 21:29 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBAuthor Greg Prato returns to talk about his new book, TAKE IT OFF: KISS TRULY UNMASKED. Its the first book that focuses solely on the years that KISS was sans the famous greasepaint. The book is an oral history and a slew of terrrific contributors weigh on the music, the look, and the live shows of this time, including Eddie Trunk, KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, Charlie Benante (Anthrax), Ron Nevison and many others. Take It Off: KISS Truly Unmasked is available where ever you buy cool books...
Episode 108: Graphic Novelist Allen Ling
December 06, 2019 03:10 - 44 minutes - 33.3 MBAllen Ling is a graphic novelist who's first publication, Genesis II, is out now, and its very cool! Its a sci-fi story with a real and plausible human element to it. Allen talks about how he and collaborator Christian Boe came up with the book's great characters and compelling story, the long process in creating it, as well as how the Genesis II story will continue. For more information on Allen and Genesis II, as well as how to purchase it, visit www.Genesis2Comics.com
Episode 107: The Annual Very Special Thanksgiving Very Special Episode!
November 26, 2019 05:50 - 14 minutes - 14.2 MBAn annual tradition at the podcast: the famous and funny "Turkeys Away" episode of the classic and hilarious TV series WKRP In Cincinnati. "As God is my witness...I thought turkeys could fly" Happy Thanksgiving! Forty years later, it still holds up, its still hilarious.
Episode 106: A Couple of Quick Takes
November 23, 2019 05:10 - 27 minutes - 28.1 MBThe USA Today might be ending its print edition after four decades and a lone Waffle House employee gets help in Alabama. Plus, a funny and weird tattoo, and an obscure but very cool song.
Episode 105: Back From A Break, Out of the Ruts
November 17, 2019 00:04 - 30 minutes - 31.9 MBBack from a break, but not back from a continuing social media respite: why be constantly reminded of what you don't have? A rambling review of the movie JoJo Rabbit...and an obscure but cool song.
Episode 104: The Fall Movie Preview
October 22, 2019 00:53 - 1 hour - 68.6 MBThe Fall Movie Preview features a special guest, Tyler Smith from the very cool movie review website and podcast Battleship Pretension. Tyler gives details and recommendations on the best movies coming out this fall, including Joker, The Lighthouse, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Knives Out, The Irishman, Won't You Be My Neighbor, Uncut Gems, Richard Jewell, Marriage Story and The Report. Plus, Steve guests on the new episode of the Three Sides of the Coin Podcast!
Episode 103: A Bunch O' Different Things
October 17, 2019 03:59 - 33 minutes - 33.4 MBBack from a bit of a respite: McLovin' in real life, the Washington Nationals and the World Series, Righteous Gemstones and HBO, Netflix and streaming competition, a new book, Take It Off: KISS Truly Unmasked by Greg Prato, coming out November 19. And A Cool And Obscure Song
Episode 102: Interview with Rishi Sharma, founder of Heroes of The Second World War
September 21, 2019 02:31 - 33 minutes - 32 MBWhile in high school Rishi Sharma started Heroes of The Second World War, a non-profit organization whose mission is to interview veterans of World War II. He started by biking around his city to interview veterans and three years later he has interviewed over 1,000 veterans from the Allied countries around the world. For more information, interviews and how you can get involved visit www.heroesofthesecondworldwar.org
Episode 101: To Your Health!
September 10, 2019 01:21 - 30 minutes - 29.9 MBHappy and really healthy at (almost) 52-years old...what's working, why and how. What would you do if $120,000 accidentally ended up in your bank account? Plus, circumstances, timing, and eight (!) discerning months. And an obscure and absolutely incredibly awesome song.
Episode 100: Back to School and a Big Idea
August 31, 2019 03:56 - 34 minutes - 34.3 MB100 episodes? Why that's really not a big deal...its back to school time - where did the time go? A really big idea - what if we got a rebate on all the data social media, websites and internet service providers get from us, and make billions on? Plus three things that motivate you, the new HBO series The Righteous Gemstones and an obscure, yet awesome song
Episode 99: "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood" - A Quick Review
August 01, 2019 12:59 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBA quick review of the new Quentin Tarantino film, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. Synopsis: it's great!
Episode 98: Interview with Author & Journalist Greg Prato
July 26, 2019 02:13 - 48 minutes - 47.6 MBAUTHOR/JOURNALIST GREG PRATO returns to talk about his great new book, KING'S X: THE ORAL HISTORY. Its the definitive story about a great band, in the members' own words, along with a slew of hard rock luminaries. We also discuss Greg's next book, TAKE IT OFF: KISS TRULY UNMASKED, out November 19, 2019, which is all about when KISS was sans makeup, 1983-1996. PLUS, semi-coherent ramblings about the new season of Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee and the great Gary Gulman's ne...
Episode 97: Miscellaneous, Random Odds n' Ends & An Obscure Song
July 15, 2019 04:17 - 29 minutes - 31 MBThe new Chevrolet Corvette makes it's debut on July 18, the Bagel Boss is loose on Long Island and an Area 51 meetup! Plus, the David Bowie Barbie doll and a new feature, an obscure but awesome song. For the occasional missive and bon mot, the Weapon of Self-Distraction blog
Episode 96: Surviving & Thriving
July 03, 2019 02:52 - 1 hour - 68.8 MBFriend of the Podcast Barrie returns and we discuss how to survive - and possibly thrive? - the often mind-numbing online dating process. Things to do, first date ideas, what to watch out for, and more. Plus, quitting Diet Coke/Coke Zero, at least for a month. And, all about Kima, the awesome pitbull.