Things get flipped in this conversation & Pepe gets interviewed. He explores the journey of the DIY Bandits, a record label that emerged from personal struggles & a desire to create community through music. The discussion covers Pepe's unique work of blending folk punk & hip hop, & the challenges he faced, including being poor while raising a family, rejection from some of the folk punk community & his eventual incarceration. Pepe reflects on the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions & the role of music & spirituality as an outlet during difficult times. Hear about upcoming music & book releases & the conversation closes on the evolution of the folk punk community, its current state & its potential going forward.

**This interview was conducted by Jarda (Smažená pikantní škeble) for the online Czech magazine Alarm. We play a song of their's at the end. There's links below to the print version if you want to read it or see some pictures of me since I don't post myself online much :)

Support the podcast & get bonus episodes & goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

HIGHLIGHTS:

• DIY Bandits started as a response to personal struggles
• Bridging genres was a key focus from the beginning
• Community engagement was essential to the label's mission
• The label was rooted in working-class experiences
• Incarceration led to significant personal reflections
• The importance of taking responsibility for one's actions
• Support from family & community was crucial during confinement
• Spirituality deepened through Pepe's solitary experiences
• The journey of writing a book was initially daunting
• The folk punk community is evolving & becoming more inclusive
• The importance of giving back to the community is emphasized
• Pepe feels a sense of responsibility to share his journey
• Song "Going Postal" by Smažená pikantní škeble

Support Jarda (Smažená pikantní škeble) who arranged & conducted this interview:

• smazenapikantniskeble.bandcamp.com/music
• Read the interview (english) medium.com/@michljarda/what-supports-you-when-theres-no-one-left-to-support-you-bab448d386d8
• Read the interview (czech) denikalarm.cz/2025/10/folk-punk-pro-me-vzdycky-znamenal-neco-vic-nez-jen-hudbu-rika-pepe-bandit/

Back On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch:

• backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out...Send me questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
• Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Pepe, Scott, & Becky explore the culture of trainhopping, & the connections formed through shared experiences. Scott recounts his journey into the world of trainhopping, influenced by his friend Tomas, while Becky shares her perspective on joining this lifestyle. The discussion highlights the joy of community, the challenges of societal discrimination, & the deep bonds formed through shared adventures. In this conversation, Scott & Becky delve into themes of living freely, love, loss, & the importance of cherishing memories, particularly of their friend Tomas, who embodied the spirit of freedom & connection.

Support the podcast to get bonus episodes & goods (there's even a FREE option)

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

takeaways

• How Scott got introduced to trainhopping
• Scott's reconnection with Tomas
• Connecting over punk music in high school
• How Becky met Scott
• Scott's first train with Tomas
• Becky meets Tomas
• Tomas as a human being
• Becky reflects on the traveller community
• Music's ability to bridge different cultures
• Embracing conflict & challenging societal norms
• Scott's difficulty talking about Tomas & Profane Sass
• Piggly Wiggly story
• Support, love & respect from family
• City Of The Rails podcast
• A tragic fire in a New Orleans squat
• The potential consequences of trainhopping show up
• Fond memories of Tomas
• Song: Mexican Trains by Profane Sass

Connect with Scott's projects Bridge City Sinners / Profane Sass / Flail Records:

• instagram.com/bridgecitysinners/
• instagram.com/flail_records/
• open.spotify.com/artist/1U68fpoBsx5HK1RSvr7yZQ?si=K77gP-lMQXyyW9k8Wmo2IQ

Back On The Grind Records - Find DIY, Folk Punk Music & Merch:

• backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Get Coffee for the Bandit in you (roasted by Pepe)

• StayFreeCoffee.com

Follow the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Reach out! Send questions, comments or topic suggestions to

• Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (we read them all)

***Word of mouth really matters for us. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend or two who might enjoy it.
• Leave a rating / review. This helps me get access to the guest you want to hear from & allows the show to reach & support more folks like you :)

Stay Free,

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Todays COFFEE BREAK features April Hartman of Apes of the State discussing fear & sobriety. This clip originally aired in episode #1 Apes of the State On facing Fear (link below)

Get coffee roasted by Pepe Bandit:

• stayfreecoffee.com

Support the podcast/get bonus episodes + goods

• patreon.com/BackontheGrind

Listen to the full episode - Apes Of the State On facing Fear #1:

• Spotify - open.spotify.com/episode/3zgVBj55YKIqErg55Jw1to?si=T0i_mqg-SAOE4Ea8GmdhNw
• Apple Podcast - podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-on-the-grind/id1681556943?i=1000611301075
• Website/RSS - shows.acast.com/back-on-the-grind-1/episodes/facing-fear-with-apes-of-the-state

Back On The Grind Records - DIY, Folk Punk & Music merch:

backonthegrindrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow/engage with the podcast on Instagram

• instagram.com/backonthegrindpod/?hl=engram

Say hello, send me questions, comments or future topic suggestions to

• Podcast@BackOnTheGrindRecords.com
• Leave a comment/question on Spotify or Instagram (I read them all)

*Word of mouth really matters. Here's two simple things you can do to help keep this podcast going strong:

1. Share your favorite episode with a friend who you think will also enjoy it.
2. Leave a rating or review. It will help me reach & support more folks like you & that's why I do this :)

Stay Free until next time!

Pepe Bandit

Pepe Bandit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.