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Back on the Chain

Fundamentals, Jason

A podcast that explores the deep connections between Phish's lyrics and the creation of Bitcoin, based on the blog posts of Fundamentals

Fundamentals Blog Post
https://risk-fundamentals.ghost.io/phish-and-bitcoin-a-continuum-of-genius-network-effects-and-unintentional-foreshadowing/

Fundamentals
X: @Fundamentals21m
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Jason
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20 episodes
Avg 1 hr 43 min
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Episodes 20

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S1 · E49
Wednesday · 1 hr 4 min
From Lake Satoshi to Gamehendge
In this episode, we finally recap Lake Satoshi and why it felt so uniquely familiar to me: not just as a Bitcoin gathering, but as something with the vibe, openness, and weird magic of a Phish festival. We talk about the atmosphere on the ground, the people we connected with, and why the event’s camping format and community energy made such a strong impression. We also reflect on how the weather, the mud, and the general chaos gave this year’s experience a much rougher edge than expected, while still revealing how meaningful it is to gather with people who genuinely understand this strange overlap of Bitcoin, music, and friendship. We also get into a wider conversation about podcasting, clubhouse culture, Bitcoin social drama, and the stress of navigating the recent Coldcard security scare while being mostly offline at Lake Satoshi. That leads us into a deeper discussion about self-custody, trust, and what it feels like to have your setup mentally stress-tested in real time. Along the way, we spiral into Gamehendge, Colonel Forbin, Harpua-style narration, and the ongoing attempt to map Bitcoin personalities and conflicts onto Phish mythology—because at this point, that’s just part of how we make sense of the world.
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S1 · E48
August 10 · 1 hr 24 min
Papercuts and 2026 Phish w/ Mark Goodwin
In this episode, I welcomed Mark Goodwin back to the show, and we went deep on Phish’s recent run—why it felt so fresh, so generous, and, at times, almost unbelievable. We talked about Mark falling hard back into the band through couch tour, the way Phish has been finding new jam spaces inside songs that were never traditional vehicles, and how the MSG “90s shows” captured both nostalgia and genuinely high-level playing. We also got into standout moments from the run, including the jammed-out versions of “Bouncing Around the Room,” “Horn,” “Cross-Eyed and Painless,” “Drowned,” “Harry Hood,” “The Wedge,” and the Fenway “Fuego” into “Melt the Guns.” Along the way, we riffed on what makes this era of Phish feel different: the band’s ease, confidence, risk-taking, and uncanny ability to snap into improvisation as a single unit. We also veered into Big Cypress, the Grateful Dead’s live-taping culture, the shifting state of the jam scene, and why bands like Umphrey’s feel different after key lineup changes. By the end, the big question was whether Phish will continue the MSG year-by-year time-travel theme into their next run—and, as always, we came away amazed that after all this time, this band can still pull us all the way back in.
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S1 · E47
July 30 · 1 hr 15 min
1994 Came Back!! w/ Asher
In this episode, we dive into Phish’s remarkable MSG run and bring back our friend Asher for some firsthand perspective after catching nights two and three. From the jump, we talk about how uncanny it felt to have just done an episode on 1994 before Phish unveiled a run built around revisiting the spirit of the early-to-mid ’90s. We get into why this tour feels different, why the Madison opener already hinted that something special was happening, and how the band seems to be honoring those classic years without simply imitating them. We spend time on the energy, the speed, the song placement, and the way old tunes like “Punch You in the Eye,” “Llama,” “Chalk Dust Torture,” “2001,” “Horn,” and even “Bouncing Around the Room” are being approached with fresh life and surprising volatility. We also unpack the experience inside the room at MSG, including the night-four sound outage during “Wolfman’s Brother,” the crowd reaction, and the sense that Phish can still leave even seasoned fans feeling overwhelmed in the best possible way. Along the way, we reflect on what makes this band such a lasting benchmark for greatness: their peak years, their longevity, Trey’s evolution, and the fact that they continue to find new ways to challenge themselves and their audience. We close by debating whether this retro-themed concept could continue into future MSG milestones, and we briefly touch on the difficult situation surrounding Jake Cinninger and Umphrey’s McGee, what his absence means for that band, and why certain players simply can’t be replaced. In this episode, we jump back on the mic with returning guest Asher to break down the Phish MSG run, with a special focus on the 1993 and 1994-themed nights that he caught in person. From the host’s perspective, this run felt too significant not to cover: a rare moment where the band seemed to honor its early peak years without simply becoming a nostalgia act. We talk through the surprising precision, speed, and energy of the performances, how songs like “Punch You in the Eye,” “Llama,” and “Chalk Dust Torture” seemed to channel the spirit of those years, and why this whole tour feels like a real leap forward rather than just another strong stretch. We also dig into how Phish keeps finding new jam pathways in older songs, why this particular MSG concept worked so well, and what it says about where the band is creatively right now. We also get Asher’s firsthand account of the 1994 night at MSG, including the sound outage during “Wolfman’s Brother,” the unusual intensity of the extended second set, and that post-show feeling of being completely full after seeing a band hit such a high level. Along the way, we zoom out into a broader conversation about Phish’s longevity, Trey’s evolution as a player and person, the tension between nostalgia and reinvention, and whether this MSG concept could continue into future milestone shows. We wrap with a side conversation on Umphrey’s McGee and what Jake Cinninger’s absence might mean for that band’s future, but the heart of this episode is really about witnessing Phish continue to redefine what greatness can look like decades into the game.
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S1 · E46
July 8 · 1 hr 9 min
1994 is Never Coming Back. Now What?
In this episode, I sat down with Jason and picked up the thread after our run of Sphere recaps, reflecting on what felt like the end of a chapter for the show and wondering what comes next. From there, we dove deep into Phish eras, especially why 1994 continues to feel so pivotal to me: the band had fully mastered its songbook in 1993, then spent 1994 pushing into experimentation while still sounding hungry, sharp, and full of possibility on the way to their first Madison Square Garden show. We also talked about how nostalgia shapes the way fans rank tours, why summer ’95 feels like an odd lull before the blastoff of fall ’95, and how moments like MSG in ’94 and Big Cypress in ’99 can define entire turning points in the band’s story. I also went down a long rabbit hole on Trey’s guitar evolution and whether it really happened in isolation from the wider guitar world of the 1980s and early 1990s. We talked about the age of shredders, from Randy Rhoads and Eddie Van Halen to Nuno Bettencourt, Vito Bratta, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Marty Friedman, and I argued that it’s hard to believe Trey wasn’t absorbing some of that energy as he developed into “machine gun Trey” before later shifting toward a more textural, band-oriented style. Along the way, we connected those ideas to grunge, tone-based guitar music, reaction-video culture, and the strange feeling of realizing that neither the 1990s version of Phish nor the broader musical world that shaped them is ever coming back. It was part music history, part fan therapy, and part celebration of what made those eras feel so alive in the first place.
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S1 · E45
June 2 · 2 hr 33 min
Sphere Recap #5: Guarded & Regarded w/ Craig Deutsch
In this encore Vegas recap, we sit down with Craig “Crew Captain” Deutsch for a wide‑ranging, funny, and heartfelt debrief of our Sphere night and the surrounding Phish/Bitcoin overlap. From setlist construction and the Sloth/Sally debate to kaleidoscopic visuals, car‑wash haptics, and that cinematic Squirming Coil sendoff, we parse what worked, what didn’t, and why context across a nine‑show run matters. We also trade first‑show rites of passage, crew dynamics, “meetup magic,” and the art of shepherding newbies through their inaugural Phish experience—all while keeping the energy high and the phones away. Beyond the music, we get honest about the politics of being an open Phish fan at work, how conference optics bleed into Bitcoin perceptions, and why creativity (and free markets) should be allowed to experiment—from NFTs to ordinals to merch ethics. We muse on Mexico vs. Sphere, outdoor vs. arena, the purity tests that actually helped the scene (bootlegs) and those that don’t (fiat absolutism), plus which band member is likeliest to be a Bitcoiner. We close by plotting a future reunion—maybe MSG, maybe Mexico—and celebrating Craig’s evolution from “guarded” to thoroughly “re‑guarded.”
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S1 · E44
May 19 · 2 hr 5 min
Sphere Recap #4: SnubHub w/ Asher
In this episode, we're 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.
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S1 · E43
May 11 · 2 hr 30 min
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.
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S1 · E42
May 8 · 1 hr 13 min
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.
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S1 · E41
May 4 · 1 hr 30 min
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).
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S1 · E40
April 20 · 1 hr 17 min
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.
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S1 · E39
April 15 · 1 hr 24 min
AI Can't Jam w/ Dan Webb
In this episode, we welcome back our first-ever repeat guest, Dan, for a freewheeling conversation that braids together Phish lore, live music culture, Bitcoin, AI, and the polarizing mystique of Dr. Jack Kruse. From onstage magic and audience feedback loops to forty-minute Chalk Dust Torture odysseys, we explore why Phish remains an irreplaceable live experience in an age of phones and generative AI—and how that human connection can’t be counterfeited. We dive into Kruse’s worldview (water, light, magnetism), his history, his wins and excesses, and why he sounds compelling in biology but unconvincing in Bitcoin. Along the way, we compare scenes, decode the signal-vs-noise skillset Bitcoiners cultivate, parse crowd archetypes (wooks, chompers, tarpers), and talk about what happens when the band or the crowd “goes for it.” We close by looking ahead to Vegas—where the Bitcoin conference and Phish’s Sphere run collide—and why that synchronicity feels like a call to show up differently this time. Resources discussed include classic Phish eras (’93–’95, Mexico 2024’s 40-minute CDT), Trey’s recovery arc and onstage feedback philosophy, and the parallels between learning Phish’s catalog and building conviction in Bitcoin. If you’re new: show up honest, give your full attention, and let the music do its work. If you’re seasoned: you already know—sometimes the crowd and the band make each other better in real time.
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S1 · E38
March 30 · 1 hr 7 min
Brian and Jason's Bogus Journey
http://www.magicinternetmath.com Fundamentals X: @Fundamentals21m nostr: npub12eml5kmtrjmdt0h8shgg32gye5yqsf2jha6a70jrqt82q9d960sspky99g READ THE BOOK: https://zeuspay.com/btc-for-institutions Jason nostr: npub19l2muzvelq07kfx8glfqmpf8jdcj2xp733rhjfc05t2g2mt9krjqrae40w READ THE FCKING BOOK!!^^ In this episode, we lean into the razor’s edge between literal and poetic—both in songwriting and in life. We kick off reflecting on lyrics taking on new, unintended meanings over time, then rip into a candid, high-energy catch-up about podcast fatigue, the Bitcoin scene, and the shows we love. From Amsterdam’s “gray area” to ’90s road stories with cops, we trade coming-of-age tales around weed culture, freedom, and finding your people. We get real on ADHD, nootropics, parenting without amphetamines, and the value of going to zero to find your personal baseline. Most of all, we talk about self-doubt, proof of work, loving yourself, and why the magic lives right at the edge—where you either crash out or reinvent. Fish, Dead, Vegas plans, and a reminder that communities (imperfections and all) are what keep the music—and the mission—alive. If you’ve ever wrestled with reinvention, creative willpower, or how to stay authentic while navigating complex systems—from Bitcoin to biohacking to growing up—this one’s for you. We celebrate the friendships that catch us when we wobble, the continuum that music provides, and the courage to keep showing up where the juice is.
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S1 · E37
March 26 · 1 hr 31 min
Brian and Jason's Excellent Adventure
In this freewheeling, high-energy return to the mic, we break in new audio gear, talk live mixing our theme music, and lay out road plans for a run of April conferences—Nashville, OpNEXt, and a Vegas sprint where we aim to rip ten on-the-road pods. From there we riff into Bitcoin culture wars, meetups, and the BIP-110 drama, drawing surprising parallels to 90s tape-trading ethics, nitrous-lot economics, and scene game-theory. We detour through comedy war stories (including a triumphant night at Philly’s Laugh House), time traveling with Bill & Ted, and why Fish may be the closest thing we have to the Wild Stallions—a band uniquely built to scale, unite a fractured culture, and give younger fans a real alternative to musical slop. It’s loose, candid, and hopeful: if the good gods win, maybe music still can bring us together—and Fish might be the vehicle. We also swap lyrical misfires (hello, “nappy nappy Bonaparte”), compare Clubhouse vs. Spaces vibes, reminisce about budget 90s hostel life, and celebrate Europe’s traveler hospitality. Underneath the tangents is a through-line: tools, incentives, and culture matter—whether you’re mixing a podcast live, stewarding a monetary network, or nurturing a scene that can actually scale without losing its soul. Fundamentals X: @Fundamentals21m nostr: npub12eml5kmtrjmdt0h8shgg32gye5yqsf2jha6a70jrqt82q9d960sspky99g READ THE BOOK: https://zeuspay.com/btc-for-institutions JOIN THE PIONEERS CLUB: https://fountain.fm/episode/F5QFM50ZVtTyQlDd0vOf Jason nostr: npub19l2muzvelq07kfx8glfqmpf8jdcj2xp733rhjfc05t2g2mt9krjqrae40w READ THE FCKING BOOK!!^^ Intro: Back on the Train - Phish 09/13/25 Birmingham, AL Outro: 2001 - Phish 09/29/99 Memphis, TN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xri7OSXJzfc
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S1 · E36
March 12 · 1 hr 53 min
Birds of a Feather w/ RedTailHawk
We’re back on the chain with a long-awaited return and a very special guest: Red Tail Hawk—writer, psychonaut, Bitcoiner, and the first-ever guest on my podcasting journey. We trace his origin story into our orbit, swap Fish and Dead tour lore, and dive into how shared peak experiences (at shows and beyond) forge real community. From Mexico’s Riviera Maya runs to NHL ’94 nostalgia, Dark Star continuity, and the wild synchronicities of life, we explore why meetups and meatspace matter—church-like moments where everyone lands on the same wavelength. Then we pivot hard into psychedelia, Steiner, plasma, and Bitcoin: how LSD may reveal “colors in the void,” why consilience and class initiations matter, and how Bitcoin operates in the invisible realm. We close with lyric talk, meetup culture as modern communion, and Red’s forthcoming book on decoding spiritual languages. Sense and subtle sounds, color in the void—this one’s a trip in every sense. Resources mentioned (non-sponsored): - Red Tail Hawk on X/Nostr: @redtailhawk19 - Red’s forthcoming book: “What’s in a Name? The Language of the Birds” - Fish tracks and touchpoints: Sense and Subtle Sounds; 12/31/1993; The Roxy 2/20/1993; Mississippi Nights shows; “Gloria” Blues win nod; Dark Star continuity (Grateful Dead) - Psychedelic references: Eleusinian Mysteries; LSD + nitrous continuity experiences; von Reichenbach magnet light; plasma studies; aura/EMF observations - Thinkers & threads: Rudolf Steiner; consilience (via Brandon Quittem on Demystify Sci) - Cultural side paths: NHL ’94; Techmo Bowl; Brett Hull/Blues; Ozzy & Tyson media headlines Fundamentals X: @Fundamentals21m nostr: npub12eml5kmtrjmdt0h8shgg32gye5yqsf2jha6a70jrqt82q9d960sspky99g READ THE BOOK: https://zeuspay.com/btc-for-institutions JOIN THE PIONEERS CLUB: https://fountain.fm/episode/F5QFM50ZVtTyQlDd0vOf Jason nostr: npub19l2muzvelq07kfx8glfqmpf8jdcj2xp733rhjfc05t2g2mt9krjqrae40w READ THE FCKING BOOK!!^^ Intro: Back on the Train - Phish 09/13/25 Birmingham, AL Backing Tracks: Phish July 2024 - Simple https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlBpHJ5FmIQ Tweezer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoloVkjkgEw Ruby Waves https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpOgr_G-tYc Outro: Birds of a Feather - Phish 06/19/19 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQrcvXAZL9M
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S1 · E35
March 6 · 1 hr 16 min
Phish, Rick Beato, and Crossed Paths
In this freewheeling, no-plan-needed hang, we spiral from cosmic intentions to yacht-rock earworms and back again. I reflect on why this show isn’t about pleasing the masses so much as “putting the gods on notice,” and how a week-long Christopher Cross “Sailing” brain loop sent me down a YouTube rabbit hole: quirky TV scenes, Rick Beato deep-dives, and the strange cultural arc from MTV’s aesthetics to Arthur’s theme. We connect those dots to Phish lore—Trey vs. Beato origin stories, onstage tuner Easter eggs, and why Fish’s longevity and creativity remain an outlier. Then it’s boots-on-the-floor: our night at Umphrey’s McGee, a joyful surprise cameo from Eli Wunderman that lit up the room, and a candid take on lineup changes, pocket vs. precision, and what “tight” really means in a jam band. Through it all, we celebrate serendipity, lineage, and the rare miracle that Phish still exists—and still crushes—after four decades. Resources mentioned: Rick Beato’s breakdowns (esp. Christopher Cross solo isolations), Christopher Cross “Sailing” live clips, Say Say Say video lore, Trey/Undermine podcast story threads, and the Umphrey’s McGee sit-in that became a moment. Ignore the cheerleader discourse; keep the gods on notice. In this off-the-cuff hang, we spiral from yacht rock earworms to jam-band lore and back again—with the gods (and Tom Marshall) firmly on notice. I open with a weeklong fixation on Christopher Cross’s Sailing, which launches a YouTube rabbit hole: Rick Beato’s breakdowns, hidden fade‑out solos, and the MTV-era myth that looks killed the radio star. From there, we wander into Phil Collins-as-MTV-king, McCartney/Jackson’s Say Say Say as accidental premonition, and how guitar lineage—from Satriani to Neil Schon—shapes what sticks. We then pivot to a fresh Umphrey’s McGee show debrief: a surprisingly transcendent sit‑in by Eli Wunderman, the band’s evolving feel with a new drummer, and why the microscopic timing of tight prog-jam arrangements matters. Through it all, we circle back to Fish, Trey, and the Rick Beato near‑miss, musing on drive, beefs, and the sheer improbability of a band staying vital for four decades. TL;DR: Sailing still slaps, serendipity rules, and Fish remains the impossible standard—there is no second best. Resources mentioned (no sponsors): Rick Beato’s “What Makes This Song Great” series; his analysis of Christopher Cross’s hidden guitar solo in Sailing; interviews with Billy Strings, Béla Fleck, and Joe Satriani; Christopher Cross live TV performances; Journey/Neil Schon fade‑out solo dissections; Say Say Say (McCartney/Jackson) video; Umphrey’s McGee live show with Eli Wunderman sit‑in; Phish’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction of Genesis; Trey Anastasio’s Undermine interview/story; Arthur’s Theme and MTV-era context. Fundamentals X: @Fundamentals21m nostr: npub12eml5kmtrjmdt0h8shgg32gye5yqsf2jha6a70jrqt82q9d960sspky99g READ THE BOOK: https://zeuspay.com/btc-for-institutions JOIN THE PIONEERS CLUB: https://fountain.fm/episode/F5QFM50ZVtTyQlDd0vOf Jason nostr: npub19l2muzvelq07kfx8glfqmpf8jdcj2xp733rhjfc05t2g2mt9krjqrae40w READ THE FCKING BOOK!!^^ Intro: Back on the Train - Phish 09/13/25 Birmingham, AL Backing Track: Phish 02/15/03 Set 2+E Las Vegas, NV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIHEcoRIAbw Outro: Sailing, Live - Christopher Cross https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Myz7YV3W7po
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S1 · E34
February 23 · 2 hr 29 min
The World is Energy w/ BassLoad
In this freewheeling, music-soaked hang, I welcome our longtime friend and bandmate "Bassload" for a spirited riff on everything from jam-band chops to 90s alt icons and basketball lore. We swap stories about our own gigging misadventures, the elusive recordings from our Pub Key show, and the strange magic of Fish in Las Vegas—plus why the upcoming Fish x Bitcoin Conference overlap feels fated. Baseload shares his path as a player, his Satriani/Vai roots, and how lyrics take a backseat to tone, time signatures, and the telepathy of a great rhythm section. We dive into Fish’s live ethos, vocals vs. virtuosity, and that special audience-band feedback loop, with side quests into Kid Rock discourse, Nirvana’s singular impact, Billy Corgan’s studio OCD, Rush, Primus, Alice in Chains, and the mythos of the Camden Tweeter Center (including Bill Burr’s legendary Philly rant). We also trace Pearl Jam’s surprising basketball DNA, reminisce on Unplugged-era revelations, and talk Mamba mentality for musicians: show up, push limits, and keep the curiosity alive. If you’re Phish-curious, band-curious, or just miss when rock felt dangerous and new, this episode is a warm invitation—background tunes and all—to sit in, laugh, and geek out with us. Fundamentals X: @Fundamentals21m nostr: npub12eml5kmtrjmdt0h8shgg32gye5yqsf2jha6a70jrqt82q9d960sspky99g READ THE BOOK: https://zeuspay.com/btc-for-institutions JOIN THE PIONEERS CLUB: https://fountain.fm/episode/F5QFM50ZVtTyQlDd0vOf Jason nostr: npub19l2muzvelq07kfx8glfqmpf8jdcj2xp733rhjfc05t2g2mt9krjqrae40w READ THE FCKING BOOK!!^^ Intro: Back on the Train - Phish 09/13/25 Birmingham, AL Backing Track: Phish Outro: Blaze On - Phish, 07/29/17 New York, NY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFdgMrDrXbI
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S1 · E33
February 7 · 2 hr 48 min
First Tubing with Richard "Greasy Fizeek" Greaser
In this wide-ranging conversation, I welcome credentialed journalist and musician Richard Greaser for an unfiltered exploration of culture, media, politics, and the saving grace of music. We trace how “kayfabe” politics, collapsing narratives, and manufactured outrage drain agency—and why building small, real communities and live art experiences can reset our nervous systems and actually move culture. We dig into Phish as a living counterexample to industry capture: improvisation, setlist craft, the Baker’s Dozen, and why sanctuary at a show is a macro signal. Richard shares his vision for genuinely subversive music, DJing for intimate rooms, and creating parallel culture with pioneers rather than plebs. We hit everything from the fourth turning and personal responsibility to AI “glazing,” cigarettes as subversion, dead-internet noise, zoomer vibes, and why a summer Phish tour might be a surprising social stability indicator—all while plotting a meetup at the Sphere. We also examine the difference between audience size and true influence, why local scenes matter, and how to resist astroturfed movements by focusing on what you can actually build. If you’ve been craving a thoughtful, unsanitized talk about art as resistance, culture capture, and carving a Sigma Oasis amid chaos, this one’s for you. Fundamentals X: @Fundamentals21m nostr: npub12eml5kmtrjmdt0h8shgg32gye5yqsf2jha6a70jrqt82q9d960sspky99g READ THE BOOK: https://zeuspay.com/btc-for-institutions JOIN THE PIONEERS CLUB: https://fountain.fm/episode/F5QFM50ZVtTyQlDd0vOf Jason nostr: npub19l2muzvelq07kfx8glfqmpf8jdcj2xp733rhjfc05t2g2mt9krjqrae40w READ THE FCKING BOOK!!^^ Intro: Back on the Train - Phish 09/13/25 Birmingham, AL Backing Tracks: 12/07/97 Dayton, OH https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLihV7Iur38WZcLw6xRHVsI43SPARDgorp https://open.spotify.com/album/3geRJavlyRU9kD2YSDHDnL Life Saving Gun, Phish 01/30/26 Rivera Maya, MX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPxmP2ZCsKo Outro: Rock and Roll, Phish 05/08/10 George, WA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFY1therCaM
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S1 · E32
January 29 · 2 hr 38 min
Unbounded Hangout with Mark Goodwin
In this episode, we welcome journalist and drummer Mark Goodwin for a sprawling, joyous dive into Phish’s improvisational magic, Talking Heads worship, and the bizarrely perfect overlap between Phish tour lore and Bitcoin culture. Mark shares his New England origins, jazz-drum roots, and the moment Phish rewired his musical brain—from Lawn Boy on a road trip to Rush, to finally catching the band’s 3.0 rebirth at Hampton. We relive festival highs (Superball IX’s midnight “No Quarter,” the storage unit set, and a field-wide Stop Making Sense dance party), unpack the evolution from ‘93 precision to ‘97 cow-funk fearlessness, and celebrate Mike Gordon’s modern sonic heft and Fishman’s behind-the-beat pocket. We also trade stories about cities, scenes, and synchronicities—from mimes and movie theaters to Prague’s subterranean ghost—while considering how Phish’s ever-growing songbook and improvisational ethos could cement their legacy a century from now. Worlds collide as the Sphere run lines up with Bitcoin 2024, and we reflect on Sigma Oasis’ uncanny timing, the role of statistics and setlist lore, and the communal proof-of-work that makes this band’s history feel both personal and mythic. From Fishman teaching himself drums over drumless bluegrass to Trey practicing to Remain in Light, it’s a celebration of influence, interplay, and the live-show laboratory—where fear can be fun, funk can be scary, and the numbers always add up to another unforgettable night. Fundamentals X: @Fundamentals21m nostr: npub12eml5kmtrjmdt0h8shgg32gye5yqsf2jha6a70jrqt82q9d960sspky99g READ THE BOOK: https://zeuspay.com/btc-for-institutions JOIN THE PIONEERS CLUB: https://fountain.fm/episode/F5QFM50ZVtTyQlDd0vOf Jason nostr: npub19l2muzvelq07kfx8glfqmpf8jdcj2xp733rhjfc05t2g2mt9krjqrae40w READ THE FCKING BOOK!!^^ Intro: Back on the Train - Phish 09/13/25 Birmingham, AL Alternate HD Video 04-18-24 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cySKvPB62k Backing Track - Phish 11/22/97 Hampton, VA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9BIl_HiqOY Outro: Once In a Lifetime - Phish 10/31/96 Atlanta, GA - Set 2 Remain in Light musical costume https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=negQCMxYlz8
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S1 · E31
January 20 · 1 hr 33 min
Programming Phish into the Bitcoin Conference with Craig
Fundamentals X: @Fundamentals21m nostr: npub12eml5kmtrjmdt0h8shgg32gye5yqsf2jha6a70jrqt82q9d960sspky99g READ THE BOOK: https://zeuspay.com/btc-for-institutions Jason nostr: npub19l2muzvelq07kfx8glfqmpf8jdcj2xp733rhjfc05t2g2mt9krjqrae40w READ THE FCKING BOOK!!^^ Intro: Back on the Train - Phish 09/13/25 Birmingham, AL Alternate HD Video 04-18-24 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cySKvPB62k Backing Track: Set 2+Encore, Phish - 07-21-91 Parksville, NY Phish - 1991-07-21 (Set 2, E, E2) - Arrowhead Ranch, Parksville, NY Outro: Mountains in the Mist, Phish 07-11-99 Camden, NJ Mountains In The Mist In this episode, we welcome Craig—Bitcoiner, Phish fan, and Deadhead—to jam on the surprisingly rich overlap between Phish culture and Bitcoin ethos. We swap Sphere stories (themes, sensory overload, and “cup is full” moments), revisit the legendary Hampton “21” show easter eggs, and dig into lyrical synchronicities from Golgi Apparatus to Fluffhead, Character Zero, and Cast Away > IT’s Ice as playful signals that map onto Bitcoin ideas. We also talk scene history (Arrowhead Ranch, tape-trading, Wetlands), parenting at shows, and the way Phish’s risk-taking mirrors open-source experimentation. Craig pulls back the curtain on outreach strategies for the Bitcoin Conference—floating how Tom Marshall, Chris Kuroda, and even historian Jesse Jarnow might fit—and we kick around meet-up ideas around the Sphere weekend aligned with the conference. From Zappa’s “central scrutinizer” to NGU memes and the Baker’s Dozen “glazed” lore, this is a joyride through subculture, serendipity, and the values that tie improvisational music to decentralized money. We close on Mountains in the Mist and the stories we tell ourselves—little strands of golden truth that keep us warm and carry us through the night. In this episode, I sit down with Craig—Bitcoiner, Phish fan, and Deadhead—to explore the curious overlaps between Phish culture and Bitcoin ethos. We swap Sphere stories, dissect themed shows and deeper setlist easter eggs (from Hampton’s “21” motifs to Baker’s Dozen “glaze”), and debate whether lyrical threads like Golgi Apparatus, Fluffhead, and Character Zero accidentally presaged elements of Bitcoin lore. We also get practical: how to (tastefully) reach Tom Marshall or Chris Kuroda to intersect with the Bitcoin Conference, the realities of Sphere ticketing and travel packages, and the power of scene cross-pollination that built the jam ecosystem. Along the way, we reminisce about tape trading, Arrowhead Ranch, ARU, and the jam-band network effects; consider Zappa’s Central Scrutinizer as a proto-meme lens; and chat bringing kids to shows, parenting tradeoffs, and why even a “bad” Phish show still beats most nights out. We close with a bullish vibe: setting a playful prediction market on whether Tom Marshall might join the conference orbit, brainstorming a Fish x Bitcoin meetup around the Sphere weekend, and reaffirming why these stories—woven like “little strands of golden truth”—keep us connected to the music, the tech, and each other.
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S1 · E30
January 13 · 1 hr 43 min
The White Episode with Asher
Fundamentals X: @Fundamentals21m nostr: npub12eml5kmtrjmdt0h8shgg32gye5yqsf2jha6a70jrqt82q9d960sspky99g READ THE BOOK: https://zeuspay.com/btc-for-institutions Jason nostr: npub19l2muzvelq07kfx8glfqmpf8jdcj2xp733rhjfc05t2g2mt9krjqrae40w READ THE FCKING BOOK!!^^ Intro: Dire Wolf, Grateful Dead https://open.spotify.com/track/7rLRoUv0PMTcHz0lOfpnti Background Music: Phish 6/18/94 Set 2 https://youtu.be/UKnh5eTQplA&t=4392 Outro: Looks Like Rain, Grateful Dead https://open.spotify.com/track/0LvXJBEAkICLyX49mD0Aa8 Bonus Track: Dire Wolf (bluegrass cover), Molly Tuttle https://open.spotify.com/track/7JMZ6bCzD1nENedrV3njJi In this episode, we welcome our friend Asher for a wide‑ranging, heartfelt, and often hilarious conversation that weaves through Phish, the Grateful Dead, and the culture around jam bands—recorded the day after Bob Weir’s passing. We reminisce on Jerry vs. Bobby, Owsley, LSD lore, MK-Ultra whispers, and how “Heads” by Jesse Jarnow frames the psychedelic marketplace of ideas. We trade ghost-in-the-machine stories about Trey, Hendrix channelings, and the ineffable fractal nature of Phish—right down to New Year’s gags, Kubrick nods, and the perennial art of reading setlist tea leaves. We also dig into the thorny question of race and jam-band culture, why these scenes skew so white, and whether the vibe today still feels countercultural or captured. Along the way we rehash the 2019 “rescue” gag debate, recovery culture’s influence, and how information warfare has replaced the old culture wars—all while staying anchored in our love of the music that still levels us. We close with thoughts on how Phish might honor Bob Weir onstage—recalling past tributes after Jerry and Phil—and speculate on what songs could carry the moment. It’s a candid, spirited memorial to the roots of this scene, a defense of the magic that remains, and an invitation to keep the signal alive—even as the culture around it shifts beneath our feet.
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