Rory and Greg reflect on their families with their parents and siblings, and with their spouses and children. They discuss the important role their significant others play in their life and process of self discovery. Greg discusses his experience raising a child with autism, and both hosts discuss the importance of empathy and understanding in parenting.

Greg discusses public libraries in the context of the current volatile social and political climate. Libraries are becoming a flash point in the culture wars, and Greg discusses specific incidents and challenges that have arisen.

The dialogue takes a philosophical turn as the hosts discuss the nature of existence and the human experience. Greg relays how Eastern philosophies influence his life and outlook on a day-today basis, and his pursuit of inner peace through mindfulness and meditation. This introspective segment encourages listeners to consider the deeper implications of their life choices and the struggles that accompany the journey of self-discovery and growth.

The conversation concludes with an exchange between Rory and Greg about what they hope to accomplish with this podcast, and how it might help foster connections within the hardcore punk community.

Mentioned in this episode:

Behind the Glass

Podcast and gallery focusing on underrepresented artists utilize the space to amplify their work. Curated by @Richardbcolon @qua.jay. Check out the podcast or join them in person first Fridays at 240 E Main St, Rochester, NY! https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fm

Rory and Greg discuss the significant role "third spaces" like coffee shops and libraries have in fostering connections between individuals and creating authentic, organic communities. The hosts advocate for the preservation of these increasingly scarce 'third places,' arguing that they are critical in combating the isolation often brought on by technology and social media.

Greg and Rory also discuss the role skateboarding played in their formative years, how it introduced them to a community that embraces nonconformity and independent thinking.

This episode also features a segment where Greg and Rory talk about traumatic experiences they had as children, and how the abuse influenced their sense of self and identity. The hosts discuss the important role the Standfast song "Elucidate," a song about childhood trauma and abuse, played in Greg's life.

The discussion shifts to focus on the transformative power of shared experiences, the importance of finding ways to show empathy, and the challenges of parenting, particularly in the context of instilling values of autonomy, independence, and communication in children.

Mentioned in this episode:

Behind the Glass

Podcast and gallery focusing on underrepresented artists utilize the space to amplify their work. Curated by @Richardbcolon @qua.jay. Check out the podcast or join them in person first Fridays at 240 E Main St, Rochester, NY! https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fm

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Common Thread.

This podcast will explore territory beyond the typical interview questions about musical influences and favorite bands. It will feature organic discussions that illuminate how hardcore and punk rock influenced the trajectory of our lives in unexpected ways.

Common Thread will showcase authentic conversations with small business owners, educators, activists, artists and people who have lived unique and interesting lives. We will introduce you to individuals who have found ways to apply the values, philosophies, and sense of community found in hardcore punk to overcome obstacles, resolve problems using innovative solutions, and forge their own path in life.

In this three-part episode, co-hosts Rory Van Grol and Greg Benoit talk about the role hardcore had in influencing their adolescence years, their choices as parents, their role as the leaders of Ugly Duck Coffee and Irondequoit Public Library respectively, and their shared experience overcoming past trauma. Rory discusses his move from Rochester, NY to Rhode Island, how he came to be in Soul Control, his eventual move back to Rochester, and the founding of Ugly Duck Coffee. Greg discusses his career as a public librarian, how late 90s hardcore show fliers influenced the way people in the Rochester area learned about ebooks, and how he came to occupy a leadership role in public libraries.

This conversation is as inviting and humorous as it is vulnerable and unvarnished., and sets the pace and tone for future interviews.

This episode was recorded using a Zoom 2H4n Pro microphone and Blue Snowball microphone, and was edited with Audacity. If you live in the Rochester area you can borrow these microphones for free from the 1839 Maker's Lab located at the Irondequoit Public Library to record a podcast, oral histories, interviews, and live music. The 1839 Maker's Lab also features a high end PC that you can use to edit your audio recording using Audacity. Visit irondequoitlibrary.org/services/makers-lab for more information.

Mentioned in this episode:

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fm