Podcast
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & Friends
Hosted by Andy Staib · EN
Welcome to Exploring the Energy with Anzo & Friends, a series of conversations with host and lifelong music lover, Andy "Anzo" Staib, and his friends and family. Together, they explore the common threads that bond them all together - namely their shared love of music, family, friends, life, loss, and love. The show was born from the notion that music helps keep us all connected throughout our collective long strange trip. We all have a story to tell, and here are a few of those stories. So join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us! #IFE #NFA
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Grateful Fred's Visionary & Founder – Stephen McMennamy
Mar 1200:52:32Tap to summarizeThis one-on-one conversation was a while in the making, and so well worth the wait. Being a longtime customer of Grateful Fred and a fellow Deadhead, I’m honored to have hosted the founder of what I consider to be one of the premier Grateful Dead product producers in the country, Grateful Fred, Stephen McMennamy - https://grateful-fred.com/collections/badges The episode is in no way intended to be an “infomercial” for either Grateful Fred or the podcast (I invited Stephen to be my guest, no strings attached), but more so it’s my way of sharing the story of a true entrepreneur, his love for the Grateful Dead, and how his passion to fuel his creative energy has reached new heights that he never dreamed possible. Last but not least…. who is Fred anyway? Tune in. You won’t be disappointed :) Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!Grateful FredSt Stephen 4.27.71Tweezer 2.28.02Wonderinghttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357
Transcribe →
Reconnecting with John “Spiff” Macario
Feb 2601:16:30Tap to summarizeMy friend, John Macario, returns to the show and we pick up right where we left off back in late 2024 when he first shared his amazing story. It’s been 19 months since John lost the love of his life and fellow Deadhead, Meg, at age 52 to complications following a liver transplant. We catch up on how he and their 12-year old daughter, Gloria, are doing facing the world together as the dynamic duo. John shares how single parenting is going, and how every now and again he gets out to fuel his soul with live music, including the likes of Bulgarina-American pianist, Kristina Marinova. Marinova’s recent solo release, The Bus Came By and I Got On, is unlike any Grateful Dead music that I have ever heard before and is a must-listen.In honor of our beloved Bobby “Ace” Weir, John insists that we tune into NPR’s Tiny Desk with Bob Weir & Wold Brothers, where Mikaela Davis sits in on harp. Their rendition of Birdsong is simply magical and instantly transports the listener with its first few notes. We wrap up with John’s story of Gloria’s early love of Jerry Garcia, and how at just 5 years old she became attached to Jerry Garcia Band’s 1980 rendition of After Midnight. “More Jerry, Dad!” How cool is THAT, I mean really.Finally, John reveals for the first time how he got the nickname I never knew even existed - “Spiff”!Join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!Morning Dew / Kristina MarinovaSmells Like Teen Spirit / NirvanaPlease Don't Bury Me / John Prine Birdsong / Wolf BrosI Know You Rider / Grateful DeadAfter Midnight / JGBhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357
Transcribe →
ACE - A Tribute to Bob Weir, Part II with Ted “The” Bahr & Paul “Nud” Schmitz
Feb 501:14:46Tap to summarizeIn Part II of the continuing celebration of Bobby Weir and his life well-lived, I’m joined by lifelong Deadheads, Ted “The” Bahr and Paul “Nud” Schmitz. Nud kicks off the conversation by sharing his thoughts on Bobby’s one-of-a-kind “rhythmic-lead” style, and how this unique approach to the guitar was unlike any rhythm guitarist. We walk through the early days in the mid-60’s when, as Nud puts it, Bobby “couldn’t play very well, and couldn’t sing very well either” through his mastery of the axe by the early and mid-70’s.Ted brings his Top 20 Bobby Songs to the table for discussion and debate (similar to a recent “spirited conversation” that I had on The Great Debate episode The Great Debate ) acknowledging that some songs on the list aren’t technically Bobby songs at all. Being a self-described “picky Deadhead”, he’s unafraid to admit which songs he’s heard enough of and which Bobby songs still give him joy with each listen today.Join us once again, as we celebrate the well-lived life of Bobby “Ace” Weir, and let’s see where the energy takes us!BobbyEasy WindPassengerBrother EsauFeel Like a StrangerThe Other Onehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357
Transcribe →
ACE - A Tribute to Bob Weir, Part I with Tim McGuire & Kevin Campion
Jan 2901:07:16Tap to summarizeBobby Weir - October 16th, 1947 - January 10th, 2026This one hurts, and feels very much like the closing of a chapter. Yet at the same time, we CELEBRATE. We celebrate the amazing life of founding member of the Grateful Dead, Bobby Weir, and we kick off with two lifelong Deadheads - both previous podcast guests - Tim “Tmac” McGuire and Kevin “Camp” Campion. Tim leads the way, recalling his early days admiring Bobby’s peaceful energy, his kindness, and lightly poking fun at his Daisy Duke short shorts, purple Polo’s, ponytail, tennis sneakers, and half-calf socks. We talk about how we tend to learn more about those we love after we lose them. And Tmac reminds us of the “SAY YES, DON’T WAIT” motto that he and I live by, and why that mindset matters.In the second half of the episode, Kevin, brings us back to how Bobby tackled Bob Dylan songs without missing a word, yet would somehow forget a lyric in staples like Truckin’, and he reminds us of Bobby’s philanthropy, his humility, and his spirit. Join us, as we celebrate the life of Bobby “Ace” Weir, and let’s see where the energy takes us!Hell in a Bucket 09.12.87 Cap CenterHell in a Bucket reprise 09.12.87 Cap CenterSugar Mags 03.21.86 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357
Transcribe →
Get Busy Living. Get Busy Giving. with Erik “The Swede” Larson
Dec 2501:05:28Tap to summarizeAs much as unexpected and tragic loss tests the human spirit, sometimes it can become the catalyst for good. And that is exactly the mission that my friend, Erik Larson, has embraced after suddenly losing his best friend, Greg Kline, in August of 2020.Greg had a motto that he lived by, Get Busy Living, and Erik embodies all that is about getting busy living. But now, he’s also embodying getting busy GIVING.Erik Larson, who many refer to as “The Swede” because of his Scandinavian good looks and impeccibly styled blond hair, decided he had a story to tell. A story of his three nephews, who become wildly successful in the business of crypto currency, but the oldest brother, Billy, isn’t satisfied with materialism and modern “things of this world” and decides to travel the world in search of his true purpose in life. Ultimately he discovers that purpose in a life devoted exclusively to God. And in one of the most remote areas of the world no less - Mt Athos, Greece - where orthodox Christian monks have been serving God for over a thousand years. This otherworldly devotion requires the avoidance of “distractions” such as money, women, and even family. The Swede shares how Billy, now known as Brother William, embraces his new reality, all the while his brothers, his mother, and his girlfriend know nothing about his whereabouts or the new life he now lives. They become determined to find Billy and to “save him” from a life that has every sign of being a cult.Based on a true story, Cold Storage includes it all. Wealth, family, mystery, love, faith, and in the end, peace.Erik wrote Cold Storage, available in print and soon in audio, to support his new Get Busy Giving nonprofit foundation. As quoted on his website www.getbusygiving.net, Get Busy Giving is inspired by:“...seeing what real generosity looks like. Our town has rallied around families in need, supported local causes, and lifted people up in ways that pushed us to do something of our own. So we built Get Busy Giving, a nonprofit run by six grateful friends who want to turn inspiration into action. Our mission is to support causes that matter, build connections, and encourage others to step up for their neighbors. Greg Kline’s saying, “Get Busy Living,” reminds us to live with purpose and heart. Get Busy Giving is our way of carrying that spirit forward.All proceeds from Cold Storage and related merchandise go directly to Paws of War, supporting the life-changing bond between rescued dogs and those who serve in the military and first responders.”The 6 grateful friends referenced above include Greg & Melissa Kline’s three children - Tommy, Mikey, and Gracie - and Erik & Meredith Larson’s three children - Anna, James, and Jack. Together they comprise Get Busy Giving’s board of directors.And to steal one more line from Erik’s website:"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy WonkaSo join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!www.getbusygiving.netgetbusygiving@getbusygiving.nethttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/75EQYtN4axmGWGIpK0iA6p?si=HwSv9dsdRb2YC8yWVyFIBA&pi=od6v0bOgSDOyZhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357
Transcribe →
The Gray Club Chronicles with Rich Gray
Nov 2701:16:06Tap to summarizeHuntington, Long Island - home to so many of the amazing people that I am lucky to call my friends and family - continues to create new bonds and new friendships. In the true spirit of Thanksgiving, I could not be more grateful for those connections. Thanks to a few of those lifelong friends, I’ve been recently connected to a fellow Huntingtonian, a fellow music-lover, fellow golfer, fellow genuinely happily married man and fellow father-of-three daughters. A friend that truly gets what it means to Get Busy Living. I’m proud and fortunate to call my guest, Rich Gray, a new friend and I’m excited to share our conversation. Our conversation covers ground dating back to the early ‘80’s in New York City when Rich was Lead DJ “spinning records” at the successor dance club to Studio 54, Danceteria, where he helped fuel the shift from disco to more alternative dance music. As fate would have it, Rich met a woman at Danceteria who would ultimately turn out to become “the future Mrs. Gray”, though if you ask Janet, aka Mrs Gray, there may be some debate as to when exactly their fate was sealed ;)Rich shares insights into music and a lot of bands that I have never heard before, which is one of the things I love most about Exploring the Energy, namely getting enlightened to new and wider horizons of music. In the words of our beloved Billy Campion… “Hey man, there’s a lot of music out there.” So join us, and let's see where the energy takes us!Cotton Fields / Credence Clearwater Revivalhttps://music.apple.com/us/album/cotton-fields/1440950503?i=1440950717Don't Go Back to Rockville / R.E.M. https://music.apple.com/us/album/dont-go-back-to-rockville/1442454230?i=1442454641Cousin Dupree / Steely Danhttps://music.apple.com/us/album/cousin-dupree/297597608?i=297597647Roadhouse Blue / Doors https://music.apple.com/us/album/roadhouse-blues/511578072?i=511578100Saint of Circumstance / Grateful Dead https://music.apple.com/us/album/saint-of-circumstance/663697282?i=663697477You're the Best Thing / Style Council https://music.apple.com/us/album/youre-the-best-thing-12-inch-version/1851028801?i=1851029447Christmas Must Be Tonight / Goosehttps://music.apple.com/us/album/christmas-must-be-tonight-live/1667827844?i=1667828935https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357
Transcribe →
The Great Debate with The Boys From Bergen
Nov 601:15:03Tap to summarizeIn somewhat of an unconventional "studio" setting - namely a gutted former restaurant under renovation and equipped with only a table, a few folding chairs, a cooler of beer and an extension cord - 6 fellow music lovers travelled from across the Eastern Seaboard to Downtown Huntington to discuss and debate a subject that has been the hot topic among the group for over 6 years. "What are the Top-5 greatest American rock-&-roll bands of all time." Key word - American.No Stones. No Beatles. No U2. No Led Zeppelin (#sorrymeyers). The criteria as to what makes a band authentically American was that every band member, without exception, must have been born in the United States. No Metallica (#sorryhanna).After the rules of engagement were spelled out, the conversation that ensued over the next 50+ minutes was as spirited and riveting as any I've hosted in any prior episode. Enjoy the energy that flowed amongst my co-host, Rob "Monkey Man" Diestel, and his "Boys from Bergen" - Nick Halaby, Lewis Meyers, and Matt Hanna. Special cameo appearance at the end by our sound engineer, none other than founding member and frontman of Huntington's own Bogmen, Billy Campion. Thanks again for herding us cats and taking such good care of us, Billy!So join us, and let's see where the energy takes us!Midnight Flyer / Eagleshttps://music.apple.com/us/album/midnight-flyer/635765828?i=635765933The Boys of Summer / Don Henleyhttps://music.apple.com/us/album/the-boys-of-summer-remastered-2024/1761230483?i=1761230752Everyday People / Sly & the Family Stonehttps://music.apple.com/us/album/everyday-people/193125445?i=193126391Truckin' / Grateful Deadhttps://music.apple.com/us/album/truckin-live/307793560?i=307793566Kokomo / Beach Boys https://music.apple.com/us/album/kokomo/1617206809?i=1617208420Don’t Believe the Hype / Public Enemy https://music.apple.com/us/album/dont-believe-the-hype/1440837788?i=1440837952Crosseyed & Painless / Phishhttps://music.apple.com/us/album/crosseyed-and-painless/396463671?i=396463832The Weight / Aretha https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-weight/934618187?i=934618225Free Bird / Lynyrd Skynyrd https://music.apple.com/us/album/free-bird-live-at-the-fox-theater-1976/1413948379?i=1413948706 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357
Transcribe →
Life Inside the Grateful Dead’s Inner Circle with Dennis McNally
Sep 2501:09:12Tap to summarizeThis one was a big deal for me. My guest, Dennis McNally, isn’t just a reknowned author, music historian, and publicist, he’s someone I’ve long considered somewhat of a “celebrity” in my world. From 1984 to 1995, Dennis was the Grateful Dead’s publicist and part of the band’s inner circle.He’s written five books, including the classic Long Strange Trip: The Inside History of the Grateful Dead, and his latest, The Last Great Dream - How Bohemians Became Hippies and Created the Sixties. He’s married to the love of his life, photographer and author Susana Millman, whose book Alive With the Dead - A Fly on the Wall with a Camera, is one of my favorites. What struck me most was Dennis’s insight into how the Dead operated behind the scenes. How the band members interacted, what touring was like, and what it was like to be at the center of all that energy for so many years. He was every bit as gracious, articulate, and engaging as I could have imagined and I’m honored to now call Dennis a friend.Speaking of friends, this episode was also a first for me. I was joined by my good friend Charlie French as co-host who added thoughtful color and questions that I wouldn’t have thought to ask! These days, Dennis lives in San Francisco with Susana and is still doing the work he loves - namely as the publicist for Little Feat.It’s an honor and a privilege to share our conversation. So join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!https://www.dennismcnally.com/https://mamarazi.com/Stir It Up https://youtu.be/XQxceOPnj9Q?si=i8Vu2Wh_UnpJ_6LXDeath Don’t Have No Mercy https://youtu.be/wH8GUfK-MOM?si=frh9iuuf1bCDSuobTime Loves a Hero https://music.apple.com/us/album/time-loves-a-hero/471749182?i=471749184https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357
Transcribe →
50 Years of Love & Friendship with John “Dino” DeNatale
Sep 1100:56:23Tap to summarizeMy friendship with John “Dino” DeNatale began in kindergarten over 50 years ago in the early 1970’s in Huntington’s own Flower Hill School. In this episode, John and I look back on our five decades of connection, the memories that shaped us along the way, and the big-picture lessons that we’ve learned and carried forward to this day.At the heart of our conversation is a simple truth: LOVE is all that matters.But before we dive into the big picture, Dino covers a few of his wilder days in the 90’s on Wall Street and he shares his thoughts about our very two different career paths, and how our individual successes in business are a result of our common appreciation of people and of relationships. He shares a few of the details of the day he married the love of his life, Pam, and recalls what he kindly refers to as ‘the best, best-man speech ever.’ Dino reflects on how he tries to remind his kids, as Simon & Garfunkel say, “Slow down, you move too fast.” He quotes Bono and explains why Walk On hits the nail on the head. We celebrate half a century of friendship and reflect on what it means to stay grounded in love, and we explore how trusting that energy carries us through life.So join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!The End https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-end/1441164426?i=1441164602New Shoes https://music.apple.com/us/album/new-shoes/213008576?i=21300899159th Street Bridge https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-59th-street-bridge-song-feelin-groovy/1467438660?i=1467438682Walk On https://music.apple.com/us/album/walk-on/1443100430?i=1443101089https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357
Transcribe →
Shooting Star: A Tribute to Jonny Staib
Aug 2801:20:12Tap to summarizeIt’s a tall order to try to capture the true color and the complete character of my cousin, Jonny Staib, in one conversation. Which is why I chose to invite four guests on this episode of Exploring the Energy to help me paint the full picture of this amazing human being. I’m proud to introduce a select few of his closest friends and family - including brothers Timmy and Tommy Sheerin, my cousin Diana San Venero, and last but certainly not least, Steve “Sonny” Peer. Together we share our collective “Jonny Stories.”Timmy, Tommy, Diana, Steve, and I share the innocence of the early days, and some of the nine lives that Jonny had during his teens, his 20’s and his early 30’s. Then, after 35+ years of living life in the fast lane, Jonny turned his life around, he launched a successful business, married the love of his life, Su, and bought a home on the water. Then tragedy struck. At the age of just 43 years, Jonny was killed in what can only be described as a freak accident in April of 2002. This is a tribute to a man who seemingly had nine lives, but who didn’t have ten. The title of this episode is fitting, because that’s exactly what Jonny Staib was, and always will be, a true shooting star. So join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!Shooting Star https://music.apple.com/us/album/shooting-star/968637156?i=968637160 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357
Transcribe →