Helping Friendly Podcast
Episode: Brian Murray (Dogs in a Pile) + Music on the Mountain + The Phoenix Presents
Date: November 13, 2025
Host: RJ (Osiris Media)
Guests: Brian Murray (Dogs in a Pile), Bill Taylor (Music on the Mountain/The Phoenix)
Brief Overview
This episode of the Helping Friendly Podcast dives into the evolving intersection of live music and sobriety, focusing on the “Music on the Mountain” festival and The Phoenix’s substance-free events. RJ is joined by Brian Murray from Dogs in a Pile and Bill Taylor (event organizer and advocate for sober music spaces). They discuss the growth of sober music scenes, collaborations with organizations like Divided Sky, personal experiences with touring and recovery, and the positive influence of figures like Trey Anastasio and Anders Osborne.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Music on the Mountain Event Origins and Growth
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Background:
- Music on the Mountain is an annual substance-free music festival held in May at Okemo Ski Resort, Ludlow, Vermont.
- Organized in partnership with the Divided Sky Foundation, focusing on recovery and community.
- Brian Murray and Dogs in a Pile played the inaugural event; subsequent editions have grown rapidly.
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Growth Stats & Vision:
- “We had 3,000 people show up last year, doubled our numbers from the year before, and I expect hopefully that trend will continue this year.”
— Bill Taylor [02:09] - The festival emphasizes an inclusive, substance-free environment for fans and musicians alike.
- “We had 3,000 people show up last year, doubled our numbers from the year before, and I expect hopefully that trend will continue this year.”
2. Artist Involvement and Commitment
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Dogs in a Pile/Murray’s Law:
- Brian recounts unique festival experiences:
- “Dogs got asked to do the first Music on the Mountain, which I was really stoked about…I actually did the run earlier in the day with my mom, which is awesome.”
— Brian Murray [03:46] - When a band member fell ill, the band adapted and performed, highlighting strong community spirit and flexibility.
- “Dogs got asked to do the first Music on the Mountain, which I was really stoked about…I actually did the run earlier in the day with my mom, which is awesome.”
- Brian recounts unique festival experiences:
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Effort to Participate:
- “Brian and Jimmy and some of their team…hauled it up to the middle…Ludlow is way up there…got in there like three in the morning…got up and did the show.”
— Bill Taylor [06:17]
- “Brian and Jimmy and some of their team…hauled it up to the middle…Ludlow is way up there…got in there like three in the morning…got up and did the show.”
3. Sobriety & The Changing Live Music Scene
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Cultural Shift:
- Both guests speak about a growing acceptance and normalization of sobriety within the live music scene for both fans and performers.
- Bill shares the challenges musicians face on the road, emphasizing the importance of supportive environments.
- “There’s more awareness around it now…there’s the beginning, kind of a cultural shift both in the music world and beyond.”
— Bill Taylor [08:28]
- “There’s more awareness around it now…there’s the beginning, kind of a cultural shift both in the music world and beyond.”
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Personal Reflections:
- Brian discusses his personal and professional reasons for choosing sobriety amid a demanding tour schedule.
- “I found that I couldn’t keep up with that lifestyle…and so I kind of put an end to that as well. And I found for me that it worked.”
— Brian Murray [10:30]
- “I found that I couldn’t keep up with that lifestyle…and so I kind of put an end to that as well. And I found for me that it worked.”
- Brian discusses his personal and professional reasons for choosing sobriety amid a demanding tour schedule.
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Non-Preachy Approach:
- “They’re not preaching…they’re kind of just making people aware or resources and the fact that it is possible for people to get through certain things.”
— Brian Murray [10:30]
- “They’re not preaching…they’re kind of just making people aware or resources and the fact that it is possible for people to get through certain things.”
4. Festival Experience Without Alcohol
- Creating Meaningful Gatherings:
- Bill underlines that removing substances doesn't take away from the communal or musical energy:
- “Can we create an environment where you remove the alcohol and whatever else and you don’t miss it? …It still feels like a great time. It’s a great vibe.”
— Bill Taylor [12:52]
- “Can we create an environment where you remove the alcohol and whatever else and you don’t miss it? …It still feels like a great time. It’s a great vibe.”
- Brian adds: “It’s still very much a party, you know.”
— Brian Murray [13:35]
- Bill underlines that removing substances doesn't take away from the communal or musical energy:
5. Influence of Trey Anastasio and Anders Osborne
- Role Models in Recovery (Phish/Fans):
- Trey seen as a powerful example of leading a life in music after recovery, influencing fans and building recovery-focused communities.
- “A lot of people have seen Trey as…an example of how to…still be awesome and…also be sober.”
— RJ [14:32]
- “A lot of people have seen Trey as…an example of how to…still be awesome and…also be sober.”
- “When you have a musician of a certain stature…speaking openly about their experience, I do think it really translates into transforming people’s lives.”
— Bill Taylor [17:12] - Brian praises Trey’s ability to lead by example:
- “He’s a guy that spearheads all that and he uses that platform now to promote something that’s not divisive…but can help so many people. …He’s making it hip.”
— Brian Murray [17:12]
- “He’s a guy that spearheads all that and he uses that platform now to promote something that’s not divisive…but can help so many people. …He’s making it hip.”
- Trey seen as a powerful example of leading a life in music after recovery, influencing fans and building recovery-focused communities.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On adapting to adversity and keeping the music going:
- “It was an interesting one because Sam, our bass player, was sick that day. …We all kind of like switched instruments, you know, to cover the bass part.”
— Brian Murray [04:01]
- “It was an interesting one because Sam, our bass player, was sick that day. …We all kind of like switched instruments, you know, to cover the bass part.”
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On the travel demands of touring:
- “We’ve been playing an average of 130 shows a year since [2022]…plus recording and working at home…”
— Brian Murray [10:30] - “Even as a music fan, going to a show once every three days for an entire year sounds really tiring, you know—not even involved with everything that you guys put into it.”
— RJ [13:39]
- “We’ve been playing an average of 130 shows a year since [2022]…plus recording and working at home…”
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On the spirit of sober festivals:
- “It’s not a matter of right and wrong…there has been this trend for a long time, and I guess, you know, after some time, more and more people are finding that maybe they can’t keep up with that certain pace…”
— Brian Murray [10:30]
- “It’s not a matter of right and wrong…there has been this trend for a long time, and I guess, you know, after some time, more and more people are finding that maybe they can’t keep up with that certain pace…”
Upcoming Events & Announcements
Music on the Mountain 2026
- Dates: May 15–16, 2026
- Location: Okemo Ski Resort/Ludlow, VT
- Notes: Tickets still available; substance-free environment; partnership with Divided Sky Foundation.
The Phoenix Presents Benefit Shows
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Murray’s Law in Brooklyn:
- Date: December 12, 2025
- Venue: Loft Story (approx. 200 capacity)
- Purpose: Fundraiser for The Phoenix Presents
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Pedrito Martinez Event:
- Date: December 14, 2025
- Venue: Danny Clinch Gallery, Asbury Park, NJ
- Guest: Pedrito Martinez, renowned Cuban percussionist.
Dogs in a Pile Tour & Album
- New Album: November 19, 2025 release
- Ardmore Music Hall: December 18–21, 2025 (Four nights)
- Upcoming Special Show: Valentine’s Day at the Capitol Theater, Port Chester, NY
- “That’s going to be awesome. That’s one of my favorite…everybody in the band loves that venue and we’ve been seeing shows there since we were…a lot younger.”
— Brian Murray [20:29]
- “That’s going to be awesome. That’s one of my favorite…everybody in the band loves that venue and we’ve been seeing shows there since we were…a lot younger.”
How to Follow Up
- For ticket info and updates:
- Check The Phoenix Presents and Dogs in a Pile on social media
- Links will be added to the show notes
Episode Timestamps
- 00:30: Show opens, introductions of guests
- 01:39: Music on the Mountain’s history and mission
- 03:46: Brian’s personal stories from the festival
- 04:24: Adapting performance due to illness
- 06:17: Behind-the-scenes artist commitment
- 08:28: Bill on the cultural shift towards sober music environments
- 10:30: Brian discusses touring demands and his own sobriety
- 12:52: The experience of substance-free music festivals
- 14:32: The influence of Trey Anastasio & Anders Osborne
- 17:12: On overarching impact and messaging in the scene
- 18:41: Upcoming events and how fans can participate
- 20:20: Dogs’ new album and upcoming notable shows
[Note: All timestamps in MM:SS format.]
For fans and curious listeners, this episode offers unique perspectives on how the music and Phish scenes are embracing change, prioritizing healthy environments, and the importance of community—without sacrificing the joy or intensity of the live music experience.