Helping Friendly Podcast: Phish West Coast Show Draft
Released on April 10, 2025
Hosted by Osiris Media

Introduction to the Drafting Process

In this special draft episode of the Helping Friendly Podcast (HFPod), hosts Brian, Megan, and RJ dive deep into selecting the best Phish West Coast shows in anticipation of the upcoming spring tour. The episode begins with the hosts expressing their excitement and anxiety about the drafting process, setting the stage for an engaging and insightful discussion.

Choosing Regional Categories

The hosts outline their strategy for drafting shows, dividing them into specific regional categories:

• Southern California
• Northern California
• Oregon
• Washington
• Wildcards (1.0 and 2.0 to 4.0)

Notable Quote: Megan shares her nervousness, likening the experience to preparing for a big test:
"I'm feeling like, you know when you have, like, a big test or a big performance, and all day you're just thinking about that performance or that test..." ([00:59])

Discussing Selected Shows

Each host takes turns selecting shows from their chosen categories, providing detailed reasoning and personal anecdotes for their picks.

• Brian's Picks:

  • Southern California: 10/23/21 Chula Vista
    "I'm going 10, 23, 21. Southern California, 4.0 for the win. The jamming is just better." ([20:54])
  • Northern California: 4/21/92 Humboldt
    "4 21, 92. Formative. Formative stuff." ([25:35])
  • Oregon: 10/20/21 Eugene
    "10 20, 2021. You guys have, like, nine days to prepare for spring tour." ([74:16])
  • Washington: 11/30/94 Olympia
    "It's a great show. So much energy, so intense. It's so good." ([84:25])
  • Wildcards: 1.0 wildcard - 12/196 UCLA; 2.0 to 4.0 wildcard - 4/22/23 Gorge
    "I was considering taking 9:12:99 earlier... 4, 22, 23 Hollywood Bowl." ([70:20])

• Megan's Picks:

  • Southern California: 7/30/97 Ventura
    "I have to have 7:30, 97. I have to have Ventura because obviously everybody comes for the Bowie Cities." ([21:38])
  • Northern California: 10/16/21 Chase Center
    "I'm gonna go with 10, 16, 21 from the Chase center because I gotta have that fucking Carini." ([50:36])
  • Oregon: 7/15/98 Goose Mexico
    "I'm gonna pick 7/15/98 from the Goose Mexico tour because that jam is so fucking cool." ([61:55])
  • Washington: 7/22/18 Gorge
    "I'm gonna pick 7/22/18 from the gorge. This show fucking rules." ([98:56])
  • Wildcards: 1.0 wildcard - 12/194 Salem; 2.0 to 4.0 wildcard - 8/19/12 Bill Graham
    "I'm gonna pick 12, 194 from Salem because this tweezer into the Norwegian Wood is so cool." ([85:39])

• RJ's Picks:

  • Southern California: 4/16/92 Chula Vista
    "4/16/92 was an incredible show. Amazing stuff." ([70:20])
  • Northern California: 8/31/21 Eugene
    "8/31/21 from Eugene, Oregon. This was one of the longest jams of all time." ([62:47])
  • Oregon: 9/12/99 Portland Bag
    "I'm gonna take 9/12/99 from Portland. Great pick." ([61:07])
  • Washington: 7/17/98 Gorge
    "I'm gonna take 7/17/98 from Gorge. This is one of the most memorable riffs in Fish history." ([75:35])
  • Wildcards: 1.0 wildcard - 3/22/93 Sacramento; 2.0 to 4.0 wildcard - 8/4/13 Bill Graham
    "I'm gonna take 8/4/13 from Bill Graham. One of my favorite second sets of that entire year." ([86:00])

Friendly Banter and Host Interactions

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in lively and humorous exchanges, showcasing their camaraderie. Megan expresses frustration over being accused of something she didn't do, leading to playful arguments and laughter. Brian and RJ support each other's picks, emphasizing the collaborative and fun nature of the drafting process.

Notable Quote: Brian humorously addresses the competitive aspect:
"I'm here for it. Megan, you're up." ([03:44])

Finalizing Picks and Next Steps

After a series of strategic choices and heartfelt discussions, each host finalizes their list of drafted shows. They commend each other's selections and reflect on the significance of their chosen performances. The episode concludes with announcements about upcoming episodes, including the next draft focused on Mount Rushmore and future projects like "Library Card" and potential new podcast ideas.

Notable Quote: Brian wraps up with enthusiasm:
"Some really great draft picks from everyone here. I had a lot of fun. No animosity. We just did a great job. I hope you guys are as happy as I am right now." ([108:28])

Conclusion

This draft episode of HFPod offers an in-depth look into the hosts' favorite Phish West Coast shows, blending personal anecdotes with expert analysis. Through their passionate discussions and strategic selections, Brian, Megan, and RJ provide listeners with valuable insights into Phish's live performances, celebrating the band's enduring legacy and vibrant fan culture.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Megan on feeling nervous:
  "I'm feeling like, you know when you have, like, a big test or a big performance..." ([00:59])

• Brian on Southern California pick:
  "I'm going 10, 23, 21. Southern California, 4.0 for the win. The jamming is just better." ([20:54])

• Megan on her Southern California selection:
  "I have to have 7:30, 97. I have to have Ventura..." ([21:38])

• RJ on Northern California choice:
  "8/31/21 from Eugene, Oregon. This was one of the longest jams of all time." ([62:47])

• Brian concluding the draft:
  "Some really great draft picks from everyone here. I had a lot of fun. No animosity." ([108:28])

This structured summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting key discussions, personal insights, and the collaborative drafting process, making it accessible and informative for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.