Helping Friendly Podcast Episode Summary: "Roundtable — Phish Shows + Jams for Warmth"

Release Date: February 17, 2025
Host/Author: Osiris Media

The "Roundtable — Phish Shows + Jams for Warmth" episode of the Helping Friendly Podcast (HFPod) delves into a multifaceted discussion covering President's Day reflections, favorite American presidents, the podcast's progress, upcoming Phish shows, and personal music preferences. The hosts—Megan, Brian, and Dusty—engage in a dynamic conversation that intertwines personal anecdotes with broader cultural discussions, all centered around the beloved band Phish.

1. Acknowledging President’s Day and Favorite Presidents [02:20 - 09:09]

President’s Day Observance: The episode opens with the hosts recognizing President’s Day, emphasizing the celebration of all U.S. presidents rather than just the well-known figures like Washington or Lincoln. Brian initiates the conversation by encouraging listeners to honor their favorite presidents.

Favorite Presidents Discussed:

• Dusty’s Choice:
  "I like guys that don't last longer than they need to. It's just like getting out. Get on with your business." [03:08]
  Dusty favors William Henry Harrison for his brief presidency, appreciating leaders who serve without overstaying their tenure.

• Brian’s Preference:
  "FDR is my favorite president. Without question. He's the best one." [03:16]
  Brian expresses unwavering support for Franklin D. Roosevelt, citing his leadership during complex times.

• Megan’s Connection:
  Megan shares a personal story about her family's history with the Roosevelt estate, highlighting her admiration for Eleanor Roosevelt and other influential women leaders:
  "I love Eleanor Roosevelt. I know she's not a president, but I do think that women like her and Hillary Clinton are women I've always deeply admired." [08:05]

Historical Complexities: The hosts also touch upon the nuanced aspects of presidential legacies, such as FDR’s involvement in the Japanese Internment Camps:
“How does that shape your view of him?” [03:33]
Brian acknowledges the complexity:
"American history is complex... they didn't tell us any of the bad shit these people did. It's bad." [04:03]

2. Podcast Achievements and Upcoming Projects [10:09 - 22:17]

Mount Rushmore Debut Episode: The hosts announce the upcoming "Mount Rushmore" debut episode, where they will rank their top four versions of specific Phish songs. Dusty expresses enthusiasm:
"I've got my top four finished... It's going to be great." [11:11]

Tour Reviews and Show Listings: They provide updates on their attendance at upcoming Phish shows, sharing tour dates and locations:
"We're going to have a bunch more announced soon. So if you guys haven't seen them, check them out." [14:09]

Engaging the Audience: The hosts encourage listeners to participate by voting for their favorite Phish show versions and submitting voicemails with feedback:
"Leave us voicemails and tell us what you think." [52:42]

3. Favorite Phish Shows and Jams for Warmth [22:17 - 69:07]

Winter-Themed Phish Shows: The core of the episode revolves around selecting Phish shows and jams that provide a sense of warmth during the cold season. The hosts share their top choices, each bringing personal stories and preferences to the table.

• Dusty’s Favorites:
  "Winter 03 is the first tour I saw Fish on... Fish is still capable of doing anything." [30:28]
  Dusty highlights winter 2003 as exemplary for showcasing Phish's versatility and energy during colder months.

• Megan’s Experiences:
  Megan recounts a poignant New Year's Eve show where her boyfriend was expelled:
  "I celebrated New Year's Eve by myself that night... it was freezing." [35:02]

• Brian’s Selections:
  Brian mentions shows like "1228 97" and "1242, 99" as standout performances, emphasizing their atmosphere and musical intensity:
  "12:30, 97... it's one of the best gems." [15:12]

Special Show Highlights: The discussion includes specific shows known for their unique jams and memorable performances, such as:

• "The Ghost" as a highly regarded jam:
  "The Ghost is ranked number five on my all-time gems list." [19:27]

• Deer Creek Memories:
  "61995 just when I want to feel good. Because there's nothing like Deer Creek memories." [52:32]

Anecdotes and Personal Stories: Dusty shares experiences like his wife’s food poisoning during a show and how it affected their concert experience:
"Thankfully, 122912 was a terrible show because I was... in and out from the venue." [37:37]

4. Music Recommendations and Personal Albums [69:07 - 71:57]

Hosts Share Current Listening Preferences:

• Dusty’s Picks:
  "Beach House's Teen Dream... Stars of the Lid's The Tired Sounds of Stars' Lid... Blue Lake So Weft." [54:37]
  Dusty recommends ambient and experimental albums that complement the winter mood.

• Megan’s Deep Dives:
  "I've been doing some deep dives... Miles Davis’ In a Silent Way and the new Rose City Band album, Sol y Sambra." [58:30]
  Megan discusses her explorations into classic and contemporary music, emphasizing her appreciation for Phish and other artists.

• Brian’s Classics Selection:
  "Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti is one of my top five albums of all time... Grateful Dead." [60:03]
  Brian focuses on timeless classics that resonate with the winter ambiance.

5. Conclusion and Future Plans [71:57 - End]

Upcoming Episodes: The hosts outline their plans for future episodes, including discussions on the Mexico 2019 Phish run and the official Mount Rushmore series:
"We're going to talk about Mexico 2019... Next week, we're gonna talk about Mexico 2019." [65:26]

Final Remarks: The episode concludes with reflections on the desire for more engaging presidential leadership and the importance of storytelling in their podcast:
"I hope there are more presidents. That's my one hope." [67:02]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dusty on William Henry Harrison:
  "I like guys that don't last longer than they need to. It's just like getting out. Get on with your business." [03:08]

• Brian on FDR:
  "FDR is my favorite president. Without question. He's the best one." [03:16]

• Megan on Eleanor Roosevelt’s Estate:
  "The Roosevelt Museum is a huge part of my family's history." [06:55]

• Dusty on Mount Rushmore Episode:
  "I am officially ready for that episode... It's gonna be a lot of fun." [11:11]

• Megan on Favorite Phish Jams:
  "They allow you to relax but not kind of lose focus." [00:02]

• Brian on Music Preferences:
  "There's nothing like Deer Creek memories." [52:32]

Key Takeaways

• Presidential Reflections: The hosts provide personal insights into their favorite presidents, acknowledging both strengths and historical complexities.

• Podcast Milestones: Celebrating approaching 500 episodes, HFPod showcases its growth and dedication to Phish fandom.

• Phish Show Insights: Detailed discussions on favorite winter Phish shows highlight the band's ability to create warm, immersive experiences even in colder seasons.

• Personal Music Journeys: Hosts share diverse musical tastes, ranging from classic rock to ambient and experimental genres, illustrating the podcast's broad musical engagement.

• Community Engagement: Encouraging listener participation through voicemails and votes fosters a strong, interactive community around the podcast.

This episode of the Helping Friendly Podcast offers a rich blend of historical discussion, personal storytelling, and passionate engagement with Phish's musical legacy. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the HFPod community, the hosts' authentic conversations provide valuable insights and entertainment, embodying the podcast's mission to amplify the fan voice in all discussions about Phish.