Podcast
Showing Promise
Hosted by Matthew Cementina · EN
Showing Promise is a general-discussion podcast "hosted" by me, Matt. I had the idea of making a podcast back in 2021, and in true perfectionist fashion, I kind of actually sort of started working on it in 2022. If you know me, you know I talk a lot, so this felt like a logical outlet for all those words.
Episodes often drift toward music (because I love it), but really, anything goes. I just enjoy talking to people. So, while there’s no set theme or schedule—to heck with the algorithm—you can expect frequent banter, colorful commentary, and the occasional crass detour. Sometimes it's me and friends, sometimes it's just me rambling like a caffeinated philosopher. I post episodes when they’re done. That’s it.
This podcast is made purely for the fun of it. If you're into conversational chaos with heart, give it a listen. Thanks for being here!
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Vans Warped Tour Vs When We Were Young - Ultimate Emo Festivals
Jan 3001:31:29Tap to summarizeWe’re kicking off 2026 with a deep dive into live music! In this episode, I’m breaking down some recent standout shows before turning the spotlight on the two biggest events in the alternative music world: the return of Vans Warped Tour for its 30th anniversary and When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas.I briefly explore the history of both festivals, what makes them fun, and how they’ve evolved over time. I also share my personal experiences attending each one—from the lineups and crowds to the food and bathrooms. And finally, a look at how the two festivals compare.Whether you grew up going to Warped Tour, made the pilgrimage to Vegas for When We Were Young, or just love festival stories and music history, this episode hits with reflection, comparison, and a lot of love for live music.Thank you for listening!Find me on Instagram at @mattxcementinaIntro/Outro music by Stuart Stock-Tucker
Transcribe →The Mighty Wine: Harvesting the Perfect Notes with Brook Munro
Aug 1001:36:03Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I’m joined by my friend Brook Munro. Brook and I met back in the early 00's, just as our local punk and hardcore scene was on the rise.Over the years, Brook has played in numerous bands, evolving as both a musician and a songwriter. Brook shares his personal journey through music — from punk rock gigs to the more intentional artistry of his current projects. And, of course, we also take the occasional side quest, reminiscing about some of the most memorable shows, bands, and venues that defined our scene.Now focused on his solo work, Brook continues to push his creative boundaries, blending raw emotion with immersive soundscapes. We dive into his recent releases, including Harvest In Twelve Parts — an ambitious, organic album that sonically explores the craft of winemaking — and Portals, a deeply atmospheric collection inspired by the rhythms of everyday life.Find Brook on Instagram at @brookmunroThank you for listening!Find me on Instagram at @mattxcementinaIntro/Outro music by Stuart Stock-Tucker
Transcribe →We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat with William "Bill" Eck
Jul 2102:49:56Tap to summarizeHoly crap! It's episode 30! I can hardly believe we've made it this far. To say I’m grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it. Thank you so much to every guest who’s joined me on this journey, and to every listener who’s tuned in. Your support means everything.For this special milestone episode, I’m thrilled to welcome back my dear friend Bill. Nearly two years after our original conversation, we’ve finally reunited for the long-awaited sequel. And trust me, we picked up right where we left off.In this episode, we dive deep once again—exploring the strange inner workings of infamous cults, revisiting some "wild" shared memories, and celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of our all-time favorite films. Plus, we also couldn’t resist dissecting a few of our favorite action movies and reveling in all their glorious absurdity. Thanks for hanging with us and being part of the madness for 30 episodes!Listen to my first episode with Bill right here!Thank you for listening!Find me on Instagram at @mattxcementinaIntro/Outro music by Stuart Stock-Tucker
Transcribe →My Day At Tokyo Disneyland: A Hardcore Theme Park Breakdown
Jun 3001:40:35Tap to summarizeThis is the second and final episode recapping my recent trip to Japan. In April 2025, I spent a week exploring the vibrant city of Tokyo — a highlight of which was an entire day at Tokyo Disneyland. As a lifelong Disneyland enthusiast, I’ve always been excited by the idea of visiting the international parks, and the chance to experience Tokyo Disneyland was truly irresistible.In this episode, I’m taking you through my full Disney day — from the moment I stepped through the gates to the grand finale under the night sky. I cover it all — the rides, the food, the merch, and my take on the park as a whole, including how Tokyo Disneyland stacks up against other Disney parks, especially the OG Disneyland in California.Getting to explore a new Disney park was seriously awesome and a magical way to wrap up my trip. Thank you for coming with me on my journey through Japan!Check out my first episode detailing my entire week in Tokyo right here.Thank you for listening!Find me on Instagram at @mattxcementinaIntro/Outro music by Stuart Stock-Tucker
Transcribe →I Went to Japan! Star Wars Celebration and Exploring Tokyo for the First Time
Jun 2003:25:21Tap to summarizeKonnichiwa, friends! I have recently returned from my latest international travel adventure, and it was a sick one. I went to Tokyo, Japan! It has been a long time since I've set foot in a new country, and while I was slightly nervous about the trip, it ended up being an awesome experience. Inspired by this year's Star Wars Celebration, I spent a week exploring the streets, sights, and shrines of Tokyo. Oh yeah, and hit up Tokyo Disneyland! This is my full recap of the trip, taking you from the first idea to the heart of the city and back home. Tokyo is easily one of the most unique and exciting places I have ever visited, and I would love to return. If you are interested in traveling to Japan, I highly recommend going! Hopefully this will give you some insight and encouragement to make a trip of your own. Arigato!Listen to my day at Tokyo Disneyland right here.Thank you for listening!Find me on Instagram at @mattxcementinaIntro/Outro music by Stuart Stock-Tucker
Transcribe →Forget You, I'm Edge with Ben Fowers of Embrace Today
Feb 19, 202502:18:26Tap to summarizeFor this episode, I am joined by my friend Ben Fowers, guitarist for the straight edge hardcore band Embrace Today. We discuss Ben's life in Boston, how he got into punk and hardcore music, and what it was like growing up in a city with serious hardcore history. We dive into his early days of picking up the guitar, starting his own bands, and eventually joining Embrace Today.Ben shares his experiences of performing and recording with the band, touring the country, and playing iconic shows and festivals. Whether you're a hardcore fan or just curious about the world of underground music, this episode is packed with insight, stories, and first hand experiences from the early 00's hardcore scene.Follow Ben on Instagram at @fwrsFollow Embrace Today on Instagram at @embracetodayFollow Village Pet Salon on Instagram at @villagepetsalonThank you for listening!Find me on Instagram at @mattxcementinaIntro/Outro music by Stuart Stock-Tucker
Transcribe →Diego And Matt's High School Reunion with Diego Castañeda
May 24, 202404:28:55Tap to summarizeLunch break is over and we are back in session, so don't be tardy! That's right, people, I haven't dropped out yet. Thanks for hanging in there with me! In this episode, I am joined by my friend and fellow SLO High alumni, Diego Castañeda. Diego and I were classmates at San Luis Obispo High School, and this year (2024) marks our 20 year graduation anniversary. Talk about hardcore! We may have gone our separate ways after school but, the almighty algorithm brought us back together for our own epic reunion, and here it is! It was great sitting down with Diego and reminiscing on our days as SLOHS Tigers, as well as catching up on the last two decades of our lives since we walked the graduation stage. Follow Diego on Instagram at @therunnind10 and check out his YouTube channel DFilms3001.Thank you for listening!Find me on Instagram at @mattxcementinaIntro/Outro music by Stuart Stock-Tucker
Transcribe →Married to the Noise: 10 Bands That Led Me Into the Heavy Music Underground
Feb 29, 202401:27:08Tap to summarizeEarlier this year, I had the chance to see Poison The Well on their anniversary tour celebrating 20 years of You Come Before You—and the show was nothing short of epic. Poison The Well was one of the first hardcore bands I ever got into, and just hearing their name instantly takes me back to a pivotal time in my life, when I was first discovering heavy music. But they weren’t the first, and they definitely weren’t the only band in rotation back then. In this episode, I’m diving into some of the most nostalgic heavy bands from that era—the ones that pulled me out of the punk rock scene and led me deeper into the underground.Thank you for listening!Find me on Instagram at @mattxcementinaIntro/Outro music by Stuart Stock-Tucker
Transcribe →Fast Times At Corvette Diner with Tennisen Deakman
Jan 29, 202404:05:33Tap to summarizeHappy New Year!! That's right, people, it's 2024 and we are coming in hot. For my first episode of the new year, I am catching up with the incomparable Tennisen Deakman. Tennisen and I spent the better part of a day hanging out, prattling on about pretty much everything there is. We may have actually said too much but, we had fun. And isn't that what is important. Thanks to Tennisen for joining me on this and thank you for kicking off a new year with us!Follow Tennisen on Instagram at @beenthatgirl_tennisenThank you for listening!Find me on Instagram at @mattxcementinaIntro/Outro music by Stuart Stock-Tucker
Transcribe →It Was The 70's, We Didn't Know with William "Bill" Eck
Dec 26, 202302:39:34Tap to summarizeBefore we close out 2023, I just want to say thank you so very much for listening to the podcast this year. It has been such a fun and fulfilling project, and I'm looking forward to continuing in 2024. And finally, another big thank you to my guests for spending time and talking with me. Which actually makes a great segue...In this episode I am joined by my friend Bill, given name William. Bill and I go way back at this point. In fact, there was a time when we both lived and worked together. Talk about mixing business with pleasure! We hung out during the recent holiday season to reminisce on our history together, discussing the restaurant business, our love for B-tier horror movies, classic viral videos, and some of our more fonder memories.Thank you for listening!Find me on Instagram at @mattxcementinaIntro/Outro music by Stuart Stock-Tucker
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