Podcast Summary: The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers

Episode 127 – The Byrds: Younger Than Yesterday (with Craig Shoemaker)

Release Date: December 31, 2025
Host: Josh Adam Meyers
Guest: Craig Shoemaker

Episode Overview

This episode marks the end of 2025 for "The 500" podcast, where host Josh Adam Meyers and his guest, comedian Craig Shoemaker, dive into The Byrds’ 1967 classic, Younger Than Yesterday—number 127 on Rolling Stone’s 2012 list of the 500 Greatest Albums. The episode blends deep musical analysis, comedy touring stories, reflections on the era of harmony bands, and personal anecdotes. Craig and Josh riff on everything from the culture of the late '60s to the healing power of laughter, making for a lively, tangential, and heartwarming year-end conversation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Podcast & Year-in-Review Banter (03:02–08:21)

Josh opens with a recap of 2025’s podcast highlights, listing notable guests and albums from throughout the year.
Tone: Playful nostalgia, gratitude toward listeners and contributors, excitement for the year ahead.
Preview of 2026: Upcoming albums and guests teased, including Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Kanye West, Radiohead, Miles Davis, Prince, and more.
Quote:
"We are literally a half a year away from cracking in to the bottom hundred. I swear to God. There better be fanfare." (06:13, Josh)

2. Comedy Road Stories & Touring Life (10:16–19:19)

Josh and Craig swap tales of touring America, including Craig’s exploits in every state and some truly low-rent comedy condos.
Reflections on the rituals of hotel living for comics, the difference between Airbnbs and hotels, and outrageous “comedy condos” of the past.
Quote:
"I swat flies—the entire time I was there, that was my entertainment. Swatting flies was my entertainment. And you know it's a low rent place when there's a plunger next to your toilet and you have to use it." (12:02, Craig)
Memorable Moment: Craig describes motels so grungy even Robin Williams’ pubic hair might still be in the shag carpet from the 1970s (17:00).

3. Music, Weed, and the Evolution of Getting High (19:31–23:11)

A nostalgic talk about how music, particularly albums and cassettes, was a companion for comedians on the road; includes classic stoner stories.
The techniques used to “clean weed” using album covers or CD cases; comparisons to today’s dispensary culture.
Quote:
“The poor kids today, they just...they don't know what they're missing. USB drive and here, do a little line of coke on it.” (21:02, Craig)

4. The Healing Power of Laughter (23:30–25:59)

Craig shares his work with “Laughter Heals,” explaining that intentional laughter brings profound health benefits—citing the longevity of comedians who avoided heavy substance abuse.
Quote:
"There's a whole neuroscience of joy out there and that's what I'm really about these days." (24:19, Craig)

5. Segue to The Byrds and Album Sentiment (26:21–30:25)

Josh notes the diversity and unpredictability in comedians’ album choices for the podcast.
Craig explains why he picked this album: the Byrds’ diversity mirrors his own, their harmonies, storytelling, sarcasm, and authenticity all resonate.
Discusses how musical authenticity mattered more in that era compared to today’s more manufactured pop stars.
Quote:
"Diversity is so important in my storytelling. And they're storytellers, too..." (27:13, Craig)

6. The Byrds: Historical Context & Influences (32:55–41:25)

Josh provides an overview of The Byrds’ evolution—from folk roots to pioneers of psychedelia and California rock—while Craig emphasizes the immersive act of listening to records, the culture of album art, and the importance of musical experience as ritual.
They play a snippet of “Thoughts and Words” (39:02), noting its studio experimentation and sonic ambition.
Josh muses on how contemporary listeners might not “get” the album immediately, but how transportive it was in its time.
Quote:
"If everybody [would] go back and listen to 'Thoughts and Words'...this record...where I went from being on the first listen...to understanding what they were doing." (39:04, Josh)

7. Harmonies, Influence & Modern Comparisons (41:25–49:44)

Discussion on the decline of bands built around vocal harmonies, with contemporary examples (Radiohead, Coldplay) not matching the classic style.
They fondly recall CSNY’s “Sweet Judy Blue Eyes” (42:32) and how songs can ground and comfort.
Craig reminisces about exclusive celebrity jam sessions at Jeff Franklin’s (creator of Full House) LA mansion, often attended by music legends.
Quote:
“That’s the thing—the Byrds are old LA. It’s the sound of Laurel Canyon. All the greatest music people hung out around there...” (46:22, Josh)

8. Reflections on Comedy, Legacy, and Purpose (54:34–59:42)

Craig discusses his current mission of teaching “laughter wellness” and the spiritual/psychological impact of comedy.
Touches on the “gunslinger” days of New York comics, working alongside Richard Jeni and John Mulroney, and how formative those tough rooms were.
Quote:
"There's a divine connection that takes place with an audience. It's ethereal and it's beautiful." (54:59, Craig)

9. The Byrds’ Tensions, Innovation & Place in Music History (60:46–65:33)

Deep dive into the internal conflicts within The Byrds as the album was created—escalating egos, creative differences, and the sense of impermanence underlying the music.
The episode frames Younger Than Yesterday as both a product of its fractured band dynamic and groundbreaking experimentation.
Quote:
“It was a tapestry. It has all sorts of elements...all their albums were different—nothing was ever the same.” (64:35, Craig)

10. Final Takes: Album Wrap-Up & Listener Guidance (70:14–74:43)

Favorite Tracks:
- Craig: “Younger Than Yesterday” (title track) (70:34)
- Josh: “Thoughts and Words” (70:38)
No-Skip Record?:
- Craig says it’s an “experience,” not a collection of singles to skip.
- "I’m a big album guy. The whole thing is an experience." (70:50)
Sexiness/Utility: Can you “make love” to this record?
- Craig: “Yeah, sure. Put a tambourine over your balls and go do it.” (72:56)
Elevator Pitch:
- "If you want to step back to another era that doesn't exist anymore, if you want to really see history, you want to feel history, you want to hear the sounds of history—this album, this group that doesn’t exist anymore, it was a place in time." (73:32, Craig)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Craig on Touring America:
“I’ve been to every state in the union. Yes. Favorite? California, because everything’s here...beach, mountains, parks.” (10:44)
On Weed Culture vs. Today:
“Our bong was a potato you made...it smelled like French fries.” (21:57, Craig)
On The Byrds’ Diversity:
“You almost can’t come up with anyone as diverse as the Byrds...They’ll come out with a country album, then suddenly it’s a rock album, now it’s an album you listen to when you’re on acid.” (27:13, Craig)
On Harmonies:
"Well, David Crosby got kicked out of the band, but then he ended up with Crosby, Stills, and Nash, which—that’s another band I absolutely love. I love harmonies, and I love harmony in life, ironically." (27:34, Craig)
On Music’s Ritual Power:
"Buying an album was an event...It was an immersive experience." (34:17, Craig)
On Living the Message of Laughter:
"If comedians don’t get into drugs and alcohol, heavy duty, they live a long life...they are bathed in the healing powers of laughter." (24:04, Craig)
On Album Experience:
"It's a marathon, not a sprint. Every time I'm on stage, I do 90 minutes...that's what happens in this whole album." (70:50, Craig)

Timestamp Guide to Key Segments

Year-in-Review & 2026 Preview: 03:02–08:21
Comedy Touring Tales: 10:16–19:19
Weed, Music, and Technology: 19:31–23:11
Laughter, Healing, and Comedian Longevity: 23:30–25:59
Byrds, Album Selection, and Musical Diversity: 26:21–30:25
Harmony & Influence Analysis: 32:55–41:25
Song Snippet and Analysis (“Thoughts and Words”): 39:02–40:18
Modern Music Comparisons: 41:25–49:44
Comedy as Purpose/Legacy: 54:34–59:42
Byrds’ Breakup and Musical Innovation: 60:46–65:33
Final Album Thoughts & Wrap Up: 70:14–74:43

Episode Tone & Flow

Language/Tone: Conversational, irreverent, sincere, and nostalgic; seamlessly blends humor with analytic insight.
Structure: Tangential but thematically consistent—moving from life on the road, to music’s cultural role, to the inner workings of both band and comedian.

Concluding Thoughts

The episode is a love letter to music as time machine, to the value of artistic risk and honesty, and to the enduring strength of harmonies—both musical and human. Shoemaker’s wit and wisdom, mixed with Josh’s fanboy enthusiasm, create a memorable wrap to the podcast’s year.

Craig Shoemaker Plugs:

CraigShoemaker.com
Instagram: @OfficialCraigShoemaker
Laughter Heals / Laughter Wellness Program information there
Stand-up tour info and more

Next Episode Teaser:

Catch a Fire by The Wailers—first episode of 2026 (#126 on the list)

Podcast Summary: The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers

Episode 127 – The Byrds: Younger Than Yesterday (with Craig Shoemaker)

Release Date: December 31, 2025
Host: Josh Adam Meyers
Guest: Craig Shoemaker

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Podcast & Year-in-Review Banter (03:02–08:21)

Josh opens with a recap of 2025’s podcast highlights, listing notable guests and albums from throughout the year.
Tone: Playful nostalgia, gratitude toward listeners and contributors, excitement for the year ahead.
Preview of 2026: Upcoming albums and guests teased, including Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Kanye West, Radiohead, Miles Davis, Prince, and more.
Quote:
"We are literally a half a year away from cracking in to the bottom hundred. I swear to God. There better be fanfare." (06:13, Josh)

2. Comedy Road Stories & Touring Life (10:16–19:19)

Josh and Craig swap tales of touring America, including Craig’s exploits in every state and some truly low-rent comedy condos.
Reflections on the rituals of hotel living for comics, the difference between Airbnbs and hotels, and outrageous “comedy condos” of the past.
Quote:
"I swat flies—the entire time I was there, that was my entertainment. Swatting flies was my entertainment. And you know it's a low rent place when there's a plunger next to your toilet and you have to use it." (12:02, Craig)
Memorable Moment: Craig describes motels so grungy even Robin Williams’ pubic hair might still be in the shag carpet from the 1970s (17:00).

3. Music, Weed, and the Evolution of Getting High (19:31–23:11)

A nostalgic talk about how music, particularly albums and cassettes, was a companion for comedians on the road; includes classic stoner stories.
The techniques used to “clean weed” using album covers or CD cases; comparisons to today’s dispensary culture.
Quote:
“The poor kids today, they just...they don't know what they're missing. USB drive and here, do a little line of coke on it.” (21:02, Craig)

4. The Healing Power of Laughter (23:30–25:59)

Craig shares his work with “Laughter Heals,” explaining that intentional laughter brings profound health benefits—citing the longevity of comedians who avoided heavy substance abuse.
Quote:
"There's a whole neuroscience of joy out there and that's what I'm really about these days." (24:19, Craig)

5. Segue to The Byrds and Album Sentiment (26:21–30:25)

Josh notes the diversity and unpredictability in comedians’ album choices for the podcast.
Craig explains why he picked this album: the Byrds’ diversity mirrors his own, their harmonies, storytelling, sarcasm, and authenticity all resonate.
Discusses how musical authenticity mattered more in that era compared to today’s more manufactured pop stars.
Quote:
"Diversity is so important in my storytelling. And they're storytellers, too..." (27:13, Craig)

6. The Byrds: Historical Context & Influences (32:55–41:25)

Josh provides an overview of The Byrds’ evolution—from folk roots to pioneers of psychedelia and California rock—while Craig emphasizes the immersive act of listening to records, the culture of album art, and the importance of musical experience as ritual.
They play a snippet of “Thoughts and Words” (39:02), noting its studio experimentation and sonic ambition.
Josh muses on how contemporary listeners might not “get” the album immediately, but how transportive it was in its time.
Quote:
"If everybody [would] go back and listen to 'Thoughts and Words'...this record...where I went from being on the first listen...to understanding what they were doing." (39:04, Josh)

7. Harmonies, Influence & Modern Comparisons (41:25–49:44)

Discussion on the decline of bands built around vocal harmonies, with contemporary examples (Radiohead, Coldplay) not matching the classic style.
They fondly recall CSNY’s “Sweet Judy Blue Eyes” (42:32) and how songs can ground and comfort.
Craig reminisces about exclusive celebrity jam sessions at Jeff Franklin’s (creator of Full House) LA mansion, often attended by music legends.
Quote:
“That’s the thing—the Byrds are old LA. It’s the sound of Laurel Canyon. All the greatest music people hung out around there...” (46:22, Josh)

8. Reflections on Comedy, Legacy, and Purpose (54:34–59:42)

Craig discusses his current mission of teaching “laughter wellness” and the spiritual/psychological impact of comedy.
Touches on the “gunslinger” days of New York comics, working alongside Richard Jeni and John Mulroney, and how formative those tough rooms were.
Quote:
"There's a divine connection that takes place with an audience. It's ethereal and it's beautiful." (54:59, Craig)

9. The Byrds’ Tensions, Innovation & Place in Music History (60:46–65:33)

Deep dive into the internal conflicts within The Byrds as the album was created—escalating egos, creative differences, and the sense of impermanence underlying the music.
The episode frames Younger Than Yesterday as both a product of its fractured band dynamic and groundbreaking experimentation.
Quote:
“It was a tapestry. It has all sorts of elements...all their albums were different—nothing was ever the same.” (64:35, Craig)

10. Final Takes: Album Wrap-Up & Listener Guidance (70:14–74:43)

Favorite Tracks:
- Craig: “Younger Than Yesterday” (title track) (70:34)
- Josh: “Thoughts and Words” (70:38)
No-Skip Record?:
- Craig says it’s an “experience,” not a collection of singles to skip.
- "I’m a big album guy. The whole thing is an experience." (70:50)
Sexiness/Utility: Can you “make love” to this record?
- Craig: “Yeah, sure. Put a tambourine over your balls and go do it.” (72:56)
Elevator Pitch:
- "If you want to step back to another era that doesn't exist anymore, if you want to really see history, you want to feel history, you want to hear the sounds of history—this album, this group that doesn’t exist anymore, it was a place in time." (73:32, Craig)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Craig on Touring America:
“I’ve been to every state in the union. Yes. Favorite? California, because everything’s here...beach, mountains, parks.” (10:44)
On Weed Culture vs. Today:
“Our bong was a potato you made...it smelled like French fries.” (21:57, Craig)
On The Byrds’ Diversity:
“You almost can’t come up with anyone as diverse as the Byrds...They’ll come out with a country album, then suddenly it’s a rock album, now it’s an album you listen to when you’re on acid.” (27:13, Craig)
On Harmonies:
"Well, David Crosby got kicked out of the band, but then he ended up with Crosby, Stills, and Nash, which—that’s another band I absolutely love. I love harmonies, and I love harmony in life, ironically." (27:34, Craig)
On Music’s Ritual Power:
"Buying an album was an event...It was an immersive experience." (34:17, Craig)
On Living the Message of Laughter:
"If comedians don’t get into drugs and alcohol, heavy duty, they live a long life...they are bathed in the healing powers of laughter." (24:04, Craig)
On Album Experience:
"It's a marathon, not a sprint. Every time I'm on stage, I do 90 minutes...that's what happens in this whole album." (70:50, Craig)

Timestamp Guide to Key Segments

Year-in-Review & 2026 Preview: 03:02–08:21
Comedy Touring Tales: 10:16–19:19
Weed, Music, and Technology: 19:31–23:11
Laughter, Healing, and Comedian Longevity: 23:30–25:59
Byrds, Album Selection, and Musical Diversity: 26:21–30:25
Harmony & Influence Analysis: 32:55–41:25
Song Snippet and Analysis (“Thoughts and Words”): 39:02–40:18
Modern Music Comparisons: 41:25–49:44
Comedy as Purpose/Legacy: 54:34–59:42
Byrds’ Breakup and Musical Innovation: 60:46–65:33
Final Album Thoughts & Wrap Up: 70:14–74:43

Episode Tone & Flow

Language/Tone: Conversational, irreverent, sincere, and nostalgic; seamlessly blends humor with analytic insight.
Structure: Tangential but thematically consistent—moving from life on the road, to music’s cultural role, to the inner workings of both band and comedian.

Concluding Thoughts

Craig Shoemaker Plugs:

CraigShoemaker.com
Instagram: @OfficialCraigShoemaker
Laughter Heals / Laughter Wellness Program information there
Stand-up tour info and more

Next Episode Teaser:

Catch a Fire by The Wailers—first episode of 2026 (#126 on the list)

127 - The Byrds - Younger Than Yesterday - Craig Shoemaker

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Summary

Podcast Summary: The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers

Episode 127 – The Byrds: Younger Than Yesterday (with Craig Shoemaker)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Podcast & Year-in-Review Banter (03:02–08:21)

2. Comedy Road Stories & Touring Life (10:16–19:19)

3. Music, Weed, and the Evolution of Getting High (19:31–23:11)

4. The Healing Power of Laughter (23:30–25:59)

5. Segue to The Byrds and Album Sentiment (26:21–30:25)

6. The Byrds: Historical Context & Influences (32:55–41:25)

7. Harmonies, Influence & Modern Comparisons (41:25–49:44)

8. Reflections on Comedy, Legacy, and Purpose (54:34–59:42)

9. The Byrds’ Tensions, Innovation & Place in Music History (60:46–65:33)

10. Final Takes: Album Wrap-Up & Listener Guidance (70:14–74:43)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamp Guide to Key Segments

Episode Tone & Flow

Concluding Thoughts

Summary

Podcast Summary: The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers

Episode 127 – The Byrds: Younger Than Yesterday (with Craig Shoemaker)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Podcast & Year-in-Review Banter (03:02–08:21)

2. Comedy Road Stories & Touring Life (10:16–19:19)

3. Music, Weed, and the Evolution of Getting High (19:31–23:11)

4. The Healing Power of Laughter (23:30–25:59)

5. Segue to The Byrds and Album Sentiment (26:21–30:25)

6. The Byrds: Historical Context & Influences (32:55–41:25)

7. Harmonies, Influence & Modern Comparisons (41:25–49:44)

8. Reflections on Comedy, Legacy, and Purpose (54:34–59:42)

9. The Byrds’ Tensions, Innovation & Place in Music History (60:46–65:33)

10. Final Takes: Album Wrap-Up & Listener Guidance (70:14–74:43)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamp Guide to Key Segments

Episode Tone & Flow

Concluding Thoughts