Common Thread

Part two of the interview with Angie Cooper kicks off with a guest appearance by Rory's 9 year old who provides us with a summary of some of the best books he has recently read. Angie, Rory and Greg share insights about their respective careers, highlighting how their backgrounds in punk culture inform their professional ethics and professional relationships. The conversation explores the challenges faced by younger generations in navigating home ownership amidst economic challenges and corporate

Rory and Greg interview Angie Cooper, a real estate agent from Richmond, VA. Angie first met Rory on the 1999 xHead Onx tour. We hear about how a chance encounter facilitated through "Book Your Own Fucking Life" lead to their friendship that now spans over 25 years. Angie has worn many hats throughout her life: teacher, tour/merch manager for bands like The Disaster, Strike Anywhere, Avail and Lamb of God, video editor and producer, and now real estate agent. She discusses how punk rock has

Rory and Greg each share five songs that influenced them in meaningful ways at various points in time in their lives. Discussion topics also include feedback from listeners on the first three episodes, the format for the upcoming interviews, skinwalkers, the 1995 family comedy Jumanji, Minor Threat and the national treasure that is Ian MacKaye, coping with grief through music, punk rock songs that require dictionary to fully understand, the popularization of nerd culture, finding religious guidance

Rory and Greg reflect on their families with their parents and siblings, and with their spouses and children. They discuss the important role their significant others play in their life and process of self discovery. Greg discusses his experience raising a child with autism, and both hosts discuss the importance of empathy and understanding in parenting. Greg discusses public libraries in the context of the current volatile social and political climate. Libraries are becoming a flash point in the

Rory and Greg discuss the significant role "third spaces" like coffee shops and libraries have in fostering connections between individuals and creating authentic, organic communities. The hosts advocate for the preservation of these increasingly scarce 'third places,' arguing that they are critical in combating the isolation often brought on by technology and social media. Greg and Rory also discuss the role skateboarding played in their formative years, and how it introduced them to a community

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Common Thread. This podcast will explore territory beyond the typical interview questions about musical influences and favorite bands. It will feature organic discussions that illuminate how hardcore and punk rock influenced the trajectory of our lives in unexpected ways.Common Thread will showcase authentic conversations with small business owners, educators, activists, artists and people who have lived unique and interesting lives. We will introduce you to