DSR PRESS

DOPE SICK RADIO CELEBRATES 1 YEAR OF GUESTS NOT FOUND ANYWHERE ELSE - BY DAVE HOFER 06/29/09

Indiana-based Punk N Beans Radio has embraced the niche-friendliness of Internet radio, bringing listeners a handful of punk-related shows every week as podcasts. Chicago’s Brian Bush, host of the station’s Dope Sick Radio show, initially started it as an extension of his now defunct magazine, Layers. Carrying Layers' coverage of punk rock, politics, and off-the-wall interviews to the web, Bush celebrated his first year of successful shows last month. With a few hundred loyal weekly listeners in his pocket, Bush discussed some of his most uncomfortable interview moments—fitting for a show that doesn’t shy away from ex-cons and porn stars—and explains how he turned the tables on the subjects. Dope Sick Radio airs Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. on punkandbeansradio.com.

Subject: Justin Pearson, bassist and vocalist for San Diego-based grindcore band The Locust

Why it was uncomfortable: Pearson related, in graphic detail, a story about The Locust bombing while opening for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs in Europe—involving vomit and a pint glass. "Someone had hit the drummer of The Locust with this pint glass," Bush says, "which he then puked into and dumped over his own head instead of throwing back into the crowd—which he threatened to do—of little girls that were just there to see the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I was so grossed out. I forgot my next question."

Escape plan: "I've never really been at a loss for words during an interview before this," Bush explains. It took Pearson's initiative and interview experience to get back on track after a 45-second bout of every radio host's worst nightmare: dead air.

Lesson learned: "Don't approach an interview on a full stomach."

An unnamed former Gangster Disciple, fresh out of jail and on probation after a 10-year murder sentence. Also, an old family friend.
 

Why it was uncomfortable: Keeping in mind his journalistic duties, Bush decided to probe with hard questions before his subject changed his mind about the interview. "I was asking him about gang-banging and murdering people," he says. "He told me that the murder was drug-related, and that he shot the victim in the back."

Escape plan: Bush pushed through it. "He got more and more squirrely as the interview went on, but I just said 'Fuck it,' and kept going. He told me that 75 percent of the drugs that make it into prison came in through the guards, and afterward had this look like, 'Maybe I shouldn't be talking about this!'"

Lesson learned: "Even if you get your ass kicked or a hit put out on you, at least you got the story."

Davida Kelley, former Children Of God cult member

Why it was uncomfortable: Speaking to a former member of a cult most infamous for adult-on-child sexual abuse is difficult enough, but discussing Kelley's friend Ricky Rodriguez was especially nerve-wracking. "He tried to track down and kill his mom in 2005 after he left 'The Family' in 2001, but failed to get in touch with her. Instead, he killed another Family member—a close friend of his mother's—and then committed suicide."

Escape plan: Bush had to be on his toes. "There were a couple of times where I'd ask her a question about some of her tougher life experiences, like drug addiction and Ricky, and she'd start to cry; I had to move on, quickly."

Lesson learned: "No matter the off-the-wall nature of your subject, always approach them with the utmost sensitivity and respect."

Debi Diamond, adult-film star; IMDB lists 377 movies, including Sex Lives Of Clowns

Why it was uncomfortable: Aside from having starred in one of the first porn films he saw, Bush elaborates, "She turned the tables on me and started asking me about my sex life. We covered everything from anal sex to squirting, and as raunchy as I like to be on my show, I found myself blushing."

Escape plan: "I tried not to name partners, because the last thing I need is an ex calling me all pissed off."

Lesson learned: "If you're going to ask tough questions, be prepared to have them tossed back in your face. It was gnarly."