To the Bottom
Eric Vorel and Mike Retondo
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To the Bottom is a conversational podcast hosted by musicians Eric Vorel and Mike Retondo. The two hosts use humor and personal anecdotes as they explore the stories and experiences that shaped interesting guests. Their discussions cover everything from music and lawncare to La Bamba, laughs, and lumbago, often navigating around their ADHD. The show aims to get to the bottom of what makes people tick and how they became who they are.
Episodes
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From Bar Jam to 24 Million Views: The Rise of People R Ugly 12.01.2026 16mIn this episode the band People R Ugly stop by after a high-energy festival set to talk about their sudden TikTok fame, the viral bar performance of their joke song "Circ23," and how Tom from Plain White T's unexpectedly joined them on stage. They discuss their DIY approach to touring and recording, upcoming debut album 'Garage' (out Now), recent sessions with Mark Hoppus, and the offbeat, often crude humor that keeps their live shows unpredictable. -
From Plain White T's to Timothy Howls the charming American songwriter 07.01.2026 15mTimothy Howls stops by To The Bottom Music at Summerfest to talk about his new Americana side project, the single "Smithereens," his Austin studio sessions, and the six-piece band shaping his sound. He discusses live shows, influences, balancing this project with Plain White T's and family life, and his patient, authentic approach to building a music career. -
Jon Griffin 29.03.2025 56mJon is a beloved friend and to many in the Chicago music scene. From the early beginnings of most of our music careers Jon has been standing front and center supporting our musical endeavors. Today Jon joins in conversation about local music and his journey in comedy. Enjoy! -
Steve Knecht 17.03.2025 1h 2mThe Burning Lights are a supernova of catchy rock and roll hooks and emotional anthems for the lost and lonely. Currently based out of Chicago, the band puts on energetic live performances with electric stage presence. They have shared the stage with prominent acts such as The Dirty Nil, Lucky Boys Confusion, Thomas Nicholas Band, and Castlecomer, and have performed at many notable venues including The Middle East Club, Bottom Lounge, and Concord Music Hall for a show presented by Riot Fest. The group presently consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Steve Knecht, bassist Luke Frees, and drummer Gary Zucker. Frontman Steve Knecht’s songwriting bursts with pop sensibility, sincerity, and punk-rock urgency. After releasing a series of singles produced by Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, The Dangerous Summer), the band entered the studio to record their debut full-length album with Arun Bali (Saves The Day, William Ryan Key), releasing “Hello Anxiety” in 2022. They released “Live at Sleeping Village” in 2023, highlighting the group’s tight, passionate, and high-octane live sound. -
Dan Wade 12.03.2025 1h 37mYou may not know but if you are a Chicago music goer you probably own a piece of Dan Wade's heart. Dan is known for his bands throughout the last 25 years Empyrean, Treaty Of Paris, and his own solo work. Dan is currently the Art Director for Riot Fest. Enjoy -
Little Drummer Boy saves the day! 11.03.2025 34mPractice for TLB went South until little drummer boy makes visual assumption based on Art work from D*FACE -
Malibu Coffee with TLB, Dan Monahan of The Dog and Everything 10.03.2025 37mWake up with TLB, Dan Monahan of The Dog and Everything as they discuss Malibu sunrises over coffee and breakfast beers -
Showoff 27.02.2025 1h 43mShowoff fresh off the stage with little Ronnie! -
From the Archives Joe Cudiamat "Tone Deaf George" 12.12.2024 1h 18mDating back to last December Joe Cudiamat , Mike Retondo reflect on the early days of Tone Def George -
Ha Ha Tonka, Treaty Of Paris Live From FitzGerald's 12.12.2024 19mJust some Ozark boys who somehow made their way in to our trailer with the boys of Treaty of Paris -
Ron Modell 08.11.2024 1h 56mRon Modell was tasked with creating a jazz program from scratch, Modell auditioned 60 hopeful musicians for 20 available chairs in the new ensemble. Just six weeks later, the NIU Jazz Ensemble played its first concert. Modell was an accomplished trumpeter who had played with all the greats – Louis Armstrong, Maynard Ferguson, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Bellson and many more. His talent, outgoing personality and strong connections in the music world introduced his students to dozens of jazz stars and travel opportunities beyond their wildest imaginations. Enjoy! -
Dan Musa Episode 9 08.01.2024 1h 27mDan Musa Founding member of the Legendary Chicago band The Brockmeyers is on the bus! Dan is currently involved in multiple endeavors and we touch back on what led him on his musical bass thumping journey. -
Saarang Pandav Episode 8 02.01.2024 1h 32mFrom Swizzle Tree to Temple of Dome Saarang Pandav takes us on a self discovery lesson to the cosmos -
James VanOsdol 10.12.2023 58m"One of the great voices of Chicago. James VanOsdol, joins us in the RV to discuss his career in broadcasting, his transition into the world of podcasts, our mutual love of local music, and the joy and pain of hard work." -
Plainwhitets, Dog And Everything, Onelife, Scott Darling, Darren Vorel, Pat Gilroy, Nick Agee, Shawn Davis, Marc Ess @ Durty Nellies Episode 6 23.11.2023 54mCelebrating Plainwhitets new self titled release Onelife, The Dog and Everything, Darren Vorel, Pat Gilroy, Marc Ess, Scott Darling, Shawn Davis, Nick Agee, pop in to say hello! -
Kevin Presbrey Episode 5 11.11.2023 1h 9mMusician and songwriter, Kevin Presbrey, creator of allforuke.com joins us to talk about all things ukulele and how he built a YouTube channel and education platform. -
Deanna Belos of Sincere Engineer Episode 4 01.10.2023 1h 33mDeanna Belos of Sincere Engineer meets up to celebrate Cheap Grills, gas station grabs, sardines, and the upcoming US Tour! -
Chris Tracy Episode 3 22.09.2023 1h 31mChris Tracy is a Chicago Concert Photographer. If you are aspiring to get into concert photography this is your gate way episode! Chris gives you all the dirt to land your first pit pass to glory. -
Ryan Armour Episode 2 ”Part 2” 05.09.2023 50mRyan shows back up only to question Mike why he would fly to Jakarta Indonesia for 24 hours to indulge in Satay. -
Ryan Armour Episode 1 24.08.2023 1h 6m
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