ASBURY PARK VIBES PODCAST

About ASBURY PARK VIBES PODCAST

The Asbury Park Vibes Podcast is a conversational dive into the creative process and imagination that drives every artist to perfect their craft. Hosts Diane DiMemmo and Doug Dresher draw out stories from their guests that illustrate inspiration, perseverance, and methodology. Additionally, a focus on current and upcoming projects gives podcast listeners exposure to artists’ most recent creative endeavors. WWW.APV-MEDIA.COM/PODCAST

Publisher

Diane DiMemmo, Doug Dresher

Category

music · music · news

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

30 Jul 2020

Latest episode

17 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

214 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Sept 2026

   Kenny Wayne Shepherd on Blues, Longevity, and Playing From the Heart [Episode 214]

   For Episode #214 of the APV Podcast, Doug and Diane sat down with legendary guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd (https://www.kennywayneshepherd.net/)for a conversation that went far beyond gear, guitars, and the blues. Of course, we did begin by asking about one very special guitar: Kenny’s beloved 1961 Fender Stratocaster, known as “Martha.” He shared that the guitar immediately felt right in his hands when he found it as a teenager, after years of searching through guitar shops and shows. While he brings many guitars on the road for different tones, tunings, and performances, Martha is clearly the one that holds a special place in his heart. That sense of connection carried through much of our conversation. When we asked why the 12-bar blues has continued to resonate with audiences for generations, Kenny spoke about the emotional pull of the pentatonic scale and the importance of playing from the heart. For him, the blues is not about showing off technical ability. It is about making people feel something, even when there are no lyrics involved. Kenny also talked about the power of live performance and the responsibility he feels every night he walks onstage. His goal is simple but meaningful: to give people a chance to forget their troubles for a while and be fully present in the music. He described music as therapy, and in some cases, even a spiritual experience. As he shared, if the performer truly feels what they are playing, the audience can feel it too. The conversation also gave us a closer look at the 30th anniversary of Ledbetter Heights (https://open.spotify.com/album/0pNyz2KD5Vy4qyk0v1e66k?si=TrMEphESSdy4smhFu4jQxw), the album that introduced Kenny Wayne Shepherd to so many fans and helped establish him as one of the leading guitarists of his generation. Re-recording the album as Ledbetter Heights (30th Anniversary Sessions) (https://open.spotify.com/album/3jpKbAyxoihBxovEcLDNiK?si=kcLTPzRvSJ6U7noGrA0qPg) gave him a chance to hear those songs through the lens of experience. The original record captured a young guitarist determined to make his mark. This new version reflects everything he has learned since then—through touring, recording, collaborating, and continuing to grow as an artist. On his current anniversary tour (https://www.kennywayneshepherd.net/tour), Kenny and his band are performing the album in full, revisiting songs that had not been played in nearly three decades. Diane brought up the topic of musical dynamics: knowing when to play, when to pull back, and when to let the song breathe. Kenny explained that this is something he has developed instinctively over the years. Technical ability matters, but so does restraint. Sometimes the most powerful choice a musician can make is leaving space for the rest of the band, the melody, or the emotion of the moment to come through. Doug asked Kenny about his longtime musical partnership with vocalist Noah Hunt, and Kenny shared how that relationship has evolved over nearly 30 years. What began as a practical decision early in his career developed into a true musical partnership, with the two now sharing vocal duties and creating the kind of natural call-and-response chemistry that only comes from years of performing together. One of the most important parts of our conversation was Kenny’s advice for young artists. In an era where musicians can become consumed by likes, followers, and viral moments, Kenny encouraged artists not to let social media metrics define their value. His advice was direct: make music because you love it. Create songs you truly believe in. Do not chase a version of success that requires you to become someone you are not. We also discussed artificial intelligence, creativity, his lifelong passion for automobiles, his admiration for artists including B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix, and the responsibility that comes with influencing a new generation of musicians. Kenny Wayne Shepherd (https://www.instagram.com/kennywayneshepherd) remains one of those artists who has never lost sight of why he started playing in the first place. Thirty years after Ledbetter Heights, he is still focused on the same thing: connecting with people through music that is honest, emotional, and built to last. Listen to our full conversation with Kenny Wayne Shepherd on the APV Podcast, and make plans to catch the Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour (https://www.kennywayneshepherd.net/tour) which runs from the end of July through November all across the United States. Kenny makes a stop in our area on October 2, 2026 at State Theatre New Jersey (https://tinyurl.com/u6ytwkne). Buy tickets here (https://tinyurl.com/2s42e2fh)! Asbury Park Vibes Podcast Available on Spotify, Apple, Google, iHeart, Audible, and Pandora Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.

2. 

   17 Nov 2025

   20 years of mothguts [Episode 213]

   We had a chance to catch up with Mike Noordzy from Mothguts and Cody McCorry from We Used to Cut the Grass to talk about this upcoming show.  The two of them collaborated on two sound pieces that set the tone for our discussion.  While what they performed is not what they will be playing at the show, Mike and Cody are two truly inspired and creative people who represent the best of Asbury Park! Mothguts 20th Anniversary Show & We Used to Cut the Grass plus Mono Means One https://apboardwalk.com/news/events/mothguts-we-used-to-cut-the-grass/ (https://apboardwalk.com/news/events/mothguts-we-used-to-cut-the-grass/) MOTHGUTS Mothguts is a New Jersey–based instrumental quartet known for smashing together the worlds of death metal, free jazz, grunge, grindcore, noise, and sludge into a relentless sonic assault. Founded in 2005, the band has carved out a reputation for fearless experimentation, chaotic energy, and a sound that refuses to be contained by genre. The lineup features Mike Noordzy on bass, Ben Ross on drums, Anthony Ware on alto saxophone, and Chris Welcome on guitar. Together, they’ve cultivated a brutal yet boundary-defying aesthetic, marked by blistering improvisation and crushing heaviness. Now celebrating their 20th anniversary, Mothguts remains a singular force in the underground, revered for their uncompromising creativity and blistering live shows. Two decades in, the band continues to blur boundaries and challenge listeners with music that is as punishing as it is visionary. WE USED TO CUT THE GRASS We Used to Cut the Grass is a shapeshifting experimental ensemble led by composer/bassist Cody McCorry, most frequently appearing as a 10-piece band known for heavy brass and two tightly synchronized drum kits. Heavily inspired by the likes of Frank Zappa, John Zorn and Sun Ra, the band has roots in the blurred zone between progressive rock and jazz fusion, but has since stretched further into post-rock and experimental endeavors, reaching from orchestral/chamber works to absurdist sound collage. The group’s sophomore album, “We Used to Cut the Grass #2,” is the follow up to their similarly self-titled album released in 2022. It has been described by math rock periodical Fecking Bahamas as “a much needed joyride.” On the album and its composer, Prog Critique has this to say: “I don’t know if he’s a genius or a brilliant madman… [the album] surprises, it disorients, as much as it captivates… have we ever seen a band cover such a rich palette?” MONO MEANS ONE Mono Means One is a psychedelic prog trio and the brainchild of bassist and composer John Ferrara, best known as the bass player and co-founder of the acclaimed world fusion band “Consider the Source.” Mono Means One’s sound contains melancholic melodies, rich sonic textures with Drum ‘N’ Bass grooves and Mathrock sensibilities. Half composed and half improvised, the music is often dark, with moments of calm serenity and other times heavy, oscillating between chill grooves to almost unbearable intensity. Originally composed entirely on the bass guitar, John paired up with Rob Madore (Drums) and Isaac Young (Keys) to add intensely nuanced beats with futuristic colorful sonic textures. All three members produce a sound that is powerful and unique all to their own. Ferrara has been dubbed the “Unsung Genius” of bass tapping by bass sensation Charles Berthoud, is a teacher at Scotts Bass Lessons, and has been featured in Bass Magazine, NoTreble, Bass Musician magazine among many other publications. Doors 7:00 PM Show 8:00 PM 21+ admitted Asbury Park Vibes Podcast Available on Spotify, Apple, Google, iHeart, Audible, and Pandora Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.

3. 

   14 Nov 2025

   Lightning in a Bowling Alley [Episode 212]

   Lightning in a Bottle – A Love Letter to Asbury Lanes (https://mtcrushmorerecords.com/lightning-in-a-bottle) is a raw, intimate, and unfiltered photographic chronicle of one of New Jersey’s most beloved underground venues. Shot over 11 years by photographer Mike McLaughlin (https://www.instagram.com/mikemclaughlinphotography), the book captures the heart and soul of Asbury Lanes, in the heart of Asbury Park—a vintage bowling alley turned DIY music venue—before its redevelopment in 2015. We had the opportunity to talk long-distance with Mike McLaughlin, a fantastic photographer with a catalog of images documenting "The Old" Asbury Lanes.  Home to the party faithful and wayward souls, Asbury Lanes was, for a time, the coolest place to both play and spectate.  Asbury Park's version of Max's Kansas City and CBGBs, The Lanes was a safe place for those who needed safe spaces to dance, sing, and create. Mike talked about his start in photography and his time at Asbury Lanes.  And like everything else in life, he talked about when it was time to move on, and somehow land in Italy. Asbury Park Vibes Podcast Available on Spotify, Apple, Google, iHeart, Audible, and Pandora Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.

Who has been a guest on ASBURY PARK VIBES PODCAST

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• The Phokupps
• Ryan Gregg
• David Cacciatore
• Tom Losito
• Patty C

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

1,553

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 65 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

75

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

68

Contact ASBURY PARK VIBES PODCAST

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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