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Join artist, writer, and musician Martin Laurence McCormack in this episode of Strung Out, where he shares an intimate glimpse into his life and the inspirations behind his band's latest album, 'Red or Blue'. Despite battling a summer cold, Martin passionately discusses the creative process, the influence of current events on their music, and previews tracks that beautifully capture their journey. Listen in for heartfelt reflections, exclusive song showcases, and behind-the-scenes stories that bring their music to life.

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http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM
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MARTIN'S MUSIC:
Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)
Martin McCormack | Spotify

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Martin McCormack - YouTube

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In Episode SO 212 of the Strung Out podcast, titled "World Roundup from the Backyard," host Martin Laurence McCormack embarks on a solo discussion covering a variety of topics. He begins by recounting the recent severe storms and tornadoes in Chicago, attributing the increased frequency of such events to climate change and discussing the city's responses to these climatic changes. Transitioning to politics, Martin delves into the June 27th debate, critically analyzing the performances of Joe Biden and Donald Trump. He provides an insight into the Democratic Party's wavering support for Biden, juxtaposed with the strong personality-focused backing of Trump by the Republicans. Martin emphasizes the importance of party platforms over individual candidates in shaping the future. Additionally, he touches on international issues such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the instability in Gaza, reflecting on the broader geopolitical implications. The episode also includes a few interludes promoting Martin's artistic endeavors and music, highlighting his multifaceted career. Throughout the podcast, Martin intertwines personal anecdotes and reflections, culminating in a call for listeners to focus on foundational democratic values in navigating these turbulent times.

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We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:

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MARTIN'S WEBSITE:
http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM
(note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)

MARTIN'S MUSIC:
Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)
Martin McCormack | Spotify

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Martin McCormack - YouTube

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Early childhood and special needs students take a lot of patience, love and creativity to help. However, the people who help such students in Chicago are not well paid and predominantly female. Martin talks to Early Childhood Development teacher Robert Smith about the challenges and rewards of the profession.

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We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:

SUPPORT THE SHOW:
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MARTIN'S WEBSITE:
http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM
(note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)

MARTIN'S MUSIC:
Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)
Martin McCormack | Spotify

MARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Martin McCormack - YouTube

FACEBOOK
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Support the Show.

We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:

SUPPORT THE SHOW:
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MARTIN'S WEBSITE:
http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM
(note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)

MARTIN'S MUSIC:
Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)
Martin McCormack | Spotify

MARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Martin McCormack - YouTube

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It's not every day you meet a real live knight. But in the case of Marc Smith, the Chicago poet and founder of the artform called Poetry Slam, he is. He was knighted in a ceremony in France for creating the art form, which has taken off in Europe. He was also given the keys to the city of Tours as well. But none of that fazes Smith. His midwestern roots and working-class ethic was the basis of not only his poetry, the creation of the slam, but also is a how he has lived his life. He is now hosting "Thru the Mill" a podcast that follows the origins in Chicago's Get Me High Lounge through the international phenomenon it has become.

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SUPPORT THE SHOW:
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(note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)

MARTIN'S MUSIC:
Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)
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Singer-Songwriter Jonas Friddle is also a teacher at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. Teaching not only banjo, but songwriting, Friddle discusses his technique for writing his songs. He also talks about the Chicago musical scene and his own ways of adjusting and surviving in today's frenetic musical business world. His advice for aspiring musicians is well worth listening to. An all-around grounded human being, Friddle is a pleasure to hear both playing his music and discussing his philosophy of art.
His website is www.jonasfriddle.com.

Friddle was raised in the mountains of North Carolina and learned to play guitar on a yard sale Harmony six string. He was already writing songs by the time he got to Kentucky at age eighteen. There, the bluegrass pickin’ and old-time dances turned him on to the power and joy of traditional folk music. He added a mandolin, fiddle and banjo to his arsenal and got a job slapping bass with the college bluegrass band. After serving his time in higher education, he spent a year traveling around the world playing music in pubs and living rooms. In 2007 Jonas landed in Chicago, started the Barehand Jugband, the Sleepy Lou Old-Time duo and began teaching at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Since then he has released multiple studio albums under his own name and with the folk supergroup “The Majority.” During that time his music has won multiple awards and been featured online at American Songwriter, Huffington Post and Paste.

Recent years have brought Friddle’s focus back to songwriting and with the release of his latest album “The Last Place to Go” he puts out his best songs yet. A collection of sung stories backed by the sound of drums, fiddle, dobro, electric guitar, bass, organ and trumpet.

Support the Show.

We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:

SUPPORT THE SHOW:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaK

MARTIN'S WEBSITE:
http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM
(note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)

MARTIN'S MUSIC:
Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)
Martin McCormack | Spotify

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Jonas Friddle is a singer, songwriter and Old-Time banjo player whose songs have received The John Lennon Songwriting Award, First Place in the Great American Song Contest and a nomination for Album of the Year in the Independent Music Awards. His tunes bear the marks of a musician who has done his time in pub sessions and square dance halls, and his writing is full of imagery, honesty and humor. His website is www.jonasfriddle.com.

Friddle was raised in the mountains of North Carolina and learned to play guitar on a yard sale Harmony six string. He was already writing songs by the time he got to Kentucky at age eighteen. There, the bluegrass pickin’ and old-time dances turned him on to the power and joy of traditional folk music. He added a mandolin, fiddle and banjo to his arsenal and got a job slapping bass with the college bluegrass band. After serving his time in higher education, he spent a year traveling around the world playing music in pubs and living rooms. In 2007 Jonas landed in Chicago, started the Barehand Jugband, the Sleepy Lou Old-Time duo and began teaching at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Since then he has released multiple studio albums under his own name and with the folk supergroup “The Majority.” During that time his music has won multiple awards and been featured online at American Songwriter, Huffington Post and Paste.

Recent years have brought Friddle’s focus back to songwriting and with the release of his latest album “The Last Place to Go” he puts out his best songs yet. A collection of sung stories backed by the sound of drums, fiddle, dobro, electric guitar, bass, organ and trumpet.

“[Friddle] deftly explores just about every nook and cranny of modern folk, from revivalist antique appropriation to protest songs to modern love songs. The immaculate arrangements would sell it, if his lithe voice hadn’t already given it away. Amazing stuff.” - Independent Clauses

Support the Show.

We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:

SUPPORT THE SHOW:
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MARTIN'S WEBSITE:
http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM
(note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)

MARTIN'S MUSIC:
Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)
Martin McCormack | Spotify

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Martin and Robert Smith take a look at this world from the back yard in Chicago. Our regular mix of geopolitics, the political race here in America and how class inequality factors into immigration, taxes and pretty much everything.

We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:

SUPPORT THE SHOW:
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MARTIN'S WEBSITE:
http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM
(note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)

MARTIN'S MUSIC:
Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)
Martin McCormack | Spotify

MARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Martin McCormack - YouTube

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Support the Show.

We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:

SUPPORT THE SHOW:
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MARTIN'S WEBSITE:
http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM
(note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)

MARTIN'S MUSIC:
Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)
Martin McCormack | Spotify

MARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Martin McCormack - YouTube

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Martin interviews his daughter Aine about her piano accomplishment in winning second place in the Illinois Music Association competition for piano. Already composing songs, it's interesting to hear ten-year-old's thoughts about competition, rehearsal and composition of original scores.

Support the Show.

We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:

SUPPORT THE SHOW:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaK

MARTIN'S WEBSITE:
http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM
(note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)

MARTIN'S MUSIC:
Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)
Martin McCormack | Spotify

MARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Martin McCormack - YouTube

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