A Pickle Home Companion

A Pickle Home Companion is a heartfelt show featuring offbeat stories, unexpected interviews, conversations about music, and everyday life with “The Squids” (Kevin, Jared, Pete, & Brock) Each episode invites listeners into a space of reflection, curiosity, and connection—with a touch of humor and humanity. It's a place for the creatively restless and quietly weird, blending heart, humor, and appreciation for things in life. Each episode is like sitting on a porch with good company and stranger conversation. Come for the storytelling, stay for the tangents. Whether you’re tuning in on a walk, a drive, or a slow morning, you’re welcome here. Call or text “The Squid Hotline” at 1-985-28-SQUID!

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Episodes

• 61 - The Superheroes I Care About (With Rocky Paterra)

  Friday, June 20, 2025

  1 hour 44 minutes

  This week The Squids welcome comedian/actor Rocky Paterra as they discuss a variety of topics like Amish Country, Sight & Sound, viral videos, VeggieTales, the grind to follow your dreams, recording a live episode, karaoke, and more! Kevin attempts to fill in for Brock by asking questions, but is interrupted. It's all the usual chaos and fun you've come to expect here on A Pickle Home Companion!

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• 60 - The Love Is In The Latency (With Leanor Ortega Till - Five Iron Frenzy)

  Friday, June 13, 2025

  1 hour 31 minutes

  It's an exciting week here in Lake Skabegon loaded with lady energy! The Squids are joined by Leanor from the bands Five Iron Frenzy and The Fast Feeling to talk about music, post office boxes, clothing, a podcast multiverse, Switchfoot, upcoming Five Iron shows, and more. Megan, Tammi, Missy, and Sarah all join in on the fun. Five Iron Frenzy The Fast Feeling Learn about Leanor's Prison Ministry

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• 59 - 50 Ways To Leave This Podcast

  Sunday, June 8, 2025

  1 hour 35 minutes

  This special guest filled episode was recorded at the end of Episode 50 after we wrapped things up with Jason. In true APHC fashion, chaos reigns. Jared discovers a soundboard, Pete was a celebrity at a Switchfoot show, they visit the MuteMath corner, Brock jumps in with Amish facts, Todd wanders the woods at night with a chainsaw, Scott keeps trying to leave and fails miserably. Caleb joins in, Kevin & Pete talk about "Record store guy", naturally there's Extreme Days and Carman nonsense. Somehow Power Team comes up, and Sarah joins in as they talk about introducing significant others to F...

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• 58 - This Is My Ticket Out Of Here (With Jon Dunn - Demon Hunter)

  Friday, June 6, 2025

  1 hour 60 minutes

  This week The Squids chat with fellow Tooth & Nail kid Jon Dunn. Jon talks about his time working in the mailroom at the label as well as becoming an A&R guy and legal rep for the label he loved.  He tells stories about Weird Al, The Tooth & Nail Tour, Emery, mewithoutYou, his band Demon Hunter, his new job at Belief Agency. He also helps the hosts with their own vices in another exciting round of "Squid Games" (we are pretty sure nobody has taken that name yet). Demon Hunter Belief Agency

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• 57 - It's Ethical When You Steal Back Stolen Property (With Justin Greiman - Phimore)

  Friday, May 30, 2025

  2 hours 38 minutes

  This week special fill in Squid Josh Lollis fills in for Kevin. Jared talks about smoke detectors and the guys sing birthday songs to Joe. Justin Greiman from the band Philmore joins the show to talk about his days in the music business, signing with Five Minute Walk, finding things on eBay, the band The Ivy League, listens to voicemails, plays some games, and learns how much Brock likes corn. Greiman Photography Philmore (YouTube)

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• 56 - Pickle Everything. Just Try It. (With Josh Kemble - Dogwood)

  Friday, May 23, 2025

  1 hour 54 minutes

  Ahoy there Pickle Soldiers! This week Pete’s on a boat! The Squids listen to voicemail and are joined by the punk rock chef Josh Kemble (Dogwood & Saint Didacus). They talk Toledo, Furnace Fest, French tacos, FAMILY? Cast, pickles, and more! Dogwood Saint Didacus FAMILY? Cast

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• 55 - Sometimes Disgust and Respect Look Alike (With Jeff Fortson - Squad Five-O)

  Tuesday, May 20, 2025

  39 minutes

  Surprise! It's a bonus encore episode as we gear up for the Squad Five-O documentary release party/screening/concert! Pete goes on a rant, a surprise guest appears, they talk to-go cups, field trips, slang, and more! Squad Five-O Is Here To Stay Documentary Squad Five-O Bandcamp Squad Five-O Spotify Squad Five-O Apple Music #squadfiveo 

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• 54 - Squid Five-O

  Sunday, May 18, 2025

  49 minutes

  In today's bonus episode, The Squids kick it off with a very special voicemail before rolling into the start of the show. The Squids kill time waiting for their guest to arrive. They touch on live albums, Brock's odd copy of Extreme Days, Kevin tries to makes sense of a list of topics he wrote down 4 months ago, and Jared asks the robots about the podcast.

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• 53 - Live Free Or D.I.Y. (With Dana Bollen - Two Week Notice Podcast)

  Friday, May 16, 2025

  2 hours 3 minutes

  Jared and Kevin are joined by Adam from the band Wantlands for a fun conversation with Dana Fuggin' Bollen of the Two Week Notice podcast. You may have seen him grace the stage with Piebald where he rocks the cowbell, or perhaps slinging merch at a show with a number of bands. He is here to talk about his new project Live Free or D.I.Y.  Great dude, great conversations. Two Week Notice: Spotify Apple Podcasts Instagram Live Free Or D.I.Y. Wantlands

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• 52 - Is Laughter The Right Response? (With Mobb Boss & Casting Shadows)

  Friday, May 9, 2025

  1 hour 33 minutes

  This week's episode is one we recorded a while back with members of the bands Mob Boss and Casting Shadows. They discuss what makes Furnace Fest such a memorable experience, music selections for Ert's paddleboard challenge, take a dip in the MuteMath corner, and Pete talks about his adventure at an Eisley show. #FurnaceFest

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• 51 - The Venn Diagram of Pocket Vinyl and Lobster-Fest (With Eric Stevenson)

  Friday, May 2, 2025

  2 hours 13 minutes

  This week The Squids listen to some voicemails and sit down for a conversation with Eric Stevenson of the multi-media band Pocket Vinyl. They touch on the history of the band, having a painter as a band member, puns, stickers, Lobster Fest, concerts at planetariums, get vulnerable, and have some really bizarre conversations. So basically just another fun day here in Lake Skabegon. Pocket Vinyl Bandcamp The Touring Test #pocketvinyl #squidkids #touringtest #podcastdrop

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• 50 - They Never Said You Had To Be Part Of Just One Cult (With Jason Kirk)

  Friday, April 25, 2025

  2 hours 23 minutes

  This week The Squids reach a podcasting milestone! They quickly recap their road trip to Pennsylvania to see Huntingtons & Ghoti Hook before checking some voicemails. Then they sit down for a very fun discussion with Jason Kirk, the author of the book Hell Is A World Without You, senior editor at The Athletic, co-host of the Shutdown Fullcast and Vacation Bible School Podcast. Jason Kirk #hellisaworldwithoutyou #jasonkirk #ShutdownFullcast  

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• 49 - Bitch Do You Not Understand Podcasts? (With Kylan Savage)

  Friday, April 18, 2025

  2 hours 11 minutes

  This week The Squids play a game of "Where is Brock?" and welcome Kylan Savage from Church Jams Now to what may be the most unhinged episode yet. They have lots of laughs, talk about rebranding the podcast, take a phone call on air, talk movie soundtracks, try and fail at naming a mysterious song, discover Broccoli Jesus, play some games, talk Copeland, spin the wheel of topics, and so much more. Kylan Savage on Twitter: @savagekylan Church Jams Now: @churchjamsnow (on all platforms)

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• 48 - Mumford And The Technicolor Dreamcoat

  Friday, April 11, 2025

  1 hour 25 minutes

  This week Brock is gallivanting across Washington, The Squids attempt math, discuss their respective historic neighborhoods, seltzers, Jared's new diet, a public service, new music releases, playing in traffic, fact check the Pickle & Boot Shoppe for old times sake, mall culture, and read off the names of their Patreon members.

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• 47 - This Isn't Milk In A Bag. This Is Gasoline (With Mike Holt)

  Friday, April 4, 2025

  1 hour 45 minutes

  The Squids prep for their road trip to Pennsylvania for the Huntingtons & Ghoti Hook show at Phantom Power by chatting with Mike Holt (Huntingtons). They tell band stories, talk TomFest, rental car adventures, finding a good work/life balance, pricey cassettes, touring Europe, invent a new March Madness bracket, going to concerts with parents, play a game, Pete's apology tour, and much more.  Huntingtons: Bandcamp Phantom Power

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• 46 - A Bathtub of Evian (With Robert Gay)

  Friday, March 28, 2025

  1 hour 45 minutes

  This week The Squids continue their conversation with Robert Gay in a more traditional (for this show) episode. Jokes are made, references to previous episodes happen, and they chat about Robert's life in Nashville and New York, becoming involved in music at a young age, playing Furnace Fest, an obligatory stop in the MuteMath corner, they play a quick game, spin the Wheel of Topics, and go over some hotel do's and don'ts. RobertGayMusic.com Follow Robert of Social Media: @robertmgay Listen to Robert Gay & The Alarms wherever you stream music! This episode of A Pickle Home Companion is dedi...

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• 45 - Rippin' Cigs & Throwing Strikes (With Robert Gay)

  Friday, March 21, 2025

  1 hour 12 minutes

  This week The Squids are joined by Squid Spouse Tammi and special guest Robert Gay as they tackle the voicemails that listeners have left as well as go on tangents of their own. They discuss their first mosh pit experiences, come up with ideas for new podcasts, discuss their favorite and least favorite CCM songs of the late 90s, parenting fails, and more. RobertGayMusic.com Follow Robert of Social Media: @robertmgay Listen to Robert Gay & The Alarms wherever you stream music!

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• 44 - This Is Bad For Your Health (Untold Stories 6)

  Friday, March 14, 2025

  56 minutes

  In this week's episode we revisit Untold Stories from previous episodes. Topics include Jared's adventures in student teaching, making un-romantic holidays special, driving stories, and the Wheel Of Topics makes it's return leading to some embarrassing stories.

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• 43 - Is It A Tangent If You Never Get To The Main Point? (With Pip Dolyn)

  Friday, March 7, 2025

  1 hour 40 minutes

  Happy Failure Puddle Friday! The Squids kick off this episode by having Missy & Sarah join for another exciting segment of "What's In Pete's Mail?".  Then they welcome queer and trans author Pip Dolyn on to the podcast with open arms.  They discuss a wide variety of topics like IKEA, Wegmans, Tim Tebow, D&D, and dive into the book making process, inspirations, and sending playlists as a love language. Pre-order The Dandelion & The Thistle The Dandelion & The Thistle playlists

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• 42 - Do Better Google (With Jeremy Alan Gould)

  Sunday, March 2, 2025

  45 minutes

  In today's Second Part Sunday episode, The Squids wrap up their conversation with Jeremy Alan Gould and dive into some voicemails. They discuss community appreciation, what got them into comedy as kids, and talk more about the 7 Nips of the Apocalypse episode of the Pickle & Boot Shoppe podcast.

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• 41 - You're So Vegan, You Probably Think This Podcast Is About You (With Jeremy Alan Gould)

  Friday, February 28, 2025

  2 hours 15 minutes

  Jeremy Alan Gould (Rumors Are True Podcast) makes his triumphant return to Lake Skabegon! This week's topics include "Clipping", recognizing a listener in public, a fact check about The Prodigal Sign, games, and more. Then they are joined by Jason from Unoriginal Vinyl to talk about public speaking, the Tooth & Nail box set, and the ill advised Pickle & Boot Shoppe "7 Nips of the Apocalypse". The Rumors Are True podcast with Jeremy Alan Gould Unoriginal Vinyl on Instagram Unoriginal Vinyl on Facebook Unoriginal Vinyl on Discogs Call the Squid-Line at 985-28-SQUID (985-287-7843)

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• 40 - The Ultimate Participation Trophy (With Caleb The Spy - Album Anniversary Podcast)

  Friday, February 21, 2025

  2 hours 7 minutes

  This week The Squids welcome special guest Caleb The Spy from the Album Anniversary Podcast. They discuss Patreon, listen to voicemails, get distracted, talk Switchfoot, go off topic, Kevin talks about meeting a major league baseball player as a kid, and they eventually get back to answering the question.  They play a round of games and their guest surprises them with a secret game that he had been playing. Album Anniversary Podcast on Patreon

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• 39 - Please Subscribe To Our Lonely Fans (With Joe Yerke & THE Heidi Emery)

  Friday, February 14, 2025

  1 hour 55 minutes

  It's Valentines Day! So The Squids check voicemails, talk Dad-core, recap the recent Five Iron Frenzy show.  They invite Joe Yerke (Insyderz) & THE Heidi Emery for a lovely discussion with exciting topics like the anatomy of chickens, starting a podcast stage at Furnace Fest, overthinking answers, the benefits of hidden tracks and steak and cheese. Then they make Heidi choose the best love poem for Joe. Pickle & Boot Shoppe Diabolical Discussion Group https://www.patreon.com/c/pickleandbootshop/posts

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• 38 - Punch Me In The Throat With Bubbles (With Jeff Bettger - 90 Lb. Wuss)

  Friday, February 7, 2025

  2 hours 40 minutes

  This week The Squids discuss the benefits of the Dad-core music scene, check some voicemail, and sit down with Jeff Bettger from the bands Ninety Pound Wuss, Suffering & The Hideous Thieves, DRYBNZ, and Raft of Dead Monkeys. They talk about life in the northwest, Furnace Fest, music, vegan punk bars, and what the future of Ninety Pound Wuss looks like.  Ninety Pound Wuss: Facebook & Instagram DRYBNZ  

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• 37 - The Squad Five Oh No Club (With Caleb Jackson)

  Friday, January 31, 2025

  2 hours 15 minutes

  This week The Squids welcome Caleb Jackson, the director, editor, and producer of the documentary Squad Five-O Is Here To Stay to town.  They discuss being bad with names, Furnace Fest (naturally), Spring Break, Unoriginal Vinyl, finding new music, movies, play and some games. Kevin also continues pushing for Squad Five-O to return to Furnace Fest to record a live album play of Bombs Over Broadway. Caleb Jackson on Instagram  

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• 36 - I Pissed Off The Band That Means The Most To Me (With Matt Kelly - Christian Cringe)

  Sunday, January 26, 2025

  56 minutes

  In this episode, The Squids check some voicemails, a caller writes a theme song for the show, and then they continue with part two of their episode with Matt Kelly. They talk about "finding your people", the Reply All podcast, the peer pressure to evangelize as a kid, interviewing Five Iron Frenzy, and discuss Matt's goals for Five Iron February on the Christian Cringe podcast. Christian Cringe: (Apple podcasts) (Spotify) Weird Al-Gorithm Podcast One Hit Thunder: (Apple podcasts) (Spotify) GeekscapeTV on YouTube & Christian Cringe Exodus Playthrough #geekscapetv #christiancringe  

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• 35 - You Had Me At Raft Of Dead Monkeys (With Matt Kelly - Christian Cringe)

  Friday, January 24, 2025

  2 hours 7 minutes

  This week The Squids are joined by Matt Kelly from GeekscapeTV, One Hit Thunder, Weird Al-Gorithm, Christian Cringe, & more! They talk about his various podcasts, Christian music, Weird Ass Movie Night, DC Talk, ska music, lurking on message boards, play some games, and have a lot of laughs. Christian Cringe: (Apple podcasts) (Spotify) Weird Al-Gorithm Podcast One Hit Thunder: (Apple podcasts) (Spotify) GeekscapeTV on YouTube & Christian Cringe Exodus Playthrough #geekscapetv #christiancringe  

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• 34 - Jefecito Is Always Up To No Good (With Jeff Fortson - Squad Five-O)

  Sunday, January 19, 2025

  39 minutes

  In this episode The Squids continue their conversation with Jeff Fortson of Squad Five-O. They talk about taking Brock Dittus to Furnace Fest, the mindset of A Pickle Home Companion. Jeff touches on what it was like trying to make teaching class online in the pandemic interesting as well as why Jaws is a Christmas movie in his house. Squad Five-O Is Here To Stay Documentary Squad Five-O Bandcamp Squad Five-O Spotify Squad Five-O Apple Music #squadfiveo #rifftrax

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• 33 - I Didn't Ask To Be The Fun Parent. (With Jeff Fortson - Squad Five-O)

  Friday, January 17, 2025

  2 hours 26 minutes

  This week The Squids talk about Brock's goal for 2025 and Non-Alcoholic beers. The Angry Roofer leaves another voice mail, and they welcome El Jefe, Jeff Fortson of Squad Five-O to town.  They talk about his adventures as a teacher, a parent, prankster, and a dynamic front man as well as opinions on state flags. As usual there is the obligatory Furnace Fest reference as Jared recounts the time he and Jeff shared a moment in Birmingham together. Squad Five-O Is Here To Stay Documentary Squad Five-O Bandcamp Squad Five-O Spotify Squad Five-O Apple Music #squadfiveo #beverly #funwithflags

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• 32 - It's A Pyra-Squid Scheme (Untold Stories 5)

  Friday, January 10, 2025

  51 minutes

  In this week's Untold Stories, The Squids talk about the band Apologetix, Brock and Jared discuss Derek Webb, Brock gets recognized in public (again), Pete is a good person, and more. #BrockDittus #DerekWebb

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More episodes...