The Riffs, Beards & Gear Podcast

Kirk Windstein of Crowbar and DOWN joins us to talk tone, gear, and being willing to try whatever gets him the sound he wants. We get into using Kemper and Quad Cortex rigs in place of real amps when the situation calls for it, active versus passive pickups, tuning down, and old Charvel guitars.

From his approach to digital gear to the instruments that have stuck with him, there’s plenty here for anyone who loves heavy riffs and talking gear.

This week, we go behind the scenes of making The History of High Gain, share the travel nightmare that was getting to and from Sweetwater to make it happen, and celebrate a new guitar day for Fluff.

From high-gain history to travel chaos and fresh gear, there’s plenty to catch up on.

What’s your worst travel horror story—and what guitar did you pick up most recently? Let us know in the comments!

On this episode, we dig into SixStringTV getting cancelled, take the Darkglass Anagram on tour and talk all things Zakk Wylde. Plus, what’s it like jamming with powerhouse drummer Kenny Aronoff? Guitar talk, gear deep dives, and stories from the jam—you’re in the right place.

As always, expect plenty of guitar talk, industry stories, questionable opinions, and a few laughs along the way.

This week on the podcast, Mike and I talk about the gear we’re currently GASing for, whether big social media numbers actually translate to people showing up to your shows, and some of the absolute nightmare tours we’ve experienced over the years. Gear lust, life on the road, and the sometimes very weird reality of being in a band.

As always, expect plenty of guitar talk, industry stories, questionable opinions, and a few laughs along the way.

This week on the podcast, Mike and I dig into the recent D’Addario AI disaster, talk about why seemingly EVERYTHING in the guitar world has gotten so expensive, and ask an important question: if Mike could design his own signature guitar from scratch, what would it actually look like? AI controversy, gear prices, dream guitars and plenty of questionable opinions along the way.

As always, expect plenty of guitar talk, industry stories, questionable opinions, and a few laughs along the way.

Bobby Landgraf joins the Riffs, Beards & Gear Podcast!

As the newest member and bassist of Corrosion of Conformity—and a former guitarist for DOWN—Bobby shares stories from his life in music, including hauling heavy Marshall amps around as a kid, developing his incredible ability to learn songs quickly, and making his first album with Corrosion of Conformity.

We also dive into his musical journey, the experiences that shaped him as a player, life on the road, and much more.

If you love heavy riffs, great gear, and honest conversations with the musicians behind the music, don’t miss this episode!

Like, subscribe, and let us know your favorite moment in the comments.

This week Mike and I dive into what touring is really like—the good, the bad, and the parts nobody tells you about. We also talk about some of our favorite new guitars, share our stories of meeting Steve Vai, swap a few memorable NAMM stories, discuss Fender’s recent cease-and-desist controversy, and answer the age-old question: does the name on the headstock actually matter?

As always, expect plenty of guitar talk, industry stories, questionable opinions, and a few laughs along the way.

In this episode of the Riffs, Beards & Gear Podcast Mike and Fluff discuss just how great inexpensive gear has become in the last 30 years, gear purchase regrets and what is in our Reverb feeds!

In this episode of Riffs, Beards & Gear, we sit down with Frank Gross, the mastermind behind Seattle’s premier guitar destination, Thunder Road Guitars.

We dive deep into Frank's journey, starting from his early days playing in the band On The Last Day, all the way through the hustle of launching a business selling guitars out of his bedroom. Frank shares the incredible story of how that humble beginning evolved into the massive, world-renowned success that is Thunder Road Guitars today.

Whether you're a gearhead, an entrepreneur, or just love a great success story, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

This week on the Riffs, Beards & Gear Podcast, Fluff and Mike sit down with comedian, musician, writer, actor, and all-around professional troublemaker Dave Hill.

Known for his unique blend of stand-up comedy, guitar obsession, and rock-and-roll storytelling, Dave has built a career that defies categorization. From touring comedy clubs around the world to fronting bands, writing books, hosting podcasts, and appearing on shows like Inside Amy Schumer and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Dave has somehow managed to turn being hilariously unconventional into an art form.

The Riffs, Beards & Gear Podcast welcomes the master of the double-neck, Kristian Dunn! Dive into the hypnotic world of El Ten Eleven as Kristian talks looping wizardry, bass-playing as a lead instrument, and the gear that fuels his signature sound.

He’s the mastermind behind some of the most crushing riffs in modern metal. This week, we’re joined by the incredible Josh Middleton of Sylosis and Architects. We dive deep into his approach to songwriting, the evolution of his signature tone, and when to dip your midrange!

Join Fluff and Mike on this, the third episode of the Riffs, Beards & Gear podcast! In this episode they talk about the gear that got away, Fluff's relationship with Mesa Boogie and the best deals they have ever got on a gear purchase.

On this episode of the Riffs, Beards & Gear podcast Fluff and Mike sit down with Pat Sheridan and Tim Howley from Fit For An Autopsy to chat guitars, touring, tattoos, digital modelers vs real amps and more!

On this debut episode of the Riffs, Beards & Gear podcast Fluff & Mike tell you what you can expect on future episodes, and just who is Mike Squires anyways?