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DRUM with Mike & Eddy

Music Podcasts

DRUM with Mike & Eddy aims to bring drummers together and give them weekly updates and banter about the wonderful world of drumming. Each week professional drummers Mike Johnston and Eddy Thrower will discus how topics such as motivation, practice habits, routine, health & fitness, and many more have an effect on your drumming. Obviously this podcast is for drummers, but in all honesty it's for anyone that wants to improve at their craft!

Location:

United States

Description:

DRUM with Mike & Eddy aims to bring drummers together and give them weekly updates and banter about the wonderful world of drumming. Each week professional drummers Mike Johnston and Eddy Thrower will discus how topics such as motivation, practice habits, routine, health & fitness, and many more have an effect on your drumming. Obviously this podcast is for drummers, but in all honesty it's for anyone that wants to improve at their craft!

Language:

English


Episodes
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How We Got...

4/24/2024
Please Support this Podcast and become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy It's story time, kids, so grab some gram crackers and a glass of oat milk and settle in to hear the tales of how Eddy became the drummer of Busted and how I became a part of the Meinl family of artists! - Mike J Support the show

Duration:00:49:40

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Finding The Line

4/16/2024
Join The Practice Project https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy We dive straight into this one! First off we chat about our current feelings towards social media and the impact it has on their creativity and motivation. We talk about experiencing boredom and numbness with platforms like Instagram and Twitter, and the pressure to create content that stands out. We discuss their recent experiences performing and the challenges of finding the line between inspiration and overwhelming information. Then we touch on the need for teachers to check in with students and tailor their approach to each individual. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the why behind practicing and the musical payoff of exercises. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Excitement 06:01 Break from Social Media and Enjoying Books 12:02 The Simplicity and Timelessness of the Basic Rock Beat 16:00 The Excitement of Trendy and Unique Items 28:34 Finding the Line: Balancing Inspiration and Overwhelming Information 36:29 Understanding Individual Goals: Tailoring Teaching Approaches 39:53 Social Media and the What vs. the Why Support the show

Duration:00:44:34

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Muffling Your Drums

4/1/2024
Join The Practice Project https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy Get Tickets to see Simon Says at The Whisky We hope you enjoy this fun chat about our favorite YouTube videos, crazy tour stories, and all the insane ways we have muffled our drums over the years! Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:06 Reflecting on Past Band Experiences 06:21 The Challenges of Touring 09:22 The Bond of Shared Experiences 13:06 The Roller Coaster of Being in a Band 16:07 Favorite YouTube Videos 23:17 The Importance of Skills over Gear 24:20 The Evolution of Drum Muffling 25:58 Introduction to Muffling 27:02 Early Experiences with Muffling 28:13 Different Types of Muffling 30:23 Muffling in Live Settings 32:19 Muffling in the Studio 33:25 The Impact of Room Acoustics 35:42 The Aesthetics of Muffling 38:53 The Kicker Pillow for Kick Drums 42:09 Muffling the Snare Drum 44:23 Muffling for Different Playing Styles 46:45 Consistency in Muffling 48:34 See ya Next Time Support the show

Duration:00:48:20

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M.D. at Wembley & First Show in 20 Years

3/26/2024
Join The Practice Project https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy I think the title says it all for this one. What a WEEK! We hope you enjoy the episode :) - Mike & Eddy Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Stretching 01:46 Catching Up and Reflection 03:00 The Practice Project 04:35 The Process of Musical Directing 08:17 Home Renovations and Contractor Woes 09:53 Mike's New Drum Clinic Material 11:46 The Practice Project as a Learning Tool 13:36 Finding Your Musical Identity 18:16 Building Backing Tracks 20:59 The Role of Cues in Backing Tracks 23:26 The Pride and Anxiety of Musical Directing 24:48 Behind the Scenes at the Super Bowl 25:10 Responsibility for Playback 25:39 Creating Intros and Moments 26:14 The Emotional Impact of Performances 27:24 Synchronicity in Productivity 28:28 Reuniting with a Band After Years Apart 29:21 The Challenges of the Music Industry 30:17 Improving as a Band Over Time 31:15 The Influence of Eddy's Voice Notes 32:11 Preparing for the Show at Goldfield 33:40 The Excitement of a Sold-Out Show 34:37 Technical Challenges and Drumming Maturity 35:17 The Intensity of Performing Live 36:46 The Importance of a Professional Tech 37:13 Playing for Themselves, Not the Audience 37:43 Injuries and Adrenaline 38:22 The Impact on the Audience 39:07 Capturing Footage and Enjoying the Moment 40:18 Appreciating the Past and Looking to the Future 43:05 Eddy's Role as an MD and Session Player 44:21 The Work Ethic of Being in a Band 45:02 Appreciating the Journey and the Ups and Downs 46:29 Enjoying Moments as an Older Musician 47:12 The Importance of Experience in Education 48:43 Wrapping Up and Thanking Listeners Support the show

Duration:00:50:11

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3 Tips For Private Lessons

3/19/2024
Join The Practice Project https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy In this episode, we discuss the importance of time management and the effective structuring of drum lessons. We emphasize the need to understand and teach according to the student's learning style. We also highlight the value of practicing as a teacher to understand your student's experience better. We encourage all drum teachers to take lessons themselves to improve their teaching skills. Asking questions, being flexible in lesson planning, and creating a fun learning environment are other key takeaways from the conversation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Gym Accountability 03:01 Practicing and Enjoyable Drumming 06:10 Changing Approach in Social Media 09:04 Benefits of Practicing 11:04 Finding Personality in Drumming 15:03 Preparing for UK Drum Show 21:02 Teaching Private Lessons: Structuring 23:04 Teaching Private Lessons: Building Relationships 24:57 Teaching Private Lessons: Effective Communication 25:21 Time Management 27:00 Structuring a 30-Minute Lesson 30:18 Teaching According to Learning Style 32:01 Practicing as a Teacher 36:26 Taking Lessons as a Student 41:42 Asking Questions 44:07 Flexibility in Lesson Planning 46:05 Value of Practicing 48:37 Being a Bad Student Support the show

Duration:00:48:31

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3 Tips for Recording

3/11/2024
Join The Practice Project https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy In this week's episode, we chat about various tips and strategies for recording drums in the studio. If you know us, then you know we had no shot of sticking to just three tips, so here are the tips we actually did discuss... Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:33 Feeling Unprepared 07:04 Taking Time Off to Clear Your Head 12:17 Working with Other Drummers 14:07 Preparing for Studio Recording 21:15 Being Flexible and Adaptable in the Studio 24:26 Overcoming Distractions and Challenges 25:02 Adjusting Click Track and Drum Levels 26:26 Communicating Preferences to the Producer 27:42 Having Confidence in Your Preferences 28:51 Knowing the Song Structure and Arrangement 29:22 Simplifying Drum Fills 30:27 Playing for the Song 31:11 Being Prepared to Play the Song Without Music 32:20 Prioritizing Good Cymbals Over Good Drums 35:33 The Importance of Tuning Drums 39:15 The Impact of Drum and Cymbal Choices 40:09 Joining the Practice Project Support the show

Duration:00:43:05

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Online Vs. In-Person Lessons

2/27/2024
Virtual Camp 3 - Rudiments (click here for more info) Join The Practice Project https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy Summary In this conversation, Mike and Eddy discuss the challenges and rewards of teaching in-person and through video. They share their experiences of finding their feet as teachers and the importance of continually refining their teaching methods. They also discuss the struggle of being themselves on camera and the ongoing process of improving their video content. They emphasize the importance of enjoying teaching and finding a format that works for them. They also highlight the benefits of the Practice Project and the value of accountability in practicing. Takeaways Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Behind the Scenes 02:55 Teaching in Person vs Teaching Online 05:54 Challenges of Teaching Online 11:04 Preparing for One-on-One Lessons 14:56 Nerves and Imposter Syndrome 20:00 Understanding the Online Learning Experience 22:07 Finding Your Feet in In-Person Teaching 23:10 The Challenge of Overdelivering in the Beginning 24:11 Continual Refinement as a Teacher 25:14 The Struggle of Being Yourself on Camera 26:20 The Ongoing Process of Filming Videos 27:31 Becoming Comfortable with In-Person Teaching 29:33 The Impact of Teaching in Different Settings 30:02 Being Socially Comfortable in One-on-One Teaching 31:25 The Importance of Enjoying Teaching 32:43 Consistency in Making Videos 33:10 The Process of Making Videos 34:56 The Value of Having a Format 36:37 The Importance of Naming the Format 40:26 The Benefits of Having a Format 42:08 The Practice Project and Accountability 46:45 The Value of the Practice Project Support the show

Duration:00:48:52

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Why We Practice

2/19/2024
Sign Up for - Virtual Drum Camp 3 - Rudiments (click here for more info) Support this podcast and become a member of The Practice Project. https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy In this conversation, we discuss the importance of practice and the reasons why we continue to practice. They emphasize the need for consistency and finding the right time to practice. We discuss the importance of seeing progression in our drumming through dedicated and focused practice. We also chat about how the Practice Project has completely changed the way we approach practice and how much improvement we have both seen in just a week's time! Takeaways Consistency is key in practice to see improvement and maintain skills. Having a clear why for practicing helps to stay motivated and focused. Avoiding embarrassment and being proud of your drumming skills can be a driving force in practice. Finding the right time to practice, free from distractions, can enhance focus and productivity. Clarity and musical independence are important aspects to work on in practice sessions. Seeing progression in practice is important for motivation and satisfaction. Finding the why behind your practice helps to stay motivated and focused. Accountability and motivation from others can greatly enhance the practice experience. Plateaus and setbacks are a normal part of the learning process and should be embraced. Tangible rewards and indulging in rational purchases can serve as motivation for practice. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 03:00 The Importance of Practice 08:00 The Benefits of Consistency 13:00 The Why of Practicing 18:00 Avoiding Embarrassment and Being Proud 24:00 Finding the Right Time to Practice 30:00 Focusing on Clarity and Musical Independence 33:00 Being Impressed with Your Own Drumming 34:39 Seeing Progression 35:28 The Practice Project 36:32 The Importance of Patience 37:22 Finding the Why 38:19 Accountability and Motivation 39:29 The Journey of Improvement 40:00 The Frustration of Plateaus 41:02 The Mental Aspect of Practice 42:09 The Excitement of Progress 43:29 The Podcast and Personal Growth 44:14 The Importance of Tangible Rewards 45:23 Indulging in Rational Purchases 46:12 Closing Remarks Support the show

Duration:00:45:27

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Mike & Eddy Order New Kits!

2/15/2024
Join The Practice Project https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy In this episode, we discuss our gear preferences and go shopping for new drum kits, but here's the catch. Eddy is doing it on the Gretsch website, and I am doing it on the Ludwig site! We also talk about the importance of practicing and the benefits of accountability. Takeaways Choosing the right gear is essential for drummers to achieve their desired sound and performance. Practicing regularly and having accountability can greatly improve drumming skills. Ludwig and Gretsch offer a wide range of drum kits and snare drums to suit different preferences and playing styles. Personal preferences, such as sound, size, and finish, play a significant role in selecting the right drum kit and snare drum. Gretsch drums have a unique feature called portholes, which allow the drum key to be stored inside the shell. When choosing a drum set, consider the sound and feel of the toms, as well as the overall aesthetic. Different bearing edges and shell materials can greatly impact the sound and versatility of a drum kit. DW hardware is DOPE! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Gear Discussion 10:38 The Practice Project 17:26 Choosing a Drum Kit - Ludwig 20:33 Choosing a Drum Kit - Gretsch 24:26 Choosing a Snare Drum - Ludwig 28:17 Choosing a Snare Drum - Gretsch 32:33 Gretsch Drums and Portholes 33:15 Black Copper Drum 33:58 Ludwig Legacy Maple Drum Set 34:56 Snare Drum Selection 35:28 Choosing Drum Kits 36:08 Bearing Edges and Shell Materials 38:12 Different Drum Sounds 38:52 Versatility of Maple Shells 39:29 DW Hardware 40:45 Recording the Drum Set 41:46 Social Media and Drumming 42:15 The Future of Bands 43:37 The Direction of Social Media 45:19 Balancing Shows and Online Content 46:21 Playing Shows and Filming Performances 47:00 Supporting the Podcast 47:32 Flexibility and Drumming 47:48 Signing Off 48:16 British Pronunciation Support the show

Duration:00:48:37

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Headspaces Pt. 1

2/5/2024
Please Support this Podcast and become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy In this episode, we discuss the importance of practice and introduce The Practice Project! We also do a deep dive into our different headspaces in various drumming contexts, including 1-1 lessons, drum camps, and live shows. We talk about the importance of structure and order in drum camps, allowing the camp to unfold naturally and creating an environment where campers can become their best version. We discuss the challenges of reading the room and balancing different personalities in a camp setting. The conversation then shifts to the headspace for shows, the difference between playing in front of other drummers, and the unique challenges of teaching in a one-to-one lesson. Takeaways Practice is essential for drummers to improve their skills and overcome challenges. The Practice Project is a new initiative for patrons to hold each other accountable and make progress in their drumming. The headspace of a practicing drummer can be influenced by distractions and the need to prioritize different aspects of drumming. One-to-one drum lessons require teachers to balance honesty and encouragement while providing solutions to students' challenges. Teaching multiple students can be challenging, but experience and preparation can help teachers provide effective instruction. Drum camps offer a unique teaching experience that requires instructors to create a positive and engaging environment for a group of drummers. Creating structure and order in drum camps can provide a sense of stability and allow for flexibility when needed. Allowing the camp to unfold naturally and embracing the unknown can lead to a more authentic and meaningful experience for campers. Reading the room and adapting to different personalities is crucial in creating a positive and supportive environment in drum camps. The headspace for shows is often more relaxed and confident compared to the headspace for one-to-one lessons or camps. Understanding and navigating drummers' different goals and aspirations in a camp setting can be challenging but rewarding. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Practice 03:30 The Practice Project for Patrons 10:25 The Head Space of a Practicing Drummer 16:56 The Head Space of a One-to-One Drum Lesson 26:06 The Head Space of Teaching Multiple Students 31:56 The Head Space of a Drum Camp 35:23 Headspace for Drum Camps 36:12 Allowing the Camp to Unfold 37:14 Creating the Best Version of Themselves 37:37 Structure and Order 39:15 Reading the Room 40:20 Balancing Different Personalities 41:00 Transitioning from Camps to Shows 42:23 Headspace for Shows 43:20 Playing in Front of Other Drummers 45:14 Different Headspace for Shows, Lessons, and Camps 46:08 Dealing with Potential Issues in Shows 48:00 Navigating Different Drummer Goals in Camps 49:48 Seriousness in Advanced Drummers 51:03 Headspace for YouTube Videos 52:16 Appreciation for Listener Support 53:01 Closing Remarks Support the show

Duration:00:53:32

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3 Tips for Drum Teachers

1/25/2024
Please Support this Podcast and become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy In this episode, we discuss our top three teaching tips for drummers, including the importance of walking the walk, asking questions, finding a niche, outlining lessons, and having confidence as a teacher. We also talk about building confidence, setting expectations, being relatable, and fostering a strong teacher-student relationship. Takeaways Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Transition Troubles 03:00 Perfection and Eye Infections 06:00 Tech Issues and Virtual Camp 09:00 Teaching Tips: Walk the Walk 12:00 Teaching Tips: Ask Questions 18:00 Teaching Tips: Find a Niche 22:00 Teaching Tips: Outline Your Lesson 27:00 Teaching Tips: Confidence is Key 34:30 Building Confidence as a Teacher 38:00 Setting Expectations 39:15 Being Relatable and Transparent 44:30 The Teacher-Student Relationship Support the show

Duration:00:48:42

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Paralyzed by Perfection

1/15/2024
Please Support this Podcast and become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy In this episode, Mike and Eddy engage in a Q&A session where they discuss various topics such as the best camera, documentary, exercise, and podcast of 2023. They also reflect on their biggest lessons, regrets, and favorite moments of the year. The conversation takes an interesting turn as they delve into the concept of being paralyzed by perfection and the importance of not comparing oneself to others. Overall, the episode provides insights into their personal experiences and highlights the need to embrace imperfections and take risks. In this conversation, Mike and Eddy discuss content creation challenges and the struggle with perfectionism. They share their experiences of feeling intimidated and the pressure to constantly improve. They emphasize the importance of focusing on the delivery of information and the main goals of their content. They also discuss the comparison trap and the need to overcome the fear of judgment. Finally, they share exciting news about a second drum kit, encouraging listeners to embrace the hard work and put their content into the world. Takeaways Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Q&A 07:43 Best Camera and Documentary of 2023 10:08 Biggest Lesson and Regret of 2023 10:32 Best Habit and Purchase of 2023 17:39 Best Food and Movie of 2023 19:38 Best Exercise on the Kit 21:05 Best Podcast of 2023 25:19 Paralyzed by Perfection 33:11 The Big Picture: Delivery of Information 34:12 Choosing Between Quality and Spontaneity 35:33 The Struggle with Perfectionism 36:26 The Intimidation of Creating Content 38:00 Wasting Time with Active Procrastination 39:41 The Gap Between Expectations and Reality 40:30 Comparing Ourselves to Great Artists 42:38 Judging Our Own Work Harshly 44:26 The Importance of Audience Perspective 45:35 Overcoming the Fear of Judgment 48:37 The Challenges of Content Creation 53:00 Embracing the Hard Work 56:11 Exciting News: Second Drum Kit 59:50 The Importance of Relationships in Endorsements 01:02:23 Moving Forward and Putting Content Out Please Support this Podcast and become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy Support the show

Duration:00:56:26

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What Makes a Good Drummer?

1/6/2024
Click here to sign up for Virtual Drum Camp 2 - Grooves Please Support this Podcast and become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy In this episode, we discuss the following categories of drumming... We chat about the musical situations where these subjects/disciplines are massively important and the situations where they aren't nearly as important. After that, we give each category a score of 1-10 based on how much effort we are personally devoting to them in 2024. We hope you enjoy the episode! - Mike & Eddy Support the show

Duration:01:06:15

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Overcrashing & The 4 Bar Itch

12/15/2023
To sign up or get more info about the DRUM with Mike & Eddy Virtual Camp, please email - mike@mikeslessons.com Please Support this Podcast and become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy In this episode, we talk about when to crash, when NOT to crash, and the 4 Bar Itch! Hopefully, the tips we give you in this episode will help you to become a more musical drummer. Thanks for listening - Mike & Eddy Support the show

Duration:00:47:05

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Can you feel a drum mix?

12/10/2023
Please Support this Podcast and become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy Do triggers, samples, plugins, and all the other bells and whistles that are used in modern drum mixes take away the feeling of the performance? Well, in this episode, we discuss our feelings on the matter, and they might be different than you would expect. - Mike & Eddy Support the show

Duration:00:48:16

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2023 Recap!

12/1/2023
Get more info about Virtual Camp 2 - Grooves https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-drum-camp-grooves-tickets-785169652567?aff=oddtdtcreator Please Support this Podcast and become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy A.I. wrote this. LOL... In this episode, Mike and Eddy celebrate a podcast milestone and discuss their favorite drumming memories of 2023. They also announce the upcoming virtual drum camp and share their proudest moments of the year. The conversation concludes with a discussion about big rock endings in live performances. They emphasize the importance of being present in the moment and enjoying the experiences without getting caught up in documenting everything. They also discuss their plans for the upcoming year, including content creation and deepening their connection with students. Eddy shares his plans for a new series called 'Fly on the Wall' on his Patreon page. Overall, they express gratitude for the support and look forward to the future. Takeaways Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Milestone 03:06 Gifts and Presents 08:56 Secret Santa and Gift Exchanges 12:15 Virtual Drum Camp Announcement 15:13 Recap of 2023 19:33 Favorite Drumming Memories 25:05 Proudest Moments of the Year 29:23 Appreciating Live Performances 30:02 Big Rock Endings 30:59 Excitement and Improvisation 32:28 Memorable Experiences 35:17 Being Present in the Moment 38:06 New Year's Resolutions and Reflections 41:01 Content Creation and Value 46:21 Deepening the Connection with Students 52:08 Eddy's Patreon Plans 54:14 Gratitude and Thank You Support the show

Duration:00:53:48

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Unique Playing Situations

11/29/2023
Support this Podcast and become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy Whether it's miming for a TV show, or playing to a crowd of 2 for a major label showcase, if you play this instrument long enough, you are definitely going to encounter some crazy playing situations. In this episode, we share a few of ours. Enjoy - Mike & Eddy Support the show

Duration:00:45:40

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It Takes Money to Make Money, Right?

11/13/2023
Support this Podcast and become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy We've all heard the saying, "It takes money to make money" and in art, that's not always the case. Today, Eddy and I will share a fresh take on this old adage. We hope you enjoy the episode! Mike & Eddy Support the show

Duration:00:44:51

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LIVE: Is it Luck?

11/6/2023
Support this Podcast and become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy Hey everyone, this is LIVE, so please forgive the audio. Also, the episode fades out when the live Q&A starts because some of the questions were quite personal, and we felt those questions and answers belonged to the night. I hope you're ok with that. Enjoy - Mike & Eddy Support the show

Duration:00:33:03

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Our Current Gear/Setup

10/24/2023
Get tickets for Drum with Mike & Eddy LIVE. https://bit.ly/drumwithmikeandeddy-live This is an episode for all you gear lovers. We break down our current gear (kit, cymbals, hardware, and heads) and we discuss how we set everything up. We hope you enjoy the episode! Support the show

Duration:00:46:54