Shows / Exploring the Energy with Anzo & Friends
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & Friends
Welcome to Exploring the Energy with Anzo & Friends, a series of conversations with host and lifelong music lover, Andy "Anzo" Staib, and his friends and family. Together, they explore the common threads that bond them all together - namely their shared love of music, family, friends, life, loss, and love. The show was born from the notion that music helps keep us all connected throughout our collective long strange trip. We all have a story to tell, and here are a few of those stories. So join…
Episodes
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsTwo Peas in a Pod with Karen & Chris Reilly
To know Chris Reilly is to love him. And he is most certainly loved by so many and considered family to so many, especially to the Staib family. As my girls…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsThe Age of Joe Faria, with special guests Joe Jr and TJ Staib
As of the date of this interview with the Joe Faria Sr & Jr father-son duo and my nephew TJ Staib, the Faria & Staib connection runs 14+ years deep between Joe…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsGreetings from The Greek with Paul “Pablo” Bauer & Rachel Whitley & Co
What a treat gathering this tribe to celebrate Jerry Garcia’s birthday at the iconic Greek Theater in Berkeley, California with Dark Star Orchestra. And…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsTeam McAuley with Sean, Tim, and Alec "Big Al" McAuley
What an honor to have the McAuley patriarch Alec "Big Al" McAuley and his two sons, Sean & Tim, in the studio for a trip down memory lane about music, sports…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsBack in the Studio - with Matt “Pooch” Kiernan & Friends
After a brief hiatus, it's great to be back! I'm joined by my friend Matt “Pooch” Kiernan and his band of brothers - Bernie “Bonzo” Kiernan (his actual…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsGrateful Fred's Visionary & Founder – Stephen McMennamy
This one-on-one conversation was a while in the making, and so well worth the wait. Being a longtime customer of Grateful Fred and a fellow Deadhead, I’m…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsReconnecting with John “Spiff” Macario
My friend, John Macario, returns to the show and we pick up right where we left off back in late 2024 when he first shared his amazing story. It’s been 19…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsACE - A Tribute to Bob Weir, Part II with Ted “The” Bahr & Paul “Nud” Schmitz
In Part II of the continuing celebration of Bobby Weir and his life well-lived, I’m joined by lifelong Deadheads, Ted “The” Bahr and Paul “Nud” Schmitz. Nud…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsACE - A Tribute to Bob Weir, Part I with Tim McGuire & Kevin Campion
Bobby Weir - October 16th, 1947 - January 10th, 2026 This one hurts, and feels very much like the closing of a chapter. Yet at the same time, we CELEBRATE. We…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsGet Busy Living. Get Busy Giving. with Erik “The Swede” Larson
As much as unexpected and tragic loss tests the human spirit, sometimes it can become the catalyst for good. And that is exactly the mission that my friend…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsThe Gray Club Chronicles with Rich Gray
Huntington, Long Island - home to so many of the amazing people that I am lucky to call my friends and family - continues to create new bonds and new…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsThe Great Debate with The Boys From Bergen
In somewhat of an unconventional "studio" setting - namely a gutted former restaurant under renovation and equipped with only a table, a few folding chairs, a…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsLife Inside the Grateful Dead’s Inner Circle with Dennis McNally
This one was a big deal for me. My guest, Dennis McNally, isn’t just a reknowned author, music historian, and publicist, he’s someone I’ve long considered…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & Friends50 Years of Love & Friendship with John “Dino” DeNatale
My friendship with John “Dino” DeNatale began in kindergarten over 50 years ago in the early 1970’s in Huntington’s own Flower Hill School. In this episode…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsShooting Star: A Tribute to Jonny Staib
It’s a tall order to try to capture the true color and the complete character of my cousin, Jonny Staib, in one conversation. Which is why I chose to invite…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsSaddle Up with Kim & Gregg Carlin
What a treat hosting one of the best and most beautiful couples I know, Kim & Gregg Carlin. Kim, being a southern girl and all, kicks off our conversation by…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsTrusting the Universe with Robyn Pray
My relatively new friendship with Robyn Pray is undoubtedly a result of the universe connecting the two of us. Here’s how that happened and why this episode…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsA Fireside Chat with Villanova Wildcat Peter Russell
I was honored and proud to host yet another member of the Villanova Wildcat Crew, my friend Peter Russell. To say that Peter and I have a few things in common…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsTruckin’ to Charleston with Lilly Jo Staib
Now in their 20’s and all having left the nest, it’s not often I get to spend extended one-on-one time with my daughters. This is why this episode is so…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsPodcaster, Author, Entrepreneur, Music Lover, Family Man, Friend & Neighbor - Dan Pashman
The title may be a bit of a giveaway, but unlike all previous episode show notes where I share a preview of the content, in this very special episode, I invite…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsInaugural Episode, Live from U.S. Brews with Gunny & Nud & Company
It was intentional and by design that the official rebrand of the podcast from Grateful Dad & Friends to Exploring the Energy w/ Anzo & Friends kicked off at a…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsUnpacking The Notes With Jason Darby
I've known Jason Darby for over 45 years, and while we've long shared a deep bond through our love of family, golf & tennis, and music, I was still surprised…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsA Conversation with Mr. Michael “Sketchy” Rice
Circa Fall 1982, I first met Mike Rice in Huntington High School’s 9th-grade math class, where we became fast friends and “partners in crime.” In fact, it…
- Exploring the Energy with Anzo & Friends
Heart-to-Heart With Fellow Canterbury Saint, Justin Rubin
My friend of 50+ years, Justin Rubin, joins me and shares his recent experience facing the L.A. Wildfires and how the fires have affected his closest friends…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsA Look Behind The Curtain With Will Retherford
Grateful Dad & Friends would not exist if it weren’t for my guest, Will Retherford, who founded and owns the Tulsa-based production company, Citizens of Sound…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsLove Stories - With Lindsey & Will and Anzo & Margs
Love really IS in the air as we approach Valentine’s Day. On today’s episode, I’m joined by the love of my life, my bride Ms Margs, and our friends, Lindsey…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsRiding The 2025 Energy Train With Dave “Fetts” Fetterolf
The Energy Train keeps rolling with an unforgettable guest: Dave “Fetts” Fetterolf. A dynamic personality with boundless energy, Fetts is a man of many…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsRinging In 2025 With Film Producer and Music Lover, John “Johnny Gowanus” Hennegan
Kicking off Season 4 and ringing in 2025 with a cool cat that has widened my musical lens TENFOLD, Mr. John “Johnny Gowanus” Hennegan. Although I’ve known John…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsA Conversation With Another “Wise Old Owl,” My Friend, Mr. Tom White
Similar to Season 2, Episode 1 when I sat down with Doug “Pops” Smith, who I like to refer to as a “Wise Old Owl”, in this episode I have the pleasure of…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsSAY YES. DON’T WAIT. A tribute to Rainer Jenss with Tim “Tmac” McGuire
I don’t always subscribe to the notion that “everything happens for a reason,” but as the universe would have it, the recent loss of a mutual friend, Rainer…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsLove Is Real, Not Fade Away with John Macario
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, show the ones you love just how much they mean to you, and share your appreciation and gratitude for the gift of life, the gift…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsA Rare and Different Tune with Beau Carino
To those that know him, the man needs no introduction. For those that don’t, his name is Beau Carino and he’s the founder of one of Long Island’s hottest live…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsLife, Loss and Love, with Austin Koerner and Hope Staib
With the exception of a select few cameo appearances by my previous guests’ significant others, this is the first episode where I sit down start-to-finish with…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsRocking Against Hunger, The Extraordinary Story of Syd Mandelbaum
S3, E6 begins with the story of the Mandelbaum family in the late 1930’s and 40’s, and includes the harrowing tale of those family members who miraculously…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsCompleting The Trifecta With Billy Campion
To complete the “Campion Brothers Trifecta”, I was beyond stoked to host Mr. Billy Campion, otherwise known as Young & Tender Willoughby, or The Captain, and…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsTexas Talk with Mark Hamer
On S3, E4 of Grateful Dad & Friends, I’m proud to host a friend who could easily have a career in radio, one of my closest music, golfing, and paddle tennis…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsOne More Saturday Night With The Peer Family
On the final day of Dead & Company’s 30-show residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas, I was honored to sit down with Huntington natives and fellow Deadheads…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsIn High Gear At The Sphere With Paco Keville
In my second trip of the summer to catch Dead & Company at Sphere in Las Vegas, I was honored to host my friend of 40+ years, fellow Canterbury “Saint” (term…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsMy Friend of the Devil, Tommy Mills
To kick off Season 3, I’m joined by lifelong friend and fellow Deadhead, Tommy Mills, with a special cameo by his better half, Ms Karin Mills. Karin proved to…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsSeason Two: A Look Back
BIG thanks to all my guests on Season 2, it was an honor and a privilege to have hosted each of you! I loved my field trips to record the remote interviews in…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsGoing Full Circle With John Buckholtz
In the closing episode of Season 2, I have the privilege of hosting fellow Huntington native and fellow Deadhead (and the only friend I know that calls me…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsChiming In From Sin City With Garvin Hammer
On Day 2 of my recent pilgrimage to Las Vegas for the Dead & Company shows at Sphere, I sit down with the person that I have proudly seen the most concerts…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsGoing Old School With Geoff Shaffer
Somehow, it took 8 months and 23 episodes of Grateful Dad & Friends before I was succesful in securing an interview with a Canterbury prep school friend. In…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsCampfire Chronicles with Chris Campion
The man needs no introduction, but for the few that don’t have the pleasure of knowing him, I’ll go out on a limb and introduce my friend. On Season 2, Episode…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsA Visit With Mom
After a little nudging to get her past her hesitation to be on a guest on my admitedly music-centric podcast, I was honored to host none other than my mother…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsFrom One Musician To Another w/ Mike “Comfort" O’Rourke
I have the pleasure of introducing Mr. Mike “Comfort” O’Rourke to the world on Episode 7 of GD&F. Back in the early 1980’s, I was “Kathy and Tom’s little…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsSearching For The Sound With Dave & Rusty
Hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, these two gentlemen have become my newest wingmen, and although we’ve yet to meet in person we’re quickly bonding…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsCarving out time with Carly Staib
I was fortunate to share some very special quality time with my gracious and beautiful niece, Ms Carly Marie Staib. Carly recalls her recollections of “Loud…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsDiving in with Dudley
Join my BFAM Chris Kline aka Dudley and I as we share war stories from back in the day, including “Black Wednesday” in 1983, summers “dragging hose” the late…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsTasty Tidbits With Bobby Rogan
Fellow avid golfer and devoted music lover, Bobby Rogan, joins me in the studio and recalls how the music of the 70’s shaped his musical tastes before he…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsLong Strange Trip with Kevin Campion
There are few Huntington families that are as musically gifted and universally loved as the Campion family. In Episode 2, I’m privileged to sit down with Kevin…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsA Conversation With A Wise Old Owl…aka “Pops”
Season 2, Episode 1 of Grateful Dad & Friends kicks off with a conversation with a gentleman who is a true treasure to me, and who reminds me of my own father…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsSeason One A Look Back
Before I recap Season 1 of Grateful Dad & Friends and provide a brief glimpse of Season 2, it may prudent to share why I launched this podcast in the first…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsBringing It Home With My Girls
Well, it doesn’t get much better than wrapping up the first season of Grateful Dad & Friends by sitting down with the four most special women in my life -…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsFlashback to ‘72 with Richard Sutton
In Episode 11 of GD&F, lifelong music-lover Richard Sutton gives us a firsthand peek into the buildup to the Grateful Dead’s August 27th 1972 benefit concert…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsOn the road with DSO keyboardist, Rob Barraco
What a treat to have Long Island native and longtime keyboardist for Dark Star Orchestra, Rob Barraco, join me on Episode 10 of Grateful Dad & Friends! We…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsConnecting with my confidants TJ Staib & John Gulino
In Episode 9, I sit down with two of my closest confidants - my nephew and DWS wingman, TJ Staib, and our COO and friend, John Gulino. We explore the backstory…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsExploring the Energy w/ Kathy Staib and Rainer “TITAN” Jenss
In Episode 8, I had the extremely privilege of having the true definition of “friends + family” join me in the studio, namely my friend Rainer Jenss aka TITAN…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsThe Ryan Brothers Get Busy Living
Hosting my two guests on Episode 7 of GD&F was a HUGE treat for me, and those guests are brothers, Brendan and Billy Ryan. I grew up only a pitching wedge away…
Exploring the Energy with Anzo & FriendsTed Talk (nope, not that Ted Talk ;)
My guest on Episode 6, Ted Bahr, is in many ways to me a true inspiration on how to follow your vision and create the life of your dreams. After working in…