Shows
Showing PromiseVans Warped Tour Vs When We Were Young - Ultimate Emo FestivalsWe’re kicking off 2026 with a deep dive into live music! In this episode, I’m breaking down some recent standout shows before turning the spotlight on the two biggest events in the alternative music world: the return of Vans Warped Tour for its 30th anniversary and When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas.I briefly explore the history of both festivals, what makes them fun, and how they’ve evolved over time. I also share my personal experiences attending each one—from the lineups and crowds to the food and bathrooms. And finally, a look at how t...
2026-01-301h 31Showing PromiseThe Mighty Wine: Harvesting the Perfect Notes with Brook MunroIn this episode, I’m joined by my friend Brook Munro. Brook and I met back in the early 00's, just as our local punk and hardcore scene was on the rise.Over the years, Brook has played in numerous bands, evolving as both a musician and a songwriter. Brook shares his personal journey through music — from punk rock gigs to the more intentional artistry of his current projects. And, of course, we also take the occasional side quest, reminiscing about some of the most memorable shows, bands, and venues that defined our scene.Now focu...
2025-08-101h 36Showing PromiseWe're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat with William "Bill" EckHoly crap! It's episode 30! I can hardly believe we've made it this far. To say I’m grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it. Thank you so much to every guest who’s joined me on this journey, and to every listener who’s tuned in. Your support means everything.For this special milestone episode, I’m thrilled to welcome back my dear friend Bill. Nearly two years after our original conversation, we’ve finally reunited for the long-awaited sequel. And trust me, we picked up right where we left off.In this episode, we dive deep...
2025-07-212h 49Showing PromiseMy Day At Tokyo Disneyland: A Hardcore Theme Park BreakdownThis is the second and final episode recapping my recent trip to Japan. In April 2025, I spent a week exploring the vibrant city of Tokyo — a highlight of which was an entire day at Tokyo Disneyland. As a lifelong Disneyland enthusiast, I’ve always been excited by the idea of visiting the international parks, and the chance to experience Tokyo Disneyland was truly irresistible.In this episode, I’m taking you through my full Disney day — from the moment I stepped through the gates to the grand finale under the night sky. I cover it all — the rides, the...
2025-06-301h 40Showing PromiseI Went to Japan! Star Wars Celebration and Exploring Tokyo for the First TimeKonnichiwa, friends! I have recently returned from my latest international travel adventure, and it was a sick one. I went to Tokyo, Japan! It has been a long time since I've set foot in a new country, and while I was slightly nervous about the trip, it ended up being an awesome experience. Inspired by this year's Star Wars Celebration, I spent a week exploring the streets, sights, and shrines of Tokyo. Oh yeah, and hit up Tokyo Disneyland! This is my full recap of the trip, taking you from the first idea to the heart of t...
2025-06-203h 25Showing PromiseForget You, I'm Edge with Ben Fowers of Embrace TodayFor this episode, I am joined by my friend Ben Fowers, guitarist for the straight edge hardcore band Embrace Today. We discuss Ben's life in Boston, how he got into punk and hardcore music, and what it was like growing up in a city with serious hardcore history. We dive into his early days of picking up the guitar, starting his own bands, and eventually joining Embrace Today.Ben shares his experiences of performing and recording with the band, touring the country, and playing iconic shows and festivals. Whether you're a hardcore fan or just curious about...
2025-02-192h 18Showing PromiseDiego And Matt's High School Reunion with Diego CastañedaLunch break is over and we are back in session, so don't be tardy! That's right, people, I haven't dropped out yet. Thanks for hanging in there with me! In this episode, I am joined by my friend and fellow SLO High alumni, Diego Castañeda. Diego and I were classmates at San Luis Obispo High School, and this year (2024) marks our 20 year graduation anniversary. Talk about hardcore! We may have gone our separate ways after school but, the almighty algorithm brought us back together for our own epic reunion, and here it is! It was great sitting down w...
2024-05-244h 28Showing PromiseMarried to the Noise: 10 Bands That Led Me Into the Heavy Music UndergroundEarlier this year, I had the chance to see Poison The Well on their anniversary tour celebrating 20 years of You Come Before You—and the show was nothing short of epic. Poison The Well was one of the first hardcore bands I ever got into, and just hearing their name instantly takes me back to a pivotal time in my life, when I was first discovering heavy music. But they weren’t the first, and they definitely weren’t the only band in rotation back then. In this episode, I’m diving into some of the most nostalgic heavy bands fr...
2024-02-291h 27Showing PromiseFast Times At Corvette Diner with Tennisen DeakmanHappy New Year!! That's right, people, it's 2024 and we are coming in hot. For my first episode of the new year, I am catching up with the incomparable Tennisen Deakman. Tennisen and I spent the better part of a day hanging out, prattling on about pretty much everything there is. We may have actually said too much but, we had fun. And isn't that what is important. Thanks to Tennisen for joining me on this and thank you for kicking off a new year with us!Follow Tennisen on Instagram at @beenthatgirl_tennisenThank you f...
2024-01-294h 05Showing PromiseIt Was The 70's, We Didn't Know with William "Bill" EckBefore we close out 2023, I just want to say thank you so very much for listening to the podcast this year. It has been such a fun and fulfilling project, and I'm looking forward to continuing in 2024. And finally, another big thank you to my guests for spending time and talking with me. Which actually makes a great segue...In this episode I am joined by my friend Bill, given name William. Bill and I go way back at this point. In fact, there was a time when we both lived and worked together. Talk about mixing...
2023-12-262h 39Showing PromiseWhen We Were Young Festival 2023 & New Beatles Song!Mom, this was never a phase! I'm back from fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada after attending the second annual When We Were Young Festival. WWWYF is the ultimate emo celebration, bringing together sensitive millennials from all over the world to sing our favorite songs and relive our teen-angst glory days. But how did the second year compare to the first? I'm here to tell you all about it, in what might be my most grand soliloquy yet. After that, I share my thoughts on the new Beatles song "Now And Then." Yes, those Beatles. THE BEATLES. In true Fab Four...
2023-11-271h 16Showing PromiseA Haunting In North Park with Crystal SaenzSeptember has come to and end, but October is about to start! And I've got just the person to help get us in the "spirit" of things. I'm thrilled to welcome back my friend Crystal Saenz, and once again morbid curiosity has gotten the best of us. It doesn't take long for us to descend in to darkness, as we discuss the more macabre side of life. Plus, Crystal shares more supernatural encounters she has experienced over the last year. Please join us, if you dare!Listen to our previous episode together here on Apple or Spotify.
2023-09-303h 03Showing PromiseHalloween Horror Nights & The Master Of SuspenseFall is here! Which means it's time for hoodies and hauntings. And what better way to kick off the spooky season than having monsters scream at you all night! Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights has become one of my favorite annual traditions, and the 2023 event did not disappoint. Through the mazes, scare zones, and Terror Tram, Universal puts on a frightening, yet fun experience. I also share my thoughts on a few films from director Alfred Hitchcock, who was a regular on the Universal Studios backlot. Hey, it's like a theme!Thank you for...
2023-09-251h 39Showing PromiseWhat's My Age Again with Stuart Stock-TuckerIt's my birthday! So you know what that means, another year older and another year wiser... or something like that! And for this special occasion I've got a special birthday guest, my bff, Stu. Stuart helped me start this madness almost two years ago as my very first guest, and now fate and friendship has brought us here together once again. Stuart and I revisit some of our most cherished adolescent memories, from backyard trampoline hijinks to running amok on the streets of SLO. We also look back at our local music scene, remembering bands, shows, and old venues...
2023-08-281h 34Showing PromiseReally Likeable People with Brendan KleinWork sucks, I know! On this episode I'm hanging out with my friend and former boss, Brendan Klein. Brendan and I met in 2011 when I was hired at Really Likeable People (RLP), a distribution company founded by Tom DeLonge. This company housed various brands such as Macbeth Footwear, LoserKids.Com, The Keep A Breast Foundation, Modlife, Atticus Clothing and more. RLP was a unique work environment, and we made some lasting memories during our time there. In the years since, not only did we keep in touch, but we also have remained very connected with our music scene, and...
2023-08-112h 45Showing PromiseA Whole New World with Anna Miller (Part 2)Part 2 of my epic conversation with Anna! This time around we're exploring a variety of majorly important issues, discussing boy bands, classic adolescent games, tv shows, and some incredible pick-up lines.Follow Anna on Instagram @killedyoupolitelyThank you for listening!Find me on Instagram at @mattxcementinaIntro/Outro music by Stuart Stock-Tucker
2023-07-312h 02Showing PromiseA Whole New World with Anna Miller (Part 1)Oh my god, we're back again. Brothers, sisters, everybody sing. That's right, people, it's episode 16! In this episode I am joined by my friend Anna Miller to talk about...well, everything. Anna and I revisit some of our fondest memories, reminiscing about shows, bands, venues, and navigating adolescence within the hardcore music scene. Anna also shares her experience and perspective as a female in this male-dominated community.Due to the epic run time of this conversation, I've decided to upload it as two parts. So be sure to check out Part 2!Follow Anna on Instagram...
2023-07-142h 17Showing PromiseThe Fab Two: Seeing Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr Live (Two Unforgettable Shows)You say goodbye, and I say hello! In this episode I’m diving headfirst into the world of Beatlemania. I’ve been a devoted Beatles fan for as long as I can remember, always dreaming about seeing the Fab Four live in concert. But let’s be real—that was never going to happen across this universe. So, if I couldn’t see them together, I would have to see them individually. After all, they’re still Beatles, right?I was lucky enough to catch Paul McCartney live on his Freshen Up Tour back in 2019, and just recently, I...
2023-06-122h 06Showing PromiseStar Wars Celebration London & blink-182 Returns!It has been a wild week, but we are back in action! I have recently returned from a trip across the pond for this years Star Wars Celebration. Star Wars Celebration is the ultimate Star Wars convention, and changes location every year it's held. For 2023, SWC went international to jolly old London, England. Over the course of 4 days, ExCel London was completely taken over by Star Wars fandom. Like most pop-culture conventions, SWC features merchandise vendors, props and costume displays, autograph signings and photo ops, live panels, cosplay, games, tattooing, and so much more. It may just be my...
2023-04-1757 minShowing PromiseSomething More Than Ink with Jake Emery of Port Side TattooEpisode 13 is here — and we're talking tats! For this lucky number 13, I’m joined by my friend and talented tattoo artist, Jake Emery of the award-winning Port Side Tattoo here in San Diego.In this episode, Jake shares his journey from curious beginner to professional artist, opening up about what it really takes to break into the tattoo industry. We dig into the creative process, shop culture, misconceptions, and what makes tattooing such a powerful form of self-expression.And of course, it wouldn’t be a proper hang without some talk of heavy music, inspiration, and th...
2023-03-292h 09Showing PromiseTo The Stars And Back with Angela CutroneGreetings, Earthlings! We are keeping the space vibes rolling with another out-of-this-world episode! This time around I am joined by my friend and coworker, AC, to share some of our experiences over the years while running the To The Stars retail store in Encinitas, California. This shop was far from ordinary, and attracted a lot of curious and excited customers from all over the planet. Needless to say, it was a wild mix of people and we never really knew what to expect or who we would encounter. Throw in a rockstar boss on top of it all and...
2023-03-152h 34Showing PromiseIn Defense Of The Ewoks with Chris Lawrence and Steve MattisonShowing Promise Episode XI - Defense Of The Ewoks. That's right padawan's, we're hitting lightspeed and going full Star Wars. In this episode, I am joined by my friends Chris and Steve for a lively discussion about our favorite galaxy far, far away.Thank you for listening!Find me on Instagram at @mattxcementinaIntro/Outro music by Stuart Stock-Tucker
2023-02-241h 13Showing PromiseYou Should Have Taken Out The Trash with Corie FergusonWell everyone, we've done it. Idk how, but we've done it. It's episode 10! And to mark this very special occasion, I've got my very special first returning guest. I'm joined once again by the one, the only, the incorrigible Corie Ferguson! Not only was Corie one of my first podcast guests, but she was also the first person I met in this strange new city of San Diego, and over the last decade our friendship has blossomed in to a beautiful garden. However, the circumstances surrounding our meeting are somewhat controversial. Come along as we revisit the series of...
2023-02-152h 21Showing PromiseAllow Myself To Introduce...Myself (Meeting Famous People!)In this episode, I'm sharing some of the interesting and particularly cool celebrity encounters I had while running the To The Stars retail shop in Encinitas, California. To The Stars is the entertainment brand of punk rocker and San Diego native, Tom DeLonge (Blink-182, Angels & Airwaves, Box Car Racer), and his retail store attracted a wide variety of customers and fans. Located in a hip Southern California beach town, this area is a popular destination. I met a lot of people during my time there, including musicians, actors, athletes, artists, and more. These are some of my favorite and...
2023-01-251h 27Showing PromiseA Time Without Heroes with Daniel BevisHappy New Year! And happy birthday?! For most of us, these annual celebrations are two separate occasions. But for my first guest of 2023, they are one and the same. My buddy Dan was the first dude I met after moving to San Diego, and we've been friends ever since. I have some bones to pick about his taste in movies, but otherwise it's business as usual as we discuss being born on a holiday, Dan's history in music, reminisce on cool shows, our trips to Disneyland and Walt Disney World, and more!Thank you for listening!...
2023-01-092h 59Showing PromiseWhen We Were Young Fest & Ranking Paramore AlbumsIt's been just over a month since my weekend in Las Vegas at the first ever When We Were Young Festival, and I'm still not sure I've fully recovered. In this episode, I'm sharing my full experience at the festival, as well as my thoughts on the event overall. And to close this one out, I thought it would be fun to talk about one of the festival's headliners, Paramore. They have been a bright spot in the scene for nearly two decades, and are still one of the best to hit the stage.Thank you for...
2022-11-282h 03Showing PromiseHorror Icon Clash: Michael Myers Vs Dracula with John DoeIt might be November, but we’re still creepin’ it real. Halloween may be back in its grave for now, but the horror talk never dies. I’m joined by my mysterious, super-secret guest — known only as “John Doe” — to dive into classic horror movies, iconic characters, and even some killer movie ideas of our own.But wait, there’s more! We also take a detour down memory lane, chatting about our favorite hardcore and metal shows, how we first crossed paths, and our shared love of music. Think of this episode as your ultimate tac...
2022-11-142h 35Showing PromiseTales From The Crypt: Eerie Encounters with Crystal SaenzLet’s get spooky. Just in time for Halloween, I’m joined by my friend Crystal for a chilling journey into the eerie and unexplained. From ghost stories and haunted places to creepy movies and the strange corners of the supernatural, this episode is packed with everything you need to get into the spirit of the season.Whether you’re carving pumpkins, mixing potions, or just in the mood for a scare, light your candles, grab your Ouija board, and join us as we venture into the unknown... and maybe even the other side.
2022-10-313h 22Showing Promiseblink-182 Is Back! My Album Ranking from Least to Most Favorite Well, here goes nothing. It's my first solo episode! If you're thinking, "There’s no way this guy can talk to himself for two hours," think again. Because here it is.With the recent (hopefully today) announcements about blink-182, I thought this was the perfect time to dive deep into the band's music — sharing not just my personal album rankings, but also stories, opinions, and memories from over the years.From discovering blink-182 as a kid, to eventually working for one of the founding members, this band has been a huge part of my life for t...
2022-10-111h 59Showing PromiseFire And Tinder And Birds, Oh My! with Corie FergusonHoly crap, it happened again. It's another one! For episode 3 of Showing Promise, I am joined by my dearly beloved friend, Corie Ferguson. Hang out with us as Corie and I go off the cuff, sharing our thoughts on some hard-hitting topics, like lost birds, tinder escapades, pyramid schemes, and more!Thank you, Corie!Instagram: @coriefergiefergSound Engineer: John SalleeThank you for listening!Find me on Instagram at @mattxcementinaIntro/Outro music by Stuart Stock-Tucker
2022-09-271h 08Showing PromiseWho You Gonna Call? Ghosts, Glitches, and Great Power with Lano PecinaWoah! It's episode 2! For geeks around the globe, just hearing the words "episode two" can trigger a lot of unpleasant memories, but I'm hoping to deliver a much more enjoyable experience. For the second episode of Showing Promise, my guest Lano Pecina and I discuss a few flicks that we watched over a weekend, all of which had a "throwback" feel to them. First starting with the fourth (or third depending on how you feel about it) installment of the Ghostbusters franchise, Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Next, another movie that is fourth in its series, and was highly anticipated b...
2022-09-052h 54Showing PromiseThe Coming Out Episode with Stuart Stock-TuckerIn the debut episode of the Showing Promise podcast, I'm hanging with my best bromo, Stuart Stock-Tucker. Stuart and I have a storied history, abundant with great moments and memories, but none perhaps more monumental than the night of his coming out. It has now been just over a decade since then, and we are taking a look back on life in and out of the closet. In this episode, Stuart shares his personal experience as a member of the LGBTQA+ community, dealing with fear and pressure, coming out to friends and family, the influence of our beloved music...
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