From Akron & Beyond Podcast

We are excited to have as our return guest graphic novelist Derf Backderf, whose new book THE DISSIDENTS is receiving rave reviews internationally. The book is a deep dive into a lost history of censorship, intimidation, and outright violence directed towards anyone criticizing the U.S. government during the World War 1 era. The art is superb, the narrative compelling - and the ramifications all too relevant today. Derf’s previous books include MY FRIEND DAHMER, TRASHED, and KENT STATE. With THE DISSIDENTS, he may have created his masterpiece. Listen Thursday, September 10th. at 10 pm, on The Summit FM, 91.3, or anytime wherever you get your podcasts!

If you live in the area around Akron, you’re aware of our wonderful National Park - and it’s likely you know about the Scenic Railroad…. But, on this episode, Nick and Bob find that there’s a whole lot to learn about this historic and fun railway! Were visited by Lynee Bixler from the CVSR, who shares the interesting history of the railroad, its routes and activities, and how it’s maintained. Lots of interesting information, and definitely will inspire you to book a ride!

In this episode, Nick and Bob are visited by screenwriter/producer Carl Kurlander - and a film crew! In Akron filming a road trip documentary about unique jukeboxes, the screenwriter of the hit film ST. ELMO’S FIRE, and producer of the popular TV series SAVED BY THE BELL, stops by with lots of funny and fascinating stories. With tales of Hollywood, and many travels and adventures, don’t miss this one!

“Craig Bell” In this episode, Nick and Bob visit with Craig Bell. Craig is a true musical legend, having been a member of Rocket From the Tombs, the ur-punk band from Cleveland that ultimately spawned Pere Ubu and the Dead Boys. He’s co-writer of the classic song “Final Solution”, amongst other anthems, and has continued making music with a variety of great bands. Craig has great stories, and a lot of great music. Listen Thursday, June 25 at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3 - or later any time, wherever you get your podcasts!

In this special episode, we preview the new documentary about 15-60-75 (The Numbers Band) with filmmaker Jason Prufer. Over a decade in the making, this film promises to be the definitive portrait of one of the most original and dynamic musical forces ever to come from our region - or any region, for that matter. We are also joined by Robert Kidney, who shares his take on the film. Director Prufer integrates interviews, rare photos, and exhilarating live performances for a film experience you won’t want to miss! “Out of Oblivion, Into Obscurity” will premiere at the Cedar Lee Theatre in Cleveland Heights on Saturday, June 6th, 2026.

Join us tonight, Thursday. March 26 at 10 pm. as we celebrate the classic collection of 1960’s mayhem NUGGETS! Curated by Lenny Kaye. who with an all-star band of local rockers will be performing songs tomorrow@ night at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland! As is always the case when we’re joined by Dave Swanson, the conversation goes all over the place. Tons of great songs on this special episode! Listen tonight at 10 pm on The Summit FM. 91.3, or later anytime, wherever you get your podcasts! (Thanks to Brad Savage)

In this episode, Nick and Bob visit with our friend Joyce Lagios about her nearly 60 year career at WAKR. Akron’s historic radio station, home of Alan Freed, and still thriving today, Joyce was there, and has stories - This is a fun episode!

In this episode, a first of a two-parter, Bob and Nick conjure up an incomplete and impossible list of their favorite music films. Rock Docs predominate, but there’s some ringers as well. Grab some popcorn and prepare to complain! Listen Thursday, February 13, at 10 pm, on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later anytime wherever you get your podcasts!

Our guest is one of the busiest guys in NE Ohio, from the Cool Cleveland website to his band Vanity Crash, Thomas Mulready is keeping alive the history and spirit of the region’s art and music scenes. And - Thomas’ story is an intriguing one, including corporate jobs, performance art, and elaborate multi-media concert events. With a couple of big events celebrating the Punk/New Wave legacy of both Akron and Cleveland coming up, this is a fun and timely interview - with lots of great music!

Pearl Coffee is an Akron landmark and success story. Founded over 100 years ago by a family of Greek immigrants, their high quality brews and blends are delicious and popular throughout the country. In this episode, Nick and Bob talk with Johnna Economou, proprietor of Pearl Coffee about their long history, and the old school process and techniques behind their products. Johnna is also a big local music fan, so we sneak some cool tunes in! Listen Thursday, February 26, on The Summit FM, 91.3, at 10 pm - or later anytime, wherever you get your podcasts!

No one, but no one, knows more about the history and musical legacy of Kent, Ohio than Jason Prufer. In this episode, Nick and Bob discuss with Jason his research and archiving of the city’s architecture, clubs, artists, and concerts. We also learn about the upcoming, highly anticipated documentary he has made about the Numbers Band. This is a special episode! Listen Thursday, February 19 at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3 - or later, wherever you get your podcasts!

Nick and Bob continue their unofficial survey of significant double albums. Too much, or not enough? Either way, lots of great tunes will be heard! Listen Thursday, January 22, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later anytime, wherever you get your podcasts! (For complete songs, we recommend [http://www.SoundCloud.com)]www.SoundCloud.com)

Nick and Bob talk with Silas Hite, a highly accomplished musician, composer, and producer. Silas is an Emmy Award winner, creating music for commercials, TV, film, video games… and he’s working right here in Akron! This weekend sees a record release party and art show for his latest project: “The Return of the Vampire Hustlers From Hell”, the evocative soundtrack for an (as of now!) fictitious ‘70’s Italian Horror Action Movie! To hear more about Silas and his work, listen Thursday, February 5, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later anytime, wherever you get your podcasts!

On our show, we love talking about radio, especially the era of free form programming, and the few stations keeping that legacy alive - like The Summit FM. In this episode, Nick and Bob go back in time to a predecessor to The Summit - the Wild West radio that was WAUP-FM, out of the University of Akron. Joining us are Denny Akers, Jeff Davis, and James Carney, who were all there, making up radio as they went along…. Listen Thursday, January 29, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3 - or later anytime, wherever you get your podcasts! ...

On this episode, Nick and Bob welcome NE Ohio artist and filmmaker Ted Sikora to the show. Ted is the creator of several comic book series, including Apama and Tap Dance Killers, and as an accomplished filmmaker has directed and co-written the feature films Hero Tomorrow and Move On, in addition to numerous music videos, commercials, and educational films. We discuss the trials and rewards of being a prolific creator in these challenging times.

Ah, the double album! Twice the fun, or double the trouble? In this episode, Nick and Bob consider the genre, and conjure up a list of their personal favorites. And play a lot of cool tunes. A double episode! Listen Thursday, January 15, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, of later anytime, wherever you get your podcasts!

We again jingle some bells and knock back the eggnog as Nick, Bob, and special guest Brad Savage go WAY beyond to choose four songs each to get into the holiday mood - with a surprise 13th tune guaranteed to rock your Yuletide! Listen on Thursday, December 18 at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or anytime later wherever you get your podcasts! AND…. All three of our Holiday Song Specials will also run on Christmas morning, Thursday, December 25th! Ho Ho Ho!

Our guest is Elliott Carter, the lead singer, songwriter, and visual artist. Her band Detention made a huge impact locally, and as OFF-LEASH their ambitions and potential are higher than ever. Nick and Bob talk with Elliott about the challenges of doing music and art in today’s economic and social climate - and the rewards as well. Lots of rockin’ in this episode! Listen Thursday, December 11 at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later anytime, anywhere you get your podcasts! ...

This episode features a recording of the second event, from October at the Akron Main Library. Players in the “Akron Sound” Era reminisce, comment, and laugh, sharing stories from that time. The bands, the clubs, the scene…. Part 2 features David Giffels, Debbie Smith-Cahan, Danny Basone, Dave Swanson, and Bob Ethington. Brad Savage is the moderator. These programs were very well-received. If you missed it, or just want to hear again, here’s your chance! Listen Thursday, 12/4, at 10 pm, on The Summit FM, or later anytime wherever you get your podcasts!

This episode features a recording of the first event in May. Key players in the “Akron Sound” Era reminisce, comment, and laugh, sharing stories from that time. The bands, the clubs, the scene…. These programs were very well-received. If you missed it, or just want to hear again, here’s your chance! Listen Thursday, 12/4, at 10 pm, on The Summit FM, or later anytime wherever you get your podcasts! ...