26: Derek Zanetti (Homeless Gospel Choir) & Protest Songs

Derek Zanetti of the Homeless Gospel Choir. Photo by Rob Larson.

This week is the season finale of the eduPUNX Podcast and I'm stoked to close out the season with a truly interesting and thoughtful dude. Derek Zanetti is the Homeless Gospel Choir. Zanetti writes protest songs that are meant to make people think and find some form of comfort. In this episode, we dig into what it takes to create a powerful protest song - and the answer might surprise you! We discuss what it's like coming up a poor kid, finding a home in punk, and being a rebellious kid and what that looked like in the classroom, and how Mr. Rogers really was the best educator.

Hope you like this conversation, and hope you enjoy Derek's music! Big thanks to the folks at A-F Records as well as Josh Bakaitus at Secret Frnds for making this conversation possible.

EPISODE NOTES:
- Green Day's "Dookie" was Derek's gateway into punk - it's helped him discover that his weirdness was a good thing. Normal is overrated.
- We shout out some great protest bands - like War on Women, Anti-Flag, and Sharptooth.
- In a conversation on Zinn, I brought up Michael Bronski's companion book, "A Queer History of the United States," a book I loved reading in college.
- Derek, a massive Mr. Rogers fan, referenced this quote in the conversation - he couldn't peg it completely, but I found it thanks to internet!
- And if you dig Mr. Rogers, make sure you check out the book, "I’m proud of you,” by Tim Madigan - which chronicles Madigan's relationship with Fred Rogers
- Maybe it’s the holidays, but Derek is convinced his favorite film is "It's a Wonderful Life."
- We're both big fans of the show, "Black mirror," and hopefully you haven't missed out on the trailers for the new season!

MUSIC NOTES:
- This week you heard the songs, "Depression," and "Normal," from Derek's new Homeless Gospel Choir album, "Normal," which is out now on A-F Records! It's truly one of my favorite albums of the year and it completely swept me away on my first few listens and then I couldn't have enough.
- You can snag digital or physical copies by visiting thehomelessgospelchoir.com or by checking out the A-F store, over at a-frecords.limitedrun.com.
- A-F Records has some sweet gift card deals available right now as well, so if you wanna snag something for the punk in your life, but aren't sure what to get - snag them a gift card!

ADVERTISING NOTES:
- This week, I shared information about the National Suicide Prevention lifeline. The holidays can be difficult for many people for many different reasons and sometimes it can feel like too much - so please know that you have an outlet in case you need someone to speak with when you aren't feeling great.
- Call 1-800-279-TALK (8255) if you need some support.
- And feel free to reach out to us on social or via email if you need someone to talk with as well! we're here for you - we love you.

FOLLOW, RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
- Any love on the iTunes app helps! CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE ITUNES STORE!
- Follow along on Instagram and Twitter @eduPUNXpod!

Thanks so much for tuning in and I'll see you next YEAR!

Up the punx!
Let's get to work.

- CRAIG.