The Holy Ghost Notes Podcast: Recent Episodes
Holy Ghost Notes
Holy Ghost Notes is a podcast that focuses on real talk about Christianity and Drums hosted by Matt Greiner and Tim Anderson. Candid conversations challenge the status quo, and inspire people to be their best selves and to live fulfilled lives.
On episode one hundred and seventy eight of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim narrowly avoid missing an episode after countless setbacks and unsuccessful attempts. Matt talks about the recent festival show in Canada where the guys initially attempted to record this episode (and failed due to connection issues) and the eventful journey home. Teeing up the shared drum/faith topic of facing difficulties, Matt talks about how practice is hard, and should be hard. Tim takes things in a different directly and expresses the inevitable, unseen difficulties of showing up to a gig as an opening act without a crew. The guys then talk about how laughing is therapeutic and Tim describes what "Mamba Mentality" means to him.
On episode one hundred and seventy seven of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim meet again at sunrise. Matt enjoys a cup of coffee while Tim struggles to string together coherent sentences. After a long stretch of avoiding coffee talk, they get it all out in what some might consider an adorable tangent. Then Matt dives into the drum topic, touching on how the freedom of being able to practice whenever he wants to despite it being in a hot (or cold) garage is more important to him. Next, Tim opens with a quote that he and Matt were chatting about a few weeks earlier, and talks about caring before sharing. Matt backs it up with an instance in his own life where he found that idea of personal investment to be meaningful.
On episode one hundred and seventy six of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt returns from his clinic tour in Canada and rolls right into recording the episode with Tim (due to release the same day). Inspired by his time spent with eager young drummers; Matt talks about how nothing can rob him of how proud he is of what he brought to each session, because of the work he put in leading up. This spurs the guys into a conversion about having a passion and pride around all things drumming, including the process. Tim shares about his short vacation and how he was able to unplug. The guys talk about being bogged down by all of the responsibilities and expectations, and the difficulties they face when trying to reserve time for relaxation and restoration.
On episode one hundred and seventy five of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt tells a story about his missing wallet and Tim gears up for the end of the school year. Inspired by a recent lesson student inquiry, Matt and Tim talk about teaching drums and how it can benefit both the student and the teacher. Then Tim reads a short perspective on the common Christian phrase "love the sinner, hate the sin" and gives his take on being quick to judgement.
On episode one hundred and seventy four of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt talks about the newly released 10th August Burns Red record, Season of Surrender. He shares a little bit about his experience writing and recording drums for the album and his excitement around the release. The guys also talk about playing songs that you know and have enjoyed playing in the past. Next they talk about the song Be Thou My Vision and how impactful the lyrics are. Tim stumbles upon a fascinating breakdown of the song and discovers its 6th century origin leading to some sobering sentiments. Finally, Matt and Tim chat about the beginnings of the podcast and why it means so much to both of them.
On episode one hundred and seventy three of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt adjusts to life back home after returning from tour, and Tim struggles with some back issues. The guys talk about their drumming goals/plans for the summer and Matt shares a few exciting projects in the works. Matt then talks about the juxtaposition of being vocal about your faith versus keeping it personal. This spurs on a conversation about "deconstruction" and the importance of knowing what you believe and why.
On episode one hundred and seventy two of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt tunes in, once again, from the back room of the tour bus en route to ABR's next destination. Tim channels his recent wrist pain into a conversation around taking the gift of drumming for granted, and the guys attempt to cut through the noise and talk about the simplicity of the gospel and how it relates to daily life.
On episode one hundred and seventy one of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt records while on a moving tour bus and Tim races the clocks. The guys talk about the importance of character and how who you are and how you treat people matters more as a drummer than the skill of drumming itself. They also discuss people pleasing and the distinction of being "nice" versus being "kind" and the boldness behind saying what needs to be said sometimes.
On episode one hundred and seventy of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt’s gearing up to leave for tour after a long stretch at home and Tim’s adjusting to his new career arrangement. Matt thinks out loud about the tremendous difficulty many musicians face nowadays in pursuit of success. Then the guys discuss how pushing yourself to take on challenges plays a major role in your tenacity and discipline with improving as a drummer. They also talk about how if you don’t know who you are, the world will tell you who you are, and why it’s so important to stay grounded in what the Bible actually says.
On episode one hundred and sixty nine of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim kick it "old-school" after three consecutive guest episodes. Tim shares an excerpt from Atomic Habits by James Clear to tee up their drum topic about how identifying factors that you claim in your life can make or break your ability to improve in certain areas of drumming. Matt argues an alternative, parallel approach that has been working for him. Finally, in attempt to avoid being too controversial, Tim struggles through the discomfort of touching on political subjects to illustrate a concern around the weaponized usage of vague scripture in this day in age. Matt disagrees slightly, but shares a strong point of view.
On episode one hundred sixty eight of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim welcome their friend, Will Davidson. Will talks about what ignited his love for music production that led to his internship at Atrium Audio, studying at Berklee school of music, and a ton of experience producing his own music. The guys immediately get into AI music and how it's effecting the music industry and the future of music. Will also drops some golden nuggets for aspiring musicians and producers making music at home.
On episode one hundred and sixty seven of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim are joined by drummer, Ben Pruitt of Sleep Theory. Ben shares the origin story of his band, his pre-show warmup, his sobriety, and the all-around whirlwind that life has been over the past few years. This episode is special and we hope you get as much out of it as we did.
On episode one hundred and sixty six of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim bring on Jeremy Boxerman; a fellow drummer, OG inner circle member, and long time friend. Jeremy talks about staying positive even throughout difficult circumstances. The guys talk about the power of music, and Matt and Jeremy talk a little bit about friendship, their time spent together over the long weekend, practicing drums, and even hitting the gym.
On episode one hundred and sixty five of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim catch up about each other’s major life changes that have transpired since the last episode. Then the guys talk about where they aspire to be as drummers, the blueprint and the goal. The guys wrap it up with the topic of finding peace.
On episode one hundred and sixty three of the Holy Ghost Notes podcast, Matt and Tim are joined by old pal and familiar guest, Adam Gray. Adam bears all; sharing everything from the story behind his stick tricks, his thoughts on the new unreleased August Burns Red album, prepping for filling in for Matt on tour, overcoming expectations of “living up to his own name”, dealing with grief, as well as writing a book in memory of his late wife, Tegan. We sincerely hope this brings you joy, peace, and a whole lotta laughs. Merry Christmas from Holy Ghost Notes.
On episode one hundred and sixty two of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim meet again. Matt talks about prepping for Christmas Burns Red and the busyness surrounding the season and Tim remembers he never gave Matt his birthday card. The guys quickly jump into their topic, "Making Music in 2025" and discuss the major advancements they've seen in music tech over the past year, and how to approach this new wave of capabilities. Opportunity or cheating?
On episode one hundred and sixty one of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim casually discuss their love of cheese and Tim's "cultured" way about him. The guys shift gears and walk through their list of "Dos and Don'ts" as drummers - to both summarize and simplify many of the key points they've discussed in-depth over the past 160 episodes. Then, inspired by Tony Robbins, Tim does an exercise with Matt to tee up the topic of Perception vs. Reality, which takes a rather deep turn.
On episode one hundred and sixty of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt talks about attending pap's 100th birthday, and Tim gives some shotty marriage advice after celebrating 11 years of marriage with his wife. They proceed to talk about the importance of reinforcement when it comes to drumming (or just about anything in life). Matt shares some recent testimonials from his Double Bass Masterclass and encourages everyone to make it habit to encourage others. Then the guys switch gears and talk about selfishness vs. selflessness. Matt uses the example of equal time spent with family, and Tim adds his take on the freedom that accompanies selflessness and importance of having perspective.
On episode one hundred and fifty nine of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt questions whether or not Tim is AI generated and talks about his new Double Bass Masterclass (something he's never talked about before). Tim tangents about his espresso ritual, then Matt talks about how relaxing when sitting at the drum kit can actually improve performance and Tim relates it to stage fright and taking control. Then the guys talk about relaxing in life, not simply their "wind-down routines", but rather what can lead to true relaxation in life.
On episode one hundred and fifty seven of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim catch up and talk about the divisive nature of social media as of late. In light of the recent fragile landscape, the guys discuss how to have mature and civil conversations about difficult topics and the importance of respect and love above all. Taking shape as more of an after thought than topics, Matt and Tim share their weaknesses in drumming. Then they pivot into the topic of ‘weakness in life’ and how weakness can, in fact, be a positive thing.
On episode one hundred and fifty five of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt has recently returned home from touring in Europe and is running on both fumes and the excitement of being reunited with his family. Matt shares a little about his time on tour and segways into the topic of “showing up”. He describes what it means, in his opinion, to continue showing up as it relates to his drumming. The guys transition into the topic of “living differently” in which Tim tees up using career/ambition, faith/evangelism, and family/parenthood as the focus points.
On episode one hundred and fifty four of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt records from the outskirts of London and Tim records while vacationing at the DE beach. Due to some major technical setbacks, the guys are pressed for time, but manage to squeeze in one of their favorite episodes to date. They cover both their drum and faith topics with an overarching topic of "motivation vs. discipline." The guys discuss how each has its own appropriate place and time to aid in the success of both drumming and other aspects of life.
On episode one hundred fifty three of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt talks about a festival he played last week on the same stage as Slipknot that led to an impactful encounter with Eloy Casagrande. The guys follow the natural conversational progression into their topic of humility and how believing the best in people might be an important piece. To cap it off, Matt and Tim hit on the topic of generosity (a topic they haven’t touched on since episode 7). Tim broadens the idea beyond financial generosity and encourages us not to miss out.
On episode one hundred and fifty two of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim spend a majority of the episode catching up and talking about Tim’s new song and the idea of identity before briefly hitting on their episode “fly-by” topics. In their drum topic- they talk about prioritizing drumming, or rather, prioritizing the right things with the time that is available to you. In their faith topic- the talk about the concept of treating others the way you want to be treated.
On episode one hundred and fifty of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim realize they’ve hit a milestone episode number and reflect on how the podcast has impacted them over the years. Tim tees up the topic of writer’s block — a timely and relevant to both of them. Tim shares about his recent motivation and steps he’s taken to make music a regular part of his life again. The guys then discuss the topic of “earning love” serving as a good reminder to everyone that God’s love isn’t something you earn.
On episode one hundred and forty seven of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt gives a quick tour update and the guys describe and explore how it feels to perform live. Then, in a topic recommended by Adam Gray, Matt and Tim talk about the importance of drumming dynamics and what goes into progressing in that ability. Finally, they discuss the power of forgiveness and Matt shares a recent interaction that offended him.
On episode one hundred and forty six of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim take a deep introspective look at their podcasting careers and comment on some aspects they’ve improved upon over the years. The guys talk about having discipline when it comes to practicing drums and Matt proposes a unique hypothetical that inspires Tim to share about placing more importance on his drumming. Matt divulges an embarrassing realization he made while watching a video of a performance and Tim emphasizes the role weakness and failure have to play in being human.
On episode one hundred and forty five of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim settle a 7-year debate while talking about Matt’s recent visit over Tim’s house and Tim’s tendency to “nerd-out”. The guys decide to kick things off with their faith topic of Investment and how investing into your relationships is essential. They shift slightly to their drum topic, “Go Hard”, which dives into focusing on the difficult drum techniques, patterns, or otherwise, in order to reap the rewards.
On episode one hundred and forty four of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim talk about taking on challenges then transition directly into the episode topics without hesitation. Tim confuses Matt while attempting to describe the 80/20 rule in drumming, but they manage to pull it together. Similarly, Tim presents the idea of the 80/20 rule as it pertains to various aspects of life, and the guys hone in on a few valuable points. Matt challenges Tim with a riddle and is taken aback by Tim’s answer.
On episode one hundred and forty three of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim chat about the changing of seasons and the rewarding feeling of accomplishment before getting into their topics. The first, they share the “hardest” things they’ve had to experience and/or overcome in their drumming careers. Second, Matt tells a story about a friend who’s trying to turn his life around and suggests that he needs to start by deciding to do the next right thing- to which, Tim sums up with a Disney song.
On episode one hundred and forty two of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt shares about an unexpected set-back during the filming of his double bass course and Tim talks about modeling healthy behavior when it comes to reacting to set-backs and things in life that seem "unfair". The guys shift focus and talk about embracing the game-changing drumming practice of patterns and sticking, and utilizing it to take drumming to the next level. Finally, Tim tees up a timely topic based on the posture of your heart, which both Matt and Tim find very relevant.
On episode one hundred and forty one of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim have way more energy than normal and channel that energy into a productive rant about how you can’t take advice from just anyone. They find a natural segway into their drum topic, revisiting double bass in light of Matt’s recent course. From there, the guys shift into the topic of health, where they weigh the balance of mind, body, and soul.
On episode one hundred and forty of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt talks about the double bass course he’s been working on then talks a little about the recently re-recorded Thrill Seeker album while busting Tim’s chops. The guys chat about the ever-relevant topic of “Just Do It” encouraging everyone (especially themselves) to stop putting off the thing you want to do. Similarly, they approach the topic of procrastination as it pertains to “squeezing your faith in” when its convenient. Tim brings up the Eisenhower Matrix and encourages everyone to organize what’s most important in order to better prioritize and succeed.
Yule tide greetings! On episode one hundred and thirty nine of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim have their friend, Adam Gray on the podcast to cap off the year yet again. The trio talk about big noses, deviated septa, and SlipKnot’s new drummer. Adam opens up about the passing of his wife, Teagan and the struggles that have come alongside that loss. Though they share many a laugh, this episode is not your typical Christmas episode. It’s real conversation about real life, and it’s not necessarily wrapped up nicely with a bow.
On episode one hundred and thirty eight of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt has the stomach bug but the duo still manage to maintain their episode release streak. Matt jumps right into the drum topic- teeing up the upcoming Christmas Burns Red show in Lancaster. He talks about the humble beginnings of the annual Christmas event, the prep work that goes into it, and ultimately, the teamwork required to pull it off. Tim lobs a timely question into the air around “preparing your heart” and the what meaning that phrase may take amid the hustle and bustle of the season. The two discover the importance of re-centering the mind and making space for what’s most important.
On episode one hundred and thirty seven of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim catch up after a busy month and turn their tangent into a topic; talking about the importance of being present and how some simple adjustments can make all the difference. Further pivoting from the norm, they visit their drum topic second and talk about their goals for the fast approaching new year.
On episode one hundred and thirty six of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim squeeze in an episode around midnight after Matt's show in Destin, Florida. Matt and Tim fulfill the obligatory "small talk" with an unexpected guest cameo, then head into their topic where they reminisce about their early days of drumming and comment on some surprising similarities as they have in the past. Next, they talk about the importance and benefits of trusting God in any circumstance.
On episode one hundred thirty five of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim kick it off by talking about how the podcast has evolved over the years and their passion for keeping it going. Tim jumps into the drum topic of learning other people’s drum parts and Matt shares his two cents while bringing in some alternative perspectives. They also talk about how to measure success. Then the guys talk about being guilty about mistakes and how to approach feeling of guilt and shame.
On episode one hundred and thirty four of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim update each other on some recent "highlights", then head into their drum topic discussing the qualities they look up to in their drumming role models. Without missing a beat (no pun intended), Matt poses the question, "Can people change?" and brings up the biblical story of King Nebuchadnezzar, sparking a conversation around various examples of change.
On episode one hundred and thirty three of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim inadvertently switch gears last minute and step directly into the topic of time management and prioritizing things that may not appear as important at surface level. They follow it up by answering some of the “most asked” drumming questions according to Google.
On episode one hundred and thirty two of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim talk about how practicing drums or spending time doing something that is life-giving to you creates purpose in your life and effects your mentality. In a similar, yet separate topic, the guys attempt to uncover their inner-most motivations that inspire them to wake up each morning and take hold of the day. Things get a little quirky, but ultimately ends on a powerfully important tangent about living out your purpose.
On episode one hundred and thirty one of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt talks about the busyness of the season and shares about his recent experience seeing Creed. Tim kicks off a conversation about the power of music and how that power can be displayed. Then the guys round out the episode with a deep conversation around acknowledging God’s hand at work in the mundane periods and Tim opens up about some struggles in his life.
On episode one hundred and thirty of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim skip the chit chat and dive directly into their drum topic where they each share what they believe to be their personal drumming weaknesses and strengths. This leads to a discussion about vulnerability and the benefits of recognizing where you have room for improvement. They continue into their faith topic centered around the impact of physical well-being. Matt shares a personal anecdote about a recent doctor's visit that highlighted the effects of drumming on his body as well as the importance of caring for yourself.
On episode one hundred and twenty nine of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt mentions the assassination attempt on former president Trump which and Tim talks about how it’s important not to let the political landscape dictate your mood and to be respectful. Then the guys work through what happens when you step away from playing drums for an extended period of time and how it can affect both your playing and your mentality. Finally, the guys round it out with the topic of selflessness and how important and beneficial it can be to you and those around you.
On episode one hundred and twenty eight of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim talk about the beauty (and the trials) of fatherhood and nearly derail their topics while getting into a conversation about couples/relationships. They head into their drum topic about taking the appropriate steps to hit goals- a topic inspired by Tim’s career as a strategist in marketing. Matt shares a story of a recent interaction and sheds light on some crucial points. Then, Matt reads a passage from 1 Timothy that talks about the love of money. This spirals into a truly eye opening and thought provoking conversation about the approach to work/life balance and the pursuit of wealth.
On episode one hundred and twenty seven of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim catch up briefly and then quickly pivot their drum topic last minute to talk about how the environment you play (or practice) drums in, can make a difference in the way that you play. The guys also list some ways to inspire unmotivated players to sit down and play. Matt proceeds to read definitions of love given by children. This inspires a conversation around innocent love and the simplicity, but also the complexity of love itself.
On episode one hundred and twenty six of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim host their first guest in 2024, Timothy Molloy, drummer of Our Last Night. They chat about the recent covers only tour that Matt attended and how it differed from their other tours in many ways, as well as Timothy's start with Our Last Night and how the band has challenged him as a drummer. Timothy speaks into the importance of who you surround yourself with, the band's workflow, and the difference between playing their originals vs. covers.
On episode one hundred and twenty five of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt records while on vacation from outside of his friend’s house in SC. The guys talk a lot about the Our Last Night after Matt recently attended their live show. Then, they come up with a drum topic on the fly and discuss how to keep drumming in your peripheral even when you’re away from the kit for a period of time. Tim kicks off the faith topic centered having nothing left to give, inspired by the popular CCM song, Gratitude. They talk a little bit about some misconceptions and dig into how physical belongings mean very little in the grand scheme of things.
On episode one hundred and twenty four, Matt is on the bus en route to Daytona, Florida to perform at a festival and Tim shares a convicting thought he was chewing on earlier in the day. The guys talk about the difference between an amateur and a pro, and compile a list of differentiators. Finally, they chip off a tip of the iceberg with the topic of “you make your life what it is” and tease a part two.
On episode one hundred and twenty three of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim realize they blew right past their five year anniversary and get a little nostalgic about their poor choice in hair styles years back. Tim drops a bomb on Matt when he plays an AI generated metal song that sounds similar to August Burns Red. The guys talk about the advancements of AI in the music industry and balance pros and cons. Then they come in hot with the topic of Jesus versus Culture, as Tim reads a list of familiar cultural beliefs that contradict the teachings of Jesus.
On episode one hundred and twenty two of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim power through various sporadic interruptions and still manage to have a fun and memorable conversation. Matt, recording from the city of love (Paris, France) talks a little bit about the European tour and the trip he has planned with his wife and baby daughter. This kicks off a tangent about travel and how worthwhile it can be. The drum topic “hits on” the idea that you’re a better musician than you may think you are. Matt then tees up the faith topic of “waiting on the Lord”. Tim breaks down the phrase and the duo proceed to analyze the meaning and how it applies to life.
On episode one hundred and twenty one of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt records from Bristol England and talks about the current European tour. Tim shares about his new baby girl and the changes in life that have come as a result. Then the guys dive into their drum topic about “showing your cards”. Matt makes reference to a recent experience where requested a drum lesson even as a seasoned pro. Tim approaches it from the perspective of a content creator who has forgotten the time and effort behind the published end result. They close the topic with a fun exercise. Finally, with Easter quickly approaching, the guys decide to discuss Easter; the traditions, the message, the meaning, and ultimately how it changes our fate.
On episode one hundred and twenty of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt talks about his recent experience on the Emo’s Not Dead cruise and tells some tales from the voyage. Tim talks about life in limbo, as he and his wife await the arrival of their third child. Next, the guys hit on five “friendly reminders” for drummers (though many apply to musicians in general). Then Tim kicks off the topic of "leading by example" after recent instances (brought on by parenting) got him thinking. Matt references Gladiator (which is something he’s never done before) and sheds a different light on the conversation.
On episode one hundred and nineteen of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim chuckle about a funny moment Matt had with a friend/drum student and Matt inadvertently tees up one of their topics by talking about enjoying some time with his wife instead of focusing on some important tasks. Matt talks a little about the Emo’s Not Dead cruise that August Burns Red is about to embark on, then transitions into the drum topic about playing drums for yourself first, before playing for anyone else’s approval. Tim chimes in with a recent thought about what “the dream” is for himself as an artist/musician in 2024. Then, Tim gets deep and talks about an idea that someone in distress only needs 8 minutes of undivided attention from a friend to feel a little better. Tim opens up about a difficult situation he’s been struggling with and Matt lends some great perspective.
On episode one hundred and eighteen of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim randomly talk about how being more “disagreeable” or “strong-willed” can benefit you in many cases, and Matt shares a lesson on double bass that he learned. Tim gives Matt a hard time for not watching a video he sent and tees up the drum topic by talking about a recent drum cover he did for his friend’s birthday. The guys talk about finding the reason for playing (and continuing to play) drums. They round out the episode by exploring the rather deep topic of the “Good Old Days”. What made those days good? Would it be the same if you knew they were the good old days when you were living them?
On episode one hundred and seventeen of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt throws out a challenging hypothetical scenario and Tim shares his thoughts about seasons and how quickly life can change. The guys swiftly transition into their drum topic focused around the idea of the most important part of the drums being YOU, the drummer, and how that translates to the approach. Finally, Matt shares about a men’s retreat he attended recently and the topic of identifying your calling through three simple indicators- Talent, Opportunity, and Passion.
On episode one hundred and sixteen of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt kicks off the first episode of the new year with a story about getting booed on stage during his drum solo. After a brief tangent about Tim’s new IEMs, the guys proceed to address new drummers (and/or drummers who would like to get back into drumming this year) with advice on how to succeed and stick with it. Tim transitions topics by sharing his New Years resolution while in the same breath, expressing his disdain for the idea of waiting for the first of the year to “start fresh”. Then Matt opens up about a bad habit he worked to break.
On episode one hundred and fifteen of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt gets excited about Christmas and starts drinking olive juice straight from the jar and shares a magical moment that happened while recapping the most recent tour. The guys talk about the many, many Christmas services that happen at churches in the area and refocus on what's important during the holiday. Then they spend some time applauding the drummers who have volunteered or devoted their time to preparing and leading at church Christmas services. This turns into a motivational conversation around taking a step forward and being bold. Tim asks what Matt's least favorite Christmas song to play is, and they head into their next topic of "Christmas memories". Matt challenges Tim to share an awkward Christmas memory then proceeds to carry (and drop) the weight of the conversation. The episode finishes out with a couple messages from HGN listeners. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Matt and Tim!
On episode one hundred and fourteen of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt catches us up on the Rescue and Restore anniversary tour and the upcoming (now recent) Christmas Burns Red shows preceding his homecoming. The guys talk about “giving it your all” or “going big” when it comes to drumming. This idea, being rooted in caring less about what other people might think, is perhaps contrary to what many teach. Tim interludes their next topic by confessing his shortfalls in being consistent with reading the Bible. Matt and Tim discuss the importance and benefits of instilling Bible reading as a frequent habit.
On episode one hundred and thirteen of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim talk about the upcoming Emo’s Not Dead cruise that August Burns Red will be playing on. This leads them to question whether or not ABR is an “emo band”. Matt updates us on the Rescue and Restore tour thus far and tells a little about his experience being away from his family. After catching up, the guys each share 5 mistakes that drummers make and talk about what to do to avoid making them. As per usual, they round it out with a second topic, this time, inspired by the Thanksgiving season. Despite discussing it in the past, they approach the topic of “thankfulness” from a slightly different angle.
On episode one hundred and twelve of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim remember drumming legend and friend, Aaron Spears, after his unexpected passing. They reminisce about their first time hearing Aaron play drums and what made him stand out as a drummer, then talk about who he was as a person and how his character far outshined his success as a musician. Matt shares some stories of moments with Aaron, and the guys share some laughs and shed some tears in his honor. They finish out with a clip from Aaron’s episode (32) on the podcast.
On episode one hundred and eleven of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim joke about recording in the “Eleventh Hour” and elude to a comical video that they posted about it a while back. Matt talks about rehearsing for the Rescue and Restore anniversary tour in the old barn, which serves as a segue into their topics. They start by talking about the importance of focusing on both your drumming strengths and weaknesses, and how the only way to truly grow and improve as a drummer is to work on those weak points. Matt equates drumming to wallpaper removal, prompting Tim to assuage his guilty conscience. Next, the gents talk about putting family first and what that means to each of them. They land on the provoking idea of truly being present and getting rid of the distractions.
On episode one hundred and ten of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt compliments Tim a couple times and that dovetails into talking about being cheap, or rather, “value conscious” when purchasing razors and coffee. Matt shares about his time at the UK Drum Show with Mike Johnston and they “hit on” the topic; when math becomes magic within the realm of drumming. Tim has trouble articulating his case study and the guys find humor in all of the mispronunciations throughout the episode. Finally, the guys have an in-depth discussion around prioritizing, setting goals, and how to be creative with your limitations.
On episode one hundred and nine of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt shares some exciting news and the guys are surprised by a couple unexpected guests which serves as a nice set-up for the topics. Matt kicks off the drum topic of "Teaching" and shares his experience, his approach, and a number of important tips to help both experienced drum teachers, and aspiring drum teachers be the best they can be. Then the guys switch gears and hit on the topic of "fatherhood". Matt approaches the topic from the perspective of a new dad and talks about the feelings and thoughts he's been experiencing since the birth of his daughter. Tim comes at it from a spiritual point of view and relates it to his understanding of God as a Father, after having a few years to process and reminisce. They both share the same sentiment; that being a dad is the most rewarding experience.
On episode one hundred and eight or Holy Ghost Notes, Matt is only days away from having a new baby girl as Tim wraps up “back to school week” and shares some exciting news. The guys talk about using earplugs for sleeping and talk a little about the IEM company, Ultimate Ears, and their experience with both the products and the company. After a longer than average intro, they head into their drum topic; touching on the importance of spending time watching (or observing) how other drummers play and how it can benefit your own drumming in many ways. Matt talks about staying home from August Burns Red’s Australian tour which inspires the topic of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Through many a divergence from the root topic, in typical fashion, they uncover many parallels that round out the discussion.
On episode one hundred and seven of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim rant briefly about Tim's studio progress, what we may picture someone looking like without seeing them based on their voices, size small deep v-neck tees that they never should've worn, a worship song Tim's been writing, and realizing their flaws and pride, prior to getting into their topics. After many a joke and tangent, they head into their drum topic on "taking your time" when learning and perfecting drum parts and/or rudiments. They also discuss being open to learning and staying humble, despite how long you've been playing or how popular you've become for your playing. Finally, they approach the topic of "The Main Character Syndrome", as Tim coins it. They hit on the idea of consistently (and incorrectly) associating yourself with the main character in the stories of the Bible, rather than perhaps a secondary character who actually teach you something about yourself.
On episode one hundred and six (not five) of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim discuss their worst hair styles and chuckle about how brutal some of the Old Testament stories are. The gents approach the topic of ‘pressure’ with force and they illustrate it as a necessity when it comes to truly perfecting your craft. They proceed to take on the topic of ‘finances’ and realize quickly that it’s a more faith-based topic than they had initially thought.
On episode one hundred and five of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim record at the crack of dawn and Matt shares of his recent door hanging zeal. The guys chat about prioritizing, and naturally transition into their requested drum topic on coping with leaving the music industry. Tim tells a little bit about his music background and where his head was at when he ultimately “called it quits”, then Matt adds his perspective as a career musician. This leads into the topic of how to deal with failure. The duo coast on some cookie cutter ideals, then dig into how your identity plays a big part in facing failure head on.
On episode one hundred and four of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim talk about Tim's studio progress, Matt's vacations, ABR's upcoming tour with Ice Nine Kills, and talk about Tim's "work voice" then joke about his agreeable personality. Matt narrowly avoids getting himself into trouble and then kicks off their drum topic, "Trust Yourself". They talk about how in many cases, we are responsible for the pressure we feel when drumming. The guys talk about improv scenarios versus practiced scenarios and how it's important to trust your own abilities and relieve the pressure. Tim reads James 1:9-11 and Matt shares about when this verse resonated with him for the first time, asks some challenging questions and speaks about God as a judge.
On episode one hundred and three of Holy Ghost Notes, Tim records from his new house for the first time and Matt tells about a moment that threw him for a loop while buying paint. The guys then struggle to agree on some definitions prior to hitting on their drum topic; fills. They touch on their approach to fills, some iconic fills, and laugh about stating the obvious. Tim shares about a recent experience that inspires telling the story of the Good Samaritan, and dovetails into conversation around identifying the needs around you and obeying the calling on your life.
On episode one hundred and two, Matt and Tim talk about home renovations and being observant before Matt steps away to address a flooding washing machine. Tim kills some time remotely troubleshooting what the issue with the machine might be while pretending to know about these things, and the guys head into their drum topic upon Matt's return. Tim shares about his plans for the new drum studio space as Matt encourages him not to wait on the buildout. They follow suit and head into their faith topic around the Beatitudes as told in Matthew 5, prompted by a sermon that Matt's pastor preached the Sunday prior. The guys begin to realize the flaws in their instinctive approach to the scripture and carry on a meaningful conversation challenging that mindset.
On episode one hundred and one, Tim shares about his recent move and the nostalgia that set in while cleaning his old house one last time. Then the guys talk about the importance of "checking yourself" or examining the state of your emotions prior to a performance or a rehearsal and how your emotional state can show through. Matt tells a story that ushers them into the topic of stress. Then, Tim shares about a number of things going on in his life and how he's gained perspective through the anxiety surrounding all of it.
On episode one hundred of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim celebrate their 100th episode and reminisce by listening and reacting to "favorite" clips from various episodes chosen specifically by the Inner Circle community. Matt reads a note that he had been saving and a special guest sneaks their way onto the episode.
On episode ninety nine of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt finds himself recording from the back of the bus while the rest of the band and crew are asleep. The guys tease the fast approaching 100th episode and make their way into their drum topic; discussing the unique relationships between drummers and other musicians. Tim heads down the topic path of “how to work God in” to your life/schedule, only to be struck by the realization/revelation that the very concept of the topic puts God in a box.
On episode ninety eight of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim hit all expectations by ranting for a bit to kick things off. They head into their drum topic and shares some laughs while listing a number of common misconceptions around drumming. Being that they're recording on Good Friday, they dig into the topic of Easter. Tim talks through his thought process on the gravity of Jesus being separated from the Father while being crucified. They land on the simple idea of how to say, "thank you."
On episode ninety seven of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt talks about August Burns Red’s new release, Death Below, and Tim realizes that he always has to have the final word. The guys talk about a few things they would tell their younger drummer selves if they had the opportunity, and then venture into the listener-requested topic of loyalty. Tim plays devil’s advocate and presents a number of hypotheticals while Matt grounds the conversation with some spiritual truths.
On episode ninety six of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt talks about the ABR 20th Anniversary tour as they near the end of the first leg and Tim talks about his change of location amid moving out of his house. The guys start by tackling the topic of warming up, which they surprisingly hadn’t really covered in a prior episode, and challenge the common understanding of what a drum warm up should be. Then they hit the ground running into the topic of the little things; and how more care and attention should be put into the moments or choices that don’t seem as important when compared to other things in life.
On episode ninety five of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt finds himself, once again, recording from a hotel lobby on his day off from tour. The guys catch up and then revisit their previous episode topic after reading some listener responses. Matt presents the topic of drumming as a constant vs. a variable and Tim shares his perspective as a drum hobbyist and dad with young kids. They progress into their topic of “read the Bible”, and challenge themselves while discussing the value of this foundational practice.
On episode ninety four of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt talks about the upcoming tour and filming the music video for August Burns Red’s new single, Backfire. Just as exciting, Tim talks about his recent cooking adventures and the price of eggs. The guys jump into their topic about preparing for a tour and it takes a sentimental turn, then pivot to the topic of counseling and therapy. Tim expresses his distaste for the negative stigma around asking for help, which leads to a discussion shedding light on both sides of the argument.
On episode ninety three of Holy Ghost Notes, Tim talks about getting back behind the drum kit for a worship service for the first time in almost 6 years, and proposes a hypothetical question to Matt. This leads them into the topic of stepping out of your drumming comfort zone. The guys then follow a similar trajectory and Tim recognizes his own shortfalls while taking the same topic of the “comfort zone” and applying it to life and spiritual growth.
On episode ninety two of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim kick off the first episode of the year by talking about how they spent their holidays, recommending games, and chuckling about Jake’s viral Gretzky encounter video. They jump into their drum topic centered around their “drum heroes” or drummers they have idolized/looked up to and Tim catches Matt off guard. The guys proceed with their faith topic, summing up their year in 2022 with a singular word and assigning a new word to 2023.
On episode ninety one of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim finish out the year with their pal, and semi-frequent guest, Adam Gray. The guys catch up a bit and share some laughs. Adam talks about the humble beginnings and ultimate demise of his band, Texas in July, and hints at some upcoming activity. Then he shares a little about what he’s been up to and opens up about overcoming his physical and mental struggles over the past few years, what he’s learned in his deliberate solitude, and his appreciation for the simple things. Through many a laugh and inspiring tale, we hope this episode bring you joy this Christmas! From Matt, Tim, and Adam - Merry Christmas!
On episode ninety of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt talks about returning home from his European tour and summarizes his time on the road and Tim derails the conversation to stress the value of the business side of music. The guys quickly share a little bit about what this Christmas season looks like for each of them and then head into their drum topic; comparing how they approached drumming on their very first drum kits to how they approach drumming now. Then, Matt and Tim talk about being hurt by the church, the perspective they’ve gained through all of it, and the drive to maintain that perspective while continuing to seek the truth.
On episode eighty nine of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt records while on a bus driving down a highway in Hungry on his way to Budapest. He shares about the current European tour, the new single, 'Ancestry', and ABR's upcoming album release. Tim and Matt then discuss how the way you hit your drums is important and can, at times, be negatively impacted by the circumstances around you. The guys also talk about how making a positive change is something you shouldn't push off and how being open-minded and vulnerable can help.
On episode eighty eight of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim share stories and remember their friend, student, and Inner Circle community member, Clare Raiguel, who unexpectedly passed away recently. They start with a topic inspired by Clare, ‘carving your own way’, and discuss how being yourself and playing to your strengths can give you an advantage. Then the guys talk about grief, how to process and deal with it, and ultimately, why it’s so important.
This episode is dedicated to Clare. You are loved and will be greatly missed.
On episode eighty seven of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim are joined by drumming legend, Matt Garstka of Animals as Leaders. Matt shares about his time at Berkeley, his practice vigor, his high-pressure upbringing, and his workout routine. He also speaks on practicing living in the moment and staying out of your own head, and opens up about his faith journey.
On episode eighty six of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim invite Dallas Taylor (frontman of Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, ex. Underoath) after bringing him up in a recent episode. Dallas talks about his life threatening accident and the long road of recovery he’s been on, but also the perspective he’s gained along the way. He continues to share his thoughts and emotions as he looks ahead towards his first performance since the accident. Between the laughs, the chills, the surprises, and a role in Joe Dirt 2, Dallas bears his soul, and we all get to hang on for the ride.
On episode eighty five of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim go down a rabbit hole about radio. Then they refocus and get into their drum topic; speaking on five ways (and then some) to improve your drumming, where they each take turns listing tactics that they feel are important when it comes to advancing as a drummer. In concluding the drum topic, the guys enter into their faith topic of pride and explore the gray area between confidence and arrogance. They quickly discover that there’s a lot more to pride than it simply “coming before a fall”.
On episode eighty four, the guys get off to a goofy start, Tim provides a solution for forgetting passwords, and the guys jump right into their drum topic; “overthinking". Tim takes it in a slightly different direction than Matt was envisioning and tries to sing like Tom Delonge. Matt kicks off the topic of “comparison” which leads them down a path of talking about motives, leadership, and a slew of other winding thought.
On episode eighty three of Holy Ghost Notes, Tim catches Matt off guard right from the start and they proceed to talk a little about being task oriented vs. time efficient in light of Tim's schedule. Matt shares a story of enlightenment while on the back of a horse, which dovetails into their drum topic, "Balance on the kit". Tim kicks off the next topic, "Feeling defeated" and opens up about what's been happening in his life and some weaknesses that he's recognizing in himself. The guys go on to discuss how to best prepare for and overcome the feeling of defeat in everyday life.
On episode eighty two of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt talks about tour heat and tour ice baths as the guys go on a tangent about sweaty palms and dropping sticks. Matt is apprehensive about the drum topic, but takes a stab at kicking off the thought provoking conversion around “branding yourself as a drummer”. The guys transition into yet another topic that Matt isn’t excited to tackle, and Tim shares of a recent humbling conviction leading to a deep and honest conversation around recognizing our imperfection and being open to receiving help.
On episode eighty one of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt talks about the current ABR tour and how touring has differed as a newlywed. Then the guys bring on guest, Dango Cellan (drummer for Scott Stapp of Creed, Amber Pacific, Sonic Flood and formerly of RED, SuperChick, Fireflight, and more). Dango shares about what a day in his life looks like, and gives some advice to drummers/musicians looking to pursue a career in music. The guys also talk about the importance of the Church, despite its many shortfalls, and Dango shares about his warped tour Bible study, an encounter with Fat Mike of NOFX, and sheds a light on his upbringing.
On episode eighty of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim express their gratitude around hitting eighty episodes and catch up about each other’s Fourth of July weekends. Tim talks about three qualities that he thinks will make and sustain a professional drummer/musician's career and Matt contributes his thoughts based on his experience as a professional in the industry. Then, the guys talk about the subject of patience - their experiences around it, the difficulty behind it, and the importance of practicing it.
On episode seventy nine of Holy Ghost Notes, Tim talks about Stranger Things and tells a dad joke that goes over Matt’s head as they spend some time catching up. Then, Matt talks about his experience judging alongside Aaron Spears and Dave Weckl at a recent drum competition, which initiates the topic of "judging" other drummers. The guys round out the conversation by talking about how to give and take advice in many different aspects of life.
On episode seventy eight of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim talk a little bit about slowing down and taking a break from social media. Then they compare returning to the drum kit to riding a bike and explore what it takes to develop muscle memory vs. mastery. Finally, the guys discuss the commitment that comes alongside friendship, and talk about a recent experience they shared which, in turn, inspires a challenge.
On episode seventy seven of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim reminisce about Matt’s recent wedding day and some things they’re learning two weeks into marriage, versus seven years into marriage. They transition into the multilevel topic of improvisation and tackle both improvising when unexpected circumstances arise as well as the ability to play improv as a drummer. The guys follow it up with the topic of love and ride the controversial line of how to define it.
On episode seventy six of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim are joined by Harold Brown (drummer and music director of Maverick City Music). Harold shares about his recent experience at the Grammy’s and talks about where he got his start and the steps it took to get to where he is now. Matt reminisces about his first time meeting Harold and the unexpected turn it took, and the guys discuss being a musician in a worship setting versus in a performance setting. Harold also explains how he directs Maverick sets and he answers some challenging listener questions!
On episode seventy five of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim talk about delicious meats and technology that is too advanced for them. Then, they attempt to dispel the intimidation that follows odd time signatures and they talk about utilizing subdivisions. Finally, the guys talk about the importance of discipleship after Matt shares about an event he recently attended.
On episode seventy four of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim joke about what gets them “pumped up”, then spend some time talking about the heartbreaking loss of the late, great, Taylor Hawkins. Matt shares about his struggle writing for the new August Burns Red album, which launches them into the topic of persistency. They talk about the value of being persistent and share some realistic ways to approach frustrating and difficult periods in drumming. To round it out, the guys share a few stories while exploring the concept of obedience, and discover some things about themselves in the process.
On episode seventy three of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim “celebrate” their official three year anniversary episode by bragging about how busy they are! They start by catching up and then transition into discussing some tactics to counteract being too busy to play drums, and outline some personal tendencies they often fall victim to. Similarly, they continue their conversation about busyness, but on how it applies to faith and more specifically, maintaining a relationship with God. They realize quickly that their approach is very telling about themselves.
On episode seventy two of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim get sidetracked from the start and decide to swap topics rather than derail a solid conversation about evangelism. They discuss how putting evangelism into a box can be harmful in many ways and stress the importance of integrity. Then the guys share about some lessons they’ve learned and things they’ve accomplished (or haven’t) in their drumming since the start of the year. Though many a tangent, random story, and awkward silence; this episode will be remembered (unlike evasive movie titles).
On episode seventy one of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim finally get around to bringing Matt’s drum tech (and pseudo physical therapist), Spencer Arnott on as a guest. Spencer talks about an injury that motivated him to learn more about physiology, and shares about the importance of focusing on your body and what is most natural while drumming. The guys also discuss the mental difficulty of accepting critique, and how hard it can be to try something new when you’re set in your own way.
On episode seventy of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim squeeze in an episode while Matt is back for a day home from tour. Matt talks about touring with Killswitch Engage, some unexpected events that occurred, and shares about a moment of panic which leads them into their drum topic where they consider some ways to respond to panic. Then, the guys follow the parallel life/faith topic discussing how to relax when things happen in life that aren’t fair.
On episode sixty nine of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim talk about being busy and randomly share some thoughts they have about finding the right significant other. Then Matt cons Tim into drastically mispronouncing a listener’s name before they begin their drum topic, walking through their home recording processes. They round it out with the topic of jealousy, which quickly transforms into the topic of contentment.
On episode sixty eight of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt keeps forgetting to mention that he’s engaged (badum tss). Tim and his family have Covid but that doesn’t stop the guys from having a healthy conversation to kick off the new year. Matt and Tim start by talking a little about the recent Christmas Burns Red show, then transition into their first topics of 2022. They talk about putting in the work and doing the hard things to hit your goals, then they talk about starting off on the right foot, no matter the situation, by beginning with prayer. They finish it out by sharing one regret and one thing they’re each proud of from last year.
On episode sixty seven of Ho-Ho-Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim catch up and talk about preparing for Christmas, then briefly refocus their attention towards those who may be having a difficult time during this holiday season and speak to the part that we all play in being there for each other. Matt draws up an interesting hypothetical scenario and the guys discuss their differences when it comes to the anticipation of playing drums. Similarly, the guys talk about anticipating peace after Matt reads a moving prayer. They round it out with a light hearted Christmassy question. Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
On episode sixty six of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim bring back their good friends and top requested return guests, Adam Gray (Texas In July) and Andrew Tkaczyk (The Ghost Inside). Adam talks about returning to the drum kit for the upcoming Christmas Burns Red show and about posting new content to his YouTube channel. Andrew talks about performing with TGI again and about his side projects, including a pop-punk project with Tim and some esteemed collaborators. The guys struggle to catch their breath through many laughs and relatable stories as Andrew and Adam patiently wait to start booting up Call of Duty, once again. What a rush!
On episode sixty five of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim start by talking about Thanksgiving then quickly shift over to gratitude after sharing about a close friend’s car accident that happened the morning of the recording. Matt drops three important points to keep top of mind, then, as a follow up to their “goals” topic, the guys talk about “growth”, both in drumming and in life. They each outline three areas where they’ve seen growth as drummers, and they share about some of the growth they’ve seen in themselves personally, since the start of the podcast.
On episode sixty four of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt tells of his near-death experience and the guys catch up on life now that Matt is home from tour. Then they bring on their friend Adam Skatula (drummer of Citizens and long-time A&R rep at Tooth & Nail/Solid State Records) for a heart to heart. Adam shares about his experience at Mars Hill church in Seattle prior to its scandalous collapse and speaks on the importance of separating biblical truths from corrupted church experiences. He also talks a little about his past, the unconventional path that led him to work at the label, and lends some advice around what it really means to have a record deal and what qualities he looks for in the artists he signs.
On episode sixty three of Holy Ghost Notes, Tim shares about some changes in his life and what he’s been learning along the way. This launches the guys into a conversation about what church is/should be (surprise surprise). Matt talks about a meaningful experience that emphasized the true value of setting goals, and he reveals some new goals that he’s set for himself. Then, Tim spurs on the robust topic of idolatry, and what he’s been thinking about in regards to the slippery slope that leads to idolatry in modern culture.
On episode sixty two of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim talk on a whim about being insecure about their appearance and the negative effects of those insecurities. They dive into their drum topic comparing the subtleties of complex styles of drumming versus simpler styles of drumming, and how they both have a place and a purpose. Then, the guys bite off a little more than they can chew with the topic of what it means to be a good steward and doing everything to the best of your abilities, even (and especially) when nobody is watching.
On episode sixty one of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim laugh about the technical difficulties leading up to the recording of the episode, and Matt realizes how much has changed in his life since the last time he was recording from the back lounge of the tour bus. The guys start off by outlining the importance of “finding your why” as a drummer/musician. Then, similarly cover the topic of finding the why behind actions followed under the umbrella of "Christianity," the slippery slope between faith and religion, and the value of simply asking, "Why?".
On episode sixty of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim are joined by Seamus Evely (host of the Drumeo Gab podcast). Seamus opens up about his departure from Drumeo Gab and his new life chapter fueled by a fire and a new baby on the way. The guys discuss life, podcasting, drumming, and Seamus shares a little about his new podcast “Shootin’ the Shit with Seamus,” as well as a touching spiritual experience he had with his son.
On episode fifty nine of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim catch up a little bit and talk about Tim’s vacation and Matt’s upcoming tour. They also realize some similarities in their individual growth and comment on their slight change of heart throughout the life of the podcast. Matt “kicks it off” with the “hard hitting” and “dynamic” topic of writing a drum solo. He “breaks down” his process and the guys “roll” out the most important aspects in the creation of a solo. Then Tim provides an interesting “perspective” to the topic of discovering things beyond our understanding, leading to an intense discussion around the importance of perspective.
On episode fifty eight of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim are joined by their new friend, Mike Sleath (drummer for Shawn Mendes). Mike talks about his background, his experience with rejection (and sweet redemption), and shares a couple painfully awkward experiences meeting his drummer heroes. The guys talk about the difficulty of finding time to progress on drums while on tour, the value of treating everyone with equal respect, and Mike levels with us about his new "nursery pop-punk" song called, Running on the Moon.
On episode fifty seven of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim talk about their fondness ProTools for music and audio production, then transition into talking about their daily practice routines. Matt breaks down a simple way to structure your practice time and set goals, while still keeping it fun and relaxed. It starts getting fishy when Matt tells a compelling story that keeps Tim on his toes. The guys finish it out with a couple fascinating thoughts on how there’s often more clarity “in the valley”.
On episode fifty six of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim "exchange some pleasantries" and talk about the need for a getaway or something special outside of your normal workflow. Then they introduce their friend, Dave King (founder of iMatter Festival and executive director of HeartSupport). Matt and Dave reminisce a little bit about their friendship and how it developed. Dave talks about the YourLife Gathering/Conference, his approach to teaching and mentoring leaders, and the importance of community in a culture of division. He also speaks into the important topic of mental health and sprinkles some challenging and insightful thoughts throughout the conversation.
On episode fifty five of Holy Ghost Notes, Tim kicks it off by correcting a mistake he made in a prior episode after being called out by a listener, the guys joke about Matt’s role as Peter Criss in an upcoming movie, and announce an upcoming HeartSupport conference. After Tim reveals a surprising factoid, they talk about how it’s never too late to brush off the dust and get back on the drums. Matt brings a hard hitting topic on how we each live in our own bubble, meaning; your worldview is developed by your experiences and isn’t always rooted in the truth.
On episode fifty four of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt takes us to Hollywood (or maybe just New Jersey) by teasing his breakout role in a new feature film. Then Tim and Matt run through a list of “drumming essentials” or what they believe are the most crucial elements to being a proficient drummer, regardless of what style of music you play. They round it out with the deeply personal topic of Intrusive Thoughts and find some revelation and encouragement that they take to heart.
On episode fifty three of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt talks about the preparation that went into the August Burns Red: Leveler 10 Year Anniversary Live Stream event. The guys proceed to reminisce about their friendship in 2011 when Leveler was first written and recorded. Then Tim and Matt each share a video of a drum performance that has meaning to them and talk about the difference between performing live in front of an audience versus performing in a recording studio setting or at home practicing. They finish it out by taking on the topic of conviction and analyze what it actually means to be “convicted”.
On episode fifty two of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim, in typical fashion, follow a tangent right out the gate prior to introducing an exciting evolution to the Inner Circle membership. Then the guys exchange frightening, painful, and embarrassing stories from their time on the road. They finish it out with the topic of “temptation” and come to realize some fascinating, insightful, and helpful parallels leading to a powerful conclusion.
On episode fifty one of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim get back to the classic format after four consecutive guest episodes and kick it off with some lighthearted banter. After getting a little sidetracked, the guys decide to revisit the topic of drum gear and the reasoning behind their choice equipment. They finish out the episode with another “hard hitting” topic rooted in a verse out of Ecclesiastes, seasons in life.
On episode fifty of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim are joined by drummer, composer and orchestrator, Hal Rosenfeld, who has worked on projects for The Greatest Showman, Ringo Starr, Hans Zimmer, Kanye, Fortnite, The Jonas Brothers, and many more! Hal tells some outrageous stories of sessions he's worked on, and the guys talk about the most valuable way to succeed in the music industry. Finally, they all take turns talking about their "dream" artists to work with.
On episode forty nine of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim catch up after a busy couple of weeks then bring on special guest, Kortney Grinwis (drummer of Chapel). Matt and Kortney talk about a small venue experience they shared together and the tendency to be over critical of yourself as a performer, then they discuss mentally preparing for a show, the effect Covid has had on the industry, and new music from Chapel. Kortney also shares her thoughts on the increase of female drummers in the industry and her love for the drum community as a whole.
On episode forty eight of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt reads and talks about a speech by Teddy Roosevelt before introducing guest and friend, Alex Rüdinger (drummer of Whitechapel, formerly of Good Tiger, and The Faceless). Alex talks about his company, RS Drums, and what went into putting together their new drum sample pack. The guys chat about tour, pro tools, the difficulties of house hunting, and Alex deep dives his process of transcribing drums and opens up about his mental health struggles.
On episode forty seven of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim are joined by drummer and educator, Justin Scott (aka jscottdrummer). Justin shares a little about himself and his background and talks about how his approach to drumming is a little “backwards”. The guys discuss the importance of taking breaks and giving your brain time to process what you practice. Finally, Tim comically reveals to Matt a television show spot that featured ABR in a slightly unflattering manor.
On episode forty six of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt shares his nightmarish encounter during the recent snowstorm. Then the guys breakdown some strategies to help increase your speed and stamina on the drum kit, before diving into Luke 10:38-42 (the story of Mary and Martha). The conversation takes a familiar course, but not without some interesting twists and turns along the way.
On episode forty five of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt shares about a friend who recently passed away of cancer and Tim contrastingly shares about preparing for a new baby. The guys jump right into talking about a drummer’s unique ‘Drum DNA’ and how that plays into growth as a drummer. They also dive into Luke 5 and explore how obedience to God, even when it’s difficult or doesn’t make sense, can be the best thing for you.
On episode forty four of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim are joined, once again, by their friend Adam Gray (of Texas In July) and it gets personal. Adam talks about his newfound enthusiasm for reading books, brought on by his fresh college career. Through many a shared laugh, the guys talk video games, tour life, "normal life", writing music, and answer some listener questions. To top it all off, Adam drops some wisdom around mental health and how he deals with anxiety.
Merry Christmas! On episode forty three of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim switch things up and jump into their faith topic first. After reading through the Christmas story, they talk about what it means to them and, as usual, uncover some deep and unconventional truths. Then, inspired by a recent conversation with Matt Gartska, the guys refocus on what drum goals/resolutions to set in the new year and reiterate some of their most impactful tips.
On episode forty two of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim reminisce about the non-profit they “failed” to get off the ground and find a way to shift the perspective. Then they change things up and answer as many listener questions as they can fit into an episode, many of which lead to some very interesting dialogue, decisions, and discoveries.
On episode forty one of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim bring on their friend Andrew Tkaczyk of The Ghost Inside for a heart to heart, and boy is it just something else! They talk about Adam Gray, Andrew's clothing company - TakeBack Brand, Andrew's uncanny voice impressions, gaming with Adam Gray, recovering after the tragic bus accident, the chilling TGI comeback show, and Adam Gray. This episode has it all. What a rush!
On episode forty of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim catch up after a busy month of non-podcast related activity. They quickly dive into an old-fashioned drum topic on the importance of playing with accuracy, and lend some tips on how to test and improve precision. Then the guys round it out with the timely topic of thankfulness and discover some deep truths for themselves.
On episode thirty nine of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim are joined by Toronto based drummer, Sarah Thawer. They talk about Sarah's Zildjian Live experience earlier this year, the difficulties of being a female in a predominately male drumming field, and how breaking out of your creative process can actually inspire creativity. For the first time ever, Tim flies solo with some exciting announcements!
On episode thirty eight of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim bring on their friend Alex Shelnutt (of A Day To Remember) and it goes to 11! The guys discuss the difficulties of progressing in a world seemingly standing still, and Alex tells of his recent wedding that didn’t quite go as planned. Alex also shares about his start as the drummer of ADTR and answers some listener questions. Hint: Listen for the secret ending!
On episode thirty seven of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim are joined by South Africa based drummer and YouTube personality, Cobus Potgieter (whose name they struggle to pronounce correctly). They talk about Cobus’ big project that was nearly ruined by the global pandemic, then Cobus shares a few stories of his time spent with Rush drummer, Neil Peart, while working at Drum Channel. They round it out with some great conversation and valuable tips, namely, how important it is to have fun.
On episode thirty six of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim try to figure out what exactly everyone is celebrating on Labor Day. When they jump into the topic of practicing, they quickly realize the conversation is actually about motivation and gauging the value of sacrifice. Then the guys talk about positivity versus negativity and make some deep discoveries along the way.
On episode thirty five of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim have an impromptu discussion about stepping outside of your comfort zone to learn something new right before bringing on their friend Alex Camarena (drummer of Silent Planet). Alex tells of his unofficial induction into Silent Planet and their new album being recorded from home amidst the pandemic. He also talks about how he stays hopeful, where his "gospel chops" were birthed, and shares a couple things he thinks every drummer should know. They finish it out with questions from a couple HGN Inner Circle members. Peppered with stories, meaningful conversation, and a lot of laughs, this is a fun episode you don't want to miss.
On episode thirty four of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim catch up after Tim's vacation and quickly realize that Matt has been tricked into going on vacation as a "helpful uncle". The guys discuss what being sensitive to the needs of a song means as drummers in different genres and how to apply it to the kit. Then, Matt opens up about a close friend who passed away this past week which leads into a deeply personal conversation on what it looks like to leave behind a legacy.
On episode thirty three of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim bring on their old friend, Jonathan Thomas (Ascend the Hill, Civilian, and more). After catching up a little bit, Jonathan talks about his drum journey, his meant-to-be story of joining Ascend the Hill, and opens up about a condition that he's struggled with for many years. Between the laughs, the tips, and the fulfilling conversation, we hope you enjoy this one.
On episode thirty two of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim bring on the long anticipated drummer and friend, Aaron Spears (Usher, Ariana Grande, American Idol, Brittany Spears, Lady Gaga, and many more.) The guys reminisce about some memorable moments, talk about how to manage the pressures of touring at a professional level, and about how faith works it’s way into every day life, especially amid recent events.
On episode thirty one of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt lives to tell the story of his recent injury before fearlessly attacking the topic of stage fright. The guys share some of their own experiences and explore some methods of overcoming. Then Matt and Tim discuss distractions and open up about some things that have been disabling them from making the most of this present life. They finish it out with another difficult, yet worthwhile challenge!
On episode thirty of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim catch up after an eventful couple of weeks and talk about creating drum videos. Then, they tackle the topic of “being wrong” and recognizing self-righteousness in their own lives. They finish it out with a challenge for everyone.
On episode twenty nine of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim overcome various technical difficulties to deep dive what went into building their home studios. Then the guys scratch the surface on the topic of identity and placing your identity in Christ. Finally, for the first time ever, they bring on an Inner Circle member for a short conversation.
On episode twenty eight of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim bring on their friends Jon Leitzel, owner and founder of the Black Comb barber shop, and Robert Sumner, freelance tour manager and warped tour veteran. They reflect on the early beginnings of the Lancaster metal scene, discuss hard work and dedication to your trade, and find themselves touching on what Christianity is really all about.
Jake Luhrs returns for a follow up Minisode and brings the topic of "Control" to the table. After some deep thought and discussion (plus a few laughs along the way), the guys lighten it up and answer some flash questions that were submitted.
On episode twenty seven of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim announce some exciting news and then bring on their friend Jake Luhrs (of August Burns Red). Jake talks Guardians, HeartSupport, sheds some light on quarantine life, and shares some valuable life experiences. Then he answers some great questions submitted by the Inner Circle!
On Minisode 9, the guys bring back their pal, Adam Gray (Texas in July) for some good hangs during these difficult "quarantimes". Adam talks drums, answers some of your questions, and eludes to a new original song!
On episode twenty six of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim bring on their most requested guest, drummer and friend, Adam Gray (of Texas in July). Adam talks about the struggles he faced as a touring musician, shares some unbelievable stories from the road, and discusses the drive behind challenging himself as a drummer.
On episode twenty five (the one-year anniversary episode) of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim talk quarantine life and try to find a silver lining. Then they discuss the mental ramifications of the “mulligan” mentality behind recording music in this digital age. Finally, the guys share some heavy, personal stories and attack the timely topic of fear head on.
Here it is, Minisode 8! Matt and Tim spend some time catching up and dissect the concept presented in Matthew 17:20; having faith like a mustard seed. Then they squeeze in a quick flash question.
On episode twenty four of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim recap a successful Beating Drums to Battle Cancer event and lead into their first ever LIVE interview recorded at the event! Featured guest (and co-event coordinator), Caleb Allensworth talks about worship drumming, drum teching for Judah and the Lion, and opens up about his personal battle with cancer.
On episode twenty three of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim discuss how they structure their creative process. Then the guys explore the topic of bitterness; hopefully without leaving a bad taste in your mouth.
After over a month with no Minisode releases, Matt and Tim dust off the cobwebs and get to work. They read through Philippians 2:3-4, talk about relationships, and pose a complicated question. Then they round it out by answering some of your fun questions!
On episode twenty two of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt talks a little about the new August Burns Red single, ‘Defender’. Then the legendary U.K. session drummer, Ash Soan comes on the show! They talk about his windmill studio, recording drums for Adele, how to stand out as a drummer, and pigs! Then Matt and Tim close out with some exciting announcements.
On episode twenty one of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt talks about his recent time in CA attending the NAAM show and performing on Zildjian Live. The guys chat a little about the new Inner Circle patron program and the upcoming unofficial HGN live benefit event happening in February. Then, Tim and Matt get deep and personal while discussing the topic of how who/what you listen to can have tremendous power over your life.
On episode twenty of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim start off the new year with a bang by bringing on self-made drumming sensation Luke Holland. Luke shares his story and lends valuable advice about how to be successful as a drummer. Then Matt and Tim receive an unexpected text and reveal some exciting plans for this coming year.
On episode nineteen of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim keep it fun and lighthearted. They talk about their Christmas traditions, the first annual Christmas Burns Red event, and they reflect on how this past year has impacted them. The guys also manage to squeeze in an exciting announcement regarding 2020. Merry Christmas everyone!
In the sixth (not so) minisode, Matt and Tim read Matthew 6:1-4 and discuss the importance of the time spent when nobody is watching. They also answer more of your questions!
On episode eighteen of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim catch up post tour and share some “thrilling” stories. Then they have their good friend Kaleb Kilmer (co-founder of Greiner&Kilmer Drums) on the show. They talk drum creation, wood types, business, life, faith, and Kanye!
On episode seventeen of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim talk about how to set drumming goals and share some examples of what goals to set. Then, after Tim shares a rather embarrassing story, the guys find some enlightenment around the seemingly inherent need for validation in life.
In the fifth minisode, Matt and Tim read through Matthew 5:17-20 and get fired up about what Jesus is saying in the passage. They also answer more of your questions!
On episode sixteen of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim bring on their very first guest, Aaron Gillespie (Underoath, The Almost, Paramore) and talk drums, career/life balance, faith, and tour pranks! The guys then deconstruct and discuss the conversation before announcing the next Holy Ghost Notes giveaway!
In the fourth minisode, Matt and Tim get sidetracked and in true Holy Ghost Notes fashion, they decide to can the original plan. They also take some time answering more of your questions!
On episode fifteen of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt tells a few stories from his recent Australia/Hawaii Constellations tour. Despite various technical difficulties, the guys compare taking drum lessons versus being self-taught. Then, Matt and Tim decide to change things up last minute and dive into the behemoth topic of worship.
On episode fourteen of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim list who their top five favorite drummers are and why. They also take a look at what the Bible has to say about living a prosperous life and how it relates to God’s will.
In the third Holy Ghost Notes Minisode, Matt takes us back to a traumatic moment from 20 years ago while looking at Hebrews 12:1-3, and the guys attempt to answer some of your most difficult questions to date.
On episode thirteen of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim talk a little bit about Matt’s recent experience recording drums for the upcoming August Burns Red album and highlight some of the gear and techniques that were used in the studio. They also talk about their tendency to feel inadequate as drummers, like many others do. Finally, they examine the pressing subject of depression and suicide while opening up about some of the dark times in their lives.
On episode twelve of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim get temporarily sidetracked before exploring the realm of time signatures. Then, the guys take some time to discuss the mysterious topic of God's timing. Before time runs out, Matt spills the beans on some exciting developments and Tim laughs at more of his own jokes.
In the second Holy Ghost Notes Minisode, Matt and Tim dig deep into James 2:1-13 and answer more of your highly anticipated questions!
In episode eleven of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim talk about the ins and outs of starting a band, then they dive head first into the heavy topic of being a "prisoner of prophetic promise."
In the first Holy Ghost Notes Minisode, Matt and Tim briefly take a look at a few verses in Matthew 6 and proceed to answer a number of your questions while conveniently overlooking the "Mini" in Minisode.
In the tenth episode of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim discuss what practicing drums looks like for each of them. They also attempt to uncover the definition of lukewarm Christianity and quickly realize that it may not mean what they've always thought it meant.
On episode nine of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim bring on their very first guest, Spencer Arnott, who has been teching for Matt on the Constellations tour. This spurs on a fascinating conversation about how to leverage the drum set to enhance your playing. After answering some fun flash questions, things get deep in the topic of day to day Christianity.
On episode eight of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim share some of their studio drumming experiences and lend some tips and tricks. Then, after yet another riveting flash questions segment, the guys attempt to tackle the mysterious and awe-inspiring topic of Heaven.
On episode seven of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim discover a lot of similarities while talking through what drum gear they use and why, then briefly hit on the topic of endorsements. They break things up by answering your questions in another flash questions segment and finish it off with an eye opening discussion on generosity!
On episode six of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim talk through their songwriting process and then truly live in the moment with a topic that takes a "worrying" direction. They also answer listener's questions in a brand new flash questions segment!
On episode five of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim double down on double bass. The conversation gets turned "upside down" with the controversial topic of Jesus, recognized as a friend of sinners.
In this episode of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim talk about their drum journey (from where they each began to where they are now) and discover some surprising commonalities. They also discuss the topic of Doubt, which takes a direction neither of them were expecting.
On episode three of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim break down linear drumming and share some of their favorite linear patterns. They also dig deep into the subject of prayer and its importance.
On episode two of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim explain ghost notes while lending some helpful tips and tricks. They also delve into the topic of forgiveness.
On the pilot episode of Holy Ghost Notes, Matt and Tim discuss how the podcast was birthed, warming up before drumming, and how to deal with pain and hurt in life.