Strung Out

Hosted by Martin McCormack

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Episodes

275

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to STRUNG OUT. The show is an eclectic mix of topics ranging from music, to art, to themes of the day to the supernatural to how to better this world we live in. If you like interesting conversation, along with some original music, we got your back. Martin McCormack resides in Chicago. He is known not only for his music, but for his writing and artwork. McCormack's entire catalogue of works can be viewed at www.MartinMcCormack.com. You can also see McCormack's involvement in the duo Switchback by visiting the website www.waygoodmusic.com.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 9, 202658 min

Strung Out Episode 274: AROUND THE CAMPFIRE WITH PASTOR DREW JACQUES

Send us Fan MailPodcast OverviewShow: Strung OutHost: Martin Laurence McCormack ("Marty")Guest: Reverend Drew Jacques (from St. David's Church in Campbellsville, Ontario)Key Topics & Summary1. Community Hub & Local Updates (00:00 – 02:30)Reverend Drew discusses how St. David’s has recently transitioned into a community hub, hosting local summer camps to revitalize the space and support the Milton Community Resource Center.2. Geopolitics & U.S.–Canada Dynamics (02:30 – 08:30)Canadian Politics: Drew notes general Canadian approval for Prime Minister Mark Carney and praises former MP Charlie Angus for articulating popular sentiment.U.S. Political Influence: They discuss media reports on U.S. politicians attempting to restrict Canadian sales of American goods and criticize political posturing/hubris across the border.Global Partnerships: Drew highlights Canada’s move to diversify international ties—such as acquiring submarines from Germany and strengthening trade relations—signaling a shift toward greater independence from U.S. political instability.3. Christian Nationalism & Cult Dynamics (08:30 – 25:30)The "Ghosts of the Civil War": Drew argues that lingering racial and political divisions in the U.S. fuel extreme political movements.Christian Nationalism & Cult Mentality: They critique how right-wing movements and televangelists have "bastardized" Christianity. Drew explains how cults function: a narcissistic leader uses fear and chaos to gain absolute trust, promising safety in exchange for control.Core Christian Values vs. Modern Politics: Drew contrasts Christian nationalism with true faith, emphasizing that genuine teachings (e.g., Matthew 25) focus on feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, and building inclusive, compassionate communities.4. Musical Interlude: "Fear" (27:03 – 31:19)A musical segment featuring a song about navigating fear, uncertainty, and personal growth as both a "friend and a foe."5. Forgiveness, Accountability, & Moving Forward (31:20 – 46:30)Handling Toxicity: The hosts debate how to respond to people caught up in destructive political or religious mindsets.Forgiveness vs. Reconciliation: Drew clarifies that forgiveness is about letting go of personal bitterness and chaos so you can move on—it does not require remaining in toxic relationships or condoning bad actions.Focusing on Community: Instead of arguing with hostile individuals, the solution is building resilient, supportive local communities that model positive values.6. Revitalizing St. David's: "Church in a Circle" (46:30 – 58:41)Overcoming Institutional Struggles: Drew shares the difficulties St. David’s faced, including past leadership disputes, corruption, and financial strain.A New Model for Worship: To adapt, they moved services to the basement and introduced "Church in a Circle"—a communal, non-hierarchical gathering combining three key traditions:John 21 (informal fellowship and shared meals).Shabbat Dinner (gathering around a table to reflect and share).First Nations Listening Circle (passing a symbolic light source so everyone has a voice without interruption).Turning the Tide: This new approach revitalized their congregation, stabilized their finances, and provided a meaningful path forward away from rigid institutional norms.Support the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...

July 19, 202651 min

Strung Out Episode 273: NOT IN VAIN-PAT GORMAN'S PASSION TO FIND THE LOST SOLDIERS.

Send us Fan MailHeroes come in many shapes and sizes. And sometimes the heroic effort is for the most part unknown. That could be said of the soldiers who fought and died for this country, only to be buried without acknowledgment of their service, or in some cases, buried without knowledge of who they are. It also takes relatively unknown heroes to help find these soldiers from all American wars. One such "unknown" is being revealed here on Strung Out. Pat Gorman, originally from Dixon, Illinois began his journey of service when he repaired a strange grave ornament--that of a marked from the Grand Army of the Republic, (GAR) that was forerunner to today's American Legion or VFW groups. This one act brought him into the world of finding soldiers who were denied a proper veteran's tombstone. A lot of research, patience and travel was necessary in order for Gorman to help identify and properly honor the service of these soldiers. Some of these soldiers were immigrant Irish, who fought in World War I and II for the United States only to be sent to Ireland to be buried. One such amazing story Pat was involved in can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kZOS...Gorman explains his work, how he and a handful of others are involved in making sure our warrior dead are not forgotten. People can reach out to Pat through contacting Martin at MartyFineArt@gmail.com if they have particular family members who in need of having their grave located and given the proper soldier honor.Support the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...

July 5, 202658 min

Strung Out Episode 272: HOW TO BUILD A HOUSE CONCERT with Molly Lenz. (part two)

Send us Fan MailMolly Lenz is great at building. A carpenter of sorts in the sense that she is able to build community through her house concerts. These concerts are well known in the Chicago area and attract musicians from across the country. But you may ask, "what goes into making a successful house concert?" This is where Lenz comes in. Starting back in New Jersey, she created a concert series that brought talent into direct contact with "stalwarts" or avid music listeners. These are people who are not into live music for the alcohol, a big arena spectacle or hearing the latest hit, but people who are desiring of the deep "electric" connection that develops during a concert in which a musician is presenting music that is instantly and purely being absorbed. The result is something much more akin to a spiritual experience or the sort of catharsis that arises from meditation or yoga--it is a group energy cycle that takes place. As highfalutin' as that may sound, that is what people experienced on a regular basis prior to amplification. The mind's eye was the light show, the guitar and voice, all the amplification and the expectation was to listen intently and give back attention. The whole experience an intertwined, uplifting and energizing. Taking that into account, there is something very trusting in opening ones home to strangers. That we live in a time of lack of trust and fear only exacerbates that. However, Lenz points out that there are few risks involved in hosting a house concert. No one is in it to make a lot of money---in fact, "labor of love" is the term frequently used to describe both the host, audience and artist. But the point is that in turning away from commercial music events and focusing on one-on-one musical experiences, we return to a form of community and communication that is closer to our ancestor's way of perceiving our world and each other. The need for more of these opportunities is real and, in a world, where media, algorithms and AI are starting to infiltrate the mysterious and magic of music, more important than ever.https://www.mollyshouseconcerts.com/Support the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...

June 21, 202652 min

Strung Out Episode 271: HOW TO BUILD A HOUSE CONCERT with Molly Lenz. (part one)

Send us Fan MailMolly Lenz is great at building. A carpenter of sorts in the sense that she is able to build community through her house concerts. These concerts are well known in the Chicago area and attract musicians from across the country. But you may ask, "what goes into making a successful house concert?" This is where Lenz comes in. Starting back in New Jersey, she created a concert series that brought talent into direct contact with "stalwarts" or avid music listeners. These are people who are not into live music for the alcohol, a big arena spectacle or hearing the latest hit, but people who are desiring of the deep "electric" connection that develops during a concert in which a musician is presenting music that is instantly and purely being absorbed. The result is something much more akin to a spiritual experience or the sort of catharsis that arises from meditation or yoga--it is a group energy cycle that takes place. As highfalutin' as that may sound, that is what people experienced on a regular basis prior to amplification. The mind's eye was the light show, the guitar and voice, all the amplification and the expectation was to listen intently and give back attention. The whole experience an intertwined, uplifting and energizing. Taking that into account, there is something very trusting in opening ones home to strangers. That we live in a time of lack of trust and fear only exacerbates that. However, Lenz points out that there are few risks involved in hosting a house concert. No one is in it to make a lot of money---in fact, "labor of love" is the term frequently used to describe both the host, audience and artist. But the point is that in turning away from commercial music events and focusing on one-on-one musical experiences, we return to a form of community and communication that is closer to our ancestor's way of perceiving our world and each other. The need for more of these opportunities is real and, in a world, where media, algorithms and AI are starting to infiltrate the mysterious and magic of music, more important than ever. Check out her website at https://www.mollyshouseconcerts.com/Support the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...

May 31, 20261 hr 28 min

Strung Out Episode 270: THE PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY-An Interview with Molly Lenz

Send us Fan MailMolly Lenz grew up in Rogers Park, Chicago and from early on, her ambition was to be involved in music. That passion resulted in a career as a DJ for a station in New Jersey, where she met her husband, who had of all things, a record store. Molly was able to curate her own tunes there at the station, bringing listeners unheard of musicians who were not mainstream. The record store literally a gathering place of new artists and the occasional live performance. After her husband's passing, Molly channeled her grief by having a concert in her New Jersey home. The community that developed, along with the amazing shows made her understand that it was presenting concerts that best represented her ability to promote bands she loved, while giving those bands an audience that trusted her musical tastes. Lenz decided to return back to Illinois and brought along her house concert, Molly's House Concerts to Lincolnwood, a few miles down the road from her old Chicago stomping grounds. There she refined her talent for finding independent audiences and matching them with an audience intent on listening and being part of the evening and not just observers. That was key in the success of her concerts, which has led to an amazing 18 major shows a year. It also highlights the importance to the independent music community of having a venue like Molly's---a place that was free of the control that bigger venues exert on musicians, and a place where an audience could pay for energetic music, given up close and with intention. House Concerts, like Molly's are the "keystone" of the independent music scene. No one is there to get rich, except in Joy and celebration of live, independent music. It is no wonder that such venues are often in the crosshairs of the music industry, looking for ways to extract money from independent artists and independent audiences. This is the first of a two part series in which the community can learn from Molly's experiences in running a house concert and how to create independent concert venues for the benefit of player and audience alike. Her website is www.mollyshouseconcerts.comSupport the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...

May 16, 202651 min

Episode 269: “Every Song’s a Little Different." HOW JAMES WEIGEL SERVES THE MUSE

Send us Fan MailJames Weigel is a journeyman musician. He devotes much of his time working at the local music shop, Flatts and Sharpe, teaching students on a variety of instruments. He then also spends a great deal of time performing for various venues throughout Chicago. These venues range from the local watering hole to more listening friendly rooms. Those lucky enough to be able to listen to Weigel's songs will be struck by the thorough work he puts into each word he chooses for a lyrical phrase. Not trying to be clever, but done with a sincere outlook on his path in life and his own observations of the world he lives in. Inspired by other great songwriters, like Willie Nelson and Woody Guthrie, Weigel's songs have that beautiful weight of words in every line. Those words are straightforward and simple, but in total create a song that can pack an emotional and thought-provoking punch. Like many independent singer-songwriters, Weigel has almost an aversion to the notion of pursuing fame and notoriety. He instead seeks out playing for those willing to listen to his words and songcraft. In this interview, Weigel touches on how he goes about creating songs and how his melodies can be first or last depending on the situation. Great insight and advice from someone who is naturally a performer and, lucky enough for students in Chicago, naturally a teacher. His websites are: https://www.ensembleschools.com/flatts-and-sharpe/staff/james-weigel/https://www.facebook.com/JamesWeigelUnderTheFloorboardsMusic/Support the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...

May 3, 202657 min

Strung Out Episode 268: JAMES WEIGEL'S NEIGHBORHOOD

Send us Fan MailWhen James Weigel left his home in Metamora, Illinois for Chicago, he brought along his central Illinois, no-nonsense rural outlook on life and choosing a musical path. Central Illinois is rich in great musical traditions--from REO Speedwagon to Alison Krauss to the late Dan Fogelberg. Weigel draws from that tradition and has made a home for himself up north, while keeping that downstate sense of steadfast determination to make his music work for him. An avid player of many stringed instruments, Weigel by day can be found at the northside musical temple of Flatts and Sharpe (where Martin bought his first bass guitar) providing lessons, participating in occasional sessions and having a finger on the pulse of the local performing venues. His network of venues varies from the local watering holes to listening rooms. Weigel's songs are also varied for the occasion, fitting easily into the neighborhood setting without compromising any of his integrity. The result is a man who can travel but chooses to make his neighborhood his castle keep for his musical ambitions. Excellent song crafting and musicianship guarantees that this farm boy from Metamora is not casting his musical pearls to any swine any time soon.Learn more about James by visiting:https://www.ensembleschools.com/flatts-and-sharpe/staff/james-weigel/https://www.facebook.com/JamesWeigelUnderTheFloorboardsMusic/Support the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...

April 19, 20261 hr 1 min

Episode 267: To Build the Temple-the Creative Destruction of Justin Gillam

Send us Fan MailJustin Gillam is a member of the Chicago area-based Americana band, the Mudflapps. He also studied literature and is an avid painter. He is also a brilliant solo artist and lyricist. Gillam's lyrics are about the human condition--the idea that to build something beautiful and worthwhile also requires a willingness to destroy what is there. In other words, creativity is not just about creating, but destruction of that which inhibits growth and expression. Gillam's own personal life serves as a model. His songs have a lot to do with vulnerability, lost loves, death of loves. But he is not a morose human being. Far from it. He surveys life with a cautious, but whimsical eye. His story of spending $90 to see Kris Christopherson and Merle Haggard perform for 45 minutes is both funny, but insightful. He may have been cheated on the show, but he was able to ingest the depth and songwriting sincerity of both of his idols during that brief concert. Gillam is a damn fine songwriter in the way he brings honesty and uniqueness to his songs. He is an excellent model to study and many more temples are out there to build and destroy. His website is www.justingillam.com.https://www.themudflapps.com/Support the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...

March 29, 20261 hr 7 min

Strung Out Episode 266: THIS IS ME, I SWEAR-JUSTIN GILLAM

Send us Fan MailEvery so often, one comes across a person who is "the real thing" living an authentic life, with little regard to fame, fortune, family or even food for that matter. Enter Justin Gillam, a person who lives for his passion, creating music that is raw, honest and blunt. There is no clever wording, no symbolism hidden behind a word. Gillam writes from his heart, from his experience of loves won and lost, alcohol, being in a band and being a loner. He represents the far outlier of Americana music, the real musical frontiersman, creating songs with no expectation other than to get the song off his chest. A refreshing lyricist and no-frills deliveryman of sound on a duct-taped guitar, Gillam is the real deal. www.justingillam.com. Support the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...

March 15, 202657 min

Strung Out Episode 265: BARRETT TASKY WRITES AGAIN

Send us Fan MailBarrett Tasky is one of those rare gems you discover right in your back yard. Tasky has an amazing broad base of music, recording and performance that culminates in his latest project, Barrett's Hidden Agenda. The man literally plays a multitude of instruments. His studio has everything from a standup bass to a Hammond B3. He is adept at mandolin, guitar, saxophone---the list goes on. Tasky writes songs in the Americana vein of songwriting. His style is personal and inspirational. In this episode Tasky lifts the curtain on his writing routine. We get to discover how he creates through the use of self-imposed deadlines. Even a wonderful idea surrounding the creation of a song in celebration of his birthday. Thoughtful, funny and inspirational, Barrett Tasky is a good person for any aspiring songwriter to study and also reach out to for advice. https://www.barrettshiddenagenda.com/https://thebarbandbarrettshow.com/https://superheroaudio.com/Support the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...