Chet Helms, who hitchhiked to San Francisco with Janis Joplin in the mid-1960s and started the famous Family Dog, producing shows at the Avalon Ballroom and The Fillmore in San Francisco died at 12:35 AM today from complications resulting from a stroke.

Chet was a friend — he was an incredibly sweet person, had a very cool sense of humor, and was a wonderful story-teller. I’m glad I had the chance to know him and I’m sorry to see him go. I’ll miss his friendly vibes whenever I go to parties where sixties vets and friends congregate.

Happy trails, Chet….

Average Rating: 4.9 out of 5 based on 218 user reviews.

Erik Davis returns to finish a conversation about Zeppelin’s magical evocations. Also, Pastor Jack phones in an exorcism, and we discuss “podsafe music.” (mp3)

“Stairway to Heaven” backwards
Tom Jones exorcisms

Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 based on 209 user reviews.

This should be on the front pages!

Average Rating: 5 out of 5 based on 231 user reviews.

This is a great episode, with Erik Davis, author of a new book about Led Zeppelin’s nameless fourth album. He gives an enlightened stoner’s analysis of the band and its work, noting the extreme mystery forged out of heavy rock and some serious attitude. (mp3)

Erik Davis
Aleister Crowley
Mashup: “Breathe On” (Led Zeppelin vs. Frou Frou)
Mud shark legend
Zeppelin and Tolkien
Monkey cops

Average Rating: 5 out of 5 based on 232 user reviews.

Fred Burks, one of W’s top interpreters to the world’s largest Muslim country, communes with dolphins, believes in UFOs, and has taken Ecstacy and LSD. We talk to him in a dangerous debriefing as he reveals details about secret government meetings and far-reaching 9-11 conspiracies. (mp3)

Burks’ website
Abu Bakar Ba’asyir
Bush’s Bulge
Curry vs. Winer podcasting debate

Average Rating: 4.6 out of 5 based on 275 user reviews.