Showing Promise
Showing Promise is a general-discussion podcast "hosted" by me, Matt. I had the idea of making a podcast back in 2021, and in true perfectionist fashion, I kind of actually sort of started working on it in 2022. If you know me, you know I talk a lot, so this felt like a logical outlet for all those words.
Episodes often drift toward music (because I love it), but really, anything goes. I just enjoy talking to people. So, while there’s no set theme or schedule—to heck with the algorithm—you can expect frequent banter, colorful commentary, and the occasional crass detour. Sometimes it's me and friends, sometimes it's just me rambling like a caffeinated philosopher. I post episodes when they’re done. That’s it.
This podcast is made purely for the fun of it. If you're into conversational chaos with heart, give it a listen. Thanks for being here!
Episodes
32 episodes
Vans Warped Tour Vs When We Were Young - Ultimate Emo Festivals
We’re kicking off 2026 with a deep dive into live music! In this episode, I’m breaking down some recent standout shows before turning the spotlight on the two biggest events in the alternative music world: the return of Vans Warped Tour for its...
The Mighty Wine: Harvesting the Perfect Notes with Brook Munro
In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Brook Munro. Brook and I met back in the early 00's, just as our local punk and hardcore scene was on the rise.Over the years, Brook has played in numerous bands, evolving as both a musician and a...
We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat with William "Bill" Eck
Holy crap! It's episode 30! I can hardly believe we've made it this far. To say I’m grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it. Thank you so much to every guest who’s joined me on this journey, and to every listener who’s tuned in. Your support me...
My Day At Tokyo Disneyland: A Hardcore Theme Park Breakdown
This is the second and final episode recapping my recent trip to Japan. In April 2025, I spent a week exploring the vibrant city of Tokyo — a highlight of which was an entire day at Tokyo Disneyland. As a lifelong Disneyland enthusiast, I’ve al...
I Went to Japan! Star Wars Celebration and Exploring Tokyo for the First Time
Konnichiwa, friends! I have recently returned from my latest international travel adventure, and it was a sick one. I went to Tokyo, Japan! It has been a long time since I've set foot in a new country, and while I was slightly nervous about the...
Forget You, I'm Edge with Ben Fowers of Embrace Today
For this episode, I am joined by my friend Ben Fowers, guitarist for the straight edge hardcore band Embrace Today. We discuss Ben's life in Boston, how he got into punk and hardcore music, and what it was like growing up in a city with serious...
Diego And Matt's High School Reunion with Diego Castañeda
Lunch break is over and we are back in session, so don't be tardy! That's right, people, I haven't dropped out yet. Thanks for hanging in there with me! In this episode, I am joined by my friend and fellow SLO High alumni, Diego Castañeda. Dieg...
Married to the Noise: 10 Bands That Led Me Into the Heavy Music Underground
Earlier this year, I had the chance to see Poison The Well on their anniversary tour celebrating 20 years of You Come Before You—and the show was nothing short of epic. Poison The Well was one of the first hardcore bands I ever got int...
Fast Times At Corvette Diner with Tennisen Deakman
Happy New Year!! That's right, people, it's 2024 and we are coming in hot. For my first episode of the new year, I am catching up with the incomparable Tennisen Deakman. Tennisen and I spent the better part of a day hanging out, prattling on ab...
It Was The 70's, We Didn't Know with William "Bill" Eck
Before we close out 2023, I just want to say thank you so very much for listening to the podcast this year. It has been such a fun and fulfilling project, and I'm looking forward to continuing in 2024. And finally, another big thank you to my g...
When We Were Young Festival 2023 & New Beatles Song!
Mom, this was never a phase! I'm back from fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada after attending the second annual When We Were Young Festival. WWWYF is the ultimate emo celebration, bringing together sensitive millennials from all over the world to sing ...
A Haunting In North Park with Crystal Saenz
September has come to and end, but October is about to start! And I've got just the person to help get us in the "spirit" of things. I'm thrilled to welcome back my friend Crystal Saenz, and once again morbid curiosity has gotten the best of us...
Halloween Horror Nights & The Master Of Suspense
Fall is here! Which means it's time for hoodies and hauntings. And what better way to kick off the spooky season than having monsters scream at you all night! Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights has become one of my favorite annual tradit...
What's My Age Again with Stuart Stock-Tucker
It's my birthday! So you know what that means, another year older and another year wiser... or something like that! And for this special occasion I've got a special birthday guest, my bff, Stu. Stuart helped me start this madness almost two yea...
Really Likeable People with Brendan Klein
Work sucks, I know! On this episode I'm hanging out with my friend and former boss, Brendan Klein. Brendan and I met in 2011 when I was hired at Really Likeable People (RLP), a distribution company founded by Tom DeLonge. This company housed va...
A Whole New World with Anna Miller (Part 2)
Part 2 of my epic conversation with Anna! This time around we're exploring a variety of majorly important issues, discussing boy bands, classic adolescent games, tv shows, and some incredible pick-up lines.Follow Anna on Instagram @kill...
A Whole New World with Anna Miller (Part 1)
Oh my god, we're back again. Brothers, sisters, everybody sing. That's right, people, it's episode 16! In this episode I am joined by my friend Anna Miller to talk about...well, everything. Anna and I revisit some of our fondest memories, remin...
The Fab Two: Seeing Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr Live (Two Unforgettable Shows)
You say goodbye, and I say hello! In this episode I’m diving headfirst into the world of Beatlemania. I’ve been a devoted Beatles fan for as long as I can remember, always dreaming about seeing the Fab Four live in concert. But let’s be real—th...
Star Wars Celebration London & blink-182 Returns!
It has been a wild week, but we are back in action! I have recently returned from a trip across the pond for this years Star Wars Celebration. Star Wars Celebration is the ultimate Star Wars convention, and changes location every year it's held...
Something More Than Ink with Jake Emery of Port Side Tattoo
Episode 13 is here — and we're talking tats! For this lucky number 13, I’m joined by my friend and talented tattoo artist, Jake Emery of the award-winning Port Side Tattoo here in San Diego.In this episode, Jake shares his journey from c...
To The Stars And Back with Angela Cutrone
Greetings, Earthlings! We are keeping the space vibes rolling with another out-of-this-world episode! This time around I am joined by my friend and coworker, AC, to share some of our experiences over the years while running the To The Stars ret...
In Defense Of The Ewoks with Chris Lawrence and Steve Mattison
Showing Promise Episode XI - Defense Of The Ewoks. That's right padawan's, we're hitting lightspeed and going full Star Wars. In this episode, I am joined by my friends Chris and Steve for a lively discussion about our favorite galaxy far, far ...
You Should Have Taken Out The Trash with Corie Ferguson
Well everyone, we've done it. Idk how, but we've done it. It's episode 10! And to mark this very special occasion, I've got my very special first returning guest. I'm joined once again by the one, the only, the incorrigible Corie Ferguson! Not ...
Allow Myself To Introduce...Myself (Meeting Famous People!)
In this episode, I'm sharing some of the interesting and particularly cool celebrity encounters I had while running the To The Stars retail shop in Encinitas, California. To The Stars is the entertainment brand of punk rocker and San Diego nati...
A Time Without Heroes with Daniel Bevis
Happy New Year! And happy birthday?! For most of us, these annual celebrations are two separate occasions. But for my first guest of 2023, they are one and the same. My buddy Dan was the first dude I met after moving to San Diego, and we've bee...