This episode isn't a recap; it’s a massive "thank you." To everyone who has tuned in, supported us on Patreon, shared screenshots, or sent us messages since we started this journey in August 2020: we appreciate you more than you know. You got us through a pandemic and gave us a reason to show up and talk drums every single week.

Our final lesson to you is the one we are living right now: when an opportunity arises, and the iron is hot, you have to go all in. Both of our professional lives are demanding our full attention right now, and we have to practice what we preach. Please know our friendship is stronger than ever, and we will definitely still be doing things together in the future, but for now, the weekly podcast is hitting the pause button.

We would love to hear from you one last time. Send us a DM and let us know your favorite episode or moment from the show.

Keep practicing, and we'll see you when we see you!

Mike & Eddy!

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Here is what we get into this week:

• Grail Gear Guilt: Eddy scores a legendary pair of Joey Jordison sticks, and I break down why I couldn't resist dropping my own cash on a 1970s stop-sign badge Gretsch bop kit.
• The Return of NAMM: Why the drum industry is finally getting its pre-pandemic vibe back and the magic of experiencing gear in person.
• The Year That Changed Everything: We break down the specific years we had to go all-in. Eddy talks about his intense 2017–2018 transition, and I take it back to 2005–2006—late-night coding, the "two-shake rule" with Amber, and building a 99-cent online lesson site from the ground up.
• Staying Authentic: Why doubling down on real, honest connection is the only way forward in an AI-heavy world.

Enjoy - Mike J

www.mikeslessons.com

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We also talk about fighting muscle memory, why simple pop parts can be harder than complex chops, the “less is more” mindset, listening back with ruthless honesty, and the ultimate litmus test: did your drumming make the song better, or did it pull the listener out of it? Plus: the courage to “dare to suck” during the process… because that’s where the magic shows up.

Enjoy - Mike J

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We answer the internet's most googled questions about the brand (Is Pearl actually good? Pearl vs. Tama?), and then—with an unlimited imaginary budget—we build our absolute dream Pearl kits from scratch.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Dream Builds: I go with a Reference One and the Matt Halpern Signature Snare, while Eddy leans into nostalgia with a Maple/Gum kit and the Joey Jordison Signature Snare.
• The "Magazine Problem": Why it’s so much harder to understand gear specs and innovation in the age of Instagram reels.
• Studio Update: I share the unfortunate news that my studio flooded on Christmas Day and that renovations are currently underway.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Pearl Reference One Series
• Pearl Masters Maple/Gum
• Matt Halpern Signature Snare
• Joey Jordison Signature Snare

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We also decided to put ourselves in the hot seat. We each brought in a track from our own discographies. Eddy with a Busted track and me with a vintage Simon Says track, to analyze our own decision-making processes in the studio. We realized that whether it’s a simple snare hit or a complex linear chop, the best drum fills are rarely about the drumming; they’re about the choices. Hope you guys enjoy this deep dive!

Enjoy - Mike J

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Along the way, we talk about why change feels uncomfortable (even when it’s good), how our brains resist new ideas, and why, when it’s healthy, obsession often pushes us to practice more, play more, and grow. This episode is for anyone who remembers staring at drum catalogs, trusting the drum shop guy, saving every dollar, and dreaming big. It’s a Christmas special, a gear episode, and a reminder of why we started doing this in the first place. A Merry Happy Christmas to you all - Mike J

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We share stories about our first music communities, from my early days printing Simon Says merch on thrift store shirts to Eddy's touring experiences and Kim's unexpected journey through rave culture. We get into why shared struggles bond us more than shared wins, and how the best communities aren't built on purpose—they happen when you genuinely care about making people feel less alone.

If you've ever felt like an outcast but found your people through drumming, this conversation is for you. Plus, we somehow manage to talk about eggs, sweets, and why there's no UK Saxophone Show, yet :)

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In episode 205, Eddy and I chat about our experiences with private lessons, both as students and as teachers. We discuss the importance of teaching drums not as a means to showcase what students can'tt do, but rather to identify and address the barriers preventing them from achieving their drumming goals. We throw a tad bit of shade at the rare instance when teachers try to establish dominance by showcasing their skills, and instead advocate for a more empowering approach that focuses on student needs and growth. Basically, don't be a jerk. LOL. 

We hope you enjoy this episode!

Mike & Eddy

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- Mike J

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Creating a drum fill that connects with everyone, not just drummers, is tough. Creating a signature fill that becomes iconic for an entire generation? That’s damn near impossible.

In this week’s episode, Eddy and I break down how to think about the song first instead of worrying about what other drummers might think. We talk about musical responsibility, writing “hooks” on the drums, and how to craft fills that actually elevate the music instead of cluttering it.

And yes… somewhere along the way we also dive into the global matcha shortage (because, of course we do). LOL. 

Enjoy - Mike J

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We start with life on tour, questionable hotel hygiene, and why the perception of “rockstar life” is hilariously different from the reality of chasing a decent bathtub and clean sheets. From there, we get into the real heart of it: nerves, imposter syndrome, and why playing in front of drummers feels so different than playing for a regular audience.

Eddy shares how arenas, drum shows, and that Busted drum feature with Harry can be a mental challenge, and I talk about why recording sessions and drum clinics have historically been the biggest mental battles for me. We break down the idea of closing the gap through reps, preparation, accepting that you’ll always feel a little different in high-pressure situations, and understanding your role in every musical setting.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t I play like I do at home when it matters most?”, this one’s for you.

Take a screenshot while you’re listening, throw it in your stories, and tag us @mikeslessons and @eddythrower so we know you’re out there hanging with us!

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In this episode, we dive into the art, no, the chaos, no, the journey... ya, the journey of creating your own UNIQUE drum chops. We all have access to the same rudiments, sticking patterns, and vocabulary, but it's what we do with that information that makes it ART! We hope you enjoy this episode - Mike J

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We are BACK!!! I can’t believe we’ve hit 200 episodes! In this one, Eddy and I look back on the wild ride this podcast has been — the laughs, the lessons, and everything we’ve learned from the drumming community along the way. We get real about what touring actually feels like, why musical performance will always matter more than raw speed, and how to keep your audience locked in without losing your soul behind the kit. Mostly though, it’s about friendship, support, and what it really means to be part of this AMAZING drumming community!

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https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy

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Settle in folks, it's story time. In this episode, Eddy and I will share how specific songs from our past unlocked thousands of other songs for us to play in our future. I genuinely hope this concept resonates with you and gets you excited to tackle learning a new song or starting Sessions on the site. 

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Heads up ya'll, there is WAY too much matcha talk in this one, lol. Once you fast forward through all of that, Eddy and I will chat about how we give constructive criticism to others and how we have trained ourselves to get the most out of the critiques that are given to us! I hope this episode helps, and thanks for listening :)

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This episode is all about how we feel, perceive, and practice our TIME on the drum kit. Well, that and a TON of talk about Oriollo snare drums lol. 

Check them out here: https://oriollo.com/drums

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A.I. wrote this... 😂

In this engaging conversation, Mike Johnston and Eddy discuss their personal experiences in music, the balance of learning and community in drum camps, and the excitement of performing at Wembley Stadium. They delve into the importance of professionalism in music, the evolution of snare drums, and the creative ventures that both have embarked on, including Eddy's creative agency. The discussion also touches on their preferences for drum gear and the inspiration that drives their passion for music.

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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
03:01 Drum Camp Experiences and Insights
06:10 The Importance of Fundamentals in Drumming
08:57 Advanced Drumming Techniques and Real-Time A/B Testing
11:52 The Role of Collaboration in Music
14:51 Upcoming Tour and Performance Insights
21:51 Navigating Live Performances
26:32 The Challenge of Learning and Applying Skills
39:17 The Importance of Repetition and Confidence
44:06 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

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In this episode, we explore the journey of becoming a drummer, discuss the transition from hobbyist to professional, the challenges faced along the way, and the realities of pursuing a music career. We then chat about our personal journeys of personal growth, branding in the music industry, and the mindset required to succeed. We emphasize the need for action and taking control of one's career, rather than waiting for opportunities to come. The discussion culminates in the realization that greatness is a continuous journey, requiring dedication and adaptability.

Sound Bites

• "I'm a throne slut."
• "You can't beat it."
• "It's important to have these conversations."
• "You're doing the same thing."
• "I think it started way before the band."
• "I could make 60 drummers."
• "Being good isn't the answer."
• "How big are your ears?"

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There's no denying that E-kits make up a large portion of drum kit sales every year. So, how do we really feel about them? In this episode, we discuss the nuances of electronic kits (E-kits) compared to acoustic kits. We also explore the technical aspects of E-kits, their role in songwriting, and how they provide accessibility for new drummers and those limited by volume restrictions. We hope you enjoy our chat :)

Sound Bites

• "Quit screwing around, bro."
• "The mosh pictures are back."
• "I have like five of them."
• "It's all valid."
• "I practiced on it every day in my bedroom."
• "E-kits are not that quiet."
• "Electric kits are hugely important."
• "The convenience of an e-kit is amazing."

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Is it luck, or is it practice, preparation, and repetition? You already know the answer, but it's still good to hear it again and reinforce the idea that we make our own luck! 

Sound Bites

"It's a problem"
"You can't have it both ways"
"Wow, that is amazing"
"Everyone needs one Brit"
"I think I had the same epiphany"
"This is heaven"
"Practice Makes You Lucky"
"Live streaming is scary as all hell."
"You need a roll of gaff tape."
"Practice makes you lucky."

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A.I. wrote this, lol :)

In this episode, Mike Johnston and Eddie discuss various aspects of the music industry, focusing on the pressures of performance, the importance of preparation, and the common insecurities musicians face. They then share personal experiences from auditions, rehearsals, and their first drum festival, emphasizing that every moment in a musician's career can feel like an audition. The conversation also touches on the value of negotiation in the music business and the significance of community support for their podcast.

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 In this episode, we discuss effective practice techniques for drummers, emphasizing the importance of using timers, the value of jamming at the end of practice sessions, and the mental aspects of practice. We share personal experiences and insights on maintaining a healthy relationship with drumming, the significance of choosing the right music for practice, and the shared struggles that all drummers face, regardless of their skill level.

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Please consider supporting this podcast
https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy

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A.I. wrote this: )

In this engaging conversation, Eddy and Mike delve into the intricacies of drumming, emphasizing the importance of creativity, vocal influence, and the balance between personal style and serving the song. They share personal anecdotes and insights on navigating the challenges of being a drummer in various musical contexts, highlighting the need for adaptability and understanding the role of the drummer in a band setting.

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A.I. wrote this :)

Eddy and Mike explore the duality of passion and pressure in the world of drumming. They discuss the pressures of social media, the need for practice, and the weight of performance expectations. The conversation delves into how these pressures can sometimes stifle creativity, yet also serve as a motivating force. They reflect on their original passion for drumming, the positive pressures that have shaped their careers, and the influence of touring on their development as musicians. The discussion also touches on the obsession with gear and the nostalgia of being a young drummer. Ultimately, they acknowledge the challenges they face while expressing gratitude for the opportunities that come with their craft.

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https://www.instagram.com/corymuro/

Please consider supporting this podcast
https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy

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• 00:00 Rediscovering the Double Bass Pedal
• 02:58 The Art of Metal Drumming
• 06:00 Meeting Musical Heroes
• 08:54 Building a New Website
• 11:59 Solopreneur vs Entrepreneur Mindset
• 24:45 The Creative Process and Personal Vision
• 31:04 Navigating the Music Industry and Money Matters
• 39:41 Entrepreneurship vs. Solopreneurship: Finding Your Path
• 46:43 Artistic Integrity in a Fast-Paced World

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• 00:00 Weather Whirlwinds and Haircuts
• 03:03 Upcoming Events and Creative Connections
• 06:06 Tour Life Reflections
• 09:07 Simplifying the Craft
• 11:59 The Art of Performance
• 15:01 Moments of Change in Music Careers
• 22:57 Life-Changing Auditions
• 39:03 The Impact of Busted
• 45:07 PASIC and the Path to Education

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• Bridge fills are an important element in song transitions
• Personalizing fills and making them fit the song's style and energy is crucial
• There is a range of options for bridge fills, from simple to complex
• Listening to and understanding the song's structure is key to creating effective fills. Repetitive drum fills can be effective in creating a recognizable and memorable moment in a song.
• The goal of a drum fill is to stand out and be a hook in the music.
• Personal preferences play a role in the creation of drum fills, and drummers may have different approaches and styles.
• The conversation also touches on unrelated topics such as making tea and fashion preferences.

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• The challenges of creating content on social media platforms
• The satisfaction of reskinning a drum kit
• The fear and challenges of playing fills
• The importance of finding your own path in the music industry Freezing up during a performance is a common experience for musicians and can be caused by overthinking and lack of practice in specific settings.
• The pressure to impress others can lead to freezing and can distract from the enjoyment of playing music.
• It is important to stay true to oneself and not try to please everyone in the audience.
• Practicing with songs and in different musical contexts is essential to feel comfortable and confident in performances.
• The Practice Project and Virtual Drum Camp provide opportunities for drummers to improve their skills and connect with others in the drumming community.

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• Warming up before a performance is a personal preference; what works for one person may not work for another.
• The mental state plays a significant role in performance; sometimes, overthinking or putting too much pressure on oneself can hinder performance.
• Being relaxed and in a good frame of mind can lead to better performances.
• Physical warm-up exercises can help with mobility and flexibility but may not necessarily improve performance.
• Finding the right balance between physical warm-up and mental preparation is crucial.

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• Headlining a stage at Download Festival is a significant achievement for any artist
• The difference between groove and pocket in drumming is that groove refers to the feel and rhythm of the beat, while pocket refers to the tightness and synchronization with other musicians
• Drummers often have their own slang and terminology to communicate with each other
• Drummers tend to be supportive and empathetic towards each other
• Overthinking can hinder the enjoyment of a performance or experience Getting in your own head during performances is a common experience for musicians.
• Acknowledging and accepting your emotions is important in navigating through these moments.
• Preparation and practice are key to feeling confident and minimizing the risk of mistakes.
• Embracing the moment and enjoying the process can help alleviate performance anxiety.
• Constantly striving to be the best version of yourself and focusing on improvement is a driving force in musicianship.

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• Drumming requires physical fitness and mobility, but being physically fit doesn't necessarily mean being in 'drum shape.'
• Outdoor gigs present unique challenges due to weather, sound issues, and lack of control over the environment.
• The relationship between fitness and drumming is complex. It focuses on mobility and the importance of maintaining physical health for long-term drumming.
• Public speaking in outdoor events and the impact of weather on performances are significant factors that affect drummers' and performers' experiences.
• The challenges of drum-specific performances, including sound issues and the lack of intimacy in outdoor settings, contribute to the complexity of live drumming experiences. Comfort levels in different aspects of a musician's career can change over time.
• Consistency and practice can lead to increased comfort and confidence in various areas of expertise.
• Feedback and interaction with listeners can influence the development of skills and comfort levels.
• Collaboration and shared experiences with others can contribute to personal growth and comfort in different professional domains.

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• Overcoming distractions
• Adjusting click track and drum levels
• Communicating preferences to the producer
• Knowing the song structure and arrangement
• Simplifying drum fills
• Playing for the song
• Being prepared to play the song without music, 
• Prioritizing good cymbals over good drums, 
• The importance of tuning drums
• The impact of drum and cymbal choices

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 
00:33 Feeling Unprepared
07:04 Taking Time Off to Clear Your Head
12:17 Working with Other Drummers
14:07 Preparing for Studio Recording
21:15 Being Flexible and Adaptable in the Studio
24:26 Overcoming Distractions and Challenges
25:02 Adjusting Click Track and Drum Levels
26:26 Communicating Preferences to the Producer
27:42 Having Confidence in Your Preferences
28:51 Knowing the Song Structure and Arrangement
29:22 Simplifying Drum Fills
30:27 Playing for the Song
31:11 Being Prepared to Play the Song Without Music
32:20 Prioritizing Good Cymbals Over Good Drums
35:33 The Importance of Tuning Drums
39:15 The Impact of Drum and Cymbal Choices
40:09 Joining the Practice Project

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• Teaching in person allows for a more immediate and interactive experience while teaching online requires careful planning and consideration of different learning styles.
• The pressure of filming lessons can lead to self-doubt and overthinking, but it's important to focus on delivering valuable content and not get caught up in technical details.
• Online teaching requires a deeper understanding of the online learning experience and the ability to provide different options for students to learn and engage with the material.
• Being aware of the challenges and pressures of teaching online can help educators create a more supportive and effective learning environment for their students. Finding your feet as a teacher takes time and experience, whether it's in-person or through video.
• Being yourself on camera takes time and practice.
• Enjoying teaching is crucial for success.
• Having a format and naming it can help with consistency and branding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Behind the Scenes
02:55 Teaching in Person vs Teaching Online
05:54 Challenges of Teaching Online
11:04 Preparing for One-on-One Lessons
14:56 Nerves and Imposter Syndrome
20:00 Understanding the Online Learning Experience
22:07 Finding Your Feet in In-Person Teaching
23:10 The Challenge of Overdelivering in the Beginning
24:11 Continual Refinement as a Teacher
25:14 The Struggle of Being Yourself on Camera
26:20 The Ongoing Process of Filming Videos
27:31 Becoming Comfortable with In-Person Teaching
29:33 The Impact of Teaching in Different Settings
30:02 Being Socially Comfortable in One-on-One Teaching
31:25 The Importance of Enjoying Teaching
32:43 Consistency in Making Videos
33:10 The Process of Making Videos
34:56 The Value of Having a Format
36:37 The Importance of Naming the Format
40:26 The Benefits of Having a Format
42:08 The Practice Project and Accountability
46:45 The Value of the Practice Project

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• Find a niche and teach from your own unique perspective
• Outline your lessons to ensure effective time management
• Have confidence in yourself as a teacher and project that to your students Building confidence is crucial for teachers, even if they may not excel in every aspect of their craft.
• Setting clear expectations helps students stay focused and motivated in their practice.
• Being relatable and transparent about struggles can help students trust and connect with their teacher.
• The teacher-student relationship should be built on patience, understanding, and mutual growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Transition Troubles
03:00 Perfection and Eye Infections
06:00 Tech Issues and Virtual Camp
09:00 Teaching Tips: Walk the Walk
12:00 Teaching Tips: Ask Questions
18:00 Teaching Tips: Find a Niche
22:00 Teaching Tips: Outline Your Lesson
27:00 Teaching Tips: Confidence is Key
34:30 Building Confidence as a Teacher
38:00 Setting Expectations
39:15 Being Relatable and Transparent
44:30 The Teacher-Student Relationship

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• Focus on the delivery of information and the main goals of your content.
• Don't let perfectionism and the fear of judgment hold you back from creating and sharing your work.
• Avoid wasting time with active procrastination and prioritize moving forward.
• Remember that your audience is more interested in the value you provide than the technical aspects of your content.
• Build relationships and partnerships that support your creative endeavors.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Q&A
07:43 Best Camera and Documentary of 2023
10:08 Biggest Lesson and Regret of 2023
10:32 Best Habit and Purchase of 2023
17:39 Best Food and Movie of 2023
19:38 Best Exercise on the Kit
21:05 Best Podcast of 2023
25:19 Paralyzed by Perfection
33:11 The Big Picture: Delivery of Information
34:12 Choosing Between Quality and Spontaneity
35:33 The Struggle with Perfectionism
36:26 The Intimidation of Creating Content
38:00 Wasting Time with Active Procrastination
39:41 The Gap Between Expectations and Reality
40:30 Comparing Ourselves to Great Artists
42:38 Judging Our Own Work Harshly
44:26 The Importance of Audience Perspective
45:35 Overcoming the Fear of Judgment
48:37 The Challenges of Content Creation
53:00 Embracing the Hard Work
56:11 Exciting News: Second Drum Kit
59:50 The Importance of Relationships in Endorsements
01:02:23 Moving Forward and Putting Content Out

Please Support this Podcast and become a Patron
https://www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy 

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• Speed
• Groove/Grooves
• Fills/Chops
• Independence
• Technique
• Showmanship
• Music Theory

We chat about the musical situations where these subjects/disciplines are massively important and the situations where they aren't nearly as important. After that, we give each category a score of 1-10 based on how much effort we are personally devoting to them in 2024.

We hope you enjoy the episode!

- Mike & Eddy

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Takeaways

• Be present in the moment and enjoy experiences without getting caught up in documenting everything.
• Focus on creating valuable content that reflects your unique perspective.
• Deepen your connection with students and provide them with meaningful educational experiences.
• Express gratitude for the support and opportunities that come your way.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Podcast Milestone

03:06
Gifts and Presents

08:56
Secret Santa and Gift Exchanges

12:15
Virtual Drum Camp Announcement

15:13
Recap of 2023

19:33
Favorite Drumming Memories

25:05
Proudest Moments of the Year

29:23
Appreciating Live Performances

30:02
Big Rock Endings

30:59
Excitement and Improvisation

32:28
Memorable Experiences

35:17
Being Present in the Moment

38:06
New Year's Resolutions and Reflections

41:01
Content Creation and Value

46:21
Deepening the Connection with Students

52:08
Eddy's Patreon Plans

54:14
Gratitude and Thank You

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• Evans Event with Eddy
• Hardy: "Jack"
• Neil Clifford: https://collectingcars.com/podcasts/

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• Get Tickets for Glasgow - CLICK HERE
• Get Tickets for Fareham - CLICK HERE 

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Wow... just wow!!! 100 episodes. THANK YOU all so so much for listening, supporting, and being a part of this show. It's so much deeper than Eddy and I ever planned and that's all down to y'all. So once again...

Thank You! - Mike & Eddy

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