Rough Pumpkins Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:09:10 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2554029 en-us © 2026 Rough Pumpkins yes 07bcb82b-726f-5c31-ba6e-72f3acf4616b Travis Gray episodic true    Rough Pumpkins with Travis Gray is a hangout for anyone who accidentally built a life outside the traditional 9-to-5. After 15 years on the road as a working musician, Travis sits down with fellow artists, musicians, and creative entrepreneurs to swap stories about the highs, lows, chaos, triumphs, and questionable decisions that come with chasing a life on your own terms.


Some episodes are hilarious. Some get real. Most are both.


If you’ve ever slept in a van, quit a “real job,” followed a wild idea, or wondered how the hell anyone makes a creative life work… this is your place.


Rough Pumpkins with Travis Gray

“Real stories from people who should’ve gotten real jobs.”

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Travis Gray https://storage.buzzsprout.com/s9efpdgtxzzryatruyizns4ejx03?.jpg Rough Pumpkins Episode 11: Travis Solo 1 Episode 11: Travis Solo 1 Ten episodes in, and I’m starting to realize this whole “just make great music and everything will work out” idea… isn’t exactly how it goes anymore.

In this solo episode, I’m riffing on what it actually feels like to be an independent musician right now — writing songs, playing gigs, trying to grow an audience, and learning the social media/content game whether you like it or not. I talk about the stuff artists don’t always say out loud: the pressure to post, the weird relationship between art and algorithm, and figuring out how to stay creative without losing your mind.

I also get into vocal health myths, songwriting rules (and when to break them), unpopular gig opinions, and some of the realities of being a working musician in 2026.

This one’s more off-the-cuff. Just me talking honestly about where I’m at, what I’m learning, and what I’m still trying to figure out.

If you’re a musician, songwriter, or creative person trying to make this whole thing work... this episode’s for you.

New episodes every week.

— Travis

https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> Ten episodes in, and I’m starting to realize this whole “just make great music and everything will work out” idea… isn’t exactly how it goes anymore.

In this solo episode, I’m riffing on what it actually feels like to be an independent musician right now — writing songs, playing gigs, trying to grow an audience, and learning the social media/content game whether you like it or not. I talk about the stuff artists don’t always say out loud: the pressure to post, the weird relationship between art and algorithm, and figuring out how to stay creative without losing your mind.

I also get into vocal health myths, songwriting rules (and when to break them), unpopular gig opinions, and some of the realities of being a working musician in 2026.

This one’s more off-the-cuff. Just me talking honestly about where I’m at, what I’m learning, and what I’m still trying to figure out.

If you’re a musician, songwriter, or creative person trying to make this whole thing work... this episode’s for you.

New episodes every week.

— Travis

https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> Travis Gray Buzzsprout-18627741 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500 3427 11 full false Episode 10: Kay Goutos Episode 10: Kay Goutos This week on the podcast, Travis talks with Kay Goutos, a stand-up comic from Glens Falls, about getting started in comedy, what it really feels like to bomb on stage, and the mindset it takes to keep going when things don’t land. They dig into confidence, self-doubt, and the uncomfortable moments that come with trying something new in front of people.

A candid conversation about creative risk, learning in public, and figuring it out as you go.


https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> This week on the podcast, Travis talks with Kay Goutos, a stand-up comic from Glens Falls, about getting started in comedy, what it really feels like to bomb on stage, and the mindset it takes to keep going when things don’t land. They dig into confidence, self-doubt, and the uncomfortable moments that come with trying something new in front of people.

A candid conversation about creative risk, learning in public, and figuring it out as you go.


https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> Travis Gray Buzzsprout-18585387 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500 4659 10 full true Episode 9: Rich Derbyshire Episode 9: Rich Derbyshire In this episode, I sit down with Rich Derbyshire, bass player for Wild Adriatic/ Andy Frasco and the UN, for a grounded, honest conversation about musicianship, taste, and what it actually means to jam.


We talk about why real jamming isn’t about showing off chops, but about listening, understanding the room, and knowing when less is more. Rich breaks down how knowing your instrument — and knowing your role — shapes better musicians and better bands.


We also get into:


  • The difference between playing at music and playing with people
  • Why taste and restraint matter more than speed
  • Learning to hear genres, keys, and feel in real time
  • Growing as a bass player and a bandmate
  • Choosing a life in music when stability was an option



Rough Pumpkins- real stories from people who should have gotten real jobs. 


🎧 New episodes every Thursday

📍 Recorded in Upstate New York


https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> In this episode, I sit down with Rich Derbyshire, bass player for Wild Adriatic/ Andy Frasco and the UN, for a grounded, honest conversation about musicianship, taste, and what it actually means to jam.


We talk about why real jamming isn’t about showing off chops, but about listening, understanding the room, and knowing when less is more. Rich breaks down how knowing your instrument — and knowing your role — shapes better musicians and better bands.


We also get into:


  • The difference between playing at music and playing with people
  • Why taste and restraint matter more than speed
  • Learning to hear genres, keys, and feel in real time
  • Growing as a bass player and a bandmate
  • Choosing a life in music when stability was an option



Rough Pumpkins- real stories from people who should have gotten real jobs. 


🎧 New episodes every Thursday

📍 Recorded in Upstate New York


https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> Travis Gray Buzzsprout-18550379 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500 6927 9 full true Episode 8: Andi Gray Episode 8: Andi Gray This episode is a little different.


Travis sits down with his wife for an honest conversation about what it’s really like to build a creative life together. They talk about anxiety, uncertainty, and the quieter forms of support that don’t always get recognized — the emotional labor, the patience, and the work that happens offstage.


It’s a real discussion about partnership, communication, and navigating a life that doesn’t follow a traditional path. No advice, no platitudes — just two people trying to understand what support actually looks like when creativity and real life collide.


https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> This episode is a little different.


Travis sits down with his wife for an honest conversation about what it’s really like to build a creative life together. They talk about anxiety, uncertainty, and the quieter forms of support that don’t always get recognized — the emotional labor, the patience, and the work that happens offstage.


It’s a real discussion about partnership, communication, and navigating a life that doesn’t follow a traditional path. No advice, no platitudes — just two people trying to understand what support actually looks like when creativity and real life collide.


https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> Travis Gray Buzzsprout-18502601 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 5194 8 full true Episode 7: Hannah Williams Episode 7: Hannah Williams In this episode of Rough Pumpkins, Travis sits down with Hannah Williams, a mural artist based in Glens Falls, to talk about the deeper realities of living a creative life.

Hannah shares what it’s like to paint murals in public spaces, where the work doesn’t happen in isolation and the community becomes part of the process. The conversation explores creative identity, purpose, and what happens when art isn’t just something you do — it’s part of how you survive, connect, and make sense of the world.

They talk about staying rooted, showing up in real life, and why putting yourself out there still matters long after the paint dries.

This episode is for artists, musicians, and creatives who think about who they are without their work — and whether that’s even possible.

🎨 Topics include:

  • Painting murals in public spaces
  • Art as identity, not just a career
  • Community connection and word-of-mouth
  • Creative purpose and longevity
  • What it means to truly “show up” as an artist

www.hwilliamsart.com for Hannah's Full collection

🎧 New episodes every week of Rough Pumpkins.

https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> In this episode of Rough Pumpkins, Travis sits down with Hannah Williams, a mural artist based in Glens Falls, to talk about the deeper realities of living a creative life.

Hannah shares what it’s like to paint murals in public spaces, where the work doesn’t happen in isolation and the community becomes part of the process. The conversation explores creative identity, purpose, and what happens when art isn’t just something you do — it’s part of how you survive, connect, and make sense of the world.

They talk about staying rooted, showing up in real life, and why putting yourself out there still matters long after the paint dries.

This episode is for artists, musicians, and creatives who think about who they are without their work — and whether that’s even possible.

🎨 Topics include:

  • Painting murals in public spaces
  • Art as identity, not just a career
  • Community connection and word-of-mouth
  • Creative purpose and longevity
  • What it means to truly “show up” as an artist

www.hwilliamsart.com for Hannah's Full collection

🎧 New episodes every week of Rough Pumpkins.

https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> Travis Gray Buzzsprout-18472805 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500 7003 7 full true Episode 6: Frankie Cavone Episode 6: Frankie Cavone Travis sits down with Photographer/Videographer Frankie Cavone of Mirth Films. They talk about the passion and motivation it takes to keep going in your chosen creative field, and share some old stories. You might even get to hear about when Frankie had to go to court on 'Judge Judy'.

https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> Travis sits down with Photographer/Videographer Frankie Cavone of Mirth Films. They talk about the passion and motivation it takes to keep going in your chosen creative field, and share some old stories. You might even get to hear about when Frankie had to go to court on 'Judge Judy'.

https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> Travis Gray Buzzsprout-18431044 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500 5017 6 full true Episode 5: Joe Mansman Episode 5: Joe Mansman Travis sits down with Joe Mansman of Joe Mansman and The Midnight Revival Band for a laid-back conversation full of old memories, chaotic band stories, and the funny moments you only appreciate in hindsight.

They talk about the unglamorous side of band life — roommates, road mishaps, and the kind of situations that sound insane once you say them out loud. It’s a hangout episode that focuses less on achievements and more on what it’s actually like trying to make something creative work.

https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> Travis sits down with Joe Mansman of Joe Mansman and The Midnight Revival Band for a laid-back conversation full of old memories, chaotic band stories, and the funny moments you only appreciate in hindsight.

They talk about the unglamorous side of band life — roommates, road mishaps, and the kind of situations that sound insane once you say them out loud. It’s a hangout episode that focuses less on achievements and more on what it’s actually like trying to make something creative work.

https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> Travis Gray Buzzsprout-18374874 Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500 6978 5 full false Episode 4: Mikey Baish- Schenectady Surf Rock Episode 4: Mikey Baish- Schenectady Surf Rock This week on Rough Pumpkins, Travis hangs with Mikey Baish from The Sugar Hold — one of the wildest, most entertaining bands in the Capital Region. We get into everything: how the band came together, Mikey’s role at The Jive Hive, and why Upstate NY might secretly have more raw talent per square mile than anywhere else. Lots of laughs, lots of local music love, and plenty of stories that prove Schenectady/Albany musicians are built different.

https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> This week on Rough Pumpkins, Travis hangs with Mikey Baish from The Sugar Hold — one of the wildest, most entertaining bands in the Capital Region. We get into everything: how the band came together, Mikey’s role at The Jive Hive, and why Upstate NY might secretly have more raw talent per square mile than anywhere else. Lots of laughs, lots of local music love, and plenty of stories that prove Schenectady/Albany musicians are built different.

https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> Travis Gray Buzzsprout-18334201 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 4734 4 full true Episode 3: Josh Morris- Music City Moves Episode 3: Josh Morris- Music City Moves Travis sits down with drummer/singer/guitarist Josh Morris, who moved to Nashville just two years ago and already found himself playing for country artist Caylee Hammack—including a surreal moment opening for Stevie Nicks.

Josh shares what it’s really like breaking into the Nashville scene so quickly, the grind behind the gigs, and the unexpected moments that make it all worth it.

Real stories.

https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> Travis sits down with drummer/singer/guitarist Josh Morris, who moved to Nashville just two years ago and already found himself playing for country artist Caylee Hammack—including a surreal moment opening for Stevie Nicks.

Josh shares what it’s really like breaking into the Nashville scene so quickly, the grind behind the gigs, and the unexpected moments that make it all worth it.

Real stories.

https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> Travis Gray Buzzsprout-18295990 Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 6226 3 full true Episode 2: Dustin Deluke - Behind The Keys Episode 2: Dustin Deluke - Behind The Keys In this episode, Travis sits down with longtime friend and keys wizard Dustin DeLuke to talk about the journey from small-town beginnings to professional stages. They break down the realities of being a modern working musician, shaping your sound, finding your voice in a band, and the creative life that happens offstage.

Whether you’re a musician, a music fan, or just someone who loves hearing artists get honest, this is a killer conversation packed with insight, laughs, and stories from the trenches.

https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> In this episode, Travis sits down with longtime friend and keys wizard Dustin DeLuke to talk about the journey from small-town beginnings to professional stages. They break down the realities of being a modern working musician, shaping your sound, finding your voice in a band, and the creative life that happens offstage.

Whether you’re a musician, a music fan, or just someone who loves hearing artists get honest, this is a killer conversation packed with insight, laughs, and stories from the trenches.

https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> Travis Gray Buzzsprout-18253792 Wed, 26 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500 5928 2 full true Episode 1: Joe Defelice - The Truth About Being a Working Musician Episode 1: Joe Defelice - The Truth About Being a Working Musician Episode 1 of Rough Pumpkins is here.
Travis sits down with longtime friend and fellow musician Joe Defelice to break down what life really looks like when you choose music as a career instead of a “real job.”

They talk about:
• starting music for the love of it
• why being “too loud” actually hurts your performance
• the pressure creatives feel to justify their careers
• how to survive without a traditional 9–5
• chasing art while balancing real life
• the moments that make it all worth it

This episode sets the tone for the entire show—honest, real conversations with people who accidentally built a creative life.

Rough Pumpkins with Travis Gray
Real stories from people who should’ve gotten real jobs.

Listen, follow, and stay tuned for more episodes.

https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> Episode 1 of Rough Pumpkins is here.
Travis sits down with longtime friend and fellow musician Joe Defelice to break down what life really looks like when you choose music as a career instead of a “real job.”

They talk about:
• starting music for the love of it
• why being “too loud” actually hurts your performance
• the pressure creatives feel to justify their careers
• how to survive without a traditional 9–5
• chasing art while balancing real life
• the moments that make it all worth it

This episode sets the tone for the entire show—honest, real conversations with people who accidentally built a creative life.

Rough Pumpkins with Travis Gray
Real stories from people who should’ve gotten real jobs.

Listen, follow, and stay tuned for more episodes.

https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> Travis Gray Buzzsprout-18219208 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500 4646 1 full true Trailer- Welcome to Rough Pumpkins with Travis Gray Trailer- Welcome to Rough Pumpkins with Travis Gray The official trailer for Rough Pumpkins with Travis Gray. Real stories from people who should've gotten real jobs.

Music By Travis Gray

Full episodes coming soon. follow to stay tuned in!

https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> The official trailer for Rough Pumpkins with Travis Gray. Real stories from people who should've gotten real jobs.

Music By Travis Gray

Full episodes coming soon. follow to stay tuned in!

https://youtube.com/@roughpumpkinspodcast?si=D0hwyyaWNi2mrCwI

]]> Travis Gray Buzzsprout-18166711 Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0500 60 trailer false