All right! Punk Rock Academic, Episode 7!

This time we’re talking with CJ Uy, PhD. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Religion at James Madison University in the Shenandoah Valley. His work focuses on medieval Sufism and Islamic philosophy, and explores some very deep topics like what it means to “know”.

He has an impressive CV, starting with a BA from Yale’s Department of Religious Studies, followed by an M.Phil from the University of Cambridge. He also holds an MA degree from Stanford and a PhD from Brown University’s Department of Religious studies.

Aside from his academic pursuits, CJ also plays bass in the DC-based Bad Time Records ska band, Kill Lincoln. They have developed a strong following through years of touring and recording and have played with the likes of Streetlight Manifesto, Suicide Machines, The Slackers, Less Than Jake, and Reel Big Fish. CJ first started with the band back in 2015 and became a full-fledged member in 2018.

I hope you’re all as stoked to hear from him as we are! Let’s get into it.

OK! Punk Rock Academic Episode 6!

Today we have Dr. Greg Chance Taylor, PsyD. He is a Dr. of clinical psychology, currently finishing up his residency in Portland, OR. He got a BA in psychology from the New School and his PsyD from Pacific University.

Like many drummers, Greg has played in a lot of bands. He toured and recorded an album with Mischief Brew on Jello Biafra’s Alternative Tentacles label. He also played in The Holy Mountain, a No Idea Records band from the early aughts. Most recently he’s played with MakeWar on the Fat Wreck Chords.

Quite the impressive resume, doctor. Let’s get into it!

Hello and welcome once again to Punk Rock Academic! We’ve had a little gap in programming, but here we are with Episode 5, and this one’s a real treat!

This time we’ll be chatting with Toni LaMantia, MA. Toni received her Bachelors in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia, followed by a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology and Quantitative Methods from University of Buffalo. She also holds an Advanced Certificate in Applied Statistical Methods, also from University of Buffalo.

She is currently employed by Tesla, using her background in educational and statistics to lead a team in their Vision AI program. You can also catch her singing and playing saxophone and keys with The Abruptors, a Buffalo, NY-based ska band. The Abruptors are signed to the renowned Asian Man Records and maintain an impressive tour schedule, playing with such legends as Mustard Plug and The Slackers.

As if that weren’t enough, Toni is also a mother, so we’re really grateful she could make time to talk with us and share her story. Let’s get into it!