Artist Yxng Ched sits down with Dirty Dave for an unfiltered, long-form conversation recorded live at Cosmos Court in downtown Topeka^[1]. Yxng Ched breaks down the release of his new album What If It All Works Out^[2], sharing how he shipped more physical CDs in a single month than ever before in his career^[2]. The guys look back at their early DIY recording setups using Xbox Turtle Beach gaming headsets—noting how Skrillex famously produced Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites on a broken headset^[3][4]—and debate the discipline of posting daily social media content versus avoiding burnout^[5].

Yxng Ched breaks down his top three career-defining tracks ("Why Are You", "Why Not Me" feat. Katy Rae, and "Eden")^[8][9] and discusses the reality of independent artist work ethic, emphasizing that "nobody owes you shit" in the music industry^[10]. He also shares wild real-life stories from the road, including getting turned down by a gas station hater^[11], receiving a random $100 tip while doing yard work^[12][13], performing inside Lansing Prison^[14], and uploading his album to Pornhub^[15]. Plus, the crew trades local food recommendations across Kansas—from Bobo's Drive-In in Topeka to Buzzards Pizza and the legendary Sap Bros truck stop^[16].

SUBSCRIBE to StarCast Media for more raw, unfiltered Kansas content: https://www.youtube.com/@starcastlivemedia

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introduction & Just JP's Episode Pressure^[19] 1:12 - DIY Recording: Turtle Beach Headsets & Skrillex Production^[3][4] 2:00 - "What If It All Works Out" Album Release & Shipping Physical CDs^[2] 3:25 - Yxng Ched's Top 3 Songs: "Why Are You", "Why Not Me", & "Eden"^[8][9] 6:15 - Social Media Strategy: TikTok Consistency vs. Lazy Posting^[6][20] 10:14 - Independent Reality: "Nobody Owes You Shit"^[10] 12:26 - Building Out-of-Town Markets & Regional Crowd Psychology^[21][22] 15:00 - Favorite Road Spots: Sap Bros, Bobo's Drive-In, & Buzzards Pizza^[16] 16:45 - Live from Cosmos Court in Downtown Topeka^[1] 17:48 - Wild Fan Stories: Gas Station Haters vs. $100 Yardwork Tip^[11][12] 21:56 - Performing Inside Lansing Prison^[14] 25:06 - Headlining Emporia Granada Theater with Grizz Lee, Devin Zorn, & Just JP^[23][24] 26:14 - Album Streaming on Pornhub & Wrapping Up^[15]

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In Episode 27 of The Observation Deck, Dirty Dave sits down with Topeka creator Yxng Ched at Cosmos Court^[1]. Moving past standard promotional chatter, the two dive into the mindset required to stay authentic as an independent creator in Kansas, balancing DIY music production with real-world hustle^[2].

Connect with Yxng Ched: ▶ Stream What If It All Works Out on all platforms^[2] ▶ TikTok & Socials: @YXNGCHED

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Grizz Lee returns to the studio alongside Dirty Dave and DJ GK Smoke for an unfiltered deep-dive into the true grind of independent music. The crew discusses what it really takes to write, record, mix, master, and promote your own tracks, highlighting Grizz Lee's relentless pledge to drop a new single on the 13th of every month.

The conversation gets real as Dave and GK Smoke have an honest, back-and-forth debate on DJ compensation, show logistics, PA gear, and the hustle required to build real value in the scene. Plus, Dirty Dave belts out a classic country cover, the guys break down major record label traps vs. making genuine art, shout out Yxng Ched's vinyl release, and announce an exclusive signed ukulele giveaway.

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TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introduction & 90s CatDog Nostalgia 2:42 - Consistency vs. Quality: The Independent Artist Sacrifice 5:28 - Dropping a Song on the 13th of Every Month 8:44 - Skipping TikTok Trends & Investing in Gear 10:23 - Dirty Dave Sings Brooks & Dunn's Red Dirt Road 12:17 - Compromise, Hustling, and Real Industry Value 15:15 - Record Label Traps vs. Making True Art 18:37 - Yxng Ched's Vinyl Release & Setting the Local Standard 22:02 - Learning from Losses & Staying Authentic 25:00 - Real Talk: DJ Value, PA Gear, & Show Hustles 32:34 - Respecting the Grind & Homie Loyalty 36:21 - Reading the Room & Playing the Crowd 37:46 - Signed Ukulele Giveaway & September 13th Drop

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In Episode 26 of The Observation Deck, Grizz Lee sits down with Dirty Dave and GK Smoke. From discussing the financial realities of touring and local venue management to navigating artist disagreements and staying loyal to the craft, this episode captures the raw work ethic behind independent Kansas music.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/starcast-presents-the-observation-deck/exclusive-content

Topeka artist Just JP joins Dirty Dave in the studio for an incredibly raw, authentic, and powerful episode. JP kicks things off with an exclusive in-studio live performance of his unreleased track "Ridin' through the Desert" (produced by and featuring Grizz Lee).

The guys go deep into their mutual obsession with professional wrestling, debating the Monday Night Wars, WWE vs. AEW, and the greatest finishers of all time. JP also shares his moving personal journey—from his adoption and a graveside promise to his late brother that launched his music career, to his battle with meth addiction and celebrating three years of hard-earned sobriety. He also opens up about balancing his career in pest control (despite a fear of spiders) with raising and homeschooling three boys alongside his supportive realtor wife.

SUBSCRIBE to StarCast Media for more raw, unfiltered Kansas content: https://www.youtube.com/@starcastlivemedia

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GK Smoke makes his return to the studio after weeks on the road! He joins Dirty Dave alongside guests Ephraim and FrenzyFingerz for a wild and unfiltered ride. The crew breaks down the confusing world of sports betting and parlays before exposing the door-to-door sales tactics of selling Kirby vacuums. They share horror stories from the worst jobs they’ve ever had—from cleaning dorm rooms during "Beer Olympics" to the nasty reality of repairing grease-soaked fast-food kitchens. The conversation also takes a deep dive into the history of reggaeton, memories of growing up in Mexico, and a serious discussion on parenting, autism, and the importance of mentors.

SUBSCRIBE to StarCast Media for more raw, unfiltered Kansas content: https://www.youtube.com/@starcastlivemedia

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - GK Smoke is back from tour 2:26 - Sports betting and parlays 6:51 - Online betting scams and virtual trading cards 10:31 - Kirby vacuums and Ponzi schemes 13:18 - Worst jobs: janitors and tile repair 15:42 - The reality of greasy kitchen repairs 17:33 - Black mold and Nana's urn 19:05 - Fabuloso and cleaning memories 20:50 - Memories of Mexico 22:02 - Reggaeton and German accordions 30:05 - Gabber, jock jams, and EDM vibes 30:46 - Parenting, autism, and preparing kids 40:33 - The impact of mentors and final thoughts

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In Episode 21 of The Observation Deck, Dirty Dave and GK Smoke sit down with guests Ephraim and FrenzyFingerz. This episode covers it all—from the professional grind of being an artist on tour to the hilarious and sometimes gross realities of manual labor and sales jobs. The group also reflects on how their own upbringings and the lessons learned from teachers and coaches shaped the way they raise their children today.

THE MASTER LINKS (Connect With StarCast Media)

Catch up on past episodes, stream original programming, and grab our official gear all in one place! ▶ Official Website: https://www.starcast.online ▶ Grab Your Merch & Tees: https://starcast-supply-company.printify.me/ ▶ Bullmilk Shop: bullmilk.shop

Follow Our Socials: ▶ YouTube: @StarCastLiveMedia ▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579680989260 ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starcast.live.media/ ▶ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starcast.live ▶ X (Twitter): https://x.com/StarCastLM ▶ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/tomediaandbeyond ▶ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gfZgUVxAdXLbZ1Ffb4uod

ACCORDING TO THE ALGORITHM (Our Active Shows)

If you liked this episode, make sure to check out the rest of the StarCast roster:

• The Observation Deck — Real, raw, and unpredictable conversations highlighting Kansas creators and sports breakdowns.
• Hollywood After Babylon — Nic Nassuet takes deep dives into the matrix of Hollywood history, scandals, and untold stories.
• StarTalk w/ Todd Price — Interviews and long-form discussions on topics and voices that matter to Topeka.
• The Psyco G Spot — Raw, unfiltered commentary and culture talk with Psycho G.

#TheObservationDeck #Ephraim #FrenzyFingerz #StarCastMedia #TopekaKansas #KansasCreators #TopekaPodcast #LocalMedia #KansasPodcast #SportsBetting #Reggaeton

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Colter Grant Robinson returns to the studio! With GK Smoke out for the night, Dirty Dave and Colter dive deep into a wildly unpredictable one-on-one conversation. They cover everything from lucid dreaming and the reality of Jeff Bezos doing DMT, to Colter's crazy experiences traveling the world, living in 22 different countries, and eating cobra in Cambodia. The guys also talk about the local Topeka fast-food scene, the brutality of Australian rugby, WWE president brawls, and take a deep dive into cryptids, colossal squids, and nostalgic movies that didn't age well. SUBSCRIBE to StarCast Media for more raw, unfiltered Kansas content: https://www.youtube.com/@starcastlivemedia TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Waking Life & Lucid Dreams 2:17 - DMT Trips & Jeff Bezos 4:31 - The Fear of Stealing from Walmart 7:34 - Growing Up in Egypt & Traveling the World 12:10 - Eating Cobra in Cambodia 13:48 - Topeka's Chain Restaurants & Fast Food 18:24 - Aligning the McDonald's Arches & Eclipses 21:47 - Australian Rugby & Fake Russian Sports 24:40 - WWE President Brawls (George Washington vs. Tricky Dicky) 30:04 - Cryptids, Yetis, & Colossal Squids 34:00 - Elephant Skulls & Photoshopped Giants 36:44 - Nostalgic Movies That Didn't Age Well 38:07 - Cashless Societies & QR Code Tattoos 39:16 - Episode Wrap-Up & Bull Milk Pressing Charges ABOUT THIS EPISODE In Episode 20 of The Observation Deck, Colter Grant Robinson makes his return! Stripping away the usual tech talk from his last appearance, Dave and Colter kick back to talk about world travel, bizarre foods, ancient mysteries, and hilarious pop-culture hypotheticals. THE MASTER LINKS (Connect With StarCast Media) Catch up on past episodes, stream original programming, and grab our official gear all in one place! ▶ Official Website: https://www.starcast.online ▶ Grab Your Merch & Tees: https://starcast-supply-company.printify.me/ ▶ Bullmilk Shop: bullmilk.shop Follow Our Socials: ▶ YouTube: @StarCastLiveMedia ▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579680989260 ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starcast.live.media/ ▶ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starcast.live ▶ X (Twitter): https://x.com/StarCastLM ▶ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/tomediaandbeyond ▶ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gfZgUVxAdXLbZ1Ffb4uod

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In this episode of The Observation Deck, the crew sits down with Topeka tech founder and former KSNT investigative reporter Colter Grant Robinson. We deep dive into his newly released Steam game Metamancer, how custom AI automation is shifting the local Kansas business landscape, and the story behind his viral investigative article that exposed a 30 million dollar immigration enforcement facility contract on sovereign reservation land. SUBSCRIBE to StarCast Media for more raw, unfiltered Kansas content: https://www.youtube.com/@StarCastLiveMedia TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - The Unfiltered Intro 1:06 - Metamancer Out on Steam 5:06 - The Early Access Refund Battle 7:22 - Stepping Up the Dev Vlogs 9:05 - Shortcut Kings & Automating SEO 13:50 - AI Solutions for DJs & Local Businesses 20:54 - White Hat vs. Black Hat Hackers 22:04 - Quick Break & The Bull Milk Incident 23:25 - Sci-Fi, Tarantino, & Space Romance Movies 26:05 - Microwave Pudding & Deep Questions 28:11 - Shredding the Topeka Skate Park 32:52 - The Chris Cole & Skate Industry Drama 34:58 - Topeka River Scooters & Hidden Cash 36:20 - Exposing the $30M Pottawatomie Reservation Contract 41:09 - Journalism, Sovereign Law, & Heads Rolling 43:02 - Muscle Cars & LS-Swap Firebirds 44:26 - Support Local Kansas Tech! ABOUT THIS EPISODE In Episode 18 of The Observation Deck, Dirty Dave and GK Smoke sit down with Colter Grant Robinson. From building video games from scratch in Topeka to navigating heavy journalism assignments, Colter breaks down the realities of working on high-stakes software development projects and balancing local community impacts right here in Kansas. Metamancer on Steam: Search "Metamancer" on the Steam Store

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Hosts: • Dirty Dave • GK Smoke Guests: • Tyler Swain – Topeka Country Singer • Grizz Lee – Recording Artist & Visionary If you enjoy the episode, be sure to Like, Comment, Subscribe, and share it with a friend. Every view, share, and subscription helps StarCast continue bringing independent voices and local talent to a bigger audience. #StarCast #ObservationDeck #TylerSwain #GrizzLee #CountryMusic #HipHop #Topeka #KansasMusic #Podcast #IndependentArtists Apple Podcasts Summary: Dirty Dave and GK Smoke welcome Topeka country singer Tyler Swain and recording artist Grizz Lee for a conversation about music, creativity, and the journey of independent artists in Kansas.

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Join hosts Dirty Dave and GK Smoke for Episode 16 of The Observation Deck as they welcome special guests Grizz Lee and Bumble Bree to the Upper Deck. From music and creativity to life experiences, stories, laughs, and everything in between, this episode delivers the laid-back conversations and unpredictable moments you've come to expect from The Observation Deck. Pull up a chair, kick back, and join the conversation. 🎙️ Hosted by Dirty Dave & GK Smoke 🎧 Guests: Grizz Lee & Bumble Bree 📍 Recorded at StarCast's Upper Deck Studios Subscribe, like, and follow StarCast Media for more episodes, performances, and original content. #StarCast #TheObservationDeck #GrizzLee #BumbleBree #GKSmoke #DirtyDave #Podcast #KansasCity #Topeka #IndependentMedia #StarCastMedia Apple Podcasts Summary: Dirty Dave and GK Smoke welcome Grizz Lee and Bumble Bree to The Observation Deck for a fun conversation covering music, life, creativity, and more. Join the crew for another laid-back episode from StarCast's Upper Deck Studios.

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Join hosts Dave and GK Smoke for another episode of The Observation Deck, featuring Topeka legend Ray.

Known by many for owning the iconic skate shop Olliewood, Ray has spent years involved in the local scene through skateboarding, stagehand work, live events, and countless community projects. In this episode, Ray shares stories from his experiences, discusses the people and places that shaped his journey, and even gives a tarot card reading during the show.

Topics include:

🛹 The history of Olliewood Skate Shop

🎭 Stagehand work and behind-the-scenes event stories

🏙️ Topeka history, culture, and community memories

🎟️ Working concerts, productions, and live events

🔮 Tarot card reading and spiritual discussion

😂 Random stories, laughs, and classic Observation Deck moments

As always, The Observation Deck delivers authentic conversation, unexpected tangents, local legends, and a spotlight on the people who help shape the culture around us.

🎥 Subscribe for more episodes of The Observation Deck and other StarCast productions.

⬇️ FOLLOW STARCAST ⬇️

🌐 Official Website

https://starcast.online

🛍️ Official Merch

https://shop.starcast.online

📺 YouTube

https://youtube.com/@starcastlivemedia

🎧 Listen to The Observation Deck Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starcast-presents-the-observation-deck/id1896849212

⭐ Follow StarCast for updates, clips, premieres, live streams, and future guests.

#TheObservationDeck #StarCast #Ray #Olliewood #Topeka #Skateboarding #GKSmoke #Dave #Podcast #StarCastMedia #TopekaKansas #LocalLegend #StarCastNetwork #StarCastMediaNetwork

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Join hosts Dave and GK Smoke for another episode of The Observation Deck, featuring special guest Schwem — artist, musician, and performer.

This episode kicks off with a live performance from Schwem, followed by a conversation covering music, creativity, artistic influences, current projects, life experiences, and the journey of being an independent artist.

Topics include:

🎵 Live performance from Schwem

🎤 Music and creative process

🎨 Artistic influences and inspiration

🚀 Current and upcoming projects

🎙️ Independent artists and the music scene

😂 Random conversations, stories, and Observation Deck moments

As always, The Observation Deck delivers authentic conversation, unexpected tangents, plenty of laughs, and a spotlight on the people creating and contributing to the culture.

🎥 Subscribe for more episodes of The Observation Deck and other StarCast productions.

⬇️ FOLLOW STARCAST ⬇️

🌐 Official Website

https://starcast.online

🛍️ Official Merch

https://shop.starcast.online

📺 YouTube

https://youtube.com/@starcastlivemedia

🎧 Listen to The Observation Deck Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starcast-presents-the-observation-deck/id1896849212

⭐ Follow StarCast for updates, clips, premieres, live streams, and future guests.

#TheObservationDeck #StarCast #Schwem #GKSmoke #Dave #LivePerformance #IndependentMusic #Podcast #ArtistInterview #StarCastNetwork

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Join Dave, GK Smoke, and special guest Kreepy Isotope for another episode of The Observation Deck.

This episode features a laid-back conversation covering music, creativity, independent media, life experiences, current projects, and whatever other topics find their way into the discussion. As always, nothing is scripted and the conversation goes wherever it wants.

Topics include:

🎵 Music and creative influences

🎙️ Independent artists and content creation

🔥 Current projects and future plans

😂 Stories, jokes, and random tangents

🎬 Behind-the-scenes perspectives

🌎 Life experiences and observations

The Observation Deck is where authentic conversations, unique personalities, and unexpected moments come together for a one-of-a-kind StarCast experience.

🎥 Subscribe for more episodes of The Observation Deck and other StarCast productions.

⬇️ FOLLOW STARCAST ⬇️

🌐 Official Website

https://starcast.online

🛍️ Official Merch

https://shop.starcast.online

📺 YouTube

https://youtube.com/@starcastlivemedia

🎧 Listen to The Observation Deck Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starcast-presents-the-observation-deck/id1896849212

⭐ Follow StarCast for updates, clips, premieres, live streams, and future guests.

#TheObservationDeck #StarCast #KreepyIsotope #GKSmoke #Dave #Podcast #IndependentMusic #ContentCreators #Entertainment #StarCastNetwork

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StarCast Media Presents: The Observation Deck | Episode 9

Psycho G with Todd & Dirty Dave

Episode 9 of The Observation Deck brings Psycho G into the StarCast universe with Todd and Dirty Dave holding it down as usual.

This episode keeps the vibe raw, funny, laid-back, and unpredictable. Psycho G pulls up for a real conversation full of local energy, stories, and the kind of moments that make The Observation Deck feel different.

StarCast Live Media is continuing to build a platform for Topeka voices, Kansas creators, artists, personalities, and anyone bringing something interesting to the scene.

• Guest: Psycho G
• Featuring: Todd
• Host: Dirty Dave
• Presented by: StarCast Live Media

Tap in, vibe out, and welcome back to The Observation Deck.

Follow StarCast Media:
YouTube: @StarCastLiveMedia
Instagram: @starcast.live.media
TikTok: @starcast.live
X: @StarCastLM

#TheObservationDeck #StarCastMedia #StarCastLiveMedia #PsychoG #DirtyDave #Todd #TopekaKansas #KansasCreators #TopekaPodcast #LocalMedia

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This episode of The Observation Deck brings Dirty Dave together with The Sleepy Cats and GK Smoke for a laid-back conversation about music, creativity, and everything in between. From building their sound to navigating the local scene, this episode dives into the experiences and perspectives that shape their journey.They kick back and talk about what it’s like creating in today’s world, the grind behind the scenes, and the passion that keeps it all going. It’s a real conversation filled with laughs, insight, and appreciation for the process of making something out of nothing.Pull up, vibe out, and tap into a conversation built on music, creativity, and real moments.✅ Subscribe for more episodes of The Observation Deck👍 Like if you want more music conversations and local artist spotlights💬 Comment who we should bring on next#TheObservationDeck #StarCastMedia #StarCastLiveMedia #DirtyDave #TheSleepyCats #GKSmoke #TopekaKansas #KansasCreators #TopekaPodcast #LocalMusic #KansasMusic #supportlocalartistsFollow StarCast Media:YouTube: @StarCastLiveMediaInstagram: @starcast.live.mediaTikTok: @starcast.liveX: @StarCastLM

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StarCast Media Presents

The Observation Deck

Episode 3 — Dirty Dave with Eli of Psychic Panda

Hosted by: Dirty Dave

Featuring: Eli of Psychic Panda

This episode of The Observation Deck brings Dirty Dave together with Eli from Psychic Panda for a laid-back conversation about the good old days.

From memories of being on tour to playing in different bands together, this episode is all about the stories, experiences, and moments that helped shape their journey through music.

They kick back and reflect on life on the road, the local scene, and what it was like making music through different eras and projects. It’s a real conversation filled with nostalgia, laughs, and appreciation for the bands and memories that brought them here.

Pull up, vibe out, and tap into a conversation built on music, history, and shared experience.

Subscribe for more episodes of The Observation Deck

Like if you want more music stories and local artist conversations

Comment who we should bring on next

Follow StarCast Media:

YouTube: @StarCastLiveMedia

Instagram: @starcast.live.media

TikTok: @starcast.live

X: @StarCastLM

#TheObservationDeck #StarCastMedia #StarCastLiveMedia #DirtyDave #PsychicPanda #Eli #TopekaKansas #KansasCreators #TopekaPodcast #LocalMusic #KansasMusic #SupportLocalArtists

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Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/starcast-presents-the-observation-deck/exclusive-content

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/starcast-presents-the-observation-deck/exclusive-content