Derek Brink explains what purchases have emptied out his checking account, in real time.
Episodes
5 days ago
5 days ago
1hr 11 min
In this episode, I don't bother with segments and end up just ranting about Sammy Hagar, the government, my new laptop, and recording music. Why weren't there segments? Laziness. Why were those the topics? Shut up.
Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Jun 30, 2026
Jun 30, 2026
1hr 19 min
In this episode, I talk a lot about Mel Brooks and rank his 13 theatrically released movies, all in celebration of the Melcentennial--Mel Brooks' 100th birthday! I had a lot of fun with this one--and at one point or another, I felt EVERY emotion. I think it's a good listen. Now it's your turn to listen and agree!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Music: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
No time index because it's all one topic. Just enjoy it!
Songs in this episode:
Jun 23, 2026
Jun 23, 2026
51 min
In this episode, I talk about the biopic The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, then (mostly) new music from Neil Dimond, Modest Mouse, Paul McCartney, and the Beach Boys. I had fun. Maybe also that is a thing you could have. Fun, I mean. Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
*Please note that any and all ads that are not read in my voice are chosen at the discretion of the site hosting this podcast and/or your individual player. I do not select or approve any ads, nor do I financially benefit from them.
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 7:34 - Hands
- 8:01 - The Life and Death of Peter Sellers
- 27:49 - Being There
- 28:19 - Music Releases
- 28:19 - The Beach Boys - The Pet Sounds Sessions Highlights
- 33:28 - Modest Mouse - An Eraser and a Maze
- 38:23 - Neil Diamond - Wild at Heart
- 41:32 - Paul McCartney - The Boys of Dungeon Lane
- 46:19 - Coming Storm
- 46:50 - Outro
Jun 14, 2026
Jun 14, 2026
1hr 4 min
In this episode, I give my thoughts on the Fender Stratocaster debacle, then hopefully win you back by talking about new music from Devin Townsend, Foo Fighters, Violet Grohl, Bruno Mars, and Yungblud. I had fun with this one, and I get all worked up a couple of times. Hope you enjoy it!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 7:50 - You and You Alone
- 8:21 - The Fender Strat Situation
- 28:32 - Everything Good
- 29:04 - Music Reviews
- 29:37 - Devin Townsend - The Moth
- 37:25 - Foo Fighters - Your Favorite Toy
- 41:20 - Violet Grohl - Be Sweet to Me
- 44:34 - Bruno Mars - The Romantic
- 48:39 - Yungblud - Idols Complete
- 56:07 - Please
- 56:39 - Outro
*Please note that any and all ads that are not read in my voice are chosen at the discretion of the site hosting this podcast and/or your individual player. I do not select or approve any ads, nor do I financially benefit from them.
Jun 2, 2026
Jun 2, 2026
1hr 28 min
In this episode, I'm joined by my friend Jim Ousley, who has a new comic book in progress called "The Agony of Stars," with a Kickstarter active RIGHT NOW (6/2/26). We talk about the comic, but also about everything else, with primary topics being being a creative person, process, and how real life bleeds into art. It's always a pleasure to talk to Jim, and I love that this episode just became a conversation that could've happened without the microphones. I think you'll like it a lot too!
Please consider being a part of funding "The Agony of Stars" here: The Agony of Stars by Jim Ousley — Kickstarter
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
May 18, 2026
May 18, 2026
1hr 14 min
In this episode, I'm getting back in the swing of doing the show by talking about the newest book by Tana French then reviewing two concerts I went to (on back to back nights)--David Byrne and Jason Isbell! I hope you enjoy this one as much as I enjoyed making it! (Or more!)
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 9:56 - Happy Now
- 10:27 - Tana French: The Keeper
- 20:59 - That Weekend (Blue Tattoo)
- 21:31 - David Byrne and Jason Isbell
- 21:31 - David Byrne
- 51:16 - Jason Isbell
- 1:04:00 - Denouement
- 1:04:32 - Outro, including a follow=up on my tribute to Michael Feldman, back in November
Apr 29, 2026
Apr 29, 2026
2hr 6 min
After many delays, your Uncle Derek and Papa Dave are finally BACK and this time we're counting down our Fab 15 Supergroups. This discussion solidified that we should really set ground-rules before making our lists...but it was still a lot of fun, and we hope you enjoy it!
Dave's Spotify playlist will probably go up a little late because I didn't tell him when I was posting the episode and it's the middle of a workday. But hey!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/317eypfciiajkyay2kxloz3kreoa?si=f046115ad0514079
Time Index:
0:00 - Intro
13:09 - The List Begins
13:09 - #15
19:12 - #14
24:19 - #13
31:49 - #12
40:16 - #11
44:00 - #10
50:36 - #9
58:29 - #8
1:06:39 - #7
1:12:26 - #6
1:15:03 - #5
1:21:19 - #4
1:26:44 - #3
1:33:57 - #2
1:42:25 - #1
1:43:03 - Honorable Mentions
1:59:49 - Intervention
2:00:19 - The Final 15 and choosing a #1.
Apr 26, 2026
Apr 26, 2026
8 min
Long story short, pending any serious storm damage, you should have the Fab 15 on Tuesday. Thanks for your patience!
Apr 18, 2026
Apr 18, 2026
4 min
UPDATE - My laptop is dead. I'm trying to revive it. If that doesn't work, I'll have to buy a new one. The show is currently trapped on it. I'll keep you posted. Sorry everybody.
Apr 14, 2026
Apr 14, 2026
8 min
I'm trying to at least do these again, when I'm struggling to upload an episode. At least that's something, right? Long story short, I'm editing a FAB 15 and you'll have it soon...but here's a brief update on what I've been doing in the interim. New episode by the weekend! I promise! (Barring anything unforeseen, of course!) Thanks for your patience, Checkmates.