Empty Checking with Derek Brink

EC Update 4-18-26.m4a

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.

EC Update 4-14-26.m4a

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.

Episode 227 - On a Horse, Learning to Play the Banjo

In this episode, I talk about playing the banjo and the Beetlejuice movies. It's as classic as peanut butter and jelly. Biscuits and gravy. Peaches and Herb. Beetlejuice and banjos! It's a fun one. It turns out that I have a LOT of thoughts about Tim Burton. Enjoy!

Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com 
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com 
email: db@derekbrink.com

Time Index:

• 0:00 - Intro
• 6:40 - Banjo Break #1 - 5 String Banjo
• 7:11 - Talkin' Banjos!
• 24:30 - Banjo Break #2 - Plectrum Banjo
• 25:00 - Yellin' about Beetlejuice...
  • 31:22 - Beetlejuice
  • 42:33 - Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
• 1:08:35 - Banjo Break #3 - Tenor Banjo
• 1:09:06 - Outro

Episode 226 - I Guess We're Doing Hot Picks Now

This week's episode is a little bit short, but no less sweet than usual. It's a fun one where I complain about the weather, then talk about new releases from Mumford & Sons, Mitski, and Squeeze. I had fun with it. You might too!

Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com 
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com 
email: db@derekbrink.com 

Time Index:

• 0:00 - Intro
• 12:21 - Vagabond
• 12:52 - Music Reviews
• 31:23 - Slainte
• 31:53 - Outro

Episode 225 - The Muppet Movies Episode

In this episode I talk about the theatrically released Muppet movies, in chronological order. Because everyone loves the Muppets! Enjoy!

No time index, since it's just the one subject--and I should clarify that I am spoiling every movie, if you haven't seen them.

Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com 
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com 
email: db@derekbrink.com 

Songs used in the show:

• I Hope You're Happy
• Useless

Episode 224 - The One Where I Bought an Autoharp

In this episode, I talk about recent releases from Geese and Wednesday, then I talk about buying an Autoharp. That's the show! Enjoy!

Sorry there's not a time index...but here are the links...although really there's not anything that corresponds to the Bandcamp page, since I'm just noodling...but whatever!

Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com 
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com 
email: db@derekbrink.com 

Episode 223 - Bask in My Reflected Joy

In this episode, I pay my respects to Catherine O'Hara, then talk about my newest (vintage) guitar and the long-since-canceled TV show Andy Richter Controls the Universe. I had fun with this one! Enjoy!

Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com 
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com 
email: db@derekbrink.com 

Time Index:

• 0:00 - Intro
• 6:41 - I Go*
• 7:11 - Rest in Peace Catherine O'Hara
• 25:18 - Racing the Rain*
• 25:49 - Silvertone Guitar
• 38:20 - After the Storm*
• 38:51 - Andy Richter Controls the Universe
• 51:34 - Losing Sleep*
• 52:04 - Introduction to Racing the Rain
• 55:43 - Racing the Rain (Electric Version)
• 59:59 - Outro

*All songs except "Racing the Rain" were just me noodling on the guitar this week, so there's not much to download, unless you just wanna go to Bandcamp and find the full songs.

Episode 222 - Chinese Buffets and Mispronunciations

In this episode, I'm low on stuff to talk about because I haven't bought anything lately, so I talk about movies from the recent (25-35 years) Rocky & Bullwinkle universe. It's a show! Enjoy!

Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com 
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com 
email: db@derekbrink.com 

The subjects this week are pretty intertwined, so I didn't do a time index. But if you're interested in the songs used in this episode they are as follows:

• Vagabond
• Racing the Rain
• Bite the Habanero (Theme Song)

EC RANT 1-8-26.m4a

Given the week's happenings, we're postponing the first official show of 2026 for a week, or thereabout. I spent about 11 minutes ranting here. The only thing that seems appropriate to say right now is rest in peace Renee Good and ABOLISH ICE. We will return with a normal episode as soon as possible. Probably next week. Thanks for listening. Keep talking.

Episode 221 - The FAB 15 Albums of 2025

It's a Christmas...well...not "miracle." But it's happening near the day! In the final Fab 15 (and EC episode) of 2025, your Uncle Derek and Papa Dave are counting down our favorite albums of 2025. It was a really fun talk and we hope you'll enjoy it and maybe find a few new things to listen to! Enjoy!

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
• 14:39 - The List Begins!
  • 14:39 - #15
  • 20:23 - #14
  • 27:55 - #13
  • 33:43 - #12
  • 38:47 - #11
  • 45:46 - #10
  • 50:35 - #9
  • 57:45 - #8
  • 1:05:42 - #7
  • 1:11:37 - #6
  • 1:18:03 - #5
  • 1:29:06 - #4
  • 1:38:54 - #3 
  • 1:49:11 - #2
  • 1:54:46 - #1 
• 2:00:50 - Honorable Mentions
• 2:18:07 - This is Your Christmas
• 2:18:37 - The FINAL 15 and Outro