Derek Brink explains what purchases have emptied out his checking account, in real time.
Episodes
May 18, 2026
May 18, 2026
1 hr 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
2 hr 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.
Apr 5, 2026
Apr 5, 2026
1 hr 12 min
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
Mar 22, 2026
Mar 22, 2026
38 min
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
Mar 8, 2026
Mar 8, 2026
1 hr 5 min
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:
Feb 25, 2026
Feb 25, 2026
45 min
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
Feb 10, 2026
Feb 10, 2026
1 hr 57 sec
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.