Overeducated & Underemployed

by Feddun

Season 5

Donnie Sengstack on Touring with Stavros & Trae Crowder, Starting Comedy at 18, and Overcoming a Stutter

Welcome back to Overeducated & Underemployed! In this episode, host Feddun sits down with Nashville-based stand-up comedian Donnie Sengstack. Donnie opens up about his journey into comedy starting at age 18, touring with heavy hitters like Stavros Halkias and Trae Crowder, and how growing up with a speech impediment shaped his unique comedic voice and stage presence. They also dive into the golden age of Comedy Central, writing observational humor, the reality of working odd jobs in New York City before breaking out, why he stays grounded instead of chasing endless industry stress, and his upcoming fall and winter tour dates with Trae Crowder. Check out Donnie Sengstack's work: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donsengstack/?hl=en Watch his showcase on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XagUfKsBCLM Theme Song by Sloan Brothers : http://open.spotify.com/artist/1Z0YyvTetovciEDRoRNudB New Album By Sloan Brothers: https://sloanbrothers.bandcamp.com/album/love-other-diagnoses Title inspired by Lee Bains III: https://www.thegloryfires.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Feddun

S5 · E7

Oct 2, 2026

1:03:45

How Growing Up in South Africa Shaped Zoë Ashberg’s Songwriting

In this episode of Overeducated & Underemployed, we sit down with up-and-coming South Florida singer-songwriter and Florida State University Commercial Music graduate, Zoë Ashberg. Zoë opens up about her unique upbringing—spending seven formative years of her childhood in Cape Town, South Africa—and how that culturally rich environment shaped her worldview, resourcefulness, and approach to music. We dive deep into the therapeutic nature of songwriting, navigating perfectionism and imposter syndrome, studying commercial music at FSU, and what it was really like flying out to Los Angeles to co-produce her upcoming debut album with Steve Postell. Whether you're an aspiring musician, a fan of authentic folk-pop storytelling, or just love a great behind-the-scenes studio conversation, this episode is packed with great insights. Connect with Zoë Ashberg: Website: https://zoeashberg.com Instagram: @zoeashberg Theme Song by Sloan Brothers : http://open.spotify.com/artist/1Z0YyvTetovciEDRoRNudB New Album By Sloan Brothers: https://sloanbrothers.bandcamp.com/album/love-other-diagnoses Title inspired by Lee Bains III: https://www.thegloryfires.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Feddun

S5 · E6

Sep 29, 2026

1:19:20

Stop Doing This Live: How to Turn Gig Audiences Into Fans with Justin Long (OEUE Quick Shift)

Why do some bands play incredible shows, leave everything on the stage, and still walk away without a single new fan? Justin Long (Petty Nicks Experience, producer with John Kurzweg, and co-founder of Performance High) returns to Overeducated & Underemployed for a new Quick Shift! We dive into the nitty-gritty of stagecraft, why artists get their "value proposition" completely wrong, how to handle the trap of overly reading a room, and how to authentically package yourself without losing your soul. 📚 Get Justin's book, "Play Shows, Make Fans: The Art and Craft of Delivering Performances That Turn Audiences Into Fans": https://www.performancehigh.net/play-shows-make-fans-book 🎙️ ABOUT THE SHOW: Overeducated & Underemployed is a social history and culture podcast exploring underground music scenes, regional rock history, indie culture, and artist interviews. #LiveMusic #StagePresence #IndependentArtist #MusicBusiness #PerformanceHigh #IndieRock #musiciantips Theme Song by Sloan Brothers : http://open.spotify.com/artist/1Z0YyvTetovciEDRoRNudB New Album By Sloan Brothers: https://sloanbrothers.bandcamp.com/album/love-other-diagnoses Title inspired by Lee Bains III: https://www.thegloryfires.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Feddun

S5 · E5

Sep 25, 2026

23:16

From Sunset Strip Hair Metal to Crime Novels: Steve Coulter (TSAR, Ridel High, S.W. Lauden)

Steve Coulter (drummer of TSAR, Ridel High, The Brothers Steve, and crime novelist under the pen name S.W. Lauden) joins Feddun on Overeducated & Underemployed to talk about underground rock history, the realities of major label excess in the early 2000s, navigating the transition from music to fiction writing, and Ridel High's brand-new music. Check out Steve's writing and newsletter, Remember the Lightning, linked below, and grab what's left of the TSAR vinyl re-releases! https://substack.com/@swlauden https://ridelhigh.bandcamp.com/album/b-sides-demos https://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/tsar/ https://rememberthelightning.substack.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stevecoulter/ https://www.facebook.com/RockGroupTsar/ https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tsar/3298148 Theme Song by Sloan Brothers : http://open.spotify.com/artist/1Z0YyvTetovciEDRoRNudB New Album By Sloan Brothers: https://sloanbrothers.bandcamp.com/album/love-other-diagnoses Title inspired by Lee Bains III: https://www.thegloryfires.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Feddun

S5 · E4

Sep 22, 2026

1:16:45

Season 4

Behind The Scenes at AthFest Comedy Showcase (w/ Drew Morgan & Nate Ball)

S4 · E13

Sep 2, 2026

31:41

Behind the Scenes AthFest 2026

Over 13 months, 20+ interviews, and endless live performances across iconic venues like the 40 Watt Club, Georgia Theatre, and Nowhere Bar, this documentary captures the soul of AthFest and the historic music scene of Athens, Georgia. From middle school arts grants funding Carnegie Hall trips to legendary veterans playing alongside new talent, this is the story of how an isolated college town built one of the most resilient music ecosystems in the world. SUBSCRIBE to Overeducated & Underemployed for deep-dive music documentaries, interviews, and live archives This is far from exhaustive. The only way to see the full scope of the festival is to go yourself. 🎵 FEATURED ARTISTS & ORGANIZATIONS • AthFest Educates / Mary Joyce • The Lanes / The Possibilities / Drive-By Truckers (Matt & Kevin Lane) • Pylon Reenactment Society • Barnhouse • Schmooze • Improvement Movement • T. Hardy Morris • Gregory from @AthensGALiveMusic #AthFest #AthensGA #IndieRock #MusicDocumentary #40WattClub #GeorgiaTheatre #DriveByTruckers #REM Thanks to Mike White for Photos, Sam Lipkin and Joker Joker TV for additional footage. Theme Song by Sloan Brothers : http://open.spotify.com/artist/1Z0YyvTetovciEDRoRNudB New Album By Sloan Brothers: https://sloanbrothers.bandcamp.com/album/love-other-diagnoses Title inspired by Lee Bains III: https://www.thegloryfires.com/

S4 · E12

Aug 18, 2026

1:23:41

Lilly Hiatt on Carving Her Own Path Backstage at AthFest

Lilly Hiatt joins Overeducated & Underemployed backstage at the Georgia Theatre for AthFest 2026! We dive into 90s MTV nostalgia, Cameron Crowe movies, studying psychology in Denver, self-producing her new record, and navigating the changing realities of the music business. Tune in for intimate conversation about her songwriting process, early 90s MTV influences, "Almost Famous," and the real economics of being an independent touring artist today. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Overeducated & Underemployed for more deep-dive interviews with indie, rock, and Americana artists 🎵 FOLLOW LILLY HIATT: • Official Website: https://www.lillyhiatt.com • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Z1u9O2c4zI3Nf1f2eR2 • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lillyahiatt/ #LillyHiatt #JohnHiatt #AthFest #GeorgiaTheatre #Americana #AlmostFamous #Songwriting #IndieRock #podcast Theme Song by Sloan Brothers : http://open.spotify.com/artist/1Z0YyvTetovciEDRoRNudB New Album By Sloan Brothers: https://sloanbrothers.bandcamp.com/album/love-other-diagnoses Title inspired by Lee Bains III: https://www.thegloryfires.com/

S4 · E11

Jul 29, 2026

35:05

1 of 8

Overeducated & Underemployed

Donnie Sengstack on Touring with Stavros & Trae Crowder, Starting Comedy at 18, and Overcoming a Stutter

How Growing Up in South Africa Shaped Zoë Ashberg’s Songwriting

Stop Doing This Live: How to Turn Gig Audiences Into Fans with Justin Long (OEUE Quick Shift)

From Sunset Strip Hair Metal to Crime Novels: Steve Coulter (TSAR, Ridel High, S.W. Lauden)

Jim Rugg Says the Comic Golden Age is Now

Shane Camp’s Wild Path to a Kill Tony Golden Ticket

"Art Isn't Valued Anymore" - Chris Skene on Music, Tech & Late-Stage Capitalism

Behind The Scenes at AthFest Comedy Showcase (w/ Drew Morgan & Nate Ball)

Behind the Scenes AthFest 2026

Lilly Hiatt on Carving Her Own Path Backstage at AthFest