This week I talked with actor, producer, playwright, and Deadhead, Erik Jensen. Erik has co-written several plays with his wife Jessica Blank including "How To Be A Rock Critic" in which he portrayed famed critic Lester Bangs and this year's "Coal Country" which featured songs and on-stage performance from Steve Earle. We talk about Erik's history as a Deadhead, how their music helped him heal and guides him in his work today. Afterwards, we check out one of Earle's songs from "Coal Country" followed by a healthy dose of Grateful Dead.

As mentioned in the interview, you can find a film version of Jensen & Blank's play, "The Exonerated" on iTunes. This production stars Susan Sarandon, Danny Glover, and Brian Dennehy. You can also find Steve Earle's album of songs from "Coal Country" entitled, "Ghosts of West Virginia" on his bandcamp page. Both are highly recommended.

In the intro, I mention my favorite albums of 2020 list which is housed on my personal blog. you can find that and it's wealth of bandcamp links over at rowjimmy.net. I hope you find something new and interesting (and buy it)!

Allow me to remind you that the Brokedown Podcast is part of the Osiris Media. Osiris is creating a community that connects people like you with podcasts and live experiences about artists and topics you love. Sign up for the newsletter at OsirisPod.com to stay in the loop. Also, Osiris Media works in partnership with JamBase, which connects music fans with the music they love and empowers them to go see live music. Check them out at JamBase.com.Don't forget to follow the @BrokedownPod twitter account for regular news, live tweetstorms of shows as I listen, and other minutiae. We also have an Instagram account with the same handle. If you like pictures of things, you can find that here: BrokedownPod Instagram. Also, if you use iTunes, please consider posting a review as it really help get the word out.

Also, please keep sending your metaphorical cards and letters. Leave a comment on the blog or hit me up on any of the above social media. Let me know what I'm doing right, wrong, or horribly wrong.