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We journey into the weird world of Vermont's favorite jam band to explore the culture of "phandom” and Phish’s early roots in our brave little state.

We originally released this episode in 2021. In it, Ethan Weinstein of South Woodstock asks: “Why do people like Phish? And how did they become such a big part of Vermont music culture?”

(Heads up: There’s a bit of profanity in this episode, and some discussion of drugs and drug culture.)

To see photos of Phish from their early Vermont days, check out our web post. You’ll also find a Phish starter kit with resources to further your Phish education, should you so desire.

Josh Crane reported this episode, with editing and production from Myra Flynn and Angela Evancie. Mix and sound design by Josh Crane. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music. Thanks to Phish Inc. for permission to use some of the band’s music.

Special thanks also to Jonathan Heller, Billy Glassner, Paul Brill, Stephanie Jenkins, Jay Curley, Anne Rothwell, Jenn Moore, Beth Montuori Rowles, Anna Van Dine, Mary Engisch, Peter Engisch, Laura Schoenfeld, Steve Zind, Patti Daniels, Chris Albertine, John Van Hoesen, Mitch Wertlieb, Alex Burns and everyone who left a voicemail on our Phish hotline — Chris, Chris, Christina, Jonathan, Jim, Antonia, Ron, Philip, Andy, Stephanie, Molly, Robb, Shannon, Bryant and Nina.

Music featured in this episode, in order of appearance:

• "Orejitas" by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Gotta Jibboo” by Phish
• “Ghost” by Phish
• “Hardboil” by Blue Dot Sessions
• "BLS Theme" by Ty Gibbons
• “Sargento” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Halley’s Comet” by Phish
• “Trois Gnossiennes 3” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Wilson” by Phish
• “The Queen of Cones” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Tyrano Theme” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “The Curtain With” by Phish
• “Maldoc” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Auld Lang Syne” covered by Phish
• “Leaves” by Phish
• “Cran Ras” by Blue Dot Sessions
• "Ferus Cut" by Blue Dot Sessions
• "BLS Theme" by Ty Gibbons



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Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a member of the NPR Network.