Career Defining Moments

Welcome to Episode 211 of DRUM with Mike & Eddy! This week, we are looking back at the exact turning points that shaped our careers as professional drummers. We’re skipping the "hustle culture" buzzwords and getting straight into the reality of what it actually takes to build a life around the kit. Here is what we get into this week: Grail Gear Guilt: Eddy scores a legendary pair of Joey Jordison sticks, and I break down why I couldn't resist dropping my own cash on a 1970s stop-sign badge Gretsch bop kit. The Return of NAMM: Why the drum industry is finally getting its pre-pandemic vibe back and the magic of experiencing gear in person. The Year That Changed Everything: We break down the specific years we had to go all-in. Eddy talks about his intense 2017–2018 transition, and I take it back to 2005–2006—late-night coding, the "two-shake rule" with Amber, and building a 99-cent online lesson site from the ground up. Staying Authentic: Why doubling down on real, honest connection is the only way forward in an AI-heavy world. Enjoy - Mike J Support the show

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Career Defining Moments is an episode from DRUM with Mike & Eddy by Mike Johnston & Eddy Thrower.

This episode is 50:25 long.

This episode was published on Mar 2, 2026.

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