Ep 208: Andrea Janov
In Episode 208 of The Popko Project Podcast, we dive into the gritty, nostalgic heart of Wilkes-Barre’s punk scene with poet Andrea Janov, who’s bringing the vibe of the city’s DIY shows, late-night dives, and raw emotion straight to the page. Her book Mix Tapes and Photo Albums isn’t just poetry; it’s a coming-of-age soundtrack in verse, laid out in Side A and Side B just like the mixtapes that defined our youth.
We dig deep into the power of music to connect, heal, and preserve stories, with each chapter reading like a track on an album and each photo a snapshot of wild memories and friendships. We talk about everything from old hangouts at the Metro and fire hall shows to her parents dropping her off in the middle of Wilkes-Barre for nights full of punk rock and late-night Denny’s meetups.
This one’s all about keeping those memories alive and celebrating the messy, beautiful parts of growing up. Plus, we get into the challenges of publishing in a world that undervalues the arts, the wild ride that is nostalgia, and how the scene itself was a haven for self-expression. It’s honest, it’s punk, and it’s all about the story. Don’t miss it!
Brought to you by Keller’s Garden Center & Landscaping Services, Ionic Development, Axelrad Screen Printing, & Northeast Music Center.
