The Germs With Pleasant Gehman

Bandsplain

The Ringer

Music

4.4 • 582 Ratings

🗓️ 26 February 2026

⏱️ 160 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Yasi is joined by artist, author, and musician Pleasant Gehman to discuss the Germs and the chaotic birth of the Los Angeles punk scene, which she witnessed firsthand. They discuss the myth vs. the reality of Darby Crash, the DIY community that formed around the enigmatic singer, and how the Germs became one of the era’s most influential bands despite their short reign. Episode PlaylistListen to the Germs playlist here. CreditsHost: Yasi Salek @yasisalekGuest: Pleasant Gehman @princessofhollywoodProducer: Rob SundermannEditor: Adrian BridgesAdditional Production Supervision: Justin SaylesTheme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Hey guys, before we get into the episode, I just wanted to let you know that this one contains discussion about suicide.
0:07.0	If you or someone you know are struggling, please know there's help out there.
0:11.0	You can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988. What's with this band anyway?
0:25.9	I don't get it, can you please explain?
0:30.9	Wait, like, bands played.
0:33.6	Never heard this band in my life
0:38.3	Oh, you haven't? I love that. Really? Why?
0:41.3	Yeah, I love this song. Oh, I don't know that one.
0:45.3	Bansplain, Bansplain, Bansplain.
0:48.3	I really hate this band! Whatever! I'm their biggest fan!
0:52.3	Bansplain, Bansplain, bandsplane, bandplain, bandplain, band explain.
0:55.5	Bandsplane.
0:59.2	Bandplain!
1:03.7	Hello and welcome to Bandsplane.
1:05.6	I am your host, Yossi Solic.
1:07.2	This is a show where I invite an expert guest on to help me explain a cult band or
1:11.0	iconic artist. Today's episode is about the germs. My guest today, you guys, what a fucking
1:18.0	treat I have for you guys. My guest today is author, musician, artist, coolest woman in all of
1:23.9	Los Angeles and potentially the country and world. Pleasant, Gaiman. Pleasant, welcome to the
1:29.8	podcast. Thank you. Now I'm blushing. I'm so excited to have you. I mean, before we like dive in to
1:37.2	unpacking the story of the germs and, you know, sadly a short one, but I just need people to
1:42.3	understand that like there might only be five
	...

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