The Treasure I Almost Kept Hidden

In this episode, Benny shares two audiobook chapters from his book, Effective Practicing for Musicians. You’ll hear how he learned resourcefulness from Steve Smith—yes, including an ironing board backstage in Chicago—and how practicing away from your instrument can unlock new levels of progress. Whether you’re traveling, lacking ideal conditions, or simply looking to expand how you practice, these lessons will give you practical takeaways.

What does it really take to be spontaneous? Mark Giuliana is widely recognized as one of the most creative voices on the drum kit today—not just for his technical command, but for his ability to create in the moment with clarity, depth, and intention. In this archival conversation, you get a rare glimpse into how that freedom is built. At the core is a paradox: spontaneity isn’t accidental. It’s prepared. Through thoughtful practice, consistent “maintenance,” and a clear sense of priorities, Mark shares how he sets himself up to be open, responsive, and fully present when it matters most. A revealing look behind the scenes—into the mindset and methods that make real-time creativity possible.

In this reflective solo episode, Benny explores a simple but demanding idea: creativity doesn’t just happen—you have to make space for it. And in a world engineered to capture your attention, that space rarely appears on its own. Moving between personal stories, recent travels, family life, and time in the practice room, he traces a common thread—focus. What it takes to cultivate it, why it’s under pressure, and how small, conscious decisions shape the depth of our work and our lives. This episode is an invitation to slow down, to sit with discomfort, and to rediscover the quiet conditions where ideas begin to grow.

In this episode of The Benny Greb Podcast, Benny sits down with one of the most influential and distinctive drummers of our time: Gavin Harrison. Known worldwide for his work with Porcupine Tree, The Pineapple Thief, and King Crimson, as well as his extensive studio career and international drum clinics, Gavin has become synonymous with powerful sound, refined touch, and groundbreaking rhythmic concepts. But beyond the stage and the recordings, this is a personal and in-depth conversation between two friends. Across more than an hour, Gavin shares: - How his practice evolved over the years - The methods and systems that shaped his development - The experiments, technical tools, and detailed concepts he explored - The mindset shifts that helped him grow into the player he is today Some insights may surprise even the most dedicated Gavin Harrison fans. Yet when you listen to his playing, everything connects. His precision, creativity, and musical authority feel like the natural result of decades of curiosity, discipline, and exploration. This is a deep dive into process, progress, and personality — a conversation that is as inspiring as it is practical. Listen now to The Benny Greb Podcast on your favorite platform.

I’ve been sitting on a goldmine of interviews and insights that I can no longer keep to myself. In this episode, I share why now is the moment to start releasing these timeless lessons on effective practicing. From my hotel room, I reflect on what’s been holding me back and make a promise to bring you regular episodes. This podcast will alternate between these valuable interviews and solo episodes where I dive into key topics and answer burning questions. Join me as we unlock this treasure together!