The Mozzarella Stick Ska Meme: Its history and impact on ska

They said it couldn’t be done, but In Defense of Ska laughs in the face of such faithlessness. It's with great pride and honor that the crew unveils this week's episode -- a lengthy discussion and breakdown of the infamous mozzarella stick ska meme that has come to define the genre's culture across the internet. Listen now.

Join the In Defense of Ska investigation team as they dive into the meme's history, its impact on ska, and its incredibly polarizing nature. Ultimately, they try to answer the grand, existential question of if the gag has been a net positive or net negative for the genre.

Along the way, this journalistic masterpiece features interviews with folks like comedians Dave Thomason, Matt Lieb, and Jaime Loftus, as well as 'Ska Defender Numero Uno' Brent Friedman. Plus, the gang gets a little insight into the meme courtesy of its original creator.

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon! 

If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. 

Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024. 

Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023. 

The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time.