SANDY, Utah (Wednesday, May 11, 2016) – Utah’s alternative rock leader and #1 overall station X96 (96.3FM) announces the debut of “801PUNX,” a hybrid punk rock / talk show hosted by Rancid drummer Branden Steineckert, also the author, composer and visionary behind the Real Salt Lake “Believe” anthem. The first-ever show airs this Sunday, May 15, at 8:01 p.m. MT, with Steineckert and RSL Captain Kyle Beckerman talking music, soccer, and life, with various punk rock songs mixed into the show.

“I’m not a journalist, I’m not a traditional radio host, obviously,” said Steineckert, whose red-hot obsession with soccer is documented wonderfully HERE. “But I’m always fascinated with what makes people tick, how their creative abilities at times do battle with life’s realities. Artists and athletes share that struggle, and I’m looking forward to having a forum on X96 with 801PUNX that allows us to hear these stories, how people we look up to for their accomplishments found the power and inspiration to overcome certain roadblocks in their lives and careers.”

Presented by Real Salt Lake and supported by Maverik (Adventure’s First Stop), Jaybird wireless headphones and Auric Solar, 801PUNX airs each Sunday night on X96 at 8:01 p.m. MT, the hour-long show exploring how athletes and artists find inspiration from music and everyday trials and tribulations.

"Branden Steineckert is authentic and hardcore at his soul – particularly with regards to punk music and soccer in Utah," said Real Salt Lake Chief Business Officer Andy Carroll. "The opportunity to create a show on X96 that combines his two passions in such a public, accessible forum is truly special. Each week, 801PUNX blends the power, energy and passion of these three Utah originals: Branden, RSL and X96, creating a very special hour of radio – as well as related video and podcast versions – for fans and listeners."

A mix of life stories, wisdom gleaned from the power of song and the stories behind the superstars, 801PUNX kicks off its run with Steineckert and RSL Captain Kyle Beckerman, the accomplished U.S. Men’s National Team stalwart and Major League Soccer’s all-time leader in games/minutes played (excluding goalkeepers).

Future guests include X96 Program Director Todd Nuke’em, a legend throughout Utah’s music scene in the last 25 years; former Steineckert bandmate Quinn Allman, who helped found “The Used” with other Orem, Utah natives; RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando, himself a U.S. Soccer and MLS icon; Tyler Glenn, lead singer for the Neon Trees; and several other accomplished artists and athletes with Utah ties.

“This is just a really cool way for our station, X96 – which has been at the groundbreaking forefront of Utah’s music scene – to collaborate with Branden, dig through the archives and examine the power of music,” said Program Director Todd Nuke ‘Em, who has been with X96 since its inception in 1992. “The producer of 801PUNX, Jon Smith, is the perfect personality to get the best out of Branden and his guests, as well as provide a sampling of punk rock music flavor to the show and podcast to amplify the themes presented by 801PUNX each week.”

In addition to listening live weekly each Sunday night from 8-9 p.m. MT at 96.3 FM or at www.X96.com/801punx, fans across the world can find behind-the-scenes content on www.RSL.com/801punx, including photos, video and extended audio clips that might end up on the cutting room floor. Fans can subscribe to the 801PUNX podcast via iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify and elsewhere, or find all the related content by following X96, RSL or Branden Steineckert (@801PUNX) on social media.