Tom Marshall Profiles Phish WaterWheel Foundation On Under The Scales Podcast

In 1997, Phish founded The WaterWheel Foundation, the band’s charitable arm. Lyricist Tom Marshall chats with The WaterWheel Foundation’s Beth Montouri Rowles, Henry Schwab and Matthew Beck in the latest episode of Under The Scales, a member of the Osiris podcast network.

Marshall first speaks with Schwab, who worked for Greenpeace at Phish shows from Summer 1992 through Summer 1997. Henry went on to co-found the touring division of the WaterWheel Foundation and explains the reasoning behind the transition after Greenpeace stopped its touring operations in the U.S. Schwab discusses the ripple effect of The WaterWheel Foundation’s non-profit work and how many of the organization’s volunteers went on to spearhead other charitable operations.

Next, Tom sits down with Montouri Rowles and Beck during Phish’s recent run at Fenway Park in Boston. Matty recalls the circumstances that led him to work for the WaterWheel Foundation and talks about his various roles with the organization. Beth, the band’s third longest-tenured employee explains how the relationship with Ben & Jerry’s and the creation of the Phish Food flavor led Phish to found The WaterWheel Foundation. Montouri Rowles discusses that she’s “the suit” as she runs the non-touring entities of Phish including JEMP Records, The WaterWheel Foundation and the publishing arm. However, she clarifies she does not take a salary for her work on the non-profit side. Beck also talks about how he came to manage Greensky Bluegrass and additional topics, while Montouri Rowles gives background on her duties at Phish Inc.

Listen to the latest episode of Under The Scales below:

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