Dad Rocks!

On this episode Josh talks with Tucker Rule. Tucker is a founding member and the drummer for the bands Thursday and L.S. Dunes, and a father of one young daughter. During their conversation, Josh and Tucker discuss touring, parenting while being a touring musician, how Tucker got into drumming, and how both of his bands got started. A Spotify playlist of all of the music you heard on the podcast can be found at https://spoti.fi/44muZhG. (Interview recorded on April 17, 2025.)

On this episode Josh talks with Larry France. Larry was a founding member of the band Drumfish, who had a large regional following in the Baltimore-DC area during the 1990s, and currently hosts a University of Maryland sports podcast called IMS Radio. Josh and Larry talk about the podcast, the history of Drumfish and their attempt to be signed, Larry's son's journey to become a professional actor in musical theater, and how that has influenced Larry to start writing music again, specifically musical theater, with his Drumfish bandmates. For those that want to skip the conversation about Maryland sports and Larry's podcast, feel free to skip to the 27 minute mark. A Spotify playlist of all of the music you heard on the podcast can be found at https://bit.ly/4iF4FTC.  (Interview recorded on February 19, 2025.)

On this episode, Josh talks with Luther Dickinson. Luther is most well known for being the lead singer and guitarist of North Mississippi Allstars, which he founded with his brother Cody (a former guest of the show) back in the late 1990s, but is also part of the gospel-jam band The Word, was the lead guitarist for The Black Crowes from 2007-2011, and has put out several solo albums. The two talk about how Luther is able to balance being a father and husband while having a full touring schedule, his children's album, how his father influenced him, and his career in music. A Spotify playlist of all of the music you heard on the show can be found at https://bit.ly/42h5rBy. (Interview recorded on December 10, 2024.)

On this episode Josh talks with Abby Dart, who is mother of Vulfpeck bassist Joe Dart and the daughter of legendary studio violinist Israel Baker. They talk about how Abby grew up with a professional musician as a father, how she was able to be a working mother with five kids at home, her husband's death and the how she and her kids were impacted by it, and being a fan of Vulfpeck, despite her son being part of the band. A Spotify playlist of most of the music you heard on the show can be found at https://spoti.fi/3P4qdMQ. (Interview recorded on November 18, 2024)

On this episode, Josh talks with Chris Bolger. Chris is a multi-talented musician who has been a staple of the Northern New Jersey music scene for decades, having played with the likes of R. Stevie Moore, The Smithereens, and a number of others. Josh and Chris talk about Chris becoming a grandfather, what life was like when his kids were growing up, and his life as a part-time musician. A Spotify playlist of all of the music you heard on the show can be found at https://spoti.fi/47XcOir. (Interview recorded September 18, 2024)

On this episode, Josh welcomes back Joe and Steve to the show. The three guys catch up on what has been going on in all of their lives in the past two years, covering parenting, changes in their careers, and bands they've been listening to and have seen live. A Spotify playlist of all of the music heard on the show can be found at https://spoti.fi/3T9WjJz. (Conversation recorded on August 8, 2024)

On this episode Josh talks with Mark Moran, one of the co-creators of Weird NJ. The two talk about Mark's experience in the north New Jersey music scene, the history of Weird NJ and how it became a cultural icon, and his experience parenting two daughters while also growing the magazine, writing books, and creating a television series. A Spotify playlist of all the music you heard on the episode can be found at https://spoti.fi/4fpYIcI. (Interview recorded July 2, 2024)

On this episode Josh talks with Sal Mercuri, who, for many years, was one of the preeminent collectors of The Velvet Underground memorabilia, until he sold his entire collection to the New York Public Library a few years ago. During the conversation the two discuss how Sal got into music, the evolution of his fandom of The Velvet Underground, how he ultimately became friends with the members of the band and a "manager" for some of them, and how music influenced his two sons, one of whom is now a professional musician. A Spotify playlist of all the music you heard on the episode can be found at https://spoti.fi/3RCK0oc. (Interview recorded May 22, 2024)

On this episode Josh talks with Ian O'Malley. Ian has been a rock radio DJ in New York City for almost 35 years, mainly at Q104.3 where he has been for the last 25 years. The two talk about Ian's career in radio, the change in landscape of terrestrial rock radio stations in New York City, his sons, and music that he's been enjoying lately. A Spotify playlist of all the music you heard on the episode can be found at https://spoti.fi/4bvAiMp. (Interview recorded on May 21, 2024.)

On this episode Josh talks with Jeff Beck (no not that one). Jeff is the owner of East Side Mags, a comic book store in Montclair, NJ, and he was also part of the North Jersey punk scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The two talk about Jeff's store, his kids' interest in comics and media, his kids' interest in music, how he started playing music, and the North Jersey punk scene of the 90s/00s. A Spotify playlist of all the music you heard on the episode can be found at https://spoti.fi/4douvd2. (Interview recorded on April 15, 2024.)

On this episode Josh talks with musician Alan Evans. Alan is most well known for being the drummer of the band Soulive, but he is also a recording producer and engineer, as well as the founder of the record label Vintage League Music. The two talk about Alan's recent recording projects, living in Western Massachusetts, being a touring musician with a family, how he got into music, and the beginnings of Soulive. A Spotify playlist of all the music you heard on the episode can be found at https://spoti.fi/4cAh9Ke. (Interview recorded on February 23, 2024.)

On this episode, Josh welcomes back his college buddy and former guest Ricky Johnson. Ricky was the guest on the episode "What Does It Means To Be A Father?" which was released back in February 2021, where he discussed being a father to a child that was not biologically his, as well as how he, as a black parent, dealt with the events of the summer and fall of 2020. In that episode Ricky brought up how he and his wife, at the time, were trying to have a child together. While they ultimately were blessed with a daughter in late 2023, the journey they took to get to that point was a rollercoaster of emotions. On this episode, Ricky and Josh discuss what Ricky and his wife went through during the last few years, and what his experience has been as a first time father to a newborn. A Spotify playlist of all of the music on the episode can be found at https://spoti.fi/49vqQrs. The YouTube series Ricky produced about he and his wife's journey to conceive a child can be found at https://www.youtube.com/@LovingRnBRickKrisJohnson.

In this episode Josh talks with musician Marco Benevento, who is best known for being the keyboardist in Benevento/Russo Duo and Joe Russo's Almost Dead, along with his solo work. The two talk about living in Woodstock, NY, raising kids in the Catskills instead of the city or the suburbs, touring while being a parent, his career as a professional musician, and how he started a record label and music festival. Spotify playlist of all the music you heard on the episode can be found at https://spoti.fi/3Sz7NpY. (Interview recorded on January 4, 2024)

On this episode Josh talks with Bobby Hackney. Bobby is most well known for being the bassist and lead singer of the proto-punk band Death, but is also the bassist and lead singer of the reggae band Lambsbread and the author of the new book Vermont Reggae Fest: The Power of Music. He's also the father of 3 sons, all of whom are in the band Rough Francis. Josh and Bobby talk about being a father to three musicians, being in a band with your siblings, past and current events of Death, Lambsbread and the Vermont Reggae Festival, and how parents and kids influence each other's taste in music. The Spotify playlist of most of the music on on the podcast can be found at https://spoti.fi/3TIrxZ9. (Interview recorded on November 30, 2023)

On the episode Josh talks with Cody Dickinson, the drummer and founding member of the band North Mississippi Allstars. The two discuss Cody's experience being a parent while touring, his kids' interest in music at a young age, the influence of his father (producer Jim Dickinson), what music influenced him growing up, and how he and his brother Luther started playing music together as kids. (Interview recorded on November 12, 2023) Spotify playlist of music from the episode: https://spoti.fi/3GiHkWT YouTube video for Cody's latest single "All Night Long": https://youtu.be/h12S83HJ330  

On this episode Josh talks with Tom Monaghan, one of the cohosts of the podcast 1001 Album Complaints and a member of the musical collective The Chop Unlimited. The two discuss the success of Tom's podcast, how he's able to juggle all of his parental and work duties and still have time for music and the podcast, and what life was like growing up in Delaware. The Spotify playlist of all of the songs heard on the episode can be found at https://bit.ly/3QD7dXn. (Interview recorded on October 12, 2023).

On this episode Josh talks with Norwood Pearson, a professional guitarist and public school music teacher from the Boston area. They discuss Norwood's career, his family, and how the two have affected each other, as well as how Norwood approaches working with young musicians. Click here to watch the video of Norwood and Josh mentioned in the podcast. (Interview recorded August 15, 2023.)

On this episode, Josh welcomes back producer Steve, and they talk to Alfred Schulz, co-host of the Pizza Pod Party podcast. The guys talk about podcasting, pizza, parenting, and music, before diving into a discussion about a favorite band of all three, The Black Crowes. The Spotify playlist of all of the songs on the episode can be found at https://spoti.fi/3YOwYGJ. (Interview recorded August 1, 2023.)

On this episode Josh talks with Bleu McAuley, a musician, songwriter, and producer, who has put out several of his own albums while also working some of the biggest names in pop music. Josh and Bleu talk about his career, including is most recent work creating scores for documentaries, before talking about how being a father and how that has changed his view on his songwriting and music in general. The Spotify playlist of all of the songs on the episode can be found at http://bit.ly/3NkKOLA. (Interview recorded June 15, 2023.)

On this episode Josh talks with former Jeopardy! champion Buzzy Cohen. The two talk about Buzzy's work as a music supervisor for advertisers, their past playing music together, his kids' love of music, and how they deal with having a dad who was and is on TV. (Interview recorded May 11, 2023.) 

On this episode, Josh talks with writer and musician Tom Maxwell, who's best known for being a member of the band Squirrel Nut Zippers in the 1990s. They talk about Tom's writing, his music career, and his kids, one of whom battled cancer as a child. If you are interested in reading Tom's story about living in a haunted house, you can find it at https://bittersoutherner.com/we-salted-nannie-southern-ghost-story. The Spotify playlist of most of the songs on the episode can be found at https://spoti.fi/3oIvLm6. (Interview recorded April 10, 2023.)

Josh talks with singer-songwriter Django Haskins, who's best known for his work in the band The Old Ceremony. They discuss parenting, children's music, and Django's career as a professional musician and educator. A Spotify playlist of all of the music you heard on the podcast can be found at https://spoti.fi/3ymnENI. International Orange tracks can be found at https://www.youtube.com/@BenFoldsRarities. (Interview recorded January 29, 2023)

To mark the 20th anniversary of his father's passing, Josh set about talking to people his dad played music with during three periods of his life. On this episode, Josh talks with Glenn Taylor, a co-founding member of The Old Man Jam, a band which he and Josh's father played in for several years, before it transformed into the well-known NJ cover band, The Kootz. Glenn and Josh talk about the influence Josh's father's high school band, Powdered Milk, had on Glenn, how they ended up playing together, and the evolution of The Old Man Jam into The Kootz. (Interview recorded on January 16, 2023.)

To mark the 20th anniversary of his father's passing, Josh set about talking to people his dad played music with during three periods of his life. On this episode, Josh talks with Dave Rubin and Jeff Tyler, who are members of The Almost Original Synthetic Urban Swampgrass Jug-Band, of which both Josh and his father were members of (though not at the same time). The guys talk about how Josh's father joined the band, some memorable gigs, and the effect of Josh's father's passing on the band, as well as reminiscing about some gigs when Josh was in the band. (Interview recorded on February 6, 2023.)

To mark the 20th anniversary of his father's passing, Josh set about talking to people his dad played music with during three periods of his life. In this episode, Josh talks with Jack Schwartz, a member of his father's high school band Powdered Milk. They talk about how the band got started, gigs that they played, shows they saw together, how the band ended, and what Josh's father was like as a teen. This was the first time Josh and Jack ever talked to each other, so it was a special conversation for both them. (Interview recorded on January 19, 2023.)

Glen Fant returns to the show to talk with Josh about what it means to be a hardcore fan of a band. They talk about their obsessions with Ben Folds Five (Josh) and Smashing Pumpkins (Glen) as teens, how their levels of fandom went up and down over time, and what caused those changes. At the top of the show they give quick life updates and also discuss how being parents to two kids instead of one is a big change, as Josh has recently experienced. (Conversation recorded on November 11, 2022)

On this episode Josh talks with radio DJ Alisa Ali. Alisa is the midday host on New York City radio station WFUV, along with being the mother of a toddler. The conservation touches on a range of topics including parenting, working in radio, and influencing her son's musical taste, among others. (Interview recorded on October 25, 2022.)

With so many life changes going on for the guys, they decided to repost their interview with Chris Ballew, who has a few new albums out.  Josh, Joe, and Steve talk with Chris Ballew, front man of The Presidents of the United States of America, and now known to parents and kids as Caspar Babypants. They discuss Chris's career as a beloved children's music artist, along with how his early career led to the creation of PUSA, the surprise success of the band, and what his current plans are for his career in music and art. (Interview recorded September 23, 2020) Spotify playlist for this episode: https://spoti.fi/3BNHJ20

Josh talks with Andrew Giles, a photographer, educator, and father of three. They talk about their time working at Appel Farm Arts Camp together, the importance of empathy, and Andrew's tough journey getting sober and going through a divorce while also dealing with COVID. The two then discuss rap music, something that Andrew loves and Josh has had a hard time getting into. A special Spotify playlist made by Andrew can be found here: https://spoti.fi/3TsLYqI. (Interview recorded on July 28, 2022.)

On this episode Josh talks with the hosts of the Rock Docs podcast, Andrew Keatts and David Lizerbram. They discuss how the Rock Docs podcast came about, how the guys are able to do a podcast without missing family obligations, being parents to young boys, and, of course, music documentaries. It was a fun conversation so we hope you enjoy! (Interview recorded on July 12, 2022.)

On this episode, Josh talks with musician Ed Alstrom. Ed is an extremely talented multi-instrumentalist who has played with many well known musicians, along with own bands, and is an organist for the New York Yankees. Josh and Ed talk about fatherhood, how Ed got into music, his career playing music, and his time working for Casio. There's a lot of great stories, so take a listen and enjoy! (Interview recorded on June 22, 2022.) Links to the albums mentioned at the end of the episode: https://bit.ly/3bY7qm5  

With Joe and Steve on a break from the show, Josh decided to talk with his old friend and former bandmate, Glen Fant. Glen's a father of two boys who has been playing in original bands since middle school, including Bang Camaro and The Fatal Flaw. During the conversation Josh and Glen discuss fatherhood, their time being in a band together in middle school, getting kids into music, and how to maintain a healthy marriage while being in multiple bands. You'll also hear about what music both Glen and Josh are enjoying lately. A Spotify playlist of the music on the episode can be found at https://spoti.fi/3xsYKMT. (Interview recorded on May 26, 2022)

In order to prepare for Record Store Day 2022, the guys invite back the biggest vinyl-head they know, Adam Shanker. They talk about the history of Record Store Day, their experiences going in the past, and their most memorable purchases, before going through what they are eying to buy from this year's list. (Interview recorded April 6, 2022)

On this episode Josh, Joe, and Steve talk with musician Brendan Benson, who's best known for being in The Raconteurs. They talk about life as a parent of preteens during COVID, the Detroit music scene, his career in music, being friends and bandmates with Jack White, and what his plans are for the near future. Brendan also discusses what music he's been digging lately, and you may be surprised by what he says. A Spotify playlist of music you heard on the podcast can be found at https://spoti.fi/3tHYZC1. (Interview recorded February 28, 2022).

In this episode Josh, Joe, and Steve give some updates on their lives, including rescheduling a European vacation, toddlers watching things over and over again, and an incredible custom-made miniature record store. Afterwards, they discuss music they've been listening to lately. Spotify playlist of all of the music heard on the show: https://spoti.fi/3MsXuP6. (Recorded February 11, 2022)

On this episode Josh, Joe, and Steve talk with drummer Billy Martin, most famously from the jazz trio Medeski Martin & Wood. They talk about fatherhood, the influence of Billy's father, the NYC music scene in the 1980s, and his career in music, and his new role as CEO of Creative Music Studio. A playlist of all the music you heard on the episode can be found at https://spoti.fi/3rmA19R. (Recorded on January 20, 2022)

In this episode, Josh Joe, and Steve take a look back on 2021. The guys first review the memorable moments of the year in their personal lives (1:27) and on the podcast (20:48), before welcoming back writer Rob Mitchum to discuss his end of the year album data chart (32:24). All four then go through their favorite music of the year, including their favorite albums and songs (57:58). Rob's data chart can be found at https://bit.ly/3zhmxP9 and the Spotify playlist of most of the music heard on the show can be found at https://spoti.fi/3pIY5mq. (Episode recorded on December 13, 2021)

On this episode, Josh, Joe, and Steve talk to NPR host and podcasting guru Jesse Thorn. They discuss the ups and downs Jesse has experienced as a father, the effects of the COVID pandemic on his life, the impact his father had on him, and his love of hip-hop and soul music. A playlist of all the music you heard on the episode can be found at https://spoti.fi/302A1Rm. (Interview recorded on September 29, 2021)

On this episode, Josh, Joe, and Steve talk with rock music journalist Steven Hyden. They discuss the documentary Woodstock 99: Peace, Love & Rage, his books, his podcasts, and life as a father. Steven also discusses a bunch of music he has been enjoying lately. A Spotify playlist of the music you hear on the episode can be found at https://spoti.fi/3o7ioYO. (Interview recorded on July 27, 2021)

In this episode Josh, Joe, and Steve give some updates on their lives, including the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, concerts, and high school parties. Afterwards, they discuss music they've been listening to lately. Link to Spotify playlist: https://spoti.fi/39TsvcZ (Recorded September 10, 2021)

On this episode, Josh, Joe, and Steve talk to DJ Duane Harriott. They discuss Duane's upbringing in NYC and Nebraska, how he got into DJing, his career at CMJ and Other Music, and his views on fatherhood. At the end the guys will talk about what music they've been listening to recently. You can find most of the music heard on the podcast at this Spotify link: https://spoti.fi/2U9y5E1 (Recorded July 13, 2021)

It's been a year of Dad Rocks! and to celebrate we've got our biggest guest yet! Drummer, radio host, and author, Steve Gorman, talked with the guys about how he got into drumming, navigating fatherhood while being a touring musician, writing his book Hard To Handle: The Life and Death of The Black Crowes, and of course several stories from his 20+ years in The Black Crowes. Before the conversation, Josh, Joe, and (producer) Steve talk about what it's been like doing the podcast for the past year and what they hope for the future. Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy! (Interview recorded on April 2, 2021)

On this episode, Josh, Joe, and Steve talk to one of their favorite new artists, Neal Francis. They discuss Neal's evolution as a musician, his influences, his aesthetic, and what we should be expecting from him in the future, as well as his love of Topo Chico. At the end the guys will talk about what music they've been listening to recently. You can find most of the music heard on the podcast at this Spotify link: https://spoti.fi/3uxFNE3 (Recorded April 14)

On this episode of the podcast, Josh, Joe, and Steve discuss what they love about concerts, along with some of their most memorable concert experiences, both good and bad. They also touch on how concert going habits change once kids become part of the picture. At the end the guys will talk about what music they've been listening to recently. You can find most of the music heard on the podcast at this Spotify link: https://spoti.fi/3acDjnp (Recorded April 7)

On this episode the guys discuss something they've all missed, CONCERTS. Joining them on the show will be Adam Shanker, a former colleague of Joe's, who is a live music advocate and has been to hundreds of concerts in his life. Adam talks about some memorable shows, his time following The Grateful Dead, and what he loves about going to see live music. (Interview starts at the 14:15 mark.) Look out for Part 2 of the guys' discussion on concerts in the coming weeks, where they talk about some of their most memorable shows, both good and bad, and who they hope to see in the future. (Recorded February 18)

On this episode the guys talk with Ricky Johnson, an old college friend of Josh's, about being an nontraditional father. They discuss the journey Ricky has taken with his wife and (step-)son, including how they have navigated familial relationships, pregnancy issues, and recent social justice events. It was a great conversation and we hope you find it enjoyable and enlightening. As always, the guys will talk about what they've been listening to at the end of the show. You can find all of the music heard on a Spotify playlist: https://spoti.fi/3khHLoI (Recorded January 21)

It's the end of the year, which means lists, lists, and more lists! Josh, Joe, and Steve, along with guest host Rob Mitchum, discuss their New Year's parenting resolutions, their favorite music of the year, and Rob's Album of the Year data chart. If you'd like to see the data chart, go to https://bit.ly/3rBpZ2N. To hear songs from the show, you can check out the Spotify playlist at https://spoti.fi/3b4T0xQ. See you all in 2021!

On this episode, the guys discuss bands and artists who they, for one reason or another, never really listened to or got in to, even though they probably should have. You may be surprised by a few of the choices. As always, the guys will talk about what they've been listening to at the end of the show. You can find all of the music heard on a Spotify playlist: https://spoti.fi/3oD7s3S (Recorded October 30th)

On the second installment of "Organizations in Need", Josh talks with the CEO of the Bergen Performing Arts Center, Dom Roncace. They discuss what is usually going on at the organization, how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected them, and what people can do to help. You can find more about Bergen PAC at http://bergenpac.org, which is where you can donate to them if you feel the desire to do so.

Josh, Joe, and Steve talk with Chris Ballew, front man of The Presidents of the United States of America, and now known to parents and kids as Caspar Babypants. They discuss Chris's career as a beloved children's music artist, along with how his early career led to the creation of PUSA, the surprise success of the band, and what his current plans are for his career in music and art. The guys also reflect on the interview and talk about what music they have been listening to (with a special guest!). Spotify playlist link: https://spoti.fi/33KD8wE 

On this episode the guys discuss the idea of supporting kids in their hobbies and interests, and how it can easily become pushing kids when they start to lose interest, especially when lots of money has been invested. To add some context to the conversation, Josh interviews DJ Vivy, an 8-year old DJ from NYC, and her mom, Erika, about Vivy's burgeoning career and how it evolved into a business. (Video of the interview and tour of the Funk Bus can be found here: https://youtu.be/rN0IpEA-HpM.) As always, the guys will talk about what they've been listening to at the end of the show. You can find all of the music heard on a Spotify playlist: https://spoti.fi/2S0nmqD.