Dad Rocks!

By dadrocks

What's Dad Rocks! about?

Are you a dad? Do you love music? Are you a dad who loves music? Then this is the podcast for you! On Dad Rocks! we discuss what it means to be a parent and a music lover, and how those two elements of our lives intersect.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Dad Rocks! episodes:

05.31.2024
Fortunate Sons: A Conversation with Ian O'Malley
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...
04.30.2024
Building a Community: A Conversation with Jeff Beck
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...
03.31.2024
It's All About Timing: A Conversation with Alan Evans
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...
02.28.2024
What Does It Means To Be A Father? Part 2: A Conversation with Ricky Johnson
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...
01.30.2024
Catskill Kids: A Conversation with Marco Benevento
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...
12.30.2023
Bands of Brothers: A Conversation with Bobby Hackney
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...
11.29.2023
Hill Country Parenting: A Conversation with Cody Dickinson
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...
10.31.2023
1001 Parenting Complaints: A Conversation with Tom Monaghan
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...
09.29.2023
Encouraging Opportunities: A Conversation with Norwood Pearson
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...
08.29.2023
Podcasting, Parenting, and Pizza: A Conversation with Alfred Schulz
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...
06.29.2023
Being Open to the Journey: A Conversation with Bleu McAuley
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,...
05.26.2023
Transitional Chords: A Conversation with Buzzy Cohen
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...
04.27.2023
Jack of All Trades: A Conversation with Tom Maxwell
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...
03.10.2023
One Song Per Day: A Conversation with Django Haskins
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...
02.13.2023
The Music of David Frisch: Powdered Milk with Jack Schwartz
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...
02.13.2023
The Music of David Frisch: The Almost Original Synthetic Urban Swampgrass Jug-Band with Dave Rubin & Jeff Tyler
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...
02.13.2023
The Music of David Frisch: The Old Man Jam with Glenn Taylor
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...
12.15.2022
Band Fandom with Glen Fant
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...
11.14.2022
Mom Rocks: A Conversation with Alisa Ali
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,...
09.19.2022
Interview Revisited: Chris Ballew (Presidents of the United States of America/Caspar Babypants)
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...
08.30.2022
Making Tough Choices: A Conversation with Andrew Giles
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...
08.23.2022
Rock Docs with Andrew Keatts and David Lizerbram
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,...
07.12.2022
Doing What You’re Good At: A Conversation with Ed Alstrom
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...
06.09.2022
Time In The Bank with Glen Fant
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...
04.18.2022
Record Store Day 2022 Preview with Adam Shanker
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,...
03.29.2022
The Richest Man Alive: A Conversation with Brendan Benson
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...
03.07.2022
In the Court of the Quinceañera King
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...
02.18.2022
illyB Speaks: A Conversation with Billy Martin
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...
01.12.2022
End of the Year (2021) with Rob Mitchum
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...
12.03.2021
Maximum Dad with Jesse Thorn
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...
11.14.2021
Celebrate Rock with Steven Hyden
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...
10.06.2021
Life is Like a Hurricane
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...
08.15.2021
All Aboard The Duane Train!
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...
06.20.2021
Steve Gorman Rocks!
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,...
05.31.2021
Hey, It's Neal Francis!
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...
05.01.2021
Concerts Part 2
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...
04.06.2021
Concerts Part 1 with Adam Shanker
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...
02.28.2021
What Does It Mean To Be A Father?
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...
01.02.2021
End of the Year (2020) with Rob Mitchum
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...
12.11.2020
Musical Blindspots
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....
11.16.2020
Organizations in Need: Bergen PAC
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...
10.12.2020
President Babypants: An Interview with Chris Ballew
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...
09.26.2020
The Fine Line of Supporting or Pushing Kids
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...
08.19.2020
Organizations in Need: Appel Farm Arts & Music Campus
This is the first of what we hope will be a series of minisodes that focuses on non-profit organizations that are in need of financial help due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. This minisode features Appel Farm Arts & Music...
08.16.2020
What Is Dad Rock? An Interview With Rob Mitchum
In this episode Josh and Joe talk with veteran rock music writer and critic Rob Mitchum about his use of the term "Dad Rock", his love of the Grateful Dead and Phish, and his career at Pitchfork. It's a long...
08.01.2020
Explicit Content
In this episode Josh, Joe, and Steve discuss music and media with "explicit content" and whether clean versions of songs actually work or not. They also discuss growing up when the "Parent Advisory" sticker became a huge deal, how their...
07.15.2020
Life during COVID-19 and Social Justice
In this episode, Josh and Joe weigh in on how COVID-19 continues to change their lives professionally and musically, including remote gigs, as well as self-isolating and social distancing. We also tackle how they're teaching their kids with the explosion...
06.23.2020
Welcome to Dad Rocks!
This is the first episode of the Dad Rocks! podcast. In this episode we introduce ourselves, going over who we are, then discuss how our parents influenced our taste in music and how we, as fathers, hope to do the...
06.23.2020
Dad Rocks! Podcast Trailer
Dad Rocks! is a new podcast about being a dad and loving music. Fatherhood can be hard, and finding the time to do the things we're passionate about can be a struggle. For Joe and I, that happens to be listening...

What's Dad Rocks! about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Dad Rocks! episodes:

Fortunate Sons: A Conversation with Ian O'Malley

Building a Community: A Conversation with Jeff Beck

It's All About Timing: A Conversation with Alan Evans

What Does It Means To Be A Father? Part 2: A Conversation with Ricky Johnson

Catskill Kids: A Conversation with Marco Benevento

Bands of Brothers: A Conversation with Bobby Hackney

Hill Country Parenting: A Conversation with Cody Dickinson

1001 Parenting Complaints: A Conversation with Tom Monaghan

Encouraging Opportunities: A Conversation with Norwood Pearson

Podcasting, Parenting, and Pizza: A Conversation with Alfred Schulz

Being Open to the Journey: A Conversation with Bleu McAuley

Transitional Chords: A Conversation with Buzzy Cohen

Jack of All Trades: A Conversation with Tom Maxwell

One Song Per Day: A Conversation with Django Haskins

The Music of David Frisch: Powdered Milk with Jack Schwartz

The Music of David Frisch: The Almost Original Synthetic Urban Swampgrass Jug-Band with Dave Rubin & Jeff Tyler

The Music of David Frisch: The Old Man Jam with Glenn Taylor

Band Fandom with Glen Fant

Mom Rocks: A Conversation with Alisa Ali

Interview Revisited: Chris Ballew (Presidents of the United States of America/Caspar Babypants)

Making Tough Choices: A Conversation with Andrew Giles

Rock Docs with Andrew Keatts and David Lizerbram

Doing What You’re Good At: A Conversation with Ed Alstrom

Time In The Bank with Glen Fant

Record Store Day 2022 Preview with Adam Shanker

The Richest Man Alive: A Conversation with Brendan Benson

In the Court of the Quinceañera King

illyB Speaks: A Conversation with Billy Martin

End of the Year (2021) with Rob Mitchum

Maximum Dad with Jesse Thorn

Celebrate Rock with Steven Hyden

Life is Like a Hurricane

All Aboard The Duane Train!

Steve Gorman Rocks!

Hey, It's Neal Francis!

Concerts Part 2

Concerts Part 1 with Adam Shanker

What Does It Mean To Be A Father?

End of the Year (2020) with Rob Mitchum

Musical Blindspots

Organizations in Need: Bergen PAC

President Babypants: An Interview with Chris Ballew

The Fine Line of Supporting or Pushing Kids

Organizations in Need: Appel Farm Arts & Music Campus

What Is Dad Rock? An Interview With Rob Mitchum

Explicit Content

Life during COVID-19 and Social Justice

Welcome to Dad Rocks!

Dad Rocks! Podcast Trailer