This week we welcome singer-songwriter, composer and podcasting pioneer Hrishikesh Hirway to the show. Hrishikesh introduces us to his dogs Watson, a 15 year old Poodle, and Ginger, a Poodle/Chihuahua/Mini Schnauzer/Cocker Spaniel mix he and his wife Lindsey adopted in 2024. We discuss their origin stories, where the inspiration for his song "Stray Dogs" came from and how artists like Cat Power, Lorde, Lin Manuel Miranda and Yo Yo Ma became fans of Watson. Hear these and more from this dog loving 2026 I Heart Podcasts Innovator Award winner.

Hrishikesh's new LP In The Last Hour of Light is out now and available wherever you stream music. His groundbreaking podcast Song Exploder can be found on all podcast platforms with new episodes dropping biweekly. To keep up on all of Hrishikesh's creative endeavors subscribe to his newsletter at hrishikesh.substack.com

Hrishikesh gave his shout outs to the following well deserving advocates:

Marley's Mutts and their Pawsitive Change program that was built on the belief that redemption and rehabilitation are possible for both dogs and humans. Through this life-changing program, euthanasia-listed dogs are given a second chance at life while incarcerated students are given an opportunity to rediscover purpose, empathy, accountability, and hope. Together, they create a bond rooted in healing, trust, and transformation. To make a contribution to help bring this program back to Wasco State Prison go to marleysmutts.org/pawsitivechange/

Wags & Walks, a Los Angeles and Nashville based nonprofit organization and a dedicated community of dog lovers working to reduce euthanasia in local shelters and increase awareness of rescue dogs being wonderful pets. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate visit wagsandwalks.org

Lindsey Hirway whose love and empathy for animals inspired her husband to share the same passion and advocacy towards these creatures. To see that love manifested into two small adorable hair balls follow their pups on Instagram at watson.and.ginger

For pics and clips from this interview, and the almost 200 before it, follow the show on Instagram at rockerdogcast