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.comHrishikesh 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.orgLindsey 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.gingerFor pics and clips from this interview, and the almost 200 before it, follow the show on Instagram at rockerdogcast

This week we welcome Ratboys drummer Marcus Nuccio to the show to tell us all about his devilishly handsome 5 year old Australian Cattle Dog Hank. Along with that we also sift through the many dogs that show up on his and the band's Instagram feed, hear about the dog that inspired the song Anywhere off Ratboys latest critically acclaimed LP Singing to an Empty Chair and recount the days Marcus spent as a dog walker in Chicago. Hear these stories and more from this good humored, life long dog guy.Catch Ratboys live on their current When the Sun Explodes North American Summer tour that runs through August. For dates and tickets visit ratboysband.comMarcus gave his episode shout out to Anderson Humane, in South Elgin, Illinois, who for more than six decades have been dedicated to creating positive connections between people and animals by placing more than 4,000 pets into loving homes each year. To adopt, foster, donate, advocate or volunteer visit ahconnects.org to learn more.For more pics and clips of Marcus and Hank from this episode follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogcast

Encore episode 86 from March 26, 2024It's always nice to introduce a guest by saying they're a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy winning artist. And that's exactly what Matt Sorum, drummer for Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver and The Cult, is and more. Matt joined us to speak about the many dogs he's cared for over his adult life including past dogs Drac (Labrador), Anya (German Shepherd), Miles, Lola and Bowie (Frenchies) and current Frenchies Ella and recently adopted Bonzo.Matt chose to give a shout out to Pet Orphans of Southern California who, for over 40 years, have been dedicated to the advancement of companion animal welfare and to combating overpopulation, abandonment, and the need for euthanasia. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate visit petorphans.orgTo see pics and clips of Matt, his dogs and all our other guests follow Rocker Dogcast on Instagram.

Encore episode with Leland Sklar from February 25, 2025.If the movie world has 6° of separation from Kevin Bacon then the music world would have 3° of separation from legendary bassist Leland Sklar. Leland has appeared on over 2000 albums and has played and/or toured with a who's who in music including James Taylor, Jackson Browne and Phil Collins to name only a few. And if you seek out Leland on social media or his popular YouTube channel you discover right away he's a consummate dog guy as well so it was an absolute thrill to have him come on the show and discuss his beloved trio of basset hounds Marcello, Rossanos and Romeo.Leland is currently on tour with Lyle Lovett through the start of May. For tickets and info visit tour.lylelovett.comLeland chose to give a shout out to three outstanding dog organizations. Leading off is Canine Companions for Independence who provide service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. Since their founding in 1975, dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to their clients.  To get involved go to canine.orgDaphneyland Basset Hound Rescue is the only basset rescue specific rehabilitation center in the world. And thanks to the ongoing generosity of thousands of donors, volunteers and adopters, thousands of Basset Hounds lives have been saved. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate visit daphneyland.comAnd lastly there's DaisyLu Ranch who are dedicated to providing a loving and safe home for senior dogs who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. They believe that every dog deserves to be treated with compassion and dignity, no matter their age or health condition. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate visit daisyluranch.orgFor more pics and clips of Leland and his pack follow the show on Instagram at rockerdogpodcast/

This week the Rocker Dogcast becomes the Rocker Kittycast in order to welcome our first feline aficionados from the hard charging band Radkey. Brothers Isaiah, Dee and Solomon Radkey zoom into the show to introduce us to Ben, Gigi (the youngest), Joe, Pepperoni Sue, Lulu, Richie (the oldest), Ross, Joel (star of two music videos) and Lee. From there we discuss how these cats make their way into Radkey's music, graphics and videos, which cats align with what music genre, how to make catnip tea and much more. Great way to start what might soon become a recurring special cat feature.Radkey's new single Ready To Burn is out now and their much anticipated new LP of "8 songs of unyielding defiance" Bedroom Sand hits platforms on July 14th. For more music, live dates and band info go to radkey.netThe Radkey brothers gave a shout out to their well known and nationally respected animal services initiative KC Pet Project whose lifesaving programs — from taking in lost and surrendered pets to providing veterinary care, adoptions, foster homes, and pet-support services — reflect their innovative leadership in animal welfare and unwavering mission to create a compassionate community for pets and people. To lend your support in a myriad of ways visit kcpetproject.orgFor pics and clips from this one cat episode and previous 191 dog episodes follow the show on Instagram at rockerdogcast

This week we welcome musician, songwriter, producer, and engineer Matt McJunkins, who’s worked as a recording and touring bassist with A Perfect Circle, Eagles of Death Metal, Puscifer, and fronts his own collective project The Beta Machine. Matt introduces us to his one year old rescue Ziggy Pawdust who's a Black Lab, German Shepherd, German Pointer mix and his partner's rescue Mabel, a 10(ish) year old Staffordshire Terrier. After we get to know his pups Matt helps us confirm or dispel some popular dog cliches, tells us which of his musical friends has the best dog energy and much more in another great dog-centric conversation.Matt elected to give his shout outs to Best Friends Animal Society in Los Angeles who work collaboratively with animal rescue groups, city shelters and passionate individuals who are all dedicated to saving the lives of cats and dogs in Los Angeles shelters. You can be part of that work too when you adopt, foster, volunteer or advocate. To get involved visit bestfriends.org/los-angelesWith respect to Matt's manager and friend of the show, Jen Florez, we're shouting out Kitten Rescue Los Angeles which was founded in 1997 and has grown to be one of the largest and most respected animal welfare groups in Los Angeles. Kitten Rescue LA, a non-profit, volunteer-run organization devoted to finding loving new homes for homeless cats and kittens have rescued and placed over 35,000 cats into loving homes over their history. To be a part of their continued success go to kittenrescue.orgLastly, we give props to Tailwagers Pet Food & Supplies who first opened its doors back in 2003 in Hollywood, California and have continued to provide the community with healthy, natural pet care products that are consistent with a holistic approach to pet health. Touted as "your friendly, neighborhood gathering place where you can find everything from high quality food to grooming and daycare” Tailwaggers has four locations and are open 7 days a week. To find a location near you go to tailwaggerspets.com For more pics and clips of Matt, Ziggy, Mabel and all our previous guests and their canine companions, follow the show on Instagram at rockerdogcast

This week we have the good fortune to be talking dogs with Jason Narducy. The singer, songwriter, bassist, guitarist and author who’s played with Bob Mould, Superchunk, Sunny Day Real Estate and the attention grabbing tours covering classic R.E.M. albums with actor Michael Shannon. Jason introduces us to his 6 year old brindled American Staffordshire Terrier Juniper who came into his family a year after losing their Black Lab Zoey. Jason recently took Juniper on tour so we dig into what that experience was like, the routine they developed that benefitted them both and much, much more. Fun talk from a great storyteller.Jason gave a unique and thoughtful shout out to Prairie Wolf and Pooch Park. Prairie Wolf is open daily from 6:30am to sunset and is one of five designated off-leash dog areas within the Lake County Forest Preserves. For more info visit lcfpd.orgPooch Park is open daily from 5am to 10pm and is Skokie’s only off-leash dog park providing a unique outdoor green space for dogs with more than 2.7 acres of open area. For more info go to skokieparks.org/pooch-parkFor more pics and clips of Jason, Juniper and our previous 180+ guests, follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogcast

This week we welcome multi-instrumentalist Ben Kenney to the show who introduces us to his 7 year old Italian Greyhound and artistic muse Carl (a.k.a The Hot Carl). Ben played guitar in The Roots in the early 2000's and bass in Incubus for 20 years before a health crisis forced him to recalibrate his life. We discuss how Ben, as a cat guy, came to add some dog energy into the home, the dogs of his New Jersey youth and how his animals comforted him while he recuperated from major surgery. Good talk from a thoughtful and grounded dog dad.Ben elected to give his shout out to Dogs Without Borders, a registered 501(c)3 non profit organization and foster-based rescue in Los Angeles that pulls small breed dogs from LA area shelters, as well as working with international rescue partners to re-home dogs in need. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate visit dogswithoutborders.orgFor more pics and clips of Ben, Carl and many more of our previous 190 guests follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogcast

This week we're excited to welcome Stephen Pearcy of RATT to the dogcast. Anyone who follows Stephen on social media is well aware of his dog Bear who we learn is an 5 1/2 year old Chow Shepherd he adopted at the same time as their cat Charles. Stephen is a big dog guy and it was a pleasure talking with him about his history with dogs, what he learns from them and how Bear fits into his rock and roll lifestyle. Great talk with a legendary rock icon.Look for Stephen's sixth solo album The Dogg Mob to come out later this summer and catch him currently on tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release of Ratt's third LP Dancing Undercover . For dates and tickets visit officialstephenpearcy.comFor more pics and clips of Stephen and Bear from this interview follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogcast

We have a great new episode this week featuring multi-platinum artist Bryce Vine whose mainstream appeal with underground grit has earned him over 5 billion streams. Bryce introduces us to his one time street dog California who accompanies him on tour, parties and restaurants. We discuss how Cali brings him emotional support, the challenges of touring with a picky eater and how she's a great addition to a studio setting. Fun discussion from one of the coolest dog guys around.You can catch Bryce at the Vans Warped Tour Washington DC June 13-14. For tickets go to brycevine.comBryce gave a shout out to his new vet Eric Valbuena at Pets and Vets Animal Clinic Miami who provide everything from routine checkups to advanced surgery from their state-of-the-art facility in Miami Beach and Biscayne Blvd (Miami). To book an appointment online visit petsandvetsac.comFor more pics and clips of Bryce, Cali and all our previous guests follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogcast