Dad Rocks!

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 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)

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 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)

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 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)

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 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)

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 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!

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. 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)

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 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.

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 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 

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 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.

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 Campus, an arts non-profit out of Elmer, NJ. Josh spoke with Jennie Quinn, the Public Outreach Director for Appel Farm, about what's going on there and how the pandemic has impacted the organization. We urge you to donate to Appel Farm which you can do by clicking here: http://appelfarm.org/donate. Their social media links are https://www.instagram.com/appelfarmarts/, https://www.facebook.com/appelfarmarts, and https://www.youtube.com/user/AppelFarmArtsCamp1.