Rocker Dog Podcast

Sometimes the image of a perfect dog doesn't synch up with the reality of the dog you end up with. This was the case with this week's guest, Stephen Hunking of the band Dew Claw, whose "beautiful mess of a rescue dog" Mouse wasn't the dog he imagined adopting but soon became the dog he couldn't do without. It's a great story about providing a dog the compassion, patience and space to allow them to come into their own. Dew Claw's latest album E.L.F., featuring the song Rescue Dog, is out now. Catch them live this week on October 9th at Mama Tried in Brooklyn Stephen gave his shout outs to START Rescue who coordinates large-scale rescue-transport missions to save animals from overflowing and high-kill shelters, neglect, abuse, and abandonment. To adopt, foster, donate or learn more about their community resources visit  startrescue.orgHe also gave props to the Humane Society of Southwest Washington whose mission "rescue • return • restore • rehome • reconnect" gets to the crux of their vision to create a community where everyone loves and cares for animals. For more information on the array of services they provide go to southwesthumane.orgFor more pics and clips from this interview and the 160 before it follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

Judging by his social media posts, it might be fair to say that Gilby Clarke's passions are guitars, motorcycles and dogs so it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to zero in on the latter. Gilby introduces us to his two current dogs, Sheena, a 6 year old French Bulldog, and Crocodile, a 9 year old Olde English Bulldog, and we fondly remember his previous Frenchie Chopper who he has tattooed on his arm. Lots of great dog stories, insights and background from this well respected dog loving rocker.Gilby gave his shout out to the Los Angeles Pet Adoption Center at Best Friends Animal Society who work collaboratively with animal rescue groups, city shelters and passionate individuals that are all dedicated to saving the lives of cats and dogs in Los Angeles shelters. To adopt, foster, volunteer or get info on low-cost spay/neuter, pet food pantry and free training go to bestfriends.org/los-angelesFor more pics and clips of Gilby and his pack follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

The New York Times has described this week's guest, the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Bonzie, as an artist "that has consistently yielded richly melodic and mysterious songs". We are lucky enough to have her to discuss her true love outside of music which is that of her dog Kiki, a 7 year old Yorkshire Terrier who is well traveled, well loved by fans and well behaved throughout all her adventures.Bonzie's latest self produced and written album When I Found the Trap Door is out now on her dog inspired label Beevine Records. For music, tour dates, and merch visit bonzie.netBonzie gave her shout out to Wisconsin Humane Society who are committed to making a difference for animals and the people who love them. They rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome thousands of animals every year in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Green Bay, Door County, and Kenosha. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate visit wihumane.orgFor more pics and clips of Bonzie and Kiki follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

It was wonderful to get the chance to speak with Kelcey Ayer, formerly of Local Natives and now solo artist. Kelcey introduces us to his 12 year old Husky/Malamute rescue Tasha who came into his life slightly over the 30 lb limit his landlord required and grew into a 75 lb gentle giant. Plenty of great stories around how dogs influence Kelcey's music, videos and life. Kelcey's solo EP No Sleep is out now and available on all steaming platforms. San Francisco listeners can catch him live on September 29th at Brick & Mortar Music Hall. Kelcey gave his shout out to Mae Day Rescue who provided dogs for his "Ghosts of Neighborhood Dogs" video and are a non-profit dog rescue based in Los Angeles who save hundreds of dogs a year from the shelters and streets through a foster based program. To adopt, foster or donate visit maedayrescue.com for more details.For pics and clips of Kelcey and Tasha follow the show on Instagram at rockerdogpodcast

We're back on a Zoom call to what must be the Rocker Dog capital of the world, Nashville, Tennessee, with renowned singer-songwriter Maia Sharp. Maia introduces us to her current rescue Louie whose Wisdom Panel reveals him to be 85% Bloodhound and 12% Australian Cattle Dog. We also pay our respects to her childhood dog Hamlet and the love of her life Emmitt. Plenty of great insights and stories from this dedicated dog parent.Maia's immensely enjoyable new album Tomboy comes out this week on September 12th with a tour starting the same day in Los Angeles. For music, tour dates and more visit linktr.ee/MaiaSharpMaia gave her shout outs to Shirley Catalina and Teach Your K9 who are committed to providing quality dog-human relationship training to help clients develop a well-behaved canine companion that fits their individual lifestyle. For more information on private or group classes go to teachyourk9.comShe also gave a nod of respect to Bonaparte's Retreat, a rescue founded by Grammy-winning artist Emmylou Harris that focuses on neglected and forgotten dogs and care for these wonderful animals for as long as it takes to find their forever homes. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate visit bonapartesretreat.orgFor more pics and clips of Maia and Louie follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

As a long time fan of her music and well aware of her affinity for dogs, it was an absolute joy and privilege to welcome singer-songwriter Kathleen Edwards to the show. Kathleen helps us get to know her current dogs Penny, a 12 year old Labradoodle with an insatiable prey drive, and Fredwards her 10-ish year old rescued Golden Retriever. We also touch upon her beloved golden Redd who inspired her song "Who Rescued Who". It's an episode full of great dogs and great stories from a great artist and dog mom.Kathleen's terrific new album, produced by Jason Isbell, Billionaire is out now on all streaming platforms with special edition emerald vinyl and bundles available at dualtonestore.com. Her North American tour kicks off on September 14th in Albany NY. For dates, cities and more info visit kathleenedwards.comKathleen gave a shout out to the generous people at Golden Rescue in Ontario, a non-profit registered charitable organization run entirely by volunteers working hard to ensure every Golden who is brought into their program is placed with a safe and loving forever family. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate visit goldenrescue.ca for more info.For more pics and clips of Kathleen, Penny, Fredwards and Redd follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

It was a wonderful opportunity to talk dogs with all three members of the band X Ambassadors. Joining the call from three different locations were frontman Sam Nelson Harris and his 6 year old Mini Schnauzer/Chihuahua/Terrier mix Prince, keyboardist Casey Harris and his 90 lb, 9.5 year old Mastiff mutt Meat Loaf and drummer Adam Levin and his 2.5 year old Labrador/Cocker Spaniel mix Tatiana (Tati). Fun conversation covering how these dogs came into each of their lives, the lessons they taught them and the go-to stories that must be shared.X Ambassadors are celebrating the tenth anniversary of their breakout debut with an LP of reimagined version of the songs called VSH(X) that hits platforms and shelves this week on August 29th with a supporting tour kicking off September 2nd in Phoenix Arizona. For tickets and info visit xambassadors.com/tour/Sam, Casey and Adam gave their shout outs to your local SPCA, veterinarian Claire Berian, of ithacavethousecall.com, who's provided in-home veterinary care for over 20 years in Ithaca and the surrounding communities and Barks n' Bitches barknbitches.com who, since 2006, have focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned dogs around Los Angeles and giving them the second chance they deserve.For more pics and clips of your favorite musicians and their dogs follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

I was just in beautiful Stockholm, Sweden for the first time this past Spring so it was a pleasure to get to talk dogs with one of its best known residents Peter Morén of the indie-rock trio Peter, Bjorn & John and his solo collective SunYears. Peter introduces us to his 2 year old female Labrador Retriever Sickan who just happened to be celebrating her birthday on the day we spoke. We also paid tribute to his beloved Cocker Spaniel/King Charles Cavalier mix Esther who inspired two songs over the 14.5 years Peter had her. Great conversation with some unique perspectives.SunYears sophomore album The Song Forlorn is out this week on August 21 and features nine tracks that run the gamut of genres and features guest appearances by Nicole Atkins, de clair and Madison Cunningham. Peter gave his shout out to Hundar Utan Hem, a non-profit organization founded in 2005 that works to rescue and rehome dogs from Sweden, Ireland and Poland. To learn more visit hundarutanhem.se

Fun talk this week with first time dog dad Matt Fowler, guitarist for the band Arrows in Action. Matt introduces us to his 4.5 year old, goofy, stinky, cuddly, weird little Beagle mix Louise. We discover what animated character Louise was named after, how Louise rates as a watchdog, therapy dog and exercise partner and what he learned from his blind cat Squid that preceded Louise. Arrows in Action has a new album I Think I’ve Been Here Before that hits platforms and shelves on September 19th. For music, tour dates, merch and more visit arrowsinaction.comMatt gave his shout out to the good folks at Wags & Walks who are focused on advocating for wrongfully stereotyped bully breeds, medical dogs, and mamas + puppies that are often overlooked and at-risk due to shelter overcrowding. Their goal is to find every pup an adopter whose home, family, and lifestyle are a perfect fit for a lifetime of love and happiness. To adopt, foster, donate or volunteer visit wagsandwalks.orgThis episode of the Rocker Dog podcast is sponsored by Elegy Coffee in Nashville, Tennessee. A Music City favorite among guests of this podcast, Elegy is open daily from 7am – 4pm serving your favorite crafted caffeinated classics, original specialty drinks and sweet and savory food items. And best of all they’re dog friendly. Visit any of their four locations in East Nashville, Germantown, Downtown and Wedgewood-Houston or order online for pick up or delivery now at elegycoffee.comFor more pics and clips of Matt, Louise and all our previous guests be sure to follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

This week we welcome multi-instrumentalist Steve Morgan and vocalist Stephen Sims of the electro-rock duo Deadcode. Steve brings along the stories of his two pooches, Lola "The Alpha", a 14 year old Dachshund and Wheezy, a 6year old Yorkie and Stephen introduces us to Basil his 3 year old Briard. Entertaining conversation from these two dog loving cyber-hackers turned rockers.Deadcode's debut album Nothing From Nowhere was released this past May to critical acclaim. Check out two remixes of the song Left You For Dead by Steve Aoki and The KVB. Available on all streaming platforms.We have three shout outs to note this week. Steve gives his props to Humane Society Miami who are a limited admit, adoption guarantee facility dedicated to placing every dog and cat in our care into a loving home, and to promoting responsible pet ownership and spay/neuter programs. To learn more visit humanesocietymiami.orgStephen chose to highlight both the SPCA and Rocket Dog Rescue who are a San Francisco Bay Area dog rescue organization run by a group of dedicated volunteers that save dogs from death at over-crowded shelters and find them loving, happy homes. To adopt, foster, donate or volunteer go to rocketdogrescue.orgFor more pics and clips of all our guests and their dogs follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

This week we welcome to the show Melody Margarit of Epitaph Records which is home to such artists as Rancid, Social Distortion and Bad Religion. Melody introduces us to her two rescues Sampson, an 11 year old corgi mix found on the street 8 years ago and Scout, her 9 year old dachshund/chihuahua mix who was an owner surrender. Great talk about "soul dogs", fostering 14 dogs in 2024 and the challenges faced by MaeDay Rescue for which she is on the Board of Directors.MaeDay Rescue will be hosting the Paws For Comedy fundraiser on August 2, from 6-10pm at Creature Comforts Brewery (1124 San Julian St, Los Angeles, CA). Hosted by Jackie Tohn (Nobody Wants This, Glow) with a DJ set by Moby and comedy from Nikki Glaser, Chelsea Peretti, Andy Richter and more. Tickets are available now at zeffy.com. To make a bid on items in their silent auction go to givebutter.comIt should come as no surprise our shout out this week goes to MaeDay Rescue (that's two shout outs in three weeks!) who save dogs and cats from Los Angeles shelters, the streets and owner surrenders. They are 100% foster based and all animals are housed in their foster's homes until the perfect forever homes are found. To adopt, foster or donate visit their website at maedayrescue.com For more pics and clips of Melody, Sampson, Scout and all of our previous 150 guests and their dogs follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

This week's episode features our unique brand of dog-centric conversation with Caroline Smith who performs as Your Smith. Caroline introduces us to Howard, her 5 year old, 85 lb half Staffordshire Terrier with some German Shepherd, Hound, Lab and Heeler thrown in for good measure. We hear Howard's origin story, how he's uncharacteristic of typical Staffordshires and how he got a restaurant/bar named after him.Your Smith's new LP The Rub, her first new music in over 5 years, will be out on September 12th via Nettwerk. Caroline chose to give a well-deserved shout out to 360 Communities in Minnesota who work with Pawsitive Perspectives Assistance Dogs (PawPADs) to train a survivor support dog to help comfort and emotionally support victims experiencing trauma and are available to:• sit on or near the feet of the victim/survivor in court• be pet by the victim to ease anxiousness in various settings, including law enforcement interviews, preparation for court testimony, and one-on-one meetings with advocatesTo help to fund this thoughtful initiative visit 360communities.org to make a donation.

This week we bring you our enlightening conversation with Rusty Pistachio of the hardcore punk band H2O. Rusty introduces us to his current car ride loving dogs Merle, a 4 year old Chihuahua/Poodle mix, and Shrimpy, his 7 year old Dachshund/Beagle/Jack Russell mix. We also take the time to pay our respects and reflect on his past "miracle dog" Yoda, a long-haired Chihuahua, and Chopper, an Australian Shepherd. Plenty of great anecdotes about having dogs in New York City, dog bucket lists and extending a dog's life through nutrition. H2O will be playing the Rocks Off Concert Cruise on 8/15 and the Stone Pony Summer Stage on 8/16 before heading out on the next leg of their East Coast! F#ck You! Tour on 9/18 supporting Bouncing Souls. Rusty gave his shout out to Mae Day Rescue who save dogs and cats from Los Angeles shelters, the streets, and from owner surrenders. They are 100% foster based and all animals are housed in their foster's homes until the perfect forever homes are found. Get tickets now to their Paws for Comedy charity event hosted by Jackie Tohn (Nobody Wants This, GLOW) with stand-up sets by Nikki Glaser, Chelsea Peretti, Andy Richter and more. Plus Moby will be DJing the cocktail hour from 6-8p! For tickets and info visit zeffy.comFor more pics and clips of Rusty and his pack follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

This week's guest, Victoria Asher of Cobra Starship, has all the bases covered when it comes to rescue dogs. Between her current dogs there's Dottie who's blind, Ren a senior, Teddy a small dog and Rocko who fills the big dog role. We get to know all of these pups as well as her previous beloved dogs Louie and the infamous Gizmo who toured with the band, was poisoned twice and survived an attack from a Great Dane. Lots of great origin stories and dramatic incidents from a life long animal lover.Cobra Starship will be playing The Vans Warped Long Beach in California later this month and Riotfest on Sunday, September 21st in Chicago's Douglas Park. Victoria gave her shout outs to these three amazing rescue organizations:Mutt Scouts are dedicated to helping homeless, abused and abandoned dogs from Mexico and high kill shelters throughout Southern California and are committed to providing proper socialization, training and medical care for each animal they save, no matter what the cost. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate visit muttscouts.orgForgotten Dog Foundation's mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home dogs in need in the Greater Los Angeles area. They are dedicated to saving the lives of all dogs, regardless of  breed, size, or age. They rescue shelter dogs that are set to be euthanized, dogs dumped in the desert and on highways, and save strays running the streets. They take in dogs that people can no longer keep and rehabilitate abused dogs that are removed from their neglectful owners. To adopt, foster, volunteer, donate or sponsor a dog go to theforgottendog.org to learn more.Wags and Walks are a dedicated community of dog lovers in Los Angeles and Nashville working to reduce euthanasia in local shelters and increase awareness of rescue dogs being wonderful pets. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate check out wagsandwalks.orgFor more pics and clips of Victoria and her pack of rescues follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

For an unprecedented second week in a row we're highlighting producer Suzy Shinn's 9 year old chihuahua mix and studio veteran Jack. But this time it's through the eyes of her partner Zac Carper, who's 1/3 of the punk rock trio FIDLAR and has been Jack's adoptive father for the past 4 years. Zac regales us with his perspective on Jack, Spicy Taco and their foster rat Star in an eclectic conversation that's not to be missed. Zac and FIDLAR are currently careening their way through Europe until July 13th on a 10 date tour. For dates, cities and tickets find your way over to fidlarmusic.net/tour for more info.Zac echoed the same shout outs as Suzy's last week with a special nod to South Bay Rodent Rescue Inc. who provide a clean and safe environment for rats and mice until they are adopted to their forever homes. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate to their Amazon wishlist visit southbayrodentrescue.orgFor more pics and clips of Zac, Jack and Spicy Taco follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

One of the most in-demand producers in music today, Suzy Shinn joins the show to give us the backstory on her well-known studio dog Jack, a half Chihuahua, quarter Pitbull, Shitzu/Poodle mix. Jack has amassed quite a few good stories in his 9 years frequenting LA's recording studios while the likes of Weezer and Modest Mouse create their sonic expressions. Plenty of good and entertaining dog-focused talk from a life long animal lover.Suzy chose to give shout-outs to these three animal welfare organizations: First up is encouraging people to volunteer with LA Animal Services who operate six shelters across the City of Los Angeles with the mission to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of animals and people. To adopt, foster, donate or become a volunteer visit laanimalservices.comOne Dane at a Time whose mission and goal is not only to take in Danes in need and place them in forever homes, but also to educate the public on the specific needs of this amazing breed and to raise awareness about spay/neuter and responsible ownership. To apply for an adoption or foster go to onedaneatatime.orgEstablished in 2019, South Bay Rodent Rescue Inc. provides small animal rescue and adoption services to Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties. Their mission is to rescue and rehome rats and mice. They provide a clean and safe environment for these animals until they are adopted to their forever homes. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate to their Amazon wishlist visit southbayrodentrescue.orgFor more pics and clips of our dog talk with Suzy follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

Fellow one-time upstate New Yorker Kurtis Keber, bassist for Grace Potter and Aly & AJ, zooms in from Los Angeles to discuss his soon to be 7 year old German Shepherd/Husky mix Zula who loves playing hockey catch, snow, the beach, doggie day care and mountain biking. Fun and easy going chat with an experienced dog guy.Kurtis gave his shout outs to Hollywood Huskies, a rescue in California and Leesburg, VA, who save dogs off death row at shelters and off the street, and help them to find their forever homes. They set up each dog for adoption success by providing them what they need most, including any medical treatment and/or training that’s needed. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate visit hollywoodhuskies.orgAlso spotlighted is Molly Avrin and Pete's Adventure Pack who help dogs and people build strong relationships and adventure safely outdoors via one on one in-person training in Salt lake City and Park City UT and through their Adventure Dog Channel online membership that provides a series of pre-recorded, go at your own pace, available-from-anywhere lessons to help you and your dog learn all of the basics, work through behavioral issues and live a life of fulfillment. To learn more about their complete list of services go to petesadventurepack.com

This week we're talking dogs with Vaden Todd Lewis of the Texas rock stalwarts the Toadies whose song Possum Kingdom from their platinum debut album Rubberneck has been an alternative radio staple for the last 30 years. Vaden introduces us to his Pit Bulls Fauci and Coconut while paying tribute to his past dog Cooper, a tripod terrier mix, and Rufus, a Aussie Heeler. Great talk about overcoming the stigma of pit bulls, the benefits of adopting from a shelter and much more.Toadies recorded a new full-length album with the late great producer Steve Albini that they hope to release late in 2025/early 2026. To keep up to date on new music and concert dates visit thetoadies.com Vaden gave a shout out to the Dallas based The Love Pit Dog Rescue who are a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization on a mission to save bully breeds through rescue, rehabilitation, training, education, and advocacy. To adopt, foster, donate or volunteer visit thelovepitrescue.org for more info. For more pics and clips from this interview and the 140 before it follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

Checking in this week from my favorite city that I've never been to is Mike McInnes, guitarist for the Pittsburgh based pop-punk rockers Old Neon. Mike tells us all about his 10 year old Golden Retriever Jade who turned him from a reluctant dog owner to a dedicated dog dad. Great talk about the transformative powers of a canine companion.Old Neon just released their brand new EP Resolution on May 23rd and is available on your preferred streaming platforms. The EP was produced by Matt Brasch and mixed by Nick Steinborn (both of The Wonder Years) and mastered by Will Yip. To keep up on all things Old Neon visit their website at oldneonmusic.comMike gave a shout out to his groomer Sam McClure who keeps dogs looking their best through Friendly Paws Pet Resort and, their daycare for dogs under 40 lbs, Friendly Paws Littles. To see her works of dog beautification check out her Instagram @groomingwithsamFor more pics and clips of our guests and their floofs follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

Zooming in from the Great White North is outlaw country/ contemporary hard rocker Cory Marks who introduces us to his beautiful 9 yr old Karelian Bear dog Teslin who he rescued as a puppy from the dangers of the Yukon where he was playing a show. We get to know more about this unique Finnish breed, his childhood dog Emma and how well Teslin behaves while hanging out in tour buses and green rooms among many other fun stories.Cory will be bringing his brand of Haggard-like country meets straight-up arena rock anthems to a number of festivals this summer in Canada. For dates and tickets visit corymarks.comCory's shout outs go to his local Pet Smart in North Bay Ontario whose grooming services keep Teslin looking her best and the North Bay and District Humane Society who, since 1954, have been a key service provider for animal welfare within the community.  To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate go to northbayhumanesociety.caFor more pics and clips of Cory and Teslin check out our Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast