We're winding down 2025 with the help of the indie-pop band Secret Monkey Weekend whose start was born out of tragedy and blossomed into a remarkable family story. The trio, consisting of Jefferson Hart and his step daughters Ella and Lila, introduce us to their pair of sibling pyrenees mixes Chester and Claudine who are the "delight of our lives".

Secret Monkey Weekend's latest album Lemon Drop Hammer, produced by Don Dixon (R.E.M., The Smithereens, Gin Blossoms), is a collection of songs best described as nothing short of a love letter to 80’s alt rock. To hear for yourself and buy a copy go to secretmonkeyweekend.com

Jefferson, Ella and Lila give this week's shout out to Friends of Stokes Shelter who exist to rescue homeless domestic animals, to facilitate placement in new homes and to provide information and educational opportunities for pet owners regarding animal health and welfare. To adopt, volunteer or make a donation visit friendsofstokesshelter.com to learn more.

For more pics and clips of all your favorite rockers and their canine companions follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

Encore Episode from March 18, 2025 (and the most popular of the year)

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Well known Rocker Dog Dad Rufus Taylor of The Darkness joined the show in the early months of 2025 to give our inquiring minds all we need to know about his Instagram famous 4 year old Boston Terrier Don. We cover "The Don's" embodiment of the Rock-n-Roll Party Cowboy lifestyle, the "train with love" philosophy his grandmother instilled in him and getting recognized in public as he scoops poop. It's a great conversation from a great appreciator of all dogs.

Rufus elected to give a shout out to The Voice of Animals Foundation in Thailand, a dog rescue run by Michael Chour who's dedicated to rescuing abused and abandoned dogs in Thailand. To learn more check them out on Instagram at @chourmichael_thesoundofanimals

For more pics and clips of Rufus and Don follow the show on Instagram @rockerdogpodcast

This week we're graced by soul singer Morgan James who gives us an unvarnished look into what it's like touring the world with three dogs in tow. Her "traveliers" includes 10 year old Luther, a tricolored Cavalier King Charles spaniel, 8 year old Eunice, a ruby CKC spaniel and 3 year old Ziggy, a Blenheim CKC spaniel. Great talk that spans traveling tips, touring mishaps and which dogs is the headbanger, sensitive pop idol and angsty singer-songwriter.

Morgan's latest LP that reinterprets hard rock anthems by artists such as The Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden and Ozzy Osbourne with a soulful slant called Soul Remains The Same is available wherever you buy or stream music. Catch her last four holiday themed shows this week in Virginia, Maryland and online via StageIt. For tickets go to morganjamesonline.com/tour

Morgan sends her shout out in the direction of Puppy Kitty NY City Inc who are a volunteer-based rescue group that extends all over NYC with a mission to save homeless, ​sick and dying animals. To support their goal to never say no to an animal in need visit puppykittynyc.org to adopt, foster, volunteer or donate.

For more pics and clips of Morgan, Luther, Eunice and Ziggy follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

Steve Gorman is ten dogs old. The founding member and drummer for The Black Crowes and now 1/3 of the supergroup Howl Owl Howl has a long history with dogs. Steve introduces us to his current dog Chauncey, an 8 year old mutt with an interesting snot producing health condition, and touches upon a few recollections of his previous nine dogs Zelda, Clementine, Wilbur, Mort, Misty, Rusty, Cubby I, Cubby II and Smokey. Great episode with a great storyteller.

Steve gave a shout out to two great dog resources. Love at First Sight! is a puppy and kitten adoption center in the heart of Music City, Tennessee who, since 1995, have adopted over 8,500 pets to forever homes while emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership. For more information on their adoption process and pricing visit lafspetadoption.com

Steve's second shout out goes to Highland Pet Supply in Atlanta which is open seven days a week for all your pet needs. For store hours and training center info visit highlandpet.com

For more pics and clips from this interview and the more than 160 before it follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

Encore episode with Brann Dailor of Mastodon originally aired on September 9, 2024.

The incomparable drummer, singer and lyricist for the Grammy winning band Mastodon, Brann Dailor zooms into the show from a tour stop in Calgary to familiarize us with his 1.5 year old boxer Beefcake and his beloved previous dogs Chloe and Thriller. We talk dog butt art, raising puppies, how dogs lift your self esteem and more.

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Brann chose to give a shout out to the Atlanta Humane Society whose goal is deeply motivated by the desire to keep pets in their loving homes: they seek to improve the lives and well-being of pets and people, collectively and perhaps most importantly, one life, one need, one animal at a time. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate visit ⁠atlantahumane.org

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For more pics and clips from this interview follow us on Instagram ⁠@rockerdogpodcast

It's always a pleasure to talk to an artist who has multiple dogs and a great affection for each. Such is the case with Tesla co-founder and lead guitarist Frank Hannon. Frank introduces us to his pack which includes Patrick, an 8 year old short-haired American Eskimo who wandered onto his property, Rider, a 3 year old Boxer who is still full of puppy energy, Poncho, a 15 year old Dear Chihuahua who rules the homestead, and Stuart, a 10 year old Chug (Chihuahua/Pug) who has yet to make his debut on Frank's Instagram. We also remember his late, great, loyal Boxer Rocky who crossed the rainbow bridge in 2021. Great talk about how dogs help us through tough times, writing an instrumental song inspired by a dog and what "Mugsy Philosophy" taught him about life and guitar playing.

Frank's beautiful new solo album Reflections is out now and available on all streaming platforms and on vinyl through his website at frankhannon.com

Frank and Tesla are kicking off 2026 with the Still Keeping it Real tour through January before supporting Motley Crue this summer on the Return of the Carnival of Sins tour. For dates and venues visit teslatheband.com/tour

Frank gave his shout out to Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation or ARF, which is a nonprofit organization founded by Elaine and Tony La Russa, based in Walnut Creek, California and now operates under the name Joybound People & Pets. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate visit joybound.org

Frank also gave props to dog behaviorist Cesar Millan whose training courses, supplements and foundation can be accessed via his website cesarmillan.com

For more pics and clips of Frank and his pack follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

This week we're psyched to welcome Scott Lipps to the show. A passionate advocate for Rock-n-Roll, Scott hosts the wildly popular Lipps Service podcast and its adjacent Lipps Service Live concert series. He's also played drums for Courtney Love, had an exhibit of his photographs of rock stars' portraits and heads up the modeling and talent agency The Rebellion. Scott introduces us to his 5-6 year old "crazy but beautiful" Chihuahua mix Milo and his girlfriend's dog Pickles who's a similar mix and a little older. Very fun conversation that touches upon the inaccuracies of dog DNA services, an interview with a childhood idol Milo almost ruined and if Chat GBT will someday translate what dogs say.

Scott gave his shout out to The Labelle Foundation whose mission centers on saving the most vulnerable animals in the shelter system. The Labelle Foundation is devoted to rescuing, rehabilitating and advocating for animals in need and aim to educate the community on responsible pet ownership, sterilization, timely vaccination, proper dog training and the crisis facing the rescue community. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate visit labellefoundation.org

For more pics and clips of Scott and his Rocker Dogs join our dog advocating community on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

This week we welcome Jordana to the show who we discovered researching previous guest Kelcey Ayer. Jordana introduces us to Ducky, her 6 year old Chihuahua-Dacschund-Yorkie mix. Fun talk that covers Ducky's anxiety on planes, trains and automobiles, his influence on her music and album artwork and if he thrives living in Jordanaland.

Speaking of which, Jordana's new EP, Jordanaland, was just released on November 7th via Grand Jury Music and is available wherever you stream or buy music. Her 24 date spring tour starts on March 5th in Santa Ana, CA. For dates and tickets go to jordana.cool/tour

Jordana gave a shout out to Mae Day Rescue who 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.

Another shout out goes to Smile Specialist Dental Clinics who offer non anesthetic and ultrasonic teeth cleaning for dogs and cats at their locations throughout Southern California and South Florida. To schedule an appointment go to smilespecialist4pets.com

For more pics and clips of all our Rocker Dogs join our dog advocating community on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

There's always a fun dynamic when bringing two bandmates on the show. This week we're happy to bring you a dog-first conversation with singer Cristal Ramirez and bassist Ken Petty of the band The Aces. Cristal introduces us to her soon to be 3 year old Jack Russell Terrier mix Teddy and Ken gives us the background on her 6 year old Vizsla Nori who is well known to those who follow her on social. Great talk from two animal loving artists who've known each other (and each other's dogs) since childhood.

The Aces latest album Gold Star Baby was just released this past August and the supporting world tour kicks off tonight, November 4th in Minneapolis, MN. For tour dates and tickets go to theacesofficial.com/tour

Cristal and Ken gave their shout outs to three great organizations in the Los Angeles area. First is 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. Do adopt, foster, volunteer or see the list of services available to the community visit bestfriends.org/los-angeles

Next shout out goes to Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control whose vision aims to provide an innovative animal care and control agency with state of the art facilities providing animals and residents high quality, effective, and caring service. For a complete list of animal care center locations, resources and services, as well as adoption and foster info, go to animalcare.lacounty.gov

And our last shout out goes to spcaLA, an independent animal organization, who are dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals through Education, Law Enforcement, Intervention, & Advocacy. Do adopt, enroll in dog training classes or learn more about their multitude of services visit spcala.com

For more pics and clips from this interview follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

Singer, songwriter and blazing guitarist Emily Wolfe joins the show to introduce us to her dogs Ozzy Jones Wolfe, a 2 year old, 100lb Black Mouth Cur/German Shepherd mix, and Stella, a 12 year old Australian Shepherd. We also pay tribute to her beloved soul dog Otis Redding Wolfe, a suspected Chihuahua/Shiba Inu/Pom mix who crossed the rainbow bridge at age 15 in the Spring of 2023. Great conversation with this passionate dog mom and musician.

Emily will have new music to share come early 2026. Catch her this week on Thursday, October 30th at the East End Ballroom in Austin for a free show with RSVP. Get the link in her Instagram profile @emilywolfemusic

Emily gave her shout outs to Austin Pets Alive! who started in 1997 when Austin had a kill-rate of 87% and through their efforts and inventive programs transformed it into the largest No Kill city in the country with a save-rate of 97%. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate visit austinpetsalive.org

Her second shout out goes to Austin Animal Services, the municipal shelter for the City of Austin and Travis County, who provide shelter to thousands of animals annually as well as providing animal protection and pet resource services with the goal of placing all adoptable animals in forever homes through adoption, foster care, or rescue partner groups. To adopt or take advantage of the many services offered go to austintexas.gov/austin-animal-center

For more pics and clips of Emily, Ozzy, Stella and Otis follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

This week we're joined by Dave Rublin of the band American Authors who introduces us to his rescued Australian Shepherd/Husky mix Eevee who the universe gifted to him in the Spring of 2024. Dave recounts his journey from cat guy to eventual dog foster fail, how Eevee is a lot more chill than your typical Aussie, her encounter with a possum and much, much more. Another great talk from an engaging dog Dad.

Catch American Authors live on one of their last three concert dates of 2025. They'll be in Skokie, IL November 25, Vail, CO December 5 and Denver, CO December 6. For more info go to ⁠weareamericanauthors.com⁠

Dave gave his shout outs to Metro Animal Care & Control (MACC) Nashville who are committed to the delivery of humane and responsive animal care and control services to and for the residents and animals of Nashville-Davidson County. They work to help domestic animals find caring homes, decrease over-population of cats and dogs through spaying and neutering, support widespread rabies vaccinations, and promote responsible pet ownership. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate visit ⁠MACC⁠.

For a good vet experience go to Mobley Veterinary Clinic who are a full-service veterinary office, offering state-of-the-art testing and diagnostics, an array of advanced care, routine and advanced surgical procedures, and many other services to provide your pet with the best possible care. To make an appointment go to ⁠mobleyveterinaryclinic.com⁠

For pet treats, supplies and dog wash check out both ⁠Wags & Whiskers⁠ and ⁠Spots⁠ in East Nashville.

And for the best pup cup according to Eevee bring your pup along to ⁠Mr Aaron's Goods⁠. 

For more pics and clips of Dave and Eevee follow the show on Instagram at ⁠@rockerdogpodcast⁠

Vocalist/guitarist Alan Day of the band Four Year Strong joins the show today to talk about his trio of dogs Bandit, Kipper and Dasher. Bandit is a 12 year old German Shepherd/Lab mix with 8% Chihuahua mixed somewhere in his 80lb body. Kip is his beloved mash up of Husky/Collie/Terrier/Pit who sadly crossed the rainbow bridge in May. And we're lucky enough to get introduced to his new 9 month old dog Dasher who is suspected of being a Black Mouth Cur/Lab/maybe pit mix. Great conversation that captures the true spirit of these different dogs and the compassion Alan has for them.

Alan and Four Year Strong will be heading out on tour with All Time Low, Mayday Parade and The Paradox for a month of shows starting on November 5th in Toronto before embarking on the UK leg of the tour in January. For tour stops and dates visit fouryearstrong.com

Alan gave his shout out to Great Dog Rescue New England who are a non-profit, shelterless, all-breed rescue group headquartered in Massachusetts comprised of volunteers from all over New England who love dogs and want to help those that end up homeless through no fault of their own. Their goal is to meet the needs of each dog as an individual and to assure proper placement in a loving forever home. To adopt, foster, volunteer or donate visit gdrne.com

For more pics and clips of Alan, Bandit, Kip and Dasher follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast

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.org

He 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.org

For 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-angeles

For 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.net

Bonzie 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.org

For 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/MaiaSharp

Maia 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.com

She 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.org

For 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.com

Kathleen 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