Part-time Rock Star: A Conversation with Dave Dederer

On this episode, Josh talks with Jonny Cragg, a mental health therapist and the drummer for the band Spacehog. During their conversation, the two talk about Jonny's family, being a father of two daughters of different generations, his career as a mental health therapist, how he got into music, and his career in the music industry. A Spotify playlist of all of the music you heard on the show can be found by clicking here. (Interview recorded on August 14, 2026.) 

On this episode Josh talks with John Ostby, a marriage and family therapist who is also the lead vocalist and keyboardist for the band Spymob. During their conversation they talk about John's kids, his decision to leave the music industry to focus on his family, his decision to become a licensed therapist, how he got started in music, and the crazy journey Spymob has taken over the last three decades. A Spotify playlist of all of the music you heard on the show can be found by clicking here. (Interview recorded on May 28, 2026.)

On this episode, Josh talks with Tony Scalzo, best known for being the bassist and one of the vocalists for the band Fastball. The two talk about Tony's life as a father, his relationship with his kids, being able to learn from past mistakes, the unexpected success and longevity of Fastball, and several other topics. A Spotify playlist of all of the music you heard on the show can be found at https://bit.ly/3RHMqF2. (Interview recorded on May 6, 2026.)

On this episode Josh talks with Matt Goldman. Matt is the owner of The Common Good, a bookstore, cafe, and event space in Ellensville, NY, but is also a musician who has been in several bands, including the Jack Antonoff-fronted band Steel Train. During their conversation Matt and Josh, discussed a variety of topics including The Common Good, Matt's kids, parenting in general, how he got into music,  the North Jersey Pop Punk scene, and his overall career in music. A Spotify playlist of all of the music you heard on the show can be found at https://bit.ly/41TFUNg. (Interview recorded on February 3, 2026.)

On this episode Josh talks with musician Matt Malley, who is best known for being the original bassist of Counting Crows. During the conversation the two talk about Matt's three sons, his interest in Indian music and culture, leaving Counting Crows to be more present with his family, mentoring his sons during their musical journeys, his childhood, how he got into music and his career in music before and with Counting Crows. A Spotify playlist of the music you heard on the show can be found at https://bit.ly/3MPelRp. To check out Matt's YouTube page you can go to https://www.youtube.com/@mattmalley. (Interview recorded on February 5, 2026)

On this episode of Josh talks with guitarist Mark Lettieri, who is most well known for being a member of the bands Snarky Puppy and The Fearless Flyers. During their conversation the two discuss how Mark manages his travel for gigs with a young family, his daughters and how they have inspired him, how he got started playing guitar, his career journey thus far, and how he approaches his role within a band and as a solo artist. A Spotify playlist of all of the music you heard on the podcast (+ 1 bonus track) can be found at https://bit.ly/48DCRwX. (Interview recorded on November 5, 2025)

On this episode of Josh talks with Dave Dederer, founding member and the original guitarist for The Presidents of the United States of America. The two talk about Dave's life as a father, how he started playing music, how he and Chris Ballew first met, his journey to becoming a professional musician, and why he decided to leave that profession for a "regular" job. A Spotify playlist of all of the music you heard on the podcast can be found at http://bit.ly/4fZKksk. (Interview recorded on June 30, 2025)

On this episode, Josh talks with Austin-based musician and producer Daniel Barrett. The two talk about Daniel's sons interest in music, how he has bonded with them through music, his journey to becoming a professional musician, why he stopped playing music for a time, and what got him playing and producing again, among other things. A Spotify playlist of all of the music you heard on the podcast can be found at https://bit.ly/4lILBpF. (Interview recorded on June 19, 2025.)

On this episode Josh talks with Tucker Rule. Tucker is a founding member and the drummer for the bands Thursday and L.S. Dunes, and a father of one young daughter. During their conversation, Josh and Tucker discuss touring, parenting while being a touring musician, how Tucker got into drumming, and how both of his bands got started. A Spotify playlist of all of the music you heard on the podcast can be found at https://spoti.fi/44muZhG. (Interview recorded on April 17, 2025.)

On this episode Josh talks with Larry France. Larry was a founding member of the band Drumfish, who had a large regional following in the Baltimore-DC area during the 1990s, and currently hosts a University of Maryland sports podcast called IMS Radio. Josh and Larry talk about the podcast, the history of Drumfish and their attempt to be signed, Larry's son's journey to become a professional actor in musical theater, and how that has influenced Larry to start writing music again, specifically musical theater, with his Drumfish bandmates. For those that want to skip the conversation about Maryland sports and Larry's podcast, feel free to skip to the 27 minute mark. A Spotify playlist of all of the music you heard on the podcast can be found at https://bit.ly/4iF4FTC.  (Interview recorded on February 19, 2025.)