Who Cares About the Rock Hall?

A podcast about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame hosted by comedians Joe Kwaczala and Kristen Studard. He's a long-time devotee. She's a skeptic. Join them as he attempts to get her (and their guests) to care about this institution. Proud part of Pantheon - the podcast network for music lovers.

Music History
Music Commentary
Music Interviews
251
Def Leppard w/ Patrick Fabian
Actor Patrick Fabian (Better Call Saul) joins Joe & Kristen to talk about one of his favorite bands, current Rock Hall nominee Def Leppard. Also discussed in this episode: Patrick's attendance of the 2017 induction ceremony, his run-ins with several former inductees, and something called "The Magic Bus."
106 min
252
Kraftwerk w/ DeMorge Brown
Actor/director DeMorge Brown joins Joe & Kristen to talk the potential Rock Hall future of one of his favorite bands, Kraftwerk. Also in this episode: the surprising rules of Jon Bon Jovi's restaurant, the meaning of Steve Miller's The Joker, and so, so, so many German accents.
93 min
253
Todd Rundgren w/ Roy Trakin
Former Nominating Committee member and journalist Roy Trakin returns to the show to discuss the career and Rock Hall merits of Todd Rundgren! Also, Joe and Kristen help Roy fill out his ballot! This episode is really something... anything?
78 min
254
Janet Jackson w/ Gerrick Kennedy
Journalist/author Gerrick Kennedy joins Joe and Kristen to talk about his love for Janet Jackson and her Rock Hall prospects. Also discussed are Gerrick's feelings about having to somewhat pay attention to the Hall as a journalist, as well as Kristen's affinity for music video choreography.
82 min
255
MC5 w/ Mikal Cronin
Musician and indie darling Mikal Cronin joins Joe & Kristen to talk about another M.C.-- current Rock Hall nominees the MC5. They evaluate the Detroit rock pioneers' chances of induction and also take a look at the official fan vote on the Hall's website.
84 min
256
Devo w/ River Butcher
Comedian River Butcher (Three Swings Podcast) joins Joe & Kristen to talk about the Rock Hall merits of current nominee and fellow Ohioans, Devo. This meaty episode also features some KCSN appreciation, record player recommendations, and additional commentary on this year's nominees.
99 min
257
2019 Nominee Announcement! (For Real!) w/ Joey ...
Joe makes Kristen meet up at the crack of 5am, so he can reveal the nominees (as they become available) for the Rock Hall Class of 2019. Former guest Joey Devine opens his doors and lends some equipment (and commentary) to make this wild-ass episode happen. Emotions run high, and Kristen yawns a bunch.
40 min
258
2019 Nominee Announcement! (Not Really...)
The long-awaited nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2019 are here. Or are they?
31 min
259
2019 Nominee Draft w/ Greg Behrendt & Joey Devine
Comedians (and podcasters) Greg Behrendt and Joey Devine return to the show to join Joe and Kristen for the inaugural "Who Cares" Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominee Draft! The group takes turns picking eligible artists that they believe will be among the list of nominees for the Class of 2019.
76 min
260
Seymour Stein, Andy Paley, and Bob Merlis
In this very special episode, Joe & Kristen are joined by former Nominating Committee members Andy Paley & Bob Merlis, alongside current member and INDUCTEE, the legendary Seymour Stein. Much is discussed (and sung!) in this super-sized episode featuring these very knowledgeable guests.
105 min
261
The Previously Nominated w/ Joe McAdam
Comedian/writer Joe McAdam joins Joe & Kristen to chat about ALL the artists who have been nominated but not inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It's another chapter in our on-going special coverage, leading up to the nominee announcement!
74 min
262
First Year Eligibles of 2019
As we approach the nominee announcement for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2019, Joe & Kristen review the significant (and not so significant) artists who are in their first year of eligibility.
50 min
263
Sublime w/ Cullen Crawford
Writer Cullen Crawford (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert) joins Joe & Kristen to express his complicated love for Sublime, as they evaluate their potential for Rock Hall induction. Also discussed are Joe and Kristen's Rock Hall dreams/nightmares, as well as Bill Wyman's ranking of inductees for Vulture. And perhaps most thrilling of all? A statement is read... from a shadowy informant!
82 min
264
Warren Zevon w/ James Fritz
Stand-up comedian James Fritz joins Joe & Kristen to discuss Warren Zevon's potential as a Rock Hall inductee. Also discussed is Randy Newman's recent concert at the Hollywood Bowl, and we revisit the ballot from the year 2000. It's a new streamlined version of the podcast! It's a little shorter! There's theme music! Wow!
80 min
265
Special Announcement!
No new episode this week, but Joe & Kristen have a fun announcement. Also included is something special from the archives!
12 min
266
Indigo Girls w/ Emily Heller
Comedian/writer Emily Heller (Barry, People of Earth) comes by the podcast to let Joe & Kristen know why she thinks the Indigo Girls belong in the Hall. Also discussed is the changing attitudes towards selling out, Phil Collins vs. Peter Gabriel, and Tig Notaro's most recent stand-up special.
105 min
267
Harry Nilsson w/ Megan Koester
Comedian and writer Megan Koester joins Joe & Kristen to talk about the surprising Rock Hall snub Harry Nilsson. She also provides some information on her correspondence with actor Curtis Armstrong, who is perhaps the most thorough Nilsson archivist. Additional topics in this episode include Megan's distaste for The Beatles, Joe's exhaustive list of Rock Hall snubs, and... The Spaghetti Incident?
100 min
268
Taylor Swift w/ Ellie McElvain
Stand-up and writer Ellie McElvain joins Joe & Kristen to rep hard for Taylor Swift and her potential Rock Hall future in this pop-heavy episode. Also discussed are Rolling Stone's list of "The New Immortals" as well as choreographed middle school dance routines.
117 min
269
They Might Be Giants w/ Joey Devine
Comedian and podcaster Joey Devine (Roundball Rock podcast) comes by to talk about the divisive They Might Be Giants with Joe & Kristen. Also discussed is Joey's run-in with Seymour Stein, a potential Eagles Broadway musical, and good rock books/documentaries.
100 min
270
Pat Benatar w/ Karen Kilgariff
Comedian & musician Karen Kilgariff (My Favorite Murder podcast) joins Joe & Kristen to evaluate the Hall prospects of a much-discussed artist: Pat Benatar! Also discussed are rock & roll murders, snubbed female musicians, and something called the "Ooh Ooh Song."
104 min
271
Radiohead w/ Demi Adejuyigbe
Comedian/writer/podcaster Demi Adejuyigbe (The Good Place, Punch Up the Jam) comes by to talk the criminally-snubbed Radiohead with Joe & Kristen. Also discussed is potential future first-year-eligible inductees, as well as Kristen's mom's visit to the museum Cleveland.
109 min
272
Lesley Gore w/ Bob Merlis
Former Nominating Committee member Bob Merlis comes by the studio to tell Joe & Kristen about his experiences with the Hall. Lots of fun insights and stories, as Bob was on the NomCom for 23 years and has been in the industry working in publicity for even longer. They also evaluate Lesley Gore's potential as a future inductee and hatch a plan to expedite the process.
102 min
273
Iron Maiden w/ Jimmy Pardo
Comedian and fellow podcaster Jimmy Pardo (Never Not Funny, Conan) joins Joe & Kristen to talk the merits of Iron Maiden in this super-sized episode. Also discussed is Jimmy's trip to the 2016 induction, as well as Jimmy Buffett's Hall prospects.
109 min
274
BONUS EPISODE - A Defense of The Moody Blues
In this very first bonus episode, Joe tries to make a case for The Moody Blues' induction, so that Kristen can stop being so mad about it.
36 min
275
Roxy Music w/ Roy Trakin
Former Nominating Committee member Roy Trakin joins Joe & Kristen to talk about his history with the Hall, as well as the merits of Roxy Music. Roy has had a long career as a rock journalist and gives some insight as to what goes down when the Hall is determining its annual nominees. This is truly... A Very Special Episode. 
92 min