Andrew, Jake, and Derek are best friends who have played in bands since their youth, coming up in the era of “emo” before it was a cool term, before it was even embraced by the bands now basking in its seeming revival. Now as young dads, they still write music and are always sharing music with each other, new and old. This podcast is a deep dive back into the discographies of 2000s emo bands, conversations with some of the artists and key players in the scene, what it means to be in a band and craft music, and how fatherhood plays into it all. Let’s go!
In Conversation With: David Cook (My Favorite Highway, Splash of Soda)
Cook brother from another mother alert! David Cook of My Favorite Highway joins the podcast to talk about his band My Favorite Highway, and his current role as producer in the Nashville scene as Splash of Soda.
We talk about how Derek found the band (it's a cute story, promise), how My Favorite Highway remained independent and found tremendous success, what it was like signing to a major label, and some more specific questions like:
How do you perform and sing such positive songs while touring as an indie band on the road?
What is it like to revisit the material now?
What were the bands/songs that influenced you musically?
And much more!
David was such a joy and a gentleman to have on the show. Go listen to My Favorite Highway again! Check out all the artists he has worked over the years as a producer! Were you lucky enough to get a ticket to the 20ish Year Reunion Show?!
Splash Of Soda (https://www.splashofsoda.com/) | MFH Insta (https://www.instagram.com/myfavoritehwy/)
We are also on instagram at @NostalgicEmoDads
8 Sept 2026
In Conversation With: Tim Cossor (HRVRD, ...Of Sinking Ships, How Come)
Our guest for this episode is Tim Cossor, drummer of the beloved Charlotte, NC band HRVRD.
HRVRD is one of those incredible bands that deserves way more recognition than they got. Derek's band had a chance to play a show (or two?) with them at Alley Katz back in the late 2000s, when they still had the A's in their name, and it "changed the brain chemistry," as the kids like to say. They seamlessly blended elements of post hardcore, jazz, emo, post rock, and experimental, and truly created a sound like no one else, let alone experiencing their live performances was incredibly special and theatrical.
We dive into how the band wrote music, but specifically how Tim approached his playing, because there is something fantastic and fundamental about his playing as it led the pulse of the songs. A self-proclaimed "overplayer," Tim has a technical prowess that makes listening to HRVRD songs like finding easter eggs of tonality. Every member is so talented, so it was a joy to be able to pick the brain of a HRVRD alum. Is that too on the nose?
Go listen to HRVRD! And ...Of Sinking Ships!
We are also on instagram @NostalgicEmoDads
25 Aug 2026
In Conversation With: John Van Deusen (solo artist, The Lonely Forest, Telephone Friends, Buffet)
What a treat to talk with Mr John Van Deusen! His album "As Long As I Am In The Tent Of This Body I Will Make A Joyful Noise (Pt 1)" was one of Derek's favorites of 2026, and Part 2 is proving to be no different for 2027!
We talk about his upbringing in Anacortes, Washington, the "Rock Retreats" his dad set up for him and his friends, finding success in The Lonely Forest, and some of the processes and tools he uses for songwriting. Go listen to all of his music!
John's Website (https://johnvandeusen.com/)| John's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jvdmusic/)
You can follow us on insta too @NostalgicEmoDads
Who has been a guest on NostalgicEmoDads
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Andrew Bragg
Josh Griner
Ben Jorgensen
Zach Lardy
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Spotify
4.6 / 5
10 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 53 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
77
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
71
Contact NostalgicEmoDads
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about NostalgicEmoDads
Who hosts NostalgicEmoDads?
Andrew and Derek and NostalgicEmoDads host the show. Published by NostalgicEmoDads.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes bi-weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does NostalgicEmoDads take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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