Explore every episode of the podcast Real Wolf Record Club

Adam Mansbach is the author of Go The Fuck to Sleep, the Golem of Brooklyn and many others. He is also a rap fan and arguably the world’s foremost authority on all things Boogie Down Productions, rap beefs, and sending your kids to college. He joins the Club to talk about the classic rap album “Criminal Minded.”

Alicia Kennedy is a food writer, essayist, and author of the bestselling book “No Meat Required.”  She joins the show to discuss the 90’s alternative classic “Grace” by Jeff Buckley.

Tim Rutili from Califone is an artist, filmmaker and musician who has been making experimental indie rock for well over three decades, including as a founding member of Red Red Meat and Califone. He joins the Club to discuss the 1972 classic "Exile on Main St" by the Rolling Stones.

Hattie Webb is a singer-songwriter-harpist who has been creating and performing music on the international stage for over 20 years, with the likes of Tom Petty, Leonard Cohen, Sting, Gotye, Glen Hansard, Steve Martin, Edie Brickell, Rick Rubin, The Avett Brothers & Natalie Maines. Her new album, “Wild Medicine,” which features several tracks performed with long-time Petty sidemen, has just been released. She joins the show to talk about Carole King’s masterpiece “Tapestry.” 

Nathan Mongol Wells is a Dallas-based songwriter, singer for the garage rock band Ottoman Turks, and solo artist making outlaw country for the modern age. He joins the Club to talk about the great indie rock odyssey, 69 Love Songs by The Magnetic Fields.

Slow Leaves is the solo project of singer-songwriter Grant Davidson, a multi-instrumentalist curating every aspect of his music and its presentation, including being producer, cover art designer, photographer, and video director. On the latest album “Meantime,”Slow Leaves fixes a taut indie groove with folk sensibilities, and draws your ear to the sometimes beautiful, sometimes middling, meantime of life.

He joins the Club to talk about one of the great alternative rock albums of all time, the 90s classic “Automatic for the People” by R.E.M.

Chris Brooker is a former radio DJ and music director with a passion for music. As a former program director for several stations across the midwest, he became an expert at finding new artists and sharing them with the world. If you're wondering, he will judge you on your favorite band. 

He joins the Club to judge one of the great electronic pop records of all time, Moby’s “Play.”

Dan Pashman is a James Beard and Webby award winning creator and host of the Sporkful podcast. He has invented pasta shapes that have won him a Time Magazine Best Invention of the Year award, released cookbooks, and appeared on CBS This Morning, The Today Show, NPR’s Morning Edition, and WTF with Marc Maron, among many others. He joins the Club to talk about one of the greatest heartland rock records of all time, “Born In The U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen.

Steve Gunn is a New York-based guitarist and songwriter with a career spanning nearly 15 years. His records blend blues, folk, free jazz and psych, and he is a former member of Kurt Vile and the Violators. He has performed everywhere from the Newport Folk Festival to the Andy Warhol Museum. He joins the Club to discuss art, his first band, and one of the most influential art rock records of all time, The Velvet Underground & Nico.

The Black Brewers Podcast joins the show in a crossover of epic proportions like the Flintstones meet the Jetsons, Urkel meets Stephanie, and Voltron meets beer. Anthony, Greg and Phill join us to talk their favorite (and least favorite) brews, best MCs, and one of the great hip hop records of all time, "Midnight Marauders" by A Tribe Called Quest.

Ivy Le is an Austin, Texas based comedian, actress and writer. She is the host and creator of the Spotify podcast FOGO: Fear of Going Outside,a nature show by the most reluctant host ever. She joins the Club to discuss one of the great pop records of the last decade, “Lemonade” by the Queen Bee herself, Beyoncé.

Chase O’Donnell is an award-winning LA based comedian, actress and writer. Her latest YouTube special “People Pleaser” has been praised in the New York Times.  Her two-person comedy show “Too Blondes” won the Broadway World Award and she’s been a fan favorite on notable podcasts including “Dr. Drew After Dark” and “Where my Mom’s At.” She won the Best of Fest award in the Burbank Comedy Festival and will be appearing on the upcoming season of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

She joins the show to discuss the one and only Queen of Pop, Taylor Swift and her 2020 album “folklore”, an indie-focused album featuring Taylor’s signature narrative storytelling. Like many of her records in recent years, it’s an instant classic, full of cinematic love songs, piano-forward dream pop, and everything that makes Taylor Swift fans such devoted followers.

Tim Reynolds is a Grammy-nominated legendary guitarist releasing critically acclaimed solo work, including a combined 21 albums as a solo artist and as founder of TR3, a band pushing the boundaries of rock, jazz, blues, classical, and reggae. He also happens to be a long-time collaborator with Dave Matthews and the lead guitarist for Dave Matthews Band since 2008. His iconic joint release with Dave, “Live At Luther College,” peaked at #2 on the Billboard US 200 upon its release in 1999.

Tim joins the Club to talk about his career in music and one of the greatest prog-rock albums of all-time, “Close to the Edge” by YES. This album was released in 1972, charted to #4 on the UK Albums chart and was certified as a platinum record. Clocking in at just over 37 minutes, it features only three tracks and melds hooks, acoustic beauty, keyboards, unique time signatures, epic crescendos and even birds.

Join the Club for new episodes every few weeks. Be sure to follow the Real Wolf Record Club on Instagram @realwolfrecordclub, on Twitter @realwolfrc. Find all of our episodes, guest information, playlists and links to merch by Ward Sutton at realwolfrecordclub.com

The Real Wolf Record Club is a production of Real Wolf Productions LLC, a limited liability company.

JD Clayton is a singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee whose new record “Long Way From Home” is a balance of warmth and resolve inspired by his upbringing, how much his life has changed, and how much he has to look forward to. In 2018, JD Clayton released his debut EP, Smoke Out The Fire, featuring the track “Brown Haired Blue Eyed Baby,” which has organically received over 2.2 million streams on Spotify.

JD joins the Club to talk about his music, his new record and the classic self-titled record from The Band. Released in 1969, the album is widely regarded as one of the quintessential folk-rock records, blending story-telling and a rootsy obsession with Americana. The album inspired a generation of songwriters and was included in the National Recording Registry in 2009.

Join the Club for new episodes every few weeks. Be sure to follow the Real Wolf Record Club on Instagram @realwolfrecordclub, on Twitter @realwolfrc. Find all of our episodes, guest information, playlists and links to merch by Ward Sutton at realwolfrecordclub.com. 

“Channel Orange” was released in 2012 by the transcendent Frank Ocean, an artist dubbed a cultural icon for blurring the boundaries of R&B, soul, experimental, electro and rock, winning him two Grammy’s, a GLAAD media award and a spot on Time Magazine’s list of 100 most influential people. His work has extended beyond music into fashion and photography, and “Channel Orange” remains such an influential force in music that some have called it R&B’s “Ziggy Stardust” moment for moving the genre in a new and forever changed direction. 

Our guest, Lady Midnight, is a performer, singer, musician and dancer, whose art is described as emotional, soothing, and prophetic. Her 2019 album “Death Before Mourning” captured a personal feeling of grief and loss that many communities shared just a year later. She was named by Minnesota Public Radio as an artist to watch in 2016, and best Twin Cities vocalist by City Pages in 2017. She has recorded with Bon Iver and Brother Ali, and shared the stage with Common and Moby, among countless others.

Derek Hess is an internationally acclaimed artist with works permanently displayed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Louvre in Paris. His work explores dark and intense themes that have made him a favorite in tattoo parlors worldwide and a beloved creator of show fliers, posters and fine art for bands like Green Day, the Melvins, Pearl Jam, Pink Floyd, and Sepultura, among others. His work launched Strhess Apparel line, and was spun off into a traveling music festival.  The 2014 documentary film Forced Perspective documented his struggles with bipolar disorder and alcoholism, and he founded the Acting Out! group to spread awareness of mental health issues among creative people across all disciplines.

Derek joins the show to discuss an album by one of the great metal bands of all time. Black Sabbath released “Sabotage” in 1975 in the midst of a legal battle with their former managers, and is known as much for its infamous album cover as it is for its mix of heavy rockers and experimental songs, including “Hole In The Sky,” “Symptom of the Universe,” and “The Writ.” The album has been dubbed as the final installment of “the legendary six” records first released by the band, and is consistently listed as one of the greatest metal records of all time. Be sure to follow the Real Wolf Record Club on Instagram @realwolfrecordclub, on Twitter @realwolfrc. Find all of our episodes, guest information, playlists and links to merch by Ward Sutton at realwolfrecordclub.com. The Real Wolf Record Club is a production of Real Wolf Productions LLC, a limited liability company.

Jennifer Hartswick, better known to some simply as "JHA," is a trumpeter, vocalist and one of the most exciting performers in music today. An original member of the Trey Anastasio Band, she is known by Phish fans to "crush horns and vocals," whether she is sharing the stage with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Phish, Christian McBride, Tom Petty, Aaron Neville, Carlos Santana, The Rolling Stones, Big Gigantic, Dave Matthews, or releasing her own critically acclaimed music. Her newest record, Something In The Water came out in September of 2022 and features her honest voice and joyful spirit over a catalog of songs.

JHA joins the Club to discuss her career in music and the moody, sexy, neo-soul classic Voodoo, by D'Angelo. A record that spun out of the Soulquarians orbit, with influence, production and creative support from among others Questlove, Q-Tip, Method Man, and Rafael Saddiq, "Voodoo" went platinum and was on just about everyone’s Album of the Year list in 2000. Others may simply know the album because of the ultra-sultry track "Untitled (How Does It Feel)”, which, if you know nothing else about this song, you know that it features a music video, and some of you may just want to go check that out right now. 

Join the Club for new episodes every few weeks.  Be sure to follow the Real Wolf Record Club on Instagram @realwolfrecordclub and on Twitter @realwolfrc.  Find all of our episodes, guest information, playlists and links to merch by Ward Sutton at realwolfrecordclub.com. 

The Real Wolf Record Club is a production of Real Wolf Productions LLC, a limited liability company.

John Doe is best known as a co-founder and singer/bassist of the LA punk rock band X. He is an accomplished musician, actor, and poet. Simply put, he is an amazingly talented artist. Join the club in our final episode of the season as we discuss Fables in a Foreign Land, the LA punk rock scene, and Bob Dylan’s John Wesley Harding.

Sophia Eris has made her mark in the music industry as Lizzo's DJ, a rapper, a singer, and a collaborator. Join the club as we discuss touring with Lizzo, amateur soccer highlights, and new collaborations. Don't miss our breakdown of Emancipation of Mimi by Mariah Carey, full of nostalgia and sing-alongs. LORENZO!!!

Jono Zalay is an accomplished comedian and writer with a doctorate in neuroscience. He joins the club to discuss coked out rats, the scientific method of comedy, and sibling rivalries. On this feud edition of The Real Wolf Record Club, we reveal some of our favorite rivalries and what makes What's the Story (Morning Glory) by Oasis such great album.

Lily Tung Crystal is the Artistic Director of Theater Mu, an award-winning coach, and an accomplished multimedia producer. Lily joins the club to discuss telling the Asian American story through performance arts, making hard decisions, and the complexities of producing a live theater show. Join us as we break down one the the most combustible and beloved albums of all time - Rumors by Fleetwood Mac.

You may know Lazerbeak as the producer of Lizzo's first album, the guitarist/vocalist for the Plastic Constellations, or the producer and CEO of the Doomtree hip-hop collective. You may just know him as Aaron Mader or Dad. Join the club as we discuss epic nicknames, Lazerbeak's journey through musical genres, and the pivotal album Things Fall Apart by the Roots.

Amy Miller is a comedian named one of Comedy Central's "Up Next" comics. She appeared on the final season of Last Comic Standing, has a comedy special on Comedy Central's YouTube channel, and has performed in comedy clubs across the nation. Amy joins the club to discuss Ham Mouth, her comedic process, and the mesmerizing album Exile in Guyville by Liz Phair.

Actual Wolf (Eric Pollard) is a musician and master hashishin. He joins the club to reveal the creative process behind his music, establish the clear dominance of wizards over robots, promote rewarding literacy with pizza, and discuss one of moodiest and all-time great "vibe" albums - On the Beach by Neil Young.

Sean McPherson is the current Music Director at Jazz88 FM, founding member and bassist of the hip-hop group Heiruspecs, and co-owner of Trivia Mafia. Sean joins the club to establish the trifecta of musical weirdness, reveal his VIP status at Vertical Horizon concerts, and help the panel appreciate the depth of jazz and the diverse emotions of Mingus Ah Um by Charles Mingus.

Andrea Jones-Rooy is a professor of data science and Director of Undergraduate Studies at the NYU Center for Data Science. Possessing a strong social science background and analytical mind, this naturally lead to pursuits in comedy and circus performance. Join Andrea and the panel as we discuss "following the data", the world's most dangerous bias, flaming latex pants, and one of the most famous albums in history, Abbey Road by The Beatles.

Valerie Tosi is a comedian, actor, voice over artist and writer with appearances on Conan and Netflix's Joel McHale Show. It's 90s week, and Valerie and the panel reminisce on the destructive powers of Bop-It, the healing properties of Boy Meets World, and an unabashed love of Full House. Join the club as we discuss disturbing fan mail, Beach Trash comedy, and our appreciation of the album Wildflowers by Tom Petty.

Bernard Fowler has been a member of The Rolling Stones touring band since 1989 and has provided backup vocals on every Stones record since Steel Wheels. Along the way, he has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music as a singer, performer, and producer. In a special extended interview, we take an inside look at The Rolling Stones and Bernard's solo career, and the process of making legendary music. Join the club as we discuss a hidden fondness for falconry and Arabian horses, an appetite for Japanese food, and the masterpiece that is Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones.

Eliza Hardy Jones is a singer-songwriter touring with the War on Drugs, and has played with the likes of Iron & Wine and Grace Potter. When she is not performing with some of the coolest bands on the planet, she can be found rocking the International Quilt Museum or creating her own albums. Join the club as we discuss the merits of blue back CDs, scary stuff, rock star quilters, and the wild ride that is Kate Bush's Hounds of Love.

Peter Jesperson discovered The Replacements, co-founded Twin/Tone Records, and is a fountain of musical knowledge. The legendary tastemaker of the Minneapolis music scene reveals his musical roots, chronicles his days of managing the Replacements, and adds a little extra flavor to our musical palate. Join the Club as we discuss the other-worldly talents of David Bowie.

Cory Provus is the play-by-play announcer of the Minnesota Twins and Golden Gophers on your radio dial and on the Big Ten Network. His voice is the soundtrack to Minnesota sports. He also happens to be a major league Pearl Jam fan. Cory joins the club to swap stories about celebrity encounters, share tales from the broadcast booth, and profess his love for Pearl Jam's legendary "Ten."

Dave Sheinin is a multi-talented Washington Post sports writer and musical artist. He joins the club to share his love of Let It Be by The Replacements, his authoritative opinion on boneless chicken wings, and his own personal musical journey. Take a tour of MinneSNOWta with the Real Wolf Record Club.

Eric Foss is a serial searcher for hidden musical gems and owner of Secret Stash Records. He joins the club to connect us all with Sam Cooke's atmospheric album Live at the Harlem Square Club. The panelists reveal their regrettable and not so regrettable first concert experiences and Eric gives us an inside look into all aspects of the music industry.

Dynamic duo Robert Kasak and Adit Kalra of 612Brew join the club to talk about their love of beers, brewing, deep bass, and Dr. Dre's The Chronic. Enter the den of naughty music with the Real Wolf Record Club.

Award winning singer/evocateur PaviElle French joins the Club to discuss symphonies, her new album, and what this classic Aretha Franklin album means to her.

Amelia Rayno is a nomadic investigative journalist, organizer and story-teller. She drops by the Club to discuss her work covering America’s marginalized communities and what its like to live in a van on Los Angeles’ Skid Row. We think she’s a lot like another great storyteller we know.

Legendary illustrator Ward Sutton joins the Club to talk about his work as a political cartoonist and rock and roll artist. He also gives his insights to a discussion of the Beach Boys classic album “Pet Sounds.”