Love the format of rotating guests who bring their own insights and views! Not your typical song dissection show. Host Rob Kelly’s take on the why’s and wherefore’s of an enigmatic songwriter makes for a great listen.

The concept of going through Bob Dylan’s vast catalogue song by song is a simple one that works beautifully. Even more interesting is the diverse and growing pool of guests who appear on the show to talk about what Dylan’s songs mean to them. Hearing about the fans and their lives is often more interesting than hearing about the songs - and that’s a good thing. I’ve been listening to this since the early days and often revisit old favorites. Keep it up, Rob!

Noted film historian and dedicated Dylan enthusiast Rob Kelly delivers the best in the podcast business when it comes to talking about Bob Dylan. The song examinations and concert talk alone will keep you listening. The joy Rob and his guests bring when talking Dylan will have you subscribed in a heartbeat.

I’ve been listening to Pod Dylan for a long time, and I’m always impressed by host Rob Kelly’s ready knowledge of Bob Dylan and his music, and the breezy banter between he and his guests. What I like most, though, is the way you can tell this is a labor of love for Rob. He’s a true fan who just wants to talk about his love for the music, both the well-known tunes and the deeper cuts. This what makes Pod Dylan such a joy to listen to. Highly recommended for longtime fans and folks new to the Dylan discography.

There’s no better comic-book podcaster than Rob Kelly, and his critical mind is no less sharp when applied to other media—in this case, the music, lyrics, and seismic cultural importance of Bob Dylan. Rob is far-reaching and fearless in his analysis of Dylan’s decades of work, helped greatly by a selection of guests who are just as intelligent and clear-minded as he is. And although he’s never afraid to call out any misstep or lesser light among Bob’s massive body of work, you never forget that Rob is a true fan—his honest passion for this greatest of American songwriters is never far beneath the surface. Highly recommended.

One of the best Dylan podcasts out there. Best part are the guests. Host Freewheeling Rob Kelly is meeting fellow bobcats all around the world to discuss these amazing songs. The stories they tell are incredible sometimes. Worth a listen every week.

This is my number one favorite podcast. Rob is professional, knowledgeable, funny and most of all kind. This is a must listen for any Dylan fan. It's my special treat on weekends.

Best deep dive into Dylan you’ll find. If you love or even like Bob Dylan… Listen!

But no longer.

Used to be a lot better. Now he either puts it behind a paywall or covers songs he has already had shows on.

Putting songs behind a paywall jog on you melt I’m never listening to this podcast again. Got it to do special shows behind the paywall but putting regular song reviews you can jog on you melt.

Rob Kelly’s Pod Dylan podcast is among the most interesting, informative, engaging, and enjoyable on the internets (sic). Rob removes all the pretentiousness of scholarly Dylan studies to create an intimate and personal dialogue between two fans, which usually leads to previously uncharted territories of discussion in the land of Bob. Rob’s dedication and knowledge keeps things interesting, and, possibly more importantly, while he (and his guests) are passionate and insightful, he also doesn’t take things too seriously so that anyone can join in, or enjoy. Bravo!

I’m out . Been listening for yrs . Some episodes and guests are okay and some are annoying. A lot of times anymore I can’t make it thru a whole episode . I used to enjoy it, but sometimes it’s just too corny . Been listening for yrs But if I gotta pay a subscription fee- sorry , I’m out. Good luck Rob.

Just subscribed to the FM Network because Rob is “a riot” and such a pleasant voice. I became more aware of Bob Dylan during the pandemic and listening to this podcast. However “ it’s all right mama I’m only bleeding” Please heavily into my vocation story.

There are a million ways to discuss the works of Dylan, and this is one of my very favorite. A wonderful variety of personalities and takes on well known and lesser known songs. Always happy to give a listen! Always something fun to think on!

When Rob Kelly is the host of a podcast … it feels great? Like his other podcasts, Pod Dylan is a masterpiece curated by an articulate and passionate host. I’m always learning something new listening to his shows

I am co-coordinating a class on Bob Dylan and this podcast has been invaluable for our sessions. Would never have made it through Desolation Row and Visions of Johanna without you and your guests.

I am 72 and have loved Dylan since 1964 when I bought another side of bob dylan in Paris France In 64/65 time Frame. Lived in Paris 1961-65 as a military child . By 1964 I was hooked on pirate radio from England and saw 1st concert of Stones in Paris in 64 and again in 65?- even got to meet them both times First Dylan show was 65 at Berkeley community center - with the Hawks in 2nd set Acoustic first set Seen him a few times since You should interview me !!!!

Love this pod. What a great idea to go through bob’s song one at a time. Dylan is the ultimate songwriter and there are so many still to go. Guests always bring an interesting perspective. The host is great! Peter

Host is informative, a great interviewer and has a wonderful vast knowledge of Dylan’s work

Dylan got me through 2020. Like a good friend, he’s always been there when I have needed him most. I first found Dylan during my awkward adolescence. Looking back nearly 20 years ago now, I can’t say for sure how I discovered him. He just seemed to appear like a family member who moved back into the home state. When I was 14, I thought Dylan’s career stopped in 1972. I knew he kept making music after the motorcycle accident. I counted “Hurricane” and “Idiot Wind” among my playlists. I even saw a bootlegged video from The Rolling Thunder Revue of Dylan in white face playing “Tangled Up and Blue” but I had no idea what to make of it. I figured he had gone on a safari and come back with songs of experience—Kurtz and Marlowe wrapped up in one song and dance man. The greenhorn, wet-behind the ears, born last night thought the “real” Dylan reached his zenith with Blonde on Blonde. I fashioned myself on that man—the man of Einstein hairdo, brown tweed jacket and houndstooth scarf. I bought a Hohner harmonica, slicked back my hair, wrapped myself in a Carhartt jacket and wrote protest songs in my bedroom in the early winter twilight. I listened to “Sad Eyed Lady of The Lowlands” in six o’clock pitch black winter darkness. I didn’t know what it all meant, but the emotion was there, and I wanted to be there too. I pretended like it was 1966 even as we prepared our computers for Y2K. I was hung up in the 60’s as a kid. Loved Hendrix, The Doors, Cream, CCR, and still do. Guess part of me couldn’t understand how Dylan could exist outside of that zeitgeist. “Our heroes have killed themselves or are killing themselves…” “You can almost see that high-water mark. That place where the wave finally broke, and rolled back.” If the trajectory of Dylan’s life adhered to the logic of that era, he would have died in his motorcycle crash and been lionized as “the voice of a generation”—one more Orpheus incarnate. By the grace of God the man defied the odds—lived and still lives. So when I jumped on the comet this time around I found myself riding into the pitch black darkness of interstellar space. No knowledge of Blood on The Tracks as an album. No knowledge of the post 60’s bootlegs. Back in the day, I knew Dylan had gone Christian, but I also knew Cat Stevens had become a Muslim. I didn’t know what came out the other side. I remember my freshman English teacher mentioning that a Dylan song had been used in a Cadillac commercial circa 2001. I pretended not to hear him. THAT Dylan could not exist to me. I was going to meet THAT Dylan but I needed some help. I started with tried and true Virgils—my Uncles, but I was far out, in a galaxy with no suns. In deep and desperate for more light. That’s when I turned to the podcasts. Only one Dylan podcast enjoys the unique distinction of making the listener/fan the center of the show—Pod Dylan. People from all walks of life, from all over the world turn up on Pod Dylan. Professional music journalists, ex-marines, opera singers, teachers, working-class heroes of every stripe. The diversity of perspectives is unmatched. This is the best part of the show: learning how people from different backgrounds find their way to Dylan; the idiosyncrasies of their obsession; and the novelties of each individual's interpretations of the corpus. The Freewheelin Rob Kelly is the right man for the job. RK has 20 Dylan shows under his belt, in addition to every album, bootleg, and book on Dylan. Rob has an encyclopedic knowledge of Zimmy and, I daresay, would give the patron Saint of Dylan—Clinton Heylin—a run for his money. “Hey, Rob, when is Heylin coming on the show anyways?” The great thing about Rob is that he lets the guests take the wheel and tear down whatever highways and byways come around the first bend. Rob’s there to keep the car on the road, he’s not backseat driving. Thanks to Rob and his fellow Dylan podcasters, I’ve been able to make myself acquainted with those lost chapters, apocryphal books, blacked out windows, and silenced radios from Dylan’s career that eluded me in my youth. Back then, I begrudged Dylan for not staying a beatnik, psycho-blues troubadour for the remainder of his career. I was like the folkies yelling “Judas” in 66. I didn’t understand. The best thing about Dylan is that he never stops changing. “Make it new.” I talked about myself a lot in this review, but that is because I think this show is ultimately more about the fans than about Dylan. It is about how fans make a culture out of the art of Dylan. Rob is peeling back the layers of the onion—one fan at time—showing how all the perspectives meld to make Dylan. For as much as Dylan makes us, we make Dylan. And I really think this is as true to the spirit of Bob’s work as a fan can be. I don’t Bob is interested in what people think about him or even what people think about his songs. I think he cares more about how music changes people's lives, reveals truths, creates possibilities, transfixes, possesses, inspires, heals, and transforms. Pod Dylan is an ongoing testimony of how Dylan’s songs are a catalyst of any and all of the above phenomena in the lives of listeners across the generations. Hats off to Rob Kelly for curating and archiving these chronicles that would otherwise be left behind at the counter of the all night diner, on the tailgate in the wee hours of the night, or under the street lamp turning off in the early hours of the morning. One guest of the show remarked that “You learn how to live by listening to Dylan’s songs.” I know I have. I can’t think of a greater compliment to pay to any artist. And this is the essence of Pod Dylan. People recounting the significance of Bob’s songs in their lives. Bob’s asking the big questions: “Where have you been?” “Who did you meet” “What did you hear?”“What did you see?” “How does it feel?” “How many times?” Rob and company are coming up with the answers—one episode and one song at a time.

I don’t mind being stuck in traffic anymore. Thank you.

Has a tendency to try to understand Bob through a political framework rather than a theological one which means some of the interpretations of Bob’s lyrical intents fall short of the deeper truths held within.

I love his enthusiasm. It seems it has gotten more in depth over time. Some of the simple songs I feel like get overlooked as “ah this his just about this or that” and not a Ton of other thoughts. I was disappointed by the idiot wind episode tbh, there is much more there especially on the original version. I wish he would talk about the playing a little more, it feels mostly just about the lyrics which is GREAT but the musicians ship makes a lot of the songs. Sometimes he likes to plant ideas in people instead of letting them think for themselves, which again is about his great enthusiasm but sometimes I feel like he talks for at least double the amount of the guests do. Anyway he stole my only podcast idea and I’m jealous. Visions of Johanna is a great episode.

Superb. Tremendously enjoyable. I am a particular fan of your great rapport with Tara Zuk. Keep up the great work.

This is my favorite podcast. I’ve listened to every episode — I never miss it! If you love Bob, TUNE IN!!!

Can’t get enough of this podcast! With Bob I’m always looking for more and this show really fills the void. I’ve listened through every episode now. I guess it’s time to be on one!

I just discovered Pod Dylan a couple weeks ago and I’m 15 episodes in and just love it! It’s great to hear Rob and his guests offer new thoughts on songs I’ve loved for a long time.

I just listened to your podcast review of this tour’s live shows. TERRIFIC. I saw the Akron and Pittsburgh shows on consecutive nights (same setlist). It was my 12 and 13 shows and my 31 year old son’s 14 and 15th. Great father and son bonding. His knowledge of lyrics and deep cuts / bootlegs is uncanny. I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation between you and your guest. So many similarities - I went to the Pittsburgh show with my wife (her 2nd BD show). My pre-show concern - hope she doesn’t hate it - was unnecessary. She had a good time. Highlights for me - Things Have Changed, H61, Not Dark and Thin Man. Keep up the good work. You clearly enjoy delivering this podcast to us Bob-cats.

I'm a newbie when it comes to Bob Dylan. His catalog has always seemed so daunting. Well, I've started giving him a more focused effort. This podcast has been a great help introducing to some of the songs and their context. Great podcast!

If you are. Dylan fan, check this out. Love this podcast. Always great conversation and I always learn something about the song being discussed. Thank you for this podcast!

Through this podcast I have moved from just liking him to becoming a huge fan. Thank you Rob Kelly!

I’m a new Bob Dylan fan and I just got my first record by Bob Dylan this year for Christmas. This podcast is absolutely addicting. I listen to it on my way to work every morning and it just brings a smile to my face. I love all the stories and joy this podcast brings. I listen to an episode and then immediately listen to the songs and it allows me to appreciate it that much more and have a better understanding. Thank you so much!

Don't waste your time!

I’m so glad I found this. Thanks for all the work you put into it.

Love poddylan! It is so great to have a Dylan podcast to be able to have other Dylan freaks to geek out with! Rob, just a quick note. On the up to me episode you mentioned not knowing what he meant by “only decent thing I did when I worked as postal clerk was to haul your picture down off the wall by the cage where I used to work. I’ve always taken that to mean he pulled down her wanted poster from post office wall. The next line asks was I a fool or not to protect your real identity so those two lines always hit me as he protected her identity by taking down her wanted poster which for some reason I associate w/ hanging in post offices. Keep up Great and interesting work! Also enjoyed your appearance on cheers cast!

If you are a Bob Dylan aficionado or fan, Pod Dylan is a podcast where I believe not only displays reverence to the subject, but is entertaining as well. Rob Kelly’s casts of guests bring different flavors to the discussion.

Deep dive into Dylan and what makes him great- the songs! Each episode focuses on a single song where Rob and a guest break it down, talk about its history, its meaning, when its been performed live, as well as personal remembrances. Rob strikes a great balance between going deep and keeping the discussion moving along and easy to follow. Some of my favorite episodes are of songs I have never heard before!

My favorite Bob Dylan song is Jokerman. I very much enjoyed that episode. There’s no episode I haven’t enjoyed listening to.

There is a lot of good analysis of Dylan’s work here. My only issue is that sound is pretty bad

I’m a long time Dylan fan but I never knew much about his life story or the history of his songs. Rob Kelly and his guests place each song into context and share interesting details. Plus, they are all good podcasters and always keep it breezy and fun.

If you are a Dylan fan you will love this podcast. It’s a very enjoyable relaxed conversation amongst friends focused on a single Dylan track but happily meandering down numerous Dylan byways as the host is a fount of nuggets from Dylan’s past. Two enthusiastic thumbs up.

I give this podcast a higher rating because it allows me to rediscover Dylan classics as well as sublime less well known songs. It looks at one song at a time and he has a conversation with one guest about that song. This format makes for a comfortable friendly listening, kind of like listening to a conversation with friends.

Learn so much about Dylan in an easy, relatable way. Going one song at a time is fantastic. Highly recommend.

This is the podcast I had been dreaming of. Rob, thank you so much for doing this. Love it since the beginning, but ep 7 it really hit home to me: To hear two people geeking out about “Where Are You Tonight? (Journey Through Dark Heat)” with such love for a song that I adore too….Very exciting for me. That episode made me remember that for a period in the 90s I listened to Street Legal every day driving to work singing at the top of my lungs as one does only alone in a car. Love that album. Was blown away that you happened to mention Brownsville Girl in that same episode, a song that I love---all 11 minutes of it! I’m a 52 yr old Dylan fan and have been a fan since I was 18 or 19, and like you Rob, my Dylan song count far outnumbers all the songs in my collection. Love your insights and information Rob, and your guests are fantastic too. Dylan is such an acquired taste that it’s hard to find hard core fans to geek out about with, so this podcast is a dream come true. I have one request: DON’T STOP! NEVER STOP!! Keep doing this podcast… ~~”…till the ’til the wheels fall off and burn ’Til the sun peels the paint and the seat covers fade nd the water moccasin dies…~~ And Thank You!!

Rob Kelly’s passion for Bob Dylan is infectious. I know, because I’m not what you would call a huge Dylan fan, but I enjoy every episode of this series. Rob and his guests bring their unique personal experiences with each song discussed, proving the impact that Dylan has had on the world in the past 50 plus years. For insightful commentary on some of the greatest songs ever written, look no further than Pod Dylan.

I had a classmate that liked Bob Dylan. He would probably love this podcast! I will recommend it to him if our paths cross again, because Rob does a great job talking about what his music means to him, a song at a time, with a guest that feels a connection to that song. Before this podcast, I related more to Weird Al's Bob Dylan parody, but I'm learning to have an appreciation for Bob Dylan himself.

Rob Kelly and a rotating group of co-hosts celebrate the music of Bob Dylan one song at a time. The depth of love, passion, and respect for the material is undeniable and listeners will be both entertained and educated. Listen and enjoy!

Love the pod, and the format! It would be really interesting sometime if you were able to do a song off a live album for when he switched over from acoustic to electric? Might just be an interesting frame for the discussion. Maybe a little Maggie's Farm? Thanks for the pod keep up the great work!

Dylan fans rejoice!!! You're favorite podcast is just a click away. Rob covers popular and relatively obscure songs with guests who love the material almost as much as he does. Tune in for great coverage.