{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Roo and the Reverend","home_page_url":"https://rooandthereverend.fireside.fm","feed_url":"https://rooandthereverend.fireside.fm/json","description":"Roo (Ruthie De Leon) and the Reverend (Dan De Leon), a daughter-and-dad band, combine vocal harmonies with keys, guitar, violin, and bass for songs ranging from alternative folk to acoustic rock and new wave. With Mac De Leon on drums, their LP, Of the Lion, moves from melancholy melodies—invoking Metric, The Smiths, The Sundays—to energetic hooks inspired by The Cure, Bob Mould, and Superchunk.","_fireside":{"subtitle":"A teen and her pastor parent share conversations and music","pubdate":"2026-05-20T14:00:00.000-05:00","explicit":false,"copyright":"2026 by Dan De Leon","owner":"Dan De Leon","image":"https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/c8bb44b0-3dde-4bc4-92ea-f036db599ed4/cover.jpg?v=2"},"items":[{"id":"3b09f76c-6b5e-451e-a631-069e6f0d359b","title":"Episode 11: Making \"Of the Lion\" - Track 6: \"It All Fell Apart\"","url":"https://rooandthereverend.fireside.fm/11","content_text":"In the next episode of our Making \"Of the Lion” podcast series, we take listeners behind the scenes of track 6, “It All Fell Apart.” Inspired by The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Ruthie reflects on reading the Shakespeare play in English class and delving into the themes of betrayal, revenge and tragic loss. From literary inspiration to songwriting choices, this episode offers a closer look at how classic stories still speak powerfully into modern music.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn the next episode of our Making \u0026quot;Of the Lion” podcast series, we take listeners behind the scenes of track 6, “It All Fell Apart.” Inspired by The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Ruthie reflects on reading the Shakespeare play in English class and delving into the themes of betrayal, revenge and tragic loss. From literary inspiration to songwriting choices, this episode offers a closer look at how classic stories still speak powerfully into modern music.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Episode 6 of a new series focusing on the making of our band's upcoming album, \"Of the Lion\"","date_published":"2026-05-20T14:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c8bb44b0-3dde-4bc4-92ea-f036db599ed4/3b09f76c-6b5e-451e-a631-069e6f0d359b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":20799029,"duration_in_seconds":866}]},{"id":"34c1eda5-0f8f-4e9b-a33c-a76802b86595","title":"Episode 6: Making \"Of the Lion\" - Track 1: \"Clarisse\"","url":"https://rooandthereverend.fireside.fm/6","content_text":"In anticipation of the release of our first album, we're bringing to you a podcast series where we talk about the making of said album, one song at a time. Give a listen to find out what inspired Roo to write the first track, \"Clarisse\" and how it all came together in the studio. You'll also get a sneak peak of the song.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn anticipation of the release of our first album, we\u0026#39;re bringing to you a podcast series where we talk about the making of said album, one song at a time. Give a listen to find out what inspired Roo to write the first track, \u0026quot;Clarisse\u0026quot; and how it all came together in the studio. You\u0026#39;ll also get a sneak peak of the song.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Episode 1 of a new series focusing on the making of our band's upcoming album, \"Of the Lion\"","date_published":"2026-05-20T13:45:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c8bb44b0-3dde-4bc4-92ea-f036db599ed4/34c1eda5-0f8f-4e9b-a33c-a76802b86595.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":16328301,"duration_in_seconds":668}]},{"id":"368f04ec-f584-46a0-80cb-8dac9d4ae156","title":"Episode 9: Making \"Of the Lion\" - Track 4: \"Nightbird\"","url":"https://rooandthereverend.fireside.fm/9","content_text":"Episode 4 of our Making “Of the Lion” podcast series is here—and this one dives into “Nightbird.”\n\nLike a few tracks on the album, “Nightbird” was inspired by a book character. In this episode, we talk about how that character shaped the mood of the track, how the arrangement evolved in the studio, and the moments where everything just clicked.\n\nListen in and step into the world of “Nightbird.” ","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eEpisode 4 of our Making “Of the Lion” podcast series is here—and this one dives into “Nightbird.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLike a few tracks on the album, “Nightbird” was inspired by a book character. In this episode, we talk about how that character shaped the mood of the track, how the arrangement evolved in the studio, and the moments where everything just clicked.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eListen in and step into the world of “Nightbird.” \u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Episode 4 of our new series focusing on the making of our band's first album, \"Of the Lion\"","date_published":"2026-05-20T13:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c8bb44b0-3dde-4bc4-92ea-f036db599ed4/368f04ec-f584-46a0-80cb-8dac9d4ae156.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":15841197,"duration_in_seconds":659}]},{"id":"ec40037f-efe2-49c7-b2ef-6358944a904f","title":"Episode 8: Making \"Of the Lion\" - Track 3: \"Francis\"","url":"https://rooandthereverend.fireside.fm/8","content_text":"Episode 3 of our Making \"Of the Lion\" podcast series is FINALLY here! \n\nThis time, we’re diving into Track 3: “Francis.” In this episode, we unpack the story behind the song—centered on a book character close to Roo’s heart—what sparked its creation, and how it took shape over time.\n\nWe also share how the piano part Roo wrote and performs came together right in the studio, along with some of the creative, collaborative moments between all three De Leons that helped bring the track to life.\n\nIt’s another behind-the-scenes look at the heart of the album and the process that shaped it.\n\nTune in to hear the story behind “Francis.”","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eEpisode 3 of our Making \u0026quot;Of the Lion\u0026quot; podcast series is FINALLY here! \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis time, we’re diving into Track 3: “Francis.” In this episode, we unpack the story behind the song—centered on a book character close to Roo’s heart—what sparked its creation, and how it took shape over time.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe also share how the piano part Roo wrote and performs came together right in the studio, along with some of the creative, collaborative moments between all three De Leons that helped bring the track to life.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s another behind-the-scenes look at the heart of the album and the process that shaped it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTune in to hear the story behind “Francis.”\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Episode 3 of our new series focusing on the making of our band's first album, \"Of the Lion\"","date_published":"2026-05-20T13:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c8bb44b0-3dde-4bc4-92ea-f036db599ed4/ec40037f-efe2-49c7-b2ef-6358944a904f.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":14309586,"duration_in_seconds":596}]},{"id":"04d4bda5-f0d3-42f3-b51d-3c1d20389b9f","title":"Episode 7: Making \"Of the Lion\" - Track 2: \"I Can't\"","url":"https://rooandthereverend.fireside.fm/7","content_text":"As we get closer to the release of the album, we’re back with episode two of our podcast. This time, we’re diving into the second song on the album, “I Can’t” — what inspired Roo to write it, how the track evolved, and the moments in the studio that brought it to life. Tune in to hear the story behind the song.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eAs we get closer to the release of the album, we’re back with episode two of our podcast. This time, we’re diving into the second song on the album, “I Can’t” — what inspired Roo to write it, how the track evolved, and the moments in the studio that brought it to life. Tune in to hear the story behind the song.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Episode 2 of our new series focusing on the making of our band's first album, \"Of the Lion\"","date_published":"2026-05-20T13:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c8bb44b0-3dde-4bc4-92ea-f036db599ed4/04d4bda5-f0d3-42f3-b51d-3c1d20389b9f.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":16221718,"duration_in_seconds":664}]},{"id":"e649b0d9-bae8-4ea1-bd67-a28bcab9ecc2","title":"Episode 10: Making \"Of the Lion\" - Track 5: \"Memories of June\"","url":"https://rooandthereverend.fireside.fm/10","content_text":"Episode 5 of our Making “Of the Lion” podcast series is out now. This one tells the story behind track 5, “Memories of June,” as Roo and Dan are joined by a special guest—Mac De Leon who plays drums on the album.\n\nInspired by the enduring love story of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, “Memories of June” carries a bit of history with it. The song is a revival of one Dan originally wrote years ago for one of his former bands, “That’s Mister to You.”\n\nIn this episode, we talk about bringing the song back to life, reshaping it for Of the Lion, and the influence of Johnny and June’s story on the final version.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eEpisode 5 of our Making “Of the Lion” podcast series is out now. This one tells the story behind track 5, “Memories of June,” as Roo and Dan are joined by a special guest—Mac De Leon who plays drums on the album.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInspired by the enduring love story of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, “Memories of June” carries a bit of history with it. The song is a revival of one Dan originally wrote years ago for one of his former bands, “That’s Mister to You.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this episode, we talk about bringing the song back to life, reshaping it for Of the Lion, and the influence of Johnny and June’s story on the final version.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Episode 5 of our new series focusing on the making of our band's first album, \"Of the Lion\"","date_published":"2026-05-20T13:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c8bb44b0-3dde-4bc4-92ea-f036db599ed4/e649b0d9-bae8-4ea1-bd67-a28bcab9ecc2.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":21547594,"duration_in_seconds":897}]},{"id":"158e7b62-c584-4ee8-ba6f-452e1887821f","title":"Episode 5: Let’s Talk About Gender (In)Equity: Part 1 of 7 Issues, 7 Podcasts","url":"https://rooandthereverend.fireside.fm/5","content_text":"Roo and the Preacher Dad kick off a 7- part series looking at issues of gender equality and equity based on a recent series of articles from the New York Times called, “In Her Words: 7 Issues, 7 Days.” This first episode looks at Emma Goldberg’s piece, “A World Made for Men,” and how women being underrepresented affects all of us.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eRoo and the Preacher Dad kick off a 7- part series looking at issues of gender equality and equity based on a recent series of articles from the New York Times called, “In Her Words: 7 Issues, 7 Days.” This first episode looks at Emma Goldberg’s piece, “A World Made for Men,” and how women being underrepresented affects all of us.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Roo and the Preacher Dad kick off a 7- part series looking at issues of gender equality and equity based on a recent series of articles from the New York Times called, “In Her Words: 7 Issues, 7 Days.” This first episode looks at Emma Goldberg’s piece, “A World Made for Men,” and how women being underrepresented affects all of us.","date_published":"2020-08-10T07:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c8bb44b0-3dde-4bc4-92ea-f036db599ed4/158e7b62-c584-4ee8-ba6f-452e1887821f.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":59590032,"duration_in_seconds":1862}]},{"id":"27c357d2-ed5a-45d6-8e93-32802e73e2cd","title":"Episode 4: Summer vacations, preteen phobias, and gun violence pre-coronavirus","url":"https://rooandthereverend.fireside.fm/4","content_text":"We recorded this episode when Roo was 11 and just starting the 6th grade. The world was a few months away from being introduced to the coronavirus. A lot has changed since then in our conversational dynamic, and certainly with the culture we’re living in, but we thought it would be refreshing to share some hindsight perspective. So, on this episode we recap our summer vacation from August of 2019 at Universal Studios in Orlando, we discuss Roo’s fear of human beings dressed as animals, and we talk about gun violence and how it’s shaped our everyday lives.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eWe recorded this episode when Roo was 11 and just starting the 6th grade. The world was a few months away from being introduced to the coronavirus. A lot has changed since then in our conversational dynamic, and certainly with the culture we’re living in, but we thought it would be refreshing to share some hindsight perspective. So, on this episode we recap our summer vacation from August of 2019 at Universal Studios in Orlando, we discuss Roo’s fear of human beings dressed as animals, and we talk about gun violence and how it’s shaped our everyday lives.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"A pre-COVID-19 convo about summer vacations, Roo's fear of humans dressed as animals, and our culture of gun violence.","date_published":"2020-06-29T06:45:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c8bb44b0-3dde-4bc4-92ea-f036db599ed4/27c357d2-ed5a-45d6-8e93-32802e73e2cd.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":36006266,"duration_in_seconds":1125}]},{"id":"6ad27d3a-744c-4c51-bd48-17203bc3f726","title":"Episode 3: George Floyd: Talking about Racism","url":"https://rooandthereverend.fireside.fm/3","content_text":"","content_html":"","summary":"A conversation about George Floyd, systemic injustice, and dismantling racism; too much for just one episode, but we've got to start somewhere.","date_published":"2020-06-09T08:45:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c8bb44b0-3dde-4bc4-92ea-f036db599ed4/6ad27d3a-744c-4c51-bd48-17203bc3f726.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":63394296,"duration_in_seconds":1980}]},{"id":"a8a77ad8-532a-44a0-9684-2130a65ddfbd","title":"Episode 2: Our First Coronavirus Convo","url":"https://rooandthereverend.fireside.fm/2","content_text":"After finally launching their podcoast with an introductory episode they recorded in August of 2019, well before the coronavirus turned the world upside town, Roo \u0026amp; the Preacher Dad follow up with a second episode recorded on May 2, 2020, about life during a global pandemic, how they're feeling emotionally and mentally, God's role in all of this, and even life when the era of COVID-19 subsides.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eAfter finally launching their podcoast with an introductory episode they recorded in August of 2019, well before the coronavirus turned the world upside town, Roo \u0026amp; the Preacher Dad follow up with a second episode recorded on May 2, 2020, about life during a global pandemic, how they\u0026#39;re feeling emotionally and mentally, God\u0026#39;s role in all of this, and even life when the era of COVID-19 subsides.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Roo \u0026 the Preacher Dad talk about life during a global pandemic, how they're feeling emotionally and mentally, God's role in all of this, and even life when the era of COVID-19 subsides.","date_published":"2020-05-04T06:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c8bb44b0-3dde-4bc4-92ea-f036db599ed4/a8a77ad8-532a-44a0-9684-2130a65ddfbd.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":49270619,"duration_in_seconds":1539}]},{"id":"b115fc99-21ae-4168-ac8f-b64a7fff6b56","title":"Episode 1: Introducing Roo \u0026 the Preacher Dad","url":"https://rooandthereverend.fireside.fm/1","content_text":"On this first episode of Roo \u0026amp; the Preacher Dad, the daddy-dauther duo warm up to podcasting by introducing themselves, bringing listeners into their world of school and extracurriculars for Roo and ministry and family life for the Preacher Dad. They even share some of their fears and worries when it comes to being the child of a pastor and being the parent of a preteen while shepherding a congregation in today's world. The podcasters love to play music together, so this first episode also shares a snippet of the first song they wrote together, \"Nothing Can Keep Us Apart.\"","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eOn this first episode of Roo \u0026amp; the Preacher Dad, the daddy-dauther duo warm up to podcasting by introducing themselves, bringing listeners into their world of school and extracurriculars for Roo and ministry and family life for the Preacher Dad. They even share some of their fears and worries when it comes to being the child of a pastor and being the parent of a preteen while shepherding a congregation in today\u0026#39;s world. The podcasters love to play music together, so this first episode also shares a snippet of the first song they wrote together, \u0026quot;Nothing Can Keep Us Apart.\u0026quot;\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"A preteen PK (Pastor's Kid) named Roo and her pastor parent spend some time introducing themselves, talking about their likes, their dislikes, and even some of their fears.","date_published":"2020-04-26T14:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c8bb44b0-3dde-4bc4-92ea-f036db599ed4/b115fc99-21ae-4168-ac8f-b64a7fff6b56.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":50602237,"duration_in_seconds":1581}]}]}