On a typical day in 1999, Rob Harvilla could be seen walking around Ohio University’s campus with “Birdhouse in Your Soul” by They Might Be Giants blaring in his ears, surrounded by fellow students dressed in their favorite denim pieces, band tees and tennis shoes.
Harvilla graduated in 2000 with a degree in magazine journalism. He is now a Columbus resident and senior staff writer for The Ringer, a Spotify-owned sports, pop culture and podcast website. The OU alumnus credits part of his passion for music and writing to his involvement with The Post and All Campus Radio Network.
“I applied to one school, OU, because it had the best journalism school in the state,” Harvilla said.
Even before his time as a Bobcat, Harvilla grew up around sound, constantly dancing to his parents’ records and learning about all things rock 'n' roll.
“My parents tell me that when I was 2, 3, 4 years old, all I would want to do is just listen to records on their stereo, and I would run around in circles in our living room while albums played,” Harvilla said.
Harvilla’s interest in music and writing never faded and his childhood dreams became a reality when offered a position with The Ringer in 2016. Harvilla writes on a plethora of musical topics, from Rihanna's Super Bowl halftime show in 2023 to the legacy of Jimmy Buffett.
Despite Harvilla’s success, the witty and energetic writer itched for something more and decided to launch a podcast a few years after he started at The Ringer. “60 Songs that Explain the ‘90s: The 2000s” made its debut on Spotify in October 2020, drawing in all '90s babies looking to reminisce about their favorite childhood songs.
“As a rock critic, I often worried that I was writing only for other rock critics (and) writing entirely in jargon,” Harvilla said. “I was trying to make something that would appeal to anyone who just loves music and … still remembers the music they loved as a teenager … and somehow it started working.”
With over 6.7k monthly listeners and a 4.8 star rating on Spotify, Harvilla found his target audience and continues to make connections around the world.
Yasi Salek, a longtime friend of Harvilla’s, is the host of Bandsplain at The Ringer, a podcast featuring “experts” who discuss “cult bands and iconic artists and why people love them.” Salek started working for Spotify in 2017 and lives in Los Angeles.
Salek said she was a listener of “60 Songs that Explain the ‘90s” before starting Bandsplain. The friendship between Harvilla and Salek quickly flourished after collaborating for an episode about Dave Matthews Band.
“My first impressions were from the podcast before I met him and I just was so struck by how smart and funny he was,” Salek said. “His singular voice really bowled me over because it is both so disarming and comfortable … he is just a really exceptional creator.”
Salek said her and Harvilla have collaborated several times since, hosting crossover episodes and live events for listeners and musical fiends.
Amid his busy schedule, Harvilla plans to relive his Bobcat days at the 2025 Music Industry Summit from March 25-27. The Summit is directed by Josh Antonuccio and hosted by the Center of Entrepreneurship, Scripps College of Communication and the Performing Arts and Concert Series.
Debuting in 2018, the event focuses on the “stories of artists, entrepreneurs” and “leaders” of the music world through keynote speeches, panels and performances. Harvilla said he will be on a panel and hosting breakout sessions, discussing the differences between podcast writing and print writing.
“I am excited … to soak it up (and) just go around and meet different people,“ Harvilla said. "I want to hear other people's experiences and wander around campus."
Julia Zinnbauer, a sophomore studying music production, plans to attend The Summit. She said is excited to hear from OU alumni and learn about their professional experiences.
“It is a really reassuring feeling, especially because OU alumni are so passionate about helping people,” Zinnbauer said. “Knowing there are people that were in my position and they are out there killing it in the industry, it’s just a really calming feeling.”
With his success as a rock critic, podcast creator, father of three and soon to be MIS presenter, Harvilla continues to inspire listeners and leave a positive impact on those around him.
“Rob Harvilla is an international treasure, but especially the crown jewel of Ohio,” Salek said.
Harvilla’s book, “60 Songs that Explain the ‘90s” can be purchased on Amazon for $16.99, $16.80 or $17.59, with Kindle, hardcover and paperback versions. Students interested in listening to Harvilla live can register for the MIS here.
