Rob is an active researcher, writer, and presenter on topics related to popular music. His research interests include the Beatles, the Grateful Dead, Phish, Peter Gabriel, and the role of the electric bass in popular music. He regularly presents in the Beatles area at the Pop Culture Association Conference. He has co-led Guided Listening Sessions for the Phish Studies Association and has appeared on the Good Ol' Grateful Deadcast discussing and dissecting Phil Lesh's bass lines.