Curious Goldfish

Before The Voice, before three chairs turned, before Team Kelly — we sat down with Abigayle Oakley on the gulf coast at the 30A Songwriters Festival and talked about what it actually feels like to build a life in music when you're still figuring out who you are.Abigayle calls her sound "existential indie folk," and it fits. She writes about not having answers — about being her own worst gaslighter, about the gap between ambition and presence, about writing 100 songs in a year just to stop being precious about the process. We talked co-writing, Julia Cameron, the pressure of social media on her generation, and why a love song about a thrifted Patagonia fleece might be the most honest thing she's written.From Las Vegas, Nevada. Based in Nashville. Currently on NBC's The Voice, Team Kelly Clarkson. This is Abigayle Oakley before the world caught on.00:00 Cold Open00:38 Podcast Intro01:11 Guest Introduction03:33 Interview Begins04:58 Touring & Venues07:00 New Music & EP Release07:35 100 Songs a Year08:41 Existential Indie Folk09:37 Worst Gaslighter11:36 Social Media & Anxiety12:28 Music as Therapy14:03 Co-Writing & The Creative Process16:04 The Artist's Way & Showing Up17:09 Making the Leap18:01 Career Goals & Creative Freedom20:16 Hazel Eyed Lover in Patagonia (Story)21:53 What Are You Most Curious About?24:25 Closing & Goodbye24:44 Song: Hazel Eyed Lover in Patagonia28:29 Song: Press Three

Jimmy Fortune on Reinventing After the Statler Brothers, Faith, and Virginia Dreams | Curious GoldfishIn this Curious Goldfish episode, host Jason English interviews Country Music Hall of Famer Jimmy Fortune, reflecting on his early years playing Holiday Inn and Ramada Inn lounge circuits, including a defining moment when an older man urged him not to quit his dream. Fortune recounts joining the Statler Brothers in 1982, the life-changing opportunities that followed, and the challenge of starting over when the group retired in 2002. He discusses nerves and humility in his solo career, mentorship and advice about moving to Nashville, and his latest “American Dreamer” project—a book, CD, and live, no-overdub DVD created with writer Dave Clark to share a raw, chronological story of faith, forgiveness, and resilience through dark seasons and personal loss. The conversation also highlights Fortune’s enduring connection to Virginia and the inspiration behind “Earl’s Song, Virginia Dreams,” which he performs at the end.00:00 Holiday Inn Dream Advice01:13 Podcast Welcome and Guest Intro03:42 Meeting Jimmy Fortune04:46 Statler Brothers Breakthrough05:22 Retirement and Starting Over06:24 A Dream From Dad08:30 Three Career Eras12:12 Going Solo Reality Check14:03 Oak Ridge Boys Nerves16:15 Ramada Inn Circuit Lessons17:48 Never Quit Your Dream21:20 American Dreamer Project22:25 Writing the Book25:29 Live DVD Rough Edges27:38 Virginia Roots and Songs29:26 Virginia Longing30:04 Earl Song Origins30:46 Home Memories Everywhere31:49 Nashville Family33:10 Go To Nashville Advice33:38 Phil Vassar Story35:21 Mentoring The Next36:43 Purpose Over Money37:59 Family And Regrets39:17 God Things And Roots42:50 Forgiveness And Grace44:59 Grief And Hope49:03 Curious About The World53:13 Faith And Free Will54:52 Closing Thanks55:12 Virginia Dreams Performance🎙️ Welcome to Curious Goldfish!Curious Goldfish is a podcast community where music and curiosity come together through meaningful conversations with the music makers of our world. It’s a music podcast about more than music, inspired by Ted Lasso. Hosted by Jason English, each episode dives into the stories, struggles, and inspirations behind some of the most captivating voices in Americana, rock, folk, country, and bluegrass.Whether it’s Grammy winners, rising stars, or undiscovered gems, we explore the creative journey, personal transformation, and the impact of place and purpose on art.📌 Subscribe & Join the Conversation!Hit the subscribe button and don't forget to tap the bell so you never miss an episode.🌐 Website: https://curiousgoldfish.com🪕Redstoolsessions Backyard Listening Room🎧 Listen on Spotify/Apple/All Platforms:📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/curiousgoldfishpodcast📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/thecuriousgoldfish🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Curiosity_Fish📹 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@curiousgoldfishpodcast🌌 Bluesky: https://curiousgoldfishpod.bsky.social💬 Drop a comment below – who would you love to see featured next?📬 Stay curious – subscribe to our newsletter!Don’t miss exclusive artist insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and curated playlists. Sign up for Chords of Curiosity at https://curiousgoldfish.com!💼 Support the Show with Our Favorite Tools🎙️ Podcast Hosting via Captivate: https://fas.st/t/JtdpvPX6🌐 Website Powered by PodcastPage.IO: https://podcastpage.io?via=jason38📱 Social Media Made Simple with OnlySocial: https://onlysocial.io/?ref=curiousgoldfish#CuriousGoldfish #AmericanaMusic #SongwriterStories #Podcast #ChordsOfCuriosity #AffiliateLinks

Host Jason English welcomes Stella Prince, hailed as the face of Gen Z folk, for a conversation recorded at AmericanaFest after her first official showcase at Nashville’s female-owned venue, Anzie Blue. Prince reflects on growing up in Woodstock, New York, singing as a child with artists like Pete Seeger, and her early drive to work in music, including being a 12-year-old radio DJ spinning 1930s–40s big band and writing music reviews. She discusses making folk mainstream again, the generational appeal of the genre, and inspirations like Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, and Judy Collins, plus contemporaries like Laufey. Prince describes building an all-women team, recording her debut EP in Laurel Canyon, and releasing her first sync—a Hallmark film featuring her reimagined “(They Long to Be) Close to You.” She also shares songwriting shaped by Gen Z anxiety, inflation, and newfound independence, and performs “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” and her original “Good Luck Is Hard to Find.”00:00 Folk Across Generations00:28 Podcast Intro and Guest Setup02:42 AmericanaFest Milestone04:38 Why Folk Feels Real Now05:34 Making Folk Mainstream Again06:13 Gen Z Jazz Inspiration08:21 Woodstock Roots and Early Magic09:27 Radio DJ and Big Band Years11:00 DIY Hustle to Building a Team13:04 All Women Team and Industry Gaps13:45 Women on the Road14:42 Laurel Canyon Recording Dream15:23 Career First at 2116:26 EP Plans and Hallmark Sync17:57 Songwriting From Independence18:35 Gen Z Pressure and Anxiety20:55 Curiosity and Defining Success23:14 Live Performance Session26:04 Original Song Closing

Bird on AmericanaFest, Accidental Filmmaking, and Storytelling Through Music | Curious Goldfish PodcastHost Jason English welcomes Janie, who performs as Bird, to the Curious Goldfish Podcast in Nashville during AmericanaFest. Bird, half Irish and half English, grew up in London, is based in Italy, and is increasingly working in the U.S. after receiving an O-1 visa. She discusses Irish storytelling roots, her classical cello training from age six, learning drums at 11, and influences ranging from Jacqueline du Pré to Led Zeppelin and Bob Dylan that shaped her Americana sound. Bird explains the origin of her stage name, her “accidental filmmaker” path after a cinematic album stalled during COVID, and her short films “Wider Than the Sky” and “You Found a Friend in Elvis,” inspired by a Roy Orbison story. She outlines festival strategy, upcoming full-length film plans, two EPs (“Heads or Tales” and “Strange as Folk”) and a vinyl release, touring via Café Nero, and performs “The Tides” solo on cello for the first time.00:00 Irish Storytelling Roots00:55 Podcast Welcome and Guest Intro02:56 Meeting at AmericanaFest03:35 AmericanaFest Buzz and US Plans04:44 Why the Name Bird07:22 Accidental Filmmaker Origin09:12 Elvis and Roy Orbison Mystery11:15 Festival Strategy and No Money12:45 Third Film Tease and Timeline14:13 Back to Music Classical Beginnings15:13 Drums and Rock Influences15:56 Irish Storytelling Roots17:24 Albums and Genre Evolution17:52 Heads or Tales EP18:28 Why Two EPs19:17 Folk Horror Inspiration21:17 Lockdown Demos in Italy22:27 Touring and Future Plans25:19 Curiosity and Connection27:58 The Tides Closing Song

Stephanie Sammons: Financial Planner by Day, Songwriter by Calling | Curious Goldfish with Jason EnglishHost Jason English welcomes Stephanie Sammons to Curious Goldfish in Nashville for a conversation about her dual life as a Dallas-based financial planner and an emerging songwriter. Stephanie explains her holistic approach to wealth management—combining financial planning, tax planning, and investment management—while emphasizing the importance of behavior, long-term perspective, and living fully rather than following rigid rules. She shares how she decided to “go pro” as a songwriter without leaving her career, motivated by a desire to avoid regret and stop waiting for permission to be herself, including encouragement from songwriter Mary Gauthier to claim the title of songwriter. Stephanie discusses her Southern Baptist upbringing in Missouri, how coming out created a decade-long family disconnect, and how reconciliation eventually developed into mutual respect, including her parents’ relationship with her wife and their grandchildren. The episode explores themes of faith, nuance, fear, optimism, and how personal experiences become songwriting material, including her song “Faithless” and the origins of “Innocence Lost,” inspired by a childhood memory of shooting a bird with a BB gun and later shaped in a Mary Gauthier workshop. Stephanie notes she released her 2024 album “Time and Evolution” and is currently recording a second full-length album with Mary Bragg, expected in early 2026. The episode closes with Stephanie performing “Innocence Lost.”00:00 Music, Faith, and Finding a Hopeful Perspective01:01 Welcome to Curious Goldfish + Meet Stephanie Sammons03:15 Nashville Intro & Why Her Songs Hit So Hard04:07 Holistic Financial Planning: Retirement, Spending, and Mindset06:53 Market Chaos, Long-Term Optimism, and Tuning Out the Noise08:05 Day Job vs. Art: Going Pro Without Quitting10:57 ‘Build Your Own Adventure’ + Claiming the Title Songwriter12:06 No More Excuses: Regret, Calling, and Making the Leap14:10 Faith Deconstruction in Americana Music (and Why It’s Taboo)16:52 Southern Baptist Roots, Sexuality, and a Complicated Belief18:10 The ‘Billboard Sign’ Lyric: Family Rejection and Its Aftermath18:59 Rebuilding the Relationship: From Pedestal to Reconciliation19:40 The Turning Point: Letting Go and Parents Coming Back Around21:33 Agreeing to Disagree: Family, Marriage, Kids, and Mutual Respect22:30 Will Sexuality Always Be the Headline? Identity Beyond Coming Out23:31 Deep-Cut Songs & ‘Innocence Lost’: Writing Empathy in the South26:57 How a Workshop Sparked ‘Innocence Lost’ (Mary Gauthier Story)27:46 Why Songwriting Is the Joy (and Co-Writing as the Next Step)28:53 ‘Faithless’ and Living with Nuance: Doubt, Privilege, and Worldview31:06 Going Pro, New Doors, and Album #2 in the Works (2026)32:02 What She’s Most Curious About: Media, Fear, and the Swinging Pendulum34:39 Closing Thanks + Live Performance: ‘Innocence Lost’

Morgan Myles on ‘Laced’: Turning a Broken Engagement into an Album, Surviving Nashville, and Staying Authentic in the AI EraIn this Curious Goldfish episode hosted by Jason English, singer-songwriter Morgan Myles discusses her upcoming album Laced (releasing February 13 on Galentine’s Day) and the personal upheaval that shaped it, including calling off her wedding, buying and then selling a house with her ex-fiancé, and touring through the chaos. She explains how the album title shifted from Language of Flowers to Laced, describing lace as delicate yet resilient, and shares how she used her 20-foot wedding veil—taken to Joshua Tree two weeks after the breakup—as the album cover. Morgan compares Laced to her 2020 album Therapy, outlines the two-year process of writing 80 songs in five months and narrowing them to 12 for vinyl with producer Ross Hogarth, and talks about performing while dealing with stress, compartmentalizing, faith, and negativity on social media. The conversation explores how fans can support artists in streaming, emphasizing that actively searching for an artist and listening to full songs signals algorithms, and addresses the flood of AI-generated music and its impact on songwriters, demo singers, session players, and industry economics. Morgan shares her view of authenticity, discusses songwriting themes like gaslighting and the power of words, and explains protecting vulnerability by staying close to trusted people. She talks about writing with Gary Nichols, what she learns from his perspective, and highlights tracks including “Love Is Lonesome” and “American Sky,” which she wrote to evoke bipartisan hope while addressing phone toxicity, food chemicals, veteran support, financial education, school tragedies, and media hate. Morgan reflects on her positive experience on The Voice as valuable exposure, her goals of continuing to write, tour, and build her fanbase, and ends by sharing what she’s curious about now—especially history and learning how to meditate.00:00 From ‘Language of Flowers’ to ‘Laced’: the veil that became the album cover01:09 Welcome to Curious Goldfish + quick listener survey on streaming & AI02:24 Meet Morgan Myles: survival, breakup inspiration, and authenticity in the AI era03:38 Ice storm in Nashville: weather chaos and keeping the lights on05:28 Laced release week + comparing the new album to Therapy10:32 80 songs in 5 months: choosing the final tracklist with Ross Hogarth11:55 The symbolism of lace: engagement, heartbreak, and women’s stories13:33 Performing through pain: staying joyful onstage and handling trolls16:59 How fans can help in the streaming era: algorithms, full listens, and search intent21:06 AI in music: inevitable shift, lost royalties, and protecting the soul of songs27:29 Breaking Down the Album: Passion, Despair & Song Themes28:56 Why Words Matter: Songwriting, Gaslighting & Relationship Red Flags30:29 Vulnerability vs Self-Protection (and Handling Online Judgment)33:03 Pet Peeves & “Icks”: Attention, Alone Time, and Basic Respect34:09 Writing with Gary Nichols: Process, Perspective & Musical Authenticity37:24 “Love Is Lonesome”: When Love Hurts and How to Nurture It39:54 “American Sky”: Hope, Division, and a Bipartisan Message45:56 Where She’s Headed Next: Career Goals, The Voice, and Staying Grateful49:55 Final Question: What She’s Most Curious About (History, Meditation & Life)52:37 Wrap-Up: Album Release, Thanks, and Where to Stream

Pete Muller on Curiosity, Music, and Living in the Present | Curious Goldfish PodcastIn this episode of Curious Goldfish, host Jason English dives into an engaging conversation with Pete Muller, a multifaceted talent who excels in quantitative finance, crossword puzzle creation, philanthropy, and music. Pete shares insights on living in the present, the dangers of nostalgia, and his journey from finance to becoming a singer-songwriter. They discuss Pete's new album 'One Last Dance', his love for yoga and surfing, and the importance of staying curious and excited about the future. Pete also reveals his efforts in saving the iconic Power Station studio and supporting independent music venues across America. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion about balancing professional success with personal passions.00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Present Excitement00:57 Welcome to Curious Goldfish01:46 Meet Pete Muller: A Multifaceted Talent05:10 Pete's Journey in Quantitative Finance09:06 Crossword Puzzles and Quantitative Finance13:34 The Art of Poker and Emotional Control15:25 Living in the Present: Yoga, Surfing, and Music21:21 Redefining Success and Personal Reflections21:43 The Antisocial Camp Experience22:56 Finding Joy in Small Moments23:37 The Journey Towards Spirituality24:47 Balancing Resources and Authenticity in Music27:13 The Challenge of Connecting with the Audience28:30 Creating Music and Personal Growth28:57 Future Plans and Goals as an Artist30:47 Recording at Peter Gabriel's Studio33:46 Supporting the Arts and Philanthropy34:48 Reviving the Iconic Power Station Studio38:46 Supporting Independent Music Venues40:41 The Magic of Live Music41:15 Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes

Exploring Musical Journeys and New Beginnings with Lydia Luce | Curious Goldfish PodcastIn this episode of the Curious Goldfish Podcast, host Jason English sits down with the talented indie folk musician Lydia Luce. Lydia shares her journey from studying classical music in a conservatory to embracing a more relaxed and enjoyable indie folk career. She discusses her new album 'Mammoth,' detailing the inspiration behind each track. Lydia also opens up about her pregnancy and the balance between her music career and personal life. Don't miss this insightful conversation about music, creativity, and life's serendipitous moments.00:00 Introduction to Lydia Luce's Musical Journey01:09 Welcome to Curious Goldfish Podcast01:52 Americana Fest and New Beginnings03:05 Lydia's Personal and Professional Milestones03:26 Balancing Music and Motherhood04:40 The Joy of Indie Folk Music07:04 Songwriting Inspirations and Processes15:28 Exploring the New Album 'Mammoth'18:12 Discussing the Hike and Its Challenges18:58 Chronic Pain and Its Impact on Life20:35 Pregnancy and Pain Management22:56 Reflecting on Jesus Camp27:00 Making Amends and Personal Growth30:06 Curiosity About the Future32:20 Conclusion and Performance🎙️ Welcome to Curious Goldfish!Curious Goldfish is a podcast community where music and curiosity come together through meaningful conversations with the music makers of our world. It’s a music podcast about more than music, inspired by Ted Lasso. Hosted by Jason English, each episode dives into the stories, struggles, and inspirations behind some of the most captivating voices in Americana, rock, folk, country, and bluegrass.Whether it’s Grammy winners, rising stars, or undiscovered gems, we explore the creative journey, personal transformation, and the impact of place and purpose on art.📌 Subscribe & Join the Conversation!

Inside The Thing With Feathers: Nashville Dreams, Songwriting, and Ice Cream Debates | Curious Goldfish PodcastJoin Jason English on the Curious Goldfish Podcast as he delves into an intriguing conversation with Alex and Dave from the band The Thing With Feathers. Recorded on a back patio in Nashville, this episode covers their journey from different hometowns to Belmont University, their candid views on the music industry, and the essence of songwriting. They also discuss favorite Nashville ice cream spots, the Nashville music scene, and their upcoming album 'So Electric'. Tune in for a mix of light-hearted banter and deep reflections on the dreams and challenges of being musicians.00:00 The Emotional Journey of Songwriting00:48 Introduction to Curious Goldfish Podcast01:40 Meet Alex and Dave of The Thing with Feathers01:55 Life in Nashville and Belmont University04:08 The Nashville Music Scene10:25 Forming the Band and Early Days10:57 The Dynamic Duo: Alex and Dave13:37 The Serious Side of Their Music16:59 Melody-Driven Music18:06 New Album Insights20:08 Reflecting on Success26:20 Curiosity and Creativity29:21 Closing Thoughts and Performance

Chasing Dreams in the Music Industry with Jason Hollis | Curious Goldfish PodcastIn this episode of the Curious Goldfish Podcast, host Jason English sits down with veteran music industry professional Jason Hollis to discuss the ins and outs of pursuing a career in music. With a rich history spanning 30 years, Jason Hollis offers invaluable insights on avoiding common mistakes, the importance of having a clear plan, and why the future belongs to artists who own their content. He also shares his journey from Nashville to Los Angeles and back, his efforts to preserve the iconic Douglas Corner, and his vision for the newly launched eighth room. Additionally, they touch upon his upcoming book 'So You Wanna Be a Rockstar,' which aims to empower the next generation of musicians. Don't miss this in-depth conversation filled with practical advice and inspiring stories.00:00 The Biggest Mistake in Parenting Timelines01:08 Introduction to Curious Goldfish Podcast01:59 Meet Jason Hollis: A Music Industry Veteran03:17 Jason's Journey: From Nashville to LA and Back07:22 Advice for Aspiring Musicians11:01 The Importance of Having a Plan11:44 Jason's New Book: So You Wanna Be a Rockstar14:23 The Thousand Fan Theory16:41 Building a Music Career Independently20:03 Jason's Early Career in LA23:06 The Viper Room and Music Legends25:46 Saving Douglas Corner in Nashville27:04 The Legacy of Douglas Corner29:17 The Birth of The Eighth Room29:45 Designing The Eighth Room31:35 Curating the Perfect Vibe40:13 The Music Industry's Evolution44:41 Investing in the Future of Music48:07 Curiosity and the Future of Music51:53 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Finding Your Voice: Tanner Lee Gray's Journey Through Music on Curious GoldfishIn this episode of the 'Curious Goldfish' podcast, hosted by Jason English, we delve into the life and musical journey of Tanner Lee Gray. Recognizable as a member of the rising band Certainly So, Tanner shares candid insights on balancing band life with his solo career, the influence of multiple 'homes' on his sound, and the sacrifices involved in being a full-time musician. Tanner opens up about his beginnings with various college bands, the grind of playing cover gigs along the Gulf Coast, and the eventual realization of pursuing his solo work seriously. We explore the inspirations behind his music, his experiences touring with Certainly So, and the unique dynamics of his personal relationships. Tanner also performs two of his songs, 'Time and Money' and 'I Feel Free,' offering listeners a taste of his solo artistry. Join us for an engaging conversation about perseverance, creativity, and the ever-evolving journey of a musician.00:00 Reflecting on Past Musical Endeavors00:42 Introduction to Curious Goldfish Podcast01:25 Meeting Tanner Lee Gray02:06 Tanner's Musical Journey and Influences03:20 Life in Nashville and Balancing Music03:45 Pursuing a Solo Career06:44 The Influence of Home on Music09:16 Balancing Side Jobs and Music12:35 College Days and Scholarship Decisions14:08 Reflecting on College Decisions14:33 Football Season Hopes and Realities16:05 Challenges of Being a Touring Musician19:56 Exploring the Gulf Coast22:41 Curiosity and Small Towns24:40 Musical Performances

Curious Conversations with Sammi Accola: Americana Music, Faith, and Healing Through SongwritingJoin host Jason English on Curious Goldfish as he interviews Nashville-based singer-songwriter Sammi Accola, known for her unique Americana sound with a gritty edge. Sammi discusses her journey of faith, the evolution of her music inspired by her work at Thistle Farms—a residential program for women survivors of trafficking and addiction—and her upcoming projects. Discover how her experiences have reshaped her songwriting, leading to more honest and cinematic creations. The episode highlights her openness to the gray areas of life, her views on the role of women in the music industry, and her dedication to social justice and faith. Plus, enjoy live performances of her songs 'Mona Lisa' and 'Turning The Tables.'00:00 Introduction to Faith and Life's Journey01:11 Welcome to Curious Goldfish02:02 Meet Sammi Accola: Nashville Singer-Songwriter02:14 Sammi's Work at Thistle Farms02:28 Sammi's Musical Evolution03:03 Diving into Sammi's Personal Life09:59 Sammi's Creative Process and Inspirations15:13 Exploring Faith in Modern Times17:21 Reflecting on Faith and Upbringing19:53 The Complexity of Christian Music21:43 Women in Christian Music24:28 The Journey of a Young Artist26:25 Music as Healing and Connection31:40 Live Performance: Mona Lisa36:40 Live Performance: Turning The Tables

Exploring the Intersection of Faith, Music, and Hope with John Francis O'MaraIn this episode of Curious Goldfish, host Jason English converses with John Francis O'Mara, an ordained Episcopalian priest and rock-and-roll enthusiast who has just released his new album, 'Forbidden Hymns.' Tune in to hear about John's fascinating journey from divinity school at Princeton University to working with John Carter Cash. They discuss the decade-long delay of his album release, the evolution of his lyrics, and his perspective on integrating the sacred with the secular. John shares heartfelt stories about collaboration and personal challenges, including his recovery journey and activism. Explore themes of human dignity, collective hope, and the power of music to transcend traditional boundaries.00:00 Introduction to Curious Goldfish01:30 Meet John Francis O'Mara02:42 The Story Behind Forbidden Hymns03:53 The Delay and Its Impact08:19 The Evolution of Song Meanings14:45 John's Unique Background15:38 Music and Faith Intertwined20:45 Breaking Down Sacred and Secular27:37 Growing Up in the Bible Belt27:59 Musical Influences and Bono28:50 Selective Memory in Faith29:25 Defining Musical Genre30:16 Outlaw in the Genre33:24 Faith and Sobriety37:32 Album Cover Design39:46 Songwriting Stories44:49 Modern Day Babylon48:10 Curiosity and Excitement for the Future