Curious Goldfish

Sentiment and Songwriting with Mike KennebrewIn this episode of Curious Goldfish, host Jason English engages in a deep dive with singer-songwriter Mike Kennebrew. They explore themes of sentiment in music, the personal and communal aspects of songwriting, and the curious mix of vulnerability and connection it cultivates. The conversation meanders through Kennebrew's musical journey, beginning with a reflection on positivity in his work and a notable transition to crafting his 'saddest song' after a peculiar feedback. Further, the dialogue touches on the importance of reflection amid the fast-paced media consumption of today's world, the narrative depth in Kennebrew's upcoming album, and an intimate performance set against Lake Sinclair with an unplanned geese choir. Various elements of country music's history, personal inspirations, and the transformative power of sharing music are discussed, alongside the intricacies of covering songs in the digital age. Kennebrew shares his anticipation for new projects and a live performance wraps up the episode, highlighting the podcast's dedication to music, curiosity, and the stories behind the art.00:00 Opening Thoughts: The Power of Positivity in Songwriting00:41 Introducing Curious Goldfish: A Musical Journey01:20 Exploring Sentiment and Songwriting with Mike Kennebrew02:19 The Influence of Country Music and Personal Reflections03:27 The Art of Songwriting: Emotion, Authenticity, and Connection08:51 The Creative Process and Upcoming Projects17:05 Covering Classics and Navigating Permissions19:32 Looking Ahead: Curiosity and the Future of Music21:33 Closing Remarks and Musical Performance

Authenticity in Songwriting and Sobriety: A Conversation with Mike KennebrewIn this episode of 'Curious Goldfish,' host Jason English invites singer-songwriter Mike Kennebrew to explore the interconnection between music, vulnerability, and personal growth. Mike shares his journey of using songwriting as a means to confront his deepest fears and life's challenges, particularly the decision to quit drinking. This candid conversation also touches on the impact of sobriety on Mike's life, family, and creativity, providing insights into being present and making positive changes. Mike's reflections on daily life post-quitting alcohol are highlighted, serving as encouragement for others facing similar struggles. Additionally, Mike talks about his musical influences, experiences of moving frequently during his childhood due to his father's ministerial job, and his career progression. The episode includes discussions about being an artist, the process of songwriting, and its therapeutic aspects. Mike also touches on the crucial role of faith in his life and music. The episode concludes with Mike's performance of 'What's Left of Me,' a single written two months after he quit drinking.00:00 The Art of Vulnerability in Music01:01 Introducing Curious Goldfish: A Musical Journey01:40 Mike Kennebrew: A Story of Music, Vulnerability, and Sobriety02:17 Navigating Life's Journey Through Songwriting05:43 The Influence of Faith and Family in Music11:53 The Unconventional Path to Music: From Church Camp to Professional Musician17:33 Balancing Family, Faith, and a Music Career21:11 Ellie and Drew: A Tale of Friendship and Music22:56 Exploring the Roots: From Church Camps to Nashville Stardom25:31 A Serendipitous Encounter with Theo Vonn28:49 The Nashville Connection: Building Community and Creativity30:39 Embracing Sobriety: A Journey of Self-Discovery39:26 The Power of Songwriting: Conveying Personal Struggles and Triumphs44:05 Closing Thoughts and Musical Farewell

Our Tribute to Rich MulllinsThis Curious Goldfish episode, hosted by Jason English, explores the influential legacy of Christian music artist Rich Mullins with guest Jacob Furr, a singer-songwriter from Fort Worth. They delve into Mullins' profound impact on their personal faith journeys, emphasizing his unique approach to Christian music that transcended traditional mediocrity with depth and authenticity. Mullins' most famous song, 'Awesome God', is discussed alongside other notable works like 'Hello Old Friends'. The episode also ventures into Furr's personal history, including his tragic loss and subsequent musical journey, highlighting an upcoming project inspired by his family history related to a poor farm in Arkansas. Additionally, both host and guest reflect on their experiences with conservative Christian teachings, contrasting them with Mullins' more open and questioning approach to faith. The episode ends with Furr's plans for future music projects and a live performance.00:00 Opening Thoughts and Musical Influences01:03 Introducing Curious Goldfish Podcast01:42 Jacob Furr's Journey and Spiritual Turn02:06 A Tribute to Rich Mullins05:53 Lamenting Time at a Conservative Christian Camp07:06 Jacob's Future Projects and Storytelling Challenges07:29 Exploring Family History Through Music11:12 The Art of Storytelling in Songwriting14:18 Revisiting Rich Mullins' Legacy17:31 Reflecting on Rich Mullins' Impact18:03 The Uncool Yet Profound Influence of Rich Mullins19:07 Navigating the Christian Music Scene19:55 Discovering the Underground Christian Songwriting Scene21:06 Exploring Personal Connections with Rich Mullins' Music23:01 Deconstructing from a Conservative Christian Background26:40 Rich Mullins: A Beacon for the Questioning and Sensitive31:35 Pursuing Authentic Music Beyond Mainstream Influence32:24 Planning Future Music Projects33:24 A Potential Collaboration and Closing Thoughts

Navigating Grief, Growth, and Creativity with Jacob FurrThis episode of Curious Goldfish features host Jason English in conversation with Jacob Furr, a 38-year-old singer-songwriter from Fort Worth, Texas. They discuss Furr's integration of his personal experiences, particularly the loss of his wife to brain cancer in his twenties, into his music, exploring the ongoing process of grief and transformation. The discussion covers Furr's musical journey, his latest album 'Turning,' which symbolizes a message of hope and emergence from despair, and the intricacies of songwriting as a medium for processing emotions. Furr shares stories of growing up, his brief move to San Francisco, and his deep connection to the music scene in Fort Worth, including efforts to gain recognition for the city's musical talents. Additionally, Furr gives insight into the challenges and rewards of being an independent artist, the supportive music community in Fort Worth, and the personal evolution that reflects in the positive outlook of his recent work compared to earlier melancholic themes.00:00 Navigating Grief and Embracing Life's Freshness01:06 Introducing Curious Goldfish: A Musical Journey01:45 Meet Jacob Furr: A Singer-Songwriter's Tale02:36 The Heart of Fort Worth's Music Scene04:59 Exploring the Legacy of Townes Van Zandt08:15 The Independent Artist's Life in Fort Worth12:53 Turning: A Trilogy of Grief, Growth, and New Beginnings17:44 Songwriting as Therapy: The Healing Power of Music23:47 Finding Love and Moving Forward After Loss27:15 The Hustle Behind the Music: Teaching and Creating32:05 Wrapping Up: Stay Curious with Curious Goldfish

Navigating the Complexities of Life and Music with Eliot BronsonThis episode of Curious Goldfish features an in-depth conversation with musician Eliot Bronson, exploring the thematic essence of his songwriting that addresses the multifaceted human emotions and life's complexities. Jason English hosts the podcast, engaging with Bronson on his approach to balancing the emotional extremes in his songs while ensuring they retain their musical allure. The discussion encapsulates Bronson's latest album, 'Talking to Myself,' highlighting tracks like 'Are You Still Mean?' and 'From Rabun Gap,' which cleverly weave together feelings of sentimental longing and blunt realism. The episode also delves into the personal background influencing Bronson's songwriting, his relationship dynamics, and the therapeutic aspect of acknowledging contradictory emotions through music. Additionally, it touches upon Bronson's perspectives on the artist's journey, the quest for success versus artistic integrity, and the unique satisfaction derived from connecting with an audience through authentic self-expression.00:00 Exploring the Emotional Spectrum Through Music01:05 Introducing Curious Goldfish: A Musical Journey02:02 A Heartfelt Dive into Songwriting with Eliot Bronson02:16 The Complexities of Human Emotions in Ted Lasso04:21 Navigating Life's Emotional Extremes Through Art05:30 The Art of Balancing Opposites in Songwriting06:37 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Artistic Expression14:55 The Journey of an Artist: Success, Struggles, and Authenticity21:55 Eliot Bronson's Musical Influences and Future Endeavors25:25 Wrapping Up: A Musical Performance and Final Thoughts

The Reflective Songwriter: Eliot Bronson on Music, Curiosity, and Personal GrowthThis podcast episode features a detailed conversation with singer-songwriter Eliot Bronson, discussing his creative process, the significance of music in his personal growth, and his journey through the music industry. Hosted by Jason English, the discussion covers a variety of topics including the impact of Eliot's religious upbringing on his music, the surprising benefits of live streaming during the pandemic, and insights into his songwriting process. Eliot reflects on the ability of his songs to teach him about himself, the construction of his latest album 'Talking to Myself', and the therapeutic aspects of music. The conversation also touches on the impact of simplicity in songwriting, the influence of other artists, and Eliot's thoughts on the endless possibilities within music creativity. It ends with a deep-dive into the origin of "What I've Done With My Life," the last track on his new album, Talking to Myself. Eliot performs an acoustic version as well. 00:00 Introduction: The Power of Music01:07 Welcome to Curious Goldfish: A Music Podcast01:39 Eliot Bronson: Master of Cover Songs03:54 Eliot's Original Songwriting: A Mirror to Life04:33 Eliot's New Album: Talking to Myself05:11 Eliot's Personal Journey and Artistic Growth05:44 Eliot's Unique Experience: Swimming with Manatees06:57 Eliot's Religious Upbringing and Its Influence08:24 Eliot's Songwriting Process and Inspiration14:05 Eliot's Performance Style and Audience Engagement15:48 Eliot's Curiosity: The Infinite Possibilities of Music20:55 The Beauty of Simplicity in Music21:37 The Art of Songwriting and Instrumentation22:05 The Power of Simple Lyrics22:26 The Influence of Other Artists24:18 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Songwriting25:26 The Evolution of Music in the Pandemic Era27:08 The Journey of Covering Favorite Artists32:51 The Reflection on Personal and Musical Journey35:26 The Final Thoughts and Reflections

Navigating Grief and Growth in Music with We Are All FossilsIn this episode of Curious Goldfish, host Jason English engages in a deep conversation with Deist, the founder of the musical project We Are All Fossils. They dive into the origins of the project's name, the personal impact of losing Deist's mother, and his journey of gaining a worldwide following organically. Deist performs a song called 'The West' and discusses the influence of Sufjan Stevens on his music. The conversation also covers the transformative power of grief on Deist's creative process and his aspirations for future projects, underscoring the podcast's commitment to exploring music and curiosity through insightful discussions with musicians.00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections00:55 Welcome to Curious Goldfish Podcast01:28 Continuing the Conversation with Deist02:13 Deep Dive into 'The West'04:07 Growing Momentum and Listener Base05:32 Exploring International Collaborations08:33 Navigating the Challenges of the Music Industry12:00 Influence and Inspiration from Sufjan Stevens17:40 Looking Forward: Future Projects and Aspirations23:17 Live Performance: 'The West'25:48 Wrapping Up and Saying Goodbye26:07 Outro: Stay Curious

The Art of Connection Through Music: An Interview with We Are All FossilsIn this episode of Curious Goldfish, host Jason English engages in a deep exploration of music's power to connect people, using the Ubuntu philosophy of collective achievement. The podcast features an interview with Deist, the South African musician behind the project 'We Are All Fossils', now based in Great Britain. The discussion embraces the emotional and communal aspects of music, highlighting Deist's journey from covering songs to creating original music inspired by listeners' stories through the 'Songs for Strangers' project. Deist shares his experiences of musical evolution, noting the influence of artists like Sufjan Stevens, Damien Rice, and Gregory Alan Isakov. The episode concludes with Deist’s performance of 'Mountains', a song encapsulating hope and connection, embodying the episode's central theme of finding unity and shared humanity through music.00:00 Introduction: The Competitive Nature of Music01:08 Welcome to Curious Goldfish: A Music Podcast01:43 The Magic of Music: Shared Connectedness02:15 We Are All Fossils: A Unique Musical Project02:50 The Power of Music: Connecting Strangers03:08 Discovering We Are All Fossils: A Personal Journey04:27 Interview with Deist: The Man Behind We Are All Fossils05:47 The Story of We Are All Fossils: From South Africa to Great Britain07:01 The Meaning Behind 'We Are All Fossils'09:31 Musical Influences: Sufjan Stevens, Damien Rice, and Gregory Alan Isakov11:59 Songs for Strangers: A Unique Musical Project24:49 The Evolution of Sound: New Releases in 202328:10 The Story Behind 'Mountains': A Song of Hope31:43 Live Performance: 'Mountains' by We Are All Fossils34:35 Conclusion: Stay Curious

From Beauty Queen to Soulful Songstress: The Cyrena Wages StoryIn this episode of the Curious Goldfish podcast, host Jason English chats with Memphis singer-songwriter Cyrena Wages before her tour kickoff at Eddie's Attic in Atlanta. Wages shares her journey from participating in beauty pageants to embarking on a solo music career, highlighting her deep connection to Memphis, Tennessee, and her struggle to navigate the stereotypes imposed on female artists. The conversation covers the inspiration behind her upcoming album, 'The Vanity Project,' set for release in May 2024, and explores the themes of authenticity, curiosity, and the balance between light and darkness in her life and music. Wages' passion for her hometown's culture and her desire to break free from restrictive labels shine through, alongside a discussion about the mystical influence of rivers on her music and the importance of curiosity in life and art. The episode concludes with a performance of Wages' singles 'Carried Away' and 'Robin Hood' from the Eddie's Attic show, inviting listeners to delve into her soulful sound and the personal stories that fuel her craft.00:00 Introduction and Childhood Memories01:12 Welcome to Curious Goldfish01:44 Introducing Cyrena Wages02:22 Cyrena's Love for Memphis03:40 The Start of the Tour04:02 Cyrena's Solo Career Journey05:26 Cyrena's Connection to Memphis09:21 The Vanity Project19:01 Cyrena's Family Background23:33 The Freedom of Curiosity39:31 Closing Remarks

The Art of Emotion: A Conversation with Davin McCoyOn the podcast Curious Goldfish, host Jason English interviews singer-songwriter Davin McCoy. They discuss the intense emotional depth in Davin's music and how it can make listeners feel uncomfortable, which Davin views as similar to the raw, emotive energy of punk rock. Davin also shares his perspective on songwriting, his growth as an artist over the years, and how he uses music as an outlet for his emotions. He talks about having a backlog of songs from the past 10 years which he intends to clean up lyrically for his upcoming album. Guest appearances and collaborations are planned for the recording process, although Davin insists the album remains a deeply personal project. The podcast concludes with the duo talking smack about ping pong. Davin also provides an exclusive performance of "Rings" next to a campfire from a house show in December 2023.00:06 Introduction and Host's Journey to Atlanta01:20 Discovering Local Talent: Davin McCoy02:16 The Magic of Live Performances02:41 Davin's Upcoming Album and Musical Journey03:55 The Struggles and Triumphs of a Music Career04:08 Behind the Scenes: Recording Process05:01 Navigating the Music Industry: Past Experiences06:56 Revisiting Old Songs and Future Plans09:10 Personal Growth and Evolution as an Artist09:15 Emotional Connection through Music17:21 The Songwriting Process and Backlog18:01 The Therapeutic Nature of Songwriting18:34 The Process of Selecting Songs for the Album19:22 Collaboration and Personal Connection in Music20:07 The Goals and Themes of the Upcoming Album21:22 The Emotional Impact of Music22:21 The Duality of Emotion in Music25:55 The Release of a Live Recording29:22 Preparing for the New Album31:55 Looking Forward to Muscle Shoals38:12 Closing Remarks and Live Recording of "Rings"

Finding Catharsis through Music: Grace Asbury's JourneyIn the episode, Grace Asbury, a 25-year old Atlanta native and current Nashville resident, talks about her musical journey and how she harnesses her personal experiences to inspire her songwriting. Grace opens up about her brother's suicide and how it has shaped her emotionally and creatively. As an artist, she aims to touch people with her songwriting and believes music holds a cathartic power in life. The upcoming year is an exciting one for Grace, with a musical reset and a series of singles set to be released, marking a new path in her career.00:05 The Power of Music and Introduction01:00 Introducing the Host and the Podcast01:39 Grace Asbury: A Rising Star03:32 The Journey to Nashville06:06 Grace's Personal Life and Collaborations06:40 The Struggles and Triumphs of Making it in Nashville08:07 The Art of Co-Writing and Networking14:35 Grace's Unique Sound and Musical Reset18:27 Songwriting: Personal Experiences and Imaginative Storytelling20:09 Dealing with Grief: A Personal Story22:14 The Impact of Loss on Family Dynamics23:23 Remembering a Loved One: Sam's Legacy27:28 The Power of Music in Processing Grief31:47 The Role of Gratitude in Healing36:52 The Importance of Family Support38:01 Looking Forward: Upcoming Music Releases38:54 Closing Remarks and Performance

Flying on Instruments: An Interview with Vanessa PetersIn this episode of Curious Goldfish, host Jason English interviews singer-songwriter, Vanessa Peters. They discuss her new album 'Flying on Instruments,' set to release in February 2024, and the unique challenges that today's music industry technology presents, such as AI bots trademark craziness. Vanessa expresses that even though a sustainable living in music might not be possible for her, she's finding freedom in carefully crafting her music. Vanessa ends the interview with two performances.00:07 Introduction and Personal Reflections00:58 Welcome to Curious Goldfish: The Podcast02:07 The Paradox of Today's Aspiring Musician02:48 Vanessa Peters: The Songwriter's Journey06:10 The Songwriting Process and Challenges08:32 The Personal and Emotional Aspects of Songwriting21:04 The Business Side of Music and Challenges26:44 Reflections on Music Career and Future Goals29:50 Conclusion: The Meaning of Music

Music, Curiosity, and Empathy: A Conversation with Grace PettisHost Jason English welcomes Grace Pettis to the Curious Goldfish podcast to discuss her music and her journey. Grace shares her story about writing a song as an apology to her best friend, Landon, who came out as gay after high school. The song, named 'Landon', helped rekindle their friendship and has served as a catalyst for conversations about acceptance and understanding. Grace shares her views on representation in music, highlighting the need for more female voices and the exploration of female experiences. The podcast also discusses the TV show Ted Lasso, its depiction of dynamic female characters, and the underlying themes of decency and empathy in the series. Finally, Grace hints at her new record, influenced by personal loss, separation and life after divorce, dedicated especially to those who have been affected by loved ones' struggles with substance abuse.00:07 Introduction and Songwriting as Therapy00:54 Welcome to Curious Goldfish01:31 The Connection with Grace Pettis02:15 The Inspiration from Ted Lasso02:40 The Impact of Decency and Empathy03:22 The Powerful Scene from Ted Lasso04:18 The Importance of Support and Understanding05:56 The Church's Approach to Homosexuality09:08 The Story Behind the Song 'Landon'12:11 The Power of Apology and Reconnection22:02 The Importance of Women's Voices in Music26:32 The Upcoming Album and Final Thoughts29:40 Grace Pettis' Performance

The Journey and Artistry of Alice PeacockIn this episode of Curious Goldfish, host Jason English converses with singer-songwriter Alice Peacock. Peacock discusses her love for different music styles and the influence of Prince on her own work. She describes her journey in the music industry, the transition from being signed to Columbia to independently releasing her recent album 'Minnesota'. Peacock also talks about taking a step back from her music career to focus on raising her family. She delves into her eagerness to get back into recording and performing music after a slight hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Alice also shares her views on the changing landscape of the music industry, songwriter craftsmanship, and the influence of her Midwestern roots on her songwriting.00:06 Introduction and Love for Prince01:04 Welcome to Curious Goldfish01:42 Alice Peacock's Musical Journey02:57 Interview with Alice Peacock03:04 Music Festival Experiences05:28 Alice's Dream Music Festival Lineup06:21 Alice's Musical Influences and Style08:17 The Art of Songwriting14:45 Alice's Early Music Career17:48 Transition from Label to Independent Artist19:59 The Changing Landscape of Music Industry20:59 The Impact of Digital Platforms on Artists21:44 The Evolution of Music Industry22:20 The Experience of Working with Professional Musicians24:04 The Desire for Continuous Improvement in Music24:59 The Future Plans for New Albums31:42 The Influence of Roots and Heritage in Music

The Eras of Kelly Willis. Spoiler Alert, She's Enjoying this one the MostIn this episode of 'Curious Goldfish', host Jason English has a fun conversation with Kelly Willis, a successful figure in Country Music, who doesn't seem to be slowing down one bit. Kelly revisits her journey of saying 'yes' more to life's opportunities and talks about her music life evolving from 'rockabilly' to 'country'. She shares her fight against social anxiety and discusses the importance of curiosity and fun in her craft. She gives us a glimpse into the formation of her new trio, the 'Wonder Women of Country' and shares plans for a new EP release. She also emphasizes how her perspective about herself and her career has positively changed, surprising even herself with the enjoyment that she finds in her music career at 55.00:00 Introduction: The Power of Saying Yes01:13 Welcome to Curious Goldfish: A Music Podcast01:44 Interview with Kelly Willis: A Music Industry Veteran02:21 Meeting Kelly Willis: The Queen of Austin, Texas02:31 The Beauty of Austin and the 30A Festival05:11 The Art of Songwriting and Co-Writing09:25 The Power of Affirmation and the Impact of Taylor Swift12:59 The Wonder Women of Country: A New Era17:33 Overcoming Social Phobia: A Personal Journey18:41 Overcoming Stage Fright and Building Confidence19:50 The Evolution of Social Awareness and Self-Care20:37 The Pressures of Being in the Spotlight21:30 The Importance of Curiosity and Continuous Learning24:05 Exploring Musical Inspirations and Influences25:58 The Journey of Songwriting and Creative Freedom27:04 Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Aspirations29:02 The Changing Landscape of the Music Industry31:40 Reflections on Career Progression and Personal Growth32:05 A Live Performance to Wrap Up the Interview

Pursuing the Rhythm: Exploring the World of An Independent Musician ft. Wyatt EdmondsonThis podcast episode from 'Curious Goldfish' features a deep-dive conversation with singer-songwriter Wyatt Edmondson as he opens up about his journey as an independent musician, overcoming vision limitations, and finding meaningful ways to connect to his audiences. The dialogue further expands to encompass the business side of independent music, detailing innovative ways Edmondson has used to generate income and build his brand. The discussion is split into two acts: firstly, Edmondson's financial strategies and business acumen and secondly, his dedication towards producing art that positively impacts the culture. The musician also discusses the unique challenges he has faced due to his visual impairment and how the experience has guided his pursuit of a musical career. The episode ends with a couple of songs performed by Wyatt Edmondson.00:09 Introduction and Personal Journey01:11 The Curious Goldfish Podcast01:53 The Business of Being an Independent Musician02:13 The Impact of Visual Impairment on Music Career02:35 Live Performance and Conversation with Wyatt Edmondson05:12 The Business Side of Music: Revenue Streams and Marketing23:09 The Power of Music and Personal Growth29:46 The Role of Faith in Music31:46 Future Goals and Aspirations33:31 Live Performance and Conclusion

Curious Goldfish: A Talk with Amanda Donald on Music, Songwriting and her JourneyIn this episode, the host dives deep into a conversation with singer-songwriter, Amanda Donald. They discuss themes of attraction, ignoring red flags in a relationship, and the balance between heart and brain when selecting a life partner. Amanda shares anecdotes from her musical journey, such as writing the title track for her first album, 100 Roots, based on a true story from the 1800s, and her current passion project of researching her family tree on Ancestry.com. Donald further discusses her love for playing music, composing songs, and her attraction to song lyrics. The episode includes a game centered around identifying red flags or deal-breakers in a potential relationship and culminates in a performance by Amanda Donald.00:09 Introduction and Attraction Theories01:14 Meeting Amanda Donald: A Talented Singer-Songwriter02:25 Amanda's Journey in Music Festivals03:30 Amanda's First Album: 100 Roots04:24 Amanda's Dream Music Festival Lineup05:55 The Story Behind '100 Roots'07:34 Amanda's Songwriting Journey08:11 Exploring Amanda's Songs: 'When I Leave Alabama' and 'Red Flags'10:25 Understanding Attraction and Ignoring Red Flags11:53 Fun Game: Red Flag or Deal Breaker?12:19 Discussing Personal 'Icks' in Relationships12:36 Rapid Fire: Red Flags or Deal Breakers14:02 Music Streaming Preferences: Pandora vs Spotify15:23 College Football Allegiances: A Deal Breaker?17:05 Journey into Music and Songwriting19:38 Multi-instrumentalist: The Art of Playing Multiple Instruments22:21 The Importance of Music and Curiosity23:34 Current Obsession: Ancestry.com24:28 Closing Remarks and Musical Performance

The Transformative Journey of Irish Songwriter Clare CunninghamIn this episode, the host engages in a captivating conversation with Irish singer-songwriter Clare Cunningham. Clare reveals her personal transformation and how it's deeply influenced her career as an independent artist. Aided by cognitive behavioral therapy, Clare redefines her art, shares her commitment to helping others, and talks about her struggles with mental health. They discuss the cultural and historical ties of Irish music and how they influence her artistry. The episode ends with Clare pouring her heart out into her anthem, 'I swear,' a song of hope and support.00:11 Introduction and Personal Struggles01:19 Meeting with Clare Cunningham01:52 Clare's Independent Artist Journey02:11 Clare's Breakout Year and Future Plans02:29 Clare's Passion and Commitment02:52 Interview with Clare Cunningham Begins03:04 Clare's Experience at the 30A Songwriters Festival03:54 Clare's Highlights of 202305:23 Claire's Mission and Personal Transformation07:51 Clare's Childhood and Feeling Silenced08:54 Clare's Journey to Mental Health Therapy15:47 Clare's Experience with Thunder Mother22:03 Clare's Songwriting and Irish Influence28:40 Clare's Performance of 'I Swear'33:36 Conclusion and Farewell

The Songwriting Journey with Matt Kilough: Denver, the South, Nashville and InfluencesIn this reflective conversation, singer-songwriter Matt Killough shares about his transition from living in Denver to returning to the South and how it ignited his songwriting process. Matt, who currently lives in Nashville, has family ties in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The podcast discusses influences for his first album, including traditional American roots music and British folk artists. The focus is heavily on his storytelling approach to songwriting and how his Southern heritage played a role in his first album's creation. Matt also opens up about his struggle with performance anxiety and how it contrasts with his passion for writing and recording music. In closing, the host compares Matt's struggles to themes shown in the series 'Ted Lasso' as they discuss the power of belief and confidence in their respective fields.00:10 Introduction and Background01:36 Meeting Matt Killough: A Journey Through Music02:47 The 30A Songwriters Festival Experience05:56 Exploring Musical Influences and Inspirations12:19 The Making of the First Album18:11 Deep Dive into Song Lyrics and Stories26:26 Facing Challenges and Future Aspirations34:02 Reflections on Ted Lasso and Personal Growth37:04 Closing Remarks and Performance

A Chat with Bradley Cole Smith Music, Passion and Perseverance: An Intimate Conversation with Atlanta MusiciansIn this engaging conversation, two Atlanta-based musicians discuss their longstanding collaboration, the evolution of their music, and the deep-seated passion that keeps them performing regardless of fame or audience size. Bradley Cole Smith & Nelson Nolen share insightful stories from their 23-year partnership, revealing how they adapt to different venues, their ambitions to release more music after a five-year hiatus, and how their approach to songwriting is influenced by life experiences and positivity. The conversation touches on the importance of venues like Atlanta's Smith's Olde Bar in fostering their career and the exhilaration of playing in songwriter festivals. They also reflect on the impact of the pandemic on their performance schedule and share a mutual appreciation for the TV show Ted Lasso, using it as a metaphor for their musical journey.00:00 Introduction and Love for Singing01:49 New Year Resolutions and Musical Goals02:54 Challenges in Songwriting and Music Production03:30 Long-term Collaboration and Band History04:23 Memorable Band Experiences and Stories06:21 Songwriting Partnership and Musical Contributions10:11 Influence of Georgia and Music Scene Comparison12:58 Transition from Band to Solo Career14:06 Songwriting Inspirations and Positivity in Music19:12 Impact of Pandemic on Music20:27 Experience with Music Venues and Festivals26:50 Role of Curiosity in Songwriting