Groove Therapy

What happens when a group of Phish fans with a common purpose get together and start a non-profit? The Mockingbird Foundation! Taraleigh and Dr. Leah talk with Liora Sponko and Drew Hitz, board members of the Mockingbird Foundation, about the incredible impact the organization has had on music education for children over the past 25 years. Liora shares her experience as a new member and Drew as a...

Taraleigh and Dr. Leah had the pleasure of chatting with ALO bassist Steve Adams and his mom Cyndy Thomas about all things ALO. The quintet dive into ALO’s Tour D’Amour XV, the first inception of the band and their first gig playing intermission of a Middle School play they joined just for the intermission gig. We talk about how they have evolved as a band since Middle School and early influences...

In this exclusive interview, Taraleigh and Leah had the pleasure of chatting with Evan Friedell and Packy Lunn from Jimkata about their return from hiatus, their new album Bonfires , and their upcoming West Coast tour. The two share how taking a pause from the band allowed them to see how impactful Jimkata has been. They share what it’s been like to play their new songs live and how much they are...

In the finale of a three-part series, Taraleigh and Leah ask live music fans, musicians, and industry personnel to describe a recent peak live music experience. The pair then talk about how these can provide long-term therapeutic benefits using examples from Dr. Leah’s research as well as topics discussed in past episodes, particularly the holistic nature of live music from Episode 37: Embracing M...

Have you ever wondered how live music is beneficial to your mental health? In this three-part series, Taraleigh and Leah ask live music fans, musicians, and people in the industry questions about what live music means to them, how it affects their mental health, and to share a recent memorable experience with live music.   In this episode, they dive into the question “How has the return of li...

In this three-part series, Taraleigh and Leah ask live music fans, musicians, and people in the industry questions about what live music means to them, how it affects their mental health, and to share a recent memorable experience with live music. In this episode, they dive into the question “What does live music mean to you?” First, we hear from live music fans about the importance that it holds...

Taraleigh and Leah chat with guitarist, producer, and master of beats Nat Keefe. Nat shares all the ways he is bringing live music to the people including being an original member of Hot Buttered Rum, his new electronic project BeatMower, intimate acoustic gigs strengthened by the pandemic, and as a producer of other creators’ music. In addition, Nat talks about his travels documenting West Africa...

Taraleigh and Leah chat with Backline co-founders Hallie Lincoln and Hallie Kendall Corso about the role Backline is playing in providing mental health and wellness resources for the music industry. Hallie and Kendall talk about the inspiration for Backline after two big names in the music industry lost their life to death by suicide, shining a light on the depth of need in this unique community....

Taraleigh and Leah talk with drummer/songwriter Ezra Lipp about his philosophy to life that has given him the courage to constantly evolve and shine his talents in multiple ways, as a session musician around the Bay Area, frontman of his own band, stepping in as drummer for ALO, and recently writing and producing his first solo album. Ezra shares the inspiration behind creating his own band Magic...

Taraleigh and Leah talk with GrooveSafe founder Ashley Driscoll and transformational coach Jessica Hans-Smolin. Ashley shares her passion for the movement of consent culture behind GrooveSafe’s mission and talks about her recent experiences hosting bystander awareness trainings, spreading the message of consent, and hosting a table inside venues on Phish tour. Jess informs listeners how she was in...

Taraleigh and Leah talk with fellow podcaster and passionate Phish phan Dawn Jenkins. Dawn shares what it’s like to be the first female podcast host on Osiris Media and how she has the courage to reach for her dreams. She inspires listeners to create the thing you want, especially if it doesn’t exist and gets real on fears, fandom, and success. For the “Did you Know,” Leah shares research that sho...

Taraleigh and Leah chat with musician, artist, and shopkeeper Hayley Jane in what began as a conversation about reinventing oneself during pandemic times and turned into a soulful tale of deep emotions, self-expression, and allowing all parts of the whole to thrive. Hayley Jane shares her courageous story of recovering from addiction, regaining her health, and following her heart from one coast to...

In this first episode of Season 2, co-hosts and health and wellness experts Taraleigh Weathers and Dr. Leah Taylor dive deep into the how and why of the Groove Therapy lifestyle. This season isn’t just about talking about the magic of live music or living a healthy lifestyle, it’s about experiencing it! Listeners will get a chance to connect back with the live music feels and hear how live music h...

Taraleigh and Leah chat with musician, producer, and researcher Peter Sawyer about all things live music for a special ending to Groove Therapy’s Season 1. The trio start by talking about the meaning of live music for fans and the role spirituality and ritual play in the experience. Leah and Peter swap research while Taraleigh rounds it out with personal stories. Peter shares his journey as a musi...

In this 3-part series, Taraleigh and Leah talk to three different heroes behind the curtain (aka live music producers and promoters) to highlight all they do to bring live music to the people. Of course, with covid this is a whole new ball game, and these heroes deserve a lot of props for their courage, ingenuity, and innovation. Where would we be without our live music medicine? I don’t even want...

In this special episode, co-hosts and health and wellness experts Taraleigh Weathers and Dr. Leah Taylor celebrate their 25th Groove Therapy podcast episode by talking about the return of live music! In it, they discuss all the feels of coming back to live music after quarantine and insights they are making about how important live music is in their lives. The two discuss tips and techniques they...

In this 3-part series, Taraleigh and Leah talk to three different heroes behind the curtain (aka live music producers and promoters) to highlight all they do to bring live music to the people. Of course, with covid this is a whole new ball game, and these heroes deserve a lot of props for their courage, ingenuity, and innovation. Where would we be without our live music medicine? I don’t even want...

In this 3-part series, Taraleigh and Leah talk to three different heroes behind the curtain (aka live music producers and promoters) to highlight all they do to bring live music to the people. Of course, with covid this is a whole new ball game, and these heroes deserve a lot of props for their courage, ingenuity, and innovation. Where would we be without our live music medicine? I don’t even want...

Did you know that you could listen to Phish and discuss the philosophy of art and music for college credit? In this episode, Taraleigh and Leah chat with Dr. Stephanie Jenkins about Phish in Academia including a for-credit college course that she designed and teaches called the Philosophy School of Phish and a Phish Studies multi-day academic conference highlighting graduate research on the music...

In this episode, Taraleigh and Leah chat with founders of Inclusion Festival and board members of Accessible Festivals Amy Pinder and Leah Barron. Amy and Leah share why accessibility at live music concerts and festivals is so important. They shine a light on how much work there is to be done when it comes to this. For the “Did you Know” section, Dr. Leah Taylor shares statistics on the chall...

In this episode, Taraleigh and Leah chat with singer-songwriter Ryan Montbleau about the power of lyrics. Ryan describes his process of writing lyrics and following his inner compass in painting a picture that grabs the listener and takes them on a sensory journey. He shares about his newest project, four distinct EPs, Wood, Fire, Water, and Air, and gives listeners the inside scope on what it has...

In this special episode, co-hosts and health and wellness experts Taraleigh and Leah discuss strategies they have used over the past year to cope through the craziness of it all. Listeners will learn simple techniques they can use through the wildest of times to stay sane and balanced. Taraleigh brings her humor and light-hearted spirit combined with Leah’s down-to-earth, compassionate presence to...

In this episode, Taraleigh and Leah talk with bassist and songwriter Gregory McLoughlin who has built a thriving community over the past year with his consistent Monday night live streams. Greg talks about how quarantine opened up opportunities for him and new fans that have been silver linings of this time. They are creating a whole TGIM movement where Mondays definitely do not suck anymore! He e...

In this episode, Taraleigh and Leah talk with Vinnie and Al from the band moe. about their experience of creating a close-knit community and what it’s like from their perspective. moe.rons and newfound fans will love hearing about how certain traditions started and the connection they feel with their famoe.ly. Vinnie and Al discuss what they’ve been up to over the last year and how they are contin...

In this episode, Taraleigh and Leah talk with writer Elizabeth Beck about how the music of our favorite bands can create the soundtrack of our lives, spanning births and deaths, celebrations and challenges. They dive into the healing power of music through personal experiences and those of her characters. Elizabeth talks about her love of Phish and the Grateful Dead and the literary influences for...