Mental Health & Music

Singer-songwriter Joel Corda brings his soulful voice, big heart, and incredible story to this week’s episode of Mental Health and Music . Hailing from Great Falls, Montana — and known as the resident artist at the iconic Sip 'n Dip Lounge — Joel opens up about his 105-pound weight loss, daily 4:30 AM rituals, and the mental health journey that helped him reclaim his life and art. In this cand...

In this heart-centered conversation, Avatari sits down with James Johnson II — a soulful musician, producer, and educator from Alabama — to explore the transformative power of music, imagination, and love. James shares how growing up with a rare hand condition shaped his resilience, deepened his connection to music, and gave him a profound sense of purpose. From guiding young students through thei...

This week on Mental Health and Music , Avatari sits down with pop/rock artist Kelly Romo for a powerful, open-hearted conversation about identity, recovery, and the courage it takes to become your full self. Kelly shares how embracing her queerness and healing unlocked a whole new level of authenticity — both on stage and in everyday life. We talk about growing up without mental health support, th...

Julian Drucker is an award-nominated music supervisor (9-1-1: Lone Star, Love Island, Justice USA) and the artist behind the new project Julian Sometimes . In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore Julian’s journey from a classical upbringing and Yale composition degree to navigating LA’s music industry—both behind the scenes and center stage. He opens up about how music helped shape his ident...

This week on Mental Health and Music , Avatari sits down with award-winning singer-songwriter Laura Baron , whose new album Beauty and the Broken is a soul-stirring exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and emotional honesty. The conversation touches on everything from parenting through mental health struggles to the power of music as a healing tool , and the importance of being seen as an art...

This week on the Mental Health and Music Podcast, I sit down with Ian Keller—aka Orphan Prodigy—for one of the most vulnerable and inspiring conversations we’ve had to date. Ian opens up about his two-decade journey fronting an alt-rock band, the mental health crash that left him unable to leave his apartment, and the transformative exposure therapy that helped him reclaim his life. From the shado...

In this deeply moving episode of Mental Health and Music , returning guest Daniel Grigson opens up about the life-changing year that followed his first appearance on the show. At the time, Daniel was on the edge of giving up music entirely. He hadn’t played guitar in five years, was struggling with self-doubt, and felt paralyzed by imposter syndrome. But a single conversation sparked something—and...

In this episode, Avatari is joined by singer-songwriter, soul sound alchemist, and award-winning playwright Lucie Lynch for an inspiring conversation about creativity, grief, and emotional healing. Lucie opens up about a recent chapter of burnout, grief, and disconnection from her muse—and how she found her way back to joy, purpose, and creative flow. From a 3am voice memo that reignited her songw...

In this episode, Avatari is joined by Stephen Warner—entrepreneur, former youth pastor, and hip-hop artist known as Pyro Zane—for an honest and emotional conversation about grief, faith, and the healing power of music. Stephen shares how the sudden loss of his father led him into a season of emotional shutdown, where he poured himself into business and responsibility, all while unknowingly hardeni...

In this episode, Avatari sits down with singer-songwriter Jared Lindblom, the creative force behind Pink Honey Moan, to explore the intersection of music, self-expression, and personal growth. From his journey growing up in South Dakota to building a thriving indie music career in New York City, Jared opens up about navigating creative struggles, balancing fatherhood, and using songwriting as a wa...

In this episode, Avatari interviews Matt Spatial, frontman of the darkwave act Now After Nothing. Matt shares his journey through music, depression, and self-discovery, reflecting on his 90s goth and alternative rock influences and how they shaped his sound. Beyond his work as a musician, Matt holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and speaks candidly about his experiences wi...

In this episode, Avatari sits down with Will Carpenter, frontman of Ships Have Sailed, to explore the deep connection between music, personal growth, and emotional resilience. Will opens up about his journey—from childhood struggles to artistic perseverance, how music became his emotional refuge, and how fatherhood has reshaped his perspective on creativity and life. The conversation dives into th...

This week on the Mental Health and Music Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Tyler Herwig—chart-topping indie artist, road warrior, husband, father, and fellow traveler in recovery. From performing over 250 shows a year to touring with his wife and kids in tow, Tyler shares his inspiring journey of addiction recovery, the mysticism of music, and the deep purpose that fuels everything he does....

Avatari sits down with singer-songwriter and visual artist Daniel Cartier, whose journey spans from busking in NYC subways to being signed by Elton John, only to face the brutal realities of the music industry. Daniel opens up about his struggles with addiction, self-worth, and mental health, sharing how hitting rock bottom ultimately led him to a place of self-acceptance, resilience, and creative...

In this episode, Avatari is joined by the talented Savannah Pope, a Los Angeles-based rock and pop artist. The two dive into the intersection of music and mental health, discussing Savannah’s journey through personal struggles, the creation of her critically acclaimed album Pandemonium, and the stigma surrounding mental illness. They also talk about the vulnerability of putting oneself out into th...

Avatari sits down with LJR (Luke Justin Roberts) for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation about music, mental health, and the journey of self-discovery. LJR shares how his upbringing in a deeply religious community shaped his worldview, his struggles with losing faith, rebuilding identity, and finding purpose beyond religion. He reflects on how music became both a refuge and a tool...

In this conversation, Avatari welcomes singer-songwriter Megan Leigh, known for her angelic voice and powerful songwriting, to talk about mental health, creative recovery, and the importance of self-care as an artist. Megan shares her personal journey of burnout, the struggle to balance ambition with emotional well-being, and the hard-earned wisdom of learning to say "no" when necessary. T...

Host Avatari sits down with pop punk artist Zack King for a powerful conversation about music, mental health, and the journey of self-discovery. Zack opens up about his personal struggles, how therapy and songwriting became his lifeline, and why he’s dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health in the music industry. They discuss the importance of community, vulnerability, and finding too...

Avatari sits down with Emily, an international voice teacher, singer, and actor who works with national touring artists and singers worldwide. With a Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy from Shenandoah Conservatory and expertise in evidence-based voice work, Emily blends science, artistry, and mental health awareness into her coaching. In this episode, Emily shares: The power of evidence-based vocal...

Avatari welcomes hip-hop artist and community builder Will Hookdiggy for a powerful conversation on authenticity, mental health, and the music industry. Will shares how he started in hip-hop by emulating commercial trends, only to realize that the music he was making didn’t reflect his true self. Through introspection and mentorship, he discovered the power of uplifting, meaningful music and the i...

In this episode of the Mental Health and Music Podcast, I sit down with Evan Stein, music licensing veteran, branding expert, and co-founder of Experience Music Group. Evan shares how helping artists discover their "why" has been central to securing over 1,000 sync placements, including Imagine Dragons' first major deal. But beyond business, Evan opens up about his own personal journey...

Avatari sits down with award-winning singer-songwriter, keynote speaker, and best-selling author Tiamo De Vettori to explore the deep connection between music, mental health, and storytelling. Tiamo shares how prioritizing joy over hustle transformed his career and life. We dive deep into the power of presence, how music can heal both performers and audiences, and the fear of imperfection—and why...

In this episode, Avatari sits down with acclaimed recording artist, producer, and label founder Vanessa Silberman. With over 800 shows under her belt and collaborations with legends like Tony Visconti, Foo Fighters, and Joan Jett, Vanessa shares how she balances her many roles—artist, producer, and mentor—while staying mentally grounded. She opens up about her journey as an LGBTQ artist, her commi...

Avatari sits down with musician, entrepreneur, and Modern Musician founder Michael Walker, whose journey took him from battling social anxiety and sleeping in cars to building a sustainable music career. As a member of Paradise Fears, Michael and his bandmates used a grassroots strategy called “tour hacking”—connecting with fans one-on-one outside shows—to grow their audience and sell 24,000 album...

Avatari sits down with musician and community builder Daniel Grigson, also known as Neccos for Breakfast, for a deeply moving conversation about mental health, resilience, and the power of music. He shares his journey through self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and late-diagnosed ADHD, and how finding a supportive music community transformed his outlook. Through his Songs for Creatives project, Daniel...