MUSIC IS OUR HERO!

In this episode Drea sits down with Lydia Smith of Grateful Inspired Art to explore her journey from creating art to turning her passion into a business. Lydia shares the realities of life as a full-time artist and vendor, including the ups and downs, the challenges, the risks, and what it really takes to believe in yourself and your work enough to make it a career. She also offers advice for arti...

In this episode we sit down with audio engineer, musician, and Welcome Music Group's Richard A. Waller III for a conversation about music, creativity, and the art of sound. With a career spanning more than three decades and experience working with legendary artists including John Legend, Grover Washington Jr., Michael Brecker, and The Roots, Richard shares stories and insights from his journe...

In this episode, Drea sits down with Danny McCoy of Moon Peak Productions for a behind-the-scenes look at the world of live music and event production. Danny shares his journey into the music industry, his passion for music and events, and his role at Moon Peak Productions, including the company's relationship with The Abbey Bar in Harrisburg. The conversation explores the highs and lows of b...

In this episode of MUSIC IS OUR HERO!, Drea sits down with Tanner (Senzae), Christian (Dangles), and Lily (Peppy Loops) of Northern Lvghts, an electronic music brand dedicated to bringing people together through music, art, and community. From curating events and DJing to flow arts and everything in between, the Northern Lvghts crew brings creativity and passion to every aspect of the electronic m...

In this episode, Drea sits down with Ariel E. Monroe, creator and founder of Delta E.M. Wellness and Space Trash PHL. Ariel is a licensed massage therapist, wellness practitioner, artist, and writer with a passion for helping others find balance and personal growth. Through Delta E.M. Wellness, Ariel offers a holistic approach to mind, body, and spirit, incorporating massage therapy, Reiki, sound...

That’s a wrap on Season 4! If you haven’t already, take a moment to subscribe to the channel, watch a few episodes, drop a like, and leave a comment—every bit of support you give truly helps. And whether you joined as a guest, a listener, or a supporter, thank you for showing up and being part of this journey. It means more than you know. Don’t forget: Sunday, November 8th, we are all meeting at T...

In this episode, we chat with Kristen from You’re Grounded Coffee Company while Kevin makes a last-minute propane run before the artist rush! We hear the story behind You’re Grounded, explore the role they play in the festival and arts community, and find out what makes their coffee—and delicious food menu—so special. Kristen also talks about the other services they provide at events, what keeps t...

Theresa Ratliff knew at a young age that she could sing, and music has been part of her life ever since. But it wasn’t until later in life that she began performing with bands and found a home in the festival community. In this episode, Theresa shares how the festival community gives her a sense of purpose and helps shape the mission she is on today. It’s a story of following what you love, findin...

In this episode we sit down with Joe, owner of Nostalgia Fishtown, to talk about its beginnings, the process of bringing his and his partner’s vision to life, and what’s ahead. We also explore why spaces like Nostalgia matter to Philadelphia’s arts community — bringing artists and creatives together to connect, create, and grow. If you care about local music, art, community, and the people creatin...

Drea sits down with Ami and Lizzy of BuildaBridge for an inspiring conversation about the power of the arts to create healing, connection, and hope for individuals and communities impacted by trauma. They explore how BuildaBridge began, the programs they offer, their trauma-informed approach to creative expression, and the impact of their work. They also look toward the future of BuildaBridge and...

In this episode Drea sits down with Jackson—chief engineer at Spit Philly, videographer, musician, songwriter, and the artist known as Cal Blac. Jackson shares his journey and offers valuable insight from his experience behind the scenes, including what artists should know when working in the studio and on video projects. The conversation also dives into his own artistry, exploring Cal Blac and wh...

What does it really take to build a band, find your sound, and keep pushing forward? Velcro Homer founder Joshua shares what he’s learned through nearly five years of growing the band. From songwriting and performing to the learning curves that have shaped Velcro Homer along the way, there’s a lot behind where the band is today. We also get into their soon-to-be-released album, what Joshua is most...

In celebration of the upcoming Grateful Daytrippers Family Reunion Festival, we sat down with founders Ricky and Lydia to talk about where it all began, what the Reunion has grown into, and the incredible community that has kept it going through the years. There were plenty of laughs, a few tears, and a whole lot of memories as we looked back on the people, music, moments, and magic that have made...

After sitting down with founders Ricky and Lydia in Season 4, Episode 5 to hear the story behind the Reunion, we toured the place it has called home for the past few years—Poppa Joe’s Grove. In this episode, Lorie and Miranda take us on a quick tour of this beautiful gathering place, owned and operated by the Sellersville Volunteer Fire Department. Along the way, we get a closer look at the Grove...

In this episode, we sit down with Hop Fidelity founder Byron Greatorex to hear the story behind his journey in the record business. More than 25 years ago, Byron and his father opened a record store at a time when vinyl sales were declining and music streaming hadn't even been imagined. Years later, after he and his wife decided where they wanted to put down roots, Byron opened Hop Fidelity i...

In this episode, we sit down with DJ living legend DJ Carl Michaels, who has spent the last 33 years behind the decks, primarily in the Philadelphia area. Along the way, he's toured, shared unforgettable stories from the road, and even had the opportunity to open for one of his favorite artists, Carly Rae Jepsen. With decades of experience as a nightclub DJ, and plenty of private events mixed...

In this episode, we sit down with event planning veteran Christie Jones, who has spent the past 25 years building a career in the industry. From intimate gatherings to large-scale events, Christie has seen it all and shares the behind-the-scenes realities that most attendees never think about. Join us as we dive into the details that make events successful, discuss the challenges planners face, an...

Episode 1 Part 1 – This conversation with Eddie Gals is presented in two parts. In Part 1, you’ll get to know Eddie, hear what inspired him to start playing music, learn about the journey of being a singer-songwriter, and pick up valuable advice on finding gigs, keeping them, and building a career as a musician. In Part 2, Eddie shares the story behind his latest release, “Your Last Day’s Pay&quot...

Episode 1 Part 2 – This conversation with Eddie Gals is presented in two parts. In Part 1, you’ll get to know Eddie, hear what inspired him to start playing music, learn about the journey of being a singer-songwriter, and pick up valuable advice on finding gigs, keeping them, and building a career as a musician. In Part 2, Eddie shares the story behind his latest release, “Your Last Day’s Pay&quot...

That’s a wrap on Season 3! If you haven’t already, take a moment to subscribe to the channel, watch a few episodes, drop a like, and leave a comment—every bit of support you give truly helps. And whether you joined as a guest, a listener, or a supporter—thank you for showing up and being part of this journey. It means more than you know. Send fan mail Support the show Produced, edited, mixed, and...

In this episode, we caught up with The Poettes just before they took the stage at Porchfest 2026 in West Philly. Although our conversation was brief, we got to learn more about the seven members who make up the band, the story behind how The Poettes came together, some of the ups and downs along the way, and what they hope to accomplish in the future. Filled with laughs, great energy, and plenty o...

In this episode, we sit down with entertainment lawyer Stephen Vanyo to discuss his journey through the music industry and into the legal profession. Stephen shares his early experiences as a drummer whose band signed a record deal that ultimately did not go as planned, inspiring him to pursue a career in law. Throughout the conversation, Stephen offers valuable advice for artists, engineers, prod...

On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Night Fury frontwoman, Nat Kuri, to talk about her journey through music, identity, and chasing a dream that refuses to let go. Born in San Diego and raised in Mexico City, Nat eventually made her way to Philly, where she’s been carving out her place in the indie music scene one step at a time. Nat opens up about the gatekeeping she experienced grow...

In this episode, the podcast takes a deep dive into the life and journey of Denny Horn — a lifelong music lover who unexpectedly found his calling in concert promotion. From stories spanning the late 1960s to today, Denny reflects on the experiences, people, and moments that shaped his path. Through it all, one thing remains clear: a deep-rooted passion for music, community, and bringing people to...

In this episode, the podcast welcomes back Trip and Michelle, previously featured in Season 1, Episodes 3 and 8, for an update on everything happening at Cosmic Cafe. Known for bringing people together through art, music, food, and community, Cosmic Cafe continues to be a space filled with love and positive energy. Trip discusses the cafe’s seasonal open mic events, while Michelle shares details o...