The Sounding Board Sessions

In this episode of The Sounding Board Sessions, Nik and Emily dive into the music and storytelling of Andrew McMahonand explore how certain songs stay with us through different seasons of life. Emily shares how McMahon’s work has shaped her understanding of resilience over the years, while Nik brings the perspective of discovering that impact in real time through a deeper listen to his catalog. To...

In this episode of The Sounding Board Sessions, we’re joined by therapist Julie Eisenbeck to explore equine therapy—what it is, how it works, and why it’s so powerful. We discuss how horses respond to emotional energy, nervous system regulation outside the therapy room, and how healing can start with simply slowing down and stepping outside. We also touch on therapist burnout, grounding, and recon...

In this episode of The Sounding Board Sessions, Nik and Emily sit down with Gina Frieden to discuss grief, inspired by Nik’s latest song, “Good Grief.” Together, they explore the complexity of loss, the intensity of early grief, and why healing isn’t about “getting over it,” but learning how to carry it differently.   With a mix of professional insight and personal reflection, they discuss therapy...

In this episode of The Sounding Board Sessions, Nik and Emily launch a new series on emotions, starting with anger. Joined by songwriter and artist Shelby of Genoese Speed, they unpack their song “Appetite” and explore how anger shows up differently across gender, creativity, and lived experience. They discuss the mixed messages surrounding anger, how it often masks deeper emotions and unmet needs...

Even though January is already underway, it’s never too late to pause, reflect, and set intentions. In this special kickoff episode of 2026, Nik and Emily look back on 2025 through the lens of music—sharing songs that captured their experiences, lessons, and growth—and use that reflection to gently step into the new year. Along the way, they explore intention setting, manifesting, and creative ref...

In this episode of The Sounding Board Sessions, Nik and Emily unpack “Full House” from Nik’s debut EP 22 Minutes—a song that looks at family relationships through the lens of the sitcoms we grew up with versus the reality we grow into. They explore how our understanding of family shifts as we get older, what happens when we realize our parents weren’t perfect, and how that shapes the way we love a...

In this episode of The Sounding Board Sessions, hosts Nik and Emily catch up on some exciting personal news — from Emily launching her new coaching business, Radiant Seasons Perinatal Coaching, to Nik releasing his newest single, “Friends,” from his concept EP 22 Minutes. Together, they dive into the heart of the song and explore what friendship really looks like in your 30s — long-distance check-...

In this episode of The Sounding Board Sessions, hosts Nik and Emily are joined by singer-songwriter Robin Harris. They discuss her song 'Famous,' delving into the themes of career challenges, evolving dreams, and societal pressures. The conversation covers the transition from seeking fame to finding purpose in art, the significance of mindfulness, and the parallels in experiencing personal growth....

In this episode of The Sounding Board Sessions, Nik and Emily dive into “Boy Meets World” by Z'cano–Nik's artist project. This is the debut single from his upcoming concept EP 22 Minutes. Joined by Nik’s wife, Micaela, they unpack the song’s inspiration, explore what it means to grow together in a long-term relationship, and reflect on how communication shapes healthy partnerships. Blending music,...

This week we're diving into Taylor Swift’s discography to unpack what her music reveals about girlhood, growing up, and stepping into womanhood. We’re joined by Emily’s friend and colleague Hannah Allen, a Licensed Professional Counselor, who brings her expertise on relationships, body image, and navigating life transitions to the conversation. Together, we explore the highs, heartbreaks, and mess...

This week on The Sounding Board Sessions, we sit down with one of our favorite humans—singer-songwriter, violist and baker Patrick Monnius—to dive into his track Some Days from his new album Looking Up. We talk about the heart behind the song, the importance of community, and how simple practices of gratitude can shift the way we experience everyday life.

On this episode of The Sounding Board Sessions, we explore the powerful connection between mental and physical health through Nik’s new single “Indestructible,” released July 25th under his artist name, Z’cano. Joined by featured artist and co-writer Rochelle Smith (aka Ro) and her former personal trainer Seresta Shantrell—founder of The Trap Nashville gym—Emily and Nik dive into conversations abo...

In the first episode of The Sounding Board Sessions, Emily (therapist) and Nik (songwriter) unpack why Doechii’s song “Anxiety” feels like it. Emily covers the origins of anxiety and some coping tools, while Nik covers Doechii’s rise to fame and the art of sampling. Tune in for a blend of mental health insight and music analysis and discover how songs can help us better understand ourselves and th...

Just a quick little introduction the podcast.