The Soundtrack of Our Lives Podcast

Don Rodriguez, founder of the I&I Music Studio, joins the podcast to share his journey from a 20-year career as an entrepreneur in construction and real estate development to building a new path in the music industry. He talks about reconnecting with his passion for music, launching a studio dedicated to supporting independent artists, and how his business background shapes his approach to mus...

Folklaur joins the podcast to talk about her journey as a Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter and the inspiration behind her debut EP, leaves & letters. She shares how the indie pop storytelling project explores themes of change, imperfection, and the human experience through reflective songwriting. Folklaur also opens up about her intuitive creative process, the challenges of self-promotion...

Dark pop artist ARREIS joins the podcast to talk about her journey from Chicago to Nashville, using music as a tool for healing, and creating through synesthesia and color-inspired songwriting. She opens up about deconstructing her faith, navigating the challenges of the modern music industry, and finding peace through honesty and empathy. ARREIS also shares insights into her upcoming EP, her evol...

Kiyan Foroughi joins the podcast to talk about juggling life as a producer, storyteller, and tech founder while releasing his debut concept album inner light. OUTER SPACE. He shares his collaborative creative process, the themes that shaped the record, and what’s coming next. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editor: Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Mackayla Wiseman

Further North joins the podcast as frontman Chris Jacobs shares the band’s “hopecore” mission of spreading hope and humor through high-energy music and content. He talks about their democratic band dynamic, life on tour, sold-out shows in 2025, meaningful road moments, and what’s next—including their upcoming Texas/OK run and the future of Further North. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editor: Mackay...

Trxy! joins the podcast to share how he’s crafting a fresh shoegaze sound inspired by My Bloody Valentine's Loveless, using improvised songwriting to capture raw emotion and stay authentic. He also talks about building a faceless persona, navigating daily content pressure, reflecting on the viral success of Realize, and what’s next in his evolving career. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editor: M...

Willem van der Meij joins the podcast to share the story behind Midian, a wireless MIDI controller designed to help musicians stay present on stage. He breaks down how the idea grew from a simple performance problem into a “PowerPoint clicker for musicians,” why freeing artists from tech distractions matters, and how Midian is changing live performance. Willem also reflects on faith, persistence,...

Nicole Ash joins the podcast to talk about her debut EP Never Better , the “split” identity behind Alter Ego , and the message of Better Off Alone . She shares how vulnerability, storytelling, and balancing life and music shape her sound, plus what’s next for her future projects. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editors: Gabrielle Groves and Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Mackayla Wiseman

Morenike joins the podcast to talk about her creative process, global influences, and the story behind “Nobody Knows My Name.” She shares how travel, experimentation, and self-imposed limits shape her songwriting, plus what’s next with new music and immersive live shows. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editor: Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Mackayla Wiseman

Lift the Curse join the podcast to talk about their evolving songwriting approach, long-distance collaboration, and plans for their upcoming album. They share how they stay creatively connected, maintain a strong partnership, and balance productivity with enjoying the process as they look ahead to new releases and live shows in 2026. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editor: Mackayla Wiseman Script Wri...

Torri Weidinger joins the podcast to discuss the emotional journey behind their latest album, their grounded creative process, and the importance of stepping back from social media. They open up about grief, OCD, and embracing new musical directions as they continue evolving their artistry. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editor: Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Mackayla Wiseman

Fletch Wiley joins the podcast for an inspiring conversation about faith, purpose, and using music as a global ministry. From performing with legends to traveling the world through service, he shares his creative philosophy, personal journey, and the mission behind his memoir and charity concerts. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editor: Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Mackayla Wiseman

Dennis Welch joins the podcast for a deeply reflective conversation about patience, purpose, and creating art from personal conviction. After stepping away from recording for nearly two decades, Dennis shares how an unexpected meeting in Nashville reignited his musical journey. He opens up about writing without commercial pressure, the importance of honest creative partners, and why originality ma...

Her Leather Jacket joins the podcast for an open and insightful conversation about instinct, songwriting, and building a sustainable music career. They share why they’re embracing a single-first release strategy, how key decisions are made within the band, and why trusting your gut as an artist matters more than outside noise. The episode also touches on balancing music with family life, time mana...

Steve Sxaks joins us for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about creativity, chaos, and balance. Known both as a musician and author, Steve opens up about juggling multiple projects at once and the challenge of managing his own art while also supporting other artists. It’s a thoughtful look at staying creative, present, and passionate without burning out. Be a guest using podmatch: ⁠https://www...

Sophia Warren joins us for an open and thoughtful conversation about live performance, creative evolution, and pushing through discomfort. We talk about blending humor into emotionally heavy songs, navigating social anxiety onstage, and why live shows still feel irreplaceable. Sophia shares how their sound is shifting toward more electronic textures, how she finds inspiration when creativity stall...

Terry of The Jukebox Romantics joins us for a candid conversation about longevity, growth, and making music on your own terms. We talk about balancing life in a punk band with fatherhood, how touring and songwriting have evolved over the years, and why live shows feel more meaningful than ever. Terry reflects on writing with intention, embracing albums as time capsules, and the story behind their...

Turner Cody joins us for a thoughtful, winding conversation about carving out a music career on your own terms. We talk serendipity, from a shared hometown connection to finding community in NYC’s anti-folk scene, and how those early moments shaped his path. Turner reflects on touring Europe, staying true to his musical instincts amid industry pushback, and the tension between personal vision and...

Candi Carpenter joins us for a candid, fun conversation about creativity, burnout, and what it really means to evolve as an artist. They dive into balancing the business side of music with protecting their creative energy, and why prioritizing art over algorithms matters more than ever. Along the way, we talk new music, live shows, staying grounded, and a few unexpected (and slightly spooky) side...

Kairos The Writer joins us to unpack the evolution of his artistry; from shaping a distinct creative persona to honing his sound as he steps deeper into his craft. He reflects on creating while juggling work and life, the honest feedback that guides his growth, and the intention behind keeping his personal and artistic identities balanced. He also shares what fuels his live performances, the influ...

D.K. Lyons joins us to explore the evolution of his journey. From navigating the many hats of an independent artist to refining his songwriting as he pushes his craft forward. He opens up about creating while balancing work and life, the influences that continue to shape his sound, and the lessons he’s learned about staying steady through the grind, making music with intention rather than expectat...

Ben Chace joins us to dive into the evolution of his artistry — from balancing filmmaking and music to reshaping his songwriting process as life gets fuller. He reflects on creating while raising young kids, the wide-ranging influences that have shaped his sound, and the lessons he’s learned about staying grounded as a solo musician, making music for passion rather than praise. Host: Mackayla Wise...

Erin Lunsford opens up about crafting her newest chapter: from community-driven singles, to the music that’s shaped her since childhood. She reflects on rebuilding after releasing an album in the middle of the pandemic, the storytelling-first process behind her songwriting, and the influences that continue to anchor her sound. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editor: Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Ma...

Eric Harrison dives into the making of Bittersweet , the most intentional record of his career, shaped by years of honing his craft between New Jersey courtrooms and the studio. Eric opens up about juggling music with his life as a lawyer, recording ideas on the fly and, inviting his daughters into the creative process. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editor: Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Mackayla...

LVVRS talks about touring the West, and the collaborative process behind their energetic, 80s-inspired pop-rock sound. They open up about debuting a new song live, keeping songwriting in the band, and the artists—from The 1975 to Kacey Musgraves—that have shaped their musical journey. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editor: Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Mackayla Wiseman