Creatively Addressing Mental Health Problems with Lauren O'Connor

Songwriters are storytellers. We're emotional photographers who capture the essence of a feeling in a multi-dimensional combination of words and music. We take a clever turn of phrase and pair it with an irresistible melody to create a memory--but what happens when one snapshot isn't enough?

Enter the concept album.

In this episode, Emmeline sits down with independent musician and producer John Flinchbaugh to talk about the magic of making not just a single, but an album. John shares the inspiration behind his brand new album, Infinite Circle (Forever), and deconstructs the process by which each song was created--and how the songs inform each other. He also talks about how the process of creation was also a process of self-discovery--and how he surprised himself with both the subject matter and the instrumental ideas that surfaced.

Emmeline and John also talk about the importance of slowing down, appreciating the people around us, and being witnesses for ourselves. They even end with an exclusive live performance of John's song, "September (Calm Before the Storm)."

To learn more about John Flinchbaugh, or to follow his musical journey, visit his Bandcamp profile or follow him on Instagram.

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Being productive as a creative isn't about being perfect or being perfectly in control; it's about taking action.

In this first episode of 2024, Emmeline sits down with Simon Pruitt--a 20-year-old writer, venue manager, and live music event curator--to talk about the value of starting before you're ready. The Founder of OTO Experience, Simon booked his first music festival at age 17 by acting on his crazy idea to create a one-time-only concert of Lake Highland High School students and alumni.  That one endeavor led helped him build the creative life he leads now, from writing for a city-wide magazine to running Dallas's hottest new venue, The B Side. Simon shares how passion and enthusiasm have driven him to put together "insane" multi-sensory events that connect people to musicians through one-of-a-kind experiences.

Simon and Emmeline talk about the importance of live music, the essential but terrifying nature of letting go of control, and how we each benefit from knowing our strengths and delegating our weaknesses. They also talk about some of the artists that have graced both the podcast AND the OTO stage--including Sam Cormier, Billy Law, Zeke Forever, and more.

To learn more about OTO, visit the official website or follow OTO and Simon, Zoe, and Grayson on Instagram. You can also follow The B Side on Instagram, or send a booking inquiry to thebsidedallas@gmail.com. 

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

When do you take the leap out of your comfort zone to invest in yourself?

When do you give yourself permission to sound like you, and not like the people you've admired?

What is the process by which your differences become your strengths?

In this episode, Emmeline tackles these questions and more with singer-songwriter and voice coach Carly Carroll.  She comes from a very musical family and has a degree in musical theater, but Carly still considers herself a student of music and is learning all the time. She shares with Emmeline about her decision to take a vocal pedagogy certification, her decision to take the leap and open her own vocal studio, and about the decision to make her debut record as a folk singer slowly and thoughtfully. Emmeline and Carly also talk about the importance of pets in musicians' lives and about the power of empowering female friendships!

To learn more about Carly, to take a voice lesson from her, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website. You can also find her on Instagram as a singer-songwriter and  voice coach. 

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"There's only going to be a certain portion in any given room of people who are broadcasting on the frequency I'm broadcasting on." - Matthew Broyles

How important is a niche in the creative arts? What should you do if you're inspired to create something outside your comfort zone or your normal area of operations?

Matthew Broyles says, "Go for it!"

In this episode, Emmeline sits down with multi-passionate entrepreneur and versatile creative Matthew Broyles of The Matthew Show to talk about his journey as a musician and a writer. Matthew shares the circuitous ways in which he's navigated his creative path--from writing and producing music in bands and as a solo artist to writing novels and producing his first radio play, Rewired. They discuss how creativity is often a combination of hard work and unpredictable circumstances, and Matthew highlights the rewards of leaning into one's deepest artistic desires.
 
To learn more about Matthew, or to follow his artistic journey, visit his official website. 

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"Clarity is important."

Do you feel like there is a story inside of you that desperately needs to be told? Have you always wanted to publish a book, but felt discouraged by the difficulties of the publishing industry?

In this episode, Emmeline sits down with independent author and anthologist Adam D. Jones to talk about developing one's creative career as an adult, exploring the world of independent publishing, and why storytelling and writing are not always the same thing. Adam shares his passion for storytelling and talks about how he used that passion to become a better and more effective writer. He also discusses the beauty of the independent publishing industry and the plethora of intensely talented writers who are making it on their own.

To learn more about Adam, or to follow his creative journey, visit his official website. You can also celebrate Adam's birthday by downloading his new anthology, The Lost Legends: Book of Monsters--which features a story from Journey of a Song alumna Christine Hand!

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"It is my responsibility to be in control of the narrative of my own life."

Calling all women in entertainment! We all need the reminder that we're not alone in the messiness and imperfections of our creative pursuits. In this episode, Emmeline sits down  with writer, dramaturg, and librettist Amy Andrews for a heartfelt, honest, candid interview about the twists and turns of Amy's creative journey--and why community among women is SO important when building a life for yourself as an artist.

They also share a few funny college stories and talk about the journey from conservatory to the stage.

To learn more about Amy Andrews, visit her official website. To learn more about the Women and Theatre Project, co-founded by Amy and Haley Goldenberg, visit their official website. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage or visit Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"I just felt this itch..."

Jacob Niemeier had a great, stable life. He had a job in his field that earned him a comfortable wage, a satisfying living situation, and lots of friends with whom he could hang out on the weekends. Deep down, though, something was calling him to do more. To do something scary. To take a risk.

Jacob was positive that God was calling him to start his own nonprofit and spend his days creating sustainable water solutions for underprivileged communities.  Jacob was NOT immediately positive he wanted to answer that call.

In this episode, Emmeline sits down with the Founder and CEO of Vera Aqua Vera Vita, Jacob Niemeier, to talk about his path to nonprofit entrepreneurship. Jacob shares the risks he took, the faith he had, and the challenge of answering a call once we feel it. He also has tips for searching for and seizing opportunities! The two also discuss the importance of purpose and community--and lament the limitations of the social definition of "creativity."

To learn more about Vera Aqua Vera Vita and how you can get involved in helping to bring clean water to as many people as possible, visit the official website or donate today. For more about Vera Aqua Vera Vita's 2023 Concert Jam Fundraiser, click here.  You can also listen to music by the featured artists--Emmeline, Zuriel Merek, and Travelin' Jed--on Spotify.

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

How do you make a living doing what you love in the creative arts? Can music really make full-time money?

Brad Thompson has the answer.

In this episode, Emmeline sits down with professional musician Brad Thompson of Brad Thompson and the Undulating Band to talk about their reunion show on January 12th, 2023 at The Bartonville Store, how life impacts the process of songwriting, and how Brad has learned to shift from folk-inspired singer-songwriter to party band and back again. They also make some solid John Cage references, discuss their obsessive agonizing over set lists, and talk about the realities of life on tour.

At the end, Brad shares "A Moment," the moving song he wrote for his late father.

To learn more about Brad Thompson, or to follow his musical journey, visit his official website.  For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of an Artist, visit Emmeline on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage.

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"People really just need to be heard." - Lauren O'Connor.

 It's been a rough few years for mental health. The pandemic, the fear, the feelings of isolation, the political unrest--all of these have contributed to what sometimes feels like a Herculean fight. But if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, or struggling to find purpose and community, there IS hope.

Foundation 45 is that hope.

In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Lauren O'Connor, the President and Executive Director of Foundation 45 in Deep Ellum.  A drummer by trade and an audio engineer by training, Lauren didn't initially see herself working in nonprofit--but seeing her friends in the industry suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues drove her to make a difference. 

Lauren and Emmeline talk about witnessing the healing power of music during their time as volunteers at Girls Rock Dallas. Then, Lauren shares how her passion for mental health and arts advocacy led her to work more permanently in nonprofit. She discusses the amazing resources Foundation 45 provides for those in recovery, those struggling with depression or anxiety, and those in the LGBTQIA+ community who feel marginalized or voiceless. She highlights the incredible work done by Foundation 45's counselors, and the communities the organization has built in its support groups.

To learn more about the incredible work Foundation 45 is doing, or to benefit from its services, please visit their official website. 

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"Lord, thank you for taking me through this journey. Grant me strength as I go through each day. Grant me a cheerful spirit and give me courage to do whatever needs to be done." - Angela Mendoza.

Tony Mendoza was a CFO. His wife, Angela, was an accountant. They were, by self definition, not "creative" people. Yet they created a beautiful life together by choosing to love each other through life's complicated curve balls, honoring the wild journey God had given them, and welcoming three compassionate children into the world. Tony took up the guitar at Angela's suggestion, but he didn't necessarily consider himself a creative person--and certainly not a musician!

Then Angela was diagnosed with cancer, and everything changed.

In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Tony Mendoza to talk about his and Angela's moving love story--from  the moment they met to how their love has changed in the wake of Angela's death. Tony shares how Angela's cheerful spirit, persistent grace, and unyielding determination inspired her to share her cancer journey with friends and family through CaringBridge. He also talks about how she survived three incredible years in spite of the doctors' predictions that cancer would take her in six months. He vulnerably explains how Angela's death has challenged him to step more deeply into his creative side, how Angela co-wrote a book with him from beyond, and how their story has become a beautiful song.

To learn more about Angela's journey, please check out her phenomenally touching book, Dear Friends and Family. To help Angela's legacy live on through the students she impacts, you can donate to the scholarship in her name here. 

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.