SIDE A | TRACK 12 - A tale as old as time: The struggling musician playing on the sidewalk — the busker. But what if turning street corners into stages has a plethora of unexpected benefits for aspiring musicians?

AROUND THE COUCH: As always, Ryan & Will start by checking in on each others’ BCCs (Brand, Creation, Consumption) to hold each other accountable in their artist journeys. They first discuss building out the Blue Couch Collective brand kit.

Then, Will highlights his “Music Business Minute” video series, which covers a book he picked up to become better versed on the industry. Plus, Blue Couch Collective open mics are soaring in Columbus with the recent addition of live audio recordings + photographers and videographers.

Finally, Ryan talks booking out shows for 2026 and, in an ode to the great Jimmy V, what things he’s been consuming have allowed him to laugh, think, and cry each day.

BEHIND THE GRIND: Ryan & Will explore the transformative power of busking, sharing personal stories and insights into this unique form of performance. It’s more than just playing music in public; it’s an opportunity to connect with people in an authentic way, hone your craft, and test new material all in a low-stakes environment.

The duo delves into the cultural nuances of busking in different parts of the world, including how U.S. cities present more challenges compared to many major cities in Europe, where street performing is ingrained in culture and seamlessly integrated into city design.

Plus, what unexpected value can an evening out busking bring? From an old couple dropping a $20 bill in his case to a young pair asking him to play at their wedding, Ryan has seen several doors open as a result of simply putting himself out there and embracing the unknown.

So, what the busk?! Whether you're a musician looking to expand your horizons or are simply curious about the world of busking, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. As Ryan and Will remind us, creativity knows no bounds, and sometimes the best stages are the ones we create ourselves.


👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!

💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok

Side B | Track 3 - We kick off Season 2 by welcoming special guest Andre Vander Velde to the Blue Couch to break down his tagline “Be an artist in community, for community” and much more.

Andre is a “Swiss Army Knife” of the arts, including:

🔹 Singer/songwriter, releasing and performing both as a solo act and as the lead singer of soul rock band Jaguar James, a multi-time Outstanding Soul nominee for The Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards

🔹 Founder of Field Co. Creative, an artist studio based in Council Bluffs, IA cultivating space for community and all who want to create

🔹 Art major and Communications background

Andre stands out as a beacon of community-driven artistry. His journey is a testament to the power of collaboration, an approach to art that is deeply rooted in the belief that creativity flourishes when artists support each other.

His courage and commitment shine through the story of starting Field Co. Creative. This multidisciplinary studio is flourishing into a hub for artists seeking connection, a melting pot of ideas, and a platform for others to shine.

For Andre, balancing his many creative pursuits with personal commitments is a constant journey. He emphasizes the importance of intentionality and prioritization, ensuring that his faith, family, and creative career coexist harmoniously. 

Plus, he discusses:

💡 Starting and growing a bustling open mic at Stories Coffee Co. in Omaha, NE

💡 The simple but critical piece of advice he’s trying to live by that any artist could benefit from living by

This episode is packed with wisdom any creative, and really any human, should hear!

📲 Follow Andre on Instagram @drevandervelde

👥 Find Field Co. Creative on Instagram @field.co.creative and Facebook @Field Co. Creative

🎧 Listen to Andre’s music (New song “Carry My Soul” out November 7th) and his band Jaguar James on Spotify 

👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!

💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok

Side A | Track 11 - The boys cap off Season 1 of the podcast with some friendly competition, putting a musical spin on The Newlywed Game.

AROUND THE COUCH: Ryan's inching closer to his next song release & got approached by a couple asking him to sing at their wedding ceremony. Will has BCC open mics rolling & artists connecting in Columbus. Carter opens discussion on what type of music is best for fall vibes.

IN TUNE OR OUT OF KEY: Carter tries his hand at the role of gameshow host. Meanwhile, Ryan & Will play contestants, taking turns guessing each other's musical habits, past milestones, and dream performance venues, all prompted by Carter’s series of surprise questions. See who knows the other person better and comes out on top in this episode. Or, will both flop and cause a co-host divorce?

Looking ahead… Stay tuned for Season 2 of the Blue Couch Collective podcast, starting with a Side B interview episode coming November 6th!


👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!

💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok

Side B | Track 2 - Special guest James Harker sits down on the blue couch to talk about his recording studio Moonlight Audio, built “by indie artists, for indie artists.”

Our conversation with James is captivating for any artists or music lovers. And if one of these describes you…

🔹 Singer/songwriter looking to bring your song visions to life

🔹 Producer building up a clientele

🔹 Audio industry professional starting or growing a business

🔹 Someone curious about how studios and music recording work

…then this is a “can’t-miss” episode full of invaluable insight.

Based in Columbus, Ohio, James is a producer, audio engineer, multi-instrumentalist, and frontman of two bands—Spirit of the Bear and Ghost Soul.

He co-founded Moonlight Audio, a boutique recording studio in the Old Town East Neighborhood of Columbus. We discuss how the studio’s “By Indie Artists, For Indie Artists” tagline drives their efforts with artists to build songs from ideas to streaming-ready pieces through instrumentation, production, mixing, and mastering.

Plus, in true BCC style, he gives us a transparent look in at:

💡 Starting his own studio after graduating from Capital University with a music tech degree

💡 How the studio 10x their investment on running Instagram ads

💡 Dos, don’ts, and answers to FAQs for new artists who haven’t recorded before

💡 The studio’s pricing model

💡 Accessible grant funding for people in the arts

💡 His biggest production influences and role models

💡 And so much more!

🎧 Follow James on Instagram @jamesharkeraudio

🎛️ Find the studio @moonlightaudiocbus on Instagram and online at moonlightaudiocbus.com

🎤 Listen to James’ bands: Spirit of the Bear (New song “Bomb Family” out October 3rd) and Ghost Soul

👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!

💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok

Side A | Track 10 - This week’s big question? Yours!

If you’re one of the people who commonly wonder these things about musicians, here’s your chance to get our in-depth takes. And, if you’re a fellow artist, this episode is a perfect reason to reflect and refine your answers, allowing you to better understand and communicate your artist identity.

AROUND THE COUCH: Will gives an update on the BCC Open Mic in Columbus and talks expanding his gigging setlist. Plus, how Justin Bieber led him down a 90s hip-hop rabbit hole. Ryan lets the listeners decide if his 98-item continuous to-do list and year-long themed professional development calendar make him a psychopath.

FAQs: We spend the episode hitting on the questions we get most as musicians, especially from people outside our creative spaces. Whether it’s from Aunt Barb at the family function or Joe Schmo the stranger making small talk, you’ve probably heard a handful of the questions we discuss if you’re an artist, including:

❔ What your songwriting process is (order of elements, how long it takes, how you come up with ideas, etc.)

❓ What instruments you play (and which is your favorite)

❔ How to describe what genre of music you make

❓ If you’re on Spotify and Apple Music (and how the heck you got our music there)

❔ If you make any money from music—we give a transparent look in at this

❓ Who your biggest hecklers and superfans have been


🎧 Tune in for a peak behind the curtain of life as an independent artist
👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!

💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok

Side A | Track 9 - A candid conversation on the five biggest myths tripping up independent musicians looking to grow their career through social media

This episode features debate, discussion, and discovery of social media misconceptions surrounding the following topics:

1. Going Viral

2. Gaining Followers

3. Leveling the Playing Field

4. Posting High-Quality, Professional Videos

5. Promoting Your Music

Through the deep dive into the five myths, the crew unpacks strategies for building a sustainable approach to socials—one that features authenticity, fosters community, and respects your time & resources.


🎧 Tune in for a peek behind the curtain of life as an independent artist
👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!

💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok

Side B | Track 1 - We couldn’t have asked for a better person to join the show for our very first interview.

Gus Kathol is a multimedia professional with a knack for portraying the energy and emotions of live events through his photo, video, and audio work. And, it just so happens he was also the bass player for the Blue Couch Collective band!

Gus joins us to share:

💡 The unique perspective being a musician gives him working in visual media

💡 His most creative projects, including “Press Play,” a concert series likened to NPR’s Tiny Desk, which he helped revive at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

💡 Powerful advice to aspiring media professionals

💡 How musicians can most effectively collaborate with media professionals, especially those doing it for the first time

💡 A genius outreach strategy that any person can implement to truly make themselves stand out in oversaturated job markets and creative industries

💡 A reflection on his time in the BCC band and what the Collective means to him

Gus offers a wealth of knowledge well beyond his years sure to inspire any creative wanting to take the next steps toward their passion. Tune in to hear from an OG BCC staple—this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

📸 Check out Gus’ work: guswenke.myportfolio.com

🔔 Follow Gus on IG @guskathol_photo

📹 ⁠Watch the Press Play series⁠ by The Daily Nebraskan

👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!

💬Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok

Side B | Track 1 - We couldn’t have asked for a better person to join the show for our very first interview.

Gus Kathol is a multimedia professional with a knack for portraying the energy and emotions of live events through his photo, video, and audio work. And, it just so happens he was also the bass player for the Blue Couch Collective band!

Gus joins us to share:

💡 The unique perspective being a musician gives him working in visual media

💡 His most creative projects, including “Press Play,” a concert series likened to NPR’s Tiny Desk, which he helped revive at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

💡 Powerful advice to aspiring media professionals

💡 How musicians can most effectively collaborate with media professionals, especially those doing it for the first time

💡 A genius outreach strategy that any person can implement to truly make themselves stand out in oversaturated job markets and creative industries

💡 A reflection on his time in the BCC band and what the Collective means to him

Gus offers a wealth of knowledge well beyond his years sure to inspire any creative wanting to take the next steps toward their passion. Tune in to hear from an OG BCC staple—this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

📸 Check out Gus’ work: guswenke.myportfolio.com

🔔 Follow Gus on IG @guskathol_photo

📹 Watch the Press Play series by The Daily Nebraskan

👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!

💬Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok

Side A | Track 8 - We are so back! (Literally!)

AROUND THE COUCH:

The whole crew is finally back in studio together to recap our recent reunion trip, share our latest creative wins, and celebrate the exciting BCC brand news… the first official Blue Couch Collective Open Mic is a go!

BEHIND THE GRIND:

Inspiration Beyond Sound - How does visual art stir musical ideas, and vice versa? We dig into the value of immersing yourself in art of all kinds as a musician, and also just as a human being.

The Multidisciplinary Artist Identity - What are the advantages of being a “multi-hyphenate” artist in today’s landscape? Is it more beneficial or distracting to dabble in creating other art forms as a musician?

🎧 Tune in for a peak behind the curtain of life as an independent artist

👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!

💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok

Side A | Track 7 - Does environment actually shape your creativity—or are we all just blaming our writer’s block on the lack of a musical blue couch?

We start by kicking it AROUND THE COUCH with major updates: Carter’s apartment flooded? Ryan’s song hit the Discover Weekly algorithm jackpot? Will is living out our podcast’s advice and starting an open mic in his town? Hear these updates and more from our recent Brand, Creation, and Consumption highlights.

Then, we go BEHIND THE GRIND: Is there really a “perfect” songwriting spot? Ryan & Will discuss the importance of having both a dedicated space and opportunities to get away and write in new places. We give examples of setting affecting the tone and quality of songs, positively and negatively. Plus, how has technology changed songwriting? Is the ability to write on the move an advantage, or has it ultimately been detrimental to artists?

Capping off the episode with some fun and humor, we play a BLIND RANKING GAME: Ryan & Will must rank the best places to write a song without knowing which one comes next. Spoiler: Ryan’s last place pick is a slap in the face, and Will ends up with a stinky #1…

🎧 Tune in for a peak behind the curtain of life as an independent musician.

👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!

💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok.