Is AI music real music? No. AI is a tool that musicians or other artists can use to improve their art or publications, but it should not be the final product

Get to the Roots Stef explains why she joined the American Federation of Musicians, what protections and community it offers, and how it supports working musicians.

She also discusses union flaws—favoritism, corruption, and challenges for women—shares personal anecdotes, and encourages finding community and small practical steps that help creatives succeed. 

Are you musically inclined? Join our union: https://www.afm.org/ 

THIS PODCAST DOES NOT REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE AFM * * This is personal opinion and experiences only. The anecdotes I share are from being in a different union. 

A Huge THANK YOUUUU to Lisa Leitl for speaking so candidly with me about her release SNOWFALL and her journey from performing covers, becoming an independent artist, and her deep emotional connection to singing and songwriting. I’m so excited to share her interview with you all so you too can benefit from her experience and her positive energy!

Get to the Roots Stef responds to negative comments and 'Negative Nancys,' reflects on years of making content since 2008, and urges creators to keep putting work out there instead of quitting or arguing in the comments.

The episode also features music highlights from local acts (Sunset Bridge Band, Urban Gypsies of Florida, Ronny Elliott), talk about GarageBand and copyright issues, and teases an upcoming interview with Lisa Leitl.

Explore the Five Whys technique; 5 Whys technique was created by Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries. Dig into root causes of problems, using personal examples and relating this to the prevalence of singer-songwriters asking "Why" in their songs. Didn't even dig much into the music, as so many songs start with the word "why."

This short episode mixes practical self-inquiry with musical mentions, invites listeners to ask their own whys, and ties the method back to creativity, confidence, and community.

Get to the Roots Stef reflects on the overwhelming surge of daily uploads and how hard it is for musicians and creators to be noticed. She recounts this week’s Radio St. Pete playlist—featuring Mama Gina, Laura Lanero, the Anderson Brothers—and a theme of female angst balanced with happier tracks.

Stef shares candid thoughts on engaging listeners both in person and online, the struggle of creative work, and teases upcoming interviews and music-release advice.

Stef dives into authenticity, creator anxiety, and the struggle to promote past work, sharing candid stories from her radio show and podcast.

She spotlights local musicians like Cassie Jean and the Fireflies, Sarah Mae Gunn, highlights TikTok artists who create multiple videos to promote the same work, and urges creators to fight both front‑end and back‑end resistance.

Short, funny, and encouraging, this episode is a call to make imperfect work and keep sharing it -- much to the dismay of naysayers. 

Get to the Roots Extras host Stef shares the alarming 2025 Pinellas County traffic numbers—13,135 total crashes, dozens of fatalities, and thousands injured—while sharing personal near-miss stories and observations about red-light running, hit-and-runs, street racing, and e-bike risks in St. Pete.

She spotlights IONTB as a timely local source, considers root causes of reckless driving, and urges community attention to road safety.

The episode closes with a teaser for an upcoming interview with an up and coming singer-songwriter, as well as more local stories and viral moments.

Wondering if you should move to St. Petersburg, Florida for a music project? It depends. The city offers abundant live venues, strong busking and festival opportunities, and a good scene for Trop Rock and live performers, with many available collaborators.

Downsides include higher-than-average rent and housing costs, hot and humid summers, local competition and artistic gatekeeping, political and cultural diversity that can cause friction, and some safety and firearm considerations. Finding the right creative community can take time.

If your project relies on live performance and local gigs, St. Pete can be a great fit. If you need low living costs or an easy path to industry signings, weigh the economics and social scene carefully before moving.

Host Stef walks through the St. Petersburg Beacon’s Year in Review, mixing local headlines — from restored bait shops and new clubs to stadium work and community events — with a personal, funny anecdote about an awkward Q&A at a speaker event that highlights gentrification and local eccentricities.

The episode captures the city’s changing character, memorable local stories, and small-town moments (including horoscopes and shuffleboard), offering a light, candid snapshot of life in St. Pete.