Heartdea13r Podcast with Christopher Gonda // Episode 104 // Andrew Tongue (Author, Data & AI Governance Leader)

Summary

Andrew Tongue’s life changed forever after surviving childhood spinal cancer, but rather than defining himself by disability, he has built a life centred on resilience, humour, family, and purpose. In this deeply honest conversation, Andrew opens up about growing up in a wheelchair, overcoming the hidden challenges of incontinence, the life-changing support of his family, and why empathy and human connection matter more than ever. He also shares insights from his career in AI governance, the lessons behind his upcoming book ‘A Wheelie Interesting Life,’ and the mindset that has helped him transform adversity into strength.

Key Topics

• Andrew Tung's childhood cancer and recovery
• Living with a spinal cord injury and wheelchair life
• The importance of humour and human connection
• Building resilience through adversity
• The impact of family and community support
• Insights into AI governance and safety
• Balancing identity as a person first, disability second
• The journey of writing a life-changing book

Heartdea13r theme song by William J. Sullivan

• https://linktr.ee/wjpsullivan
• https://williamjsullivan.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/wjpsullivan/
• https://x.com/wjpsullivan
• https://www.tiktok.com/@wjpsullivan
• https://www.youtube.com/@wreckinjoint

Heartdea13r Podcast with Christopher Gonda // Guest 2 Guest #024 // Con Raso (Music & Technology Entrepreneur / CEO & Co-Founder, Tuned Global) x Andrew Tongue (Author & Data and AI Governance Leader)

Summary

Welcome to Guest 2 Guest, the Heartdea13r mini-series, where our latest podcast guest asks our next guest a question. Today, Con Raso asks Andrew Tongue: “How do you meaningfully look at your personal life and what does that balance mean to you?”

Heartdea13r theme song by William J. Sullivan

• https://linktr.ee/wjpsullivan
• https://williamjsullivan.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/wjpsullivan/
• https://x.com/wjpsullivan
• https://www.tiktok.com/@wjpsullivan
• https://www.youtube.com/@wreckinjoint

Heartdea13r Podcast with Christopher Gonda // THE 513 // Khy Uniq (Spoken Word & Holistic Music Artist, Author, and Wellness Entrepreneur)

THE 513

9 questions. 3 layers. 1 person. Some rapid fire, some heady. All killer, no filler. Five questions for the head. One question for the heart. Three questions for the soul. This is our fun way of getting to know someone intimately, quickly.

Summary

In our latest 513 segment, Khy Uniq joins Christopher Gonda for an honest conversation about wellness, creativity, purpose, grief, and choosing love. He opens up about losing his grandmother, discovering strength he didn’t know he had, and learning to change his perspective through life’s hardest moments. They also explore the importance of truly listening, building meaningful connections, and creating new ways for artists and creatives to share their message.

Key Topics

• Expanding connection and creating ecosystems for artists
• The importance of perspective in overcoming adversity
• The true meaning of love and how to see others
• The role of listening in building relationships
• Personal stories of resilience and growth

Heartdea13r theme song by William J. Sullivan

• https://linktr.ee/wjpsullivan
• https://williamjsullivan.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/wjpsullivan/
• https://x.com/wjpsullivan
• https://www.tiktok.com/@wjpsullivan
• https://www.youtube.com/@wreckinjoint

Heartdea13r Podcast with Christopher Gonda // Episode 103 // Con Raso (Music & Technology Entrepreneur / CEO & Co-Founder, Tuned Global)

Summary

Con Raso dives deep into the intersection of music, technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership, sharing how Tuned Global is helping power the future of the music industry while keeping artists at its centre. From his upbringing in an Italian immigrant family to building global music platforms, he reflects on creativity, risk-taking, decision-making, work-life balance, grief, and the importance of listening with intention. Along the way, Con explains why the best ideas come from collaboration, how culture shapes innovation, and why honesty with yourself is the foundation for lasting success. It's an inspiring conversation about building meaningful businesses, stronger relationships, and a life driven by purpose rather than ego.

Key Topics

• Music licensing and rights management
• The role of education in navigating the rights landscape
• Building a scalable music platform with licensing agreements
• Cultural influences on business and leadership
• The importance of listening and honest communication
• Balancing work, family, and personal growth
• The impact of global diversity on business strategies
• The role of AI and technology in music discovery and recommendation

Heartdea13r theme song by William J. Sullivan

• https://linktr.ee/wjpsullivan
• https://williamjsullivan.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/wjpsullivan/
• https://x.com/wjpsullivan
• https://www.tiktok.com/@wjpsullivan
• https://www.youtube.com/@wreckinjoint

Heartdea13r Podcast with Christopher Gonda // Guest 2 Guest #023 // MISSIO (member David Butler) x Con Raso (Music & Technology Entrepreneur / CEO & Co-Founder, Tuned Global)

Summary

Welcome to Guest 2 Guest, the Heartdea13r mini-series, where our latest podcast guest asks our next guest a question. Today, MISSIO member David Butler asks Con Raso: “When you are absent of hope in the business, where do you get inspired from?”

Heartdea13r theme song by William J. Sullivan

• https://linktr.ee/wjpsullivan
• https://williamjsullivan.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/wjpsullivan/
• https://x.com/wjpsullivan
• https://www.tiktok.com/@wjpsullivan
• https://www.youtube.com/@wreckinjoint

Heartdea13r Podcast with Christopher Gonda // Episode 102 // Dave Fowler (Speaker, Author, Bassist)

Summary

Dave Fowler's remarkable journey spans humble beginnings in rural North Carolina to sharing stages and studios with icons like Dolly Parton, Billy Bob Thornton, Toby Keith and Cinderella, but his greatest success isn't measured by accolades. In this deeply personal conversation with Christopher Gonda, Dave reflects on faith, gratitude, resilience, the lessons behind a lifetime in music, and why authenticity matters more than talent alone. They also explore loss, purpose, mentorship, the stories behind Dave's upcoming memoir, and what it truly means to leave a legacy—both on and off the stage.

Key Topics

• Dave Fowler's early life in North Carolina
• The significance of Philippians 4:13 in his life
• His journey from church bass to touring with major artists
• The role of faith and gratitude in overcoming adversity
• Memorable moments with Dolly Parton and other legends
• The importance of character and authenticity in the music industry
• The process of writing his life story and its therapeutic value
• Lessons on humility, kindness, and professionalism

Heartdea13r theme song by William J. Sullivan

• https://linktr.ee/wjpsullivan
• https://williamjsullivan.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/wjpsullivan/
• https://x.com/wjpsullivan
• https://www.tiktok.com/@wjpsullivan
• https://www.youtube.com/@wreckinjoint

Heartdea13r Podcast with Christopher Gonda // Guest 2 Guest #022 // MISSIO (member Matthew Brue) x Dave Fowler (Speaker, Author, Bassist)

Summary

Welcome to Guest 2 Guest, the Heartdea13r mini-series, where our latest podcast guest asks our next guest a question. Today, MISSIO founder Matthew Brue asks Dave Fowler: “How do you find hope in a music industry full of chaos?”

Heartdea13r theme song by William J. Sullivan

• https://linktr.ee/wjpsullivan
• https://williamjsullivan.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/wjpsullivan/
• https://x.com/wjpsullivan
• https://www.tiktok.com/@wjpsullivan
• https://www.youtube.com/@wreckinjoint

Heartdea13r Podcast with Christopher Gonda // THE 513 // Nicole Zuraitis (2x GRAMMY® Winning Jazz singer & Songwriter, Producer, and Vocal Coach)

THE 513

9 questions. 3 layers. 1 person. Some rapid fire, some heady. All killer, no filler. Five questions for the head. One question for the heart. Three questions for the soul. This is our fun way of getting to know someone intimately, quickly.

Summary

Two-time Grammy-winning jazz artist Nicole Zuraitis joins Christopher Gonda for a candid conversation about the values that shape her life beyond music. From rescue dogs and activism to manifestation, self-worth, and choosing love, she reflects on the experiences that have fuelled her compassion, creativity, and unwavering sense of purpose. It's an honest, heartfelt look at authenticity, empathy, and why becoming your best self is ultimately about helping others become theirs.

Key Topics

• Authenticity and kindness are core to Nicole’s life and music.
• She is passionate about rescuing pit bulls and advocating for underdogs.
• Living with love means loving yourself first and then extending that love to others.
• Balancing goal-oriented planning with improvisation is key to her approach.
• Self-love and acceptance are vital for personal growth and happiness.

Heartdea13r theme song by William J. Sullivan

• https://linktr.ee/wjpsullivan
• https://williamjsullivan.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/wjpsullivan/
• https://x.com/wjpsullivan
• https://www.tiktok.com/@wjpsullivan
• https://www.youtube.com/@wreckinjoint

Heartdea13r Podcast with Christopher Gonda // Episode 101 // MISSIO members Matthew Brue & David Butler

Summary

Christopher Gonda sits down with MISSIO's Matthew Brue and David Butler for a deeply honest conversation about authenticity, mental health, addiction, heartbreak, friendship, and what it really means to build a lasting career in music. The duo reflect on their journey from writing songs simply because they had to create, to navigating major labels, independence, millions of streams, and finding purpose beyond success. Together, they explore how suffering can become a catalyst for growth, why gratitude and ego-free collaboration have kept MISSIO together for over a decade, and how embracing life's darkest moments has shaped both their music and their lives.

Key Topics

• The importance of authenticity in music creation
• How personal struggles influence artistic expression
• Balancing success with humility and gratitude
• The role of suffering and hope in artistic growth
• The significance of supporting larger artists while maintaining identity

Heartdea13r theme song by William J. Sullivan

• https://linktr.ee/wjpsullivan
• https://williamjsullivan.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/wjpsullivan/
• https://x.com/wjpsullivan
• https://www.tiktok.com/@wjpsullivan
• https://www.youtube.com/@wreckinjoint

Heartdea13r Podcast with Christopher Gonda // Guest 2 Guest #021 // Alex Henry Foster (Artist, Singer, Musician, Writer and Activist) x MISSIO members Matthew Brue & David Butler

Summary

Welcome to Guest 2 Guest, the Heartdea13r mini-series, where our latest podcast guest asks our next guest a question. Today, Alex Henry Foster asks MISSIO members Matthew Brue & David Butler: “How can you transcend your sense of self when being at service to someone else (maybe a larger artist)?”

Heartdea13r theme song by William J. Sullivan

• https://linktr.ee/wjpsullivan
• https://williamjsullivan.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/wjpsullivan/
• https://x.com/wjpsullivan
• https://www.tiktok.com/@wjpsullivan
• https://www.youtube.com/@wreckinjoint