Mental Health & Music

Singer-songwriter Joel Corda brings his soulful voice, big heart, and incredible story to this week’s episode of Mental Health and Music. Hailing from Great Falls, Montana — and known as the resident artist at the iconic Sip 'n Dip Lounge — Joel opens up about his 105-pound weight loss, daily 4:30 AM rituals, and the mental health journey that helped him reclaim his life and art.

In this candid conversation, Joel shares how music has been both a compass and a mirror — a tool for processing emotion, shifting mindsets, and offering hope to others. He reveals the role of affirmations, hypnotherapy, and self-made promises in his transformation, and why keeping his word to himself has been more powerful than any external goal.

Whether you're navigating your own breakthrough, seeking morning routine inspiration, or just need a reminder of what’s possible when you show up for yourself — this episode is a moving masterclass in creative courage and mental wellness.

Join Joel's private fan community here >>> https://go.joelcorda.com/join-live

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In this heart-centered conversation, Avatari sits down with James Johnson II — a soulful musician, producer, and educator from Alabama — to explore the transformative power of music, imagination, and love. James shares how growing up with a rare hand condition shaped his resilience, deepened his connection to music, and gave him a profound sense of purpose.

From guiding young students through their own creative breakthroughs to finding healing at the piano, James opens up about his journey with raw honesty and grounded wisdom. He reflects on his musical roots, the influence of his parents, and why he keeps a childhood cast near his keyboard as a daily reminder of where he’s come from.

This is a story about honoring your gifts, listening to your inner voice, and keeping it about the music — always.

Check out James's music here >>> https://campsite.bio/johnsonmusic

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This week on Mental Health and Music, Avatari sits down with pop/rock artist Kelly Romo for a powerful, open-hearted conversation about identity, recovery, and the courage it takes to become your full self. Kelly shares how embracing her queerness and healing unlocked a whole new level of authenticity — both on stage and in everyday life.

We talk about growing up without mental health support, the quiet destructiveness of shame, and how music became a vehicle for emotional truth and radical freedom. Whether she’s writing songs that challenge societal norms or carving out safe spaces through sound, Kelly’s story is a reminder that healing often begins with the decision to be seen.

Check out Kelly's music here >>> https://linktr.ee/kellyromo

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Julian Drucker is an award-nominated music supervisor (9-1-1: Lone Star, Love Island, Justice USA) and the artist behind the new project Julian Sometimes. In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore Julian’s journey from a classical upbringing and Yale composition degree to navigating LA’s music industry—both behind the scenes and center stage.

He opens up about how music helped shape his identity, the emotional toll of working on intense projects like Justice USA, and the importance of kindness and creativity in maintaining mental health. We also dive into his upcoming debut single Buzz and how he balances making music for others with making music for himself.

If you’ve ever juggled multiple creative paths or wondered what it really takes to break into sync licensing, this one’s for you.

Check out Julian's latest release BUZZ, here >>> https://hypeddit.com/juliansometimes

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This week on Mental Health and Music, Avatari sits down with award-winning singer-songwriter Laura Baron, whose new album Beauty and the Broken is a soul-stirring exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and emotional honesty. The conversation touches on everything from parenting through mental health struggles to the power of music as a healing tool, and the importance of being seen as an artist and human being.

Laura shares her inspiration behind songs like “Heal Out Loud,” and her involvement with the Stop Stigma Together movement, which advocates for open conversations around mental health and substance recovery. Together, they reflect on the challenges and gifts of being highly sensitive creatives in a chaotic world — and how connecting through song and story can be a radical act of hope.

Connect with Laura Baron here >>> https://laurabaronmusic.com/

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This week on the Mental Health and Music Podcast, I sit down with Ian Keller—aka Orphan Prodigy—for one of the most vulnerable and inspiring conversations we’ve had to date. Ian opens up about his two-decade journey fronting an alt-rock band, the mental health crash that left him unable to leave his apartment, and the transformative exposure therapy that helped him reclaim his life. From the shadows of agoraphobia to a bold reinvention as a solo artist and producer, Ian’s story is a fearless testament to what happens when we face our fears head-on.

We talk about music as a healing ritual, the lifelong complexities of adoption, the scars of early relationships, and the spiritual work it takes to rebuild from emotional ground zero. Ian’s project, Orphan Prodigy, blends rock, trance, and EDM to form a genre-fluid soundtrack for modern-day anxiety—one that’s as cathartic as it is electrifying. Whether you’re navigating trauma, addiction, or simply trying to find your voice, this conversation is a reminder: don’t give up. There’s healing in the noise.

Connect with Orphan Prodigy here >>> https://www.orphanprodigy.com/

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In this deeply moving episode of Mental Health and Music, returning guest Daniel Grigson opens up about the life-changing year that followed his first appearance on the show. At the time, Daniel was on the edge of giving up music entirely. He hadn’t played guitar in five years, was struggling with self-doubt, and felt paralyzed by imposter syndrome. But a single conversation sparked something—and what followed was a complete transformation.

Today, Daniel is not only writing and releasing music again, but he’s leading a movement. He founded the Collaborative Artist Network (CAN)—a global online hub for independent artists rooted in connection, empathy, and community over competition. He’s producing music for children’s TV, co-writing for global projects, and creating safe, inclusive spaces where artists can grow, share, and thrive.

Whether you’re struggling with self-doubt or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is for you.

Connect with Daniel Grigson here >>> https://www.neccorecords.com/

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In this episode, Avatari is joined by singer-songwriter, soul sound alchemist, and award-winning playwright Lucie Lynch for an inspiring conversation about creativity, grief, and emotional healing.

Lucie opens up about a recent chapter of burnout, grief, and disconnection from her muse—and how she found her way back to joy, purpose, and creative flow. From a 3am voice memo that reignited her songwriting to the power of morning rituals and intentional thought shifts, Lucie shares honest reflections on the inner work required to heal and express authentically.

Together, they explore how our thoughts shape our emotions, how community and vulnerability fuel transformation, and how small acts of self-love can unlock deep creative magic.

If you've ever felt stuck, burned out, or unsure how to reconnect with your creative spark, this episode is full of gentle reminders and real talk to help you come home to yourself.

Connect with Lucie Lynch here >>> https://www.lucielynchmusic.com/

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In this episode, Avatari is joined by Stephen Warner—entrepreneur, former youth pastor, and hip-hop artist known as Pyro Zane—for an honest and emotional conversation about grief, faith, and the healing power of music.

Stephen shares how the sudden loss of his father led him into a season of emotional shutdown, where he poured himself into business and responsibility, all while unknowingly hardening his heart. It wasn’t until one unexpected song played in a hotel bathroom that he finally broke down and began reconnecting with the person he was becoming at 18—before the pain.

Together, they explore how music can open emotional floodgates, how fatherhood and faith shape resilience, and how forgiveness—even toward the man responsible for his father's death—can become an act of profound strength.

If you’ve ever buried pain to keep going or questioned how to soften again, this episode is for you.

Find out more about Stephen Warner and Young Founders >>> https://podcast.youngfounders.com/avatari 

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In this episode, Avatari sits down with singer-songwriter Jared Lindblom, the creative force behind Pink Honey Moan, to explore the intersection of music, self-expression, and personal growth. From his journey growing up in South Dakota to building a thriving indie music career in New York City, Jared opens up about navigating creative struggles, balancing fatherhood, and using songwriting as a way to process life’s highs and lows. They also discuss the impact of seasonal depression, the importance of community, and how Jared brings music to hospital patients through his work with Musicians On Call. Tune in for an insightful and heartfelt discussion on music, mental resilience, and the beauty of human connection.

Connect with Jared Lindbloom here >>> https://linktr.ee/pinkhoneymoan

Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear it! Join us for live tapings on Instagram @AvatariWorld

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