Ash Bell has had quite a journey—coming out proudly as a queer woman at 13 and never looking back. She’s used her art to call out homophobia, excelled in high-level dance and cheer, and now coaches the next generation.

Now, on the other side of high school, she’s here to share how life does get better—and how being yourself is the best kind of rebellion.

Recorded in January—it’s great to be back!

After losing her husband to glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, Anita Parise faced the unimaginable: raising two young boys on her own while navigating the depths of grief. This episode delves into Anita’s inspiring journey of resilience and love. From starting a blog to process her pain in real-time, to raising over $80,000 for cancer research and support initiatives, Anita has turned her heartbreak into a mission to help others. Through her candid writing and tireless advocacy, she’s created a community for those grappling with loss while teaching her sons the power of perseverance and hope.

In this episode, we’re joined by Stephen Loreck from the band Late 90s, diving into the roots of their sound and the dual influences of heavy and pop-punk music that shaped their style. Stephen reveals a personal story about taking singing lessons in secret for years, a commitment to his craft that adds depth to Late 90s’ vocal dynamics. We also discuss the incredible experience of opening for international acts like Taking Back Sunday, and what it’s like to share the stage with bands that inspired them in the first place.

In this episode, we sit down with Jawdn of Belgravia to explore the journey of his band, their creative process, and the future of their music. We also dive into a deeply personal topic, as Jawdn opens up about the recent and sudden passing of his father, sharing how this loss has impacted his life and art. This conversation is both a tribute and a reflection on the intersection of grief and creativity.

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Dockery, the multifaceted musician behind the band Sun After Dusk, who also balances studying computer science and law. We explore how Sam manages to juggle these distinct worlds, offering insights into time management and the challenges of pursuing multiple passions. We also dive into a discussion about lyrics, how they shape our understanding of life, and what they mean to us both personally and artistically. Whether you're into music, being busy, or just figuring out how to balance your ambitions, this episode has something for you.

Lewi is a founding member of the band Lazer Gator as well as an artist under the name Six Shooter Jo. We speak about his journey to becoming a confident live musician and artist. A looser episode we talk about the fun of playing small shows, coming up with new ideas such as emailing a alligator petting zoo, not learning parts for gigs, how to turn being hypercritical in to something productive, Blood Meridian and gorillas even get a mention.