Hey there, music lovers! I’m your host, James Cox, a professional therapist who’s also a bit of a country‑music junkie. In this episode, we’re diving deep into how songs can lift us out of the darkest moments and bring sunshine into our everyday lives.

We’re thrilled to welcome Re Mattei, a breakout country artist who’s already turning heads on the road and in the studio. From playing legends’ covers to writing heartfelt originals like “Mama Always Knows,” Re shares:

• How she used music as a lifeline during her own bouts of depression
• The magic of touring in Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, and the U.S. military bases—where a simple “Elvis” concert can feel like a hometown event
• The story behind her latest love‑for‑moms anthem and the emotional truth behind a song dropped a day before Mother’s Day
• The everyday rituals that keep her creative birds flying—think acoustic guitar, a red Buckees cup, and a dash of “coffee at the kitchen table” vibe—plus what her guitar would say if it could talk
• Her upcoming album, set for a March drop, and the careful, soul‑searching choices that go into naming a record
• How authenticity is the secret handshake of Nashville’s music scene, and why you should stay true to yourself if you’re chasing a dream in Music City

We end the conversation on a tender note about the songs that can touch your soul without a single word—because sometimes, music is the only language that matters.

So if you’re looking for an honest, heart‑centered, and instant‑enchanting episode, hit play and let the music do the talking. 🌟🎸

Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks—the show that battles depression one riff at a time. I’m your host, James Cox, a proud “handicapped” rocker on a mission to prove that music has no language barriers.

In today’s episode we sit down with Askhan, the visionary founder, vocalist, and creative force behind Nine Treasures, the Mongolian folk‑metal outfit that’s been turning heads worldwide. Fresh off the release of their new album and a landmark signing with Metal Blade Records, Oscar shares how the band fuses ancient Mongolian melodies—complete with the haunting horse‑head fiddle—into thunderous modern metal.

We’ll explore how Askhan balances reverence for his cultural heritage with personal storytelling, the Buddhist ideas that quietly shape his songwriting, and the collaborative shift that let his bandmates take the reins on half the new record. From his favorite global metal influences—Pantera, Megadeth, In Flames, and Children of Bodø—to his secret love of liquid drum‑and‑bass for relaxation, Askhan reveals the eclectic soundtrack that fuels his creative engine.

Finally, we ask the big “what‑if” questions: which dead‑or‑alive artist would he love to collab with (hint: think Limp Bizkit), what message he wants the next generation of Mongolian metal musicians to carry forward, and the most powerful fan moment that proved music truly saves lives.

Grab your headphones, settle in, and let the fusion of myth, metal, and mindfulness guide you through another powerful conversation—because when words fail, music always speaks.

Welcome back to When Words Fail Music Speaks, the podcast that dives deep into the healing power of music, mental‑health battles, and the stories behind the riffs. In today’s episode we sit down with CJ Pierce, co‑founder and guitarist of Johnny Pool (the band you’ve heard on “Madness,” “Tearaway,” and countless sold‑out arena shows).

CJ shares what life on the road looks like after COVID—a whirlwind UK tour with 13 dates, a new record slated for release by year‑end, and the relentless grind of writing, recording, and performing while juggling a daytime trade in electrical work. He explains the evolution of the track “Tearaway” — how its meaning has shifted for him over 25 years — and gives us the inside scoop on the iconic opening riff (phaser‑flanger mash‑up, Digitech 2101, and a spontaneous jam with Dave Williams).

We also explore how Johnny Pool’s music has become a lifeline for fans facing depression, with songs like “37 Stitches” and “In Memory Of” resonating on a deeply personal level. CJ talks about the band’s charitable side, from Toys‑for‑Tots shows to USO performances, and reveals his favorite gear—from vintage BC Rich guitars and Marshall stacks to the hidden‑treasure signature pedals that stay safely at home.

Whether you’re a metalhead craving a fresh riff, a listener seeking comfort in heavy music, or just curious about the behind‑the‑scenes hustle of a touring act, this episode delivers a candid, electrifying look at how music speaks when words fall short. Grab your headphones, crank the volume, and get ready to feel the pulse of Johnny Pool’s journey.

Welcome back to The When Words Fail Music Speaks, the podcast where we turn the volume up on the power of music to lift us out of the darkness. In today’s episode, host James Cox sits down with the unstoppable Mz. Coxx —singer, songwriter, actress, and all‑around creative force—just a year after their last chat.

From the buzz around her breakout single “Headboard” (feat. Lil Durks) to a brand‑new EP dropping on 11/11, we dive into her whirlwind year of global touring, a looming movie role, and the next chapter of her Panamanian‑Georgia‑infused sound. Mz. Coxx opens up about the emotions she’s yet to explore in her music—sadness, love, and raw vulnerability—while sharing the quirky rituals that shape her studio sessions (candlelight, tequila, and occasional party vibes).

We also get the low‑down on her upcoming cruise gigs, favorite influences (Missy Elliott, Usher, Lil’ Kim, Chris Brown), and the one song that still moves her to the core—Usher’s “Superstar.”

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her sound, this conversation is a reminder that when words fail, music always speaks.

Stay tuned, hit play, and let the healing begin. 🎧✨

In today’s episode we sit down with award‑winning author Heather Snodgrass, creator of the genre‑bending novel A Love Letter to Reading. Heather blends thriller, identity, and transformation with a meticulously curated playlist that runs 99 hours long—every chapter is anchored to a song, a TV theme, or even a wrestling reference.

We’ll hear how the book started as a screenplay, morphed into a full‑blown novel, and why the Leon Bridges track “River” is the story’s heartbeat. Heather shares her creative ritual—listening to everything from the Beatles to Taylor Swift, avoiding jazz and country, and letting lyrical storytelling guide her prose. She also reveals the quirky details that make her world unique: a pediatric oncology‑nurse‑by‑day, assassin‑by‑night protagonist named Mariana “Scorpion” Rossi; a love for Final Fantasy XIV!

We’ll dive into the playlists that live inside the book, discuss how music and reading evoke different emotions, and ask Heather the fun, rapid‑fire questions every fan loves—her must‑have desert‑island albums, the live act she’d book for her launch (the Beatles, of course), and the secret song that moves her soul on a deep level.

Whether you’re a writer seeking a soundtrack, a music lover looking for the next great novel‑playlist hybrid, or simply someone who believes “when the words fail, music speaks,” this episode has something for you.

Grab your headphones, press play, and let the conversation between narrative and melody begin.

*Welcome back to The When Words Fail Music Speaks, the podcast where we explore how music heals, connects, and changes lives. In this episode we sit down with Joshua  Gale, front‑man of the family‑filled, faith‑driven band Gale Bird. After a magical outdoor show at Charleston’s historic Poor House, Josh and host James dive deep into the stories behind the songs that keep their family and fans moving forward.

We’ll hear:

• The origin of the “Gale Bird” nickname and the tight‑knit friendship with guitarist/producer Sean, the band’s “go‑with‑the‑flow” rhythm section, and the secret musical hook that ends every “Roses” track.
• How the band balances touring, family life, and a full‑time ministry while staying true to a label that actually cares.
• The raw, personal moments that inspired songs like **“Roses,” “My Lines,” and the worship‑filled “Your Presence,” and why those tracks are written first for the band’s own healing before they reach listeners.
• A candid look at the modern music business—streaming vs. merch, the power of live‑show etiquette, and why the band refuses to let phones dominate the moment.
• A quick “Mount‑Rushmore” of the band’s current musical heroes—from the raw energy of Need to Breathe to the storytelling of Chris Stapleton—plus a surprise shout‑out to fans and a reminder to “keep the six‑week rhythm” in life.

Whether you’re a musician, a parent, or just looking for a song that speaks straight to the soul, this episode gives you a front‑row seat to the love, faith, and humor that fuels Gale Bird’s music. Press play, breathe, and let the music speak. 🎙️✨

Welcome to “When Words Fail, Music Speaks” – the podcast that harnesses the healing power of song to combat depression, anxiety, and everyday heartbreak.



In today’s episode we sit down with the multitalented Mark Firehammer—author of the genre‑blending novel The Echo and The Voice, creator of the wellness system Feelness, and a seasoned songwriter whose career spans from Florida coffee‑houses in the ‘90s to AI‑driven studios today.

Mark shares the wild road‑trip story of his early touring days, the unexpected love affair he’s had with the legendary Cronut, and the pivotal moment when he realized his next album would have to be built without a band. We dive deep into his groundbreaking Artist‑Imagined series, a quartet of AI‑crafted albums—Heartlands (country), Heartthrob (dance), Heartstrings (alternative) and Heartbeats (rock)—and explore how he trains machines to sing in the voices of imagined artists while preserving his own lived experiences.

Along the way, we touch on:

• The rise and challenges of independent musicians in the streaming era
• The moral and creative debates surrounding AI‑generated music and Spotify’s new disclosure rules
• How Mark’s nonprofit aims to turn music, theater, film, and visual art into a collaborative network centered on human connection
• Favorite childhood influences—from Cat Stevens and James Taylor to the awe‑inspiring voice of Freddie Mercury—and the songs that still move him to tears

Whether you’re a songwriter stuck in a creative rut, a fan of cutting‑edge tech, or simply someone looking for a musical pick‑me‑up, this conversation offers a blend of nostalgia, practical insight, and forward‑looking optimism. Grab your headphones, cue up a fresh track, and let Mark’s story remind you that when words fall short, music always finds a way to speak.

Welcome to “When Words Fail, Music Speaks,” the podcast that battles depression one riff at a time.

In this episode, host James Cox—a proud “professional handicapped” broadcaster who knows a thing or two about turning struggle into song—sits down with Krysis, the charismatic front‑man of the newly‑emerging metal‑core collective Under Black Sky.

Together they explore:

• Why music is a lifeline for anyone navigating life’s highs and lows.
• The genre‑spanning influences that shape Krysis' songwriting—from hard‑rock roots to a love of country.
• The immersive world‑building behind Under Black Sky’s mythic lore, complete with prophetic titles like “The Prophet,” “The Executioner,” and “The Redeemer.”
• How the band’s debut concept album, Bad Blood Chapter 1—dropping on October 24th— is more than a collection of songs; it’s a narrative experience, a visual codex, and soon, a limited‑edition crimson‑red vinyl.
• Their strategy for cutting through the streaming noise, fostering fan participation through a Discord‑style “Codex” community, and confronting the harsh realities of the music‑industry pay‑scale (Spotify vs. Apple Music, the value of live shows, etc.).
• The importance of authentic connection—from the stage’s raw energy to the personal stories fans share about how a single lyric can change a life.

Whether you’re a die‑hard metal head, a country‑playlist addict, or simply someone looking for a musical boost, this conversation offers a vivid snapshot of a band determined to turn darkness into light—and invites you to join the saga before it even hits the speakers.

Stay tuned, press play, and let the next chapter of Under Black Sky’s story begin. 🎸✨

Welcome back to the When Words Fail Music Speaks Podcast, where we dive into the power of music to lift us out of depression, break genre walls and rewrite the rules of the industry.

In today’s episode, host James Andrew Cox sits down with Seattle‑based, multi‑award‑winning singer‑songwriter Lady Miranda—a soulful vocalist who fuses R&B, rock, hip‑hop, and more into a sound that’s unmistakably hers. We’ll hear how she turned childhood poetry into a career that’s as boundary‑defying as it is deeply personal, and why she refuses to follow anyone else’s “songwriting template.”

Beyond the music, Miranda opens up about her late‑life diagnoses of autism and ADHD, sharing how hyper‑focus fuels marathon‑writing sessions while also posing everyday challenges—from stage lighting to studio fatigue. She also spotlights ISSA (the International Society of Artists & Musical Professionals with Disabilities), an organization fighting for a more inclusive music world.

From grunge‑era Seattle roots and favorite bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden, to surprise rap verses tucked into her tracks, Miranda’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and community. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a mental‑health advocate, or simply a fan of genre‑bending music, this conversation will inspire you to let the melody speak where words fall short.

Stay tuned—your next dose of musical inspiration starts now. 🎧✨

Welcome back to When Words Fail Music Speaks, the podcast that battles depression one chord at a time. In today’s episode, host James “the professional handicapped” Cox sits down with a remarkable guest whose life reads like a soundtrack of survival—Tony Kessel.

Born in North Dakota, raised in a foster home, and now a full‑time National Guard officer, husband, and father of five, Tony has turned his tumultuous journey into a compelling memoir, "It’s All in the Lyrics". Together, James and Tony unpack how music became Tony’s lifeline—from the first Garth Brooks radio hit that soothed an eight‑year‑old in a foster home, to the heavy‑metal anthems that carried him through combat engineer training, to the faith‑driven Christian rock that guided his post‑military healing.

We’ll hear:

• The raw, honest story of Tony’s childhood trauma and how specific lyrics acted as his personal therapist.
• The way his 22‑year military career reshaped his relationship with sound—because sometimes a rifle’s cadence feels like a drumbeat.
• A deep dive into his “Side A – Matters of the Head” and “Side B – Matters of the Heart” concept, the two‑album project he’s crafting to chronicle the mental and emotional battles he’s faced.
• The songs that would make a rescue playlist for his younger self—Garth Brooks’ Unanswered Prayers, The Dance, and 12 Stones’ “Running Out of Pain.”
• A candid confession about the one track he can no longer listen to, the moment it intersected with a suicide attempt, and why sharing that pain matters for listeners battling their own darkness.

Tony’s story is a vivid reminder that when words fail, music speaks—bridging gaps, offering a voice, and building a community where no one has to fight alone. Whether you’re a veteran, a foster‑care survivor, or simply someone looking for a song that can lift you out of the fog, this conversation is a beacon of hope.

Stay tuned, turn up the volume, and let the healing power of music guide you through today’s episode of Woodward’s Music Speaks

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