Advertise on podcast: Journey of an Artist

Send us a text "If you have a creative desire or urge to do something, do it. Do it however it comes. Do it your own way."  How do we stay trendy as artists? How can we keep up with algorithms and technology to assure that we're always in the forefront of our audience's minds? Irish singer-songwriter and music industry veteran Ben Reel says these are the wrong questions. In this episode, Ben sits down with Emmeline to talk about his twelfth album, Spirit's Not Broken--and to share how he's made such a long and meaningful career in the music industry. He discusses the organic way in which the songwriting and production processes unfolded for him, the joy of getting lots of talented musicians in one room, and how his influences continue to shape his unique sound. Ben sees genre as irrelevant; the true question, he says, is the honesty of the music. He advocates for steeping yourself in the best music, then allowing those influences to inform you as you continue to diligently pursue your sound. He even gives us a glimpse at the song he wrote for his wife, "I Will." To learn more about Ben, or to follow his musical journey, visit his official website.  You can even read all of the lyrics from his new album! For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Send us a text "Things work for a minute, and then you adapt."  How do you maintain a steady business--and a steady income--in an industry that is continuously evolving? How do you successfully chase passion AND stability? How do you stay inspired with a demanding schedule? In this episode, Emmeline sits down with BW Bridger, an accomplished guitar player, composer, audio engineer, video engineer, producer, band leader, teacher, and rehearsal space manager in the DFW area. A jack of all trades--and a true creative chameleon--BW has built a career on adaptability and sustainability, finding creative ways to solve the problems he encounters in the creative industries. He talks about the entrepreneurial spirit that has led him to pivot his business multiple times, about learning how to do things oneself as a creative, and about how everything you learn as a creative will have a future application--even if you don't see it yet! He and Emmeline also unpack the insecurity that plagues most artists. Lastly, BW gives us a sneak peek at his brand new track, "Underwater Timeout." To learn more about BW Bridger, or to follow his musical and entrepreneurial journey, follow him on Instagram or check out his rehearsal space, Jam Station DFW. You can also stream "Underwater Timeout" on all of your favorite streaming platforms! For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Send us a text "Perhaps I must pick me up/ Perhaps I must carry me home gently."  How do artists survive in a world gone mad? How can we find ways to hold space for ourselves and for others? Can our art really be a safe space for us to both fall apart and piece ourselves back together? In the first Journey of an Artist of 2026, Emmeline tackles these questions and more with one of DFW's most beloved poets, River. River shares how various art forms have served as coping mechanisms for her over the years--from her poetry to her visual art--and how creation is not only a response to, but an antidote to destruction. She also shares two poems from her beautiful book of poetry, Still River. To learn more about River, or to follow River's artistic journey, find her on Instagram. You can also grab any of her books at her next live show! For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Send us a text "You just have to let the magic happen."  For his brand new album, Django New Orleans II - Hors Série, legendary guitarist Stephane Wrembel stretched himself as a musician, composer, and vocalist. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Stephane to talk about the process by which his new album came together, from his time in the studio to his time meditating on different themes and sounds for the record. Stephane shares some of his best practicing tips, reflects on singing at the mic for the first time on an album, and talks about the magic that happens when you get the right musicians in the right room at the same time and allow them the space and opportunity to be themselves. Emmeline and Stephane also talk briefly about psychology and how our human desire for unity manifests in music! Plus, hear two new full tracks from Stephane's new album: his favorite, "Nature Boy," and his original composition, "Holden Caulfield." To learn more about Stephane Wrembel, or to follow his musical journey, visit his official website or follow him on Instagram. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Send us a text "It has to be good vibes all the way."  How does an idea become a script? How does a script become a full, on-stage production? How does one assemble the team necessary to make that transition as seamless as possible? In this episode, Emmeline sits down with the creative team behind the brand new play, Training Set, to answer these questions and more. The episode features actors and producers Chelsea LeSage and Jenilyn Rodriguez, writer Sonny Marwah, and director Serena Norr. The team shares the organic process by which the show came together and the magic by which they were able to assemble a creative support system. They also talk candidly about the challenges of taking a show from script to stage in just a few months' time. Chelsea shares her mantras for synergy, Jenilyn talks about the ways in which theater can be healing, Sonny discusses his goals for audience reception as a writer, and Serena shares the collaborative attitude that she tries to bring to every production. They also talk about the magic of having friends that encourage and support your creativity! Training Set opens on December 3rd and runs through December 7th at Theatre Row in New York City. To learn more about the play, or to buy tickets, visit the official website and be sure to follow the show on Instagram. There will be a special talkback after Thursday's performance! For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Send us a text "I like to keep things a little spicy..."  In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Suede Lacy--a Dallas native and an alum of Season 26 of The Voice. Suede Lacy graduated from the prestigious Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and is in the process of finishing an album of music that’s at once fresh and vintage--but the journey towards an album release has been slower than Suede would've picked.  Emmeline and Suede talk about Suede's experience on The Voice, the immediacy of creative success on TV, and about the ever-pressing creative question, What comes next?  They also talk about their deep mutual love for Ani DiFranco's Dilate album and how to incorporate influences in new and exciting ways. To learn more about Suede Lacy, or to follow Suede's musical journey, follow them on Instagram or TikTok. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Send us a text "I should be enough for what it is that I want." - Buddy Red How do you make your own path as an artist when everyone is telling you to be something you're not? Buddy Red has answers. The son of famed rapper T.I. is paving his own way in the music industry as a rock-infused blues guitarist with soulful riffs and visceral vocals. His music is both an ode to his heroes--greats like Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd--and something that is uniquely his.  In this episode, Buddy Red sits down with Emmeline live from the Launch Music Conference in Dallas to talk about finding his creative truth in a sea of voices offering advice and guidance. He shares his struggle to find a corner for himself within the industry and talks about the joy of recording his latest single, "Sold His Soul." Lastly, he asks for recommendations for the best brisket in Dallas! To learn more about Buddy Red, or to follow his musical journey, follow him on Instagram. You can also stream his music on Spotify. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Send us a text "It's about really being 100% present."  How do you reconcile the hustle of creative professionalism with the presence of mind creativity requires? Irish musician and rock/blues guitarist Paul Sherry might have an answer. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with prolific guitarist and songwriter Paul Sherry to talk about his journey towards mindfulness, his deep respect of presence, and the way his deepening spirituality manifests in his music on his new record, Peace in Mind. They talk about the beauty of being onstage and being fully present with an audience, and about Paul's intentional approach to bringing that same energy to the studio and to his collaborative music. They also have an honest conversation about how we get wiser and more present as we get older, and why we tend to create more when we put our phones down. To learn more about Paul Sherry, or to follow his musical journey, visit him on Instagram, stream his music on Spotify, or check out his official website. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Send us a text The music industry can be hard to navigate, and harder to stomach. Sometimes, the industry seems to magnify all of your biggest insecurities, and the Imposter Syndrome is real. BUT electro-pop artist Robbie Wabi Sabi says that we artists have to stick together, and that you have to be your own biggest fan. You also have to connect meaningfully with your audience. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Robbie Wabi Sabi, a synthesizer-obsessed drum machine lover who's been writing and producing his own music since the 1980s. While Robbie's career in music has experienced multiple iterations and transformations, he feels like THIS era is his best one yet--in part because of the enthusiasm he has for his own music and for the music community in which he exists and creates. He shares his tips for building self-confidence, keeping oneself relevant, and maintaining joy while creating. He also talks about his latest single, "Beautiful and Nerdy," and tells Emmeline why every Robbie Wabi Sabi show is actually one big party. To learn more about Robbie Wabi Sabi, or to follow his musical journey, find him on Instagram, check him out on YouTube, or stream his music on Spotify.  For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Send us a text Struggling with depression or anxiety? Looking for support in your recovery, but don't know where to turn? Living the life of a creative professional, but feeling like you're barely holding it together? Amplified Minds--which offers FREE mental healthcare--was created for YOU. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Lauren O'Connor, the president of Amplified Minds, to talk about the nonprofit's history, goals, and services. Since its inception, Amplified Minds has had one goal: to provide access to quality mental healthcare to those in need. Lauren shares how the organization is expanding, what it offers now, and why a benefit concert seemed like the perfect way to kick off a brand new era. To learn more about Amplified Minds, to donate to the organization, or to figure out how to access their services, visit the official website. To buy tickets to Louder Than Stigma, September 6th, 2025 at the Kessler Theater, featuring Cure for Paranoia, visit the official event page. To see some of the epic jackets that will be auctioned off, follow Amplified Minds on Instagram. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Send us a text How does an idea become a musical? How do you write both a play and a musical soundtrack at the same time? How does a musical that you've finally written wind up on a real stage with real actors? Kaylee Killingsworth and Kenady Sean have answers. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with two-thirds of the creative team behind Beyond Perfection, a new musical about our human desire for perfection and our love-hate relationship with reality. Just days before their New York City debut, Kenady and Kaylee get candid about the winding path to the stage, from initial table reads to a complete script revision. They also discuss the value of perseverance, the fine line between constructive criticism and debilitating criticism, and how this version of Beyond Perfection is, without a doubt, their best one yet. Plus, hear a sneak peek of the musical itself! To learn more about Beyond Perfection: The Musical, visit the official website or follow the musical on Instagram. To learn more about Kenady Sean and her upcoming projects, visit her official website or follow her on Instagram. To follow Kaylee's musical and creative journey, visit her official website or follow her on Instagram. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Send us a text "Music has always been more than just a hobby."  You know you're a creative person. You know you're meant to do more than a repetitive 9 to 5 job in this life. You're pretty sure you have something special inside of you that needs to come out. The problem? You have a lot of passions, and you're not sure how they align. Rob Case understands your journey. He also has some answers for you. As a shopowner, a pilot, an accomplished luthier, an open mic host, a teacher, and a performing singer-songwriter, Rob has existed in a multitude of professional spaces and has juggled seemingly disparate careers--but his passions align when he is building community and sharing his passions with others. In this episode, he talks to Emmeline about the way music's role in his life has shifted over the years, but how his conscious decision to prioritize music has led to beautiful rewards. To learn more about Rob, or to follow his musical journey, visit his official website or find his music on Spotify. To check out Rob Case's Open Mic, get connected through their official Facebook page. To learn more about Rob's shop, visit its official website. Lastly, see Wilco stop by Poor David's Pub here! For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Send us a text “Learning how to say your truth as yourself is really, really hard to do—especially at first.”  In a world increasingly geared toward disposable art, how do we make something that matters? How can we stay true to our inner artist AND work with the algorithm? Is it even worth the compromise? With the release of his four-part album, Triptychs, Court Hoang set out to answer these questions in a way that worked for him. In this episode, Emmeline and Court chat about how streaming has changed music, how creativity doesn't always work on a schedule optimized for consistent content generation, and how making something honest is always better than making something perfect. Court also shares how songwriting can be the opportunity for the coveted life do-over. Stick around until the end to meet Emmeline's dogs! To learn more about Court Hoang, or to follow his musical journey, visit his official website. To buy Triptychs, check out Court on Bandcamp. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Send us a text Kollin Kennedy did not grow up thinking that he'd be a poet, but he did grow up with a profound love of language. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Instagram-famous poet and University of North Texas graduate Kollin Kennedy to talk about his journey into the world of poetry and his love for the written word. Kollin also shares how he was inspired to start writing verse, and how consistent posting on Instagram helped him to create a book of original poetry. He even shares two poems from his new book, As Time Goes By: A Collection of Poetry and Prose. The two swap stories about life as English majors--and discuss the importance of putting one's thoughts into one's own words.  To learn more about Kollin Kennedy, or to follow his creative journey, visit his official website or follow him on Instagram.  For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Send us a text "I have been living an authentic and wildly courageous life ever since."  How do you step most honestly into your true self? How do you combat social messaging that tells you to be someone other than who you are?  In this deeply vulnerable episode, Emmeline sits down with nonbinary author, identity coach, keynote speaker, photographer, and multi-passionate creative Don Mamone. Don shares some of the details of their journey of letting people in (rather than coming out) and talks about the importance of becoming aware of and building safer spaces for everyone to live authentically. They also talk about the way their identity journey inspired them to write Different Doesn't Mean Broken: Living Courageously Outside the Binary.  Don also shares how they've cultivated a creative career as a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, and the way they've pivoted professionally to accommodate their most authentic self. To learn more about Don Mamone, or to follow their creative journey, visit their official website or follow them on Instagram. You can also order a signed copy of their book here. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.