Music Saved Me Podcast

This Veterans Day, we're revisiting one of our most moving conversations. Lynn Hoffman sits down with country star and Army veteran Craig Morgan: 2.5 billion streams, more than 25 Billboard-charting songs, over 250 Grand Ole Opry appearances, and 17 years of service in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve. He has since re-enlisted in the Reserve.
Craig offers a surprising take for Music Saved Me. Music is his livelihood, not his therapy; he finds that on a tractor or in the woods. But he's seen firsthand what a song can do for someone else. He shares the unforgettable story of a young soldier who waited four hours after a show to tell him how two of his songs, "Paradise" and "Almost Home," played a part in saving his life, once in Iraq and once back home.
Craig also talks about why a song becomes forever tied to the moment you hear it, the work of Guitars for Vets in helping veterans with PTSD, his EP American Soundtrack, and his advice for anyone leaning on music through hard times: stay busy, stay creative, and keep your mind in motion.
To every veteran and service member: thank you.
This episode includes discussion of suicide. If you or a veteran you know is struggling, call or text 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line, or text 838255.
Music Saved Me is part of the Buzz Knight Media Productions network. Check out our companion podcast, Takin' A Walk with Buzz Knight, wherever you get your podcasts.
Support the show: https://musicsavedme.net/
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Some conversations deserve a second listen. In this encore episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast, host Lynn Hoffman revisits her talk with Radhika Das, a Kirtan artist and bhakti yoga teacher whose path to healing began with a painful breakup in the mountains of Spain. That loss led him to Kirtan, the ancient practice of devotional call-and-response chanting, and to a new understanding of what music can do for a hurting heart.
Radhika shares why he sees music as medicine for the soul and why Kirtan is about more than chanting. It's about community, connection, and finding joy even in the darkest stretches of life. The conversation also touches on musicians and mental health, and how music builds resilience when we need it most.
Whether you're hearing it for the first time or coming back to it, this one is a reminder that music can carry us through.
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What if the key to your survival lay in the power of music? Join host Lynn Hoffman on this enlightening episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast as she sits down with Andrew Schulman, a remarkable guitarist whose life took an unexpected turn after a near-fatal medical crisis. In 2009, Andrew faced what was initially diagnosed as pancreatic cancer, leading him into a harrowing battle for life that included a medically induced coma. It was during this critical juncture that the healing power of music emerged as a beacon of hope. As his wife played Bach's St. Matthew Passion, Andrew’s vital signs stabilized, illustrating just how profoundly music saved him.
Andrew’s journey is not just one of survival; it is a testament to the transformative impact of music as a healing tool. After his recovery, he became the executive director of the Medical Musician Initiative, an organization dedicated to training musicians to deliver therapeutic music in critical care settings. This episode explores the science behind music and emotional healing, the history of music in medicine, and the essential role of healing through music in healthcare. Andrew shares personal stories from his memoir, Waking the Spirit: A Musician's Journey, Healing Body, Mind, and Soul, revealing how music has the power to heal not only the body but also the mind and spirit.
Listeners will gain insights into the fascinating world where music and emotional well-being intersect, learning about the inspiring musicians who have turned their own struggles into powerful stories of hope and resilience. From the personal stories of musicians to the science that backs up the therapeutic benefits of music, this episode is packed with inspiring music stories that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever found solace in a song. Whether you’re a fan of indie music, curious about the latest indie music stories, or simply seeking inspiration, Andrew’s experiences will touch your heart.


So, what song got you through something hard? Discover how music can be a lifeline, a source of strength, and a vital part of our healing journeys. Tune in to the Music Saved Me Podcast for a conversation that promises to inspire and uplift, reminding us all that indeed, music saved me.
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Jeff Warshaw, Radio Ink's Executive of the Year and CEO of Connoisseur Media is on a mission. After his fireside chat with Fred Jacobs at Morning Show Boot Camp, Lynn Hoffman had to talk to him.
Jeff shares how, as a Wharton student, he built an AM radio station in Portage, Indiana from a construction permit. Along the way he dealt with a union that cut down his tower, a stolen tower section, and a police standoff. He talks about why optimism is required to buy radio stations today, and why saving radio matters for artists, advertisers, and the communities stations serve.
He also tells the story of a WEBE108 Christmas wish that came back to him unexpectedly, and how Chaz and AJ supported their community during Sandy Hook. He explains why he brought back fun, local names like Z93 and The Fridge after the Alpha Media deal. On the music side, Jeff names the Keane album that got him through his divorce, the first song he'd play if he programmed an hour tonight, and his three desert island albums.
Produced by Buzz Knight Media Productions. Part of the iHeart Podcast Network.
Support the show: https://musicsavedme.net/
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Have you ever wondered how music can transform pain into healing? Join host Lynn Hoffman on this heartfelt journey in the latest episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast as she sits down with the incredibly talented Kelsie Watts, a singer-songwriter and Broadway performer whose powerful vocals resonate with authenticity and emotion. Kelsie opens up about her personal story, revealing how music has been a constant source of healing and connection in her life, particularly after the tragic loss of her brother to depression.
Throughout this encore episode, Kelsie reflects on her early influences, sharing how iconic artists like Whitney Houston and Celine Dion shaped her musical aspirations. With a rich family background in music, Kelsie discusses the pivotal moments that fueled her passion and creativity. As she delves into her experiences on NBC's The Voice, listeners will gain insight into the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing a career in music. Kelsie's journey is not just about her rise as a performer; it's also about the deeper connections forged through her art.
Music has the remarkable ability to serve as a healing tool, and Kelsie passionately advocates for mental health awareness, emphasizing the importance of discussing emotional well-being. Through her original songs, she tackles themes of loss, resilience, and hope, offering a comforting message to those who may be struggling. This episode is a testament to the belief that music saved me and can save others, encouraging listeners to explore their own stories and find their voices.
As Kelsie shares her inspiring music stories, she invites you to reflect on the songs that saved your life and the moments that defined your journey. This episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast is not just an interview; it's a powerful reminder of how music connects us all, providing solace during our darkest times. Join us for an uplifting conversation filled with personal stories of musicians, and discover how music and emotional healing can pave the way for resilience and joy.
Whether you’re a fan of indie music stories or simply looking for inspiration, Kelsie's heartfelt insights and her belief in the transformative power of music will resonate deeply. Tune in to hear how Kelsie Watts embodies the essence of music saved me and how her journey can inspire you to embrace your own healing through music.
Support the show: https://musicsavedme.net/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.