Before The Voice, before three chairs turned, before Team Kelly — we sat down with Abigayle Oakley on the gulf coast at the 30A Songwriters Festival and talked about what it actually feels like to build a life in music when you're still figuring out who you are.Abigayle calls her sound "existential indie folk," and it fits. She writes about not having answers — about being her own worst gaslighter, about the gap between ambition and presence, about writing 100 songs in a year just to stop being precious about the process. We talked co-writing, Julia Cameron, the pressure of social media on her generation, and why a love song about a thrifted Patagonia fleece might be the most honest thing she's written.From Las Vegas, Nevada. Based in Nashville. Currently on NBC's The Voice, Team Kelly Clarkson. This is Abigayle Oakley before the world caught on.00:00 Cold Open

00:38 Podcast Intro

01:11 Guest Introduction

03:33 Interview Begins

04:58 Touring & Venues

07:00 New Music & EP Release

07:35 100 Songs a Year

08:41 Existential Indie Folk

09:37 Worst Gaslighter

11:36 Social Media & Anxiety

12:28 Music as Therapy

14:03 Co-Writing & The Creative Process

16:04 The Artist's Way & Showing Up

17:09 Making the Leap

18:01 Career Goals & Creative Freedom

20:16 Hazel Eyed Lover in Patagonia (Story)

21:53 What Are You Most Curious About?

24:25 Closing & Goodbye

24:44 Song: Hazel Eyed Lover in Patagonia

28:29 Song: Press Three

Jimmy Fortune on Reinventing After the Statler Brothers, Faith, and Virginia Dreams | Curious GoldfishIn this Curious Goldfish episode, host Jason English interviews Country Music Hall of Famer Jimmy Fortune, reflecting on his early years playing Holiday Inn and Ramada Inn lounge circuits, including a defining moment when an older man urged him not to quit his dream. Fortune recounts joining the Statler Brothers in 1982, the life-changing opportunities that followed, and the challenge of starting over when the group retired in 2002. He discusses nerves and humility in his solo career, mentorship and advice about moving to Nashville, and his latest “American Dreamer” project—a book, CD, and live, no-overdub DVD created with writer Dave Clark to share a raw, chronological story of faith, forgiveness, and resilience through dark seasons and personal loss. The conversation also highlights Fortune’s enduring connection to Virginia and the inspiration behind “Earl’s Song, Virginia Dreams,” which he performs at the end.00:00 Holiday Inn Dream Advice

01:13 Podcast Welcome and Guest Intro

03:42 Meeting Jimmy Fortune

04:46 Statler Brothers Breakthrough

05:22 Retirement and Starting Over

06:24 A Dream From Dad

08:30 Three Career Eras

12:12 Going Solo Reality Check

14:03 Oak Ridge Boys Nerves

16:15 Ramada Inn Circuit Lessons

17:48 Never Quit Your Dream

21:20 American Dreamer Project

22:25 Writing the Book

25:29 Live DVD Rough Edges

27:38 Virginia Roots and Songs

29:26 Virginia Longing

30:04 Earl Song Origins

30:46 Home Memories Everywhere

31:49 Nashville Family

33:10 Go To Nashville Advice

33:38 Phil Vassar Story

35:21 Mentoring The Next

36:43 Purpose Over Money

37:59 Family And Regrets

39:17 God Things And Roots

42:50 Forgiveness And Grace

44:59 Grief And Hope

49:03 Curious About The World

53:13 Faith And Free Will

54:52 Closing Thanks

55:12 Virginia Dreams Performance🎙️ Welcome to Curious Goldfish!Curious Goldfish is a podcast community where music and curiosity come together through meaningful conversations with the music makers of our world. It’s a music podcast about more than music, inspired by Ted Lasso. Hosted by Jason English, each episode dives into the stories, struggles, and inspirations behind some of the most captivating voices in Americana, rock, folk, country, and bluegrass.Whether it’s Grammy winners, rising stars, or undiscovered gems, we explore the creative journey, personal transformation, and the impact of place and purpose on art.📌 Subscribe & Join the Conversation!Hit the subscribe button and don't forget to tap the bell so you never miss an episode.🌐 Website: https://curiousgoldfish.com🪕Redstoolsessions Backyard Listening Room🎧 Listen on Spotify/Apple/All Platforms:📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/curiousgoldfishpodcast📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/thecuriousgoldfish🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Curiosity_Fish📹 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@curiousgoldfishpodcast🌌 Bluesky: https://curiousgoldfishpod.bsky.social💬 Drop a comment below – who would you love to see featured next?📬 Stay curious – subscribe to our newsletter!Don’t miss exclusive artist insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and curated playlists. Sign up for Chords of Curiosity at https://curiousgoldfish.com!💼 Support the Show with Our Favorite Tools🎙️ Podcast Hosting via Captivate: https://fas.st/t/JtdpvPX6🌐 Website Powered by PodcastPage.IO: https://podcastpage.io?via=jason38📱 Social Media Made Simple with OnlySocial: https://onlysocial.io/?ref=curiousgoldfish#CuriousGoldfish #AmericanaMusic #SongwriterStories #Podcast #ChordsOfCuriosity #AffiliateLinks

Host Jason English welcomes Stella Prince, hailed as the face of Gen Z folk, for a conversation recorded at AmericanaFest after her first official showcase at Nashville’s female-owned venue, Anzie Blue. Prince reflects on growing up in Woodstock, New York, singing as a child with artists like Pete Seeger, and her early drive to work in music, including being a 12-year-old radio DJ spinning 1930s–40s big band and writing music reviews. She discusses making folk mainstream again, the generational appeal of the genre, and inspirations like Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, and Judy Collins, plus contemporaries like Laufey. Prince describes building an all-women team, recording her debut EP in Laurel Canyon, and releasing her first sync—a Hallmark film featuring her reimagined “(They Long to Be) Close to You.” She also shares songwriting shaped by Gen Z anxiety, inflation, and newfound independence, and performs “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” and her original “Good Luck Is Hard to Find.”00:00 Folk Across Generations

00:28 Podcast Intro and Guest Setup

02:42 AmericanaFest Milestone

04:38 Why Folk Feels Real Now

05:34 Making Folk Mainstream Again

06:13 Gen Z Jazz Inspiration

08:21 Woodstock Roots and Early Magic

09:27 Radio DJ and Big Band Years

11:00 DIY Hustle to Building a Team

13:04 All Women Team and Industry Gaps

13:45 Women on the Road

14:42 Laurel Canyon Recording Dream

15:23 Career First at 21

16:26 EP Plans and Hallmark Sync

17:57 Songwriting From Independence

18:35 Gen Z Pressure and Anxiety

20:55 Curiosity and Defining Success

23:14 Live Performance Session

26:04 Original Song Closing

Bird on AmericanaFest, Accidental Filmmaking, and Storytelling Through Music | Curious Goldfish PodcastHost Jason English welcomes Janie, who performs as Bird, to the Curious Goldfish Podcast in Nashville during AmericanaFest. Bird, half Irish and half English, grew up in London, is based in Italy, and is increasingly working in the U.S. after receiving an O-1 visa. She discusses Irish storytelling roots, her classical cello training from age six, learning drums at 11, and influences ranging from Jacqueline du Pré to Led Zeppelin and Bob Dylan that shaped her Americana sound. Bird explains the origin of her stage name, her “accidental filmmaker” path after a cinematic album stalled during COVID, and her short films “Wider Than the Sky” and “You Found a Friend in Elvis,” inspired by a Roy Orbison story. She outlines festival strategy, upcoming full-length film plans, two EPs (“Heads or Tales” and “Strange as Folk”) and a vinyl release, touring via Café Nero, and performs “The Tides” solo on cello for the first time.00:00 Irish Storytelling Roots

00:55 Podcast Welcome and Guest Intro

02:56 Meeting at AmericanaFest

03:35 AmericanaFest Buzz and US Plans

04:44 Why the Name Bird

07:22 Accidental Filmmaker Origin

09:12 Elvis and Roy Orbison Mystery

11:15 Festival Strategy and No Money

12:45 Third Film Tease and Timeline

14:13 Back to Music Classical Beginnings

15:13 Drums and Rock Influences

15:56 Irish Storytelling Roots

17:24 Albums and Genre Evolution

17:52 Heads or Tales EP

18:28 Why Two EPs

19:17 Folk Horror Inspiration

21:17 Lockdown Demos in Italy

22:27 Touring and Future Plans

25:19 Curiosity and Connection

27:58 The Tides Closing Song

Stephanie Sammons: Financial Planner by Day, Songwriter by Calling | Curious Goldfish with Jason EnglishHost Jason English welcomes Stephanie Sammons to Curious Goldfish in Nashville for a conversation about her dual life as a Dallas-based financial planner and an emerging songwriter. Stephanie explains her holistic approach to wealth management—combining financial planning, tax planning, and investment management—while emphasizing the importance of behavior, long-term perspective, and living fully rather than following rigid rules. She shares how she decided to “go pro” as a songwriter without leaving her career, motivated by a desire to avoid regret and stop waiting for permission to be herself, including encouragement from songwriter Mary Gauthier to claim the title of songwriter. Stephanie discusses her Southern Baptist upbringing in Missouri, how coming out created a decade-long family disconnect, and how reconciliation eventually developed into mutual respect, including her parents’ relationship with her wife and their grandchildren. The episode explores themes of faith, nuance, fear, optimism, and how personal experiences become songwriting material, including her song “Faithless” and the origins of “Innocence Lost,” inspired by a childhood memory of shooting a bird with a BB gun and later shaped in a Mary Gauthier workshop. Stephanie notes she released her 2024 album “Time and Evolution” and is currently recording a second full-length album with Mary Bragg, expected in early 2026. The episode closes with Stephanie performing “Innocence Lost.”00:00 Music, Faith, and Finding a Hopeful Perspective

01:01 Welcome to Curious Goldfish + Meet Stephanie Sammons

03:15 Nashville Intro & Why Her Songs Hit So Hard

04:07 Holistic Financial Planning: Retirement, Spending, and Mindset

06:53 Market Chaos, Long-Term Optimism, and Tuning Out the Noise

08:05 Day Job vs. Art: Going Pro Without Quitting10:57 ‘Build Your Own Adventure’ + Claiming the Title Songwriter

12:06 No More Excuses: Regret, Calling, and Making the Leap

14:10 Faith Deconstruction in Americana Music (and Why It’s Taboo)16:52 Southern Baptist Roots, Sexuality, and a Complicated Belief

18:10 The ‘Billboard Sign’ Lyric: Family Rejection and Its Aftermath

18:59 Rebuilding the Relationship: From Pedestal to Reconciliation

19:40 The Turning Point: Letting Go and Parents Coming Back Around

21:33 Agreeing to Disagree: Family, Marriage, Kids, and Mutual Respect

22:30 Will Sexuality Always Be the Headline? Identity Beyond Coming Out

23:31 Deep-Cut Songs & ‘Innocence Lost’: Writing Empathy in the South

26:57 How a Workshop Sparked ‘Innocence Lost’ (Mary Gauthier Story)

27:46 Why Songwriting Is the Joy (and Co-Writing as the Next Step)

28:53 ‘Faithless’ and Living with Nuance: Doubt, Privilege, and Worldview

31:06 Going Pro, New Doors, and Album #2 in the Works (2026)32:02 What She’s Most Curious About: Media, Fear, and the Swinging Pendulum

34:39 Closing Thanks + Live Performance: ‘Innocence Lost’

Morgan Myles on ‘Laced’: Turning a Broken Engagement into an Album, Surviving Nashville, and Staying Authentic in the AI EraIn this Curious Goldfish episode hosted by Jason English, singer-songwriter Morgan Myles discusses her upcoming album Laced (releasing February 13 on Galentine’s Day) and the personal upheaval that shaped it, including calling off her wedding, buying and then selling a house with her ex-fiancé, and touring through the chaos. She explains how the album title shifted from Language of Flowers to Laced, describing lace as delicate yet resilient, and shares how she used her 20-foot wedding veil—taken to Joshua Tree two weeks after the breakup—as the album cover. Morgan compares Laced to her 2020 album Therapy, outlines the two-year process of writing 80 songs in five months and narrowing them to 12 for vinyl with producer Ross Hogarth, and talks about performing while dealing with stress, compartmentalizing, faith, and negativity on social media. The conversation explores how fans can support artists in streaming, emphasizing that actively searching for an artist and listening to full songs signals algorithms, and addresses the flood of AI-generated music and its impact on songwriters, demo singers, session players, and industry economics. Morgan shares her view of authenticity, discusses songwriting themes like gaslighting and the power of words, and explains protecting vulnerability by staying close to trusted people. She talks about writing with Gary Nichols, what she learns from his perspective, and highlights tracks including “Love Is Lonesome” and “American Sky,” which she wrote to evoke bipartisan hope while addressing phone toxicity, food chemicals, veteran support, financial education, school tragedies, and media hate. Morgan reflects on her positive experience on The Voice as valuable exposure, her goals of continuing to write, tour, and build her fanbase, and ends by sharing what she’s curious about now—especially history and learning how to meditate.00:00 From ‘Language of Flowers’ to ‘Laced’: the veil that became the album cover

01:09 Welcome to Curious Goldfish + quick listener survey on streaming & AI

02:24 Meet Morgan Myles: survival, breakup inspiration, and authenticity in the AI era

03:38 Ice storm in Nashville: weather chaos and keeping the lights on

05:28 Laced release week + comparing the new album to Therapy

10:32 80 songs in 5 months: choosing the final tracklist with Ross Hogarth

11:55 The symbolism of lace: engagement, heartbreak, and women’s stories

13:33 Performing through pain: staying joyful onstage and handling trolls

16:59 How fans can help in the streaming era: algorithms, full listens, and search intent

21:06 AI in music: inevitable shift, lost royalties, and protecting the soul of songs

27:29 Breaking Down the Album: Passion, Despair & Song Themes

28:56 Why Words Matter: Songwriting, Gaslighting & Relationship Red Flags

30:29 Vulnerability vs Self-Protection (and Handling Online Judgment)

33:03 Pet Peeves & “Icks”: Attention, Alone Time, and Basic Respect34:09 Writing with Gary Nichols: Process, Perspective & Musical Authenticity37:24 “Love Is Lonesome”: When Love Hurts and How to Nurture It

39:54 “American Sky”: Hope, Division, and a Bipartisan Message

45:56 Where She’s Headed Next: Career Goals, The Voice, and Staying Grateful

49:55 Final Question: What She’s Most Curious About (History, Meditation & Life)

52:37 Wrap-Up: Album Release, Thanks, and Where to Stream

Pete Muller on Curiosity, Music, and Living in the Present | Curious Goldfish PodcastIn this episode of Curious Goldfish, host Jason English dives into an engaging conversation with Pete Muller, a multifaceted talent who excels in quantitative finance, crossword puzzle creation, philanthropy, and music. Pete shares insights on living in the present, the dangers of nostalgia, and his journey from finance to becoming a singer-songwriter. They discuss Pete's new album 'One Last Dance', his love for yoga and surfing, and the importance of staying curious and excited about the future. Pete also reveals his efforts in saving the iconic Power Station studio and supporting independent music venues across America. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion about balancing professional success with personal passions.

00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Present Excitement

00:57 Welcome to Curious Goldfish0

1:46 Meet Pete Muller: A Multifaceted Talent

05:10 Pete's Journey in Quantitative Finance

09:06 Crossword Puzzles and Quantitative Finance

13:34 The Art of Poker and Emotional Control

15:25 Living in the Present: Yoga, Surfing, and Music

21:21 Redefining Success and Personal Reflections

21:43 The Antisocial Camp Experience

22:56 Finding Joy in Small Moments

23:37 The Journey Towards Spirituality

24:47 Balancing Resources and Authenticity in Music

27:13 The Challenge of Connecting with the Audience

28:30 Creating Music and Personal Growth

28:57 Future Plans and Goals as an Artist

30:47 Recording at Peter Gabriel's Studio

33:46 Supporting the Arts and Philanthropy

34:48 Reviving the Iconic Power Station Studio

38:46 Supporting Independent Music Venues

40:41 The Magic of Live Music

41:15 Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes

Exploring Musical Journeys and New Beginnings with Lydia Luce | Curious Goldfish PodcastIn this episode of the Curious Goldfish Podcast, host Jason English sits down with the talented indie folk musician Lydia Luce. Lydia shares her journey from studying classical music in a conservatory to embracing a more relaxed and enjoyable indie folk career. She discusses her new album 'Mammoth,' detailing the inspiration behind each track. Lydia also opens up about her pregnancy and the balance between her music career and personal life. Don't miss this insightful conversation about music, creativity, and life's serendipitous moments.

00:00 Introduction to Lydia Luce's Musical Journey

01:09 Welcome to Curious Goldfish Podcast

01:52 Americana Fest and New Beginnings

03:05 Lydia's Personal and Professional Milestones

03:26 Balancing Music and Motherhood

04:40 The Joy of Indie Folk Music

07:04 Songwriting Inspirations and Processes

15:28 Exploring the New Album 'Mammoth'

18:12 Discussing the Hike and Its Challenges

18:58 Chronic Pain and Its Impact on Life

20:35 Pregnancy and Pain Management

22:56 Reflecting on Jesus Camp

27:00 Making Amends and Personal Growth

30:06 Curiosity About the Future

32:20 Conclusion and Performance

🎙️ Welcome to Curious Goldfish!Curious Goldfish is a podcast community where music and curiosity come together through meaningful conversations with the music makers of our world. It’s a music podcast about more than music, inspired by Ted Lasso. Hosted by Jason English, each episode dives into the stories, struggles, and inspirations behind some of the most captivating voices in Americana, rock, folk, country, and bluegrass.Whether it’s Grammy winners, rising stars, or undiscovered gems, we explore the creative journey, personal transformation, and the impact of place and purpose on art.📌 Subscribe & Join the Conversation!