Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 168
Date: April 15, 2025

Participants: John Webster and Elise Seifert

Guest: JD Smigelski

Start Times and Segments:

[0:00:17] What’s On Your Mind: We ask Elise about experiences as a new mom. Life after having a baby reshapes daily routines and social connections. The spontaneity of outings, casual conversations at work, and personal autonomy are often replaced with meticulous planning. Though rewarding, the shift can be isolating at times. Baby groups and neighborhood walks provide brief but meaningful social interactions that help bridge the gap.

[0:10:21] Expanding Minds Interview: [Mental Wellness] Guitarist JD Smigelski shares a raw account of managing depression, anxiety, and imposter syndrome throughout his life and career as a professional musician. Touring intensifies these struggles—despite being constantly surrounded by people, feelings of isolation persist. Through trial and error, JD moved from medication to more natural coping strategies like staying active, spending time in nature, and practicing present-moment awareness. Music, while therapeutic, also exposes his emotional state, forcing him to confront what he feels rather than hide it.

[0:24:10] Running Popup: I like the expression, “Live Life in Every Breath”, but what does it mean in practice? I'm learning that it means appreciating what I have now, like my home and its view, without fretting about potential future losses. It's about enjoying today and trusting that I'll handle tomorrow when it comes.

Guest Information: J.D. Smigelski started playing guitar at a young age. He started his on-stage journey with his guitar teacher John McKinley and his open jam at the Huether Hotel (which is in Waterloo and by the way makes one of my favourite craft beers). He knew J.J. Wilde from middle school, who also grew up in Kitchener. J.J. is a Canadian rock singer. Her debut album Ruthless won Rock Album of the Year at the 2021 Juno Awards. Her new album Vices is nominated at the Junos this year. JD has been touring with JJ. I got lucky, ran into him in town and asked whether he’d chat with us about what it’s like to tour as a musician.

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Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-) Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila, Elise, Isabelle, Noura, Julie and Riley