Jimmy Sullivan on Punk Roots, Jazz Culture, Rudy’s Jazz Room & 14 Years Sober | Just Keep Talking Podcast

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Brother Love introduces the Just Keep Talking podcast’s focus on artists’ stories, creativity, connection, and mental health, then interviews Nashville bassist and bandleader Jimmy Sullivan of Jimmy Sullivan’s Swingin’ Scene. Sullivan traces his path from Reston, Virginia—early piano and clarinet, quitting music at 13, then discovering bass through punk and hardcore, winning a battle of the bands, and developing strong ear training—to studying jazz at Northern Virginia Community College under influential teacher Herb Smith, switching to upright, and earning a jazz performance degree at VCU. He moved to New York in 2004, shifted into folk/Americana while bartending, then relocated to Nashville and helped grow the underground jazz community into a thriving scene anchored by Rudy’s Jazz Room, where he became a frequent performer and won the 2018 Nashville Industry Music Award for Best Jazz Instrumentalist. Sullivan discusses loving hard bop and playing behind singers, shares Dolly Parton/Reba video stories filmed at Rudy’s, and speaks candidly about depression, recovery from alcoholism (14 years sober), therapy, and how music can be both escape and presence.#mentalhealthpodcast #yourstorymatters #musicjournalism #bassplayer #rudysjazzroom #nashvillejazz #sober #beseen #beheard #belong #brotherlove

00:00 Why Stories Matter

01:24 Meet Brother Love

01:34 Introducing Jimmy Sullivan

02:23 Growing Up in Virginia

02:52 Early Music and Quitting Clarinet

06:38 Punk Rock Bass Awakening

09:47 First Bands and Ear Training

12:07 Practicing in Your Head

14:19 Herb Smith and Jazz Roots

19:44 Rhythm and Swing Lessons

22:27 From Richmond to New York

26:39 New York Detour and Nashville Reset2

8:10 Nashville Jazz Scene Comes Alive

28:47 Brother Love Nashville Origin Story

29:49 Nashville Jazz Scene

30:10 Jam Sessions Spark

31:51 Rudy’s Jazz Room

32:48 Playing Every Night

34:18 Bebop Roots

36:07 Backing Singers Right

37:52 Country Stars Crossover

38:49 Dolly Video Story

41:27 Depression and Sobriety

47:10 Music as Escape

51:00 Work Ethic and Life

53:02 Speed Round Finale

56:02 Where to Find Jimmy

56:20 Closing and Support

Kristen Rogers on Somatic Singing, Touring with Post Malone, and Setting Boundaries in Nashville | Just Keep Talking

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Brother Love welcomes Nashville vocalist, session singer, touring performer, and teacher Kristen Rogers, who has worked with artists including Zach Bryan, Eric Church, Hozier, The Killers, and is currently touring with Post Malone. They discuss the role of a vocal producer, Kristen’s classical upbringing and early harmony training, and how deep listening shapes doubling, background vocals, and onstage adaptability. Kristen explains somatic singing, how adrenaline and inconsistent monitoring affect performance, and how vocal work can calm the nervous system via vagus nerve stimulation, connecting technique to mental health. She shares how she prepares professionally, embraces the duality of personal hardship and performing, prefers restorative structure at home, and defines “quitting” as a proactive, values-based choice. They also address sexism and harassment in the industry, protecting younger women, and Kristen’s leadership assembling Eric Church’s “Johnny” choir, ending with a playful speed round.

#mentalhealthpodcast #yourstorymatters #musicjournalism #singer #backgroundvocalist #postmalone #ericchurch #jakewesleyrogers #hozier #vagusnerve #beseen #beheard #belong

00:00 Podcast Mission

01:02 Meet Kristen Rogers

01:50 Nashville Vocal Matriarch

03:38 Vocal Producer Explained

05:54 Skipping Onstage Story

07:27 Musical Roots and Training

08:05 Hearing Harmony Young

11:09 Cassette Overdub Obsession

13:12 Somatic Singing Method

16:15 Adrenaline and Stage Nerves

18:33 Experience Builds Confidence

21:04 Industry Pressure and Identity

22:25 Vagus Nerve and Anxiety

26:00 Holding Dual Realities

28:50 Home Time and Structure

30:58 Tour Life Versus Friends

32:21 Queen of Quitting

32:48 Quitting Versus Running

33:15 Leaving Gigs Professionally

34:39 Artist Personas And Optics

36:30 Women In The Industry

39:44 Boundaries And Safety

44:35 Eric Church Choir Gig

50:19 Listening Skills For BGVs

53:55 Speed Round Questions

57:50 Where To Find Kristen

58:59 Final Thanks And Sign Off

Katie Cook on Country Music, CMT, Motherhood, the Paranormal & Staying Grounded | Just Keep Talking

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Brother Love interviews TV/radio host, author, musician, and painter Katie Cook about her path from a Curb Records deal with her band Reno to a 23-year run at CMT, where she became known for artist interviews and live TV, including a town hall with President Obama. Katie shares how she builds connection with artists, reflects on memorable encounters with Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, George Clooney, and Robert Plant, and describes one difficult interview contrasted with a surprising bond with Charlie Daniels. She discusses co-parenting after divorce, the realities of being a working mother in entertainment, and her approach to aging and self-image. Katie also talks about writing her book series Little Big Benny, her MUFON podcast and lifelong paranormal experiences, her “Alienated” paintings, and how she protects her mental health through grounding, baths, meditation, naps, and managing empathic sensitivity.

#mentalhealthpodcast #yourstorymatters #musicjournalism #cmt #tvhost #radiohost #picklejarradioshow #countrymusic #katiecook #presidentobama #mufon #author #mom #womanofsubstance #dollyparton #motherhood #aliens #paranormal

00:00 Why Stories Matter

01:01 Red Carpet Highlights

01:32 Meet Katie Cook

02:43 Marriage and Band Life

04:34 Growing Up Musical

06:26 Reno and Record Deal

08:33 Accidental TV Break

11:23 Interviewing with Heart

12:58 Obama Town Hall Story

14:33 Taylor Swift Up Close

16:43 Choosing Empathy

18:15 Divorce and Co Parenting

22:47 Motherhood in Entertainment

27:38 Dolly and Dream Guests

30:27 Rockstar In Kroger

31:42 Tough Interviews Lesson

33:38 Charlie Daniels Cover

35:26 Little Big Benny

37:45 Mufon And Paranormal

39:32 Alienated Paintings

40:28 Fame Money And Purpose

42:27 Grounding And Energy

46:06 Aging Botox And Honesty

48:46 Pickle Jar Radio Show

50:40 Speed Round Wisdom

56:33 Final Wrap And Support

Rosemary Fossee on Vintage Jazz, Musical Theater, Motherhood & Finding Hope | Just Keep Talking Podcast

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Brother Love welcomes Nashville-based actor and singer Rosemary Fossee to discuss storytelling, creativity, and mental health through the lens of an artist’s life. Rosemary shares how a throwback upbringing shaped her love of jazz standards, musicals, and “childhood” songs like Rainbow Connection, and why playful, hopeful art is a form of resistance in a dark world. They talk about performing at Skulls Rainbow Room with a rotating band, Nashville’s changing history, and how theater gave Rosemary safety, purpose, and mentorship—especially through director David Compton. Rosemary explains recording “Much More” from The Fantasticks with Compton’s monologue as a tribute, reflects on balancing parenthood with an arts career, and highlights community support, puppetry projects, and raising her young son around music.

#mentalhealthpodcast #yourstorymatters #musicaltheater #jazzsinger #actor #community #rosemaryfossee #skullsrainbowroom #nashvilleartist #mom #momsinmusic #musicjournalism #cabaret #carnival

00:00 Why Stories Matter

01:42 Meet Rosemary Fossee

02:58 Rainbow Connection Origins

04:10 Singing at Skulls

07:19 Printers Alley History

09:57 Her Vintage Roots

13:37 First Spark of Theater

16:49 Brother Love Music Memories

20:54 First Shows and Training

25:46 Much More and Mentorship

30:43 Hope as Resistance

35:13 Marriage and Family Life

35:43 Parenting in Dark Times

37:16 School Safety Decisions

38:36 Homeschool Community Plan

39:28 Finding Your Path at NYU

41:48 Holocaust Roles and Research

43:35 Artist and Mom Balance

46:29 Returning to the Stage

49:37 Last Minute Musical Workshop

51:19 Puppets and Carnival Origins

56:18 Speed Round and Wrap Up

01:05:05 Support the Podcast

Anana Kaye on Music Noir, Immigration, Activism in Georgia, and Leonard Cohen Covers | Just Keep Talking w/ Brother Love

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Brother Love sits down with Georgian American singer-songwriter and multidisciplinary artist Anana Kaye in Nashville to talk creativity, mental health, identity, and the immigrant experience. Anana shares stories of growing up in post-Soviet Georgia, strict classical piano training, finding her voice as a cinematic “music noir” artist, and her collaboration with the late Nashville legend David Olney. They also discuss ongoing protests and political turmoil in Georgia, her U.S. citizenship journey, and her upcoming album, "Are You There?", including her Leonard Cohen cover single “There Is a War,” plus touring and music video plans—along with a funny speed round to close.

#mentalhealthpodcast #yourstorymatters #musicjournalism #ananakaye #davidolney #leonardcohen #thereisawar #georgianamerican #musicnoir #brotherlove #immigrantidentity #mentalhealth

00:00 Podcast Mission

01:21 Meet Anana Kaye

04:03 From Georgia to Nashville

05:58 Childhood After USSR

08:02 Immigrant Identity

10:03 Bilingual Brain

13:01 Music Roots and Piano

15:02 Soviet Music School

18:54 Classical Meets Pop

21:42 Music Noir Aesthetic

24:54 Genre Labels Debate

28:06 David Olney Collaboration

32:20 Love Is Song Breakdown

33:51 Recording After Loss

34:31 Filming in Tbilisi

35:20 Duduk and Regional Roots

37:38 Georgia in Crisis

43:19 Hope Without Optimism

44:43 Becoming American

46:06 Jury Duty Tales

50:04 There Is a War Cover

54:15 Speed Round and Wrap

59:36 Final Thanks and Links

The Hidden Depths of Dustin Ransom: Music, Mental Health, and Authenticity

Just Keep Talking Podcast

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In this episode of the Just Keep Talking podcast, host Brother Love engages in a deep and insightful conversation with multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, producer, composer, and songwriter Dustin Ransom. The discussion covers a wide range of topics including the impact of mental health on creativity, the essence of being a genuine artist, and the importance of human connection. Dustin shares his journey through music, from his early influences and diverse projects to his solitary nature and ongoing quest for self-improvement. They dive into personal anecdotes, the challenges of perfectionism, and the healing power of music. Dustin also opens up about his various musical monikers and how separating different facets of his creativity helped him find freedom and focus. This episode is a profound exploration of the human psyche, the artistic spirit, and the transformative power of telling our stories.

#mentalhealthpodcast #yourstorymatters #musicjournalism #dustinransom #brotherlove #multiinstrumentalist #perfectionism #musician #musicianlife #healing #beseen #beheard #belong #justkeeptalking #singersongwriter #wellness #meditativemusic #healingmusic

00:00 Introduction to the Just Keep Talking Podcast

01:49 Meet Dustin Ransom: Multi-Instrumentalist and Composer

04:06 Dustin's Musical Journey: From Childhood to Professional

10:43 The Role of Perfectionism and Personal Growth

24:43 Creating Meditative Music and Its Impact

30:40 The Practice of Heart Coherence and Personal Wellbeing

32:16 Understanding Reiki: A Journey of Self-Love

32:43 Daily Practices for a Balanced Life

33:17 Navigating Social Media Boundaries

36:00 The Power of Intention and Letting Go

40:13 Musical Collaborations and Creative Freedom

52:01 Upcoming Projects and Reflections

53:38 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

Brad Pemberton: The Drumming Journey from Ryan Adams to Steve Earle

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In this episode of the Just Keep Talking podcast, Brother Love sits down with renowned drummer Brad Pemberton. They explore the intersection of mental health and creativity, and what it means to be a deeply feeling artist navigating life through music. Brad shares candid stories from his career, including his time with Ryan Adams and The Cardinals, as well as playing with legends like Willie Nelson and Steve Earle. The conversation touches on the importance of inclusivity, connection, and the unifying power of music, while also delving into personal anecdotes and hilarious encounters. Join Brother Love and Brad for an insightful and authentic discussion about the human experience, the music industry, and the journey to finding joy and fulfillment through creativity.

#mentalhealthpodcast #yourstorymatters #musicjournalism #bradpemberton #ryanadams #thecardinals #steveearle #drummer #tourlife #middleagemusician #nashvillemusician #brotherlove #minniedriver #ginwigmore #beseen #beheard #belong

00:00 Introduction to Just Keep Talking Podcast

02:06 Meet Brad Pemberton: The Drummer's Journey

02:59 Life on Tour and Memorable Performances

05:22 Collaborations and Musical Connections

08:13 Recording Sessions and Creative Processes

15:04 Challenges and Triumphs in the Music Industry

24:06 Reflections on a Musical Career

28:07 Reflecting on Steve Earle and Ryan Adams

29:42 Reconnecting with Ryan Adams

32:26 Life on the Road and Personal Losses

34:24 The Rock and Roll Lifestyle

35:08 The Drummer's Role and Band Dynamics

37:54 Current Life and Future Plans

47:16 Speed Round Questions

51:01 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Stevie Redstone: Navigating Music, Mental Health, and Life's Journey | Just Keep Talking Podcast

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In this episode of the Just Keep Talking podcast, Brother Love sits down with Stevie Redstone, the talented lead singer and songwriter behind the band Lonesome Joy. They delve into Redstone's journey as a musician, balancing his career with family life, and the impact of mental health on creativity. They also explore his recent live album 'Live at the Coliseum,' touring stories, and the cohesive Nashville music community. Throughout the episode, Redstone shares his heartfelt reflections, humor, and the practices that keep him grounded. Tune in for an authentic conversation filled with inspiration, gratitude, and real talk.

#mentalhealthpodcast #yourstorymatters #musicjournalism #stevieredstone #lonesomejoy #pianoplayer #pianorock #tourlife #musicianlife #ladodgers #musicianmentalhealth #sarahtomek #beseen #beheard #belong #gratitude #mantra

00:00 Introduction to Just Keep Talking Podcast

01:11 Meet Stevie Redstone of Lonesome Joy

02:41 Stevie's Journey to Nashville

03:58 Balancing Music and Family Life

05:12 The Nashville Music Scene

13:06 Building a Band in Nashville

17:30 Mental Health and Gratitude

27:34 Finding Support in Community

29:09 Navigating Health Challenges

30:23 Unexpected Encounters and Gratitude

33:16 Recording at The Coliseum

38:58 Upcoming Tours and Exciting Opportunities

45:46 Personal Reflections and Joys

51:10 Closing Thoughts and Farewell