Levi of MatExistence on Music's Transformative Power and Songwriting Connection
Sep 11, 2025 • 59 minsWillie Thornton welcomes Levi from MatExistence, diving into Levi's transformative musical journey. Levi shares how Green Day's "American Idiot" played a pivotal role in his life, highlighting music as a constant companion. Willie reflects on his own path into the music industry and the mentors who impacted him. They explore the therapeutic power of music, its universal connection, and Levi's songwriting approach. Levi discusses his diverse influences and the link between poetry and songwriting. They emphasize the importance of sound technicians and adapting in live performances. The episode wraps up with advice for aspiring musicians and Levi's upcoming plans. http://linktr.ee/madexistence
Fyre Wyte on Music's Healing Power, Overcoming Challenges, and Creative Journeys
Sep 4, 2025 • 29 minsWillie Thornton welcomes Fyre Wyte to discuss the profound impact of music on their lives. Fyre shares their journey into music, highlighting childhood influences and the role of music as a mental health outlet. Willie reflects on his own connection with music and its therapeutic power. The conversation delves into personal growth, offering advice for aspiring musicians, and emphasizes the importance of community in overcoming obstacles. Fyre recounts life-changing musical moments, providing insights into their songwriting and creative process. The episode concludes with information on where to find Fyre's music and closing thoughts.
Hector Anchondo on Music, Growth, and Its Healing Power
Aug 28, 2025 • 20 minsWillie Thornton welcomes Hector Anchondo, who shares his background and early experiences with music. Hector discusses his personal growth and how music has shaped his life journey. He offers valuable advice and anecdotes for aspiring musicians, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and passion. The conversation delves into the therapeutic power of Hector's music and its impact on listeners. Hector also talks about his current projects and provides information on where to find his music, inviting listeners to explore his work further.
Kegan Palozola on Overcoming Struggles, Music's Healing, and Embracing Vulnerability
Aug 21, 2025 • 32 minsWillie Thornton welcomes Kegan Palozola, who shares his musical journey and the influences that shaped him. They reflect on a recent loss in the music industry, before discussing Kegan's side project and upcoming gigs. Kegan opens up about the biggest obstacles in his career and how music has been a healing force through personal struggles. Willie shares insights into his own music background and the podcast's purpose. They offer advice for upcoming artists facing societal pressures and emphasize the importance of vulnerability in music. The episode closes with promotion of the podcast's mission and details on where to find Kegan's music.
Doug Deforest on Overcoming Challenges, Touring Tales, and Music's Transformative Power
Aug 14, 2025 • 21 minsWillie Thornton introduces Doug Deforest, delving into Doug's backstory and how music became a lifeline through life's obstacles. Doug shares his journey through personal and professional challenges, recounting stories from his touring days and the musical influences that have shaped him. He offers guidance for aspiring artists, emphasizing perseverance and passion. The conversation shifts to the transformation of music genres over time, reflecting on changes in the industry. Doug shares insights into his current projects and future plans, leaving listeners with a sense of inspiration and motivation to pursue their own musical paths.
Chad Winch on Music, Healing, and Building The Barn Podcast Network
Aug 7, 2025 • 48 minsWillie Thornton welcomes Chad Winch to the episode, exploring Chad's connection with music and their shared experiences. Chad discusses his podcast network, The Barn, and how music has been a vital tool for coping with grief and evoking powerful memories. They delve into the origins of The Barn, highlighting favorite guests and the network's vision. Chad and Willie reflect on the healing power of music, the influence of Willie's DJ career, and the challenges faced by emerging artists. They address men's mental health and the importance of vulnerability. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring podcasters, a personal story about a meaningful song, and the significance of taking opportunities.
Heather Black on Music's Role in Healing, Family, and Overcoming Life's Challenges
Jul 31, 2025 • 37 minsWillie Thornton welcomes Heather Black, who shares her transformative journey with music, from group homes to her first powerful performance. Heather discusses how music alleviated personal struggles, supported her during her son's cancer battle, and other hardships. She highlights musical influences, upcoming projects, and famous encounters. The episode explores performing challenges, her talented family, and plans for live podcasts. Future guests will discuss music therapy and veteran support, emphasizing passion's role in a music career. Closing remarks include acknowledgments and collaboration prospects.
Bubba Startz on Healing, Veterans Support, and the Transformative Power of Music
Jul 24, 2025 • 35 minsWillie Thornton introduces Bubba Startz, who shares his journey from military service to becoming a passionate advocate for veterans. Bubba opens up about his personal battles and how music became a crucial element in his healing process. He discusses the powerful role of music in overcoming struggles and improving mental health, highlighting key mentors and influences like the Grateful Dead. Bubba emphasizes the importance of music communities in his life and outlines his nonprofit work, urging listeners to get involved. The episode concludes with a call to support Bubba's initiatives and closing remarks.
Willie Thornton shares his music journey and the vision behind Soul Impact
Jul 24, 2025 • 3 minsWillie Thornton shares his personal journey with music and introduces the vision for Soul Impact. He highlights powerful guest stories of transformation through music and concludes with contact information and closing remarks.