Mental Health & Music

The Promises We Keep: Joel Corda on Music, Healing, and Radical Self-Discipline

Singer-songwriter Joel Corda brings his soulful voice, big heart, and incredible story to this week’s episode of Mental Health and Music. Hailing from Great Falls, Montana — and known as the resident artist at the iconic Sip 'n Dip Lounge — Joel opens up about his 105-pound weight loss, daily 4:30 AM rituals, and the mental health journey that helped him reclaim his life and art. In this candid conversation, Joel shares how music has been both a compass and a mirror — a tool for processing emotion, shifting mindsets, and offering hope to others. He reveals the role of affirmations, hypnotherapy, and self-made promises in his transformation, and why keeping his word to himself has been more powerful than any external goal. Whether you're navigating your own breakthrough, seeking morning routine inspiration, or just need a reminder of what’s possible when you show up for yourself — this episode is a moving masterclass in creative courage and mental wellness. Join Joel's private fan community here >>> https://go.joelcorda.com/join-live [https://go.joelcorda.com/join-live] Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear it! Join us for live tapings on Instagram @AvatariWorld [https://www.instagram.com/avatariworld/] Want more? Sign up for exclusive content >>> https://join.avatariworld.com/join-mhmp-community [https://join.avatariworld.com/join-mhmp-community]

The Sound of Love: Music, Teaching, and Triumph with James Johnson II

In this heart-centered conversation, Avatari sits down with James Johnson II — a soulful musician, producer, and educator from Alabama — to explore the transformative power of music, imagination, and love. James shares how growing up with a rare hand condition shaped his resilience, deepened his connection to music, and gave him a profound sense of purpose. From guiding young students through their own creative breakthroughs to finding healing at the piano, James opens up about his journey with raw honesty and grounded wisdom. He reflects on his musical roots, the influence of his parents, and why he keeps a childhood cast near his keyboard as a daily reminder of where he’s come from. This is a story about honoring your gifts, listening to your inner voice, and keeping it about the music — always. Check out James's music here >>> https://campsite.bio/johnsonmusic [https://campsite.bio/johnsonmusic] Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear it! Join us for live tapings on Instagram @AvatariWorld [https://www.instagram.com/avatariworld/] Want more? Sign up for exclusive content >>> https://join.avatariworld.com/join-mhmp-community [https://join.avatariworld.com/join-mhmp-community]

The Sound of Self-Acceptance: Kelly Romo on Music as Medicine, Identity & Creative Freedom

This week on Mental Health and Music, Avatari sits down with pop/rock artist Kelly Romo for a powerful, open-hearted conversation about identity, recovery, and the courage it takes to become your full self. Kelly shares how embracing her queerness and healing unlocked a whole new level of authenticity — both on stage and in everyday life. We talk about growing up without mental health support, the quiet destructiveness of shame, and how music became a vehicle for emotional truth and radical freedom. Whether she’s writing songs that challenge societal norms or carving out safe spaces through sound, Kelly’s story is a reminder that healing often begins with the decision to be seen. Check out Kelly's music here >>> https://linktr.ee/kellyromo [https://linktr.ee/kellyromo] Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear it! Join us for live tapings on Instagram @AvatariWorld [https://www.instagram.com/avatariworld/] Want more? Sign up for exclusive content >>> https://join.avatariworld.com/join-mhmp-community [https://join.avatariworld.com/join-mhmp-community]

Sometimes a Song Saves You: Julian Drucker on Music, Mental Health & Creative Balance

Julian Drucker is an award-nominated music supervisor (9-1-1: Lone Star, Love Island, Justice USA) and the artist behind the new project Julian Sometimes. In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore Julian’s journey from a classical upbringing and Yale composition degree to navigating LA’s music industry—both behind the scenes and center stage. He opens up about how music helped shape his identity, the emotional toll of working on intense projects like Justice USA, and the importance of kindness and creativity in maintaining mental health. We also dive into his upcoming debut single Buzz and how he balances making music for others with making music for himself. If you’ve ever juggled multiple creative paths or wondered what it really takes to break into sync licensing, this one’s for you. Check out Julian's latest release BUZZ, here >>> https://hypeddit.com/juliansometimes [https://hypeddit.com/juliansometimes] Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear it! Join us for live tapings on Instagram @AvatariWorld [https://www.instagram.com/avatariworld/] Want more? Sign up for exclusive content >>> https://join.avatariworld.com/join-mhmp-community [https://join.avatariworld.com/join-mhmp-community]

Beauty in the Broken: Healing Out Loud with Laura Baron

This week on Mental Health and Music, Avatari sits down with award-winning singer-songwriter Laura Baron, whose new album Beauty and the Broken is a soul-stirring exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and emotional honesty. The conversation touches on everything from parenting through mental health struggles to the power of music as a healing tool, and the importance of being seen as an artist and human being. Laura shares her inspiration behind songs like “Heal Out Loud,” and her involvement with the Stop Stigma Together movement, which advocates for open conversations around mental health and substance recovery. Together, they reflect on the challenges and gifts of being highly sensitive creatives in a chaotic world — and how connecting through song and story can be a radical act of hope. Connect with Laura Baron here >>> https://laurabaronmusic.com/ [https://laurabaronmusic.com/] Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear it! Join us for live tapings on Instagram @AvatariWorld [https://www.instagram.com/avatariworld/] Want more? Sign up for exclusive content >>> https://join.avatariworld.com/join-mhmp-community [https://join.avatariworld.com/join-mhmp-community]