Soul Impact : How Music Saved Us

Jayme Smith on Healing, Music's Power, and Giving Back through Song

Wild Willie introduces Jayme Smith, highlighting the podcast's mission and sharing his personal journey. Jayme discusses how music saved him, the healing power of expressing trauma, and the impact of Jimi Hendrix. They explore authenticity, music progressions, and a special moment involving Wild Willie's child and "Man in the Mirror." The episode covers music's role in sobriety, songwriting intent, community giving, and shared experiences. Jayme shares his military background, PTSD struggles, and Zach Bryan's influence. They discuss his work with veterans, pride in being a live sound engineer, and his song "Phone Home," concluding with a focus on embracing uniqueness in music. (0:10) Opening and introductions: Wild Willie, podcast background, and guest Jayme Smith (1:34) Wild Willie shares his personal story and hope through the podcast (2:37) Jayme Smith on how music saved him (3:39) Healing through expressing trauma (4:01) Jayme discusses a song that helped him—Jimi Hendrix’s impact (5:18) Influence of Hendrix’s national anthem and emotion in music (7:53) Authenticity in music and learning about music progressions (8:57) “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson and interacting with Wild Willie's child (10:35) Harvard study on music and dopamine (11:30) Avoiding drinking songs after sobriety and expressing stories through music (12:42) Intent and audience connection in songwriting (14:01) Giving back to the community through music (15:03) Shared suffering and heightened experiences through music (18:24) Little wins, mental health, and positive thinking (20:17) Passion for podcasting, hope, and avoiding victim mentality (23:03) Music preferences, focusing on the right audience, and not obsessing over analytics (26:52) Jayme’s military service, PTSD, and Zach Bryan's influence (29:04) Alienation post-retirement and leaning on music for transition (31:04) Technical difficulties (34:10) Jayme’s commitment to veteran causes and work with Lansing Correctional Facility (36:19) Pride in giving back and being a live sound engineer (37:24) Podcast beginnings, success, and family moments (40:30) Mental illness, PTSD, and supporting those struggling (47:15) Importance of authenticity in music (50:27) Playing Jayme's song "Phone Home" and its inspiration (55:48) Embracing uniqueness, labels, and the indie music scene (59:02) Humble beginnings, authenticity in recordings, and band formation

Birdy Young on Music, Healing, and Cultivating Peace Through Community

Wild Willie introduces Birdy Young, who shares her experiences working with senior living communities and her musical journey. They discuss the profound impact of music on mental health, with Birdy revealing her personal story of trauma and healing through music. The conversation highlights the importance of community in personal growth and Birdy offers a message of peace along with advice for those facing mental struggles. Willie shares his own transformation through music before they wrap up with Birdy's future projects. The episode concludes with final thoughts and reflections on the power of music. (0:26) Introduction with Wild Willie and Birdy Young (1:16) Birdy Young's introduction and work with senior living communities (2:25) Birdy Young's musical journey and influences (3:11) The impact of music on mental health (4:41) Birdy Young's personal story of trauma and healing through music (10:43) The role of community in personal growth (12:19) Birdy Young's message of peace and advice for mental struggles (14:32) Wild Willie's personal transformation through music (16:18) Closing remarks and Birdy Young's future projects (17:26) Outro and final thoughts

Dmidd on Music, Mental Health Advocacy, and Upcoming Album Insights

Wild Willie kicks off the episode with an introduction to Soul Impact and welcomes Dmidd, who shares his musical background, the influences that shaped his stage name, and how certain songs have profoundly impacted his life. They discuss Dmidd's perspective on the current state of music and his dream collaborations. Dmidd delves into his songwriting and recording process, along with his advocacy for mental health. He reveals details about his future plans and upcoming album. The conversation touches on areas Dmidd aims to improve, particularly in music and online presence. The episode wraps up with Dmidd's closing remarks and advice. (0:00) Opening music and introduction to Soul Impact and guest Damon (2:19) Damon's musical background, influences, and stage name (5:16) How specific songs have impacted Damon's life (7:28) Damon's views on the current state of music and dream collaborations (10:36) Insights into Damon's songwriting, recording process, and mental health advocacy (16:10) Damon's future plans and upcoming album details (20:16) Reflecting on areas for improvement in music and online presence (24:04) Closing remarks and final advice from Damon

Casey Rupp on Overcoming Adversity, PTSD Awareness, and Music's Healing Power

In this episode, Wild Willie introduces Soul Impact and shares his music journey with guest Casey Rupp. Casey discusses his challenging upbringing, military service, and how music was his lifeline during tough times. They explore Casey's transition to military life, his motivations, and experiences, including self-defense and returning home. Casey opens up about post-deployment loneliness and co-founding Operation Combating Veteran Suicide with Shar to bridge veteran resource gaps. They discuss music's role in reintegration, PTSD struggles, and its power as a universal language, while addressing misconceptions and emphasizing veteran support. The episode concludes with a call to action to support veterans. (0:10) Introduction to Soul Impact and Wild Willie (1:28) Casey Rupp's background and Wild Willie's personal music story (2:33) Casey's abusive childhood and military journey (3:30) Coping with loss and music as a lifeline (5:26) Transition to military life and gratitude for service (7:19) Overcoming a tough upbringing and learning to fight back (10:06) Joining the military to protect others (12:38) Perspectives on fighting, self-defense, and returning home (14:18) Loneliness after deployment (16:21) Operation Combating Veteran Suicide: Casey and Shar's mission (19:55) Bridging the gap for veterans' resources and nonprofit work (22:09) Music's role in Casey's reintegration (25:17) Struggles with suicidal thoughts and understanding PTSD (27:17) Encouragement for those struggling (28:19) The universal language of music (29:57) Upcoming nonprofit events and supporting veterans (35:05) The reality of PTSD and addressing misconceptions (38:01) Nonprofit involvement and event participation (40:15) Importance of supporting veterans and providing resources (47:57) Closing remarks and call to action

CrazyKidd on Authenticity, Overcoming Struggles, and the Power of Live Performance

Wild Willie kicks off the episode with CrazyKidd, diving into their shared passion for music and personal struggles. They discuss societal expectations, mental health, and family influences in their musical journeys. Mentorship and sound engineering take center stage as CrazyKidd reflects on his upbringing and the importance of authenticity in music. The conversation turns to the humor found in lifted trucks and the genuine passion that fuels music. Overcoming challenges and potential collaborations are explored, along with CrazyKidd's tour plans. They touch on sound engineering preferences and recount CrazyKidd's first live performance. The episode wraps up with advice for aspiring performers, CrazyKidd's online presence, and tour details. (0:25) Introduction with Wild Willie and Crazy Kid (1:31) Wild Willie and Crazy Kid on personal struggles and music passion (3:09) Societal expectations, mental health, and family in music (8:23) The role of mentorship in music and sound engineering (15:39) Crazy Kid's upbringing and the essence of authenticity in music (22:33) The significance of genuine performance in artistry (28:47) Passion in music and the humor of lifted trucks (30:24) Overcoming challenges and discussing collaborations (33:08) CrazyKidd's tour plans and unique performance events (35:17) Preferences in sound engineering and equipment (37:21) Recounting CrazyKidd's first live performance (42:19) The realities of live performance and lip syncing (52:57) Advice for aspiring live performers (53:34) CrazyKidd's online presence and tour information (54:39) Concluding the interview with Crazy Kid (55:10) Episode closing with Wild Willie