Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the show that explores how music can lift us out of the valleys of depression and anxiety and into brighter emotional terrain. In today’s episode, host James sits down with pianist, composer, educator, and prolific writer Kurt Ellenberger for a deep‑dive into the world of jazz, its pedagogy, and its power to heal.

We’ll hear Kurt recount his path from a performing career in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to a long‑standing faculty role at Grand Valley State University where he teaches everything from “Jazz in the Culture” to a beloved interdisciplinary course, “Music, Culture, and Aesthetics.” He shares practical advice for newcomers who feel intimidated by jazz—starting with the universally‑accessible Miles Davis classic Kind of Blue—and explains why jazz demands full, focused listening in the way classical music does, unlike the background‑friendly nature of pop or country.

Kurt also opens up about his parallel life as a writer and managing editor of the Journal of the International Association of Jazz Educators. From a blog that caught the eye of the Huffington Post to a series of essays that demystify everything from why Christmas music feels “jazzy” to the emotional weight of minor chords, his mission is simple: turn scholarly insight into stories anyone can enjoy.

We’ll explore how jazz varies across continents, why European and Australian approaches sound distinct yet remain unmistakably jazz, and why the genre is less a fixed style and more an improvisational mindset. Kurt even reveals a surprising non‑musical talent—his knack for home‑repair and hammer‑work—that keeps him grounded when the academic world gets heavy.

Finally, we close with Kurt’s personal “Rushmore” of musical heroes—Genesis, pianist John Taylor, composer Paul Hindemith, and David Bowie—plus a secret, deeply moving piece that leaves him speechless every time he hears it.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get into jazz, why it’s sometimes dismissed as “wrong notes,” or simply want a heartfelt conversation about music’s therapeutic power, you’re in the right place. Grab your headphones, set aside the background noise, and let’s tune into the conversation that proves—once again—when words fail, music truly speaks.

Welcome back to When Words Fail Music Streaks, the podcast where we battle depression with the transformative power of music. I’m your host, James Cox—your “handicapped” guide through the stories that keep us moving when life gets heavy.

In today’s episode we sit down with award‑winning writer, filmmaker, playwright, and cultural documentarian Alan Govnar (who kindly corrects us on the title of his newest novel, Come Round Right). Alan’s career spans more than three decades of preserving the music of everyday people: from his landmark 1984 Living Texas Blues project for the Dallas Museum of Art, to an intimate portrait of blues scene in Deepum, to his groundbreaking documentaries that put disability‑rights narratives front‑and‑center.

We’ll explore hotly debated questions like: Where did the blues really begin? — Texas, the Mississippi Delta, or Memphis? — and hear Alan’s compelling argument that blues emerged from the African diaspora and found early written references in Texas.

Beyond blues, Alan reveals how his personal hearing of Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and New Orleans R&B as a four‑year‑old sparked a lifelong quest to document music that speaks to the soul, no matter how “un‑virtuosic” it may seem. His stories range from a hunchback dwarf tattoo artist in a wheelchair to the polio‑stricken African drummer Siddiqui Conde, whose student Aaron Phillips (now a trans Vogue cover model) turned a Tumblr following into the inspiring memoir This Kid Can Fly.

We’ll also get a sneak peek at Alan’s newest feature, Quiet Voices in a Noisy World: The Struggle for Change in Jasper, Texas, premiering at Cinema Village in New York this November—a powerful look at a community healing from the trauma of a 1998 lynching.

If you’re a fan of music history, social justice, or simply crave stories that turn hardship into hope stay tuned.

Grab your headphones, let the rhythm lift you, and get ready for a conversation that proves music can indeed speak louder than depression. 🎙️✨

Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks – the podcast that battles depression one riff at a time. In today’s episode, host James Cox sits down with the charismatic front‑man of the 80s‑metal‑infused outfit All Singers (aka Mike Golarz) for a deep‑dive into the healing power of music, the quirks of self‑teaching, and the raw joy of live performance.

We kick off with Mike’s origin story: a childhood of backyard jam sessions, a classically trained girlfriend who nudged his vocal chops, and a love‑letter to the acoustic guitar that still shapes his songwriting today. He shares practical tips for aspiring guitarists—why Tom Petty’s simple chords are the perfect launchpad, how to survive sore fingertips, and the surprisingly effective “belly‑rub” superstition he uses to keep his airflow in check while recording.

From there, we trace the band’s unlikely formation during the pandemic—how an 80s hair‑metal cover group morphed into All Singers, the serendipitous connections that landed them opening for legends like Ace Frehley, L.A. Guns, Queensryche, and even two versions of Queensryche. Mike reflects on the thrill of sharing the stage with his childhood heroes and the humility that keeps those icons grounded.

The conversation then shifts to their upcoming record “We Own the Night,” slated for a November 14, 2025 release, and the quirky rituals that fuel Mike’s creative process. He also reveals his “unskippable” album list — from Soundgarden’s Bad Motorfinger to James' pick "Black Sabbath’s Dehumanizer" — and the one record that still moves him to tears: Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Texas Flood.

Whether you’re a budding musician, a metalhead, or simply seeking a soundtrack for life’s ups and downs, this episode delivers a hearty mix of humor, honesty, and hard‑earned wisdom. Grab your headphones, turn up the volume, and let the music speak. 🎸✨

Hey there, music lovers! I’m your host, James Cox, a professional therapist who’s also a bit of a country‑music junkie. In this episode, we’re diving deep into how songs can lift us out of the darkest moments and bring sunshine into our everyday lives.

We’re thrilled to welcome Re Mattei, a breakout country artist who’s already turning heads on the road and in the studio. From playing legends’ covers to writing heartfelt originals like “Mama Always Knows,” Re shares:

• How she used music as a lifeline during her own bouts of depression
• The magic of touring in Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, and the U.S. military bases—where a simple “Elvis” concert can feel like a hometown event
• The story behind her latest love‑for‑moms anthem and the emotional truth behind a song dropped a day before Mother’s Day
• The everyday rituals that keep her creative birds flying—think acoustic guitar, a red Buckees cup, and a dash of “coffee at the kitchen table” vibe—plus what her guitar would say if it could talk
• Her upcoming album, set for a March drop, and the careful, soul‑searching choices that go into naming a record
• How authenticity is the secret handshake of Nashville’s music scene, and why you should stay true to yourself if you’re chasing a dream in Music City

We end the conversation on a tender note about the songs that can touch your soul without a single word—because sometimes, music is the only language that matters.

So if you’re looking for an honest, heart‑centered, and instant‑enchanting episode, hit play and let the music do the talking. 🌟🎸

Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks—the show that battles depression one riff at a time. I’m your host, James Cox, a proud “handicapped” rocker on a mission to prove that music has no language barriers.

In today’s episode we sit down with Askhan, the visionary founder, vocalist, and creative force behind Nine Treasures, the Mongolian folk‑metal outfit that’s been turning heads worldwide. Fresh off the release of their new album and a landmark signing with Metal Blade Records, Oscar shares how the band fuses ancient Mongolian melodies—complete with the haunting horse‑head fiddle—into thunderous modern metal.

We’ll explore how Askhan balances reverence for his cultural heritage with personal storytelling, the Buddhist ideas that quietly shape his songwriting, and the collaborative shift that let his bandmates take the reins on half the new record. From his favorite global metal influences—Pantera, Megadeth, In Flames, and Children of Bodø—to his secret love of liquid drum‑and‑bass for relaxation, Askhan reveals the eclectic soundtrack that fuels his creative engine.

Finally, we ask the big “what‑if” questions: which dead‑or‑alive artist would he love to collab with (hint: think Limp Bizkit), what message he wants the next generation of Mongolian metal musicians to carry forward, and the most powerful fan moment that proved music truly saves lives.

Grab your headphones, settle in, and let the fusion of myth, metal, and mindfulness guide you through another powerful conversation—because when words fail, music always speaks.

Welcome back to When Words Fail Music Speaks, the podcast that dives deep into the healing power of music, mental‑health battles, and the stories behind the riffs. In today’s episode we sit down with CJ Pierce, co‑founder and guitarist of Johnny Pool (the band you’ve heard on “Madness,” “Tearaway,” and countless sold‑out arena shows).

CJ shares what life on the road looks like after COVID—a whirlwind UK tour with 13 dates, a new record slated for release by year‑end, and the relentless grind of writing, recording, and performing while juggling a daytime trade in electrical work. He explains the evolution of the track “Tearaway” — how its meaning has shifted for him over 25 years — and gives us the inside scoop on the iconic opening riff (phaser‑flanger mash‑up, Digitech 2101, and a spontaneous jam with Dave Williams).

We also explore how Johnny Pool’s music has become a lifeline for fans facing depression, with songs like “37 Stitches” and “In Memory Of” resonating on a deeply personal level. CJ talks about the band’s charitable side, from Toys‑for‑Tots shows to USO performances, and reveals his favorite gear—from vintage BC Rich guitars and Marshall stacks to the hidden‑treasure signature pedals that stay safely at home.

Whether you’re a metalhead craving a fresh riff, a listener seeking comfort in heavy music, or just curious about the behind‑the‑scenes hustle of a touring act, this episode delivers a candid, electrifying look at how music speaks when words fall short. Grab your headphones, crank the volume, and get ready to feel the pulse of Johnny Pool’s journey.

Welcome back to The When Words Fail Music Speaks, the podcast where we turn the volume up on the power of music to lift us out of the darkness. In today’s episode, host James Cox sits down with the unstoppable Mz. Coxx —singer, songwriter, actress, and all‑around creative force—just a year after their last chat.

From the buzz around her breakout single “Headboard” (feat. Lil Durks) to a brand‑new EP dropping on 11/11, we dive into her whirlwind year of global touring, a looming movie role, and the next chapter of her Panamanian‑Georgia‑infused sound. Mz. Coxx opens up about the emotions she’s yet to explore in her music—sadness, love, and raw vulnerability—while sharing the quirky rituals that shape her studio sessions (candlelight, tequila, and occasional party vibes).

We also get the low‑down on her upcoming cruise gigs, favorite influences (Missy Elliott, Usher, Lil’ Kim, Chris Brown), and the one song that still moves her to the core—Usher’s “Superstar.”

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her sound, this conversation is a reminder that when words fail, music always speaks.

Stay tuned, hit play, and let the healing begin. 🎧✨

In today’s episode we sit down with award‑winning author Heather Snodgrass, creator of the genre‑bending novel A Love Letter to Reading. Heather blends thriller, identity, and transformation with a meticulously curated playlist that runs 99 hours long—every chapter is anchored to a song, a TV theme, or even a wrestling reference.

We’ll hear how the book started as a screenplay, morphed into a full‑blown novel, and why the Leon Bridges track “River” is the story’s heartbeat. Heather shares her creative ritual—listening to everything from the Beatles to Taylor Swift, avoiding jazz and country, and letting lyrical storytelling guide her prose. She also reveals the quirky details that make her world unique: a pediatric oncology‑nurse‑by‑day, assassin‑by‑night protagonist named Mariana “Scorpion” Rossi; a love for Final Fantasy XIV!

We’ll dive into the playlists that live inside the book, discuss how music and reading evoke different emotions, and ask Heather the fun, rapid‑fire questions every fan loves—her must‑have desert‑island albums, the live act she’d book for her launch (the Beatles, of course), and the secret song that moves her soul on a deep level.

Whether you’re a writer seeking a soundtrack, a music lover looking for the next great novel‑playlist hybrid, or simply someone who believes “when the words fail, music speaks,” this episode has something for you.

Grab your headphones, press play, and let the conversation between narrative and melody begin.