Reading fiction does more than entertain. Holly Root explains why stories help us understand other people, explore different lives, and see ourselves in new ways.

After his girlfriend died by suicide, Todd Maguire disappeared into a new identity as an undercover cop—and into a world of drugs, guns, biker clubs, and extreme risk. He shares how unprocessed grief shaped his years as “Donny,” what happened when he had to become Todd again, and why speaking openly about PTSD finally changed his life.

Most people assume burlesque is about performance. Kristen Teffeteller explains why it's really about confidence, body acceptance, creative expression, and having the courage to be fully seen.

What starts as a creative project can become something much bigger. Michelle Liter shares how illustrating her first children's book helped her rediscover purpose, embrace handmade traditions, and rethink consumer culture.

What happens when people feel truly heard? Susan Ruth shares lessons from hundreds of conversations about storytelling, curiosity, creativity, and human connection.

A childhood obsession with mermaids turned into a career in underwater performance art, freediving, shark encounters, and ocean activism for Hannah Mermaid.

What starts as a conversation about tattoo culture becomes a deeply human story about grief, healing, cancer survival, and connection. Tattoo artists Jeff Barnard and Caitlyn Campbell share how special tattoos transformed not only their clients, but themselves.

After his wife suffered a traumatic brain injury, Jon Mullins turned to music to process fear, grief, and healing. The Nashville artist opens up about marriage after trauma, writing “Better Man,” going viral on TikTok, and learning how vulnerability can help other people feel less alone.

Long before social media, Clif Doyal was already witnessing how politics can strain relationships. He reflects on the Vietnam War era, integrated bands in the 1970s, and losing connections over political division.

After doctors repeatedly told Hannah Bethel she didn’t have Lyme disease, her body told a different story. In this deeply personal conversation, the Nashville singer-songwriter shares how chronic illness, holistic healing, yoga, intuition, and solo hiking adventures reshaped both her life and her music career.

What does fame really do to a person?

In this From the Vault episode, musician Carrie Akre reflects on coming up in Seattle’s legendary grunge scene, the creative freedom of the 90s music era, and the unexpected emotional cost of visibility. From the rise of alternative rock to the role intuition plays in creativity, this conversation explores what it means to be seen, heard, and truly understood.

Explore how gender roles and labels shape identity in this conversation with author Craig Pomranz and Brandi Fleck. They discuss masculinity, femininity, stereotypes, and the story behind Made by Raffi, a children's book that encourages self-expression and challenges traditional gender expectations.

Nashville, Tenn. teaching artist, Amanda Cantrell-Roche, explains how embodied storytelling heals personal and collective trauma, fuels social-justice campaigns, and even reshapes the immigration debate.

Singer-songwriter duo Pattycakes (Patty Carasquillo) and Boomer Roe share their deeply personal journey into the Nashville music scene—proving that it’s never too late to follow your calling. 

What if raving in a crowd of strangers could heal your nervous system better than lying on a yoga mat? Dr. Megan Galaske—pediatrician turned sound healer—joins us to break down the science behind music (from EDM to sound baths), vibration, and healing.