One Song, One Story | Where Music Meets Memory

What happens when the song that keeps you going becomes the soundtrack to solving what everyone else says is impossible?In this episode of One Song One Story, I’m joined by Russell Van Brocklin, a dyslexia researcher whose journey began with being told he had a first grade reading level and eventually led him to redesign how dyslexia can be taught.Russell brings “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, a song that has stayed with him from childhood through decades of setbacks, breakthroughs, research, and relentless persistence. What started as a song he loved in elementary school became something much bigger when he was forced to confront failure, teach himself to read and write at a higher level, and keep going when the odds said he shouldn’t.This conversation moves through dyslexia, education, resilience, obsession, and the kind of stubborn determination it takes to stay with a problem for 25 years. Russell shares how this song became a tool not just for his own perseverance, but for helping children and parents push through moments when they felt like giving up.We talk about:dyslexia and how differently the brain can workwhy “Don’t Stop Believin’” became Russell’s anchormusic as motivation and momentumthe long road from failure to innovationteaching kids to push through frustrationand what belief looks like when it’s tested over and over againIf you’ve ever had a song that helped you keep moving when everything felt stacked against you, this episode will resonate.⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps00:00 Intro00:11 What this episode is about00:58 Welcome Russell Van Brocklin02:11 If today were a song03:01 The work Russell does in dyslexia research07:50 Early memories of music10:54 Music, movies, and the freedom of the 80s14:11 Song reveal: Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey15:07 Why this song has stayed with Russell19:12 Why this was the only song choice20:50 First hearing the song in elementary school21:43 Lyrics, tempo, and what first hit23:29 What the song makes him feel now26:27 How the meaning has evolved over time27:40 Using the song to keep going through impossible problems28:45 Russell’s dyslexia method explained35:06 Why kids still connect with the song36:39 If the song were a film scene40:13 Who Russell would want to cover it43:14 What the song symbolizes most today45:57 Where to find Russell and his work46:19 Closing

Some songs don’t make you feel better.They help you survive.In this episode of One Song One Story, I sit down with Andrew Davey, a writer, musician, and filmmaker whose life was reshaped by a ruptured brain aneurysm, and later by becoming a caregiver to his mother following her ALS diagnosis.Andrew brings a song that became more than music.🎶 “Embrace the Light” by CrowbarA heavy metal track that carried him through recovery, fear, emotional disconnection, and the quiet responsibility of caring for someone you love.We explore:Music as a mantra when words failEmotional recovery after brain injuryFinding meaning inside sufferingHeavy music as a source of calm and groundingWhy endurance is sometimes the bravest form of hopeHow songs arrive at exactly the right momentThis is not a conversation about music theory.It’s about what songs do for us when life demands everything.👇 If a song has helped you through something hard, share it in the comments.00:00 Intro: endurance, recovery, and finding light01:01 Welcome Andrew Davey02:47 If today were a song: endurance and silver linings03:23 Finding joy in hidden moments03:56 Connector song: Man in Me by Bob Dylan05:38 Andrew’s creative background and filmmaking07:58 Writing as the most autonomous creative outlet10:37 Letting go of publishing as the goal13:01 Early music memories: Run DMC and Guns N’ Roses14:07 Discovering rock, grunge, and Nirvana15:38 Falling in love with heavy metal18:15 Creating a heavy metal podcast in Hong Kong19:15 Music as background, rhythm, and daily companion20:09 Heavy metal vs jazz and classical21:10 Music as situational and state shifting22:40 Andrew’s mother as a podcast guest25:20 Genre labels and why they exist26:52 Music as energy release28:58 Music as a tool for shifting state29:31 Introducing today’s song30:02 Song reveal: Embrace the Light by Crowbar31:26 Light and heavy living together32:41 Why this song matters now33:10 Aneurysm recovery and caring for his mother34:43 The moment the song truly clicked35:40 “I will carry on” as a mantra36:31 How the song found him37:42 Nothing is accidental38:43 The antenna metaphor and openness39:33 Emotional recovery after brain injury40:34 Finding something worth carrying on for41:34 Caring for his mother as purpose42:09 COVID as an unexpected silver lining43:32 Spiritual realism and acceptance44:15 The farmer parable and withholding judgment45:38 Emotional disconnection and unexpected strength48:16 Choosing optimism as practice49:27 Trauma, humour, and perspective52:15 Choosing how to respond to pain52:30 The song as soundtrack for endurance53:10 Who should cover the song55:13 Final reflections56:39 Where to find Andrew57:13 Closing⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps

What happens when a song you’ve known your whole life suddenly becomes the thing that saves you?In this episode of One Song One Story, I’m joined by Willie Thornton, also known as Wild Willie. DJ, podcaster, father, and someone who grew up in chaos and found healing through music.Willie brings “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson, a song that hit him in a completely new way during one of the lowest moments of his life. After his divorce, carrying the weight of a difficult childhood, a toxic marriage, addiction, anger, and self hatred, Willie heard the song in the car and had to pull over. In that moment, he knew something had to change.This conversation is about survival, self reflection, fatherhood, healing, and the courage it takes to look at yourself honestly and choose a different path. We talk about how music can help us move through grief, anger, and pain, and why some songs become more than songs. They become lifelines.We explore:childhood trauma and resiliencedivorce, addiction, and rebuildingmusic as emotional healingwhy “Man in the Mirror” became a turning pointfatherhood and learning to love yourself againhow one song can help you become who you’re meant to beIf you’ve ever had a song meet you in the middle of your darkest moment and somehow point you toward the light, this episode will resonate.00:00 Intro00:11 What this episode is about01:04 Welcome Willie Thornton01:52 If today were a song02:34 A song that connects host and guest04:18 Willie’s podcast: Soul Impact, How Music Saved Us06:16 Early memories of music and survival08:25 Using music to move through the five stages of grief12:15 Song reveal: Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson12:57 Why this was the obvious choice13:26 Divorce, childhood wounds, and not liking who he’d become14:38 The moment the song broke him open18:27 Early memories of hearing Michael Jackson21:42 What hit hardest in the song24:47 Rebuilding life after divorce28:41 What the song means now30:28 Survivor mindset vs victim mindset32:17 Music, fatherhood, and healing33:24 Accomplishment, reflection, and growth44:57 Thoughts on covering such an iconic song46:37 What stands out to Willie now48:55 Where to find Willie and his work50:09 Final message and goodbye

What if the song that shaped your life kept revealing new meanings... for more than 35 years?For the first time in One Song One Story, the host becomes the guest.After spending two seasons asking remarkable people to share the one song that changed their life, the microphone is turned on me.Hosted by Jim Farfaglia, this is the story behind the song that quietly shaped my childhood, carried me through addiction, helped me make sense of profound healing, and ultimately inspired this podcast.🎶 Song choice: "As One" by Sam BrownI first heard this song as an eleven-year-old boy. At the time, it became a place of safety. Decades later, after addiction, recovery, fatherhood, and life-changing experiences with plant medicine, it revealed entirely new meanings I never knew were there.What fascinates me most is that the song didn't change.I did.In this conversation we explore:🎵 How one song became a lifelong companion🧒 The eleven-year-old version of me that never truly disappeared💔 Addiction, trauma, and the search for safety🌿 Ayahuasca, healing, and seeing life through a completely different lens👨‍👧‍👦 Becoming a father and hearing the same lyrics through new ears🎙️ The unexpected moment that sparked the idea for One Song One Story itselfThis is my most personal conversation to date.It's about memory, music, healing, and the extraordinary way songs continue to grow alongside us if we're willing to keep listening.If you've ever wondered why this podcast exists... this episode is the closest answer I can give.00:00 Introduction01:06 Why the host is becoming the guest04:32 My earliest memories of music07:45 Songs that shaped my childhood15:12 Song reveal: As One – Sam Brown17:20 Listening to the song together19:34 Discovering As One at eleven years old26:18 Feeling like Sam Brown was singing directly to me32:58 Rediscovering the song in my thirties34:52 Addiction, trauma, and returning to the song44:12 Ayahuasca and a life-changing turning point47:09 Hearing the song after becoming a father53:37 The lightbulb moment that inspired One Song One Story1:02:00 Why every guest's song matters1:10:58 What this conversation taught me1:12:18 Why this work feels so important1:14:29 Closing thoughts

🎧 Episode DescriptionWhat if the thing standing between you and the life you want isn't a lack of talent... but the belief that you need permission to pursue it?In this episode of One Song One Story, I'm joined by Sumi X — artist, songwriter, entrepreneur, and creative force — for a conversation about identity, self-belief, and finding the courage to trust your own voice.Sumi's song choice is "Liability" by Lorde, a track that has accompanied her through moments of doubt, growth, and transformation. What begins as a conversation about a song quickly becomes an exploration of creativity, entrepreneurship, imposter syndrome, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we're allowed to become.From growing up using music as both an escape and a source of expression, to walking away from a successful consulting career to pursue a creative life on her own terms, Sumi shares the highs, lows, and lessons she's learned along the way.We explore:🎵 Why some songs feel like they understand us better than we understand ourselves🚀 Leaving behind security to pursue a creative calling🧠 Navigating imposter syndrome and self-doubt✨ The connection between entrepreneurship and creativity🎤 Finding the confidence to stop shrinking yourself and start taking up space❤️ Why opportunity rarely arrives on your doorstep — and what happens when you go looking for it insteadThis is a conversation about courage, authenticity, and learning to trust yourself enough to build the life that's calling you.If you've ever wondered whether you're capable of more than the path you're currently on, this episode will resonate.00:00 Introduction01:05 Welcome Sumi X02:38 If today were a song04:57 Growing up with music08:41 Using music as escape and expression12:24 Discovering creativity and identity16:03 Building a successful consulting business20:17 The decision to pursue music full-time24:45 Song reveal: Liability by Lorde28:12 Why this song matters31:46 Imposter syndrome and self-doubt36:20 Being "too much" and learning to embrace it40:14 Creativity, entrepreneurship and risk44:38 Opportunity doesn't come knocking48:25 Finding your voice52:47 What the song means today56:01 Who should cover the song?58:43 Final reflections1:01:12 Where to find Sumi X1:02:08 Closing thoughts

What if the song that changed your life wasn’t one you chose… but one that found you at exactly the right moment?In this episode of One Song One Story, I’m joined by Vince Markowsky, for a conversation that moves through identity, resilience, and the unexpected ways music can become a mirror for who we are becoming.Every episode begins with one simple premise: my guest brings one song that holds deep meaning for them, and together we unpack the memories, emotions, and life experiences tied to it.For Vinnie, Riverside by America became far more than just music. It became a marker of transformation. A reminder of where they’d been, what they’d survived, and the person they were learning to become.We explore the moments that shape us quietly. The chapters we don’t realise are defining us until much later. And how certain songs can hold entire versions of ourselves inside them.This conversation moves through:🎵 identity and self-discovery🧠 resilience through difficult seasons✨ the emotional power of music and memory🔥 personal transformation and perspective shifts❤️ how songs can become part of your life storyThis is a reflective, honest, and deeply human conversation about the songs that stay with us and why they matter.If you’ve ever had a song that felt like it understood you before you understood yourself, this episode will resonate.And if there’s a song that carries a story in your life, I’d love to hear it.00:00 Intro00:11 What this episode is about01:03 Welcome Vince Markowsky02:12 If today were a song03:45 A song that connects host and guest05:30 Early memories of music08:10 Growing up and discovering identity through music11:42 Music as emotional escape and expression15:18 Song reveal: Riverside by America17:05 Why this song was the obvious choice20:14 The first time the song truly landed24:30 What life looked like during that season28:12 How the song became a turning point31:45 Identity, growth, and learning to trust yourself35:08 How the meaning of the song has evolved38:21 Music, healing, and perspective shifts41:10 What this song represents now44:02 Who Vinnie would want to cover it46:18 Final reflections48:07 Where to find Vinnie49:20 Closing

Some songs do not need lyrics to say everything.In this episode of One Song One Story, I sit down with Jason Olivea, a holistic coach and creator of Inner Compass, to explore a track that became the soundtrack to one of the biggest transitions of his life. We met at an ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica, one of those places that changes how you see yourself, the world, and what you thought was possible. Not long after leaving, Jason discovered a song he can’t explain how he found, but it felt like it found him.🎶 Song Choice: “Vida” by MoseThis song became a container for:Transformation. Integration. Flow. Identity. Love.We talk about:Plant medicine and the unlearning of who you think you areMusic as a tool for shifting state and healingWhy some songs hit the body before the mind understandsSerendipity, timing, and life’s unseen choreographyHow one song can stay steady while life keeps changingIf you’ve ever had a song that instantly takes you back to a feeling, a place, or a version of yourself, you’ll feel this episode deeply.👇 Comment below with a song that found you at the exact right time.00:00 Intro and what this episode is about01:00 Welcome Jason and the brunch story02:13 If today was a song, what would it be03:38 The song that connects us: Just Dropped In06:00 Meeting through ayahuasca and knowing little but feeling close07:18 Jason’s first retreats and why they matter09:39 Jason’s work: psychology, coaching, and Inner Compass11:26 Plant medicine and shifting identity13:28 Mistaken identity and breaking out of the mental cage16:28 Earliest music memories and growing up in New York18:11 Old school hip hop, eclectic taste, and phases21:34 Using music to match mood and shift state25:12 Auditory sensitivity, vibration, and sound as medicine28:50 Song reveal: Vibe by Auf Wieder30:10 Finding the song after Soltara30:28 Meeting Zaina and the beginning of a love story33:56 The song as the embodiment of transition and transformation35:23 No lyrics, only flow and meaning37:41 Shubeeh’s first time hearing the track39:17 The song as emotional integration in the body41:10 Sharing the song with his daughter44:10 Listening to the song in the gym and in life46:43 How the meaning has evolved over time49:35 Stability and turbulence: the song as companion51:45 Songs and relationships that arrive unexpectedly55:05 How little control we really have56:48 If the song was a film scene58:53 Final reflections and takeaway1:00:20 Where to find Jason: innercompass9.com1:00:46 Closing

What happens when a song doesn’t just comfort you… but changes the direction of your life?In this episode of One Song One Story, I’m joined by Tara Wiskow, an intuitive healer whose relationship with music is deeply embodied, emotional, and transformative. Tara brings “No Hard Feelings” by The Avett Brothers, a song that found them in the days after losing their baby sister. At first, it made them angry. Then it cracked them open. And over time, it became something much more than a song. It became medicine. It became a guide. It became part of the path that led them toward healing, purpose, and the life they now live.We talk about grief, identity, spirituality, music as a healing tool, and the way songs can evolve with us over time. Tara shares how this one song helped them process loss, reconnect with their sister in a new way, and step more fully into authenticity and service.This is a conversation about:music and griefhealing after lossspiritual transformationauthenticity and self acceptancethe deeper meaning of “no hard feelings”and how one song can become part of your soul’s journeyIf you’ve ever had a song meet you in the middle of heartbreak and somehow lead you somewhere new, this episode will resonate.00:00 Intro00:11 What this episode is about01:05 Welcome Tara Wiskow02:24 If today were a song03:26 A song that connects host and guest05:18 Tara’s early relationship with music08:47 Music as energy, movement, and emotion12:09 Using music as a healing tool15:18 Song reveal: No Hard Feelings by The Avett Brothers16:00 Why this was an easy song choice18:00 The first time the song truly landed21:30 Losing Tara’s baby sister24:00 Why the song first made them angry27:00 How the song became medicine29:43 Tara’s sister and the spiritual connection to the song31:42 “Be the change you need” and stepping into purpose34:53 Mortality, music, and songwriting36:32 Why this song keeps evolving38:19 Who Tara would want to cover it39:08 What this conversation brought up40:20 Where to find Tara41:41 Closing

Some songs don’t just remind you of a moment.They help you survive it.In this episode of One Song One Story, I sit down with Dr Jonathan Locust to explore how Through the Wire by Kanye West became a soundtrack for resilience, healing, and personal transformation.Jonathan shares how this song stayed with him through a serious health crisis, major life transitions, and a profound period of inner work. What makes this story so powerful is not just the song itself, but the way Jonathan reframed his experience.Rather than asking “why is this happening to me?” he began asking, “what is this here to teach me?”We talk about:Kanye West recording Through the Wire after a near fatal accidentUsing music as a grounding and regulation toolHealth challenges hidden behind professional successWater fasting, meditation, and conscious healingTrauma, forgiveness, and the unconscious mindWhy understanding the lesson accelerates healingSeeing life’s challenges as wires you move through, not walls you hitThis is a deep, honest, and expansive conversation about consciousness, courage, and choosing to keep going.👇 If a song has helped you through something difficult, share it in the comments.00:00 Intro: going through the wire01:05 Welcome Dr Jonathan Locust02:40 If today were a song03:55 Music as regulation and calming the nervous system06:10 Setting the premise of One Song One Story07:20 Song selection process and why this one stood out08:40 Song reveal: Through the Wire by Kanye West09:55 First hearing the song in college12:20 Dorm rooms, Chicago radio, and early memories14:45 Innovation, sampling, and why Kanye felt different17:10 Relatability, identity, and hip hop culture18:30 Using music as a healing tool later in life20:05 Health crisis and professional success colliding22:10 Reframing hardship as “going through the wire”24:30 Turning adversity into a research question27:10 Meditation, fasting, and intentional healing30:15 A 24 day water fast and physical endurance33:40 Trauma, forgiveness, and unconscious healing37:00 Connection to nature and heightened awareness40:20 Patterns, synchronicity, and meaning43:30 Cultural conditioning and eating habits47:10 Indigenous wisdom and fasting practices50:30 Listening to the song now53:10 Past wires, present wires, and motivation55:40 Who should cover the song58:10 Lessons, acceleration, and closing reflections1:00:20 Where to find Dr Jonathan Locust1:01:40 Final goodbye

Some songs don’t just move you.They remind you who you are.In this episode of One Song One Story, I reconnect with Weronka Sacha, a breathwork facilitator, musician, and guide whose work is rooted in presence, ceremony, and deep listening.We talk about breathwork, music, and the strange magic of meeting someone in an intense container, forming a lifelong connection, and knowing very little about each other’s everyday lives beyond that moment.Weronka brings a song that has walked with her for over a decade.🎶 Spirit Bird by Xavier RuddFrom its first notes, the song opens up conversations about indigenous cultures, humility, responsibility, and our relationship with time, nature, and spirit. We explore why this track feels like a journey, how it calls us back into connection, and why it continues to reveal new layers years later.This is not a conversation about music theory.It’s about music as remembrance.👇 Comment below with a song that reconnects you to something deeper.----------------------------------------⏱️ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro and reconnecting with Weronka01:13 If today were a song02:01 A song that connects host and guest02:37 Meeting in Peru and first experience of breathwork04:08 The power of breath alone05:03 Music, guitar, and singing after ceremony06:44 Remembering shared songs and moments08:58 Four singing at once and ceremonial sound10:04 Deep connections formed on retreat11:18 Weronka’s path and current work13:09 Intensity of ceremony and integration14:48 Online breathwork and reconnecting15:50 Early memories of music16:59 Growing up with rock and rhythm18:09 Curating music for breathwork sessions19:59 Music as DJing inside ceremony20:37 Using friends’ music in breathwork21:30 What this podcast is really about22:05 Song reveal: Spirit Bird by Xavier Rudd23:30 First time hearing the song25:51 What hit first in the music27:34 Indigenous themes and deep listening28:51 Time, ancestry, and perspective29:48 Living with a song for ten years31:14 How the song evolves over time33:16 Humility, responsibility, and unity35:09 The meaning of the Spirit Bird37:09 “Are we doing the work?”38:35 Playing and singing the song40:02 Creativity, writing, and detachment42:43 Writing as release and guidance from the body46:13 Final reflections on the song47:13 Gratitude and closing48:14 Where to find Weronka