Rise Recover Live

Music Minds Matter: Mental Health Support in Music Communities with Founder Spencer Hughes

March 21, 2023 The Phoenix Sober Active Community Season 1 Episode 41
Rise Recover Live
Music Minds Matter: Mental Health Support in Music Communities with Founder Spencer Hughes
Show Notes

#41:  After 10 years of writing and performing music in Denver, Spencer Hughes found himself at a crossroads, wondering WHY he was making music, and whether it was the right path for him.  Amid this self-defined identity crisis, he voiced his worries to a local music-scene Facebook group, and was shocked to find that he was far from alone.  Encouraged by his peers, Spencer began hosting mental wellness meet-ups for musicians in Denver, and found the deep connection and support he hadn’t known he needed.  That meet-up evolved into his nonprofit organization, Music Minds Matter, and began Spencer’s unexpected journey to sobriety.  

Tune into the episode to hear us discuss: 

  • How Spencer’s work in mental health for Music Minds Matter led him to reflect on his relationship with alcohol, 
  • A massive shift in the music industry during the pandemic that forced Spencer to reflect on the pace that he and others were producing music, and why,  
  • The revelation that people often turn to music when they’re sad, but no one checks in on the mental health of the artists themselves, 
  • How Spencer’s work and confidence have changed since he got sober, and how sobriety affected his art and his work with Music Minds Matter,  
  • A bright future ahead for the music scene- how new surveys show more and more people are abstaining from drugs and alcohol at shows and festivals. 

To learn more about Music Minds Matter, visit musicmindsmatter.org 

Register here for Sober Sessions in Denver: https://www.musicmindsmatter.org/sober-sessions 
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Join the music industry, artists, fans, and allies who are uniting to destigmatize addiction and support recovery.  Learn more at  https://www.1millionstrong.com/the-phoenix/

Join the Phoenix community & sign up for classes with a single click by downloading The Phoenix App!  In the app, you can connect with Liz, Bryce and other listeners in The Rise Recover Live Podcast Group.  Let us know what you thought about today's episode, and what you'd like to hear in future shows!  We can't wait to chat with you there. 

Learn more about The Phoenix, sign up for classes, or become a volunteer at https://thephoenix.org/
 
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If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health or substance use related crisis, the following resources can provide immediate help.* 

If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please dial 911. 

  • Dial 988 for the SAMSHA Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.  Available 24/7 
  • Text “HOME” t

Join the Phoenix community & sign up for classes with a single click by downloading The Phoenix App! In the app, you can connect with Liz, Bryce and other listeners in The Rise Recover Live Podcast Group. Let us know what you thought about today's episode, and what you'd like to hear in future shows! We can't wait to chat with you there.

Learn more about The Phoenix, sign up for classes, or become a volunteer at https://thephoenix.org/ .

Find us on Instagram at @riserecoverlive