Every musician has a moment when everything changes—when music stops being something they enjoy and becomes something they need. In this episode of The Hook, Jess and Johni sit down with musicians Joey Davis and TJ Peterson, joined by fellow musician John Beckner, to explore the exact moment music took hold of their lives—and never let go.

They dive into the firsts that shape every artist: the first time playing in front of a crowd, the first time getting paid, and even the first time completely bombing. Joey and TJ share honest stories about risk, sacrifice, creative obsession, and the reality behind the romanticized image of being a musician.

The conversation goes deeper into what keeps artists going when the path is uncertain, what performing on bigger stages teaches you, and the environments that spark true creativity. The episode also features live original performances and the stories behind the songs—revealing the emotional moments that inspired them.

From nostalgia and vulnerability to laughter and rapid-fire questions, this episode captures the human side of chasing music—not for fame, but for freedom.

Because once music has its hooks in you… there’s no going back.

To follow TJ and Joey, connect with them on social media:

TJ Peterson FB https://www.facebook.com/tj.peterson.5855/

TJ Peterson TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@tj.peterson93

Joey Davis FB https://www.facebook.com/JoeyD1194/

Joey Davis IG https://www.instagram.com/joeydavis.music/?hl=en

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Hook Pondcast.
This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.

Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:
https://www.johniandjess.com

Follow The Hook Pondcast on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.

The Hook Pondcast — where passion begins with a moment.

In this episode of The Hook, Johni and Jess sit down with Matt Smith of Permanent Vacation, Dave McKinny of Dreamsicle, and Will Migern from Children’s Home Services of Virginia to talk about the music, meaning, and mission behind the charity event Bowling for Boat Drinks.

What started as a Jimmy Buffett tribute event is about much more than tropical shirts and margaritas—it’s about using music to create real impact. Matt and Dave share what makes Buffett’s music so timeless and why his message of freedom, escape, and belonging continues to bring people together. They also talk about the unique energy of tribute performances and the connection they feel with audiences who aren’t just listening—but living the experience.

Will offers a powerful look into the mission of Children’s Home Services of Virginia, an organization that has supported foster youth and young adults for over a century. He shares the realities these young people face and how community-driven events like Bowling for Boat Drinks help provide stability, opportunity, and hope.

This conversation explores how creativity, community, and compassion intersect—and how music can be more than entertainment. It can be a bridge. A voice. And sometimes, a lifeline.

Whether you’re a Buffett fan, a musician, or simply someone who believes in the power of showing up for others, this episode captures what it truly means to get hooked—not just on music, but on purpose.

To support & learn more about Children’s Home Services of Virginia, visit:

https://chsva.org/

To keep up with upcoming shows from Matt Smith of Permanent Vacation, Dave McKinny of Dreamsicle, you can follow them on social media at:

Permanent Vacation:

https://www.facebook.com/PermVaK

Dreamsicle:

https://www.instagram.com/dreamsicleband/

https://www.facebook.com/hungryhardluckheroes

Thank you for listening to The Hook Pondcast.
This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.

Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:
https://www.johniandjess.com

Follow The Hook Pondcast on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.

The Hook Pondcast — where passion begins with a moment.

Welcome to The Hook.

Before we start interviewing musicians, artists, and creatives about the moment that changed everything — we’re going first.

In this debut episode, Jess and Johni introduce the concept behind The Hook and unpack what it really means to be “hooked.” Not just the lyric that sticks in your head — but the turning point. The obsession. The risk. The moment you realized normal wasn’t going to work for you.

We talk about why this show exists, what kind of conversations you can expect, and the stories we’re most interested in telling. From live performances to candid interviews, The Hook is about going beyond the bio and into the real reasons creatives do what they do.

Every artist has a hook.

This is ours.

Look us up or apply to be on the show:

Website: https://www.johniandjess.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252

Thank you for listening to The Hook Pondcast.
This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.

Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:
https://www.johniandjess.com

Follow The Hook Pondcast on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.

The Hook Pondcast — where passion begins with a moment.