A reflective journey through a year of quiet transitions, where time feels less like a straight line and more like a series of subtle shifts. As life moves through moments of change, music appears as a steady companion — surfacing unexpectedly, carrying memory, and offering perspective when words fall short.

In this episode, Donny reflects on how sound intersects with family, legacy, and presence. From revisiting objects and memories once set aside, to welcoming new life, to noticing how music endures through both joy and loss, the episode explores how listening can reveal meaning we didn’t know we were searching for.

If You Try Sometimes is an invitation to slow down and notice the ways music and quiet moments shape our inner lives — and how, over time, what we think we want often gives way to what we truly need.

Book Mentioned: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

"Ric's View" Spotify Playlist

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If this episode stayed with you, there’s a simple way to
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You can also support the show for free by
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In this episode of Music Ghost Stories, host Donny Ingram explores the intersection of music and visual art with guest Emily Bagan, a Nashville-based visual artist who translates music into stunning visual representations. Emily shares her unique creative process, the importance of wonder in art, and her most impactful moments, including a chance encounter with Greta Van Fleet that propelled her career.

Emily's Stairway to Heaven inspired artwork

Listen to Age of Machine by Greta Van Fleet

This episodes Spotify Playlist

"The Creative Act" book by Rick Rubin

Muse Headband

Dreamcatcher Studio | Mixing & Mastering

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If this episode stayed with you, there’s a simple way to
support the work behind Music Ghost Stories.

You can also support the show for free by
leaving a rating or review wherever you listen.

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In this episode of Music Ghost Stories, host Donny Ingram chats with producer and artist Aaron Sprinkle. They discuss the intersection of technology and vibe in music creation, the emotional power of music, and how personal experiences shape our perception of sound.

Listen to Lovely Rita by The Beatles

This Episode's Spotify Playlist

More on Phantom Words
More on the McGurk Effect

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If this episode stayed with you, there’s a simple way to
support the work behind Music Ghost Stories.

You can also support the show for free by
leaving a rating or review wherever you listen.

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Jason Maas shares his compelling journey from aspiring skateboarder to music producer, highlighting his emotional project reviving unfinished works of his late friend, Tim Landers. The episode delves into the lasting impact of music, the emotional connections it fosters, and its ability to transcend time through shared human experiences.

More on Jay Maas here.

Music referenced in this episode:
Nirvana - Nevermind Album
CAKE - "The distance"
Leon Bridges - "Coming Home"
Kali Masi - "Still Life"
Cold Collective - Weathervane Album

Other music mentioned on this episode: Tupac Shakur, The Beach Boys, Imagine Dragons, Four Year Strong, Reel Big Fish, Pianos Become the Teeth, Defeater.

This episode's Spotify Playlist

Dreamcatcher Studio | Mixing & Mastering

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If this episode stayed with you, there’s a simple way to
support the work behind Music Ghost Stories.

You can also support the show for free by
leaving a rating or review wherever you listen.

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In this episode, host Donny delves into the profound connection between music, emotion, and biofeedback with neurofeedback engineer and electronic musician Jason Snell. They explore how music bridges our inner experiences with the outer world, using EEG devices to measure brain responses and creating compositions from brainwave data. Jason shares his journey through music therapy programs and transcendent live performances. The discussion emphasizes the transformative power of music and its ability to bring harmony and healing.

More on Jason Snell here.

Muse headband website.

Mystery sound: "Where were you a year ago?"

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If this episode stayed with you, there’s a simple way to
support the work behind Music Ghost Stories.

You can also support the show for free by
leaving a rating or review wherever you listen.

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Check out this guest’s TED Talk!
Alan Harvey: Your brain on music

Lyrics referenced in this episode:
Nick Drake - "Hazey Jane II"
If songs were lines in a conversation
the situation would be fine.

Music referenced in this episode:
Sandy Denny - "Who Knows Where the Time Goes"
Henry Purcell - "Dido's Lament"

Other music mentioned on this episode: Sergei Rachmanihoff, Bonnie Raitt, Karla Bonoff, Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin.

This episode's Spotify Playlist

Books referenced in this episode:
"Music, Evolution, and the Harmony of Souls" by Alan Harvey
"Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain" by Oliver Sacks
"Dark Side of the Tune" by Bruce Johnson

Context for the mystery sound that was played:
"Hello, I'm a talking piano.
Can you understand me?"

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If this episode stayed with you, there’s a simple way to
support the work behind Music Ghost Stories.

You can also support the show for free by
leaving a rating or review wherever you listen.

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In this captivating episode, we journey back over 40,000 years to the discovery of the world's oldest musical instrument—a Neanderthal flute found in a Slovenian cave. Through the lens of this ancient artifact, we explore the intertwined paths of music and spirituality, pondering the profound implications of this prehistoric connection. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of our ancestors and the spiritual awakening that may have echoed through the first notes ever played.

More on the Flute with Photos
Neanderthal Bone Flute Music
NPR clip

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If this episode stayed with you, there’s a simple way to
support the work behind Music Ghost Stories.

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leaving a rating or review wherever you listen.

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Dive into a conversation about the perception of authenticity in music and how it shapes our experiences and memories through time. Kevin shares his journey of creating music that resonates true to his spirit, touching on personal stories of his personal spiritual journey.

Lyrics from Valleyheart's song, "Miracle" played in this episode:

Now I'm standing at the edge of the ocean
Heart heavy in the town I grew up in
And my fears are drowned in the fading blue
I'm out on the shore reaching out to you

And right there on the water it hits me
For every ounce of suffering and mystery
There's a child that's born in a hospital
A flower that blooms in the freezing cold

And it's a miracle...

More on Kevin Klein

Check out Kevin's band, Vallyheart

Music referenced in this episode:
Valleyheart - "Miracle"
Bon Iver - 22, A Million Album
The Beach Boys - "Surfer Girl"
Audrey Hepburn - "Moon River"

Other music mentioned on this episode: Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Brian Eno, Caspian, Hammock, Pedro the Lion, David Bazan.

This episode's Spotify Playlist

Dreamcatcher Studio | Mixing & Mastering

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If this episode stayed with you, there’s a simple way to
support the work behind Music Ghost Stories.

You can also support the show for free by
leaving a rating or review wherever you listen.

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