Second Verse: Vincent Van Den Broeck on Mindset, Consistency, and Doing the Work Until It’s Done

Host Becky Boyland interviews Belgian entrepreneur/restauranteur and author Vincent Van den Broeck, who shares how music has always shaped his life through emotionally linked moments. After being hit by a car on a scooter in Brussels on October 11, 2024, Vincent spent three weeks in a coma and months in rehab, where a friend’s music pushed him to “do more, take one more step.” Now recovered, he wrote Everything Feels Impossible Until It’s Done and founded the Until It’s Done (UID) Club to help people pursue goals with consistency and accountability. In the conversation he challenges Becky—and listeners—with “Why do you do what you do?… Now do. Show me,” emphasizing that impact isn’t measured by views and that becoming an artist comes down to who you are when life isn’t going your way.

https://youtu.be/9_R1z_w5aY0

Connect with Vincent Van den Broeck:

• https://theuidclub.com
• https://hashtagbrussels.com
• Socials: @hashtagbrussels
• Socials: @vincentinthekitchen
• Vincent’s book, Everything Feels Impossible Until It's Done: https://www.theuidclub.com/the-book

Sponsors:

• She Produces Music: https://www.sheproducesmusic.com

Featured Song:

• ”Last to Leave” by Becky Boyland, written by Becky Joleen Boyland (used with permission).

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Teaser: Vincent Van den Broeck Interview
• 01:55 Welcome, Vincent
• 02:50 Music and Meaning
• 05:01 Artists' Impact Beyond Stats
• 08:26 Restaurant Beginnings
• 12:16 Love the Work Not Image
• 15:10 Your Turn!
• 15:17 Prove It With Action
• 17:42 Consistency Beats Numbers
• 22:23 SPONSOR: She Produces Music
• 22:56 The 2024 Accident
• 25:38 Healing and Perspective
• 29:06 Book and Mission
• 32:31 Until Its Done Club
• 34:02 Where to Find Vincent
• 35:50 Coda
• 38:34 Featured Song: "Last to Leave" by Becky Boyland

Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285

Or to your Tidal now!

https://tidal.com/playlist/c84934ad-2723-4d1a-919e-2aebd4b4974d

Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)

Kris Bradley on Burnout, Autism Discovery, and Reclaiming Her Authentic Sound with ‘Midnight Church Aftermath’

Host Becky Boyland welcomes Maui-based indie artist Kris Bradley, an independent singer-songwriter, producer, and guitarist who spent over 20 years largely behind the scenes writing to briefs, producing for other artists, earning 200+ film/TV placements, and building the music education company Produce Like A Boss. Kris shares her early musical roots, stage fright, touring with an all-girl Led Zeppelin tribute, learning songwriting craft, and producing out of necessity. She explains how entrepreneurship and marketing gradually pulled her away from making music, leading to severe autistic burnout, loss of short-term memory, and three years of creative darkness after selling her company. A spontaneous performance in Maui reignited her desire to perform and write, sparking her debut double-disc concept album, “Midnight Church Aftermath,” recorded with a full band near Nashville and described as “Ameri-Kinda,” emphasizing authenticity over commercial rules.

https://youtu.be/wbwyNH2PFN4

Connect with Kris Bradley:

• Website: https://www.krisbradleymusic.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/krisbradleymusic
• TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@krisbradleymusic
• Spotify (Fireproof): https://open.spotify.com/track/79xPM1hfZmruZH7XOnKegQ
• Apple Music (Fireproof): https://music.apple.com/us/song/fireproof/6787345596
• YouTube (Fireproof video): https://youtube.com/watch?v=YlkH41OSakQ

Sponsors:

• She Produces Music: https://www.sheproducesmusic.com

Featured Song:

• ”Shapeshifter” by Kris Bradley, written by Kris Bradley, Blue Foley (used with permission).

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Teaser: Kris Bradley Interview
• 00:38 Introduction
• 01:52 Welcome and Musical Roots
• 05:13 Stage Fright Years
• 06:22 Cover Bands Bar Life
• 07:29 Zeppelin Tour Turning Point
• 09:03 Learning Songwriting Craft
• 10:17 Asia Pop Boot Camp
• 11:27 Production Out of Necessity
• 15:51 Produce Like a Boss Origins
• 18:03 Entrepreneur Drift
• 20:45 Autistic Burnout
• 23:07 Maui Music Revival
• 26:59 SPONSOR: She Produces Music
• 27:30 Monotropic Focus Explained
• 30:23 Writing Without Agenda
• 31:43 Two Act Album Vision
• 38:29 Concept-First Songwriting
• 40:51 Branding And Authenticity
• 42:49 Advice for New Artists
• 46:52 Truth Beats Craft in AI Era
• 49:06 Breaking Rules And Going Genreless
• 53:56 Where to Follow Kris
• 54:51 Coda
• 56:56 Featured Song: "Shapeshifter" by Kris Bradley

Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285

Or to your Tidal now!

https://tidal.com/playlist/c84934ad-2723-4d1a-919e-2aebd4b4974d

Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)

Harley DiNardo on Getting Dropped Twice, Returning to Music After 9/11 Loss, and Going All In After the Palisades Fire

Host Becky Boyland interviews New York-born singer-songwriter Harley DiNardo about his long path back to music after early success, two major-label deals, and years away. Harley traces his origin story from a formative high school Battle of the Bands to relentless practice, switching from bass to singing, and partnering with songwriter-guitarist Derrek Hawkins. He describes getting signed to Warner Brothers-backed Revolution Records after a Ticketmaster competition and later landing a BMG-backed deal for White Light Motorcade by handing demo CDs to strangers while working as a waiter, only to be dropped both times due to poor marketing. After stepping back to raise a family and run a hair salon, a wildfire that burned down his new salon and threatened his home pushed him to commit fully to music. He discusses negative self-talk, age stigma, tragedy including losing his sister in 9/11, and his new single “LA to NY.”

https://youtu.be/9SoclNknUdk

Connect with Harley DiNardo:

• Website: https://www.harleydinardo.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harleydinardoartist
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harleydinardomusic
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@harleydinardoband

Sponsors:

• She Produces Music: https://www.sheproducesmusic.com

Featured Song:

• ”LA to NY” by Harley DiNardo, written by Harley DiNardo (used with permission).

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Teaser: Harley DiNardo Interview
• 00:36 Introduction
• 01:40 Welcoming Harley
• 02:05 Battle of the Bands Awakening
• 04:03 Learning Bass in a Hurry
• 06:41 From Bassist to Singer
• 09:44 Hair School and Reality Check
• 12:21 Why Hairdressing Works
• 15:20 Haunted Mansion Band Days
• 17:14 Ticketmaster Contest Breakthrough
• 20:43 Signing and Getting Dropped
• 23:43 NYC Scene and Demo Hustle
• 28:12 Dropped Again and Losing Hope
• 31:33 Making Art Later in Life
• 35:39 SPONSOR: She Produces Music
• 36:13 Find Your Bees Audience
• 38:02 Owning Your Artist Identity
• 39:56 The Call That Won’t Quit
• 43:59 Social Proof and Attention Hooks
• 49:00 Fire Catalyst and Clean Slate
• 52:45 Never Too Old to Create
• 55:27 Writing "LA to NY"
• 58:28 9/11 Loss and Serendipity
• 01:03:19 Advice: Beat Negative Self Talk
• 01:07:48 Where to Follow Harley DiNardo
• 01:08:29 Coda
• 01:10:13 Featured Song: "LA to NY" by Harley DiNardo

Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285

Or to your Tidal now!

https://tidal.com/playlist/c84934ad-2723-4d1a-919e-2aebd4b4974d

Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)

Tom Sykes on Cold-Calling John Hammond, Failing Forward in Entertainment, and Making Music in the Age of Algorithms

Host Becky Boyland interviews songwriter, writer, filmmaker, and former entertainment executive Tom Sykes, whose music journey began with a cold call to legendary A&R John Hammond, producer of Bob Dylan’s first album and the scout who discovered artists like Bruce Springsteen and Aretha Franklin. Tom describes how low confidence complicated his early momentum, leading him to step back from performing and focus on songwriting—then pivot into entertainment work after taking a video store job in Atlanta that led to marketing roles and decades of “failing forward” through companies including Embassy Pictures, Turner Broadcasting, WEA, and Showtime, where he turned struggling divisions profitable. He discusses keeping music alive amid constant moves, critiques algorithms, streaming economics, and AI-generated music, and emphasizes audience support for indie artists. Tom shares updates on his book A Long Hard Road, documentaries, and ongoing music releases, and points listeners to tomsykesmusic.com.

https://youtu.be/_eS1vqbgxcM

Connect with Tom Sykes:

• Website:https://www.tomsykesmusic.com
• YouTube:https://youtube.com/@tomsykessongsstories
• Apple Artist:https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tom-sykes/1706510558
• Tom’s book, A Long Hard Road:https://www.tomsykesmusic.com/book/

Sponsors:

• She Produces Music:https://www.sheproducesmusic.com

Featured Song:

• ”I Don’t Know for Sure” by Tom Sykes, written by Tom Sykes (used with permission).

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Teaser: Tom Sykes Interview
• 00:29 Introduction
• 01:38 Welcome, Tom
• 02:45 Records, Liner Notes and a Phone Call
• 06:47 Confidence and Atlanta Move
• 08:14 From Video Store to Studio Job
• 10:25 Entertainment Career Highlights
• 14:00 Living a Double Life
• 14:48 Creative Circles and Collaboration
• 19:23 Story Over Gear
• 22:09 Streaming and Algorithm Problems
• 26:31 SPONSOR: She Produces Music
• 27:05 AI and Authentic Art
• 32:52 Breaking Through as Indie
• 41:41 Dreams Success and Perception
• 49:05 Finding Your Unique Sound
• 52:06 New Releases and Where to Find Tom
• 55:54 Coda
• 57:31 Featured Song: "I Don't Know for Sure" by Tom Sykes

Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285

Or to your Tidal now!

https://tidal.com/playlist/c84934ad-2723-4d1a-919e-2aebd4b4974d

Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)

Chris Aarons on Building a Music Legacy: DIY Home Recording, Daily Consistency, and Independent Artist Survival

Host Becky Boyland interviews Orlando singer-songwriter and self-taught producer Chris Aarons on Second Verse about returning to music, building a legacy, and navigating independent artistry. Chris shares how childhood trumpet, a shift from business to voice and musical theater in college, and mentorship shaped his path, followed by a painful first marriage that pushed him to choose his own dreams and channel grief into songwriting, including “Rain.” He describes guidance from Derric Johnson and studio experiences with his friend Natasha and producer John LaRosa, then launching his first release in February 2020 as COVID hit. Chris explains learning production, recording with improvised DIY booths using blankets and moving supplies, and wearing every hat—marketing, distribution, copyright, and booking—while parenting. He advises starting with what you have, avoiding predatory promises, and showing up daily for music in small consistent sessions. He has released eight originals and three covers and highlights his single “Colors Pass By.”

https://youtu.be/gEFTknxdV1U

Connect with Chris Aarons:

• https://www.chrisaaronsofficial.com
• https://chrisaarons.bandcamp.com
• https://open.spotify.com/artist/3s5OjR8qUi2c0wjs05jcQi
• https://www.instagram.com/chrisaaronsofficial
• https://www.facebook.com/chrisaaronsofficial
• https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisaaronsofficial

Sponsors:

• She Produces Music: https://www.sheproducesmusic.com

Featured Song:

• ”Colors Pass By” by Chris Aarons, written by Christopher Loyd (used with permission).

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Teaser: Chris Aarons Interview
• 01:38 Welcome and Music Origin Story
• 06:00 Burnout and College Detour
• 11:55 Orlando Dreams and Heartbreak
• 14:02 Healing Through Songwriting
• 18:01 Dating Yourself and Mentorship
• 21:55 First Studio Sessions Magic
• 26:07 Texas Trip and New Love
• 29:31 SPONSOR: She Produces Music
• 30:08 Learning Music Production
• 32:20 No Excuses Recording
• 33:44 DIY Vocal Booth Hacks
• 37:33 Choose Yourself and Create
• 45:30 Start Small and Stay Consistent
• 49:55 Creative Habits Momentum
• 54:20 Living In Sound
• 57:06 Connecting with Chris Aarons
• 01:01:03 Featured Song: "Colors Pass By" by Chris Aarons, written by Christopher Loyd

Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285

Or to your Tidal now!

https://tidal.com/playlist/c84934ad-2723-4d1a-919e-2aebd4b4974d

Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)

Nick Stefanacci on Saying Yes, Leaving Teaching, and Building Sweet Lion Music

Host Becky Boyland interviews saxophonist Nick Stefanacci on Second Verse about his one-word philosophy—“yes”—and how saying yes to gigs and opportunities shaped his career. Nick shares his origin story: growing up in a musical New Jersey family, choosing saxophone in fourth grade, early jazz performances, and mentorship from teacher J. Chuck Sastre, whose death led Nick to launch a memorial scholarship funded by a benefit concert that raised over $20,000. He discusses teaching music for 15 years, resigning mid-year in his 40s for mental health and to pursue music full-time, and reconnecting with faith during the transition. Nick explains his creative approach of continually changing sounds, starting to write his own music after being told he didn’t fit, founding Sweet Lion Music after labels rejected him, and details his album Right Here, Right Now, including a reimagined “Oye Como Va” featuring Santana vocalist Tony Lindsay.

https://youtu.be/KZTPMlMLKtQ

Connect with Nick Stefanacci:

• https://www.instagram.com/nickstefanaccimusic/
• https://www.facebook.com/musicofnickstefanacci
• https://open.spotify.com/artist/52iQrk2ojVRjvyQ5CTyoYn?si=tNiCuV28SJOb6j5VZZvl5w
• https://www.youtube.com/@nickstefanaccimusic
• https://www.nickstefanaccimusic.com/

Sponsors:

• Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com
• She Produces Music: https://www.sheproducesmusic.com

Featured Song:

• ”Midnight Affair” by Nick Stefanacci, written by Nick Stefanacci (used with permission).

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Teaser: Nick Stefanacci Interview
• 00:35 Introduction
• 01:44 Welcome and Origins
• 03:48 Spotlight and Mentors
• 06:16 Teaching Career Starts
• 06:56 Mentor Loss and Giving Back
• 10:15 Leaving Teaching for Music
• 16:08 SPONSOR: Attitude Creativity
• 16:41 SPONSOR: She Produces Music
• 17:16 New Full Time Chapter
• 18:41 How He Writes Music
• 24:56 Breaking Rules and Labels
• 31:01 Arts Pipeline Like Sports
• 34:39 Advice to Just Say Yes
• 38:09 New Album and Singles
• 43:03 Where to Follow and Closing
• 46:17 Coda
• 47:36 Featured Song: "Midnight Affair" by Nick Stefanacci

Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285

Or to your Tidal now!

https://tidal.com/playlist/c84934ad-2723-4d1a-919e-2aebd4b4974d

Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)

Dan From Downingtown on Anonymous Alt-Rock, DIY Recording, and Letting Fans Find You | Second Verse Podcast

Host Becky Boyland interviews Dan From Downingtown, a masked independent alternative rock/post-hardcore artist who built his solo career after the pandemic shut down his Boston band and pushed him into isolation and songwriting, encouraged by his friend and collaborator Noah. Dan explains how his 2023 debut EP “Stasis” launched a growing cult following and how his latest album “En-tro-py” uses the physics concept of entropy as a metaphor for a love triangle and obsession with the past, recorded largely in his apartment and truck with experimental sound-design techniques. They discuss DIY production, using modern tools to “break” sounds, balancing studio polish with honesty and human performance, why restraint often beats perfection, and how authenticity cuts through an entertainment-driven industry. Dan advises artists to stay financially stable, make mistakes, avoid chasing fame, and create music to tell a story.

Connect with Dan from Downingtown:

• https://www.tiktok.com/@danfromdowningtown
• https://www.instagram.com/dan_from_downingtown
• http://linktr.ee/danfromdowningtown
• https://open.spotify.com/artist/5FpiFYzqJDeWNbzRtwlS54?si=vyWVIBSGQXqMrYL63MWlDg

Sponsors:

• She Produces Music: https://www.sheproducesmusic.com

Featured Song:

• ”I Don’t Even Know” by Dan from Downingtown, written by Dan from Downingtown (used with permission).

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Teaser: Dan from Downingtown
• 00:15 Introduction
• 01:49 Meet Dan
• 03:23 Music Is Human
• 05:28 Boston Drummer Years
• 05:58 Pandemic Pivot
• 08:00 Noah Sparks Stasis
• 10:15 From Dark to Clean
• 13:36 SPONSOR: She Produces Music
• 14:13 DIY Studio Mindset
• 16:18 Breaking the Tools
• 20:09 Honesty Behind Effects
• 24:03 Writing and Recording Workflow
• 27:56 Studio vs Live Mindset
• 28:43 Reamping for Flexibility
• 29:51 Old School Charm
• 32:29 Layering Without Mastering Everything
• 33:03 Too Many Tracks Trap
• 36:29 Why Studios Still Matter
• 38:26 Authenticity and Next Nirvana
• 42:18 Industry Noise and Promotion
• 45:30 Democratization and Duality
• 49:00 Create on Your Terms
• 51:05 Advice for Going All In
• 54:31 Where to Find Dan
• 55:54 Coda
• 59:31 Featured Song: "I Don't Even Know" by Dan from Downingtown

Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285

Or to your Tidal now!

https://tidal.com/playlist/c84934ad-2723-4d1a-919e-2aebd4b4974d

Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)

Michael Isaak on Arabesque Folk, Diaspora Identity, and The Carpet Maker

Host Becky Boyland interviews Los Angeles–born Egyptian American musician Michael Isaak about his journey from church hymns, Arabic classics, and early FL Studio production to creating a new sound he calls “arabesque folk.” After making indie folk influenced by Phoebe Bridgers and Sufjan Stevens, a first trip to Egypt at 19 sparked deeper cultural immersion; he brought home an oud, later transferred to Columbia University, studied Arabic language and Arab music history and theory, and joined the Arab Music Ensemble. Michael shares how experimenting and jamming helped Arabic motifs emerge naturally instead of feeling forced, his critique of the “world music” framing, and his goal of building in-person community through intimate shows. They discuss his debut album The Carpet Maker (May 15) and lead single “Hold Your Keys” (March 6), reflecting on diaspora, displacement, and the hope of return.

https://youtu.be/YiRyILUz2Jc

Connect with Michael Isaak:

• https://www.instagram.com/michaelisaakmusic
• https://tiktok.com/@michaelisaakmusic
• https://youtube.com/@michaelisaakmusic
• https://open.spotify.com/artist/559rQJZL0GYH9lVU6zi5ey?si=KXUULlsqT16kSTJggFiQ8A
• https://music.apple.com/us/artist/michael-isaak/1644644907
• https://michaelisaak.us

Sponsors:

• Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com
• She Produces Music: https://www.sheproducesmusic.com

Featured Song:

• ”Hold Your Keys” by Michael Isaak, written by Michael Isaak & Sohail Bagheri (used with permission). All rights reserved.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 Teaser: Michael Isaak Interview
• 00:38 Introduction
• 02:12 Meet Michael Isaak
• 03:26 Learning to Perform and Produce
• 06:05 Taking the Leap From College
• 07:38 Finding an Arab Folk Identity
• 13:29 Oud Origins and Obsession
• 16:40 Blending Arabic and Western Sounds
• 26:39 Beyond World Music Labels
• 30:51 SPONSOR: Attitude Creativity
• 31:24 SPONSOR: She Produces Music
• 31:59 The Carpet Maker Album Story
• 38:17 Marketing vs Meaning
• 40:46 Building Community Through Shows
• 43:57 Advice and Influences to Explore
• 47:17 Where to Find the Music
• 48:08 Release Dates and Farewell
• 48:51 Coda
• 51:16 Featured Song: "Hold Your Keys" by Michael Isaak, written by Michael Isaak & Sohail Bagheri

Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285

Or to your Tidal now!

https://tidal.com/playlist/c84934ad-2723-4d1a-919e-2aebd4b4974d

Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)