Sponsor – BetterHelpQuick pitch + 10 % off code: betterhelp.com/music‑speaks

Show Intro Host explains the podcast mission – fighting depression with music.Guest Intro Kathy Bell (“Ma Bell”) welcomed; brief bio, multi‑genre musician.Recording Roots Works with producer Bob McGilpin at Tone Slinger Studio (Nashville) while living in Indiana.

Musical Influences Janis Joplin, The Beach Boys, early folk, wide‑range DJ knowledge (40s‑now).

Fishing Blues StoryOrigin of “Little Deuce Coupe” inspiration, fishing‑lure hat, humorous lyric anecdote.

Comedy + MusicKathy blends humor with music; community‑based mentoring, “humor‑and‑music” format.

Unexpected Inspiration – “Freedom Truckers”Writing/performing for truck‑driver rallies during COVID; feeling of historic unity.

COVID ImpactPersonal COVID infection, shift to virtual/Zoom, stress of losing live gigs.

Suicide Attempt & Musical RescueHealth battles, 30+ surgeries, a night at the piano, writing “Oh What a Friend” (later “It Matters to the Master”) that saved her life.

Mentorship, Karaoke & DJingHow friends pushed her into karaoke contests, costume scoring, DJ mentorship with Tammy  Lynn.

Faith & Higher PowerKathy credits God/higher power for the moment she didn’t follow through with suicide.

Mental‑Health TalkHost & guest discuss depression, suicide ideation, why sharing stories matters.

Piano RootsGrandfather was a pastor; church & prison‑ministry piano work; playing Johnny Cash’s piano.

Dream InstrumentKathy wishes to magically master the guitar (acoustic & electric).

Guitar CollectionShows off PRS guitars; loves the acoustic sound.

Fan Interaction – Assisted‑LivingTwo residents tried to “adopt” her; funny anecdote.

Upcoming Album – “Dreams Are Made in the USA”Release slated early July; story behind “Nashville Dreams” & message of perseverance.

Pre‑Show Ritual Prays before each show; quick vocal warm‑up.

Vocal Warm‑UpsSings, drinks water/tea/Coke for energy.

All‑Time Favorite ArtistsReba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn (country royalty).

Deep‑Feeling Song“It Matters to the Master” – how it moves her soul and listeners.

Host intro – “Music fights depression” & brief show premise

Meet Orville Stoeber – Composer for Let’s Scare Jessica to Death, The Year of the Flood, etc.

Politics & songwriting – why lyrics often reflect culture even when we try to stay “just music.”

Guitar talk – Taylor vs. nylon strings, why Orville prefers a nylon for his playing.

Story of Orville’s first Baby Martin & how a pawn‑shop moment shaped his early career.

Songwriting process – Voice first, then guitar, then words. The “Story Moon” vibe & why it feels “joyful.”

Scoring horror TV/film – How Freddy’s Nightmare and Let’s Scare Jessica to Death landed; director‑composer dynamics.

Money & royalties – The surprise of a $60 M franchise, the early $500 checks, and learning the business the hard way.

Speed‑writing a hit – The five‑minute song that became a movie staple; the role of inspiration.

Synesthesia & color – Orville sees colors when he writes; how black & white paint the song In Rehab with Persephone.

Alien‑theory question – What Orville hopes extraterrestrials would learn about humanity from his music.

Teenage room & early influences – No poster walls, a transistor radio, the love of solitude for writing.

Hardest‑to‑describe song – Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” & the emotional punch of Grace (Jeff Buckley).

Merch & shout‑outs – Orville’s shirts, hats, website (yearoftheflood.com) and where to find his music

(Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, YouTube).

In this episode, James Cox sits down with artist Sophia Warren to discuss the healing power of music and her personal journey with mental health. Sophia shares her experiences growing up with Hashimoto's disease, the role music played in her life, and the evolution of her music from her EP "Bloodstone" to her latest project "Adesso." They also delve into the nuances of musical genres, the impact of living in different cities like Austin, Texas, and Asheville, North Carolina, and the creative process behind their songs. The conversation touches on the challenges of navigating the music industry and the importance of authenticity.

Key Themes Discussed:

• Mental Health and Music: How music serves as a coping mechanism and a source of comfort during difficult times.
• Hashimoto's Disease: Sophia's experience with the autoimmune disorder from a young age, including the challenges of diagnosis and living with an invisible illness.
• Musical Evolution: The growth and development of Sophia's sound between her EP "Bloodstone" and her project "Adesso."
• City Influence: How growing up in Austin, Texas, and Asheville, North Carolina, shaped her musical style and storytelling.
• The Creative Process: Sophia's journey in finding her musical voice and working with producers.
• Artist Identity: Exploring themes of self-discovery, insecurity, and maturing as an artist.
• The Power of Connection: How music helps listeners feel less alone and understood.
• "Static" by Sophia Warren: A song that was cathartic to write and perform, dealing with anxiety and intrusive thoughts.
• Dream Collaborations: Sophia's ideal collaborations with artists like Nat King Cole.
• Superpowers: Discussing what superpower music would have and its impact on the world.
• Fictional Dinner Party Guests: Steven Universe, Shaggy from Scooby-Doo, and Johnny Test.
• Mount Rushmore of Artists: Twelve Rods, The Cranberries, Kate Bush, and Radiohead.
• Musical Influences: The impact of movie posters and specific artists on her room decor and music taste.
• Unexplainable Feelings: The song "Illusion" by Henry Mancini as a piece of music that evokes feelings she can't articulate.

Guest Information:

• Sophia Warren: Artist, songwriter, producer.
• Find Sophia Online:
• YouTube: Sophia Warren Music (link may be under construction)
• Instagram: @SophiaWarrenMusic (or similar)
• TikTok: @SophiaWarrenMusic (or similar)
• Website: Sophia Warren Music (if available)

Sponsor Information:

• BetterHelp: Offering listeners 10% off their first month of therapy. Visit betterhelp.com/music speaks to get started.

Connect with When Words Fail Music Speaks:

• Follow them on their journey as they discuss the healing power of music, interview artists and bands, break down genres and music news, review artist biographies, and much more.
• Podcast Tagline: "When words fail, music speaks."