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Music has the power to heal, to connect, and even to save lives. In this episode, we explore how music is being used as a powerful tool in suicide prevention. My guest, Bryan Kohl, shares how artists, organizations, and everyday people are leveraging music to raise awareness, break the stigma, and offer hope. Find encouragement in this inspiring conversation on the intersection of music and mental health—and how you, too, can make a difference.
Guest
My guest today is Bryan Kohl. Bryan played a starting role in MindWise Innovations with a focus on mental health and suicide prevention. He is a lifelong advocate for innovation and education, and currently serves on the Research Team and Board of Trustees for the We Are All Music Foundation.
Notes
We discuss:
- What drew Bryan from a business background to the intersection of music and suicide prevention.
- How music has been used effectively to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.
- What makes music such a powerful medium for connecting with people struggling with suicidal thoughts.
- Impactful organizations, efforts, songs, and artists in this space.
Connect/Other Resources
- The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7/365. Your conversations are free and confidential. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone. Call, text, or chat: 988 or 988lifeline.org
- We Are All Music Foundation (WAAM) website
- Bryan references the work of Dr. Daniel Amen, Sounds of Saving, and MindWise Innovations
- Access the recent article by WAAM and Sounds of Savings on the Role of Music in Addressing our Mental Health Crisis
Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:
- Ep. 20: Music Heals the Soul, with founder & Dove Award winning songwriter Steve Siler
- Ep. 179: How We Human – Fostering mental wellbeing specifically for creatives; with Tasha Golden, PhD
- Ep. 43: Memorial Day: A combat veteran tells his story and shares how music is serving those who serve our country, with CreatiVets’ Richard Casper
- Ep. 173: From founding drummer in Maroon 5 to mental health advocate – Ryan Dusick’s journey through struggle to connection and purpose
- View all episodes related to Science & Health or Education & Community
In-Episode Promo
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SHEET MUSIC DIRECT: One of my favorite ways to enhance my life with music is to play just-for-fun songs on the piano at the end of the day. My current favorites are ABBA songs and songs from the 80s, like We Are The World. With Sheet Music Direct, I can explore new music, track my favorites, play and download scores any time, from any device. This online treasure trove of digital sheet music is powered by music publisher Hal Leonard and has over a million arrangements—ready to view, listen to, and download instantly. Prices start at just $0.99 and include selections for every instrument, genre, and skill level. My family has relied on Sheet Music Direct for years for musical joy and convenience. For an entire musical library at your fingertips, visit SheetMusicDirect.com.
Coda
Bryan shares the special role music played in his father’s life, especially as he was nearing the end of his life.
Closing Words
Thank you so much to Bryan for sharing that story and for joining us today and for all he does to enhance lives with music. As always, there are lots of links in the show notes. You can learn about WAAM, Sounds of Saving, and the other resources Bryan recommended. You’ll find the recently released article Bryan mentioned on the Role of Music in Addressing our Mental Health Crisis. It’s excellent; I highly recommend reading through that if you have any interest in this intersection. You’ll also find a transcript of this conversation and links to related episodes.
If there’s a topic or guest that you would like to hear featured on this show, or if you have a question for me that you’d like to hear answered on the show, please let me know. You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.
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