Photo by Larry Zhao on Unsplash
What happens when one concert flips the trajectory of a life? Author Anne Abel had lived with severe depression since her teens – when, at age 60, a Bruce Springsteen concert had an effect that extensive therapies had failed to accomplish. In this moving conversation, Anne shares how that night sparked a journey from despair to hope, inspiring her memoir High Hopes and proving it’s never too late to rediscover life.
Guest
I can’t imagine a more fitting guest for today’s conversation. My guest today does not have a background in music in any way, and yet, at the age of 60, her life was radically changed by a musical experience. She ended up writing a memoir about it, called High Hopes, and the book just released today! Author Anne Abel is joining me from New York City. Her book describes how a single Bruce Springsteen concert flipped a switch inside her; and today’s publication day is no accident – it is Springsteen’s 76th birthday today!
Notes
We discuss:
- Anne Abel’s lifelong struggle with severe depression and years of unsuccessful treatments
- The unexpected moment a Bruce Springsteen concert “flipped a switch” and cracked through the darkness
- How joy, fun, and music – things Anne had never really experienced – suddenly became possible
- Her life-changing decision at age 60 to follow Springsteen’s tour in Australia, despite hating travel and being alone
- The kindness of strangers she encountered on her journey, and how that reshaped her view of herself and others
- How empathy, courage, and music helped her rewrite her life story in her 60s and beyond
- Why it’s never too late to change, find hope, or rediscover yourself—even after decades of despair
- The release of Anne’s memoir, High Hopes, published on Bruce Springsteen’s 76th birthday
- The transformative power of music, storytelling, and connection in mental health and wellbeing
- Some of Mindy’s favorite quotes from High Hopes:
- “Finally, after two encores, the stage went dark. I just stood there, butterflies fluttering inside me, staring down at the microphone in the middle of the stage. I could feel myself smiling. I could feel myself shaking my head in disbelief. Disbelief that it was possible to feel so good. So happy. So energetic. So alive. So very much the opposite of anything I had ever felt before.” – Anne Abel
- “The world seemed smaller and more familiar and more relevant to me now than it ever had. And it was not only the external world to which I felt more connected; I also felt more in touch with my inner world. Myself.” – Anne Abel
Connect/Other Resources
- The book: High Hopes, by Anne Abel (on Bookshop)
- Anne’s first memoir, Mattie, Milo, and Me is about unwittingly rescuing an aggressive dog (2024).
- Anne’s website
- Find Anne on
- YouTube @annesimaabel
- TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@annesimaabel
- Instagram https://www.instagram.com/annesimaabel/
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/annesimaabel
Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:
- Ep. 173: From founding drummer in Maroon 5 to mental health advocate – Ryan Dusick’s journey through struggle to connection and purpose
- Ep. 206: Re-Stitch the Soul – Using the creative process to heal and empower traumatized voices; with Darcy Ataman, M.S.C., O.M.
- Ep. 192: Beyond surviving to thriving with the essential elements of well-being; with Julia Hotz
- Ep. 189: Finding Purpose in Pain, with Guitars for Vets’ Taylor Ullom
- Ep. 182: Unlocking the Power of Purposeful Playlists; with Jennifer Buchanan, MBA, MTA
- Ep. 179: How We Human – Fostering mental wellbeing specifically for creatives; with Tasha Golden, PhD
- Ep. 29: Music tech interventions for mental health challenges (with staggering success rates), with Noise Solution’s Simon Glenister
- Ep. 205: Music as a Tool for Suicide Awareness, Prevention, and Intervention; with Bryan Kohl
- View all episodes related to Science & Health
In-Episode Promo
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
Anne shares the Bruce Springsteen song that possibly changed her life the most.
Closing Words
Thank you to Anne for that beautiful closing and for sharing her powerful story of hope, healing, and the reminder that it is never too late to find joy, to heal, and rediscover life.
If you’re a book lover like me, I’ll include a link in the show notes to all episodes featuring books and their authors in case you’re looking for more fall reading ideas.
All Enhance Life with Music episodes are evergreen; so check out the back catalogue for more ways that music can make your life better.
You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn; and by signing up for my monthly e-Newsletter.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.
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