Emma Dean

Episode 10: Connection and Community

I know I pretty much fan-girl every time I write these show notes and release a new episode of the podcast… I know some people might think it’s strange that I fan-girl over my friends, but I don’t think it is! Like, you become a fan of someone when you admire who they are as a person, what they stand for, the work they do and how they show up in the world……. so shouldn’t we fan-girl over all our friends??

Anyway, I am a HUGE fan of Emma Dean, and she’s also one of my dearest friends. I can’t even remember which one came first … the fandom or the friendom (not an actual word).

When I asked her to come on the podcast I knew we’d have an incredible chat, because that’s what happens every time we get together…. But Emma took it to a whole new level this time and so generously shared herself, her experiences and her thoughts on things that matter to both of us - creating, community, self care and navigating the pressures of “making it” in the music industry to find a career and existence that works for you.

Emma and I talked about the healing power of music and community and how telling your story as an artist helps other people connect to theirs. The vulnerability and openness that’s required to really connect through songwriting and storytelling can take years of practice and, even when you think you’re ok with sharing yourself so fully, it can feel so exposing and scary.

Emma faced this fear in our chat, and shared her story of reaching a personal low, realising that she was completely out of alignment and feeling so disconnected and unhappy that she considered ending her life.

What came after this was a beautiful unraveling and rebuilding of self, seeking connection and expression and creating a space where others seeking that connection and expression could find it - her community choir “Cheep Trill”

“The things we need to heal ourselves, end up being the thing that heals others”

We talked about letting go of trying to fit into a box, the creative and personal possibilities that open up when you let go of internal or external restrictions, and so much more.