MUSIC IS OUR HERO!
The MUSIC IS OUR HERO! Podcast is a creative hub where stories, artistry, and community collide. Each episode dives into conversations that inspire, empower, and spark new ideas—because art isn’t just what we make, it’s the community we build together.
Created and hosted by producer, engineer, DJ, and lifelong music advocate Drea Young, the podcast is dedicated to the indie community, as well as the people who bring it to life. With decades of industry experience—from graphic design to engineering in NYC to the live-event world—Drea brings an open-format approach, deep technical insight, and a genuine passion for supporting the people who keep indie arts and music alive. Her mission is to uplift, explore, and amplify community—one episode at a time.
Episodes
23 episodes
Reinvention and Redemption: The Nine Lives of Josh Jones Colon
The Nine Lives of Josh Jones Colon explores one man’s powerful journey through struggle, survival, and reinvention. In this episode, Josh opens up about men’s mental health and the consequences of a life shaped by powerful external influences.<...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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46:49
Young, Focused, and Fearless: Tinyade’s Story
Tinyade is one of the younger guests to join the podcast so far, but she carries herself with wisdom well beyond her years. From Malawi to America, she shares her journey and how her love for dance and music began at a young age. Today, she’s b...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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29:49
Inside Spring City’s The Gem Music Hall: Andrew & Katie’s Leap Into Live Music
In this episode, Andrew and Katie, the owners of The Gem, share their journey from careers in real estate and the arts to owning and operating an independent music venue.Andrew reflects on how a lifelong love of live music led to a midl...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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43:37
From the ‘90s to Now: The Shattered Figures Story
In this episode, Shattered Figures share the full story behind their decades-long journey—from Marc and Char’s beginnings in the late ’90s, through lineup changes, hiatuses, and the evolution that ...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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51:39
From Behind the Boards to Inspiring the Next Generation: AMAC’s Journey Into Purpose and Impact
Ali “AMAC” McGuire’s journey is anything but ordinary. She began studying journalism before evolving into a platinum-winning mixing engineer, later expanding her path into mentorship, inspirational speaking, published her own book, and released...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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47:55
Music as an Anchor: The Dear Diane Story
In this episode, Dear Diane talks about her solo journey as an artist and the role music has played throughout her life. Encouraged to sing from a young age, she’s been songwriting and recording for most of her life. Dear Diane opens up about n...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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30:45
From Sketch to Festival: Five Years of Grateful Daytrippers
In this episode, we dive into the journey of Grateful Daytrippers founders Ricky and Lydia — from a simple paper sketch to celebrating five years with an arts & music festival. They share how the brand grew alongside their relationship, all...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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32:11
Bongo Billy: From Childhood Riffs to Philly Open-Mic Legend
In this episode, Bongo Billy traces his musical journey from childhood beginnings to the sounds that shape him today. Known and loved across Philadelphia’s open-mic scene, he shares stories of bands, talent shows, break-ups, open mics, loss, an...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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31:24
From Advertising to Nightlife: How Air Deejay Found His True Path
Air Deejay’s path hasn’t been a straight line, but every twist has led him to where he belongs. He’s tried different paths, gained skills in unexpected places, and discovered pieces of himself along the way. But no matter where he went, music k...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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31:46
How One Music Addict Built the Studio Everyone’s Talking About: Meet Jason Dunkerley
Jason Dunkerley has a story worth hearing. For nearly thirty years, he’s been chasing his musical dreams. From his early days behind the drum kit to becoming a part-owner and audio engineer at Philly’s favorite studio, Drowning Fish Studio....
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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35:47
Season 1 DONE! You Helped Make This Happen l Recap & Highlights
That’s a wrap on Season 1! If you haven’t already, take a moment to subscribe to the channel, watch a few episodes, drop a like, and leave a comment—every bit of support you give truly helps.And whether you joined as a guest, a listener...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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15:16
Never Too Late, Good Things Take Time: Dave Cudrak's Journey
Dave Cudrak is a busy guy! He balances a full-time job, part-time solo acoustic gigs as a New Jersey-based singer/songwriter, hosting his podcast "The Music Scene with Dave Cudrak", fatherhood, and still finds quality time to spend with his gir...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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35:00
Finding Her Path: The Evolution of Vall3y Val
Vall3y Val — an artist, musician, singer, writer, and mom — is a perfect example of how it’s okay to take your time figuring out your path, and not be afraid to try multiple things along the way. She’s deeply passionate about music and everythi...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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24:49
Poetry & Peace: A Talk with Ms. Angel Mae
Sitting down with Ms. Angel Mae was a breath of fresh air. Her positive outlook on life is a wonderful reminder of how simple things can truly be. An artist and a poet who has been writing for as long as she can remember, Ms. Angel Mae recently...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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28:29
Creating What Lies Beneath: Inside Zack Carr’s Journey
I recently sat down with my long-time friend and fellow creative, Zach Carr, to hear his story. It’s powerful listening to a young artist open up about discovering who they are. Zach started with simple doodles, moved into rapping and graphic d...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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36:58
70 and Still Jamming: The Remarkable Journey of Trip Boyd
Trip Boyd is a true living legend! At 70 years young, he has lived through a lifetime of stories and kept music as the steady heartbeat through it all. Listening to him reflect on his journey — from the past to the present — was inspiring. Now ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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28:08
Don't Get Cheated In Music: Music Industry Insights with Code 3 Records, Kathleen Daidone
So many artists don’t really understand the music business — and that’s exactly how people end up getting cheated.That’s why I sat down with Kathleen Daidone from Code 3 Records. She’s a total guru when it comes to sync, publishing, cop...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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33:08
Music Saves Me: Mxrtian on Growth, Passion & Never Giving Up
I had the chance to sit down with Mxrtian and talk about his music journey — one that started when he was just 10 years old! The stories he shared were so relatable, they took me right back to my own early days and how it all began.Now ...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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30:47
From DJing to Interiors: Chuck Aronson's Inspiring Journey of Music, Design, and Connection
Chuck truly inspired me in the short time we had to sit and talk. As he shared his life journey, we explored his career as an interior designer, his love life, and what it was like being a gay man through the AIDS epidemic of the ’80s and ’90s....
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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38:56
Othneil Chambers Sr. on Faith, Family & Music | The Story Behind “How To Be A Man Vol. 2: DAWGHOUSE”
It was a pleasure sitting down with Othneil to dive into his life, his music, and his purpose. He opened up about the importance of being a father and a good man first — before anything else — and shared how his faith in God continues to guide ...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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30:32
Sip, Tip, Repeat: Bar Talk with Michelle Pauls
Michelle and I had such a fun time talking all things bartending — from the do’s and don’ts of bar etiquette to how you should treat your bartenders. We also touched on her life as an artist, but the heart of our convo was all about shining a l...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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42:06
The VDR Story: Passion, Music, and Vision
Sitting down with VDR was an unforgettable experience. He shared a passionate journey through every part of his craft—musicianship, songwriting, producing, recording, and performing. His energy and vision for his music are both inspiring and po...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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23:47
