What's the Music Therapy podcast?

People don’t often talk about the most vulnerable part of their lives  - the emotional spaces between the lines of the Wikipedia entry.  In a carefully curated world of social media, it’s refreshing to hear what musicians actually have going on beneath the surface.  

The Music Therapy podcast looks beyond the bullet points of a music career and explores how people really think, feel, and act when they’re growing creatively.  Refreshingly relatable, candid and open, critically acclaimed musician and licensed psychotherapist Jessica Risker talks with other artists about their stories of music and mental health.  The show also offers mental health support and resources through interviews with licensed therapists and music professionals.  

For fans of music, this is a chance to go deeper with your favorite artists.  And for any musician who’s looking for inspiration and mental health support - this is the podcast for you. 

Jessica Risker, Host

Jessica Risker is a musician, professional therapist, and visual artist based in Chicago, Illinois.    At the beginning of 2020's coronavirus pandemic, Risker began a podcast called "Music Therapy with Jessica Risker".  Risker's goal was to connect the Chicago music community, explore issues meaningful to musicians, and offer mental health awareness and support.  The podcast continues to grow beyond the bounds of the pandemic.  Risker is also working on a new album.     

photo by alexa viscius

Sully Davis, Producer

Sully Davis has been working professionally in the entertainment industry for nearly a decade, and has been booking and running events since middle school. Throughout, Sully has focused on investing in artists early and working with them from the ground up.

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photo by alexa viscius

photo by Spark and Glow photography

Joshua Wentz, Engineer

Composing/performing/recording since 1996.

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Joshua is a Chicago-based recording artist and composer for theater and film. He enjoys collaboration and working in different genres and styles whenever possible.

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Most of Josh's work involves both analog and digital tools, synthesizers and traditional instruments, with a focus on the liminal spaces created by their combination.

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Current band projects include Silvergirl (with Steve O’Connell), Brash Flair (with Kristin Johnston and Scott Simon), and Jessica Risker.

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Visit https://www.twitch.tv/leslietanner