Previous Guest

Sean Gill (he/him)

Sean joined Momma on February 12, 2024 for a live Q&A via Twitch and YouTube to talk about Music, Getting Help & Healing

About Sean

Sean is a musician, freelancer, and wearer of many hats. He's primarily a guitar player and has been playing for 35 years. He grew up as a metalhead but also studied music in college and has a BA in guitar performance with a focus on jazz and classical guitar. In his professional life Sean has performed and recorded just about every kind of music from jazz and blues to metal and orchestral. He's been a studio musician, engineer, music engraver, audiobook producer, and teacher. It has not always been an easy path, but Sean thinks it's the only one he could have taken. He is also an advocate for science and reason, and hosted and produced a science podcast for several years. Sean is a Gen X'er in all the classic ways, having grown up a free range latchkey kid in the 1980s. There's good and bad to being a self-reliant kid and Sean has gone through a mental health journey to understand what that means to his adult self. 

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Episode Summary

If you've ever found solace in a song or wondered how creativity can aid mental health, this episode with musician Sean Gill is a must-listen for you.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode, MommaFoxFire interviews Sean Gill, a talented musician, about the powerful connection between music and mental health. Sean shares his personal journey with mental health struggles and how music has played a crucial role in his healing and growth.

Sean begins by discussing his early introduction to music, starting at a young age due to the influence of his parents. He explains how music has always been a significant part of his life, providing a creative outlet and a means of expression. However, it wasn’t until he faced his own mental health challenges that he truly began to understand the therapeutic potential of music.

Growing up, Sean dealt with anxiety and depression, which intensified during his teenage years. He recalls feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to cope with these emotions. Music became his refuge, offering a way to process and express feelings that he couldn’t articulate otherwise. Through songwriting and playing instruments, Sean found a sense of release and understanding.

During the interview, Sean emphasizes the importance of creativity in mental health. He describes how creating music allows him to externalize his internal struggles, making them more manageable. This process of translating emotions into art not only helps him make sense of his experiences but also provides a form of catharsis. Sean notes that while not everyone might be a musician, finding a creative outlet—whether it’s painting, writing, or another form of art—can be incredibly beneficial for mental health.

Sean also touches on the community aspect of music. Playing in bands and collaborating with other musicians has given him a sense of belonging and support. He recounts times when performing live and connecting with an audience provided an uplifting experience, reinforcing the idea that he was not alone in his struggles. The shared experience of music can foster connections and create a supportive environment, which is crucial for anyone dealing with mental health issues.

One of the pivotal moments in Sean’s journey was seeking professional help. He talks about the stigma that often surrounds mental health, particularly in the music industry, and how it took him time to accept that he needed support. Therapy, combined with his musical practice, became a cornerstone of his recovery. Sean encourages listeners to seek help if they’re struggling, highlighting that it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.

Throughout the interview, Sean and MommaFoxFire discuss the broader implications of music on mental health. They explore how listening to music can impact mood and emotional well-being. Sean shares his experience of curating playlists that help him navigate different emotional states, whether it’s calming anxiety or boosting his mood. He suggests that listeners experiment with creating their own playlists to see how different types of music affect them.

Sean reflects on the ongoing nature of managing mental health. He acknowledges that while music has been incredibly healing, it’s part of a larger toolkit that includes therapy, exercise, and maintaining a supportive network. He expresses gratitude for the journey he’s been on and hopes that sharing his story will inspire others to find their own paths to healing. MommaFoxFire reiterates the importance of reducing stigma around mental health and encourages listeners to explore their own creative outlets as part of their mental health journey.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the intersection between music and mental health, offering valuable perspectives and practical advice for anyone navigating similar struggles. Tune in to hear Sean’s full story and gain inspiration for using creativity as a tool for mental wellness.