MusicMusic Interviews

It's Giving

Ingela | This Must Be The Place

Musicians talking about social good. It’s Giving impact.

Hosted by Ingela Travers-Hayward, co-founder of the overdose prevention nonprofit This Must Be The Place, It’s Giving explores the intersection of music and philanthropy through raw, insightful conversations with artists about the causes they support.

Join us as we go behind the scenes with your favorite musicians to discuss the heart behind the art and the movements they are building off-stage.

New episodes every Wednesday, starting May 6. To support us, follow along on Substack: itsgivingpod.substack.com

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S1 · E18
Wednesday · 29 min
It's Giving: Grace Potter
Today on It’s Giving, Ingela sits down with four time Grammy-nominated artist Grace Potter. From driving cross-country between California and her family farm in Vermont to connect with strangers across political divides, to taking her music into a Rhode Island women's prison with the Newport Folk Foundation to bear witness to forgotten stories, Grace offers a deeply honest perspective on how to navigate the raw, chaotic state of our world with empathy and self-actualization instead of fear. Grace breaks down the heart behind her nonprofit, the Grand Point Foundation, which she built to uplift rural creatives and give independent artists a real platform. We also dive into the themes of her new album, Trespasser, exploring how stepping past boundary lines - both literally on the open road and creatively through song - allows us to confront life’s messy truths, process trauma, and share our light without fear. “Getting curious starts with not being all-knowing... acknowledging that we don't have all the answers and that the systems we have held in place for generations are systems that are not working anymore. There is no way out, only through.” If you loved this interview, please leave a rating, drop a review, and subscribe to support the show so I can bring you even more artist interviews! Don't miss next Wednesday's episode, where I'll introduce another incredible musician leveraging their platform for meaningful advocacy!
S1 · E17
August 19 · 33 min
It's Giving: Westside Cowboy
Today on It’s Giving, Ingela sits down with Westside Cowboy’s Aoife Anson O'Connell. Aoife shares an honest look at what it means to build a band grounded in practical social justice, navigating the daunting responsibility of having a growing platform while trying to ensure your work aligns with your values. Aoife breaks down the origins and impact of No Band Is an Island, a Manchester-based community initiative launched alongside fellow local bands to put on accessible gigs, feature guest speakers from a variety of non-profit groups, and raise funds for humanitarian aid charities like UK Med. From keeping ticket prices low and demanding venue accessibility to using creative projects - like their thoughtful concept for the "Kickstones" music video - as a tool for advocacy, Aoife offers a grounded perspective on doing what you can without getting paralyzed by the pressure of perfection. We also dive into the fine line between genuine advocacy and optics in the music industry, the balance between escapism and political engagement, and why small, tangible actions often make the biggest difference. “Activism to me is just the knowledge that you will never reach a steady plane... you’ll never be doing the best you can ever, but that’s okay as long as you’re doing something and looking towards doing more.” If you loved this interview, please leave a rating, drop a review, and subscribe to support the show so I can bring you even more artist interviews! Don't miss next Wednesday's episode, where I'll introduce another incredible musician leveraging their platform for meaningful advocacy!
S1 · E14
August 12 · 33 min
It's Giving: Medium Build
Today on It’s Giving, host Ingela Travers-Hayward sits down with Medium Build’s Nick Carpenter. Nick opens up about what happens when you step into a much bigger spotlight – navigating the shift from a decade of independent hustle to sudden visibility, and the effort it takes to stay grounded when the industry pushes you to perform. Nick offers an honest look at how he approaches advocacy without feeling the need to peddle a rigid belief system. From partnering with the Newport Folk Foundation to donate guitars to an Anchorage high school to opening up about class, privilege, and self-expression, Nick reflects on what it means build real connection through art. We dig into the messy reality of navigating mental health and sobriety in the music industry, avoiding the trap of turning your own personal life into a brand, and holding onto creative integrity. The ultimate standout moment? Nick’s grounded take on using his platform to help people feel seen - stripping away the pressure of having to be the "voice of a generation" and instead just creating an honest space for listeners to process their own lives. “I don't really think I'm like a guy with a message… I'm just here to make people think and make people feel and hopefully people feel less alone when I say the ugly thing out loud.” If you loved this interview, please leave a rating, drop a review, and subscribe to support the show so I can bring you even more artist interviews! Don't miss next Wednesday's episode, where I'll introduce another incredible musician leveraging their platform for meaningful advocacy!
S1 · E15
August 5 · 37 min
It's Giving: Laura Bird of The Mynabirds
Today on It’s Giving, host Ingela Travers-Hayward sits down with Laura Bird Burhenn, the visionary force behind The Mynabirds. Laura opens up about one of the most pressing challenges facing creators today: the real, nuts-and-bolts impact of emerging technology and AI on an artist’s livelihood, ownership, and creative career. Laura gives a candid, highly practical look at how rapid technological shifts are fundamentally altering the landscape for independent musicians, including her decision to pull her music from Spotify – and what it truly takes for artists to protect their work in the digital age. We dig into the realities of navigating modern industry tools, maintaining creative sovereignty, and the proactive strategies musicians can adopt to take control of their own artistic and financial futures. The ultimate standout moment? Laura’s empowering perspective on how artists can move past the uncertainty surrounding new tech and actively shape a sustainable, human-first future for their craft. “We have to start having honest, uncomfortable conversations about technology—because staying quiet in a broken system isn't going to save us.” If you loved this interview, please leave a rating, drop a review, and subscribe to support the show so I can bring you even more artist interviews. Don't miss next Wednesday's episode, where I'll introduce another incredible musician leveraging their platform for meaningful advocacy!
S1 · E14
July 29 · 33 min
It's Giving: Michigander
Today on It’s Giving, host Ingela Travers-Hayward sits down with Jason Singer, the singer-songwriter behind the indie rock project Michigander. Jason opens up about the evolving landscape of political discourse in music, exploring the real fears independent artists face when speaking out, and why he’s shifting his own approach from outrage to thoughtful, heart-centered dialogue. Jason shares candid insights on his journey from a small-town upbringing to touring the country, reflecting on how life on the road reshaped his worldview and inspired his desire to build community. We dig into the practical ways he integrates advocacy into his tours, including partnering with HeadCount to register voters at his shows, teaming up with Concerted to give fans show tickets in exchange for local volunteer work, and capping ticket prices to keep live music accessible. The ultimate standout moment? Jason’s grounded reminder that true civic action begins with personal care and local connection, emphasizing that stepping away from the noise to focus on small, intentional acts is often where real change starts. “I think the best way to help other people is to help yourself... Just being a good person in any area that you're in, that's where the good stuff happens.” If you loved this interview, please leave a rating, drop a review, and subscribe to support the show so I can bring you even more artist interviews. Don't miss next Wednesday's episode, where I'll introduce another incredible musician leveraging their platform for meaningful advocacy!
S1 · E13
July 22 · 32 min
It's Giving: Mt. Joy
Today on It’s Giving, host Ingela Travers-Hayward is joined by Matt Quinn, lead singer of the band Mt. Joy. Matt discusses how the band’s swift rise to success sparked a deep-rooted commitment to giving back, laying out why supporting local communities and grassroots organizations sits at the heart of their music. Matt reflects on the band’s early days navigating the music industry, their transition into charitable giving, and why local impact -- especially addressing food insecurity -- is a core priority for them on tour. We dive into their creative and philanthropic initiatives, including an impromptu COVID-era online benefit concert that raised tens of thousands of dollars, as well as their ongoing $1-per-ticket tour donation initiative with PLUS1 that directly funds local charities in every city they visit. The ultimate standout moment? Matt’s grounded reflection on using an artist's platform to advocate for basic human decency, reminding us that true impact often starts right in our own local orbits and communities. “There are moments that require everyone to raise their hand and say something... If you're looking for meaning in your life, making a difference in something close to you is a great place to start.” If you loved this interview, please leave a rating, drop a review, and subscribe to support the show so I can bring you even more artist interviews. Don't miss next Wednesday's episode, where I'll introduce another incredible musician leveraging their platform for meaningful advocacy!
S1 · E12
July 15 · 34 min
It's Giving: aja monet
Today on It’s Giving, host Ingela Travers-Hayward is joined by aja monet, an incredible musician, poet, and commuity organizer whose work beautifully bridges the worlds of art and social justice. aja opens up about what it truly means to be a cultural worker, sharing how real, lasting change is built through years of quiet, everyday community service rather than just reacting to the moment. We talk about what it’s like to advocate for global human rights issues long before they hit the mainstream zeitgeist, and the emotional toll of carrying that awareness. We also dive into the challenges of navigating a modern social media landscape that often feels designed to distract us, exploring how we can maintain genuine, deep connections with one another in a digital world. The ultimate standout moment? When we wrap up with aja's incredibly grounding advice for anyone feeling helpless or overwhelmed by the state of the world. aja reminds us that the most radical, revolutionary thing we can do is step away from our screens, lean into our local relationships, and find simple, powerful ways to be of service to one another. “Turn the phone off, turn the devices off, go into nature... do what calls to your heart, follow your heart and be courageous.” If you loved this interview, please leave a rating, drop a review, and subscribe to support our mission. Don't miss next Wednesday's episode, where I'll introduce another incredible artist leveraging their platform for meaningful advocacy!
S1 · E11
July 8 · 31 min
It's Giving: Fat Tony
Today on It’s Giving, host Ingela Travers-Hayward is joined by Anthony Obi, also known by his stage name Fat Tony. He is an artist whose deep Texas roots and history in the DIY music scene completely shape his approach to advocacy and mutual aid. Tony opens up about growing up in Houston, sharing how organizing a benefit concert for Hurricane Katrina victims while still in high school made activism feel like second nature. He touches on a challenging question that is a common theme explored throughout this series: how does your upbringing shape a lifelong commitment to community care? We talk about his personal experience losing his home in the devastating LA wildfires, and why he never hesitates to speak his mind or sit down for an honest conversation—even with those who hold opposing views. We also dive into his passionate advocacy for public spaces and the vital role they play in our communities. The ultimate standout moment? When we wrap up with his urgent call to support our local libraries to protect literacy and ensure the future of great art. Tony talks about his relentless commitment to these essential community hubs and reminds us that places like the Downtown Los Angeles Public Library are not just beautiful landmarks, but necessary sanctuaries for everyone. “I’m not good at lying or faking how I feel about something... Especially if I have a platform. That’s the whole point.” If you loved this interview, please leave a rating, drop a review, and subscribe to support our mission. Don't miss next Wednesday's episode, where I'll introduce another incredible artist leveraging their platform for meaningful advocacy!
S1 · E10
July 1 · 32 min
It's Giving: The Wonder Years
Today on It’s Giving, host Ingela Travers-Hayward is joined by Dan Campbell, the frontman of the powerhouse punk band The Wonder Years. Dan has spent decades in the punk and hardcore scenes, and he's always felt this deep, unshakeable need to use his microphone for good, even when it can bring him pushback. He touches on a challenging question that is a common theme explored throughout this series: when you are handed a massive public platform, how do you balance the vulnerability of standing up for human rights with the real-world friction it creates? We talk about the messages he brings to the stage and how a quick message from the stage can spark massive conversations at family dinner tables. We also dive into how The Wonder Years have long ensured to make their shows safe, inclusive spaces for everyone – whether that means pushing venues for gender-neutral bathrooms or looking out for fans in the crowd. The ultimate standout moment? When we talk about how our nonprofit - This Must Be The Place - provided free narcan for The Wonder Years to pass out on their entire tour this year, resulting in over 4,000 of their fans across the country equipping themselves with this life-saving medication. Dan talks about his relentless commitment to harm reduction and destigmatizing overdose prevention tools just like Narcan. “People say to me: 'It used to be don't do drugs. What is it now?' If you do drugs, we'll save your life. Yeah, it f***ing is.” Dive into exclusive behind-the-scenes insights by following our Substack: ⁠⁠https://itsgivingpod.substack.com⁠ If you loved this chat, please leave a rating, drop a review, and subscribe to support our mission. Don't miss next Wednesday's episode, where I'll introduce another incredible artist leveraging their platform for meaningful advocacy!
S1 · E9
June 24 · 30 min
It's Giving: Bedouine
Today on It’s Giving, host Ingela Travers-Hayward sits down with Azniv Korkejian, who creates beautiful music under the stage name Bedouine. Azniv is a deeply thoughtful artist whose global upbringing and lived experiences completely shape her intuitive, grounded approach to advocacy and human rights. We look at the question: how does growing up across different corners of the map shape the way you look at community and advocacy? In this episode, Azniv starts by opening up about her roots in Syria, and ends in Kentucky where she lived for many years as an adult, sharing how her personal history makes speaking out feel entirely natural. We discuss overcoming imposter syndrome when navigating complex global issues, as well as the creative ways artists can share their platforms with local organizers. My favourite takeaway? Her advice to 'think small' and focus on local care when the world feels too heavy to fix all at once. Once you’re done listening, please consider checking out and supporting the vital grassroots work of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) @dsausa -- the organization Azniv highlights for their boots-on-the-ground efforts organizing benefit concerts and building powerful local community engagement! “I actually really like disagreeing with people. Where the friction is, is where the spark is." Dive into exclusive behind-the-scenes insights by following our Substack: ⁠⁠https://itsgivingpod.substack.com⁠ If you loved this chat, please leave a rating, drop a review, and subscribe to support our mission. Don't miss next Wednesday's episode, where I'll introduce another incredible artist leveraging their platform for meaningful advocacy!
S1 · E8
June 17 · 34 min
It's Giving: August Ponthier
Today on It’s Giving, host Ingela Travers-Hayward talks with the incredible August Ponthier. On top of releasing their fantastic debut album Everywhere Isn't Texas this year, August is a deeply thoughtful non-binary artist using their voice to champion trans advocacy and bodily autonomy. In this episode, August takes us back to their roots in Texas, breaking down how old-school country music was actually working-class protest music -- and how they’re reclaiming that Southern space for the LGBTQ+ community. We talk about their personal journey coming out, why trans rights and reproductive rights are essentially the exact same fight, and what it really looks like to protect your community when the local politics get heavy. Once you’re done listening, check out and support the incredible organization August works with: the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT), a vital BIPOC trans-led policy group doing the literal boots-on-the-ground work to advocate, educate, and protect trans individuals at the Texas Capitol! "The fight for reproductive rights and the fight for trans rights are essentially the same fight. It's about bodily autonomy." Dive into exclusive behind-the-scenes insights by following our Substack: ⁠⁠https://itsgivingpod.substack.com⁠ If you loved this chat, please leave a rating, drop a review, and subscribe to support our mission. Don't miss next Wednesday's release, where I'll introduce another incredible artist leveraging their platform for meaningful advocacy!
S1 · E7
June 10 · 35 min
It's Giving: Eric Slick
On this week's episode of It’s Giving, host Ingela Travers-Hayward sits down with Dr. Dog drummer Eric Slick, a musician who has woven social justice into his creative life since his youth. They explore his foundational experiences organizing benefits in high school, his evolution navigating political accountability on tour, and his enduring focus on lifting up neurodivergent communities and individuals with special needs. Eric shares a grounded perspective on the structural inequalities that impact touring artists and vulnerable neighborhoods alike, shedding light on the stark wealth disparities he witnesses across the country. He reflects openly on confronting imposter syndrome as an ally, the limits of online spaces when it comes to true nuance, and why localized, mutual aid is the ultimate antidote to global despair. "If our own government can't take care of us, then we have to take care of each other." Dive into exclusive behind-the-scenes insights by following our Substack: ⁠https://itsgivingpod.substack.com If you loved this chat, please leave a rating, drop a review, and subscribe to support our mission. Don't miss next Wednesday's release, where I'll introduce another incredible artist leveraging their platform for meaningful advocacy!
S1 · E6
June 3 · 32 min
It's Giving: Speedy Ortiz
On this episode of It’s Giving, host Ingela Travers-Hayward is joined by Sadie Dupuis from Speedy Ortiz, a musician whose life as a touring artist and passion for community building have always coexisted. This conversation dives into her history of advocacy, focusing on her work with United Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW) and her deep commitment to grassroots harm reduction. Sadie opens up about the gritty reality of organizing music workers, from launching campaigns during the early days of COVID-19 to getting vital resources into nightlife spaces. She continues her work today, primarily focusing on the hyper importance of work at the local level in her home-base of Philadelphia. This conversation offers a candid look at why social media algorithms aren't built to save us, and how harm reduction serves as a deeply grounding, human-scale framework for navigating a tough world. "Give five dollars. It makes a difference to people in your neighborhood. If you have the ability to donate your time, go pass stuff out with a group for an hour or two." Follow along with behind-the-scenes notes and resources on the causes each musician champions: ⁠https://itsgivingpod.substack.com Enjoyed the show? Rate, review, and subscribe to help us keep these essential conversations going. Keep an eye out for Episode 7 next Wednesday, where we continue to explore the intersection of the music industry and advocacy!
S1 · E5
May 27 · 34 min
It's Giving: Sleigh Bells
On this episode of It’s Giving, host Ingela Travers-Hayward is joined by Alexis Krauss from Sleigh Bells, a musician whose life as a touring artist and passion for community building have always coexisted. This conversation dives into her history of advocacy, focusing on co-founding two impactful outdoor organizations: Kinship Climbing Collective and Rise Outside. Alexis opens up about the gritty reality of starting and running a grassroots organization, and shares the realization that led them to move their mentorship curriculum from indoor gyms to the Shawangunk Mountains. Today, Rise Outside is an official, AMGA-accredited 501c3 structured around inclusivity, addressing socio-economic barriers, and acting as stewards of ancestral Indigenous lands rather than treating nature as something to conquer. As Alexis unpacks the idea of "compassion fatigue" on social media, this conversation offers a candid look at the tension between a frantic music career and the deeply grounding, human-scale impact of physically showing up for your community. "If you believe in something, if you believe there is a space and there's a void, there's something that needs to be filled and you can bring life to that, do it." Follow along with behind-the-scenes notes and resources on the causes each musician champions: ⁠https://itsgivingpod.substack.com Enjoyed the show? Rate, review, and subscribe to help us keep these essential conversations going. Keep an eye out for Episode 6 next Wednesday, where we continue to explore the intersection of the music industry and advocacy!
S1 · E4
May 20 · 34 min
It's Giving: Joy Oladokun
On this episode of It’s Giving, host Ingela Travers-Hayward is joined by Joy Oladokun, a musician whose art and activism have been deeply intertwined since the very beginning. This conversation dives into her history of advocacy - focusing on her deep roots in faith, family, and standing up for community care. Joy opens up about the breakdown between commercial success and cultural impact, the anxiety and hyper-communication of the digital age, and why she views protest music not as a genre, but as a bridge-building tool. It is a candid look at the tension between massive industry pressure and the tangible, “human-scale” impact of simply showing up for your neighbors. “Instead of overreaching and being like, 'I want to start a foundation...' maybe it's like feed one, or share a meal with one.” Follow along with behind-the-scenes notes and resources on the causes each musician champions: https://itsgivingpod.substack.com/ Enjoyed the show? Rate, review, and subscribe to help us keep these essential conversations going. Keep an eye out for Episode 5 next Wednesday, where we continue to explore the intersection of art and advocacy.
S1 · E3
May 13 · 29 min
It's Giving: Animal Collective
On this episode of It’s Giving, host Ingela Travers-Hayward is joined by Brian Weitz, better known as Geologist from the influential band Animal Collective. This conversation dives into his equally long history of advocacy - focusing on his deep care for community-based harm reduction. Brian opens up about the "duality" of social media, the burnout that comes with the pressure to speak out on every global issue, and why he eventually chose to "get off Instagram" to focus on mutual aid in his own neighborhood. It is a candid look at the transition from high-level policy to the tangible, "hyper-local" impact of distributing Narcan and knowing your neighbors. “I don’t know if it solves all problems, but it’s solving this problem; it was really beautiful to see.” Follow along with behind-the-scenes notes and resources on the causes each musician champions: https://itsgivingpod.substack.com/ Enjoyed the show? Rate, review, and subscribe to help us keep these essential conversations going. Keep an eye out for Episode 4 next Wednesday, where we continue to explore the intersection of art and advocacy.
S1 · E2
May 6 · 28 min
It's Giving: Sylvan Esso
In the first artist spotlight of the series, Ingela sits down with Amelia Meath of Sylvan Esso to discuss why she moved away from "performative helping" toward the "smaller world" of mutual aid. Amelia talks about tackling public school lunch debt in Durham, North Carolina, opens up about the pressure of social media activism, and why she traded the studio for a rental truck to deliver supplies in the wake of Hurricane Helene. “The more we can actually sit inside of our discomfort... the more our capacity for empathy and our willingness to help comes to the surface.” Follow along with behind-the-scenes notes and resources on the causes each musician champions: https://itsgivingpod.substack.com/ Enjoyed the show? Rate, review, and subscribe to help us keep these essential conversations going. Keep an eye out for Episode 3 next Wednesday, where we continue to explore the intersection of art and advocacy.
S1 · E1
May 6 · 29 min
It's Giving: William Perry
On the inaugural episode of It’s Giving, host Ingela Travers-Hayward is joined by her husband and nonprofit co-founder, William Perry. While future episodes will feature deep dives with world-class musicians about the causes they champion, this episode peels back the curtain on their own nonprofit: This Must Be The Place. Perry shares journey from the front lines of the opioid epidemic in Ohio and a ten-year prison sentence to becoming a leading voice in national harm reduction. It’s a story of survival, the "gravitational pull" of service, and the "butterfly effect" of a single life-saving kit of Narcan. “Everyone deserves a tomorrow if that chance is to be given.” Follow along with behind-the-scenes notes and resources on the causes each musicians champions: https://itsgivingpod.substack.com/ Enjoyed the show? Rate, review, and subscribe to help us keep these essential conversations going. Episode 2, available now, begins our series of interviews with the musicians who are using their platforms to change the world.
April 22 · 1 min
It's Giving: Trailer
The intersection of art and impact, hosted by Ingela Travers-Hayward. What happens when your favorite artists decide to weave social justice into their careers? From the co-founder of the nonprofit This Must Be The Place (the folks passing out free Narcan at music festivals), It’s Giving features deep-dive conversations with musicians like Sylvan Esso, Animal Collective and Joy Oladokun about the how and why they’re giving back to the communities they do. Whether you're a musician, a nonprofit leader, or just looking for more purpose in your playlist, follow us to hear how some of the biggest names in music are turning their stories into something bigger than themselves. LAUNCHING MAY 6TH. New episodes every Wednesday. Hit the "Follow" button so you don't miss our first two episodes.

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