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 · E26
Yesterday · 30 min
It's Giving: Palehound
What does it look like when a musician puts their platform, money, and music directly on the line for social justice? In this episode of It’s Giving, Ingela sits down with El Kempner, the songwriter and guitarist behind Palehound, to dive into that exact question. El opens up about their current New York residency at Cassette, where every single dollar raised goes directly to the Immigrant Defense Project. Living in NYC, El reflects on seeing the impact of current immigration policies firsthand and explains why directing financial support to grassroots legal advocacy felt like an urgent necessity right now. Beyond using their own voice, El shares what it was like organizing the residency, bringing together guest artists like Frankie Cosmos, Annie DiRusso, and Cassandra Jenkins, and why none of them hesitated to join the lineup. El also offers an honest look at the realities of benefit shows, shedding light on what it actually takes for musicians to turn good intentions into tangible community action. "When you have a platform, putting your money behind what you believe in and getting your community involved is the most powerful thing you can do." 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 · E25
October 14 · 32 min
It's Giving: Valerie June
What if joy is its own form of activism? In this episode of It’s Giving, Ingela sits down with singer-songwriter Valerie June for a conversation about staying centered, grounded, and connected in a divided world. Valerie reflects on her lifelong journey of speaking up – tracing her activism all the way back to fourth grade when she sang Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" for her class. She also opens up about living with diabetes, her participation in Power to the Patients’ Super Bowl ad for healthcare price transparency, and why she strives to make her live shows a welcoming space for people from every walk of life. Fresh off tour with Ani DiFranco, Valerie makes a powerful case that real cultural change requires all of us – from frontline activists to quiet meditators. Drawing inspiration from Tricia Hersey’s philosophy of rest as resistance, she reminds us why taking a nap or pausing to recharge is a radical and necessary act. “I choose to focus on joy and positive activism. If I can just turn on that light switch for them and keep that light switch lit, then that torch is gonna go farther than me just picking a lane.” 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 · E24
October 7 · 32 min
It's Giving: Lawrence Rothman
This week on It's Giving, Ingela sits down with Lawrence Rothman on the heels of their brand new album Here Lies Love / Sawdust to Stardust. This episode is rooted in the question ‘what if being your most authentic self is its own form of activism’? Lawrence talks about refusing to hide, on stage or off, and what that refusal has cost them over the course of their career. One of the prime examples Lawrence talks about is an experience back in 2010 during an Interview magazine spread that advertisers pulled out of because of how they dressed. But they also talk about why they wouldn't water down "LAX," a song about abusing laxatives, knowing others were struggling in silence. Lawrence also makes the case that entertainers have a responsibility to drop the filters and show the human behind the performance, and calls for a culture that's less judgmental and more forgiving of people still growing into themselves. "The freedom to be oneself. A lot of artists before me have paved that way for me to be myself, but there's still a lot of work to be done." 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 · E23
September 30 · 52 min
It's Giving: Contra-ICE
This week on It's Giving, we're doing something a little different. Ingela is talking to to not one but FOUR musicians for a special extended episode about Contra-ICE Vol. 1: ICE OUT. It's a massive multi-genre benefit album dropping October 2, and all proceeds go to grassroots organizations on the front lines of the fight for immigrants' rights. The backstory: after the 2024 election, artist and activist Dali Colorado and her best friend since sixth grade, Uli Bella of Ozomatli, got to talking about the defiant music and art that came out of the Reagan era. That conversation turned into a compilation of more than 30 artists, including Kathleen Hanna, Fred Armisen, and Tom Morello. Uli walks us through how it all came together and what ICE raids have looked like in his own neighborhood. As he puts it, "If they can do this to the immigrants, then the next step is going to be, 'Hey, you got a copy of that book?'" Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas talks about growing up in a Texas border town and watching a longtime bandmate get profiled. Gretchen Parlato shares the story behind "Call in the Angels," her song with poet Jasmine Becerra Green, and describes what daily life in LA feels like right now. And DJ and host Luxxury traces the history of benefit records and explains why the uncomfortable conversations are worth having. For Ingela, a Canadian who has called the US home for nearly 13 years, this one is personal. The best thing you can do after listening is pick up the album when it drops, and check out the organizations it supports, including Unión del Barrio and National Day Laborer Organizing Network. If you loved this episode, please leave a rating, drop a review, and subscribe to support the show so I can bring you even more conversations about music and advocacy!
S1 · E23
September 30 · 52 min
It's Giving: Contra-ICE
This week on It's Giving, we're doing something a little different. Ingela is talking to to not one but FOUR musicians for a special extended episode about Contra-ICE Vol. 1: ICE OUT. It's a massive multi-genre benefit album dropping October 2, and all proceeds go to grassroots organizations on the front lines of the fight for immigrants' rights. The backstory: after the 2024 election, artist and activist Dali Colorado and her best friend since sixth grade, Uli Bella of Ozomatli, got to talking about the defiant music and art that came out of the Reagan era. That conversation turned into a compilation of more than 30 artists, including Kathleen Hanna, Fred Armisen, and Tom Morello. Uli walks us through how it all came together and what ICE raids have looked like in his own neighborhood. As he puts it, "If they can do this to the immigrants, then the next step is going to be, 'Hey, you got a copy of that book?'" Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas talks about growing up in a Texas border town and watching a longtime bandmate get profiled. Gretchen Parlato shares the story behind "Call in the Angels," her song with poet Jasmine Becerra Green, and describes what daily life in LA feels like right now. And DJ and host Luxxury traces the history of benefit records and explains why the uncomfortable conversations are worth having. For Ingela, a Canadian who has called the US home for nearly 13 years, this one is personal. The best thing you can do after listening is pick up the album when it drops, and check out the organizations it supports, including Unión del Barrio and National Day Laborer Organizing Network. If you loved this episode, please leave a rating, drop a review, and subscribe to support the show so I can bring you even more conversations about music and advocacy!
S1 · E23
September 30 · 52 min
It's Giving: Contra-ICE
This week on It's Giving, we're doing something a little different. Ingela is talking to to not one but FOUR musicians for a special extended episode about Contra-ICE Vol. 1: ICE OUT. It's a massive multi-genre benefit album dropping October 2, and all proceeds go to grassroots organizations on the front lines of the fight for immigrants' rights. The backstory: after the 2024 election, artist and activist Dali Colorado and her best friend since sixth grade, Uli Bella of Ozomatli, got to talking about the defiant music and art that came out of the Reagan era. That conversation turned into a compilation of more than 30 artists, including Kathleen Hanna, Fred Armisen, and Tom Morello. Uli walks us through how it all came together and what ICE raids have looked like in his own neighborhood. As he puts it, "If they can do this to the immigrants, then the next step is going to be, 'Hey, you got a copy of that book?'" Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas talks about growing up in a Texas border town and watching a longtime bandmate get profiled. Gretchen Parlato shares the story behind "Call in the Angels," her song with poet Jasmine Becerra Green, and describes what daily life in LA feels like right now. And DJ and host Luxxury traces the history of benefit records and explains why the uncomfortable conversations are worth having. For Ingela, a Canadian who has called the US home for nearly 13 years, this one is personal. The best thing you can do after listening is pick up the album when it drops, and check out the organizations it supports, including Unión del Barrio and National Day Laborer Organizing Network. If you loved this episode, please leave a rating, drop a review, and subscribe to support the show so I can bring you even more conversations about music and advocacy!
S1 · E22
September 23 · 28 min
It's Giving: On Macklemore + Ed Sheeran
This week on It's Giving, things get a little personal. Ingela's co-director at This Must Be The Place (and, as he graciously continues to identify, her husband) William Perry is back on the mic to break down the Macklemore and Ed Sheeran fiasco that's taken over everyone's feeds. The recap: Macklemore takes the stage in Philly and speaks up for Palestine, the same way he has at every show for years. Days later, stadium owners, reportedly led by Robert Kraft, want him off the tour. Macklemore steps down, the other openers walk in solidarity, and Ed responds with a both-sides statement and a teleprompter apology that manages to make it all about Ed. Perry, who once watched Macklemore pull a Palestinian flag out of his bag backstage at Innings Festival, has thoughts. Many of them. Including that Ed Sheeran is "essentially the Wonder Bread of the music industry." Two of the amazing pieces written about this are an Op-Ed by Roxanne Gay in the New York Times and Naaman Zhou’s story in the New Yorker. Make sure you read them both, since those are two people much smarter than either Ingela or Perry! If you loved this episode, please leave a rating, drop a review, and subscribe to support the show so I can bring you even more conversations about music and advocacy! Don't miss next Wednesday's episode, where I'll introduce another incredible musician leveraging their platform for meaningful advocacy!
S1 · E21
September 16 · 31 min
It's Giving: Johanna Samuels
This week on It's Giving, Ingela sits down with Johanna Samuels, an LA-based singer-songwriter who's no stranger to turning her platform toward community organizing and mutual aid. A big part of this episode centers on the digital festival Johanna helped organize during the 2020 Georgia Senate runoffs. Alongside Ben Lee and promoter Sid the Cat, she pulled together artists for a virtual show that raised $10,000 for Fair Fight, in a moment that finally felt like doing something. She's candid about how that's shifted since - a heavier fear of visibility, more reluctance from fellow artists when she later tried organizing an ICE benefit, and the quiet shame she's noticed comes with speaking up, especially for women. Plus, Johanna opens up about the less political side of her advocacy: volunteer nights cooking at LA's Downtown Women's Center, her steady monthly gift to Amnesty International, and why she believes the small, tangible acts matter just as much as the loud ones. "My personal stance toward it is just to turn toward the thing, and try to walk the line of honesty — but with grace and kindness." 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 · E20
September 9 · 38 min
It's Giving: Taking Back Sunday
This week on It’s Giving, Ingela sits down with Adam Lazzara, frontman of Taking Back Sunday. With over two decades of touring under their belts, Adam reflects on how the band uses their platform to give back through personal, community-driven causes. Adam shares how his religious upbringing and early scene roots instilled a deep responsibility to look out for others – a familiar through line shared by many guests on the show like Medium Build, Michigander and Logan Lynn. A big part of this show centers on Adam explaining why supporting the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is so deeply personal to them: filling the critical gap for touring artists facing health crises, mental health struggles, and a lack of safety nets on the road. He dives into the evolving conversation surrounding mental health in the music industry, the hidden isolation of life on tour, and the band's partnership with Concerted.live - an initiative that trades community service hours for concert tickets to rebuild real-world connection. Plus, Adam opens up about why he chooses to focus on shared humanity rather than divisive politics, and his hope that Taking Back Sunday’s legacy is rooted in bringing people together and making listeners feel seen. “When you're there and doing the thing, none of that matters. It's people connecting and all getting lost in the same thing at the same time, which creates this real powerful, real-world magic.I hope people look back and think, man, they helped people feel seen.” 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 · E19
September 2 · 33 min
It's Giving: Logan Lynn
Today on It’s Giving, Ingela sits down with musician, advocate, and nonprofit leader Logan Lynn. From launching the Pass the Mic Foundation alongside Portugal. The Man to activating tours with acts like Boygenius and NoFX, Logan brings decades of hands-on experience at the intersection of music, community empowerment, and mental health advocacy. Logan breaks down his philosophy of "nothing about us without us", highlighting how artists can leverage their platforms to support their listeners and introducing PortuGAY, his new imprint designed to uplift and sustain LGBTQ+ voices in the music industry. Plus, he opens up about his 12th studio album and its accompanying documentary, The Pain and the Power, exploring his journey through early trauma, addiction, long-term recovery, and using honest storytelling as a vehicle for personal and family healing. “My music has always been the container for me to say what's really happening in my life... I hope what people get out of it is that they're not alone. If I can transform myself from a homeless, traumatized young drug addict into who I am today, anyone can.” 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 · E18
August 26 · 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!

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