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I went to Atlanta carrying a lot.

I was heading south because I had been nominated as a finalist in nine categories at the ISSA Music Awards. On top of that, the radio station behind Unlikely Places was participating…

Today was something special.

I got to see my friend Tim Sheehan (Radio Host 99.1 PLR (Previously i95)) play a live acoustic set, and honestly, there’s no better way to kick off the summer season. The show was held at…

When I left Connecticut for this road trip, I thought it would just be a fun vacation with my dad. What I didn’t expect was how much I needed it. I decided to stay off social media during the trip…

I really needed this show. Between a lot of good happening (becoming an ISSA finalist, my autism diagnosis, signing with OOB, interviewing more guests, and playing Magic: The Gathering) and a bit of bad too (got to even it out,…

Normally, I’m full of words, my speech rapid but somehow soothing, my mind always racing. But this time, I’m… speechless.

At 26, I finally have clarity. I’ve been diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and PTSD. For the first time, I’m not…

How many times have I ignored those who were meant to guide me? Countless. How many times have I defied the ones there to shape me? Too many. I’ve left communities, places, and spaces that made me feel unwelcome, weighed…

This past week rocked me.

I’m 26 years old and I had a heart attack.

Saying that still feels insane. The doctors diagnosed it as pericarditis — inflammation around my heart — and just like that everything slowed down whether…

Dear Therapist Tour Log

January 30th, 2026

Parking was nowhere to be seen—we had to figure that out fast. Matt called me; he was circling the place. Will was on his way in an Uber, and street parking was still…

On January 13, we’re setting aside the noise and the hype for something more meaningful. 

This special radio episode is dedicated to the life, music, and memory of Justin Baren—a founding member of The Redwalls, whose presence and creative spirit…

As 2025 comes to an end, saying I’m glad it’s over feels like an understatement. It was a heavy year in many ways, but even in the chaos, there were moments that truly mattered.

This year brought ISSA Award nominations…

I’m hoping this helps me find my way again.
I’m hoping that writing this — and sharing it with all of you — gives me the energy to keep going. A crazy vision forced me to do this. I saw…

☕ Coffee acquired. Energy points earned. Time to write about the ISSA experience.

First off — there truly aren’t words that can capture this weekend. Meeting people from across the globe, connecting with fellow musicians who’ve each forged their own…

To say Collective Soul is my favorite band of all time would be an understatement. For me, they’re what the Beatles were to most boomers—my ultimate musical inspiration. They’ve shaped the radio host, musician, and storyteller I am today.

Having…

I struggle—but that doesn’t stop me.
I struggle—but it doesn’t change me.
I struggle—but days like this remind me exactly who I am.

Like I mentioned in my last post, this part of the story deserved its own space:
My…

Where do I even start?

First and foremost, I’m deeply grateful to my parents plus my mentors and friends — David Skaff, Ivan Aguiar, A. Michael Collins, Paul Chastain, Fernando Perdomo, George Usher, Dennis Skartsilas, Jimmy Koplik, Mike Lapitino, Tim…

The news hit me yesterday through a Facebook post: Terry Draper had passed — ten days earlier. At 73, the world lost not just a musician, but a true rock & roll legend. This one hurts.

If you’ve never heard…

What. A. Night.

First off, the fact that I’ve been in my twenties for five years and still hadn’t been to Toad’s Place is wild. But hey, I was just waiting for the right moment, okay?

For those who don’t…

I’m incredibly excited to announce a special live performance on Friday, June 27th at one of my favorite local spots — Cantean Coffee & Tea in Hamden, CT.

I’ll be sharing the stage with the soulful and introspective Me, Like…

Hey friends, fans and family,

I’m honored to share that I’ve been nominated for an ISSA Award—an exciting opportunity to celebrate independent talent in the creative world. This event is more than just an award show; it’s a chance to…

From the Desk of J.
Hey everyone, it’s J.

How’s life treating you all?

As for me—well, I’ve been on the wildest, most self-imposed healing journey of my life these past few months. Two surgeries (lost 65 pounds), some major…

When it comes to confidence, some people jump out of planes (just ask my friend and keyboardist Danny Henry — he’s featured on “Some Way,” dropping June 26th!). But not me. No, I sit in rush hour traffic on a…