MUSIC IS OUR HERO!

MUSIC IS OUR HERO!

The MUSIC IS OUR HERO! Podcast is a creative hub where stories, artistry, and community collide. Each episode dives into conversations that inspire, empower, and spark new ideas—because art isn’t just what we make, it’s the community we build together. Created and hosted by producer, engineer, DJ, and lifelong music advocate Drea Young, the podcast is dedicated to the indie community, as well as the people who bring it to life. With decades of industry experience—from graphic design to engineering in NYC to the live-event world—Drea brings an open-format approach, deep technical insight, and a genuine passion for supporting the people who keep indie arts and music alive. Her mission is to uplift, explore, and amplify community—one episode at a time.

Episodes

October 12, 2026 • 26 mins

In this episode, Drea sits down with Ariel E. Monroe, creator and founder of Delta E.M. Wellness and Space Trash PHL.

Ariel is a licensed massage therapist, wellness practitioner, artist, and writer with a passion for helping others find balance and personal growth. Through Delta E.M. Wellness, Ariel offers a holistic approach to mind, body, and spirit, incorporating massage therapy, Reiki, sound healing, mindfulness, and we...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

That’s a wrap on Season 4! If you haven’t already, take a moment to subscribe to the channel, watch a few episodes, drop a like, and leave a comment—every bit of support you give truly helps.

And whether you joined as a guest, a listener, or a supporter, thank you for showing up and being part of this journey. It means more than you know.

Don’t forget: Sunday, November 8th, we are all meeting a...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, we chat with Kristen from You’re Grounded Coffee Company while Kevin makes a last-minute propane run before the artist rush! We hear the story behind You’re Grounded, explore the role they play in the festival and arts community, and find out what makes their coffee—and delicious food menu—so special. Kristen also talks about the other services they provide at events, what keeps them busy du...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Theresa Ratliff knew at a young age that she could sing, and music has been part of her life ever since. But it wasn’t until later in life that she began performing with bands and found a home in the festival community.

In this episode, Theresa shares how the festival community gives her a sense of purpose and helps shape the mission she is on today.

It’s a story of following what you love, finding your community, and sha...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode we sit down with Joe, owner of Nostalgia Fishtown, to talk about its beginnings, the process of bringing his and his partner’s vision to life, and what’s ahead.

We also explore why spaces like Nostalgia matter to Philadelphia’s arts community — bringing artists and creatives together to connect, create, and grow.

If you care about local music, art, community, and the people crea...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Drea sits down with Ami and Lizzy of BuildaBridge for an inspiring conversation about the power of the arts to create healing, connection, and hope for individuals and communities impacted by trauma. They explore how BuildaBridge began, the programs they offer, their trauma-informed approach to creative expression, and the impact of their work. They also look toward the future of BuildaBridge and share how others can get involved a...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode Drea sits down with Jackson—chief engineer at Spit Philly, videographer, musician, songwriter, and the artist known as Cal Blac.

Jackson shares his journey and offers valuable insight from his experience behind the scenes, including what artists should know when working in the studio and on video projects. The conversation also dives into his own artistry, exploring Cal Blac and what the project represe...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

What does it really take to build a band, find your sound, and keep pushing forward?

Velcro Homer founder Joshua shares what he’s learned through nearly five years of growing the band. From songwriting and performing to the learning curves that have shaped Velcro Homer along the way, there’s a lot behind where the band is today.

We also get into their soon-to-be-released album, what Joshua is most proud of, what&r...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In celebration of the upcoming Grateful Daytrippers Family Reunion Festival, we sat down with founders Ricky and Lydia to talk about where it all began, what the Reunion has grown into, and the incredible community that has kept it going through the years.

There were plenty of laughs, a few tears, and a whole lot of memories as we looked back on the people, music, moments, and magic that have made the Family Reunion so much ...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

After sitting down with founders Ricky and Lydia in Season 4, Episode 5 to hear the story behind the Reunion, we toured the place it has called home for the past few years—Poppa Joe’s Grove.

In this episode, Lorie and Miranda take us on a quick tour of this beautiful gathering place, owned and operated by the Sellersville Volunteer Fire Department. Along the way, we get a closer look at the Grove and the setting ...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, we sit down with Hop Fidelity founder Byron Greatorex to hear the story behind his journey in the record business.

More than 25 years ago, Byron and his father opened a record store at a time when vinyl sales were declining and music streaming hadn't even been imagined. Years later, after he and his wife decided where they wanted to put down roots, Byron opened Hop Fidelity in late February 2020—just w...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, we sit down with DJ living legend DJ Carl Michaels, who has spent the last 33 years behind the decks, primarily in the Philadelphia area. Along the way, he's toured, shared unforgettable stories from the road, and even had the opportunity to open for one of his favorite artists, Carly Rae Jepsen.

With decades of experience as a nightclub DJ, and plenty of private events mixed in, Carl shares the lessons he's...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, we sit down with event planning veteran Christie Jones, who has spent the past 25 years building a career in the industry. From intimate gatherings to large-scale events, Christie has seen it all and shares the behind-the-scenes realities that most attendees never think about.

Join us as we dive into the details that make events successful, discuss the challenges planners face, and uncover what it really tak...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Episode 1 Part 1 – This conversation with Eddie Gals is presented in two parts.

In Part 1, you’ll get to know Eddie, hear what inspired him to start playing music, learn about the journey of being a singer-songwriter, and pick up valuable advice on finding gigs, keeping them, and building a career as a musician.

In Part 2, Eddie shares the story behind his latest release, “Your Last Day’s Pay",...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Episode 1 Part 2 – This conversation with Eddie Gals is presented in two parts.

In Part 1, you’ll get to know Eddie, hear what inspired him to start playing music, learn about the journey of being a singer-songwriter, and pick up valuable advice on finding gigs, keeping them, and building a career as a musician.

In Part 2, Eddie shares the story behind his latest release, “Your Last Day’s Pay",...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

That’s a wrap on Season 3! If you haven’t already, take a moment to subscribe to the channel, watch a few episodes, drop a like, and leave a comment—every bit of support you give truly helps.

And whether you joined as a guest, a listener, or a supporter—thank you for showing up and being part of this journey. It means more than you know.

Watch the MUSIC IS OUR HERO! full podcast interview on YouTube.

Co...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, we caught up with The Poettes just before they took the stage at Porchfest 2026 in West Philly. Although our conversation was brief, we got to learn more about the seven members who make up the band, the story behind how The Poettes came together, some of the ups and downs along the way, and what they hope to accomplish in the future.

Filled with laughs, great energy, and plenty of good vibes, this episode o...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, we sit down with entertainment lawyer Stephen Vanyo to discuss his journey through the music industry and into the legal profession. Stephen shares his early experiences as a drummer whose band signed a record deal that ultimately did not go as planned, inspiring him to pursue a career in law.

Throughout the conversation, Stephen offers valuable advice for artists, engineers, producers, and other music profe...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Night Fury frontwoman, Nat Kuri, to talk about her journey through music, identity, and chasing a dream that refuses to let go. Born in San Diego and raised in Mexico City, Nat eventually made her way to Philly, where she’s been carving out her place in the indie music scene one step at a time.

Nat opens up about the gatekeeping she experienced growing up, the struggles ...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this episode, the podcast takes a deep dive into the life and journey of Denny Horn — a lifelong music lover who unexpectedly found his calling in concert promotion. From stories spanning the late 1960s to today, Denny reflects on the experiences, people, and moments that shaped his path. Through it all, one thing remains clear: a deep-rooted passion for music, community, and bringing people together, even before he fully ...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices