It's Giving

Ingela | This Must Be The Place
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated Weekly

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

  1. 9 hrs ago

    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!

  2. Jul 15

    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!

  3. Jul 8

    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!

  4. Jul 1

    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!

  5. Jun 24

    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!

  6. Jun 17

    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!

  7. Jun 10

    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!

  8. Jun 3

    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!

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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Ingela | This Must Be The Place
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ingela | This Must Be The Place
  • Show Website
    It's Giving

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