It's Giving

Ingela | This Must Be The Place
  • 5.0 (14)
  • 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. 2d ago

    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!

  2. Aug 12

    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!

  3. Aug 5

    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!

  4. Jul 29

    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!

  5. Jul 22

    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!

  6. 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!

  7. 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!

  8. 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!

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5
out of 5
14 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
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ingela | This Must Be The Place
  • Show Website
    It's Giving

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