The Starter

Stephen Hollowell
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Personal Journals
  • Series

You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Music carries us through life; the good, the bad, the tragic, and the wonderful. Through it all, the songs remain. This series of audio essays explores our relationship with music, the songs that made us, and what it means to be human in this world. A story of inheritance, brotherhood, and music. What gets passed down, and where it all began. Welcome to The Starter.

Episodes

  1. Episode 1

    Ep 1: Graceland

    Some mornings I wake up before dawn, and I know that I’m not going to fall back asleep. This was one of those mornings...Time to get up. I had bread to make anyway... There are certain albums that feel like slipping on an old worn leather jacket when you play them. The songs remind us of who we are, and where we came from. It's all right here. "I've reason to believe we all will be received in Graceland." Album: GracelandArtist: Paul Simon

    Ep 1: Graceland

  2. Episode 2

    Ep 2: Paint it Black

    The dream was always there. Ever since I heard a rock and roll song as a kid that made me pause long enough to wonder, what is this?... Music carries us through life; sometimes one song can stay with you for the whole ride. Maybe it was the dark psychedelic energy or the raw power of good and true rock and roll, but something about this song kept bringing me back.. "I see a red door, and I want it painted black." Song: Paint it BlackArtist: The Rolling Stones

    Ep 2: Paint it Black

  3. Episode 3

    Ep 3: Only a River

    We cannot reverse the river’s unstoppable current, we can never go back. But with the right song, at the right time, perhaps we can visit for a while... When someone great is gone, there are decisions to be made. Sometimes the answers can be found in the music, or maybe a song can at least help lead us in the right direction. "Only a river gonna make things right, only a river gonna make things right." Song: Only a RiverArtists: Josh Ritter, Bob Weir

    Ep 3: Only a River

  4. Episode 4

    Ep 4: I Got a Name

    This wasn’t the first time I had been there; holding a nameless baby boy in the labor and delivery ward of St Joe’s Hospital. It wouldn’t be the last either... A story of legacy, as told through names, and how we carry them through life. As the youngest of three boys, I started my own tradition, and I had been saving this song. "Like the pine trees lining the winding road; I got a name, I got a name." Song: I Got a NameArtist: Jim Croce

    Ep 4: I Got a Name

  5. Episode 5

    Ep 5: Swimming

    I took in a deep breath, and dove headfirst under the water, the cold shock hitting me like a smack across the face... The water is a constant; always there, always moving. Sometimes you sink, and sometimes you swim. And sometimes, people keep showing up for you to help you stay afloat. In the end, we’re all just trying to keep our heads above water.  "And I was drownin’, but now I’m swimmin’ Through stressful waters to relief" Album: SwimmingArtist: Mac Miller

    Ep 5: Swimming

  6. Jun 30

    Welcome to the Starter

    Welcome to the Starter (a Trailer). First 3 Episodes to be published Tuesday, July 7th: Ep 1: Graceland Ep 2: Paint it Black Ep 3: Only a River Additional episodes will be published every two to three weeks.Ep 4: I Got a Name to be published Tuesday, July 21st.Ep 5: Swimming to be published Tuesday, August 11th. Thank you for listening,- Stephen

    Welcome to the Starter
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

You hear a song, and a memory opens up. Music carries us through life; the good, the bad, the tragic, and the wonderful. Through it all, the songs remain. This series of audio essays explores our relationship with music, the songs that made us, and what it means to be human in this world. A story of inheritance, brotherhood, and music. What gets passed down, and where it all began. Welcome to The Starter.

Information

  • Creator
    Stephen Hollowell
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Stephen Hollowell