Second Verse

Becky Boyland

🎙 Second Verse – Because it’s never too late to make music. Are you an indie artist or creative dreaming of a second chance at your music career? Second Verse is the podcast that celebrates independent musicians, singer-songwriters, and artists who got started—or started again—after a more traditional career. Join host Becky Boyland, a singer-songwriter and music branding expert, as she interviews indie artists who prove that success isn’t just for the young and major-label backed. Each episode dives into real-life stories of artists navigating their second verse in music—overcoming fears, finding their audience, and making their creative dreams a reality. 💡 What You’ll Get: ✅ Inspiring stories from independent musicians who took the leap ✅ Actionable tips for pursuing your music career at any stage ✅ Branding and marketing insights to grow your audience ✅ Motivation to finally take that next step toward your dream No matter where you are on your musical journey, Second Verse will help you feel seen, supported, and ready to take action. Subscribe now, leave a review, and visit secondversepod.com to submit your story, connect on social media, and start your own Second Verse. 🎶 Your dream is still waiting—let’s make music.

  1. Finding Your Voice at 50: Joshua David Thayer on Grief, Creativity & Letting the Music Speak

    12/16/2025

    Finding Your Voice at 50: Joshua David Thayer on Grief, Creativity & Letting the Music Speak

    Joshua David Thayer: From Sideman to Solo Artist In this episode of Second Verse, host Becky Boyland chats with Joshua David Thayer, a seasoned bassist from Northampton, Massachusetts. After spending decades in supporting roles for various bands, the sudden loss of his father in 2023 inspired Josh to step into the spotlight as a solo artist at age 50. They discuss the creative process, using grief as a catalyst, and the importance of finishing projects over striving for perfection. Josh's journey is a testament to trusting the process and letting the material guide you to create honest and impactful work. Listen in as Josh shares his unique approach to music creation and the challenges of being an independent artist in 2025. https://youtu.be/1CMNvWBdM9s Connect with Joshua David Thayer: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuadavidthayer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuadavidthayer/Bandcamp: https://joshuadavidthayer.bandcamp.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshuaDavidThayerWebsite: www.joshuadavidthayer.com Mentioned in the episode: Subvert: https://subvert.fm/Rick Rubin's "The Creative Act: A Way of Being": https://sites.prh.com/thecreativeactDavid Bowie Cut-Up Method: https://www.openculture.com/2019/05/how-david-bowie-used-william-s-burroughs-cut-up-method-to-write-his-unforgettable-lyrics.html Sponsors: Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com/blueprintSinging / Straw: https://secondverse.com/singingstraw (affiliate link, 10% coupon auto-applied, or use code “secondverse”) Featured Song: ”We Won’t Relent” by Joshua David Thayer, written by Joshua David Thayer. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Timestamps: 00:00 Teaser: Joshua David Thayer Interview00:28 Introduction to the Episode02:09 Welcoming Joshua David Thayer & Music Beginnings03:26 High School Band to Rock Band06:51 Early Success and Opportunities11:25 Transition to a "Traditional" Career18:19 FEATURING: Attitude Creativity19:40 FEATURING: Singing / Straw20:38 Rediscovering Music After Loss24:10 Josh's Unique Creative Process35:49 When Is the Music Ready?40:57 Challenges and Rewards of Modern Music Creation47:35 Current Projects and Future Plans55:31 How to Support Josh's Music57:35 Coda59:36 Featured Song: "We Won't Relent" by Joshua David Thayer Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! a...

    1h 4m
  2. Small Steps, Big Impact: Building Your Creative Confidence

    11/11/2025

    Small Steps, Big Impact: Building Your Creative Confidence

    Building Confidence Through Small Steps: Insights from Second Verse Podcast In this episode of Second Verse, host Becky Boyland emphasizes the importance of building confidence through small steps. She shares personal experiences, including a transformative songwriting retreat in Scotland. Becky highlights how taking minor actions can snowball into greater self-assurance. Featuring stories from past guests like Ben Kintisch, Kelly Hastings, Greig Watts, and Chris Evans, she illustrates how simple, consistent efforts can lead to significant progress in music careers. Becky also addresses common confidence busters, such as comparison and perfectionism, and provides practical micro habits for artists. Download her 'Creative Momentum Map' to help boost your creative journey. https://youtu.be/YwuJLT61-zg Download the Creative Momentum Map: 7 Small Actions to Reignite Your Music: https://secondversepod.com/confidence Connect with Becky Boyland: https://beckyboyland.comhttps://instagram.com/beckyboylandhttps://tiktok.com/beckyboylandhttps://facebook.com/beckyboylandmusichttps://www.youtube.com/@beckyboyland Sponsors: Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com/blueprint Featured Song: ”You Got Me” by Becky Boyland, written by Becky Joleen Boyland and Christina Ann Casella. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Timestamps: 00:00 SPONSOR: Attitude Creativity01:19 Why Small Steps Matter03:31 The Confidence-Action Loop07:04 The Power of Small, Consistent Steps08:59 Overcoming Resistance and Perfectionism12:33 Building a Confidence Ecosystem14:43 Coda15:46 Featured Song: "You Got Me" by Becky Boyland Songs from the Podcast Playlist: Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285 Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)

    19 min
  3. How to Bring Others into Your Ecosystem: Collaboration for Indie Music Artists

    11/04/2025

    How to Bring Others into Your Ecosystem: Collaboration for Indie Music Artists

    The Power of Collaboration for Indie Artists In this episode of Second Verse, host Becky Boyland explores the transformative power of collaboration for indie musicians. She breaks down why working together is crucial, not just in co-writing or production, but also in building community and maintaining accountability. Becky shares her own experiences and provides a step-by-step guide on how to find and foster successful creative partnerships. The episode concludes with her top six benefits of collaborating, emphasizing the importance of community and shared growth in achieving musical success. Tune in to hear inspiring stories and get practical tips to enhance your music journey. https://youtu.be/6t-Pftkfo6w Connect with Becky Boyland: https://beckyboyland.comhttps://instagram.com/beckyboylandhttps://tiktok.com/beckyboylandhttps://facebook.com/beckyboylandmusichttps://www.youtube.com/@beckyboyland Sponsor: Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com/blueprint Featured Song: ”Ticket” by Becky Boyland, written by Becky Joleen Boyland. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Timestamps: 00:00 SPONSOR: Attitude Creativity01:19 Episode Introduction03:14 The Myth of the "Solo Genius"05:03 Finding Your Collaborative Match07:46 Building Trust and Creative Chemistry10:53 Collaboration Beyond the Studio13:20  Top 6 Benefits of Collaborating as an Indie Music Artist15:04 Coda16:01 Featured Song: "Ticket" by Becky Boyland Songs from the Podcast Playlist: Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285 Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link

    19 min
  4. How to Build a Creative Ecosystem

    10/28/2025

    How to Build a Creative Ecosystem

    Building Your Creative Ecosystem: Nurturing Sustainable Artistry for Indie Musicians In this episode of Second Verse, hosted by Becky Boyland, indie music artists are guided on how to create and nurture a creative ecosystem that supports sustainable artistry. Sponsored by Attitude Creativity, the episode covers the importance of establishing an effective website and brand messaging. Becky emphasizes moving from clarity about one's artistic message to building a supportive environment that fosters growth. Key components include creative spaces, people, systems, and sustainability. Listeners are encouraged to develop intentional creative zones, build supportive circles, utilize structured systems, and prioritize rest in their creative journeys. https://youtu.be/1ja7IxIw9hU Connect with Becky Boyland: https://beckyboyland.comhttps://instagram.com/beckyboylandhttps://tiktok.com/beckyboylandhttps://facebook.com/beckyboylandmusic Sponsors: Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com/blueprint Featured Song: ”Waiting for Wisdom” by Becky Boyland, written by Becky Boyland & Sharon Vaughn. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Timestamps: 00:00 SPONSOR: Attitude Creativity01:19 Episode Introduction02:03 Why Artists Need Creative Ecosystems04:42 The Four Components of a Creative Ecosystem16:25 Why a Creative Ecosystem Matters18:09 Coda19:34 Featured Song: "Waiting for Wisdom” Featured Music Playlist: Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285 Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link

    23 min
  5. How to Clarify Your Message as an Artist

    10/21/2025

    How to Clarify Your Message as an Artist

    Clarify Your Message as an Indie Artist: Practical Steps for Success This episode of Second Verse, sponsored by Attitude Creativity, delves into the importance of clarity for indie music artists. The host discusses how having a clear message can help artists stand out and connect with their audience, emphasizing the need for consistent brand messaging across their website and social platforms. She offers three practical steps to craft a clear message: defining a one-liner that captures the essence of their music, testing it with friends for authenticity, and consistently applying it across all platforms. The episode concludes with the host's encouraging song, “Running on Empty,” which celebrates those who support us in our lives. https://youtu.be/g0LtDFLgEbc Connect with Becky Boyland: https://beckyboyland.comhttps://instagram.com/beckyboylandhttps://tiktok.com/beckyboylandhttps://facebook.com/beckyboylandmusic Sponsors: Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com/blueprintFeatured Song:”Running on Empty” by Becky Boyland, written by Becky Joleen Boyland. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Timestamps: 00:00 S2E6 How to Clarify Your Message as an Artist01:19 Becky's Welcome & Introduction03:05 Why Clarity Matters05:00 Common Mistakes Artists Make07:33 The Three Elements of an Artist Message14:00 Coda16:13 Three Practical Next Steps17:46 Featured Song: "Running on Empty" by Becky Boyland Songs from the Second Verse Podcast Playlist: Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285 Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)

    21 min
  6. Imposter Syndrome and How to Push Through It

    10/14/2025

    Imposter Syndrome and How to Push Through It

    https://youtu.be/snCA8bN_M5A Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Embracing Your Creative Journey In this episode of Second Verse, host Becky Boyland explores the impacts of imposter syndrome on indie music artists and the ways it hinders their creative journeys. Becky shares her personal stories and insights from interviews with fellow artists to shed light on the pervasive nature of doubt as they navigate their second act in music. The episode delves into mindset challenges, offering three practical shifts: reframing fear, finding connection over comparison, and rooting identity in story, not stats. Becky emphasizes the importance of embracing one's authenticity and pushing through self-doubt to share one's art with the world. Tune in for actionable insights, motivational anecdotes, and strategies to overcome creative fears. Connect with Becky Boyland: https://beckyboyland.comhttps://instagram.com/beckyboylandhttps://tiktok.com/beckyboylandhttps://facebook.com/beckyboylandmusic Sponsors: Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com/blueprint Featured Song: ”Washed Away” by Becky Boyland, written by Becky Boyland & Rick Molloy. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Related Episodes: Rick Molloy: https://youtu.be/AVowKYaPprUBob Strachan: https://youtu.be/-YO_REsMHRsGreig Watts: https://youtu.be/jqO8KXZ9LUQBree Noble: https://youtu.be/vMHK04GMNpkBenjamin Kintisch: https://youtu.be/tJKaNe4EFDcKelly Hastings: https://youtu.be/sth9eXvXbdM Timestamps: 00:00 SPONSOR: Attitude Creativity01:19 Episode Intro: Imposter Syndrome02:45 Why We Feel Like Imposters06:15 How Imposter Syndrome Shows Up for Creatives08:06 Three Shifts that Help You Push Through13:44 Coda15:14 Featured Song: "Washed Away" by Becky Boyland Songs from the Second Verse Podcast Playlist: Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285 Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)

    19 min
  7. From Law to Lyrics: Steven McDonald's Music Renaissance

    10/07/2025

    From Law to Lyrics: Steven McDonald's Music Renaissance

    https://youtu.be/o1OxfMM-rIc Crafting a Musical Journey: Steven McDonald's Return to Songwriting In this episode of Second Verse, host Becky welcomes songwriter and lawyer Steven McDonald from Edinburgh, Scotland. They explore his musical journey, starting from his early influences in a musically rich family to his pandemic-driven return to songwriting. Steven shares insights on balancing his legal career with his music passion, the significance of physical music formats, and the value of perseverance. With his debut album Songs About Love, Steven illustrates how meaningful music can be created in life's second act. The conversation emphasizes the importance of pursuing passions without regrets, fostering a supportive community, and the diverse avenues available for indie artists. Connect with Steven McDonald: https://linktr.ee/stevenmcdonaldhttps://www.tallboyperformingarts.co.uk/https://instagram.com/tallboyperformingartshttps://shop.lastnightfromglasgow.com/products/steven-mcdonald-songs-about-love-lp-cd-dl-pre-orderSponsors: Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com/blueprint Singing / Straw: https://secondverse.com/singingstraw (affiliate link, 10% coupon auto-applied, or use code “secondverse”) Featured Song: ”Songs About Love” by Steven McDonald, written by Steven McDonald. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Timestamps: 00:00 Teaser: Steven McDonald Interview 02:03 Welcoming Steven McDonald 02:11 Early Musical Influences 03:44 Transition to Law and Return to Music 04:18 Songwriting During the Pandemic 07:25 Current Projects and Album Promotion 09:23 The Vinyl and CD Resurgence 16:43 Musical Influences and Mentorship 19:23 SPONSOR: Attitude Creativity 20:44 SPONSOR: Singing / Straw 21:41 Balancing Music and Law 37:34 Advice for Aspiring Musicians 41:28 Conclusion and How to Support 43:42 Coda 45:26 Featured Song: "Songs About Love" by Steven McDonald Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)

    49 min
  8. Healing Waters & Profitable Paths: Bree Noble’s Second Verse

    09/30/2025

    Healing Waters & Profitable Paths: Bree Noble’s Second Verse

    https://youtu.be/vMHK04GMNpk Rediscovering Dreams: Bree Noble's Journey from Finance to Music Entrepreneurship In this episode of Second Verse, host Becky Boyland interviews Bree Noble, a singer-songwriter who transitioned from being a finance director at an opera company to founding Women of Substance Radio. Bree shares her experience of pivoting from a corporate career to pursuing her passion for music, emphasizing the importance of confidence, community, and treating art as a business. She discusses how she managed to sustain her music career through strategic planning and leveraging connections, while also offering valuable advice for artists looking to reignite their musical dreams. This episode provides inspiring insights into balancing responsibility with passion and the power of mentorship and community in achieving artistic goals. Connect with Bree: https://profitablemusician.comhttps://instagram.com/profitablemusicianllchttps://www.wosradio.com/ Sponsors: Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com/blueprintSinging / Straw: https://secondverse.com/singingstraw (affiliate link, 10% coupon auto-applied, or use code “secondverse”) Featured Song: ”Healing Waters” by Bree Noble, written by Bree Noble. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Timestamps: 00:00 Interview Teaser00:29 Introduction01:55 Welcome and Early Love for Music02:30 High School Choir and Musical Journey03:40 College and Discovering a Passion for Business06:40 Balancing Music and a Practical Career10:33 Transition to Finance and Opera Company Experience14:02 Health Challenges and Life Changes16:55 Building a Music Career and Forming a Band22:18 Launching Women of Substance26:05 Discovering the Power of Speaking in Music Programs26:49 The Evolution of Keynote Concerts29:22 Adapting to Changes in the Music Industry30:28 Building a Music Career as an Independent Artist33:00 SPONSOR: Attitude Creativity34:21 SPONSOR: Singing / Straw35:19 The Importance of Community and Mentorship43:06 Balancing Multiple Roles and Responsibilities45:35 Encouragement for Aspiring Musicians51:03 Connecting and Learning with Profitable Musician Show52:34 Coda54:31 Featured Song: "Healing Waters" by Bree Noble Songs from the Podcast Playlist: Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285 Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)

    59 min

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

🎙 Second Verse – Because it’s never too late to make music. Are you an indie artist or creative dreaming of a second chance at your music career? Second Verse is the podcast that celebrates independent musicians, singer-songwriters, and artists who got started—or started again—after a more traditional career. Join host Becky Boyland, a singer-songwriter and music branding expert, as she interviews indie artists who prove that success isn’t just for the young and major-label backed. Each episode dives into real-life stories of artists navigating their second verse in music—overcoming fears, finding their audience, and making their creative dreams a reality. 💡 What You’ll Get: ✅ Inspiring stories from independent musicians who took the leap ✅ Actionable tips for pursuing your music career at any stage ✅ Branding and marketing insights to grow your audience ✅ Motivation to finally take that next step toward your dream No matter where you are on your musical journey, Second Verse will help you feel seen, supported, and ready to take action. Subscribe now, leave a review, and visit secondversepod.com to submit your story, connect on social media, and start your own Second Verse. 🎶 Your dream is still waiting—let’s make music.