The Sounding Board Sessions

Nik Lizcano & Emily Litzow
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

The Sounding Board Sessions is where music and mental health meet. Hosted by songwriter and artist Nik Lizcano and licensed therapist Emily Litzow, this podcast dives into the psychology behind songs—unpacking the emotions, mental health themes, and songwriting techniques that make music so powerful. Together, along with the occasional special guest, they’ll share stories, insights, and conversations that reveal how music reflects and shapes the human experience.

Episodes

  1. MAR 2

    Navigating “Good Grief” with Gina Frieden

    In this episode of The Sounding Board Sessions, Nik and Emily sit down with Gina Frieden to discuss grief, inspired by Nik’s latest song, “Good Grief.” Together, they explore the complexity of loss, the intensity of early grief, and why healing isn’t about “getting over it,” but learning how to carry it differently.   With a mix of professional insight and personal reflection, they discuss therapy, community support, and the power of music in helping people feel less alone in their grief. This episode offers thoughtful conversation and grounded reassurance for anyone navigating life after loss.

    1h 8m

  2. FEB 9

    Wetting Our “Appetite” for Anger – with Genoese Speed

    In this episode of The Sounding Board Sessions, Nik and Emily launch a new series on emotions, starting with anger. Joined by songwriter and artist Shelby of Genoese Speed, they unpack their song “Appetite” and explore how anger shows up differently across gender, creativity, and lived experience. They discuss the mixed messages surrounding anger, how it often masks deeper emotions and unmet needs, and share practical, body-based tools for expressing it in healthier ways. Blending music and mental health insight, this episode reframes anger as a meaningful signal worth listening to.

    58 min

  3. JAN 19

    2025 Wrapped – Soundtracking Our Step Into 2026

    Even though January is already underway, it’s never too late to pause, reflect, and set intentions. In this special kickoff episode of 2026, Nik and Emily look back on 2025 through the lens of music—sharing songs that captured their experiences, lessons, and growth—and use that reflection to gently step into the new year. Along the way, they explore intention setting, manifesting, and creative reflection practices that help turn thoughts and feelings into something tangible. Consider this your invitation to slow down, listen inward, and soundtrack the season you’re stepping into.

    55 min

  4. 11/24/2025

    "Full House" by Z'cano – Why Family Dinners Don’t Hit Like They Used To

    In this episode of The Sounding Board Sessions, Nik and Emily unpack “Full House” from Nik’s debut EP 22 Minutes—a song that looks at family relationships through the lens of the sitcoms we grew up with versus the reality we grow into. They explore how our understanding of family shifts as we get older, what happens when we realize our parents weren’t perfect, and how that shapes the way we love and set boundaries today. Emily also shares practical, compassionate tools for creating healthier connections—both with others and with ourselves. If you’re redefining what “home” means or building it intentionally through chosen family and friendships, this episode is for you.

    1h 4m

  5. 11/10/2025

    “Friends”: The Theme Song for Grown-Up Friendship

    In this episode of The Sounding Board Sessions, hosts Nik and Emily catch up on some exciting personal news — from Emily launching her new coaching business, Radiant Seasons Perinatal Coaching, to Nik releasing his newest single, “Friends,” from his concept EP 22 Minutes. Together, they dive into the heart of the song and explore what friendship really looks like in your 30s — long-distance check-ins, shifting priorities, and learning to stay connected when life gets busy. Drawing inspiration from the sitcoms we grew up watching and the realities of adulthood, this conversation blends nostalgia, mental health insights, and creative reflection. Tune in for thoughtful conversation, practical tools for maintaining friendships, and a behind-the-scenes look at how “Friends” came to life.

    53 min

  6. 10/13/2025

    Exploring Purpose Beyond being “Famous” with Robyn Harris

    In this episode of The Sounding Board Sessions, hosts Nik and Emily are joined by singer-songwriter Robin Harris. They discuss her song 'Famous,' delving into the themes of career challenges, evolving dreams, and societal pressures. The conversation covers the transition from seeking fame to finding purpose in art, the significance of mindfulness, and the parallels in experiencing personal growth. With an emphasis on living authentically and trusting the creative process, this episode provides insights for artists and those reevaluating their life goals.

    1h 4m

  7. 09/22/2025

    "Boy Meets World" with Nik's "Topanga" – Micaela Miller

    In this episode of The Sounding Board Sessions, Nik and Emily dive into “Boy Meets World” by Z'cano–Nik's artist project. This is the debut single from his upcoming concept EP 22 Minutes. Joined by Nik’s wife, Micaela, they unpack the song’s inspiration, explore what it means to grow together in a long-term relationship, and reflect on how communication shapes healthy partnerships. Blending music, nostalgia, and real-life insights, this episode sets the tone for an EP that explores how sitcoms shape our expectations of romantic, platonic, and family relationships, compared to how they play out in real life.

    1h 2m

  8. 09/01/2025

    Girlhood (Taylor's Version) with Hannah Allen

    This week we're diving into Taylor Swift’s discography to unpack what her music reveals about girlhood, growing up, and stepping into womanhood. We’re joined by Emily’s friend and colleague Hannah Allen, a Licensed Professional Counselor, who brings her expertise on relationships, body image, and navigating life transitions to the conversation. Together, we explore the highs, heartbreaks, and messy beauty of girlhood while also sharing practical tools for making meaningful friendships as adults. Whether you’re a lifelong Swiftie or just Taylor-curious, this episode offers both thoughtful reflection and fun fandom energy.

    1h 2m

  9. 08/18/2025

    Finding Gratitude in the “Some Days” – with Patrick Monnius

    This week on The Sounding Board Sessions, we sit down with one of our favorite humans—singer-songwriter, violist and baker Patrick Monnius—to dive into his track Some Days from his new album Looking Up. We talk about the heart behind the song, the importance of community, and how simple practices of gratitude can shift the way we experience everyday life.

    53 min

  10. 07/28/2025

    The "Indestructible" Power of Mind-Body Resilience and Vulnerability

    On this episode of The Sounding Board Sessions, we explore the powerful connection between mental and physical health through Nik’s new single “Indestructible,” released July 25th under his artist name, Z’cano. Joined by featured artist and co-writer Rochelle Smith (aka Ro) and her former personal trainer Seresta Shantrell—founder of The Trap Nashville gym—Emily and Nik dive into conversations about resilience, strength, and how the mind and body can work together to help us overcome what once felt impossible.

    48 min

  11. 07/14/2025

    Do I have anxiety or am I just listening to Doechii?

    In the first episode of The Sounding Board Sessions, Emily (therapist) and Nik (songwriter) unpack why Doechii’s song “Anxiety” feels like it. Emily covers the origins of anxiety and some coping tools, while Nik covers Doechii’s rise to fame and the art of sampling. Tune in for a blend of mental health insight and music analysis and discover how songs can help us better understand ourselves and the world.

    57 min

  12. TRAILER

    Welcome to The Sounding Board Sessions!

    Just a quick little introduction the podcast.

    2 min

Trailer

About

The Sounding Board Sessions is where music and mental health meet. Hosted by songwriter and artist Nik Lizcano and licensed therapist Emily Litzow, this podcast dives into the psychology behind songs—unpacking the emotions, mental health themes, and songwriting techniques that make music so powerful. Together, along with the occasional special guest, they’ll share stories, insights, and conversations that reveal how music reflects and shapes the human experience.

Information

  • Creator
    Nik Lizcano & Emily Litzow
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Sounding Board Sessions