EPISODE · Apr 16, 2026 · 50 MIN
#24 Songwriting as Healing: Turning Your Past into a Powerful Future With Emma G
from Curious Vocalists · host Grace Hancock Music
How do you break through the old habits and creative "scar tissue" that keep you stuck? In this episode, Grace sits down with award-winning singer-songwriter, author, vocal coach, and TEDx speaker Emma G. After surviving 10 brain surgeries by age 14, Emma didn't just find a way to live—she found a way to rewrite her narrative through music. They discuss her new book, Mental Health Sounds Like This, and take a close look into cognitive reframing. Emma explains how songwriting isn’t just about making music; it’s a neuroscientific tool for moving past trauma, silencing self-sabotage, and reclaiming your voice. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your lyrics or paralysed by your past, this conversation will show you how to use your voice as a precision tool for empowerment and self-discovery. Key Topics Music as a tool for cognitive reframing The impact of music on brain development after trauma Using songwriting to process emotions and trauma Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Emma G's Journey 02:53 The Healing Power of Music 05:53 Neuroscience of Music and Emotion 08:23 Transforming Trauma into Growth 10:49 The Five Stages of Songwriting for Healing 13:54 Using Your Voice as a Tool for Empowerment 16:51 Navigating Emotions and Self-Identity 19:19 Understanding Self-Sabotage and Growth 25:38 Exploring Emotions Through Writing 28:20 Creating a Safe Space for Self-Expression 30:48 Redefining Self-Worth Beyond Productivity 33:54 Learning from Indigenous Cultures 35:58 Taking Control of Your Narrative 38:11 Using Music as a Tool for Self-Discovery 41:43 The Importance of Authentic Expression 45:32 Building Your Own Musical Affirmations Resources and Mentions: Krav Maga - a form of self defence Emma G's Website - https://emmagmusic.com Mental Health Sounds Like This (Book) - https://shorturl.at/BBn4y https://www.instagram.com/emmagmusic/ My Episode on Meredith Miller’s 5 Archetypes of Self-Sabotage as mentioned: https://admin5.podbean.com/gracehancockmusic/stats/episodes Meredith Miller’s website: https://www.innerintegration.com/ Kimberly Shires - founder of Hear Me Roar Studios - music production for women and non-binary Artists: https://hearmeroarstudio.com/ About the Host Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection. Contact Method [email protected] www.gracehancockmusic.com instagram.com/gracehancockmusic facebook.com/gracehancockmusician
What this episode covers
How do you break through the old habits and creative "scar tissue" that keep you stuck? In this episode, Grace sits down with award-winning singer-songwriter, author, vocal coach, and TEDx speaker Emma G. After surviving 10 brain surgeries by age 14, Emma didn't just find a way to live—she found a way to rewrite her narrative through music. They discuss her new book, Mental Health Sounds Like This, and take a close look into cognitive reframing. Emma explains how songwriting isn’t just about making music; it’s a neuroscientific tool for moving past trauma, silencing self-sabotage, and reclaiming your voice. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your lyrics or paralysed by your past, this conversation will show you how to use your voice as a precision tool for empowerment and self-discovery. Key Topics Music as a tool for cognitive reframing The impact of music on brain development after trauma Using songwriting to process emotions and trauma Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Emma G's Journey 02:53 The Healing Power of Music 05:53 Neuroscience of Music and Emotion 08:23 Transforming Trauma into Growth 10:49 The Five Stages of Songwriting for Healing 13:54 Using Your Voice as a Tool for Empowerment 16:51 Navigating Emotions and Self-Identity 19:19 Understanding Self-Sabotage and Growth 25:38 Exploring Emotions Through Writing 28:20 Creating a Safe Space for Self-Expression 30:48 Redefining Self-Worth Beyond Productivity 33:54 Learning from Indigenous Cultures 35:58 Taking Control of Your Narrative 38:11 Using Music as a Tool for Self-Discovery 41:43 The Importance of Authentic Expression 45:32 Building Your Own Musical Affirmations Resources and Mentions: Krav Maga - a form of self defence Emma G's Website - https://emmagmusic.com Mental Health Sounds Like This (Book) - https://shorturl.at/BBn4y https://www.instagram.com/emmagmusic/ My Episode on Meredith Miller’s 5 Archetypes of Self-Sabotage as mentioned: https://admin5.podbean.com/gracehancockmusic/stats/episodes Meredith Miller’s website: https://www.innerintegration.com/ Kimberly Shires - founder of Hear Me Roar Studios - music production for women and non-binary Artists: https://hearmeroarstudio.com/ About the Host Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection. Contact Method [email protected] www.gracehancockmusic.com instagram.com/gracehancockmusic facebook.com/gracehancockmusician
NOW PLAYING
#24 Songwriting as Healing: Turning Your Past into a Powerful Future With Emma G
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.