From Ashes to Albums: How Loss Sparked Creative Fire with Robbie Gennet episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 20, 2026 · 48 MIN

From Ashes to Albums: How Loss Sparked Creative Fire with Robbie Gennet

from Living on the B Side · host Birgit Livesey

In this episode of Living on the B Side, host B speaks with Robbie Gennet – Los Angeles-based musician, educator, author and lifelong creative – about turning loss into art, self-permission in creativity and staying authentic as an artist. Together, they explore how music can become a language for processing grief, rebuilding identity and giving ourselves permission to fully show up as who we are.This episode invites slower listening, reflection and courage. We talk about Robbie losing his home and studio in the Woolsey fire, how acceptance and stoicism helped him move forward, and how music can hold our emotions, ask us better questions and quietly nudge us back to life.It’s for anyone who’s been through change or loss, creatives who feel blocked, “non creative” people who secretly want to try, and music lovers who use songs as mirrors for their inner worldIn this episode, we explore:From fire to creative rebirth – how losing his home and studio in the Woolsey fire led Robbie to his most prolific creative period.Music as emotional processing – how songs become mirrors, companions and “Trojan horses” for big ideas and feelings.Self-permission & authenticity – what we can learn from artists like David Bowie about reinventing ourselves and creating for us first.Creativity for “non-creatives” – simple, pressure-free ways to tap into creativity (from finger-painting energy to nature, hobbies and play).Teaching music as a language – why improvisation, curiosity and story matter more than “perfect” sheet reading.Letting go of perfection – Robbie’s decision to finally release 10 albums and hundreds of songs instead of keeping them on a hard drive.Connect with the Robbie Gennet• Website: www.robbiegennet.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbiegennet• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robbiemusic/ • Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/au/artist/robbie-gennet/3707324 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/vil76trsywcp2uq95udynee3x About the Podcast:Living on the B Side is a podcast about the power of music — exploring how sound shapes our emotions, stories, and sense of self. Host B shares conversations and reflections for those who listen deeply and live thoughtfully.

In this episode of Living on the B Side, host B speaks with Robbie Gennet – Los Angeles-based musician, educator, author and lifelong creative – about turning loss into art, self-permission in creativity and staying authentic as an artist. Together, they explore how music can become a language for processing grief, rebuilding identity and giving ourselves permission to fully show up as who we are.This episode invites slower listening, reflection and courage. We talk about Robbie losing his home and studio in the Woolsey fire, how acceptance and stoicism helped him move forward, and how music can hold our emotions, ask us better questions and quietly nudge us back to life.It’s for anyone who’s been through change or loss, creatives who feel blocked, “non creative” people who secretly want to try, and music lovers who use songs as mirrors for their inner worldIn this episode, we explore:From fire to creative rebirth – how losing his home and studio in the Woolsey fire led Robbie to his most prolific creative period.Music as emotional processing – how songs become mirrors, companions and “Trojan horses” for big ideas and feelings.Self-permission & authenticity – what we can learn from artists like David Bowie about reinventing ourselves and creating for us first.Creativity for “non-creatives” – simple, pressure-free ways to tap into creativity (from finger-painting energy to nature, hobbies and play).Teaching music as a language – why improvisation, curiosity and story matter more than “perfect” sheet reading.Letting go of perfection – Robbie’s decision to finally release 10 albums and hundreds of songs instead of keeping them on a hard drive.Connect with the Robbie Gennet• Website: www.robbiegennet.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbiegennet• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robbiemusic/ • Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/au/artist/robbie-gennet/3707324 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/vil76trsywcp2uq95udynee3x About the Podcast:Living on the B Side is a podcast about the power of music — exploring how sound shapes our emotions, stories, and sense of self. Host B shares conversations and reflections for those who listen deeply and live thoughtfully.

NOW PLAYING

From Ashes to Albums: How Loss Sparked Creative Fire with Robbie Gennet

0:00 48:41

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Living on the B Side?

This episode is 48 minutes long.

When was this Living on the B Side episode published?

This episode was published on January 20, 2026.

What is this episode about?

In this episode of Living on the B Side, host B speaks with Robbie Gennet – Los Angeles-based musician, educator, author and lifelong creative – about turning loss into art, self-permission in creativity and staying authentic as an artist. Together,...

Can I download this Living on the B Side episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!