Joey's Song Founder Mike Gomoll

Andy sits down in the WCZR studio with Mike Gomoll, the founder of Joey's Song — a Wisconsin-based nonprofit that has raised over $1 million to support families affected by epilepsy and fund research toward a cure.Mike shares the deeply personal story behind the organization: how he lost his son Joseph just days before his fifth birthday to Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy that left Joey nonverbal — but with an unmistakable love for music. Joey would grab everyone's finger in the room and make sure they were up and dancing with him. That spirit became the heartbeat of everything Joey's Song does.In this interview, you'll hear about:- How Mike went from a $500 fundraising goal to over $1 million raised for epilepsy research and family support- The origin story of the annual Freezing Man Festival in Madison, WI — and how it evolved from a sports bar CD release party into what feels like a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony every January- The legendary musicians who have performed for free, including Butch Vig (Garbage/Nirvana producer), John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, Tracy Bonham, Portugal. The Man, Vicky Peterson of The Bangles, Soul Asylum, and many more- Why Mike's son Sam performs at the event every year — and how his first-ever full band performance was backed by Paul McCartney's guitarist Brian Ray with Butch Vig on drums- The behind-the-scenes "beautiful chaos" that makes every Joey's Song show unrepeatable and unforgettable- New limited-edition artist merchandise available now at joeysong.org, designed by artists like Kurt Smith, Vicky Peterson, and Charlie Berens- Mike's dream wish list of future performers (hint: Dave Grohl, Eddie Vedder, and Jason Isbell are on it)If you've never been to a Joey's Song event, people who have will tell you: you cannot understand it until you're there.Learn more, donate, or get on the mailing list: joeysong.orgFollow Joey's Song on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube: @joeysong