Justin Wells on Growth, Sobriety, and the Art of Honest Songwriting | Midwest Mixtape Podcast

Send us Fan MailSinger/songwriter Justin Wells joins the Midwest Mixtape Podcast for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about growth, grit, and the ever-evolving craft of songwriting.Over the last several years, Wells has been quietly and courageously rebuilding himself. More than five years sober and committed to improving his physical and mental health, he speaks openly about the daily work of becoming clearer, stronger, and more present. That personal transformation has reshaped not only his life, but his music. Songs written in darker chapters now feel like letters from a former self, while new material serves as mile markers on a road he’s still traveling.Known for igniting loud, sweaty rock clubs with his full band, Justin is also embracing the power of vulnerability. As he prepares for an intimate listening room performance at the Midnight Slip in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, he talks about stripping songs down to their emotional core—no bombast, no hiding, just truth.On the podcast, Wells dives deep into his approach to songwriting and artistry. For him, it’s not about chasing hooks; it’s about chasing honesty. Each song is a timestamp of who he is in that moment, which is why he refuses to repeat himself artistically. Rough edges are welcome if they carry feeling. Authenticity beats perfection.Though often labeled “country,” Wells sees himself first and foremost as a rock artist, and his records reflect a deliberate evolution rather than a familiar formula. His solo shows aren’t unplugged replicas of his band sets, but entirely different experiences built to create a direct emotional connection with the listener.The conversation also moves beyond music into culture and communication. In an era of polarized politics, Wells advocates for compassion over tribalism, emphasizing shared humanity and real dialogue across differences.From the enduring impact of fan-favorite songs like “The Dogs” to the personal meaning behind albums like Dawn in the Distance, The United State, and Cynthiana, this episode captures an artist documenting change in real time.This is Justin Wells: rough and vulnerable, loud and whispered, always moving forward.www.BetterHelp.com/TheBarnhttp://www.betterhelp.com/TheBarn http://www.betterhelp.com/TheBarnThis episode is sponsored by www.betterhelp.com/TheBarn and brought to you as always by The Barn Media Group.   YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheBarnPodcastNetworkSPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/09neXeCS8I0U8OZJroUGd4?si=2f9b8dfa5d2c4504APPLE https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1625411141I HEART RADIO https://www.iheart.com/podcast/97160034/AMAZON https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7aff7d00-c41b-4154-94cf-221a808e3595/the-barn