When Anxiety Took Over, Songwriting Became Her Lifeline | True Istina

What happens when anxiety, self-doubt, and fear of being seen become the very things that push you toward your voice? In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with singer-songwriter True Istina for a powerful conversation about music, vulnerability, creativity, and learning to trust yourself before the world gives you permission. True began singing and writing music at a young age, but songwriting became something deeper during one of the hardest seasons of her life. When anxiety made it difficult to get out of bed, music became her journal, her outlet, and eventually, a way to connect with people who needed hope. This conversation explores what it means to express yourself honestly, release perfectionism, handle criticism, and stop waiting for the “right time” to share your gifts. True’s story is a reminder that your voice matters—even before you feel fully ready to use it. Chapters 00:00 Finding Your Voice 01:14 Podcast Welcome Intro 01:43 True Joins the Show 03:07 Early Music Roots 04:47 California Breakthrough 06:37 Songwriting as Survival 11:46 Sharing Hope Through Music 14:36 Sponsor Break 15:18 Vulnerability and Perfectionism 18:59 Choosing Your Own Path 21:58 Own Enemy and Impact 25:58 Sound and Creative Process 30:08 How Many Songs Written 32:11 Shyness And Sharing Gifts 33:13 Merging Two Selves 34:52 Handling Criticism And Haters 38:43 Stop Waiting Trust Yourself 44:05 No Right Time For Art 46:58 Five Year Vision And Touring 49:10 Dreaming Up A Music Label 51:54 Artists That Shaped Her Sound 54:04 Croatia Travel And Culture 57:21 Where To Find Her Online 58:04 Meaning Behind True Istina 59:18 Final Thanks And Sendoff About True Istina True Istina is an American singer-songwriter and pop/alternative artist known for emotionally honest, empowering music rooted in confidence, self-expression, and personal growth. Through songs like "For Fun," "Walkin the Line," and "The Word Is," True creates music that meets listeners where they are and reminds them they are not alone. Her stage name, Istina, means "truth" in Croatian—a tribute to her Croatian roots and to the family members who supported her music from the beginning. Connect with True Istina Website:https://trueistina.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/trueistina.official TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@trueistina.official YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCesQBkGSeH1eZu4-ady8NGA Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gH5z7r1xXh7N1xqY0y6lL Connect with Starter Girlz https://startergirlz.com Take the 2-Minute Success Block Quiz to discover what may be holding you back. Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz Podcast https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b