Episode Overview: In this compelling episode, our hosts James, and Amanda engage in a deep dive with Tom Buehrle, a Navy veteran turned country music artist, to explore the healing power of music. Through Tom’s personal journey, the episode uncovers how music serves not just as a form of entertainment but as a crucial therapeutic tool for dealing with life’s challenges, including depression and the aftermath of military service. Key Topics Covered: Military Experiences and Challenges: Tom shares insights into his life in the Navy, shedding light on the struggles and how music provided a sense of solace and expression. Songwriting and Authenticity: The conversation highlights Tom’s songwriting process, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and real-life experiences in creating relatable music. Nashville’s Influence and Streaming Platforms: Tom discusses the impact of Nashville’s music scene on his career and the double-edged sword of streaming platforms for artists today. Arts and Music in Education: The hosts and guest advocate for the significance of incorporating arts and music into educational curricula to support emotional and intellectual development. Managing ADHD with Music: Tom’s personal strategies for managing ADHD through music, offering a unique perspective on therapeutic practices. Musical Influences: Tom cites legends like Hank Williams, Jr., Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash as key influences, emphasizing the storytelling tradition in country music. Advice for Aspiring Artists and Vocal Health: Practical tips for upcoming musicians, including the importance of vocal health and connecting with audiences through lyrics. Evolution of Music Recording and Collaboration: Discussion on how technological advancements have transformed music recording and enabled remote collaborations. Upcoming Projects: Sneak peek into Tom’s future endeavors, including a book and a covers album, showcasing his versatility and ongoing contribution to the music world. Conclusion: This episode of The Woodward Tale Music Speaks podcast not only highlights Tom Burley’s inspiring journey but also reinforces the idea that music is a powerful tool for healing, expression, and connection. Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of the therapeutic benefits of music and its ability to help navigate through life’s ups and downs Better Help: Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp, you can use my link http://www.betterhelp.com/musicspeaks for 10% off your first month of therapy. Bones Coffee: Get 10% any order on bonescoffee.com with code: MUSICSPEAKS Website @ whenwordsfailmusicspeaks.com YouTube @ whenwordsfailmusicspeaks Facebook @ WWFMSPodcast Instagram @ when_words_fail_podcast Twitter @ WhenWordsFailMS) If you enjoyed this episode, could I ask you to please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show and also to convince some hard-to-get guests.