Path to Empowerment Through Music and Mental Health Advocacy

Positively Undefeated

The episode features an interview with singer-songwriter Emily Elgin. Emily shares her powerful story of overcoming trauma from an abusive childhood and domestic violence in her past relationships. She talks about how growing up witnessing domestic violence warped her understanding of love and led her to be drawn to violent partners as a young adult, despite the relationships not starting off that way.

Emily credits going to therapy as a major turning point that helped shift her mindset, unpack her traumas, and understand what a genuine, healthy partnership looks like. She became an advocate for mental health and sees vulnerability and openness as crucial for destigmatizing mental health struggles.

The conversation explores Emily's brave decision to leave her turbulent life in Oklahoma behind and move to Nashville to pursue music full-time. She shares the incredible story of how a stranger gifted her $4,000 to make the move happen after sensing her prayers for guidance. Emily reflects on the daunting challenges of being an independent artist doing the job of seven people but says her worst day in music is better than where she was before.

Emily performs a poignant excerpt from her new breakup song "It Should Have Been Raining" and discusses her musical influences like The Steel Drivers, Taylor Swift, and others. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the importance of embracing one's unique voice and individuality as an artist, rather than chasing trends. Emily advocates for up-and-coming artists to focus on honing their distinctive artistry and being authentic, even when facing discouragement in the industry.

The episode also touches on Emily's love of horses, some comical and harrowing horse training experiences, and her thoughts on the "live forever or die trying" cowboy mentality around horseback riding. Overall, it captures Emily's resilience, her commitment to empowerment through music, and positivity in the face of life's struggles.

Links

Phantom Power Music - https://www.phantompowermusic.io/

Emily Elgin Music - https://www.emilyelginmusic.com/

00:00:00 Introduction to Positively Undefeated 00:00:19 Welcome to Positively Undefeated 00:01:11 Interview with Emily Elgin 00:02:34 The Music Industry: Independent vs. Record Deals 00:04:02 The Journey in Nashville 00:06:30 Overcoming Domestic Violence Trauma 00:10:29 Coping Mechanisms and Unhealthy Habits 00:13:51 Life-Threatening Wake-Up Call 00:14:30 Turning Point and Self-Discovery 00:18:10 Transitioning from the Ranch 00:20:25 Shared Love for Horses 00:23:49 Challenges Faced by Amateur Horse Riders 00:28:40 The Perils of Horseback Riding 00:30:18 Self-Perception in Music Talent 00:32:03 Finding Unique Voices 00:33:59 A-list Party Encounter 00:37:37 The Dark Side of Notoriety 00:47:14 Connecting Through Music Events 00:49:27 Unveiling New Music 00:54:49 Poignant Song Performance 00:56:36 Discover More About Emily Elgin 00:59:57 Embracing Vulnerability and Honesty