In this episode of the Self Care for the Creative podcast, singer-songwriter Phoebe Ryan joins us to share her deeply personal journey from artist to full-time songwriter—and everything that came in between. Known for her effervescent pop sound and razor-sharp hooks, Phoebe first found her voice in a Grateful Dead cover band on the Jersey Shore, before going on to write for artists like Britney Spears, The Chainsmokers, Melanie Martinez, Quinn XCII, and more. Her own music and collaborations have amassed millions of streams, platinum records, and global recognition—but behind the scenes, the road wasn’t always easy.

Phoebe opens up about the emotional and physical toll of the music industry, including a bout of Bell’s palsy brought on by extreme stress, and the lessons she learned by stepping away from the spotlight to prioritize her mental health. She talks candidly about navigating bipolar disorder, the importance of medication, and how her definition of success has shifted from chasing hits to finding peace, joy, and creative freedom.

This conversation is a must-listen for emerging artists, creatives, and anyone in the industry who’s felt the pressure to “push through” at the cost of their well-being. Phoebe reminds us that self-care isn’t just personal—it’s essential to sustainable artistry.

Timestamps:

00:00: Introduction

02:59: Phoebe Ryan: Artist to Songwriter Journey

05:59: The Impact of Stress and Mental Health on Creativity

08:58: Navigating Identity and Purpose in the Music Industry

11:45: Advice for Emerging Artists and Songwriters

14:58: Finding Balance and Self-Care in Creativity

17:59: The Role of Medication in Mental Health

20:57: Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Its Treatment

24:04: Protecting Peace as a Woman in the Industry

27:05: Redefining Success in the Music Industry

LINKS

• Join us at our Annual Hitmakers Songwriting Retreat this October in Los Angeles!: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1301496574289?aff=oddtdtcreator

• • More info: stefanifryzel.com

• Join us at The Songwriter Series for music mentorship from hit songwriters: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/the-songwriter-series

• Join the Artist Development Program: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/artist-development-program-1

• For more info on all our events visit: stefanifryzel.com or email us at info@stefanifryzel.com

• Free Resources: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/opt-in-1

• Self-Care for the Creative Book: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Creative-Survival-Creatives-Sensitive/dp/1960876120

• Book a 1:1 session: stan.store/StefaniFryzel/p/11-strategy-session-with-stefani-fryzel

FOLLOW PHOEBE RYAN:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoeberyan/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhoebeRyanMusic/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRiy7IsqFucvH3Ilj7qf5Rg
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4N874uPqBka1QiCvnCVOtr
• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/phoebe-ryan/725170786

In this episode, Stefani Fryzel dives into the delicate balance between writing music for yourself and crafting songs for other artists. She unpacks the emotional layers of songwriting, how to stay authentic in collaborations, and how to navigate the tough decision of whether to keep a song or pitch it. Through personal stories and real-world insights, Stefani shares how adaptability and perspective shifts can open unexpected creative doors.

Writing for yourself allows full creative freedom, while supporting another artist requires vulnerability and creating a safe, open space for collaboration. Staying authentic is key to maintaining your unique voice, and it’s important to remember you don’t have to say yes to every project that comes your way. Giving yourself time and space to decide where your songs belong can be just as valuable as the writing process itself. Collaboration often sparks surprising breakthroughs and growth, and by staying open to pitching songs and learning from different writing styles, you not only expand your craft but also create music that has the power to deeply impact listeners.

Timestamps:

00:00: Introduction to Creative Duality

05:47: The Emotional Landscape of Songwriting

10:21: Authenticity in Collaboration

13:07: Deciding the Fate of Your Songs

18:12: Lessons from Shifting Perspectives

LINKS

• Join us at our Annual Hitmakers Songwriting Retreat this October in Los Angeles!: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1301496574289?aff=oddtdtcreator

• • More info: stefanifryzel.com

• Join us at The Songwriter Series for music mentorship from hit songwriters: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/the-songwriter-series

• Join the Artist Development Program: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/artist-development-program-1

• For more info on all our events visit: stefanifryzel.com or email us at info@stefanifryzel.com

• Free Resources: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/opt-in-1

• Self-Care for the Creative Book: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Creative-Survival-Creatives-Sensitive/dp/1960876120

• Book a 1:1 session: stan.store/StefaniFryzel/p/11-strategy-session-with-stefani-fryzel

In this episode, Stefani Fryzel dives into the power of embracing change as both a creative and a human. Sharing personal stories—including her journey into motherhood—Stefani unpacks how transformation fuels artistic evolution. She explores how overcoming fear, letting go of others' opinions, and surrounding yourself with supportive people can unlock new levels of creativity and confidence. Plus, she challenges listeners to confront a fear this week and invites questions for future episodes.

You’ll discover why change is necessary for growth, how to face fear and step outside your comfort zone, and the importance of building a supportive creative circle. Stefani also highlights how letting go of judgment can boost self-confidence and why creativity thrives on reinvention. This episode is a reminder that embracing discomfort is often the key to unlocking your next level—both personally and artistically.

Timestamps:

00:00: Embracing Change in 2025

07:30: The Necessity of Change for Growth

13:03: Overcoming Fear and External Opinions

19:25: Engaging with the Audience: Questions and Challenges

LINKS

• Join us at our Annual Hitmakers Songwriting Retreat this October in Los Angeles!: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1301496574289?aff=oddtdtcreator

• • More info: stefanifryzel.com

• Join us at The Songwriter Series for music mentorship from hit songwriters: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/the-songwriter-series

• Join the Artist Development Program: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/artist-development-program-1

• For more info on all our events visit: stefanifryzel.com or email us at info@stefanifryzel.com

• Free Resources: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/opt-in-1

• Self-Care for the Creative Book: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Creative-Survival-Creatives-Sensitive/dp/1960876120

• Book a 1:1 session: stan.store/StefaniFryzel/p/11-strategy-session-with-stefani-fryzel