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

Join us for the intimate and inspiring conversion with renowned music producer, songwriter, and husband of podcast host, Stefani Fryzel, Frequency. Dive into Frequency's fascinating journey through the music industry, his personal experiences with anxiety, and his unique creative process. Learn the inside story behind the hit song 'The Monster' with Eminem and Rihanna, and enjoy the heartwarming tale of how Stefani and Frequency met and fell in love. Don’t miss the valuable advice in this episode for aspiring musicians!

TIMESTAMPS:

01:04 - Frequency's Journey in the Music Industry

04:25 - Managing Anxiety and Mental Health

07:44 - Daily Life as a Music Producer

10:07 - The Story Behind 'The Monster'

13:49 - Frequency's Creative Process

19:38 - The Joy of Collecting Records

20:00 - Love and Music: How Stef and Frequency Met

25:09 - Advice for Aspiring Musicians

LINKS

• Grab Your FREE Resource 10 Ways Monetize as A Songwriter: https://stan.store/StefaniFryzel
• Check out “Self-Care for the Creative: A Survival Guide for Creatives, Empaths and Highly Sensitive People” on Amazon!: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Creative-Survival-Creatives-Sensitive/dp/1960876120
• Social Media: @stefanifryzel on Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook and Threads
• Website: www.stefanifryzel.com
• DM “TSS” on Instagram @StefaniFryzel to Join us at The Songwriter Series
• Contact: info@stefanifryzel.com

Find Frequency:

• Follow Frequency on socials:
  • Instagram: @freqshowmusic

Join a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Bacow, a distinguished psychologist and author specializing in anxiety. In this episode, we dive into various facets of anxiety, from coping mechanisms to the intricacies of panic attacks, empathy, and the experiences of highly sensitive individuals. Dr. Bacow unveils insights from her book, 'Goodbye Anxiety,' which equips listeners with practical tools and exercises for effectively managing anxiety. Discover the transformative power of self-compassion and breathing techniques as integral components of anxiety management.

Timestamps:

04:06 - Anxiety and Coping Mechanisms

07:08 - The Three Components of an Emotion

09:13 - Managing Panic Attacks

10:28 - Empathy and Highly Sensitive People

28:30 - Trends and Statistics on Anxiety

33:13 - Anxiety Management Tools: Breathing and Self-Compassion

LINKS

• Grab Your FREE Resource “50 Ways to Self-Care As a Creative Empath”: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/opt-in
• Check out “Self-Care for the Creative: A Survival Guide for Creatives, Empaths and Highly Sensitive People” on Amazon!: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Creative-Survival-Creatives-Sensitive/dp/1960876120
• Social Media: @stefanifryzel on Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook and Threads
• Website: www.stefanifryzel.com
• DM “TSS” on Instagram @StefaniFryzel to Join us at The Songwriter Series
• Contact: info@stefanifryzel.com

Find Dr. Terri Bacow:

• Follow Dr. Bacow on socials:
  • Instagram: @drterribacow
  • Facebook: Terri Bacow's Private Practice: https://www.facebook.com/drterribacow/
  • Website: https://www.drterribacow.com

• Check out “Goodbye, Anxiety: A Guided Journal for Overcoming Worry” on Amazon!: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1632173905/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_glt_fabc_T10PETBYE8W7TQNZX17V

Dive into the world of self-care for creatives with Stefani Fryzel in this enlightening episode. As a passionate advocate for nurturing the well-being of artists and creators, Stef introduces the powerful 'rewrite the belief' technique. Tune in as she explores the unique self-care needs of creatives and addresses the common struggle with self-limiting beliefs. Learn how to identify and rewrite these beliefs to cultivate a more positive mindset, with practical step-by-step instructions provided by Stef herself. Join the conversation and discover the transformative impact of actively reshaping your beliefs to better support your creative journey.

TIMESTAMPS:

01:25 - The Importance of Self-Care for Creatives

02:23 - The Rewrite the Belief Technique

06:04 - Steps to Rewrite a Belief

07:03 - Actively Changing Your Beliefs

LINKS

• Grab Your FREE Resource “50 Ways to Self-Care As a Creative Empath”: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/opt-in
• Check out “Self-Care for the Creative: A Survival Guide for Creatives, Empaths and Highly Sensitive People” on Amazon!: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Creative-Survival-Creatives-Sensitive/dp/1960876120
• Social Media: @stefanifryzel on Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook and Threads
• Website: www.stefanifryzel.com
• DM “TSS” on Instagram @StefaniFryzel to Join us at The Songwriter Series
• Contact: info@stefanifryzel.com

Join us as LA-based pop artist, Casey Baer, shares her captivating journey through the realm of music, highlighting the significance of embracing mental health challenges and seeking support. In this podcast, Casey delves into her personal strategies for self-care, offering invaluable advice to her younger self and listeners alike. As a passionate advocate for mental health, she sheds light on the power of distraction in managing negative emotions, advocating for setting healthy boundaries on dwelling in sadness or frustration. Tune in as Casey unveils her exciting upcoming projects and dreams of hitting the road for an eagerly anticipated tour.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Getting Started in Music

07:22 - Conversations with My Therapist

09:21 - Future Projects

18:41 - Tour Life

25:36 - Navigating Social Media

28:16 - Self-Care Advice for Younger Self

28:46 - The Power of Distraction

LINKS

• Grab Your FREE Resource 10 Ways Monetize as A Songwriter: https://stan.store/StefaniFryzel
• Check out “Self-Care for the Creative: A Survival Guide for Creatives, Empaths and Highly Sensitive People” on Amazon!: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Creative-Survival-Creatives-Sensitive/dp/1960876120
• Social Media: @stefanifryzel on Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook and Threads
• Website: www.stefanifryzel.com
• DM “TSS” on Instagram @StefaniFryzel to Join us at The Songwriter Series
• Contact: info@stefanifryzel.com

Find Casey Baer:

• Follow Casey Baer on socials:
  • Instagram: @caseybaerr
  • TikTok: @imcaseybaer
  • YouTube: Casey Baer
  • Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0900602BF2F63E2D

In this episode, we're joined by a Filipino trailblazer, Drew de Leon, who seamlessly melds his marketing expertise with a passion for music. Together, we unpack the challenges and triumphs of being underrepresented in the music industry and ways to change the game for aspiring artists and songwriters. Discover how The Digilogue music community bridges this gap by offering invaluable music opportunities and education. Join us as we discuss reshaping the future through the transformative power of community, representation, and the intersection of wellness culture and creativity.

TIMESTAMPS:

• 1:45 - Drew de Leon’s backstory
• 3:00 - Transitioning from corporate into the music industry
• 4:27 - The creation of The Digilogue music community
• 6:15 - Bringing Filipino values of community into the music scene
• 8:45 - How The Digilogue can assist with your mental health as an artist
• 17:05 - One piece of advice to new artists and songwriters
• 20:43 - Getting involved at The Digilogue

LINKS:

• Your FREE Resource 10 Ways Monetize as A Songwriter
• Check out “Self-Care for the Creative: A Survival Guide for Creatives, Empaths and Highly Sensitive People” on Amazon!
• Social Media: @stefanifryzel on Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook and Threads
• Website: www.stefanifryzel.com
• DM “TSS” on Instagram @StefaniFryzel to Join us at The Songwriter Series
• Contact: info@stefanifryzel.com

FIND THE DIGILOGUE/DREW:

• www.thedigilogue.com
• Follow The Digilogue on socials:
  • Instagram:@thedigilogue
  • TikTok: @thedigilogue
  • Facebook: @thedigilogue
• Follow Drew de Leon on socials:
  • Instagram: @drewcurator