This week I got to talk with Mike Bay of Borrowed Sparks, someone whose music I’ve loved for years. We talked about his move to Nashville—how one Springsteen concert, a job lead, and a surprise lease ending all lined up—and how that kicked off a journey he didn’t totally expect but clearly needed.

Mike opened up about growing up in the Midwest, playing in church bands, and how songwriting has always been his way of processing life—even when he didn’t know that’s what he was doing. We also talked about building community as an independent artist, how grief shows up in his work, and why putting out a record takes so much more than just hitting "upload."

Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

This one meant a lot to me. I hope it lands with you too.

Songs in this episode (in order):

• Let a Little Light In
• The Prettiest One Left
• Are You Listening

–– Hayden

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Thanks for listening—see you next week.