In this intimate live episode recorded in Boulder, Colorado, host Ashley Wick sits down with 26-year-old indie-folk artist Emma Rose for a soulful, humorous conversation about creativity and resilience. Emma opens up about growing up with touring folk musician parents, her journey from playing bass in other bands to leading her own project, Sound of Honey, and the bold choice to leave the breakout bluegrass band Big Richard at its peak.

They explore the struggles of breaking through in a competitive industry, the addictive pull of constant digital connection, and the pressure to keep producing in a culture that prizes speed and visibility. Emma shares candid reflections on reclaiming the freedom to create without comparison, embracing rest, and reconnecting with her inner artist.

For creatives who feel the pressure to always be “on,” Emma’s story is a powerful invitation to slow down, tune out the noise, and come home to your own creative voice.

Stay tuned for a rare, live performance of Emma’s beloved and unreleased songs.

Chapters:
01:43 Introducing Emma Rose: A Talented Musician
03:06 Emma's Musical Journey and Family Background
05:36 Choosing Music: A Personal Decision
09:52 High School Challenges and Musical Growth
19:18 COVID-19: A Time for Reflection
21:13 The Rise and Success of Big Richard
23:30 The Rise and Fall of Big Richard
24:09 Trusting Your Gut and Making Hard Decisions
24:47 The Struggles of Life on the Road
27:22 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Worth
28:59 Navigating the Music Industry
33:12 Balancing Creativity and Spirituality
36:31 The Practice of Being an Artist
39:54 Finding Flow and Overcoming Stagnation
43:35 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Links:

Emma Rose

Big Richard Band

Sound of Honey

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way / Morning Pages Tool

The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

With thanks to…
Jamie and Davis at Stone Cottage Studios for hosting and producing this special live episode, and to our sponsors Plantgem, Low Rider, Boulder Wine Merchant, Suerte Tequila, and Little Saints for making the evening extra special.

Ashley Links:

Finding The Current Within Retreat: https://peggymarkel.com/adventures/finding-the-current-within/

Ashley Wick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleywick

The Ingenius Life Workshop: https://www.ingenius.life

Take The Leap Course: https://www.taketheleapwomen.com/

Sign up for Ashley’s newsletter for free coaching reflections, tools and news: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/643399411150f24bd562b5f5

Podcast artwork by George Bangs. Photography by Cary Jobe

This podcast is made possible thanks to our amazing partner Plantgem. Get 20% off your order when you use the code IMAGINE.