November 24, 2020
In this episode of Music Therapy I interview therapist Malory Dahl of Chicago Counseling Center about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Malory does an incredible job of sharing the symptoms of SAD, why some people experience SAD, ways to treat SAD at home, when to see a therapist for SAD, and how to differentiate SAD from generalized depression or COVID related mood changes.
Learn more about Malory: https://www.instagram.com/malorydahlwellness/
Visit my website: jessicarisker.com
November 17, 2020
In this episode of Music Therapy, Brianna Tong of Chicago band Cordoba talks about Cordoba’s new album "Specter", music and activism, dealing with the uncertainty of the pandemic, feeling pressure to be creative during quarantine, how she’s been coping through all this, and more!
Listen to Cordoba: https://cordoba.bandcamp.com/
November 10, 2020
In this interview, I talk with Angel Marcloid aka Fire-Toolz! Angel talks about making her music into a career, getting salty on Twitter, her experiences in therapy, Eckhart Tolle and other spiritual teachings, how she’s coping during the pandemic, and more!
Fire-Toolz: https://fire-toolz.bandcamp.com/
October 3, 2020
In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Isabel Cristina of Half Gringa! Izzy talks about her new album, touring, not thinking too far in the future about her career, how her artistic practice is changing this year, the ways she approaches songwriting, what she finds helpful about therapy, how she uses CBT techniques and mindfulness to challenge negative thoughts, and more!
Listen to Half Gringa: https://www.halfgringa.com/
Visit jessicarisker.com
September 19, 2020
In this episode of Music Therapy, Roy Kinsey talks about his work as a librarian in Humboldt Park, finishing a new album earlier this year and how the pandemic affected the release, how his identity and productivity are intertwined, his creativity the past few months, his thoughts on substance use and addiction during quarantine, and much more!
September 12, 2020
In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Mick Fansler of The Curls. Mick talks about his current daily life during quarantine, social media and anxiety, how the quarantine has shifted his relationship with his music career, ambition, what it’s like to be in a band with his wife, what keeps him moving forward during the quarantine, and more!
Listen to The Curls: https://thecurls.bandcamp.com/
September 9, 2020
In this episode, Jake Acosta of Lake Paradise Records takes us on a ride of thoughts and feelings and plays a Silver Jews song and gives us a tour of his setup. I play a new song "I Miss You My Friends". And more! We had fun!!
Lake Paradise Records: https://lakeparadiserecords.bandcamp.com/
Listen to my music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qyxydosK6a3Z52stGG32K
Visit my website: http://jessicarisker.com
Jessica Risker is a musician based in Chicago, IL and a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC).
September 5, 2020
In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Sarah Jane Quillin of Desert Liminal. Sarah talks about playing her biggest show ever at the beginning of this year, sitting on a completed album, her dual paths of research biologist and musician, talks about how gut bacteria can impact our behavior and moods, what she misses about the Chicago DIY scene, her comedy show Casual Agony at Cafe Mustache, and more!!
Listen to Desert Liminal: https://desertliminal.bandcamp.com/
Listen to my music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qyxydosK6a3Z52stGG32K
Visit my website: http://jessicarisker.com
Jessica Risker is a musician based in Chicago, IL and a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC).
August 22, 2020
In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Natalie Chami of TALsounds. She shares what it’s like to be a music teacher for CPS during the pandemic, her feelings on making money as a independent musician and performer, her personal experience with therapy and anxiety, why she feels it’s best to work on music every day, and more!!
This conversation originally aired via Instagram Live on August 22, 2020. Please excuse the poor sound quality during my song, due to Instagram's compression.
Learn more about TALsounds: http://talsounds.com
Listen to my music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qyxydosK6a3Z52stGG32K
Visit my website: http://jessicarisker.com
Jessica Risker is a musician based in Chicago, IL and a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC).
August 15, 2020
In this episode of Music Therapy, I talk with Sullivan Davis of The Hideout Chicago, a well-respected music venue located between the Lincoln Park and Bucktown neighborhoods of Chicago. Sullivan shares what steps The Hideout is taking to survive the pandemic, the impact quarantine has on agents and booking agencies, what makes the Chicago music scene unique, how to support The Hideout, and more!
Listen to my music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qyxydosK6a3Z52stGG32K
Visit my website: http://jessicarisker.com
Jessica Risker is a musician based in Chicago, IL and a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC).