Andy McKee shares his perspective on creativity, meditation, alternate guitar tunings, and the mysterious source of inspiration that artists seem to tap into. The conversation explores the idea of music as discovery rather than invention, the emotional power of instrumental music, and how certain songs become permanently intertwined with moments of grief, healing, and memory.

Donny reflects on learning Andy’s song “For My Father” after the passing of his dad, playing it for his mother during hospice, and later for his newborn son — a reminder of how music can follow us through every chapter of life. Together, they discuss the concept of “beginner’s mind,” the role meditation plays in creativity, and why music continues to transcend generations and emotional experiences.

More on Andy McKee here.

Music referenced in this episode:

• Andy McKee - “For My Father”
• Andy McKee - “Drifting”
• Michael Hedges - “Ursa Major”
• Trevor Gordon Hall - “This Beautiful Chaos”
• Eric Johnson - “Cliffs of Dover”
• Vince DiCola - "Training Montage" | Rocky IV (Original Motion Picture Score)
• Vince DiCola - "War" | Rocky IV (Original Motion Picture Score)
• John Williams - “Theme from Schindler’s List”

Other music/artists mentioned:
Preston Reed, Don Ross, Prince, Dream Theater, Pierre Bensusan, Van Halen, Joe Satriani, Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, Metallica, Extreme, Buckethead, Bach, The White Stripes.

This episode’s Spotify Playlist

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What happens when music is the last thing someone hears?

In this episode, we explore a powerful moment at the intersection of music, life, and the unknown. Today's guest shares the story of playing guitar for a man on his deathbed, and how breathing begins to change. As the music continues, something unexpected happens.

Was the music guiding something? Holding something? Calling something back?

This conversation explores the strange and beautiful role music can play at the end of life. We talk about presence, improvisation, and the mysterious ways sound can reach people even when words no longer can.

Sometimes music isn’t just entertainment.

Sometimes it’s the last bridge between worlds.

Casey Connor on YouTube

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support the work behind Music Ghost Stories.

You can also support the show for free by
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A reflective journey through a year of quiet transitions, where time feels less like a straight line and more like a series of subtle shifts. As life moves through moments of change, music appears as a steady companion — surfacing unexpectedly, carrying memory, and offering perspective when words fall short.

In this episode, Donny reflects on how sound intersects with family, legacy, and presence. From revisiting objects and memories once set aside, to welcoming new life, to noticing how music endures through both joy and loss, the episode explores how listening can reveal meaning we didn’t know we were searching for.

If You Try Sometimes is an invitation to slow down and notice the ways music and quiet moments shape our inner lives — and how, over time, what we think we want often gives way to what we truly need.

Book Mentioned: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

"Ric's View" Spotify Playlist

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If this episode stayed with you, there’s a simple way to
support the work behind Music Ghost Stories.

You can also support the show for free by
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In this episode of Music Ghost Stories, host Donny Ingram explores the intersection of music and visual art with guest Emily Bagan, a Nashville-based visual artist who translates music into stunning visual representations. Emily shares her unique creative process, the importance of wonder in art, and her most impactful moments, including a chance encounter with Greta Van Fleet that propelled her career.

Emily's Stairway to Heaven inspired artwork

Listen to Age of Machine by Greta Van Fleet

This episodes Spotify Playlist

"The Creative Act" book by Rick Rubin

Muse Headband

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If this episode stayed with you, there’s a simple way to
support the work behind Music Ghost Stories.

You can also support the show for free by
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In this episode of Music Ghost Stories, host Donny Ingram chats with producer and artist Aaron Sprinkle. They discuss the intersection of technology and vibe in music creation, the emotional power of music, and how personal experiences shape our perception of sound.

Listen to Lovely Rita by The Beatles

This Episode's Spotify Playlist

More on Phantom Words
More on the McGurk Effect

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If this episode stayed with you, there’s a simple way to
support the work behind Music Ghost Stories.

You can also support the show for free by
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Jason Maas shares his compelling journey from aspiring skateboarder to music producer, highlighting his emotional project reviving unfinished works of his late friend, Tim Landers. The episode delves into the lasting impact of music, the emotional connections it fosters, and its ability to transcend time through shared human experiences.

More on Jay Maas here.

Music referenced in this episode:
Nirvana - Nevermind Album
CAKE - "The distance"
Leon Bridges - "Coming Home"
Kali Masi - "Still Life"
Cold Collective - Weathervane Album

Other music mentioned on this episode: Tupac Shakur, The Beach Boys, Imagine Dragons, Four Year Strong, Reel Big Fish, Pianos Become the Teeth, Defeater.

This episode's Spotify Playlist

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If this episode stayed with you, there’s a simple way to
support the work behind Music Ghost Stories.

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In this episode, host Donny delves into the profound connection between music, emotion, and biofeedback with neurofeedback engineer and electronic musician Jason Snell. They explore how music bridges our inner experiences with the outer world, using EEG devices to measure brain responses and creating compositions from brainwave data. Jason shares his journey through music therapy programs and transcendent live performances. The discussion emphasizes the transformative power of music and its ability to bring harmony and healing.

More on Jason Snell here.

Muse headband website.

Mystery sound: "Where were you a year ago?"

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Check out this guest’s TED Talk!
Alan Harvey: Your brain on music

Lyrics referenced in this episode:
Nick Drake - "Hazey Jane II"
If songs were lines in a conversation
the situation would be fine.

Music referenced in this episode:
Sandy Denny - "Who Knows Where the Time Goes"
Henry Purcell - "Dido's Lament"

Other music mentioned on this episode: Sergei Rachmanihoff, Bonnie Raitt, Karla Bonoff, Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin.

This episode's Spotify Playlist

Books referenced in this episode:
"Music, Evolution, and the Harmony of Souls" by Alan Harvey
"Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain" by Oliver Sacks
"Dark Side of the Tune" by Bruce Johnson

Context for the mystery sound that was played:
"Hello, I'm a talking piano.
Can you understand me?"

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If this episode stayed with you, there’s a simple way to
support the work behind Music Ghost Stories.

You can also support the show for free by
leaving a rating or review wherever you listen.

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