Safe In Sound
Tune in to hear how music can be both a mirror and a medicine — helping us feel less alone, rediscover what moves us, and learn to use sound as a coping skill. Welcome to a space where music and mental health meet. Safe in Sound is a podcast with host Jeremy Houtsma, a licensed mental health counselor, that dives deep into the emotional stories behind the songs that shaped a generation — exploring how artists, therapists, and record label owners navigate mental health in the music industry. Each episode blends raw conversation and reflection, connecting the nostalgia of 2000s emo music with real, modern-day mental health experiences. Whether you’re a longtime fan of bands like Minus the Bear, Further Seems Forever, or Taking Back Sunday, or simply someone who finds healing through music, you’ll find honesty, connection, and hope here. Tune in to hear how music can be both a mirror and a medicine — helping us feel less alone, discover what moves us, and learn to use sound as a healing mechanism.
Episodes

Friday Sep 29, 2023
Friday Sep 29, 2023
Send us a textChallenging the status quo and diving headfirst into the colorful world of music, our episode today resonates with the influential beats of Jake Brown, a creative force behind bands 238, Moments in Grace and Isiya dot exe. A small-town musician with considerable talent, Jake talks us through his journey of juggling parenting responsibilities while feeding his passion for music.As we navigate through Jake’s narrative, we touch upon some profound discussions around mental health and the therapeutic role music plays in coping with the same. Exploring the evolution of his music career, we delve into his punk influences and the incredible journey of his band, 238 Moments in Grace. Further, we crack open the recording process, examining the significant influence of lyricism and the exhilarating experiences of touring with big-name bands.Ending our captivating conversation with a deep dive into the complexities of the music industry, we shine a spotlight on the challenges that small-town bands face. No stranger to these struggles himself, Jake shares the compelling journey from being a small-town band to touring with the iconic My Chemical Romance. Finally, we get a glimpse of Jake's life as a 42-year-old musician and father of three, his creative exploration of music, and his appreciation for the reinterpretation of genres by the younger generation. This is a compelling exploration of music, mental health, and the balance of life that is sure to leave you inspired.If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Friday Sep 08, 2023
Friday Sep 08, 2023
Send us a textStrap in as we explore the intricate dance between faith and music, a narrative that is deeply personal to Jeremy. He speaks candidly about the challenges and triumphs he faced in merging these two worlds, providing a unique perspective that's as enlightening as it is engaging. We also talk about Jeremy's Podcast "The Rumors Are True!" The podcast, marinated in his rich background and seasoned by the relationships he has nurtured over the years, is a testament to Jeremy's unwavering belief in the power of communities and the transformative ability of music. Whether you're an avid music lover, an ardent podcast enthusiast, or someone seeking a slice of life in the Midwest music scene, this episode has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this harmonious blend of music, faith, and life experiences that are sure to strike a chord.If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Friday Aug 11, 2023
Friday Aug 11, 2023
Send us a textAmerican Football is perhaps one of THE most influential bands in the scene, especially when it comes to Midwest Emo. Steve Lamos is the founding member, drummer, and trumpet player for the band but Steve is also an accomplished professor and academic. In this episode, Steve and I talk about how influential the music scene was in his college years for not only him but many other young people in Champaign-Urbana. We also cover the reunion of American Football and his subsequent leaving again and coming back. We also talk about Steve's work and teaching at the University of Colorado, Boulder, specifically surrounding the history and evolution of writing instruction especially in the Civil Rights Era. It was my absolute pleasure to get to talk to Steve and dive into all these topics. If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Friday Jun 23, 2023
Friday Jun 23, 2023
Send us a textZach Gehring is the guitarist most known for his work in the MAE and his other band Demons but there is so much more to Zach than just the music he creates though. Zach is currently getting his PhD, while being a Dad and a musician. Zach and I ended up talking about philosophy, theology and music as a political statement. The conversation was fascinating and showed a side of Zach I'm not sure music fans get to see of him. At the end of the day he's a guy I'd love to share a beer with and talk life and that's what we did! If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Friday May 19, 2023
Friday May 19, 2023
Send us a textJimmy Stadt was the lead singer of the band Polar Bear Club and the current singer and musician of the band Shy Tooth. In 2013 Polar Bear Club called it quits, leaving Jimmy with a difficult transition into "civilian life." Jimmy and I talk about the inception of the band, it's challenges and what life was like and has been since calling it quits. If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Friday Mar 10, 2023
Friday Mar 10, 2023
Send us a textJason Gleason is perhaps one of my favorite lead vocalists for any band in the scene. Having seen him twice when he was in Further Seems Forever, his stage presence and crowd participation were unmatched. Jason and I talk about How to Start a Fire's 20-year anniversary, his reconciliation with the band, and our mutual love for all things New Jersey. If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Sunday Jun 26, 2022
Sunday Jun 26, 2022
Send us a textJosh Hagquist from The Beautiful Mistake talks about his own history in the scene and his band The Beautiful Mistake. Josh and I also talk about the importance of working on yourself and the healing that can come from that. If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Saturday May 21, 2022
Saturday May 21, 2022
Send us a textIn this episode, we talk with Joe Musten. Joe is the drummer for the band Beloved and at times, The Almost, as well as lead singer in the band Advent. We talk about the rise and fall of Beloved, and their reunion at Furnace Fest, as well as his role in Advent. We also discuss Joe's faith and why Christians seem to resist mental health treatment. If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
Send us a textIf you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube







