We are celebrating a podcast milestone today with our very first repeat guest, Emily Smith! Since she last joined us on Episode 23, Emily and I have had so much more to talk about. We dive right into her inspiring career transition from the corporate music world at Zildjian back to her entrepreneurial roots in live theater sound engineering.

Emily shares what it’s like running sound for local South Shore theaters and schools, and why empowering the next generation of theater tech students is so important to her. We also have an honest conversation about the realities of creative motherhood—navigating mom guilt, carving out time for yourself, and realizing that you don't have to put your creative dreams on hold while raising a family. Finally, Emily gives us the inside scoop on her new original band, Safe Journey, and how returning to the studio has completely changed the way she listens to (and plays) music.

What We Talk About:

• [0:00] Welcome back, Emily! Picking up where we left off in Episode 23.

• [4:20] Making the leap from a decade at Zildjian to freelance live theater sound.

• [13:30] The magic of teaching high school students theater tech and bringing pro sound to community stages.

• [26:10] Redefining success: Why touring globally isn't the only way to ”make it” in the music industry, and the beauty of thriving locally.

• [37:50] Joining the band Safe Journey: Translating visual emotions into music with singer/songwriter Steph Larsen.

• [47:20] Why it’s never too late for adults to pick up an instrument or return to a creative passion.

• [52:20] Creative Motherhood: Battling ”mom guilt,” being present, and showing your kids what it looks like to pursue your dreams.

• [1:08:00] Passive vs. Critical Listening: How Emily's ear has evolved and the fun of swapping snare drums in the studio.

Links & Mentions:

• Catch Emily running sound at the Spire Center in Plymouth (The Addams Family in July) and Priscilla Beach Theatre (The Wizard of Oz in August).

• Follow Emily's new band, Safe Journey on Instagram: @safejourneysteph

• Check out Beth's work for sale at House Cat Boutique in Plymouth!

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Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth.

Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠

 ⁠@bethbaileypottery

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Intro song “Dog Days” by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist.

Licensor name: Greg Loftus

Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright)

Licensor email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows.

Outro song ”Just Another Heartbreak” by Safe Journey used with full permission of the artist.

Licensor name: Safe Journey

Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright)

Licensor email: [email protected]⁠⁠