Main Themes:

1. Mental Health and Better Help:

• Introduction to Better Help, an online mental health service offering flexible therapy options.
• Highlights include the ability to change therapists at no cost and discounts for newcomers.
• Over 2 million people have benefited from BetterHelp’s services.

1. David Ruff’s Musical Journey:

• Exploration of Ruff’s personal experiences and musical evolution with the bass guitar.
• Discussion of his love for seventies and eighties rock music and distaste for heavy metal.
• Emphasis on musicianship and critique of formulaic bands.

1. Music as Therapy:

• The therapeutic role of music during challenging times.
• Insights into Ruff’s friendships and collaborations, including with Sunny James from Hootie and the Blowfish and Jim Sonefeld (Soni) on a storytelling-focused show.

1. Musical Influences and History:

• The significance of Memphis in music history and the foundational role of blues in American music.
• Influence of Elvis Presley and British bands in popularizing rock and roll.

1. Professional Experiences:

• Ruff’s casino industry experiences in Tunica, Mississippi, including designing a nightclub and museum.
• Anecdotes of holding BB King’s guitar and creating guitars from Clarksdale wood.

1. Band Transitions and Community Support:

• Challenges in transitioning from Tara Lane to the Palmetto Sun Band and excitement for its new direction.
• A postponed benefit concert, “Rockin for College,” due to a hurricane, and the strong community support it received.

1. Personal Insights and Future Plans:

• Personal music preferences and concert experiences.
• Plans for fostering listener connections and further musical exploration.

Listeners can look forward to a blend of personal stories, musical insights, and the therapeutic power of music, all underscored by David Ruff’s unique journey and experiences.

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James Cox Podcast Host who has Cerebral Palsy

James Cox is an individual living with cerebral palsy. He has a podcast called “When Words Fail…Music Speaks” in which he discusses how Music can help with depression. James has lived with cerebral palsy all of his life, and now he wants to help people understand that living with a disability does not define who he is.

James’ dad is a retired colonel in the Air Force, so he lived in many different places such as the Philippines and bases in the southeast USA meeting many interesting people and gaining life experience. James has worked several different jobs over the years that allowed him the opportunity to meet new people and gain different outlooks on life. Places such as Central Carolina Tech College, The Sumter Library, Dave and Buster’s, and Outback Steakhouse.

James has been living on his own for five years now. Moving out of Sumter SC, he has been living up to his life long goal to live on his own and thrive despite his disability. He now lives in Columbia SC and has a part time job that he loves in addition to his podcast.