Welcome back to When Words Fail Music Speaks, the show where we combat Depression and despair with the healing power of music. I’m your host, James Cox, and today’s episode is a truly moving one.
We sit down with Mike Gomoll, the visionary founder of Joey Song, a non‑profit born from tragedy and turned into a beacon of hope. After his son Joey was diagnosed with a rare, devastating form of epilepsy—Dravet syndrome—Mike and his Family faced unimaginable loss. Rather than letting Grief win, they channeled their Love of music into a mission: raise awareness, fund research, and support families navigating epilepsy.
Mike shares his journey from a college nightclub manager at Madison’s legendary Headliners, through a long corporate stint at IBM, to becoming the driving force behind a series of benefit concerts that have raised over a million dollars. He explains how music became Joey’s sole language, how “when words fail, music speaks” became the rallying cry for his cause, and why a night of rock legends—Butch Vig, Rick Nielsen, members of the Goo Goo Dolls, the Bangles, and more—volunteer their time to perform for a good cause.
We’ll hear stories of spontaneous on‑stage magic, the unique “super‑group” covers that turn classic hits into unforgettable tributes, and Mike’s vision for expanding Joey Song beyond Madison. Along the way, we’ll demystify epilepsy, bust common myths, and discover why a simple “D”—Joey’s cue to dance—could be the world’s most powerful message.
If you’ve ever wondered how one family turned personal tragedy into a movement that harnesses the universal language of music, this episode is for you. Grab your headphones, get ready to feel inspired, and remember: when words fail, music speaks.
Let’s dive in.
