E163 JD Smigelski Touring as a Musician
Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 163
Date: March 11, 2025
Participants: John Webster, Isabelle Sinclair and Sheila Webster
Guest: J.D. Smigelski
Start Times and Segments:
[0:00:18] What’s On Your Mind: We discuss the importance of lifelong learning for intellectual wellness. Exploring new skills, books, and experiences broadens horizons and builds character. From mastering sourdough to learning instruments, every challenge fosters growth. Curiosity enhances conversations, deepens connections, and keeps us humble. Rather than aiming for expertise, the joy lies in continuous discovery, making life richer and more fulfilling.
[0:08:32] Expanding Minds Interview: [Artistics Wellness] We interview guitarist J.D. Smigelski. He shares his journey, starting guitar at age 11, influenced by his parents’ diverse music taste and local jam sessions. He discusses his early performances and transition into professional touring. J.D. describes the highs and lows of touring—long drives, exhaustion, and technical mishaps contrasted with thrilling performances, such as opening for Nickelback before a massive crowd. We explore artistic wellness, with J.D. emphasizing music’s impact on mental health. He admits to struggling with mental wellness but finds stability in staying busy, learning new skills, and embracing challenges. We reflect on the importance of engagement over actively seeking happiness.
[0:26:42] Flipside of the Coin: We’ve learned that spending time apart in a relationship can strengthen the bond by fostering independence and appreciation. Engaging in personal interests, like a yoga retreat, enhances well-being and refreshes the relationship. Absence truly makes the heart grow fonder, and maintaining individuality contributes to a healthier and more fulfilling partnership.
Takeaways:
J.D. – Touring life is a mix of exhausting travel, unpredictable challenges, and exhilarating performances.
J.D. – Playing for massive crowds, like 100,000+ at a Nickelback show, is an unforgettable experience.
J.D. – Mental wellness is a challenge on the road, but staying busy and engaged helps maintain balance.
J.D. – Learning new skills, like guitar repair, helps me stay mentally focused and positive.
J.D. – Music has a profound impact on well-being and can create deep emotional connections.
John – Chasing happiness directly isn’t as effective as finding fulfillment through meaningful activities.
J.D. – Touring expands perspectives, forcing musicians to adapt, grow, and embrace new experiences.
Guest Information: J.D. Smigelski started playing guitar at a young age. He started his on-stage journey with his guitar teacher John McKinley and his open jam at the Huether Hotel (which is in Waterloo and by the way makes one of my favourite craft beers). He knew J.J. Wilde from middle school, who also grew up in Kitchener. J.J. is a Canadian rock singer. Her debut album Ruthless won Rock Album of the Year at the 2021 Juno Awards. Her new album Vices is nominated at the Junos this year. JD has been touring with JJ. I got lucky, ran into him in town and asked whether he’d chat with us about what it’s like to tour as a musician.
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Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-) Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila, Elise, Isabelle, Noura, Julie and Riley