From Snowstorms to Soundtracks: Winter Music, AI Tools, and Podcast Creativity
Thu Jan 29 2026
Snowed in and staying warm in Chicago, Val The Voice Johnson invites listeners into a reflective winter episode of The Interludes Podcast centered on music, memory, and creativity.
Recorded during a January snowstorm, this solo episode opens with real-time weather reflections and a heartfelt request for prayers for co-host Coach Tony, who experienced a multi-day power outage in Nashville. From there, Val poses the core question of the episode: What music do you listen to when you’re snowed in?
Val shares her own winter soundtrack—rooted in neo-soul, jazz, and 80s/90s throwbacks—shaped by her Chicago upbringing, her father’s jazz records, and legendary artists like Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane.
The conversation also looks forward, as Val discusses experimenting with AI-powered music tools, including using Suno-generated tracks for podcast background music and exploring collaborations with relaxing, faceless YouTube music channels like SoFi Room.
This episode blends nostalgia, innovation, and community—inviting listeners to reflect, relax, and engage with the sounds that carry them through the winter season.
📌 Show Notes
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Chicago winter reflections and “snowed in” energy
A prayer request and community update for Coach Tony
Neo-soul, jazz, and throwback music for winter listening
Chicago radio influence and jazz legends that shaped Val’s taste
How AI tools like Suno are being used in podcast production
A call for listener participation and upcoming music polls
Listener Questions:
What music do you play when you’re snowed in?
What’s your favorite genre of music right now?
Coming Up:
Listener poll results
Shout-outs to independent artists and listeners
Continued exploration of AI, music, and podcast creativity
Resources Mentioned:
The Morning Meetup is a global community for entrepreneurs and creatives founded by David Shands.Membership is $19/month and offers community, accountability, and business conversations for creators building with intention.
🔔 Subscribe to The Interludes on LinkedIn
The Interludes Newsletter by Pure Lighthouse Media
Get behind-the-scenes access to Interludes Extra and The Pull Up Podcast Show, plus reflections on culture, creativity, and podcasting—from the mic to the mindset.
💜 Join the Interludes Community on Patreon (Free)
Join the Interludes Patreon for free and get even more behind-the-scenes moments, podcasting insights, and community updates as the shows continue to grow.
🎙️ Kickstart Your Podcast for 2026: AI Style🗓️ Saturday, January 31st⏰ 10:00 AM Eastern / 9:00 AM Central
This live webinar is for anyone ready to stop waiting and start—or restart—their podcast with clarity, confidence, and intention. Also, we will show AI tools for podcasting.
What have you been sitting on longer than you want to admit?
Is your pause about fear—or capacity?
What would starting again look like if you gave yourself grace?
ABOUT VAL THE VOICE JOHNSON: "A DJ Saved My Life" is the book by Val "The Voice" Johnson. The debut book features a heartfelt tribute to the healing power of music and the therapeutic potential of podcasting, all with the ABCs of podcasting rolled into one.
Get your print or digital copy today!
More
Snowed in and staying warm in Chicago, Val The Voice Johnson invites listeners into a reflective winter episode of The Interludes Podcast centered on music, memory, and creativity. Recorded during a January snowstorm, this solo episode opens with real-time weather reflections and a heartfelt request for prayers for co-host Coach Tony, who experienced a multi-day power outage in Nashville. From there, Val poses the core question of the episode: What music do you listen to when you’re snowed in? Val shares her own winter soundtrack—rooted in neo-soul, jazz, and 80s/90s throwbacks—shaped by her Chicago upbringing, her father’s jazz records, and legendary artists like Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane. The conversation also looks forward, as Val discusses experimenting with AI-powered music tools, including using Suno-generated tracks for podcast background music and exploring collaborations with relaxing, faceless YouTube music channels like SoFi Room. This episode blends nostalgia, innovation, and community—inviting listeners to reflect, relax, and engage with the sounds that carry them through the winter season. 📌 Show Notes In this episode, you’ll hear: Chicago winter reflections and “snowed in” energy A prayer request and community update for Coach Tony Neo-soul, jazz, and throwback music for winter listening Chicago radio influence and jazz legends that shaped Val’s taste How AI tools like Suno are being used in podcast production A call for listener participation and upcoming music polls Listener Questions: What music do you play when you’re snowed in? What’s your favorite genre of music right now? Coming Up: Listener poll results Shout-outs to independent artists and listeners Continued exploration of AI, music, and podcast creativity Resources Mentioned: The Morning Meetup is a global community for entrepreneurs and creatives founded by David Shands.Membership is $19/month and offers community, accountability, and business conversations for creators building with intention. 🔔 Subscribe to The Interludes on LinkedIn The Interludes Newsletter by Pure Lighthouse Media Get behind-the-scenes access to Interludes Extra and The Pull Up Podcast Show, plus reflections on culture, creativity, and podcasting—from the mic to the mindset. 💜 Join the Interludes Community on Patreon (Free) Join the Interludes Patreon for free and get even more behind-the-scenes moments, podcasting insights, and community updates as the shows continue to grow. 🎙️ Kickstart Your Podcast for 2026: AI Style🗓️ Saturday, January 31st⏰ 10:00 AM Eastern / 9:00 AM Central This live webinar is for anyone ready to stop waiting and start—or restart—their podcast with clarity, confidence, and intention. Also, we will show AI tools for podcasting. What have you been sitting on longer than you want to admit? Is your pause about fear—or capacity? What would starting again look like if you gave yourself grace? ABOUT VAL THE VOICE JOHNSON: "A DJ Saved My Life" is the book by Val "The Voice" Johnson. The debut book features a heartfelt tribute to the healing power of music and the therapeutic potential of podcasting, all with the ABCs of podcasting rolled into one. Get your print or digital copy today!