Music and mental health: Continuing the conversation

Kingston Live podcast episode 92
Kingston's Céline Klein (Jamstone Productions) set out to make a documentary film exploring the theme of music and mental health through the lens of local artists. Though the project took some unexpected turns, Céline discusses the concept along with her subjects, Emily Fennel (Miss Emily) and Ricky Brant (KaKaow), who share some of the mental health and financial struggles they've faced over their musical careers. We first touched the topic of music and mental health in episode 83.

If you are in distress, or know someone who is, call the Kingston & Frontenac 24/7 Crisis Line at 613-544-4229 or Toll Free 1-866-616-6005

Chapters:
00:00:18 Episode overview
00:01:35 Céline's documentary film concept
00:03:31 Emily on unpacking pain
00:07:05 The tension between live performance and life's reality
00:10:20 Fear and truth: Approaching the documentary film project
00:12:51 Leaving the comfort zone
00:14:30 Substances and sobriety: Ricky's journey
00:17:30 Veiling darkness – and facing it
00:19:34 Musical creativity: A blessing or a curse?
00:23:54 Depression and disillusionment derail Céline's film
00:28:03 Layering on financial stress
00:31:08 The importance of connection and community
00:34:00 Live music performance and spirituality
00:37:40 Gratitude for Kingston
00:41:19 Advice for those who may be struggling
00:46:23 Hopes for the documentary project
00:50:09 Episode credits

Episode Production Credits

Guests:
Céline Klein (Jamstone Productions)
Emily Fennel (Miss Emily)
Ricky Brant (KaKaow)

Hosts:
Johnny San [email protected]

Audio production:
SoundWise Inc. https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view

Episode Links
Addiction & Mental Health Services Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington https://amhs-kfla.ca/programs-services/crisis/
Podcast episode 83 - Music and mental health: A conversation with Kingston musicians https://kingstonlive.ca/kingston-podcast-musicians-music-mental-health
Jamstone Productions https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1192262/view
KaKaow https://kingstonlive.ca/kakaow
Miss Emily https://kingstonlive.ca/miss-emily
In the Key of Blue https://kingstonlive.ca/show/929001/view
Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/


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Relevance:
In this Video Resource(s) Jamstone Productions Artist(s) Miss Emily, KaKaow

Video Credits

Produced by: SoundWise
Posted: Jun. 1, 2026 via kingstonlive.ca

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