Rediscover Your Creativity with Mandy Rowden, Founder of Girl Guitar

Is there something creative you keep putting off because you don’t think you’re good enough—or life keeps getting in the way? For me, one of those things has been playing guitar. I’ve played off and on for years. That got me thinking about why we sometimes need permission to do something we enjoy. Singer-songwriter and entrepreneur Mandy Rowden knows that hesitation well. After burning out and returning to Austin from New York, she needed to pay her phone bill. She put together a six-week guitar class for eight women. What happened in that room became Girl Guitar. Mandy joins me to talk about making mistakes and helping adults try things they never thought they could do. We talk about songwriting as a way to process life. She also tells us about her plans to preserve the stories of Texas women songwriters. Bonus: She shares one of her original songs with us - it's fantastic! Questions We Explore How did Mandy Rowden start Girl Guitar? She organized a small women’s guitar class to cover her phone bill. The women wanted to keep meeting and the classes expanded into songwriting and bands. Do you need natural talent to learn guitar as an adult? Mandy challenges the idea that struggling at first means music isn’t for you. She reminds students that experienced musicians also practice and made mistakes. How can a supportive group help you build confidence? Mandy describes students who initially refuse to perform but eventually take part in a showcase. For her, the important moment is when they realize they did something they thought they couldn’t do—it builds confidence. About the Guest Mandy Rowden is a singer-songwriter and founder of Girl Guitar and the Texas Women Songwriters Festival. She's also a lecturer at Texas State University . Listen and Connect Mandy Rowden — music and more Girl Guitar — classes and community Texas Women Songwriters Festival Peace Where I used to Have None by Mandy Rowden. Used with permission. Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next Hosted by Judy Oskam Navigating a change or wondering what comes next? Hear real stories from people who have faced unexpected turns, made important choices, and figured things out along the way. A little wisdom to help you find your own way forward. Explore more at StoriesofChangePodcast.com .