Working Towards Our Purpose

"I want to use music and the arts to really bring people out of the shadow, celebrate diversity, and bring them into community. To be able to give back, and recognize that everybody has value." -Adam

I had the pleasure of speaking with Adam Christoferson, the founder of Musical Intervention in this episode of Working Towards Our Purpose. Adam shares his powerful vision of creating opportunities for individuals who have been marginalized by society to be celebrated through their creative expressions. We delve deep into the transformative impact music and creative activities have on mental health, community building, and empowerment. Adam shares his personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs in establishing a space where he uses music as a tool for healing and purpose for those who struggle. 

Bio: Adam Christoferson's passion for music started at a young age when his uncle had a big hit on the radio the year he was born. After attending some of his concerts at a young age and experiencing the power of music, his father bought him a drum set at the age of 8 and he fell in love with playing. Music became a safe place for him to communicate and connect with others, spending hours jamming with friends during his adolescents. After writing and playing his own songs, he became an advocate for using music as a tool for healing and connection.  He got a degree in recreational therapy from Southern Connecticut University and then started working with elderly in the hospitals and the homeless at shelters to write songs together and hold open mic nights.  Adam took him ability to create music with others to the community giving people a space to feel like they have purpose no matter their history or situation.

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00:00 – Introduction 
00:33 – Early Life & Musical Roots
02:08 – Discovering Music as a Safe Space
04:09 – Building Community & The Dream of Musical Intervention
06:35 – Inspiration, Identity, and Overcoming Challenges
10:29 – From Singer-Songwriter to Purpose-Driven Work
12:03 – The Journey to College & Finding Recreational Therapy
16:20 – Early Career: Therapy, Community, and Breaking Out on His Own
18:21 – Running for Mayor & Doubling Down on Musical Intervention
21:24 – Creating a Judgement-Free Creative Space
24:02 – Balancing Mission and Business: Struggles & Successes
29:20 – The Power of Fighting for Others
32:29 – Vulnerability, Improvisation & Building Community
37:11 – Making Music Accessible to All
38:14 – Yale Collaboration & Neuroscience of Music
41:51 – Music’s Impact on Mental Health & Family Connection
44:08 – Music Therapy vs. Recreational Therapy
47:31 – Giving People Identity Beyond Their Diagnosis
48:25 – What is Purpose? Adam’s Reflections
52:27 – Closing Thoughts

In this episode you'll learn:

How to use music to transform healing
How to find self expression in music 
How to connect people with different backgrounds with music
How use music therapy to heal
How to find vulnerability in music 
How music therapy can help mental health struggles 
The importance of identify 
How to see individuals for their talents and strengths
How to be seen and heard
How to make positive change in your community   

 

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

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