What happens when the thing you struggle with most becomes the very thing that saves you? In this encore episode, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with Riley Smithson — the LA-based electronic and hip-hop producer known as Shrimpnose — for a raw, unforgettable conversation about music as medicine, identity, and transformation.

This Music Saved Me episode is a testament to the healing power of music.

Riley Smithson grew up navigating the world with a stutter, a condition that shaped how he moved through life, how he connected with others, and ultimately, how he found his voice — not through words, but through sound. He opens up about the profound emotional weight of feeling unheard and how producing music became a form of self-expression that language alone couldn’t offer. What emerged from that struggle is a sonic identity that is entirely his own: innovative, genre-blending, and deeply human.

In this episode, Riley Smithson and Lynn Hoffman explore the moment music shifted from a passion to a lifeline, the creative process behind his distinctive style, and why the healing power of music is never really about perfection — it’s about release.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Shrimpnose’s work or hearing his music saved me story for the first time, this conversation is a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges can become our most defining gifts.

What happens when the thing you struggle with most becomes the very thing that saves you? In this encore episode, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with Riley Smithson &mdash; the LA-based electronic and hip-hop producer known as Shrimpnose &mdash; for a raw, unforgettable conversation about music as medicine, identity, and transformation.
This Music Saved Me episode is a testament to the healing power of music.
Riley Smithson grew up navigating the world with a stutter, a condition that shaped how he moved through life, how he connected with others, and ultimately, how he found his voice &mdash; not through words, but through sound. He opens up about the profound emotional weight of feeling unheard and how producing music became a form of self-expression that language alone couldn&rsquo;t offer. What emerged from that struggle is a sonic identity that is entirely his own: innovative, genre-blending, and deeply human.
In this episode, Riley Smithson and Lynn Hoffman explore the moment music shifted from a passion to a lifeline, the creative process behind his distinctive style, and why the healing power of music is never really about perfection &mdash; it&rsquo;s about release.
Whether you&rsquo;re a longtime fan of Shrimpnose&rsquo;s work or hearing his music saved me story for the first time, this conversation is a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges can become our most defining gifts.

Music Saved Me is the podcast where inspiring music icons, emerging artists, and healing voices explore music as therapy — hosted by Lynn Hoffman.

Every episode dives deep with musicians personally transformed by the power of sound. From the stories behind new music to the viral music success journeys that shaped careers, Music Saved Me examines how music can be a powerful healing device for the global mental health crisis.

Lynn Hoffman brings warmth and curiosity to conversations that connect art to emotional healing, spotlighting nonprofits doing meaningful work and the inspiring music icons who remind us why music matters.

Music Saved Me is produced by Buzz Knight Media Productions.

Check out our other shows:

Takin A Walk hosted by Buzz Knight

Comedy Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman

Takin A Walk Nashville hosted by Sarah Harralson

Music Saved Me is the podcast where inspiring music icons, emerging artists, and healing voices explore music as therapy &mdash; hosted by Lynn Hoffman.
Every episode dives deep with musicians personally transformed by the power of sound. From the stories behind new music to the viral music success journeys that shaped careers, Music Saved Me examines how music can be a powerful healing device for the global mental health crisis.
Lynn Hoffman brings warmth and curiosity to conversations that connect art to emotional healing, spotlighting nonprofits doing meaningful work and the inspiring music icons who remind us why music matters.
Music Saved Me is produced by Buzz Knight Media Productions.
Check out our other shows:
Takin A Walk hosted by Buzz Knight
Comedy Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman
Takin A Walk Nashville hosted by Sarah Harralson

Music Saved Me Podcast

Finding Your Voice : Shrimpnose/Riley Smithson on Stuttering, Survival and The Sound that Set Him Free-Encore

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/d78a8282-b739-4660-911f-b476011c3528/transcript