What does it cost to walk away from one of Hollywood’s most powerful legal positions to pursue your true passion? Steve Bardwil spent years as Chief Counsel for Walt Disney Studios, overseeing legal affairs for Marvel, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and more—negotiating billion-dollar deals and working alongside industry titans like Steve Jobs, Alan Bergman, and Kevin Feige. But behind the prestigious business cards and high-stakes meetings, he was writing songs, leading a band, and wrestling with a question that wouldn’t let go: What if there’s more?

Welcome to the Takin A Walk podcast and join Buzz Knight on this inspiring music story with singer-songwriter Steve Bardwil.

In 2024, Steve Bardwil made the decision that seemed crazy to everyone around him—he left Disney to pursue music full-time. One year later, he released his critically acclaimed debut album “Nothing But Time,” produced by 11-time Grammy winner Joe Chiccarelli (Elton John, U2, Beck, The Killers). Now he’s heading back into East West Studios to record his sophomore effort.

In this inspiring music interview , Steve shares the emotional journey of redefining his identity beyond the Disney empire, the moment he cold-called Joe Chiccarelli (and actually got a callback), and what happened when one of music’s most legendary producers transformed his songs in ways he never imagined. From opening for Donovan Frankenreiter and Lyle Lovett while still at Disney, to learning the recording process from scratch, to writing “Send Them Love”—a song resonating with anyone who’s faced online negativity—Steve Bardwil and his story is about courage, reinvention, and refusing to live with “what if.”

He also reveals his Beatles origin story (Dodger Stadium, 1966), the bittersweet reality of walking away from a career that defined him, and his advice for anyone contemplating their own leap: “At the end of your life, you can say ‘I tried’ or ‘I wish I would have.’ Don’t be the person who says ‘I wish I would have.’”

Featured Topics: Career reinvention, music production with Joe Chiccarelli, working at Walt Disney Studios, songwriting process, recording at East West Studios, overcoming self-doubt, “Send Them Love,” Beatles at Dodger Stadium, following your passion later in life

 #legendary musician #legendary musican interview #knight #walk #weekly music history #kegendary musician #career breakthrough #disney #buzzknight #iheartpodcast #inspiration #music and resilience #inspiring music interview  #inspiring icons

What does it cost to walk away from one of Hollywood&rsquo;s most powerful legal positions to pursue your true passion? Steve Bardwil spent years as Chief Counsel for Walt Disney Studios, overseeing legal affairs for Marvel, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and more&mdash;negotiating billion-dollar deals and working alongside industry titans like Steve Jobs, Alan Bergman, and Kevin Feige. But behind the prestigious business cards and high-stakes meetings, he was writing songs, leading a band, and wrestling with a question that wouldn&rsquo;t let go: What if there&rsquo;s more?
Welcome to the Takin A Walk podcast and join Buzz Knight on this inspiring music story with singer-songwriter Steve Bardwil.
In 2024, Steve Bardwil made the decision that seemed crazy to everyone around him&mdash;he left Disney to pursue music full-time. One year later, he released his critically acclaimed debut album &ldquo;Nothing But Time,&rdquo; produced by 11-time Grammy winner Joe Chiccarelli (Elton John, U2, Beck, The Killers). Now he&rsquo;s heading back into East West Studios to record his sophomore effort.
In this inspiring music interview , Steve shares the emotional journey of redefining his identity beyond the Disney empire, the moment he cold-called Joe Chiccarelli (and actually got a callback), and what happened when one of music&rsquo;s most legendary producers transformed his songs in ways he never imagined. From opening for Donovan Frankenreiter and Lyle Lovett while still at Disney, to learning the recording process from scratch, to writing &ldquo;Send Them Love&rdquo;&mdash;a song resonating with anyone who&rsquo;s faced online negativity&mdash;Steve Bardwil and his story is about courage, reinvention, and refusing to live with &ldquo;what if.&rdquo;
He also reveals his Beatles origin story (Dodger Stadium, 1966), the bittersweet reality of walking away from a career that defined him, and his advice for anyone contemplating their own leap: &ldquo;At the end of your life, you can say &lsquo;I tried&rsquo; or &lsquo;I wish I would have.&rsquo; Don&rsquo;t be the person who says &lsquo;I wish I would have.&rsquo;&rdquo;
Featured Topics: Career reinvention, music production with Joe Chiccarelli, working at Walt Disney Studios, songwriting process, recording at East West Studios, overcoming self-doubt, &ldquo;Send Them Love,&rdquo; Beatles at Dodger Stadium, following your passion later in life
&nbsp;#legendary musician #legendary musican interview #knight #walk #weekly music history #kegendary musician #career breakthrough #disney #buzzknight #iheartpodcast #inspiration #music and resilience #inspiring music interview &nbsp;#inspiring icons

On the Takin’ A Walk-Music History Podcast, Buzz Knight goes deep with American music’s most iconic musicians. From Rock & Roll Hall of Famers  with legendary storytellers, to artists and their viral music success, musicians reveal the stories behind songs, the creative breakthroughs, career-defining risks, and backstage truths that shaped their legacy. Drawing on decades in radio and deep music history knowledge, The Buzz Knight Takin A Walk Music History podcast delivers legendary musician interviews that explore more than just the songs — Knight uncovers the inspiring music stories and human truths that define music history. 

Takin’ A Walk is the Music History Podcast that gives you music artist interviews from inspiring icons.

If you love our rock & roll stories you'll love the new Spotify Podcast "Billions Club : The Series"

Check out our other shows

Music Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman

Comedy Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman 

Takin A Walk Nashville hosted by Sarah Harralson 

Part of iHeartPodcasts

On the Takin&rsquo; A Walk-Music History Podcast, Buzz Knight goes deep with American music&rsquo;s most iconic musicians. From Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Famers &nbsp;with legendary storytellers, to artists and their viral music success, musicians reveal the stories behind songs, the creative breakthroughs, career-defining risks, and backstage truths that shaped their legacy. Drawing on decades in radio and deep music history knowledge, The Buzz Knight Takin A Walk Music History podcast delivers legendary musician interviews that explore more than just the songs &mdash; Knight uncovers the inspiring music stories and human truths that define music history.&nbsp;
Takin&rsquo; A Walk is the Music History Podcast that gives you music artist interviews from inspiring icons.
If you love our rock &amp; roll stories you'll love the new Spotify Podcast "Billions Club : The Series"
Check out our other shows
Music Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman
Comedy Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman&nbsp;
Takin A Walk Nashville hosted by Sarah Harralson&nbsp;
Part of iHeartPodcasts

Takin' A Walk - Music History with Buzz Knight

On the Takin’ A Walk-Music History Podcast, Buzz Knight goes deep with American music’s most iconic musicians. From Rock & Roll Hall of Famers  with legendary storytellers, to artists and their viral music success, musicians reveal the stories behind songs, the creative breakthroughs, career-defining risks, and backstage truths that shaped their legacy. Drawing on decades in radio and deep music history knowledge, The Buzz Knight Takin A Walk Music History podcast delivers legendary musician interviews that explore more than just the songs — Knight uncovers the inspiring music stories and human truths that define music history. 

Takin’ A Walk is the Music History Podcast that gives you music artist interviews from inspiring icons.

If you love our rock & roll stories you'll love the new Spotify Podcast "Billions Club : The Series"

Check out our other shows

Music Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman

Comedy Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman 

Takin A Walk Nashville hosted by Sarah Harralson 

Part of iHeartPodcasts

 

On the Takin&rsquo; A Walk-Music History Podcast, Buzz Knight goes deep with American music&rsquo;s most iconic musicians. From Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Famers &nbsp;with legendary storytellers, to artists and their viral music success, musicians reveal the stories behind songs, the creative breakthroughs, career-defining risks, and backstage truths that shaped their legacy. Drawing on decades in radio and deep music history knowledge, The Buzz Knight Takin A Walk Music History podcast delivers legendary musician interviews that explore more than just the songs &mdash; Knight uncovers the inspiring music stories and human truths that define music history.&nbsp;
Takin&rsquo; A Walk is the Music History Podcast that gives you music artist interviews from inspiring icons.
If you love our rock &amp; roll stories you'll love the new Spotify Podcast "Billions Club : The Series"
Check out our other shows
Music Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman
Comedy Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman&nbsp;
Takin A Walk Nashville hosted by Sarah Harralson&nbsp;
Part of iHeartPodcasts
&nbsp;

Steve Bardwil : From Disney's Chief Counsel to Chasing Musical Dreams with 11-Time Grammy Winner Joe Chiccarelli- Inspiring Music Stories

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ea324ae5-dfbe-4cff-94ae-b3dc01524e1d/transcript