Phoebe Ryan on Redefining Her Career (And Her Happiness): Music, Mental Health & Moving Forward

In this episode of the Self Care for the Creative podcast, singer-songwriter Phoebe Ryan joins us to share her deeply personal journey from artist to full-time songwriter—and everything that came in between. Known for her effervescent pop sound and razor-sharp hooks, Phoebe first found her voice in a Grateful Dead cover band on the Jersey Shore, before going on to write for artists like Britney Spears, The Chainsmokers, Melanie Martinez, Quinn XCII, and more. Her own music and collaborations have amassed millions of streams, platinum records, and global recognition—but behind the scenes, the road wasn’t always easy.

Phoebe opens up about the emotional and physical toll of the music industry, including a bout of Bell’s palsy brought on by extreme stress, and the lessons she learned by stepping away from the spotlight to prioritize her mental health. She talks candidly about navigating bipolar disorder, the importance of medication, and how her definition of success has shifted from chasing hits to finding peace, joy, and creative freedom.

This conversation is a must-listen for emerging artists, creatives, and anyone in the industry who’s felt the pressure to “push through” at the cost of their well-being. Phoebe reminds us that self-care isn’t just personal—it’s essential to sustainable artistry.

 

Timestamps:

00:00:  Introduction

02:59: Phoebe Ryan: Artist to Songwriter Journey

05:59: The Impact of Stress and Mental Health on Creativity

08:58: Navigating Identity and Purpose in the Music Industry

11:45: Advice for Emerging Artists and Songwriters

14:58: Finding Balance and Self-Care in Creativity

17:59: The Role of Medication in Mental Health

20:57: Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Its Treatment

24:04: Protecting Peace as a Woman in the Industry

27:05: Redefining Success in the Music Industry

 

LINKS

• Join us at our Annual Hitmakers Songwriting Retreat this October in Los Angeles!: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1301496574289?aff=oddtdtcreator

• • More info: stefanifryzel.com

• Join us at The Songwriter Series for music mentorship from hit songwriters: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/the-songwriter-series

• Join the Artist Development Program: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/artist-development-program-1

• For more info on all our events visit: stefanifryzel.com or email us at info@stefanifryzel.com

• Free Resources: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/opt-in-1

• Self-Care for the Creative Book: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Creative-Survival-Creatives-Sensitive/dp/1960876120

• Book a 1:1 session: stan.store/StefaniFryzel/p/11-strategy-session-with-stefani-fryzel

 

FOLLOW PHOEBE RYAN:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoeberyan/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhoebeRyanMusic/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRiy7IsqFucvH3Ilj7qf5Rg
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4N874uPqBka1QiCvnCVOtr
• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/phoebe-ryan/725170786