May 2, 2025
In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with singer-songwriter and creative visionary Thad Cockrell for a conversation that took an unexpected but deeply inspiring turn. Thad opens up about his journey from wrestling mats and seminary halls to Nashville stages and international acclaim—all while forging a career based on creativity, authenticity, and saying a bold “yes” to uncertainty. We explore what it means to create from love rather than fear, and how rebellion, doubt, and wonder can be sacred tools on the creative path.
From Thad’s bold decision to sell his album for $100 directly to fans, to the moment Jimmy Fallon discovered his song in a hardware store, this conversation will challenge the way you think about success, security, and what it means to truly create without an agenda. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or just someone seeking a more intentional life, this episode is packed with insight and soul.
⏱️ Timeline Summary:
[1:45] - Thad on how
creativity is a daily act of defeating doubt
[4:00] - Why you can’t conform and create at the same
time
[9:55] - The childhood moment that sparked Thad’s unexpected path
toward music
[14:20] - Discovering Neil Young and realizing, “This is what I’m
supposed to do”
[24:30] - Moving to Nashville and the wild story of unexpected
community support
[33:50] - Thad’s transformative shift from insecurity to creating
from security
[44:00] - How he released his latest album for $100 and made more
than 13 years on Spotify
[49:50] - What it means to create from the present moment with no
need for external validation
[56:00] - Thad’s big dream: building a new music economy and going
platinum without streaming
🔗 Links & Resources:
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Thad Cockrell’s album “The Kid” — Available exclusively via his site
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Learn more about Thad’s journey and upcoming projects at thadcockrell.com
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Past guest: Thom Asta's episode
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