The power of music continues to amaze me, as do the people that help others access its therapeutic powers. Earlier this summer, I was invited to participate in a therapeutic jam session at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System led by music therapist Bailey Skarpness. The jam was a great time, and I followed up with Bailey to ask her to share her perspective on the podcast.
She kindly obliged and I’m pleased to share her story in this latest episode. We chat about neuroplasticity, breakthroughs with patients from ages 21 to 103, how music transcends time, why it’s never too late to learn an instrument, the “cadence” in life that neurologic music therapy unlocks, and so much more.
Thank you, Bailey, for sharing your time and the meaningful work you are doing with our veterans. Keep it rocking!
“What’s Next, Chip?”
My next show is this Friday at noon at the Iowa State Fair inside the iconic Pioneer Hall. Please visit www.chipalbrightmusic.com for a full listing of shows.
To find more stories and insights across the state of Iowa, please consider following and supporting the many talented journalists and storytellers of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative of which I’m a proud member. Many of us will be at the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat this fall and we’d love to have you come join us. It’s for writers and learners at all stages in the creative process and full of wonderful people connecting in new and meaningful ways. You can learn more here.
Other Ways to Support Chip Happens?
Did you know I carry my health insurance license and help folks navigate the caregiver journey in addition to my writing and music? Please learn about my personal experience and licensed services at www.chiphappens.life. I help folks evaluate strategic alternatives to traditional long-term care based on my personal experience as a family caregiver with loved ones that endured difficult cancer and dementia diagnoses. More than 63 million Americans were caregivers in 2025 so I believe it’s an important conversation for friends and families to undertake. Please read and share my article Prepare to Care with your network to better understand the role of caregivers as the “invisible backbone” of the American health care system.
NOTE: All annual paid subscribers to the Chip Happens Substack receive a copy of my CD compilation, Twenty-Five, that includes 25 original songs and an autograph if you request it. If you are only in the market for the CD, it is available here for $25. CD art and design were completed by my amazing and talented wife, Jen Albright, who is the driving force behind our boutique strategy + creative firm, AlbrightSpark.
