Behind the Music: Eric Gnezda and the Journey of Songs At The Center

The Healing Power of Songwriting: "I don't know how to write a song that doesn't have something to do with healing." - Eric Gnezda

We sit down with the multi-talented Eric Gnezda—an award-winning singer-songwriter, storyteller, and the creative force behind PBS’s Songs At The Center. Broadcasting from Columbus, Ohio, and airing on over 400 PBS stations nationwide, Songs at the Center celebrates the power of music and the often unsung art of songwriting.

Eric opens up about his journey from radio and newspaper columns to producing and hosting a nationally syndicated TV series. He shares how humor and heartfelt honesty shape his songwriting, the pivotal lessons he’s learned from both the music industry and personal challenges, and why he believes music is a profound healing art.

We explore the evolution of musical storytelling, the unexpected road to launching a beloved television show, and the importance of authenticity in art and life. Plus, Eric offers a backstage look into the show’s origins, memorable guest moments, upcoming highlights, and his thoughts on guiding the next generation of songwriters.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, community, and the magic that happens when music brings people together.

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Moments

00:00 "Self-Discovery at 30"

10:17 "Nashville's Geographic Influence"

13:58 Music as Healing Art

16:22 Healing Through Songwriting

24:51 Amusing Financial Adviser Visit

28:31 Songwriters' Unique Renditions

35:15 Annex Memories and Song Lyrics

41:50 Internet's Impact on Music Industry

45:28 Music Creation Democratized

50:57 "Encore Careers and New Opportunities"

57:48 The Power of Songwriting Stories

01:01:15 Listen and Learn for Songwriting

Our top 3 takeaways:

• Say Yes to Opportunities—Even Unpaid Ones: Eric’s early career was defined by seizing every chance, paid or not, which opened doors in radio, TV, and print. Experience and learning often outweigh immediate income in the long run.
• Authenticity Creates Impact: Eric shared how blending humor and vulnerability in his songwriting didn’t just shape his music—it created space for healing and authentic connection, both for himself and his audience.
• Build Your Own Stage: Instead of waiting for permission or the “right place,” Eric launched "Songs at the Center" right in Columbus, Ohio. By owning his platform, he brought national exposure to local creativity, proving it’s not where you build. It's what you build.

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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

The views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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Listener Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.