This week’s theme: The Spirit of Vulnerability
In this episode of From Fear to Fire, Heather Hansen O’Neill interviews musician, writer, and educator Matthew Check, whose creative journey weaves together bluegrass music, writing, and self-discovery. His memoir, What Would Philip Roth Do?, embodies a Spirit of Vulnerability, blending humor, honesty, and raw emotion as he reflects on sobriety, relationships, and personal growth. Check shares how writing demanded discipline and courage while music offered a space for expression and connection.
He speaks openly about using humor to navigate pain, facing fears in love and creativity, and transforming past struggles into authentic art. Through his story, Check highlights that the path to purpose often begins with vulnerability, the willingness to reveal our truth, learn from failure, and keep showing up with heart.
From Fear to Fire: Secrets to Overcome Fear, Embrace Your Gifts and Achieve Success
This is the place where real people share real challenges. Where you can find a common bond and uncommon wisdom through their stories. Use tips from the breakthroughs of others to jump-start your success. Speaker, author, adventurer, and host Heather Hansen O’Neill takes you on the journey from fear to fire. Today, we talk about embracing creativity, recovery, and authenticity through a Spirit of Vulnerability that transforms personal challenges into purpose and art.
Matthew Check
Matthew Check is originally from Newtown, Pennsylvania. After nearly two decades in New York City, he now resides in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Matt’s musical journey is marked by a fusion of genres and themes. He coined the term “jewgrass” to describe his innovative blend of bluegrass and Jewish liturgical music, as heard on The Bluegrass Kabbalat Shabbat Experience. His versatility is further showcased through his work with the Emmy-nominated band Gangstagrass and his collaboration with Grammy-winning artist Joanie Leeds on the 2019 album Sterling.
In his solo work, Matthew draws inspiration from the introspective folk and pop-rock sounds of the 1970s. His 2022 album Without a Throne explores deeply personal narratives, including his journey toward sobriety, most poignantly in the track “Old Wooden Floor.” Recorded live in Nashville, the album captures the raw and authentic essence of his songwriting.
Matthew’s debut memoir, What Would Philip Roth Do? (Parentheses Press, 2025), continues this spirit of vulnerability and self-examination. The irreverent coming-of-age story follows his misadventures as a young Jewish educator and banjo player in mid-2000s New York City—teaching Hebrew in a messianic community, navigating relationships, and searching for identity and meaning in a city of contradictions.
Matt’s commitment to authenticity and emotional depth runs through both his writing and music, earning him recognition in Billboard, PopMatters, and Americana UK. #matthewcheck
Connect with Matthew:
Website: Matthew Check Music
LinkedIn: Matthew Check
Facebook: Matthew Check
Instagram: @matthewcheck
Quote of the Day:
“The true beauty of music is that it connects people” ~ Roy Ayers
Finding Humanity: The Evolution of Sales is out now. Check it out here!
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