Podcast Summary: Takin' a Walk — Classic Replay: Alya & The Songs That Saved Us

Host: Buzz Knight (iHeartPodcasts)
Guest: Alya (Grammy-winning artist, humanitarian)
Original Air Date: November 5, 2025

Overview

This intimate episode of "Takin' A Walk" (in replay via "Music Saved Me") features Grammy-winning vocalist Alya, delving into her journey from the Soviet Union to international artistry. The conversation, guided by substitute host Lynne Hoffman, explores themes of transformation, resilience, the healing power of music, philanthropy, and the responsibility artists bear in inspiring hope and change.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Alya’s Early Life, Musical Roots, and First Encounters with Music

[05:28–07:41]

• Not From a Musical Family:
  Alya grew up with little exposure to music at home, aside from her Ukrainian grandmother, a church choir singer.

  “I didn’t have all of it. So I consider that a luxury because my family was not musical at all... The only exposure to music I had was through my grandma, my wonderful Ukrainian grandma.” — Alya [05:28]

• First Song, First Earnings:
  Recalls singing Christmas carols around her Ukrainian neighborhood as a child, earning treats and small gifts.

• Early Dreams:
  Despite classical training, her initial career path was TV journalism; the “call for music” always persisted.

The Immigrant Experience and Reconnecting Through Music

[09:56–11:48]

• Personal Challenge:
  Alya describes immigrating as “inspiring and traumatic.” She lost and found parts of herself through this transition.

  “... Immigration, it’s a death in some sort. And you leave parts of yourself... and it never comes back. And so I think music... was assertive me to find myself again.” — Alya [09:56]

• Universal Language:
  Language barriers deepened her reliance on musical collaboration as her means of emotional expression and identity.

On Giving Back and Roots of Philanthropy

[07:41–09:43, 14:33–16:27]

• Family Values:
  Emphasizes upbringing in a “very modest” household, where generosity and giving were core values.

  “I’m not afraid to give big... I also talk about the time and the emotions and energy that we give back...” — Alya [07:58]

• Religious/Ethical Roots:
  Alya cites Orthodox traditions—“If you meet someone who's in need, you give your last rope”—as still guiding her actions.

On the Responsibility of Artists & the Power of Platforms

[14:33–16:27]

• Artists and Action:
  Alya urges musicians to see their platforms as tools for good, not just self-promotion or monetization.

  “If you have a platform, you have responsibility. This is something that I've learned from being a journalist.” — Alya [14:33]

• Authenticity vs. Monetization:
  She questions those who prioritize profits over integrity, emphasizing alignment with values and meaningful partnerships.

The “Be the Hope” & UNICEF Campaign

[16:49–20:26]

• Genesis of ‘Hope’ Song:
  The song “Hope” was released as both an inspirational pop anthem and a charitable single, with proceeds donated via UNICEF.
• Viral Movement:
  Alya encouraged her followers to perform and share acts of kindness, which grew across social media platforms.
• Response to Conflict:
  The war in Ukraine deeply affected Alya, who has both Russian and Ukrainian heritage and is a pacifist. This pain fueled her determination to aid affected children through the UNICEF campaign.

  “...It was a very, very painful moment for me... I started thinking about... how it’s terrible that in this 21st century we adults can’t figure out any other ways... but go and, you know, kill each other... what lesson to give to our children.” — Alya [16:49]

• Active Involvement:
  Alya expresses a palpable desire to personally help on the ground, beyond fundraising.

The American Dream & Advice for “Dreamers”

[21:12–22:56]

• Perspective on America:
  Alya comments on how many Americans have become disconnected from the “American Dream,” seeing it as unattainable or reserved for others.
• Empowerment Philosophy:
  Stresses that dreams are realized through action, regardless of resources:

  “You don’t have to have a lot of money. You don’t have to have a platform. You just have to get going because you never know where you will end up.” — Alya [21:12]

Music’s Science and Spirituality as a Healing Tool

[23:36–26:27]

• Healing Power:
  Alya blends spiritual and pragmatic perspectives, citing both belief and research in music’s cellular–level effects.

  “...How words, how everything that we say changes our reality. And I'm a big believer in that... my kids... were listening [to classical music] from the moment I knew they have all the sensory things evolved... they all have perfect pitch.” — Alya [23:36]

• Intentional Songwriting:
  She avoids negative themes in her lyrics—not out of naivete, but from conviction that “we need to start talking about positivity.”
• Genre Fusion & Clean Content:
  Alya’s music spans mediation, inspirational, pop, and dance; always with “clean” and uplifting lyrics for all ages.

Notable Songs & Achievements

[27:33–28:14]

• “American Beauty”:
  A key track bridging Alya’s international story and American journey.
• New Music & Continued Impact:
  Alya hints at an upcoming album with both ballads and dance tracks—consistent with her mission of wholesome, inspiring music.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Musical Heritage:

  “I’m always jealous of these people...that say, ‘Oh, I grew up in this musical family’...I didn’t have all of it...the only exposure to music I had was through my grandma...” — Alya [05:28]

• On Finding Herself Through Music After Immigrating:

  “Immigration...it’s a death in some sort. You leave parts of yourself...and it never comes back. So I think music...was assertive me to find myself again.” — Alya [09:56]

• On Giving Back:

  “As much as you give back, as much as you will get in return...I'm not afraid to give big...I'm not talking about money. I also talk about the time and the emotions and energy that we give back...” — Alya [07:58]

• On the Responsibility of Artists:

  “If you have a platform, you have responsibility...you have to look at yourself in the mirror every single morning...” — Alya [14:33]

• On the Purpose of ‘Hope’ and the UNICEF Partnership:

  “I started looking for a good partner...Russia and Ukraine conflict happened, which was very personal for me...I want to go there. I want to, not just to give money...I want to give my love...” — Alya [16:49]

• On the American Dream:

  “Every time I would talk with Americans...people very confused...I would say...‘You're just too lazy. You go out of your rear end and go do the work.’ So the dream comes from little actions...” — Alya [21:12]

• On Music as Healing:

  “I know music can heal souls. I know music can change lives, not just because we believe it, but because it’s scientifically proven...in my music, I’m very careful about lyrics...” — Alya [23:36]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|------------| | Alya's background and first musical exposure| 05:28–07:41| | Roots of giving and philanthropy | 07:41–09:43| | Overcoming immigration, finding self in music| 09:56–11:48| | Responsibility and platform of artists | 14:33–16:27| | ‘Hope’ single and UNICEF collaboration | 16:49–20:26| | Perspective on the American Dream | 21:12–22:56| | Science and spirituality of music's healing | 23:36–26:27| | “American Beauty” and new projects | 27:33–28:14|

Conclusion

Alya’s journey illustrates music’s power to heal, unify, and inspire action far beyond the stage. Her activism, global perspective, and focus on intentional, uplifting music offer a template for purpose-driven artistry. Her story encourages listeners to see both music and personal action as vital contributions to building hope and lasting change.