Podcast Summary: Almost Live..... Nashville

Episode: Michael Gomoll: Joey's Song, Freezing Man Concerts for Epilepsy
Host: Tony Mantor
Guest: Michael Gomoll, Founder of Joey’s Song
Release Date: January 5, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Tony Mantor welcomes Michael Gomoll, the founder of Joey’s Song, a nonprofit dedicated to epilepsy awareness and research, inspired by the loss of his son Joey to Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. Michael discusses the organization’s roots, growth into the star-studded Freezing Man concert series in Madison, Wisconsin, and how the power of music is mobilized to generate new research and provide hope to families impacted by epilepsy. The conversation dives into the logistics, emotional stories, and the deeper mission behind turning personal loss into lasting impact.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origins of Joey’s Song

[02:44 - 04:10]

• Michael founded Joey’s Song ~16 years ago after his son Joey passed away from Dravet syndrome.
• The goal is twofold: to fund research for epilepsy and to give hope to families receiving new diagnoses.
• Michael leveraged his music industry ties, starting small by gathering friends and putting on concerts in Madison.

Quote:

"There’s somebody today sitting in a neurologist's office getting a really bad diagnosis, and they're scared. They don't know what to do, and they need to know somebody's out there fighting for them." – Michael Gomoll [02:54]

2. The Freezing Man Concert Series

[04:11 - 07:17]

• Freezing Man originated as an annual January show in Madison, WI, with the tongue-in-cheek name leaning into the Wisconsin winter.
• Originated as a local event with Butch Vig (renowned producer of Nirvana, Garbage, Smashing Pumpkins, etc.) and the Know It All Boyfriends as the “house band.”
• Over the years, it’s grown into a “supergroup” format, attracting an all-star roster who perform covers and original songs on a volunteer basis.

Quote:

"They get paid two beers and a ham sandwich for a weekend in Wisconsin to come and help me raise money for epilepsy research." – Michael Gomoll [05:25]

3. The 2026 Lineup & Concept

[06:00 - 07:17]

• This year’s concert will be held January 9–10, featuring an acoustic night and a traditional electric night.
• Notable guests include John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls), Vicki Peterson (The Bangles), Jane Wiedlin & Gina Schock (The Go-Go’s), John Gourley (Portugal. The Man), Chris Collingwood (Fountains of Wayne), Max Collins (Eve 6), Nikki & Brian (Silversun Pickups), Hugo Burnham (Gang of Four), and newly added Kurt Smith (Tears for Fears).
• The artists mix and form one-night-only “supergroups,” creating unique, unrehearsed musical moments.

Memorable Moment:

"They kind of form these supergroups, right? ... It's literally one of a kind moments that are never going to happen again." – Michael Gomoll [06:49]

4. Funding and Impact

[07:27 - 08:39]

• Joey’s Song is entirely volunteer-run, operating out of Michael's basement.
• Major donation recipient: CURE (Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy), a Chicago-based clearinghouse that helps direct Joey's Song funds directly into pediatric and intractable epilepsy research grants.
• Emphasis on efficiency: “We earn the money and then we get rid of it.”

5. Growth & The Music Community

[09:45 - 11:13]

• The event’s breakthrough came in 2019 with larger venues and high-profile musicians.
• Relationships with artists (especially Butch Vig) have been key to future lineups and maintaining momentum.
• The artist community acts as advocates, helping recruit others while touring.

Quote:

"Having the people that I have, because they're out on the road all the time and meeting people, and they're kind of my best advocates." – Michael Gomoll [09:45]

6. COVID-19's Unexpected Silver Lining

[11:25 - 13:50]

• The pandemic forced the concert online, allowing artists previously unavailable for the live event (e.g., Jewel, Patterson Hood, others) to contribute from home studios.
• Increased accessibility, flexibility, and new ways to reach audiences through livestreams and recorded sets.

Quote:

"Covid let us... have people record in their home studios and do live versions of stuff... It actually helped us." – Michael Gomoll [11:49]

7. Acoustic vs. Full-Band Night: The Audience

[15:22 - 16:39]

• Friday night’s acoustic set attracts “music dorks,” those interested in behind-the-song stories and deep music lore.
• Saturday is a more typical party crowd, eager for the electric, bar-band feel.
• Both crowds share an understanding of the event’s bigger purpose.

8. Breaking Stigma & Creating Visibility

[17:07 - 21:30]

• The show serves as a “billboard” for people with epilepsy, a frequently misunderstood and invisible condition.
• Michael highlights the historical stigma and the need for awareness since epilepsy isn’t readily seen except during seizures.
• They aim to foster community and visibility without focusing solely on the disorder’s hardships.

Quote:

"We're more of a billboard that says epilepsy—it's really important that we fight it, but it doesn't have to be all dour and gloom." – Michael Gomoll [17:07]

• Discussion on the challenges faced by people with neurodisorders, the broad ripple effect on families and communities, and the urgency for research.

Statistics:

"1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime... currently 50 million people in the world with epilepsy. One in three... can’t find relief from their seizures through either medicine or surgery." – Michael Gomoll [20:29]

9. Empathy & The Human Condition

[23:49 - 28:08]

• Tony and Michael reflect on privilege, daily challenges faced by those with neurodisorders, the importance of empathy, and how many struggle invisibly.
• Research is daunting because solutions often involve the brain—a “bottom of the ocean” frontier with serious side effects.
• Empathy, not pity, is needed: “It's cool to be empathetic, and it's really macho to care about other people... the world just becomes a better place.” – Michael Gomoll [24:45]

10. Getting Involved & Next Steps

[28:08 - 29:25]

• Joey’s Song can be found at JoeysSong.org and on all major social media platforms.
• 2026’s show will be livestreamed for $25.
• Ongoing fundraising includes high-profile signed guitar auctions and regular newsletters.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "Spreading the word is what I do." – Michael Gomoll [02:44]
• "They get paid two beers and a ham sandwich for a weekend in Wisconsin..." – Michael Gomoll [05:25]
• "It's like rock camp for musicians. They get to do something they're not normally doing. No pressure. Nobody's gotta carry the show. It's just great." – Michael Gomoll [14:02]
• "We're more of a billboard... Epilepsy... it's really important that we fight it, but it doesn't have to be all, you know, dour and gloom." – Michael Gomoll [17:07]
• "Empathy is not a problem; it's a problem fixer... a lubricant for this problem solving." – Michael Gomoll [27:06]
• "If you just remember Joey's Song, you'll find us." – Michael Gomoll [28:28]

Key Timestamps

• [02:54] – Michael describes why Joey’s Song was started
• [04:11] – Freezing Man concert origin & growth
• [06:22] – High-profile guest lineup for 2026
• [07:27] – How funds are distributed and impact
• [11:25] – COVID-19’s effect and online pivot
• [15:26] – Acoustic versus electric nights and crowd makeup
• [17:07] – On building awareness and battling stigma
• [20:29] – Sobering epilepsy statistics
• [24:45] – Empathy as critical to support and inclusion
• [28:28] – How people can get involved and support Joey’s Song

Conclusion

This episode offers a heartfelt, informative look at how Michael Gomoll’s personal loss catalyzed a movement using music, advocacy, and authenticity to change the landscape of epilepsy awareness and research. Listeners are treated to behind-the-scenes stories, impactful statistics, humor, and reflections on community and empathy. The growth of Freezing Man, the star-studded support, and a relentless, hope-driven mission make this an inspiring listen for anyone passionate about music, charity, or simply making a difference.

How to Get Involved:

• Visit JoeysSong.org
• Join their social media (@joeyssong on all platforms)
• Watch the January show via livestream ($25)
• Participate in their annual auctions for signed guitars
• Subscribe to their newsletter for updates

“What we do is serious. How we do it is not.” – Michael Gomoll [17:07]