Can Music Help You Live Your Best Life?

Join us on this episode of the Ascent Life Podcast as we dive deep with musicians Cory Mon and bassist Clark Cannon. Discover how music, live performance, creativity, and authentic connection help us find purpose, meaning, happiness, and fulfillment—even while navigating fatherhood, sacrifices, and chasing dreams.

From Arthur C. Brooks’ The Meaning of Your Life (happiness = enjoyment + satisfaction + meaning) to Ralph Waldo Emerson’s self-reliance, free hugs, Hormel Chili, and a brand-new album, this episode is packed with laughs, real talk, and actionable wisdom for living healthy, wealthy, and wise.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: Living your best life through music & live performance

01:03 - Wisdom from the Pages: Arthur C. Brooks on happiness, meaning, purpose & coherence

02:12 - Emerson, self-reliance, and rebelling against modern burnout

05:29 - Meet Cory Mon & Clark Cannon (bass player)

07:17 - What is your definite major purpose in life?

07:57 - Cory on fatherhood, being a safe space & best friend to his daughter

09:18 - Clark on doing what you love with people you love

13:13 - Sacrifices for music, family & authenticity

16:36 - Missing plays vs. gigs – real dad-musician balance

21:44 - The origin of #FreeHugs & deluxe hugs on stage

25:20 - Why pursue music when it's hard to make a living?

28:00 - The magic of audience sing-alongs & live connection

34:07 - How do you define success as a musician & human?

48:44 - How do you want to be remembered?

54:30 - Biggest fears

01:01:42 - Final advice: Know your values, chase what you love, sprint & pivot

01:04:40 - Album promo, tour vibes & closing wisdom

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