Best Tim Topham Podcasts (2026)

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447: TopMusic 2025 Wrapped PLUS Vision 2026 29:35

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3d ago29:35

29:35

2025 has been one of the biggest years yet for us here at TopMusic. And I’m thrilled to wrap it all up with you in this final episode of the year. In today's episode, we're diving into the key highlights of everything we’ve accomplished, from new courses and Spotlight Sessions to powerful AI tools and a complete website transformation. You’ll also …

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446: Tim Plays Our Winning Composition Competition Entries! 42:09

11d ago42:09

42:09

One of the most exciting things we did this year was launch our first-ever TopMusic Composition Competition — and the response blew me away! In this episode, I’m sharing the replay of our live winner announcement, where I performed each winning piece and celebrated the creativity of our global piano community. You’ll hear from students as young as …

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445: Why Giving Make-Up Lessons is a BAD Idea with Jonathan Roberts 49:12

18d ago49:12

49:12

We’ve all been there—navigating the headache of rescheduled lessons, disappointed parents, and the pressure to make up for every missed session. In this episode, I'm chatting with Jonathan Roberts, director of South Shore Piano School, about why giving make-up lessons may be hurting your studio more than helping. We unpack the emotional and financi…

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444: Teaching Beginner Piano Technique with Katherine Fisher 47:51

25d ago47:51

47:51

It was such a pleasure catching up with Katherine Fisher again. In this episode, we revisit her groundbreaking Piano Safari method and explore how it has evolved to meet the needs of today’s students. We're going to dive into beginner piano technique, discuss why rote teaching and intervallic reading are so powerful, and explore creative ways to bu…

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443: Business Productivity Quick-Fire 48:54

1M ago48:54

48:54

To wrap up our “Streamline Your Studio” month, I’m sharing a special replay of one of my most popular conference presentations from the MTAC Conference. In this session, I'm going to break down practical strategies for saving time, boosting productivity, and running your music teaching business more efficiently. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed b…

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442: Selling the VALUE of Your Teaching with Jonathan Kuuskoski 57:29

2M ago57:29

57:29

Let’s face it. Talking about pricing can be uncomfortable. That’s why I was to have a chat with Jonathan Kuuskoski, Director of the EXCEL Lab at the University of Michigan, to explore how music teachers can confidently communicate the real value of what they offer. We talked about teaching identities, emotional labor, storytelling, and how to shift…

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Bonus Ep 441: Finding Your Studio Superboost with Maddy Palare 40:47

2M ago40:47

40:47

Today we’re doing something a little different. This bonus episode features a special chat with Maddy Palare, a passionate teacher and graduate of our 12-Week Studio Transformation Program. Maddy shares how she went from teaching part-time to running a thriving, multi-teacher studio, all while navigating uncertainty, burnout, and business challenge…

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440: Streamlining Your Marketing with Kelly Riordan 50:37

2M ago50:37

50:37

We know how hard it can be to cut through the noise when it comes to studio marketing. That’s why I’m thrilled to bring you this special replay from our sister show, the TopMusic Piano Podcast, hosted by Dr. Rachel Ehring. In this episode, she sits down with Kelly Riordan of Outside the Bachs to unpack a practical, no-fluff 3-step approach to marke…

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Creating a Strong ABA Business: Marketing, Mindset, and Mission with Tim Zercher 47:45

2M ago47:45

47:45

Podcast Episode: Creating a Strong ABA Business: Marketing, Mindset, and Mission with Tim Zercher In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I sit down with Timothy Zercher, entrepreneur and CEO of A-Train Marketing, to talk about how ABA businesses can strengthen their marketing, clarify their message, and build in ways that align with thei…

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439: From Bankruptcy to 1000 Students with David Martin 1:19:28

2M ago1:19:28

1:19:28

How do you go from total financial loss to building one of the biggest privately owned music schools in the country? Our guest today, David Martin, shares his incredible journey from teaching in his parents’ basement to serving 1,000 students weekly and eventually selling the business. This episode is packed with insights on marketing, team buildin…

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438: AI Music Teaching Software Tools with Katie Argyle 22:56

2M ago22:56

22:56

This week, we're wrapping up our technology month with something really special, a replay from one of our Spotlight Sessions inside TopMusicPro, featuring the brilliant Katie Argyle from Midnight Music. Katie’s deep knowledge of music ed tech tools always blows me away. In this episode, she walks us through powerful AI tools for music teachers, inc…

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437: Unpacking AI for Music Teachers with Tara Wright 48:46

3M ago48:46

48:46

Today, we're diving into the world of AI for music teachers with none other than Tara Wright, our resident expert on all things tech and teaching. In this episode, we unpack what AI really is (and isn't), how it shows up in everyday studio tools, and how music teachers can use it to supercharge creativity, lesson planning, communication, and market…

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436: What’s Your Favourite Music Teaching Tech? 14:52

3M ago14:52

14:52

There’s no shortage of amazing apps and tech tools for music teachers—but which one would you keep if you had to give up all the rest? For this fun and collaborative episode, I asked a group of creative, tech-savvy teachers from around the world to share their number one, can’t-live-without music teaching tool. You’ll hear their real-life tips, use…

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The People Side of ABA: Recruiting, Onboarding, and Retaining Talent with Holli Clauser 57:51

3M ago57:51

57:51

Podcast Episode: The People Side of ABA: Recruiting, Onboarding, and Retaining Talent with Holli Clauser In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I sit down with Holli Beth Clauser, founder of ABA C.A.R.E.S. Staffing, the ABA C.A.R.E.S. Conference, and host of The People Contingency Podcast. Holli brings a wealth of experience from her ear…

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Preventing Crisis and Building Culture: Leadership Lessons with Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni 54:44

3M ago54:44

54:44

Podcast Episode: Preventing Crisis and Building Culture: Leadership Lessons with Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Paul Gavoni (better known as Dr. Paulie), BCBA® and organizational leader, to talk about leadership through the lens of behavior analysis. Dr. Paulie shares how his experienc…

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435: Should You Get a Lease For Your Studio? With Anamarie Sabbagh 45:29

3M ago45:29

45:29

What makes a student stay with you for years, not just because of progress, but because they truly love your studio? In today’s chat, I’m joined by Anamarie Sabbagh, who’s built a thriving teaching business grounded in joy, connection, and community. We talk about how she creates a studio culture that students and families want to be part of for th…

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434: Is Teaching Pop Music Less Valuable Than Classical? 28:51

3M ago28:51

28:51

Back in 2014, I set up a mic, hit record, and created my very first online course to help teachers feel confident teaching pop music. That course became PianoFlix, and it was the beginning of everything that would eventually grow into the TopMusicPro community. In this solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes to share how it all started, why …

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433: Join Our 30-Day Back Pocket Sprint! 12:48

3M ago12:48

12:48

When students show up without their books or in a mood, do you ever feel your lesson plan slipping through your fingers? That’s exactly why I created the 30-Day Back Pocket Sprint to help you build a reliable toolkit of creative activities you can use anytime. In this solo episode, I’m sharing all the details: how it works, what you'll learn, and h…

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432: 5 Tips for Motivating Teens with Andrea Dow from Teach Piano Today 48:25

4M ago48:25

48:25

Teens can be some of the most rewarding and challenging students we teach. In this replay of our member-exclusive Spotlight Session, Turning Meh into Motivation: 5 Tips for Teaching Teens, Andrea Dow from Teach Piano Today shares practical strategies to help you connect with and inspire your teen students. From fostering creativity and confidence t…

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431: My Favourite Framework for Piano Teachers: 4 Chord Composing 40:04

4M ago40:04

40:04

If you've ever felt unsure about how to teach chords or help your students create music from scratch, this episode is for you. Today, I’m sharing a deep dive into my all-time favourite course, 4 Chord Composing. I’ll walk you through why this framework works so well, how it connects theory and creativity, and how you can use it even if you’ve never…

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430: The NEW Rockschool Piano Syllabus with Nathan Theodoulou 1:05:19

4M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

Exams don’t have to feel like a chore. Today, I’m chatting with Nathan Theodoulou from RSL about the exciting changes in the new Rockschool Piano syllabus. Whether your students love pop, jazz, film music, or creative expression, this new syllabus has something for them. We dive into the vision behind the redesign, how it encourages musicality and …

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Beyond Board Games: Redesigning Social Skills Groups in ABA with Lee Courrau 51:21

4M ago51:21

51:21

Beyond Board Games: Redesigning Social Skills Groups in ABA with Lee Courrau In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I sit down with Lee Courrau, behavior analyst and founder of Launch Kids Academy, to explore why social skills instruction is often treated as an afterthought in ABA—and how we can do better. Lee shares his journey from RBT…

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429: Piano Method Navigator with Anna Beth Rucker 50:42

4M ago50:42

50:42

Method books can be incredibly helpful or incredibly overwhelming. Today, I’m having a chat with Anna Beth Rucker, the creator of Piano Method Navigator, a free online tool that helps teachers explore and compare method books with clarity. We dive into how this resource came to life, what it offers, and how it can support better decision-making no …

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428: What’s Piano Marvel All About? With founders Heidi and Aaron Garner 1:01:44

5M ago1:01:44

1:01:44

Technology can’t replace the heart of great teaching, but when used well, it can supercharge our impact. Today, I’m chatting with Aaron and Heidi Garner, the founders of Piano Marvel and sponsors of this month’s podcast. We dive into their inspiring startup journey, explore how their platform supports practice, sight reading, and studio efficiency,…

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Rethinking ABA Service Delivery: A BCBA-Led Model with Chris Topham 45:59

5M ago45:59

45:59

🎙️ Podcast Episode: Rethinking ABA Service Delivery: A BCBA-Led Model with Chris Topham In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I sit down with Chris Topham, BCBA and co-founder of Celeration ABA, to explore how he’s reshaping the way ABA services are delivered. Chris shares how his journey from fine arts to behavior analysis—and his deep…

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427: A Peek Inside Our Practice Hacks Course from Noa Kageyama 19:03

5M ago19:03

19:03

Let’s be honest, teaching students how to practice well is one of the most important things we do, and also one of the hardest to make stick. That’s why I’m so excited to spotlight our “Practice Hacks” Course by Noa Kageyama, now available on the TopMusic Courses platform. In this episode, I share a behind-the-scenes look at the course, explore wha…

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426: How Ambre Hammond Makes ASTONISHING Progress Teaching Scales in Lesson 1! 51:25

5M ago51:25

51:25

What if your beginner students could master all 24 scales in just a few weeks? Today, I’m chatting with the incredible Ambre Hammond, whose high-energy, no-limits approach to piano teaching is turning heads and transforming students. We dive into how she introduces advanced technique from lesson one, keeps things joyful and motivating, and uses cre…

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Building Ethical, Sustainable ABA Businesses with April & Stephen Smith 53:29

5M ago53:29

53:29

Podcast Episode: Building Ethical, Sustainable ABA Businesses with April and Stephen Smith In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I chat with April and Stephen Smith of 3 Pie Squared, two seasoned ABA entrepreneurs who built, scaled, and exited a seven-figure practice—and now dedicate their time to helping others do the same. Whether you…

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425: Organising All the World’s Piano Music in one Database? Meet William Perry 38:41

5M ago38:41

38:41

Repertoire can make or break a student’s motivation, and yet finding that just-right piece is one of the toughest parts of our job. In today’s episode, we’re having a chat with William Perry, the mastermind behind Piano Music Database, a powerful tool designed to help teachers discover ideal pieces using filters like rhythm, level, mood, and more. …

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424: Creative Rote Teaching with TopMusicSheets Composer Laura Abshier 48:36

6M ago48:36

48:36

Too often, rote teaching is dismissed as basic or shallow. But in this episode with Laura Abshier, you’ll never see it the same way again. As one of our TopMusicSheets composers, Laura brings a fresh, imaginative approach to beginner teaching that's grounded in Music Learning Theory. We're going to explore her collection, learn how she uses movemen…

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Supporting Executive Functioning for Staff and Supervisees in ABA with Amy Theobold 56:19

6M ago56:19

56:19

🎙️ In the Field: The ABA Podcast Episode 26: Supporting Executive Functioning for Staff & Supervisees with Amy Theobold In this episode, I chat with Amy Theobold—clinic owner and executive functioning coach—about how executive functioning challenges show up in our staff and supervisees. From lateness and missed deadlines to overwhelm and burnout, A…

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423: The 4 Curriculum Models with Merlin Thompson 54:17

6M ago54:17

54:17

What if your role as a music teacher didn’t start and end with the method book? In this chat with Dr. Merlin Thompson, we're exploring how the curriculum models we choose can shape our students’ lifelong connection to music. From teacher-led to student-driven approaches and everything in between, Merlin offers a fresh perspective on how to rethink …

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422: All About Urtext Editions with Dr Mario Aschauer 57:18

6M ago57:18

57:18

If you've ever wondered what exactly an Urtext edition is, or why it matters, you’re not alone. Today, I'm chatting with musicologist and editor Dr Mario Aschauer to explore what goes into creating these “original” scores and why they’re more complex and more fascinating than they first appear. From Beethoven’s messy handwriting to Mozart myths, th…

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023: AI-Powered Marketing: Highlight Your Teachers and Attract Students 15:18

6M ago15:18

15:18

Showcasing the incredible personalities and talents of your teachers is key to elevating your studio's online presence and attracting new students. In this episode, we dive into AI-powered marketing strategies, such as social media takeovers, personalized newsletters, and engaging video content, to help you highlight your team and build genuine con…

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Upgrading Your ABA Intake Interviews: Staff Skills, Systems, and Clinical Decisions with Dr. Kristen Byra 56:48

6M ago56:48

56:48

Podcast Episode: Upgrading Your ABA Intake Interviews: Staff Skills, Systems, and Clinical Decisions with Dr. Kristen Byra In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Kristen Byra, seasoned clinician and founder of Upskill ABA, to dig into one of the most critical—and often overlooked—components of clinical practice: the i…

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421: Announcing TopMusic Courses 11:36

6M ago11:36

11:36

I’m so excited to finally share something we’ve been working on for a long time—our brand new TopMusic Courses platform. This isn’t just a redesign; it’s a complete rethinking of how we support teachers with practical, inspiring, and flexible professional development. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, reignite your teaching mojo, or ex…

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420: Open Letter to Parents of Piano Students 16:46

7M ago16:46

16:46

Too often, I see well-meaning parents unknowingly limiting their child’s potential by holding onto outdated ideas of what music lessons should be. In this episode, I’m sharing a personal message I wrote to help shift that mindset—an open letter to piano parents. It’s a heartfelt invitation to move beyond exam-driven expectations and embrace a more …

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Episode 24 | Structuring Group Supervision for Maximum Impact (Part 2) 20:51

7M ago20:51

20:51

🎙️ “In the Field” – Group Supervision Part 2 Hosted by Allyson Wharam 🎧 Episode Overview: In this follow-up episode, Allyson Wharam dives into how to structure group supervision so it’s not just compliant—but meaningful and competency-building. She shares practical frameworks, specific activities, and answers listener questions about logistics, coo…

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419: Teaching Masterclass with TopMusicSheets Composer Anna Robinson 40:38

7M ago40:38

40:38

In this episode, we’re chatting with TopMusicSheets composer Anna Robinson for a deep dive into the teaching strategies behind her engaging, pedagogy-rich pieces. Anna shares how her compositions are often sparked by her students’ needs, interests, and even their pets—and how fun, pattern-based writing can make tricky concepts more accessible. We e…

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Episode 23 | Group Supervision in ABA Fieldwork (Part 1) 13:52

7M ago13:52

13:52

🎙️ Podcast Summary: “In the Field” – Group Supervision Part 1 Hosted by Allyson Wharram 🎧 Episode Overview: In this solo episode, Alison War introduces the first part of a two-part series on group supervision in BCBA fieldwork, based on her workshop at the National APBA Convention. She covers group supervision’s definition, benefits, challenges, an…

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418: Setting Up Automated Monthly Studio Billing 20:16

7M ago20:16

20:16

In today’s show, I’m walking you through exactly how to set up automated monthly billing in your music studio, a change I made that’s saved me hours of admin time and created consistent, predictable income. I’ll break down the full process step by step, from calculating your rates to including admin expenses and using software to automate the entir…

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022: The Ethics of AI in Music Education: Balancing Innovation with Originality 19:48

7M ago19:48

19:48

What happens when powerful AI tools show up in the most human of spaces, our music studios? In today’s show, I’m diving into a unique experiment: co-creating an episode with AI to explore the big questions we all need to be asking. From authorship and bias to creative integrity and student agency, this episode unpacks the real challenges of using A…

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417: Being a SAVVY Music Teacher with David Cutler 45:42

7M ago45:42

45:42

In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Dr. David Cutler, an award-winning composer, pianist, educator, and one of the world’s leading voices in arts entrepreneurship. David is back to share fresh insights from his upcoming book, The Savvy Musician 2.0. We explore how music teachers can amplify their income, impact, and inspiration while bui…

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021: AI-Powered Marketing for Music Studios: Reach More Students Without Burning Out 31:21

7M ago31:21

31:21

Marketing your studio shouldn’t feel like a second job or a source of constant guilt. In today’s episode, we're going to unpack exactly how music teachers can simplify their marketing using AI. We’ll walk you through what actually works in 2025 (backed by research), how to automate time-consuming tasks, and how to build a realistic system that keep…

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Collaboration Across Disciplines: Insights from Rose Griffin, SLP & BCBA 35:07

7M ago35:07

35:07

Episode Description In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I talk with Rose Griffin, founder of ABA Speech and one of fewer than 500 professionals dually certified as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Rose shares how her interdisciplinary experience has shaped her approach to supporting au…

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416: Bundling: How to Position Your Music Studio for Value, Not Price 17:05

7M ago17:05

17:05

Today, I’m diving into one of the most effective ways to stand out in a crowded teaching market: bundling. If you’ve ever felt pressured to lower your rates to compete with the teacher down the street, this strategy is for you. I’ll show you how to reframe your offer so families focus on the value and experience you provide—not just your hourly rat…

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020: AI-Powered Social Media: Strategies for 2025 33:41

8M ago33:41

33:41

If social media has ever left you overwhelmed, drained, or stuck staring at a blank caption box—this episode is for you. I’m joined by content strategist Kayden to break down how music teachers can show up online with consistency, clarity, and confidence—without turning into full-time influencers. We’re covering the best platforms for teachers righ…

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415: Quick and Free Ways to Find Music Students 13:59

8M ago13:59

13:59

In this solo episode, I’m sharing some of my favorite fast, free (or super low-cost) ways to find new music students with a little help from my AI co-hosts, Jono and Sarah. Whether you’ve got a few schedule gaps or you’re starting fresh in a new area, we’ll walk you through practical, actionable ideas for studio growth, from referral strategies and…

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414: Pattern-Based Teaching with TopMusicSheets Composer Juan Cabeza 45:00

8M ago45:00

45:00

Great music teaching isn’t just about what’s on the page, it’s about what students can create beyond it. In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Juan Cabeza, our featured TopMusicSheets composer and a passionate educator from Madrid. Juan shares how his love of pattern-based teaching led him to compose music that supports creativity, i…

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019: Recovering From Burnout: A Real Conversation on What it Actually Takes 20:22

8M ago20:22

20:22

Burnout didn’t hit me all at once—it crept in quietly, disguised as overfunctioning and holding it all together with a smile. In this episode, I’m sharing one of the most personal conversations I’ve ever had between me and Solace, the AI therapist I built when traditional therapy just wasn’t enough. This isn’t a polished success story. It’s a real,…