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She Found Her Voice at Karaoke

November 9, 2026 · 27 min

Show notes

Josh Gondelman talks with Caller Grace about how a nervous first night at a dive-bar mic turned into two years of karaoke courage, a 36-person group text called Karaoke Recovery, and even a performance at Chicago's Salt Shed.

What You'll Hear:

A Wichita Halloween Update: Josh shares a voice memo from past caller Kathryn, whose neighborhood went through $300 of candy by 8:15 and witnessed a very game kid dressed as The Dude.

From Dive Bar to Confidence: Grace walks Josh through her very first karaoke night, nerves, a surprise reunion with an old coworker turned DJ, and the song that's followed her ever since.

Participation Over Perfection: Grace explains the mindset that turned her from a nervous singer into a regular at karaoke bars across Chicago, and eventually, the Salt Shed stage.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 A Halloween candy update from Kathryn
04:28 Welcome, caller Grace!
08:00 Setting the scene at the dive bar
11:00 Participation over perfection
18:00 The group text called Karaoke Recovery
20:13 Singing at the Salt Shed

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