“I’m going to do it with intention. And I’m going to share my story because I feel like music is the one thing that saved my life.”
-Britt Devens
312. Britt Devens on Music, Sobriety, Mental Health & Finding Your Authentic Voice
What happens when the identity you’ve built your entire life around suddenly changes? In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila, Kristen Olson sits down with Colorado indie-folk singer-songwriter Britt Devens for a deeply honest conversation about athletics, identity, sobriety, mental health, creativity, and finding your authentic voice. Britt shares how growing up as a competitive softball player shaped her identity, what happened when that athletic chapter ended, and how music became both an escape and eventually a powerful tool for healing. She opens up about coming out, navigating her relationship with alcohol, getting sober, advocating for herself through her mental health journey, and discovering that she could create and perform music without needing to be intoxicated. The conversation also explores the connection between music and nervous system regulation, creativity and healing, authenticity in the social media era, letting go, relationships, and using your story to connect with other people. A powerful reminder that sometimes the thing that saves us is the thing that helps us finally become ourselves. In this episode:
• Growing up a competitive athlete and the identity that comes with sports
• The difficult transition from athlete to “what’s next?”
• How music became Britt’s escape and creative outlet
• Coming out and finding the freedom to tell her story •
Sobriety and discovering her authentic voice
• Mental health, anxiety and learning to advocate for yourself
• Music as a tool for connection, regulation and healing
• Creativity, songwriting and turning life experiences into art
• The importance of letting go of relationships and situations that no longer serve you
• Staying authentic in an increasingly digital music industry
• Why your story can become your greatest form of connection
Timestamps:
00:00 — Welcome to Turmeric & Tequila + meet Britt Devens
01:55 — Growing up in Fort Collins and becoming a competitive athlete
05:25 — Women’s sports, identity and the power of representation
08:10 — How music became Britt’s escape
09:38 — From athlete to musician: losing an identity and finding a new one
10:35 — Coming out and finding the courage to tell her story
11:20 — Sobriety and discovering honesty in her voice
13:00 — Why music became part of Britt’s healing
15:05 — Music, storytelling and human connection
16:00 — The transition from athlete to “who am I now?”
17:20 — Mental health and learning how to work with your brain
20:00 — Getting older, slowing down and asking what really matters
23:00 — From social work to serving people in a different way
27:30 — The emotional weight of helping others
32:00 — Protecting your energy and creating mental-health practices
36:30 — Letting go, relationships and learning to release
39:50 — Turning life experiences and heartbreak into songwriting
43:30 — The pressure of social media and the music industry
47:05 — Authenticity in a changing creative landscape
50:40 — Staying humble, learning lessons and embracing the journey
52:00 — What’s next for Britt Devens
53:20 — Closing thoughts
Britt Devens is an indie-folk singer-songwriter from Fort Collins, Colorado, now based in Denver. Known for soulful storytelling, emotive vocals, and messages of healing and resilience, she writes songs exploring hope, heartbreak, love, recovery, and mental health. Drawing from personal experience, Britt creates music that resonates deeply with listeners. When performing with a full band, she blends folk roots, alt-rock textures, and dreamy Americana influences, creating a sound that balances intimacy, energy, and depth.
Https://www.brittdevens.bandzoogle.com
Https://www.instagram.com/brittdevensmusic
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Host: Kristen Olson IG: @Madonnashero
Tik Tok: @Madonnashero
Website: www.KOAlliance.com
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Sponsors:
Colorado Clownfish Swim School
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