In this heartfelt conversation with Susan Booth on The AzureWell Podcast, singer-songwriter John King opens up about his journey through the fast-paced world of country music, the toll it took on his health, and the steps he’s taken to restore balance and wellness. From Northeast Georgia to Nashville, his story is both relatable and inspiring for anyone striving to find harmony between their career, health, and family life.
Finding Passion in Music and Discovering Health Imbalance
John King’s journey began with a love for songwriting and performing, nurtured in his hometown in Northeast Georgia. After graduating from the University of Georgia with degrees in music and marketing, he packed his bags and headed to Nashville—the epicenter of country music.
“I hit the pavement running as soon as I graduated,” John recalls. “Playing every honky-tonk I could, writing hundreds of songs a year, and learning from the amazing talent around me.”
But success came at a cost. The grueling schedule of a touring artist—long hours, poor eating habits, and stress—began to take a toll on his physical and mental health. He describes burning the candle at both ends, often ignoring the signs his body was sending him.
“I thought this was just normal,” John admits, reflecting on the unhealthy habits he had normalized in pursuit of his dreams.
A Wake-Up Call During the Pandemic
For John, the pandemic served as an unexpected pause—a rare moment to reflect.
“When everything shut down, I was home for the first time in years, getting regular sleep and eating real, home-cooked meals. I felt better than I had in ages,” John shares.
The stark contrast made him realize how much he had neglected his health. It wasn’t just about feeling better physically - John found he was more present as a husband and father. This period also brought a health scare that forced him to prioritize wellness and reevaluate his lifestyle.
“I realized I needed to make a lifestyle change, not just for myself but for my family,” he says.
Steps Toward Wellness
Through his journey, John embraced practices that supported his well-being, including:
Eating Organic: He began focusing on clean, nutritious foods, often sourced locally or through brands like Azure Standard. “Eating organic just made sense. It wasn’t just healthier—it tasted better, too.”
Mindfulness: Learning to meditate was challenging at first, but it became an essential tool for reducing stress and staying centered.
Exercise and Rest: He found balance by incorporating moderate exercise and prioritizing sleep—a major shift from his high-intensity, high-stress routine.
Family First: John made changes to include his family in his career, such as traveling together in an RV for his Campfire Sessions tour.
Inspiring a New Song: "Better Man"
John’s wellness journey also inspired his music. His song "Better Man" reflects his commitment to becoming the best version of himself—for his family and for his own well-being.
“I used to think providing for my family was about working harder,” John explains. “But I learned that if you’re not taking care of yourself, you can’t truly take care of anyone else.”
The song serves as a love letter to his family and a reminder that true strength comes from balance, not burnout.
Advice for Those Feeling Overwhelmed
For anyone stuck in the cycle of overwork and stress, John suggests starting small.
“Take baby steps,” he advises. “You don’t have to fix everything at once. Start with five minutes of meditation or switch one thing in your diet to organic. It’s about progress, not perfection.”
John emphasizes the importance of identifying what serves you and letting go of what doesn’t, whether that’s habits, relationships, or unnecessary stressors.
Making Wellness a Lifestyle
Through his journey, John found that wellness isn’t a destination - it’s a daily practice. By slowing down, listening to his body, and making intentional choices, he discovered a new way to approach life and his career.
“Health is the best investment you can make,” John says. “It’s not just about living longer - it’s about living better.”
John King’s story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of your health. Whether you’re a touring musician, a busy professional, or a parent juggling countless responsibilities, his journey offers hope and practical steps for finding balance in a fast-paced world.
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any diet, exercise, supplementation, or lifestyle changes, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking any medications. The opinions expressed by podcast guests/interviewees and AzureWell are their own and are based on their research and interpretation of available scientific information. The statements made in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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