Harmony After Cancer with Will Stratton

Out of the Blue - The Podcast: Finding the Way Forward

Have you ever wondered what happens when a successful artist faces their own mortality just as their career is taking off? In this deeply moving episode, acclaimed songwriter Will Stratton takes us through his unexpected journey with testicular cancer in his early twenties—a diagnosis that arrived precisely when professional opportunities were blossoming.
Will shares the crushing moment when he had to decline an invitation to perform alongside Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon because he was starting chemotherapy. But rather than dwelling on missed opportunities, Will reveals how this life-altering experience fundamentally transformed his approach to music, creativity, and purpose. He describes what he calls an "explosion of gratitude" that emerges after survival—a profound appreciation that can't be manufactured through any other means.
The conversation explores how Will's post-recovery album "Gray Lodge Wisdom" directly processed his cancer experience, allowing him to move beyond it artistically while maintaining its valuable perspective. Now with eight albums to his credit and a thriving music career, Will offers wisdom on balancing creative pursuits with practical necessities as someone with a serious medical history.
What makes this episode particularly valuable is Will's nuanced take on suffering and art. He challenges the notion that trauma automatically deepens artistic expression, instead suggesting that how we integrate difficult experiences matters more than the experiences themselves. His pragmatic yet profoundly grateful approach to life after cancer provides a roadmap for anyone facing life-altering challenges.
Whether you're an artist seeking inspiration, someone facing health challenges, or simply a person wondering how to find meaning in difficult circumstances, Will's story offers both comfort and motivation. Listen now and discover how sometimes our most devastating setbacks can lead to our most authentic creative expressions.

Will Stratton:

Music: https://willstratton.bandcamp.com/music

Website: https://willstratton.com/

Out Of The Blue:

For more: outoftheblue-thepodcast.org

For exclusive content: patreon.com/podcastOOTB

Chapters

1. Introducing Will Stratton (00:00:00)

2. The Cancer Diagnosis (00:02:15)

3. Recovery and Finding New Perspective (00:08:10)

4. Creating Music After Trauma (00:12:07)

5. Balancing Art and Stability (00:24:31)

6. Finding Meaning Through Music (00:38:41)

7. Final Thoughts and Gratitude (00:57:23)