How Serendipity and Music Combined to Create a Life-Changing Epilepsy Charity — The Teaching Journeys Podcast

A charity can become a movement when it’s built on love, music, and one unforgettable mission. Mike Gomoll shares how Joey's Song turned personal loss into a one-of-a-kind live music event that raises epilepsy awareness while creating moments you cannot hear anywhere else.Mike’s story starts long before the stage lights. From his years in IBM management to the college music scene that shaped his connections, he explains how a series of small, unexpected choices eventually led to a fundraising platform honoring his son Joey, who lived with Dravet syndrome. What began as an idea for compilation CDs evolved into a live, all-covers celebration powered by some of the most respected names in music.You’ll discover:

How Joey's Song grew from a simple fundraising concept into a must-see annual event in Madison
Why Butch Vig became a key creative force and musical director
The “world’s greatest live jukebox” formula that brings artists together for unpredictable, once-in-a-lifetime performances
How the event quietly educates first-time attendees about epilepsy while keeping the night fun, communal, and unforgettable
Why music became both a tribute to Joey and a vehicle for healing, awareness, and action

Mike also opens up about Joey’s life, the family’s grief, and the deeply human reality behind the mission. He explains what a cure for epilepsy would actually mean for parents and caregivers, and why even small acts of support matter when you’re trying to change the future for families facing devastating diagnoses.If you care about music, grief, purpose, or the power of community to turn pain into impact, this conversation will stay with you. Essential listening for anyone who believes one person, one song, and one idea can still change lives.

Mike’s Bio and Contact Information

Bio : Mike Gomoll lives in Sun Prairie, WI, with his wife, Nory, and their 3 dogs. His children, Julia (26) and Sam (24), live within 30 minutes. Mike spent most of his professional life with IBM in a series of management roles before retiring in 2017. He now spends full-time managing and building Joey's Song with the hope of soon finding more effective treatments and cures for epilepsy.

Contact Information

Website: (joeyssong.org)

All Social media platforms: @JoeysSong

Music licensed through Soundstripe.

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