Building the Roadie Clinic: A Safe Space for Industry Professionals with Courtney Klimson
In this inspiring interview, Courtney Klimson shares her journey from the music industry to creating a supportive community for roadies. Discover her innovative approach to building a safe space, managing a career on tour, and her vision for the Roadie Clinic to support industry professionals.
In this insightful interview, shares her journey of building the Roadie Clinic, a vital resource supporting music industry professionals' mental health and well-being. She discusses innovative solutions like telemedicine, passport processing, peer support, and the importance of community and advocacy in the industry.
Episode 349 - LEADING LADIES
Struggling with the invisible toll of touring? Courtney Klimson's story reveals how she transformed her life and those of countless roadies by creating a groundbreaking support network rooted in empathy, resilience, and innovation.
From the chaos of last-minute gigs and volcano-interrupted plans to building a sanctuary for roadies in Michigan, Courtney’s journey is a masterclass in turning trauma into triumph.
With 20 years in the industry and personal battles with bipolar, ADHD, and burnout, she’s revolutionizing mental health and community support for the industry’s unseen heroes.
You'll discover:How Courtney’s "Roadie Clinic" became a lifeline, offering mental health, peer support, and practical resources, despite the chaos of touring lifeThe innovative programs like telemedicine (roadie.rx) and passport services that keep careers and lives afloatWhy managing neurodivergence, health crises, and burnout requires community, compassion, and creative solutions
The shocking impact of noise, toxins, and lifestyle on brain health—supported by ongoing medical studiesHow her multi-million dollar DIY ecosystem, including a studio, housing, and support network, empowers roadies to rebuild security and purpose beyond the roadThis episode is essential listening for industry veterans, family members, and anyone feeling the unseen weight of tour life.
Courtney proves that with community and purpose, even the most isolated road warriors can find hope and healing.Whether you're on tour, managing a crew, or just care about those behind the scenes, this conversation offers urgent insights and real tools to protect mental health and foster a thriving, supportive industry.
Guest Courtney Klimson is a transformational leader in music industry wellness, building support networks for roadies affected by years of touring trauma and lifestyle challenges.
Ready to rethink what support means in the music industry? Hit play, this episode might just be your new lifeline.
This episode is brought to you by Lightswitch
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Courtney Klimson
11:35 Navigating Challenges in the Music World
19:07 The Birth of the Roadie Clinic
27:38 Creating a Safe Space for Roadies
31:16 Community and Collaboration in Niles
35:48 Navigating Isolation and Community
40:46 Communication Strategies for Couples
44:16 Expanding Support Services for Roadies
48:51 Innovative Healthcare Solutions for Roadies
52:58 Substance Issues and Support Systems
55:40 The Emotional Toll of Touring
56:54 Navigating Industry Challenges
57:42 Building a Supportive Community
58:46 Coping Mechanisms and Mental Health
01:00:51 Understanding the Weight of Others' Burdens
01:02:03 Finding Hope and Resources
01:02:47 The Impact of Aging on Roadies
01:03:42 Researching Roadie Health
01:04:49 Generational Differences in the Industry
01:05:58 Challenges Faced by Crew Members
01:06:46 The Future of Roadies and Retirement
01:07:48 The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
01:08:54 The Effects of Noise on Roadie Brains
01:09:54 Personal Experiences and Health Challenges
01:10:52 Navigating Life Changes
01:11:51 The Reality of Aging in the Industry
01:12:47 Supportive Relationships and Communication
01:13:51 The Journey of Self-Acceptance
01:14:44 Closing Thoughts and Future Conversations
01:17:02 Leading Ladies Outro.mp4
Co-Founder + Executive Director
Courtney Klimson is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Roadie Clinic, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to the full-service care of roadies and their families, co-founder and General Manager of Theory One Studios, co-founder and General Manager of Theory One Productions, and in her spare time thought it would be a good idea to start a bar and listening room within a block from the studio called Brass Alley Live, set to open in the summer of 2026.
The Roadie Clinic began as an idea in July of 2019 that quickly became solidified with the purchase of a commercial building (temporary housing) in October 2019. While continuing to wait on funding for that part of the nonprofit, Courtney built a virtual hub, an advocacy group committed to providing a safe space for roadies and their families to heal while off the road, and to advocate for - and empower them to obtain - a healthy work environment while on the road. Their current virtual offerings include RoadieDocRX, Roadies in Recovery, CrewPeeps: A Roadie Partner Network, DocuDirect: a passport + visa collection, and PeerChats. Their future includes the previously mentioned three-story, multi-faceted facility that will offer mental health services, career coaching, education, advocacy, family services, recovery resources and temporary housing when available. TRC will offer its facility (and currently offers its services) both in person and online, for little to no charge to touring professionals and their families.
Theory One Studios launched in 2025, providing a fully immersive, Dolby-Atmos capable analog…Read More
