Song Lyrics to Stories: Jay Armstrong's 'Follow Your Dreams Down'

In this episode of Set Lusting Bruce, host Jesse Jackson welcomes guest Jay Armstrong, a longtime friend and one of the podcast's earliest guests. Jay shares insights from his teaching experiences, where he used Bruce Springsteen's 'Thunder Road' as a poetic exercise for his students. The episode dives into the longstanding debate over whether Mary gets in the car and how perspectives on the song have evolved over time. Jay discusses his new book, 'Follow Your Dreams Down: Scenes from Small Towns, Jukebox Nights, and Roads That Give Second Chances,' which is a collection of short stories inspired by Springsteen's songs. The conversation also touches on Jay's experiences with his medical condition, the importance of resilience, and the challenges of writing fiction. Tune in for an engaging discussion about music, teaching, and the human experience, all through the lens of Bruce Springsteen's work. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Jay Armstrong 00:28 The Thunder Road Classroom Debate 03:10 Jay's New Book and Writing Journey 05:24 Exploring Themes in Bruce's Music 07:28 Jay's Fiction Writing Inspiration 10:56 Challenges of Writing Short Stories 18:16 Bruce Springsteen's Recent Works and Collaborations 23:41 Reflecting on Youth and Urgency 24:16 Anticipation for the Bruce Springsteen Movie 25:13 The Challenge of Being True to Oneself 26:47 The Fear of Rejection 28:12 Writing and Letting Go 29:37 Lessons from Living with a Condition 31:54 Memories and Stories of Loved Ones 33:08 The Absurdity of Love 36:10 Crafting a Book Like a Concert Setlist 40:45 Connecting with Readers 44:32 Final Thoughts and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices