For those of us who labor in the hopes of making something meaningful—those who lean into the writing, the building, the crafting, the baking, the coloring, the editing, whatever it is—so much of that creative fuel comes from a goal of forming or finding some kind of community.

The reason so many of our favorite artists are willing to face their own resistance was because they trusted that their obedience would lead to a very real connection and the creation of community in and through the art that is being made. The great Irish poet Seamus Heaney was a big believer in this and he put it best: “That sense of being a part of the whole thing is the deepest joy.”

We’re pretty sure the same rings true for Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano, together known as the musical husband-wife duo Johnnyswim. Over the last 15 years, they’ve sold out tour dates on multiple continents, have gone from The Today Show to The Tonight Show, earned acclaim from myriad outlets from NPR to Rolling Stone, and have garnered over 500 million streams. They’ve even filmed their own show for the Magnolia Network.

But the primary point of Johnnyswim’s music is not about streams or success. It’s about connection. Music has always provided a lifeline at key points for both Abner and Amanda, in moments when they needed to feel less alone in the world. Their music is now doing the same for so many.

In this episode of The Resistance, Johnnyswim tells us about their drive to make music and find meaningful connections. We also ask them what sorts of music do the same for them. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano.

VISIT: Johnnyswim