July 18, 2025 • 27 mins
When a devastating car crash left Julian Kalel miraculously unharmed, he didn't just walk away with his life—he emerged with a fearless new perspective that would transform his musical journey. The 18-year-old El Paso native joins us to share how that near-death experience became the catalyst for sharing his music with the world, launching him from a shy bedroom guitarist to a purpose-driven artist with a powerful message.
Julian's story defies conventional paths. Heading to Stanford this fall to study physics and astrophysics, he balances scientific brilliance with soulful musicality. He performs his poignant song "Surrender," a meditation on releasing control and finding peace through faith during times of overwhelming anxiety and depression. The raw emotion in his performance reveals why his message resonates so deeply with listeners.
At the heart of Julian's mission lies a commitment to dismantling the harmful stigma surrounding men's mental health. "Real men cry," he asserts, challenging toxic stereotypes that prevent young men from seeking help when they need it most. His upcoming anti-suicide song, scheduled for September's Suicide Awareness Month, further demonstrates his dedication to this cause. Julian shares sobering statistics—suicide being the leading cause of death for men aged 14-24—while offering hope through vulnerability and connection.
Drawing inspiration from artists like Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, and Gregory Alan Isakov, Julian crafts music that serves as both personal therapy and community building. His wisdom seems to transcend his years as he reminds us that everyone faces their own complex struggles, and showing vulnerability requires tremendous strength. Whether you're battling your own demons or supporting someone who is, Julian's message offers a refreshing perspective: treat yourself with kindness, reach out when you're hurting, and remember you're never truly alone in your struggles.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
From the Horn Auto Center Studios, chris Bennett's
Country Climb Star of the Week.
This week we are so excited tohave a guest from El Paso, texas
.
It is Julian Kalel.
Did I say it right?
Hello everyone.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Yes, sir.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
Woo Heck yes.
We're off to a good start,julian, before we get started to
the nitty gritty finding aboutyour comedy or your comedy,
climb your country climb.
Finding out about your countryclimb and playing some music
from you.
I thought we'd get to know youwith some rapid fire.
(00:38):
Questions Are you ready?
Yes, sir, I'm ready.
Questions Are you ready?
Yes, sir, I'm ready.
You recently graduated fromhigh school.
What's a graduation?
Speaker 2 (00:52):
gift you really wanted but didn't get.
Oh, that's a good one, man.
There's really not much that Iasked for.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
That's a really good question what was the best gift
you?
Speaker 2 (01:07):
got.
I think the best gift that Igot, honestly, was from my
parents.
I got a brand new Martin 00018guitar, one that I've really
wanted for a long time.
I play it every single day.
It's my main guy.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
Heck yeah, time and it's I play it every single day,
it's my main, my main guy.
Heck yeah, what um?
You are heading to stanford inthe fall uh, what's your major?
Speaker 2 (01:32):
I'm majoring in physics and minoring in
astronomy, holy moly so it's notrocket science no, it's not
rocket science it's likestudying it's studying more, the
like, I guess, the crazyphenomenon in our universe such
as, like I said, black holes, orunderstanding theories of dark
(01:52):
matter and dark energy, and I'mjust really deep space object
and relaying data and learningmore about our universe.
Pretty cool stuff.
I don't know if you know whoneil degrasse tyson is, but he's
one of my most favorite people.
He's one of my heroes, but heis an astrophys.
Don't know if you know who NeildeGrasse Tyson is, but he's one
of my most favorite people,he's one of my heroes, but he is
an astrophysicist.
So if you're ever interested inthe kind of stuff that I'm
interested in, you know youcould pull up one of his YouTube
videos.
(02:12):
He's a great guy.
Speaker 1 (02:15):
Heck yeah.
Next question Would you ratherheadline a music festival or get
a 4.0 at Stanford inastrophysics?
Speaker 2 (02:26):
I would much rather headline a music festival.
I think that's right there.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
I think I got a good chance.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Sorry, say that again I said I got a good chance.
Honestly, I don't want to soundtoo cocky, but because of how
much I love physics and math ingeneral, I don't think it'll be
too hard for me to get up therewhen I go to school.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
And what was your favorite class in high school?
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Physics easily.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
And more pressure.
A live performance or a finalexam?
Speaker 2 (03:02):
A live performance actually has a bit more pressure
, I would say, especially ifyou're in front of people.
Speaker 1 (03:07):
Obviously, that was rapid fire questions with
today's country climb star ofthe week, julian calel.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
Thank you so much yeah, yes, you're, you're really
getting good at it oh good,okay, oh, you know what?
Speaker 1 (03:24):
um we uh, I do a thing with one of our sponsors.
It's alberto's uh mexican food,real fresh mexican food, and
they have me host um lotteria uhat their.
You know what that?
Mexican bingo lotteria.
Yeah, I've done it before.
Yeah, so they love having metry and read the things and they
(03:44):
all like help me with mySpanish.
I started out.
You're doing great, awesome.
Well, thanks so much.
Let's find out a little bitmore about this week's Country
Climb Star of the Week, julianKalel.
Give us a little background onyou.
(04:04):
When you are 18, when did youstart playing music and when did
music grab you?
Speaker 2 (04:11):
Absolutely so.
I have been surrounded by musicmy whole life.
I've always loved singing andperforming.
Even since I was just a littlelike when I could barely talk,
you know, I started off watchingall these Disney movies,
learning all the songs, singingfor my mom and dad and I guess I
kind of.
I picked up the guitar aroundlike middle school and maybe
(04:34):
late elementary and I kind ofjust kept it to myself because I
was a little shy andembarrassed when it came to
sharing it with people outsideof my family.
But I knew how much joy itbrought me, especially just
sitting down in my room anddecompressing and playing some
guitar.
But it wasn't until I startedreally struggling with anxiety
(04:55):
and depression.
I started using it as a copingmechanism and you know it was my
lifeline.
It kept me grounded and it wasnot until, like I said, I was
still shy, still really scared,to show that passion of mine.
That wasn't until I got into areally scary car accident.
I totaled my car and it was amiracle I came out perfectly
(05:18):
fine and the person that was theother person that was involved.
They came out perfectly fineand it was an absolute miracle.
And after that I look back onthe crash and I was like, wow,
I've, I've, gotten a secondchance at living.
You know, I remember calling upmy parents and they were just.
I was so scared I thoughtthey're going to kill me, but
they were just happy that I wasthere because that's how ugly
the crash it was.
And ever since that day, I waslike you know what, why?
(05:39):
Why does it matter what I fear,what people think?
You know, um, I should be ableto just do what I love without
fear.
And that's ever since that day.
That was in the summer of 2023.
Ever since that day, I startedwriting music and um sharing my
songs on just a little Instagrampage, and more and more I I got
(06:03):
the attention of my classmatesand, thankfully, the attention
of people outside of El Paso,and I started being able to
serve my community and othercommunities through my
songwriting.
But ever since then, yeah, it'sit all.
It was all from a car crash, ifI'm being honest and it's
amazing you're using the musicnow to do good.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
You're a big advocate for mental health and you've
also done a lot of concerts.
Is that kind of intentionalwith your music, or does music
just help you heal and you justwant to share and help others
heal as well?
Speaker 2 (06:40):
I honestly my main goal when it comes to my songs
is that I'm a huge, like I said,a huge mental health advocate.
I know how hard it is,especially for men's mental
health, because I truly thinkthat too many young men,
(07:01):
especially how I, used to helpme heal.
But I want to build a communitywhere, like my lyrics and my
stories and my vulnerability,can connect with other people
and it can maybe help otherpeople feel more seen,
especially young men.
So I think that once I havelike that strong community and I
do have a very I'm very, verythankful for the little
(07:23):
community that I've built, but Ijust want to keep on building
and building and building it soI can break that stigma that is
that surrounds mental healthinvolving men, especially
because I hear it all the time.
I know it's part of our societyof just, you know you got to be
a man.
You know men don't cry, youcan't.
You can't show this, you can'tshow that.
You know my main goal is tocompletely eradicate that stigma
(07:45):
and that is my absolute dream.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
People that say men don't cry have not met me,
friend.
I love to cry and what you'redoing is amazing.
In the community, you'rebuilding and breaking that
stigma Because it is okay tofeel and it is okay to ask for
help.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
Real men cry.
Real men cry.
Speaker 1 (08:07):
That's, that's all I'm gonna say.
Heck, yeah, I'm a real man,yeah me too.
Well, how about we play a quicklittle game before we get into
the music?
We're gonna play a game calledmusician questions For a
musician, julian Kalel, today'sCountry Climb Star of the Week,
who was the first concert orshow you attended?
Speaker 2 (08:30):
It was actually not a country star, it was Tyler, the
creator in Arizona.
Yeah, hip hop.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
Heck yeah, that's where we are in Arizona, phoenix
.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
Yeah, yeah, I really enjoyed it.
It was in Phoenix, yes.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
All right, we're three hours northeast of there
in a small mountain town andit's a lot cooler.
So if you could sit in on anyrecording session throughout
history, which session would youchoose?
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Oh, wow, that is such a good question.
I have so many favorite artists.
I one of my favorite artistswho I oh man, I wish I could
write music like that guy.
There's a man named GregoryAlan Isakov.
I don't know if you know whothat is, but he is more of a
folk artist.
If I could just sit in for oneof his recording sessions,
(09:19):
especially for this song calledMaster and a Hound by Gregory
Alanizakoff, one of the mostbeautiful songs I've ever heard
His sound is just incredible tome I would honestly pick him.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
And who are your biggest or I guess let's go your
biggest musical influences andyour biggest country musical
inspiration?
Speaker 2 (09:49):
Of course.
So I take a lot of inspiration,especially when I started out
Big Zach Bryan fan, you know Ithought his songwriting was
absolutely incredible.
Really enjoy me.
Some Tyler Childers andespecially Sam Barber I don't
know if you know who that is Ithink he is amazing.
I think he also has that ruggedfeel that I tried to get my
(10:13):
newer songs might get there, butagain, I'm not trying to be
anyone else, but he is a hugeinspiration of mine.
I would say Zach Bryan, samBarber, tyler Childers and even
some folk in there like someGregory Alnitsakov?
Speaker 1 (10:35):
Yeah, and last question if you could put
something wacky on yourperformance writer, like no
green M&Ms and it always befulfilled what would your wacky
rider be?
Speaker 2 (10:49):
like a request for wait.
What is that again?
Speaker 1 (10:51):
I'm sorry like have you ever heard I forget what
band it was, but they on theirrider when you're performing.
They're like you know we wantEvian water and we want M&M's,
but you have to take all thegreen M&M's out of it and really
, yeah, and we're really whatthey were doing is they were
trying M&Ms, but you have totake all the green M&Ms out of
it oh okay, yeah, and reallywhat they were doing is they
were trying to see if the venuehad an attention to detail,
(11:11):
because they knew the importanceof the detail in the music.
So what would your wacky riderbe?
Maybe?
Speaker 2 (11:21):
Absolutely no chocolates with nuts in them.
Absolutely no chocolates withnuts in them.
I don't know what it is, but Icannot stand the combination of
nuts and chocolate, especiallypeanut M&Ms.
They're the bane of myexistence.
So I would just say everyone,stay away from that.
Speaker 1 (11:37):
No Snickers, no Almond Joys for today's
Absolutely not Today's CountryClimb Star of the Week.
That was Musician Questionsquestions for a musician, julian
Kalel.
We're going to be right backand learn about some of his
music and play one of hisamazing songs coming up next.
Thank you, all right, so it isnow time for us to dig deep.
(12:02):
We're going to um, you talkedabout kind of what you want to
do with your music.
Your goal and it's the, thesong you've picked to play today
is is perfect for that, and so,uh, I'm excited to hear so
we'll find out a little bitabout Surrender, and then we're
going to play that song and thenwe'll find out what's next and
(12:22):
how we could support you.
Cool, we are back with today'sCountry Climb Star of the Week,
julian, or, I'm sorry, julianKalel.
I'll get it right.
You're getting it.
Yeah, you got it.
Heck.
Yes, we found out a little bitabout your influences.
We found out about your originstory.
Let's find out what's going onright now.
(12:45):
You had mentioned, with yourmusic, one of your goals is to
create a community and break thestigma behind and bring
awareness to mental health,awareness especially for young
men and men in general, and sothis song that you wanted to
(13:05):
play today is called Surrender.
Tell us how did you come upwith this song, what are the
origin stories of this song, andgive us a little info.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
Absolutely so.
I am a very faith-driven person.
You know we all have our copingmechanisms and I feel like
seeking out God is one of thesafest places to be, especially
if you're dealing with suchawful things like anxiety and
depression how overwhelmingthose things can be.
And so I remember one day I wasreally stressed out about just
(13:43):
the spiraling thoughts in mymind about you know.
I won't go into detail,especially about what they were,
but you know, we all, we all gothrough things that feel like
they're completely out of ourcontrol, and surrender has a
notion that, and this is what mydad told me when I was sitting
down with him and he was talkingto me, he was like why don't
you just surrender yourself toGod, you know, why don't you
(14:06):
just surrender all of thesethoughts and worry to the fate
of what he has planned for you?
And I thought about that thatnight and I was like that is
absolutely true, because I thinkeverything that has led me to
this moment happened for areason like that car crash, like
that, the beginning of thatinspiration to start writing
music.
And surrender is basically,like I said, a way to tell
(14:29):
people that it's okay to letthings that are out of your
control.
Stay out of your control, youknow there is no need to tear
yourself down over them.
There is no need to, you know,lose sleep over them.
All you can do is love yourself, be proud of yourself for the
progress that you're making, andjust remember that god has a
plan for every single one of us.
Speaker 1 (14:53):
Oh, can't hear you, sorry.
You are wise behind uh, behindyou are wise beyond your years,
and such an inspiration I'mabout to turn 45 and uh and just
the wisdom that you've sharedwith me.
It means a lot and it's justinspirational.
So thank you for sharing that.
And how about we share thissong now with the Q Country
(15:17):
audience?
How would you like that?
Speaker 2 (15:19):
Let's do it, I'm excited.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
All right, here is Surrender by Julian Colel,
today's Country Climb Star ofthe Week.
Speaker 3 (15:43):
And there's a hole in my chest.
Knock me down, lead me to rest,drown my thoughts with kerosene
, bring my fears to my sleep.
I'm tired of fighting.
(16:04):
I'm tired of fighting, tired ofkeeping up the side.
Now I'm a couple times in.
Memories are flooding back.
So I say, if it's all that I'vewished, I'll raise a flag.
My fate is in his hands.
I'm not, as ever, so I'll letit go, my soul and all that's
(16:31):
left.
But I hope I've passed yourtest.
Oh, I surrender.
An airplane's in my mindDisappearing, leaving all this
time behind.
(16:51):
They don't know I'm bleedingout.
They'll just stand there, finda star to laugh about, something
unclean, something lower thanthe worst.
Don't give up on me unless I doit first.
(17:11):
Oh, I saw it.
It is war that I have waged.
I'll raise the flag.
My fate is in his hands.
I'm tired as hell.
(17:38):
Bye, I'm not around Floating onthe house I used to cross, but
something stops me.
Guess I found the story's end.
It's all clear now.
The only feeling bigger thanlove is loss.
So I surrender If there's morethat I can raise.
(18:01):
No reason to cry, as the painis in its hands.
I'm tired as ever, so I'll letit go my soul and all that's
left.
If I'm in flame, I'll cease toconfess, cause I'm tired as ever
.
I'm tired as ever.
I'm tired as ever.
(18:21):
I'm tired as ever.
I'm tired as ever.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
Oh, I'll surrender.
That was Surrender by JulianKalel, out of El Paso on his way
to Stanford, and today'sCountry Climb Star of the Week.
You probably saw it.
That brought tears to my eyes.
Just beautiful, beautiful songs.
Speaker 2 (18:57):
You're going to make me cry if you say stuff like
that.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
So what's next?
You've been creating this greatmusic.
You're heading to Stanford inthe fall.
Can we expect more music fromyou, and how do we support you?
Speaker 2 (19:16):
Music, I think, will always be a part of my life.
I'm going to continue tobalance that along with my
academics and you know my othercommitments in life.
I will say my.
The songs that are coming upwill follow the same sort of
sentiment that that I've builtof just self-love or struggling
with self-doubt.
(19:37):
There's also an anti-suicidesong coming out in September,
which is September SuicideAwareness Month, because I do
want to end on a couple notesjust of how big of an issue this
really is.
Suicide is the leading cause ofdeath for men between the ages
(20:00):
of I think it's like 14 through24.
And it's always linked to, oroften linked to, untreated
depression.
So I just want to stress howimportant it is that it is not a
sign of weakness to admit whatyou're going through and to talk
to someone, and how importantit is and how, actually how much
strength that does show to bevulnerable in that way.
(20:20):
But my songs that are coming up, especially, there's one that
I'm very excited about.
The most recent one that we'retrying to get out is one I wrote
called Daring to Dream, and itis essentially about me, I guess
, just venting about living in aworld where it is really hard
(20:41):
to.
I guess it's very discouragingif you want to pursue a dream
that is as crazy as eradicatingthe stigma of men's mental
health, but that's what I'mexcited for.
But, honestly, you can alwaysexpect music from me.
I'm always working on somestuff.
It'll always be a part of mylife.
(21:02):
Like I said, it is my lifeline.
It's what keeps me grounded.
Whenever I'm going throughsomething, I sit down, I start
writing, I start playing.
So you can absolutely look outfor more music and it's coming
very soon.
You're muted again, man, you'regood, you're good, you're good.
Speaker 1 (21:22):
Can't wait to hear your new music and your mission
is amazing.
If people are, you know,experiencing mental health
issues and feeling alone, whatdo you recommend?
Speaker 2 (21:42):
Is there?
Yeah, how can they reach outand get help?
So if you go to my websiteJulian Kalel is it Julian Colel
music or Julian Colelcom, julianColelcom you go to my website,
we have plenty of resourcesinvolving seeking out help for
mental health.
Um, but, honestly, all I cansay is just treat yourself with
love, treat yourself withkindness, you know, don't be too
hard on yourself.
(22:03):
I want to say that I think thehardest part about dealing with
something as isolating asdepression and anxiety is
feeling so alienated fromeveryone that you know and
everyone that you're close to.
But I want to just say everysingle person in this world has
a complex life, just like yourown.
So don't ever assume that justbecause you're going through
(22:25):
something, someone else won't beable to understand it, or
someone else's life seemsperfect, like everyone is going
through something.
I think the main thing to do isto use the resources that are
available to you.
You know, reach out to yourfriends, reach out to your
family.
These are people that love youand that are there for you.
And if that's not possible,treat yourself with love.
And there's also the suicideprevention hotline.
(22:51):
If you just text 988, you canalso find resources there, but
all I can say is you know, it'severyone's first time living, so
treat everyone with kindness,including yourself, and you will
get there someday.
Speaker 1 (23:06):
I love that message.
This is Julian Kalel.
He is today's Country ClimbStar of the Week.
Let's go ahead and show himsupport.
Let's follow his country climb.
Let's follow his journey.
Follow him on all socials.
Is it Julian Kalel Music or isit Julian Kalel on your socials?
Speaker 2 (23:25):
So on Spotify, apple Music, all of my streaming
services, you can find me underJulian Kalel.
If not, you can follow me onInstagram under Julian Kalel
Music.
Julian Kalel Music.
And there you go.
That's what I got.
Speaker 1 (23:38):
That's awesome.
We will also be sharing thisinterview on our Facebook live
and sharing his social mediahandles there as well, so you
could follow him and support himand listen to his music.
He's got more and he's got moreon the way.
Julian, it's been an honortalking to you.
Thank you for sharing yourmusic with the world and good
(24:01):
luck in Stanford and good luckin your future.
Speaker 2 (24:05):
Thank you so much.
I really appreciate you havingme on here.
Thank you so much, ChrisBennett's Country Climb Star of
the Week.
Speaker 1 (24:17):
We got another special edition of Boo or Cool
this week with our best friendDave Ramsey here in Show.
Low, dave, my birthday bash isright around the corner.
People can get their tickets atchrisbennettcomedycom.
With national headliner RyanNeemiller from America's Got
Talent Season 14 Top 3 finalists, I thought we would do some
(24:39):
more Boo or Cool birthdayedition.
You ready?
I'm ready, all right, whatabout wearing a crown all day?
Because it's my day.
Speaker 4 (24:47):
No way Boo, totally boo.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
Surprise parties after the age of 40.
That'd be cool.
Yeah, I don't think that yougot to make sure that no one has
, like, a heart problem oranything, right, yeah, yeah,
birthday pinatas for grownupsDepends on right.
Speaker 4 (25:04):
Yeah, yeah, uh.
Birthday pinatas for grown-upsdepends on what you're whacking
at now.
If you had a bunch of candy anda blow-up doll, that'd be cool
okay, how about, uh, waxing yourback for a beach birthday party
?
Speaker 1 (25:17):
waxing it for what?
Like just waxing your back soyou could like go to maybe a
pool party for your birthday orthe beach?
And what Like just waxing yourback so you could like go to
maybe a pool party for yourbirthday or the beach and you
don't have hair?
Speaker 4 (25:26):
on your back.
Totally boo.
Who's got hair on their back?
Unless you're a corporalcleaner.
Speaker 1 (25:30):
Yeah, how do you know you might have hair on your
back?
You can't see your back.
Speaker 4 (25:34):
If you look at a two-way mirror in front, mirror
in back, you can see all around.
Speaker 1 (25:40):
And last one birthday shots before 11 am.
Cool, I think that's totallyboo.
That's too early, dave.
You got to wait till at least 2o'clock.
That was Boo or Cool birthdayedition with Dave Ramsey.
We love you, best friend.
Have a great day.
I love you too.
Have a good one.
Bye, bye.
It is now time for Are youSmarter Than a Redneck?
(26:01):
And we are doing country musicsong trivia today.
Paul, they are not multiplechoice.
If you know the answer, sayyour name.
That's your buzzer.
Are you ready?
Yeah, you better know yourcountry, son.
All right, which country queenpenned the timeless ballad I
Will Always Love you, oh.
Speaker 4 (26:20):
Paul.
Speaker 1 (26:20):
Dolly Parton, dolly Parton, dolly Parton.
You got it.
That's right.
She had two number ones withthat song, once with herself and
then with Whitney Houston.
All right.
Next question which countrylegend set the stage on fire
with Ring of Fire?
Ignite Paul Paul.
Speaker 4 (26:39):
Man in Black, Johnny Cash that's right, that's right,
that's right.
Speaker 1 (26:42):
Okay, one more and you win.
Which country icon deliveredthe soulful album Country Music
in 2010, serving a pureAmericana vibes?
I'm going to say Chris AlanJackson.
No.
Speaker 3 (27:00):
Mm-mm.
Speaker 1 (27:01):
He's got braids, that's your.
No, he's got braids, that'syour hint, he's got braids Yep,
what's your guess?
Speaker 4 (27:12):
I was going to say Willie Nelson.
What did you say?
One braid, jimmy.
Speaker 1 (27:16):
Yeah, there you go, man, two days in a row.
You are smarter than a veryhandsome radio DJ.
Congratulations, paul.
Have a great weekend you too,buddy.
Y'all have a great one, be safe.
Speaker 4 (27:28):
You too Bye.
From the Horn Auto Center Studios, chris Bennett's
Country Climb Star of the Week.
This week we are so excited tohave a guest from El Paso, texas
.
It is Julian Kalel.
Did I say it right?
Hello everyone.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Yes, sir.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
Woo Heck yes.
We're off to a good start,julian, before we get started to
the nitty gritty finding aboutyour comedy or your comedy,
climb your country climb.
Finding out about your countryclimb and playing some music
from you.
I thought we'd get to know youwith some rapid fire.
(00:38):
Questions Are you ready?
Yes, sir, I'm ready.
Questions Are you ready?
Yes, sir, I'm ready.
You recently graduated fromhigh school.
What's a graduation?
Speaker 2 (00:52):
gift you really wanted but didn't get.
Oh, that's a good one, man.
There's really not much that Iasked for.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
That's a really good question what was the best gift
you?
Speaker 2 (01:07):
got.
I think the best gift that Igot, honestly, was from my
parents.
I got a brand new Martin 00018guitar, one that I've really
wanted for a long time.
I play it every single day.
It's my main guy.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
Heck yeah, time and it's I play it every single day,
it's my main, my main guy.
Heck yeah, what um?
You are heading to stanford inthe fall uh, what's your major?
Speaker 2 (01:32):
I'm majoring in physics and minoring in
astronomy, holy moly so it's notrocket science no, it's not
rocket science it's likestudying it's studying more, the
like, I guess, the crazyphenomenon in our universe such
as, like I said, black holes, orunderstanding theories of dark
(01:52):
matter and dark energy, and I'mjust really deep space object
and relaying data and learningmore about our universe.
Pretty cool stuff.
I don't know if you know whoneil degrasse tyson is, but he's
one of my most favorite people.
He's one of my heroes, but heis an astrophys.
Don't know if you know who NeildeGrasse Tyson is, but he's one
of my most favorite people,he's one of my heroes, but he is
an astrophysicist.
So if you're ever interested inthe kind of stuff that I'm
interested in, you know youcould pull up one of his YouTube
videos.
(02:12):
He's a great guy.
Speaker 1 (02:15):
Heck yeah.
Next question Would you ratherheadline a music festival or get
a 4.0 at Stanford inastrophysics?
Speaker 2 (02:26):
I would much rather headline a music festival.
I think that's right there.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
I think I got a good chance.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Sorry, say that again I said I got a good chance.
Honestly, I don't want to soundtoo cocky, but because of how
much I love physics and math ingeneral, I don't think it'll be
too hard for me to get up therewhen I go to school.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
And what was your favorite class in high school?
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Physics easily.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
And more pressure.
A live performance or a finalexam?
Speaker 2 (03:02):
A live performance actually has a bit more pressure
, I would say, especially ifyou're in front of people.
Speaker 1 (03:07):
Obviously, that was rapid fire questions with
today's country climb star ofthe week, julian calel.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
Thank you so much yeah, yes, you're, you're really
getting good at it oh good,okay, oh, you know what?
Speaker 1 (03:24):
um we uh, I do a thing with one of our sponsors.
It's alberto's uh mexican food,real fresh mexican food, and
they have me host um lotteria uhat their.
You know what that?
Mexican bingo lotteria.
Yeah, I've done it before.
Yeah, so they love having metry and read the things and they
(03:44):
all like help me with mySpanish.
I started out.
You're doing great, awesome.
Well, thanks so much.
Let's find out a little bitmore about this week's Country
Climb Star of the Week, julianKalel.
Give us a little background onyou.
(04:04):
When you are 18, when did youstart playing music and when did
music grab you?
Speaker 2 (04:11):
Absolutely so.
I have been surrounded by musicmy whole life.
I've always loved singing andperforming.
Even since I was just a littlelike when I could barely talk,
you know, I started off watchingall these Disney movies,
learning all the songs, singingfor my mom and dad and I guess I
kind of.
I picked up the guitar aroundlike middle school and maybe
(04:34):
late elementary and I kind ofjust kept it to myself because I
was a little shy andembarrassed when it came to
sharing it with people outsideof my family.
But I knew how much joy itbrought me, especially just
sitting down in my room anddecompressing and playing some
guitar.
But it wasn't until I startedreally struggling with anxiety
(04:55):
and depression.
I started using it as a copingmechanism and you know it was my
lifeline.
It kept me grounded and it wasnot until, like I said, I was
still shy, still really scared,to show that passion of mine.
That wasn't until I got into areally scary car accident.
I totaled my car and it was amiracle I came out perfectly
(05:18):
fine and the person that was theother person that was involved.
They came out perfectly fineand it was an absolute miracle.
And after that I look back onthe crash and I was like, wow,
I've, I've, gotten a secondchance at living.
You know, I remember calling upmy parents and they were just.
I was so scared I thoughtthey're going to kill me, but
they were just happy that I wasthere because that's how ugly
the crash it was.
And ever since that day, I waslike you know what, why?
(05:39):
Why does it matter what I fear,what people think?
You know, um, I should be ableto just do what I love without
fear.
And that's ever since that day.
That was in the summer of 2023.
Ever since that day, I startedwriting music and um sharing my
songs on just a little Instagrampage, and more and more I I got
(06:03):
the attention of my classmatesand, thankfully, the attention
of people outside of El Paso,and I started being able to
serve my community and othercommunities through my
songwriting.
But ever since then, yeah, it'sit all.
It was all from a car crash, ifI'm being honest and it's
amazing you're using the musicnow to do good.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
You're a big advocate for mental health and you've
also done a lot of concerts.
Is that kind of intentionalwith your music, or does music
just help you heal and you justwant to share and help others
heal as well?
Speaker 2 (06:40):
I honestly my main goal when it comes to my songs
is that I'm a huge, like I said,a huge mental health advocate.
I know how hard it is,especially for men's mental
health, because I truly thinkthat too many young men,
(07:01):
especially how I, used to helpme heal.
But I want to build a communitywhere, like my lyrics and my
stories and my vulnerability,can connect with other people
and it can maybe help otherpeople feel more seen,
especially young men.
So I think that once I havelike that strong community and I
do have a very I'm very, verythankful for the little
(07:23):
community that I've built, but Ijust want to keep on building
and building and building it soI can break that stigma that is
that surrounds mental healthinvolving men, especially
because I hear it all the time.
I know it's part of our societyof just, you know you got to be
a man.
You know men don't cry, youcan't.
You can't show this, you can'tshow that.
You know my main goal is tocompletely eradicate that stigma
(07:45):
and that is my absolute dream.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
People that say men don't cry have not met me,
friend.
I love to cry and what you'redoing is amazing.
In the community, you'rebuilding and breaking that
stigma Because it is okay tofeel and it is okay to ask for
help.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
Real men cry.
Real men cry.
Speaker 1 (08:07):
That's, that's all I'm gonna say.
Heck, yeah, I'm a real man,yeah me too.
Well, how about we play a quicklittle game before we get into
the music?
We're gonna play a game calledmusician questions For a
musician, julian Kalel, today'sCountry Climb Star of the Week,
who was the first concert orshow you attended?
Speaker 2 (08:30):
It was actually not a country star, it was Tyler, the
creator in Arizona.
Yeah, hip hop.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
Heck yeah, that's where we are in Arizona, phoenix
.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
Yeah, yeah, I really enjoyed it.
It was in Phoenix, yes.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
All right, we're three hours northeast of there
in a small mountain town andit's a lot cooler.
So if you could sit in on anyrecording session throughout
history, which session would youchoose?
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Oh, wow, that is such a good question.
I have so many favorite artists.
I one of my favorite artistswho I oh man, I wish I could
write music like that guy.
There's a man named GregoryAlan Isakov.
I don't know if you know whothat is, but he is more of a
folk artist.
If I could just sit in for oneof his recording sessions,
(09:19):
especially for this song calledMaster and a Hound by Gregory
Alanizakoff, one of the mostbeautiful songs I've ever heard
His sound is just incredible tome I would honestly pick him.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
And who are your biggest or I guess let's go your
biggest musical influences andyour biggest country musical
inspiration?
Speaker 2 (09:49):
Of course.
So I take a lot of inspiration,especially when I started out
Big Zach Bryan fan, you know Ithought his songwriting was
absolutely incredible.
Really enjoy me.
Some Tyler Childers andespecially Sam Barber I don't
know if you know who that is Ithink he is amazing.
I think he also has that ruggedfeel that I tried to get my
(10:13):
newer songs might get there, butagain, I'm not trying to be
anyone else, but he is a hugeinspiration of mine.
I would say Zach Bryan, samBarber, tyler Childers and even
some folk in there like someGregory Alnitsakov?
Speaker 1 (10:35):
Yeah, and last question if you could put
something wacky on yourperformance writer, like no
green M&Ms and it always befulfilled what would your wacky
rider be?
Speaker 2 (10:49):
like a request for wait.
What is that again?
Speaker 1 (10:51):
I'm sorry like have you ever heard I forget what
band it was, but they on theirrider when you're performing.
They're like you know we wantEvian water and we want M&M's,
but you have to take all thegreen M&M's out of it and really
, yeah, and we're really whatthey were doing is they were
trying M&Ms, but you have totake all the green M&Ms out of
it oh okay, yeah, and reallywhat they were doing is they
were trying to see if the venuehad an attention to detail,
(11:11):
because they knew the importanceof the detail in the music.
So what would your wacky riderbe?
Maybe?
Speaker 2 (11:21):
Absolutely no chocolates with nuts in them.
Absolutely no chocolates withnuts in them.
I don't know what it is, but Icannot stand the combination of
nuts and chocolate, especiallypeanut M&Ms.
They're the bane of myexistence.
So I would just say everyone,stay away from that.
Speaker 1 (11:37):
No Snickers, no Almond Joys for today's
Absolutely not Today's CountryClimb Star of the Week.
That was Musician Questionsquestions for a musician, julian
Kalel.
We're going to be right backand learn about some of his
music and play one of hisamazing songs coming up next.
Thank you, all right, so it isnow time for us to dig deep.
(12:02):
We're going to um, you talkedabout kind of what you want to
do with your music.
Your goal and it's the, thesong you've picked to play today
is is perfect for that, and so,uh, I'm excited to hear so
we'll find out a little bitabout Surrender, and then we're
going to play that song and thenwe'll find out what's next and
(12:22):
how we could support you.
Cool, we are back with today'sCountry Climb Star of the Week,
julian, or, I'm sorry, julianKalel.
I'll get it right.
You're getting it.
Yeah, you got it.
Heck.
Yes, we found out a little bitabout your influences.
We found out about your originstory.
Let's find out what's going onright now.
(12:45):
You had mentioned, with yourmusic, one of your goals is to
create a community and break thestigma behind and bring
awareness to mental health,awareness especially for young
men and men in general, and sothis song that you wanted to
(13:05):
play today is called Surrender.
Tell us how did you come upwith this song, what are the
origin stories of this song, andgive us a little info.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
Absolutely so.
I am a very faith-driven person.
You know we all have our copingmechanisms and I feel like
seeking out God is one of thesafest places to be, especially
if you're dealing with suchawful things like anxiety and
depression how overwhelmingthose things can be.
And so I remember one day I wasreally stressed out about just
(13:43):
the spiraling thoughts in mymind about you know.
I won't go into detail,especially about what they were,
but you know, we all, we all gothrough things that feel like
they're completely out of ourcontrol, and surrender has a
notion that, and this is what mydad told me when I was sitting
down with him and he was talkingto me, he was like why don't
you just surrender yourself toGod, you know, why don't you
(14:06):
just surrender all of thesethoughts and worry to the fate
of what he has planned for you?
And I thought about that thatnight and I was like that is
absolutely true, because I thinkeverything that has led me to
this moment happened for areason like that car crash, like
that, the beginning of thatinspiration to start writing
music.
And surrender is basically,like I said, a way to tell
(14:29):
people that it's okay to letthings that are out of your
control.
Stay out of your control, youknow there is no need to tear
yourself down over them.
There is no need to, you know,lose sleep over them.
All you can do is love yourself, be proud of yourself for the
progress that you're making, andjust remember that god has a
plan for every single one of us.
Speaker 1 (14:53):
Oh, can't hear you, sorry.
You are wise behind uh, behindyou are wise beyond your years,
and such an inspiration I'mabout to turn 45 and uh and just
the wisdom that you've sharedwith me.
It means a lot and it's justinspirational.
So thank you for sharing that.
And how about we share thissong now with the Q Country
(15:17):
audience?
How would you like that?
Speaker 2 (15:19):
Let's do it, I'm excited.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
All right, here is Surrender by Julian Colel,
today's Country Climb Star ofthe Week.
Speaker 3 (15:43):
And there's a hole in my chest.
Knock me down, lead me to rest,drown my thoughts with kerosene
, bring my fears to my sleep.
I'm tired of fighting.
(16:04):
I'm tired of fighting, tired ofkeeping up the side.
Now I'm a couple times in.
Memories are flooding back.
So I say, if it's all that I'vewished, I'll raise a flag.
My fate is in his hands.
I'm not, as ever, so I'll letit go, my soul and all that's
(16:31):
left.
But I hope I've passed yourtest.
Oh, I surrender.
An airplane's in my mindDisappearing, leaving all this
time behind.
(16:51):
They don't know I'm bleedingout.
They'll just stand there, finda star to laugh about, something
unclean, something lower thanthe worst.
Don't give up on me unless I doit first.
(17:11):
Oh, I saw it.
It is war that I have waged.
I'll raise the flag.
My fate is in his hands.
I'm tired as hell.
(17:38):
Bye, I'm not around Floating onthe house I used to cross, but
something stops me.
Guess I found the story's end.
It's all clear now.
The only feeling bigger thanlove is loss.
So I surrender If there's morethat I can raise.
(18:01):
No reason to cry, as the painis in its hands.
I'm tired as ever, so I'll letit go my soul and all that's
left.
If I'm in flame, I'll cease toconfess, cause I'm tired as ever
.
I'm tired as ever.
I'm tired as ever.
(18:21):
I'm tired as ever.
I'm tired as ever.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
Oh, I'll surrender.
That was Surrender by JulianKalel, out of El Paso on his way
to Stanford, and today'sCountry Climb Star of the Week.
You probably saw it.
That brought tears to my eyes.
Just beautiful, beautiful songs.
Speaker 2 (18:57):
You're going to make me cry if you say stuff like
that.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
So what's next?
You've been creating this greatmusic.
You're heading to Stanford inthe fall.
Can we expect more music fromyou, and how do we support you?
Speaker 2 (19:16):
Music, I think, will always be a part of my life.
I'm going to continue tobalance that along with my
academics and you know my othercommitments in life.
I will say my.
The songs that are coming upwill follow the same sort of
sentiment that that I've builtof just self-love or struggling
with self-doubt.
(19:37):
There's also an anti-suicidesong coming out in September,
which is September SuicideAwareness Month, because I do
want to end on a couple notesjust of how big of an issue this
really is.
Suicide is the leading cause ofdeath for men between the ages
(20:00):
of I think it's like 14 through24.
And it's always linked to, oroften linked to, untreated
depression.
So I just want to stress howimportant it is that it is not a
sign of weakness to admit whatyou're going through and to talk
to someone, and how importantit is and how, actually how much
strength that does show to bevulnerable in that way.
(20:20):
But my songs that are coming up, especially, there's one that
I'm very excited about.
The most recent one that we'retrying to get out is one I wrote
called Daring to Dream, and itis essentially about me, I guess
, just venting about living in aworld where it is really hard
(20:41):
to.
I guess it's very discouragingif you want to pursue a dream
that is as crazy as eradicatingthe stigma of men's mental
health, but that's what I'mexcited for.
But, honestly, you can alwaysexpect music from me.
I'm always working on somestuff.
It'll always be a part of mylife.
(21:02):
Like I said, it is my lifeline.
It's what keeps me grounded.
Whenever I'm going throughsomething, I sit down, I start
writing, I start playing.
So you can absolutely look outfor more music and it's coming
very soon.
You're muted again, man, you'regood, you're good, you're good.
Speaker 1 (21:22):
Can't wait to hear your new music and your mission
is amazing.
If people are, you know,experiencing mental health
issues and feeling alone, whatdo you recommend?
Speaker 2 (21:42):
Is there?
Yeah, how can they reach outand get help?
So if you go to my websiteJulian Kalel is it Julian Colel
music or Julian Colelcom, julianColelcom you go to my website,
we have plenty of resourcesinvolving seeking out help for
mental health.
Um, but, honestly, all I cansay is just treat yourself with
love, treat yourself withkindness, you know, don't be too
hard on yourself.
(22:03):
I want to say that I think thehardest part about dealing with
something as isolating asdepression and anxiety is
feeling so alienated fromeveryone that you know and
everyone that you're close to.
But I want to just say everysingle person in this world has
a complex life, just like yourown.
So don't ever assume that justbecause you're going through
(22:25):
something, someone else won't beable to understand it, or
someone else's life seemsperfect, like everyone is going
through something.
I think the main thing to do isto use the resources that are
available to you.
You know, reach out to yourfriends, reach out to your
family.
These are people that love youand that are there for you.
And if that's not possible,treat yourself with love.
And there's also the suicideprevention hotline.
(22:51):
If you just text 988, you canalso find resources there, but
all I can say is you know, it'severyone's first time living, so
treat everyone with kindness,including yourself, and you will
get there someday.
Speaker 1 (23:06):
I love that message.
This is Julian Kalel.
He is today's Country ClimbStar of the Week.
Let's go ahead and show himsupport.
Let's follow his country climb.
Let's follow his journey.
Follow him on all socials.
Is it Julian Kalel Music or isit Julian Kalel on your socials?
Speaker 2 (23:25):
So on Spotify, apple Music, all of my streaming
services, you can find me underJulian Kalel.
If not, you can follow me onInstagram under Julian Kalel
Music.
Julian Kalel Music.
And there you go.
That's what I got.
Speaker 1 (23:38):
That's awesome.
We will also be sharing thisinterview on our Facebook live
and sharing his social mediahandles there as well, so you
could follow him and support himand listen to his music.
He's got more and he's got moreon the way.
Julian, it's been an honortalking to you.
Thank you for sharing yourmusic with the world and good
(24:01):
luck in Stanford and good luckin your future.
Speaker 2 (24:05):
Thank you so much.
I really appreciate you havingme on here.
Thank you so much, ChrisBennett's Country Climb Star of
the Week.
Speaker 1 (24:17):
We got another special edition of Boo or Cool
this week with our best friendDave Ramsey here in Show.
Low, dave, my birthday bash isright around the corner.
People can get their tickets atchrisbennettcomedycom.
With national headliner RyanNeemiller from America's Got
Talent Season 14 Top 3 finalists, I thought we would do some
(24:39):
more Boo or Cool birthdayedition.
You ready?
I'm ready, all right, whatabout wearing a crown all day?
Because it's my day.
Speaker 4 (24:47):
No way Boo, totally boo.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
Surprise parties after the age of 40.
That'd be cool.
Yeah, I don't think that yougot to make sure that no one has
, like, a heart problem oranything, right, yeah, yeah,
birthday pinatas for grownupsDepends on right.
Speaker 4 (25:04):
Yeah, yeah, uh.
Birthday pinatas for grown-upsdepends on what you're whacking
at now.
If you had a bunch of candy anda blow-up doll, that'd be cool
okay, how about, uh, waxing yourback for a beach birthday party
?
Speaker 1 (25:17):
waxing it for what?
Like just waxing your back soyou could like go to maybe a
pool party for your birthday orthe beach?
And what Like just waxing yourback so you could like go to
maybe a pool party for yourbirthday or the beach and you
don't have hair?
Speaker 4 (25:26):
on your back.
Totally boo.
Who's got hair on their back?
Unless you're a corporalcleaner.
Speaker 1 (25:30):
Yeah, how do you know you might have hair on your
back?
You can't see your back.
Speaker 4 (25:34):
If you look at a two-way mirror in front, mirror
in back, you can see all around.
Speaker 1 (25:40):
And last one birthday shots before 11 am.
Cool, I think that's totallyboo.
That's too early, dave.
You got to wait till at least 2o'clock.
That was Boo or Cool birthdayedition with Dave Ramsey.
We love you, best friend.
Have a great day.
I love you too.
Have a good one.
Bye, bye.
It is now time for Are youSmarter Than a Redneck?
(26:01):
And we are doing country musicsong trivia today.
Paul, they are not multiplechoice.
If you know the answer, sayyour name.
That's your buzzer.
Are you ready?
Yeah, you better know yourcountry, son.
All right, which country queenpenned the timeless ballad I
Will Always Love you, oh.
Speaker 4 (26:20):
Paul.
Speaker 1 (26:20):
Dolly Parton, dolly Parton, dolly Parton.
You got it.
That's right.
She had two number ones withthat song, once with herself and
then with Whitney Houston.
All right.
Next question which countrylegend set the stage on fire
with Ring of Fire?
Ignite Paul Paul.
Speaker 4 (26:39):
Man in Black, Johnny Cash that's right, that's right,
that's right.
Speaker 1 (26:42):
Okay, one more and you win.
Which country icon deliveredthe soulful album Country Music
in 2010, serving a pureAmericana vibes?
I'm going to say Chris AlanJackson.
No.
Speaker 3 (27:00):
Mm-mm.
Speaker 1 (27:01):
He's got braids, that's your.
No, he's got braids, that'syour hint, he's got braids Yep,
what's your guess?
Speaker 4 (27:12):
I was going to say Willie Nelson.
What did you say?
One braid, jimmy.
Speaker 1 (27:16):
Yeah, there you go, man, two days in a row.
You are smarter than a veryhandsome radio DJ.
Congratulations, paul.
Have a great weekend you too,buddy.
Y'all have a great one, be safe.
Speaker 4 (27:28):
You too Bye.
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