Guitars, Grit, and Girl Guitar: A Conversation with Mandy Rowden

In this episode of Roar, host Danielle Davies sits down with Mandy Rowden—singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and founder of Girl Guitar—to talk about what happens when women stop waiting for permission and start picking up the mic.

From her early love of music to building a one-of-a-kind space where women feel safe to be loud, creative, and unapologetically themselves, Mandy shares how music became her tool for self-expression, community-building, and low-key rebellion.

We talk about fear, confidence, songwriting, and the power of showing up—even when you don’t feel ready. Plus: how Girl Guitar grew into a movement and the story behind the Texas Women’s Songwriters Festival.

This isn’t just about music. It’s about voice, risk, and reclaiming the right to take up space—one chord at a time.

 

00:00 Introduction to Roar

00:23 Sexual Assault PSA

01:20 Meet Mandy Rowden: Musician and Educator

04:05 The Birth of Girl Guitar

08:05 Empowering Women Through Music

21:59 The Texas Women's Songwriters Festival

26:17 Celebrating Mexican American Women in Music

27:17 Diversity in Skillset and Selection Process

30:04 Challenges and Standards for Women in Music

34:37 The Importance of Creative Confidence

37:43 Balancing Music with Other Pursuits

41:29 Creating a Custom Career Path

44:28 Dream Concert Lineup of Texas Women Songwriters

47:33 Upcoming Projects and Online Courses

51:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell

 

 

To follow Mandy and her projects:

Girl Guitar: https://www.girlguitaraustin.com/

 

Mandy Rowden website: https://www.mandyrowden.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mandyrowden

 

Texas Women’s Songwriter’sFestival: https://texaswomensongwritersfestival.com/home

 

Musicians Mentioned:

Lydia Mendoza: https://www.npr.org/2010/05/24/127033025/lydia-mendoza-the-first-lady-of-tejano

 

Cindy Walker: https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/hall-of-fame/cindy-walker

 

Lisa Loeb: https://www.lisaloeb.com/

 

Lucinda Williams: https://www.lucindawilliams.com/

 

Rose Flores: https://rosieflores.com/

 

Sarah Hickman: https://www.sarahickman.com/

 

Kimmy Rhodes: https://kimmierhodes.com/

 

Tish Hinojosa: https://www.mundotish.com/

 

Also Mentioned:

Ira Glass: https://youtu.be/PbC4gqZGPSY?si=yKAGaylfijmMoynT

 

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