What happens when a song still hurts, even after the relationship ends well?

Singer-songwriter Brad Kirsch joins me to break down the emotional meaning behind his song “Miss You Anyway,” how a past relationship reshaped its message, and why the song still resonates with him today.

Brad also performs the song live during the episode. I

n this conversation, we talk about songwriting through heartbreak, creative growth as an independent artist, and staying aligned while building a sustainable music career. Brad reflects on where the song came from, how its meaning has evolved, and what it taught him about honesty in music.

This podcast is part of my ongoing creative journey as a queer independent artist learning how to produce my own music.

These conversations are about being witnessed while learning, sharing real creative processes, and spotlighting artists who lead with intention and emotional truth. 🎶

In this episode, we discuss:

• The real story behind “Miss You Anyway”

• How heartbreak shapes songwriting

• Brad Kirsch’s writing and creative process

• Performing original music live

• Navigating growth as an independent artist

• Brad’s 2026 career goals
  

🎤 Check out and follow the artist:
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCtE4H63QzDCQ60a_y9ruyew
- Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/bradkirsch11/]
- Spotify: [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Jvata85s6rOgKU7v5p9LA?si=F8qsd0rRRVit_fuKPW_5kw]
- TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@babybop321r=1&t=ZT-93K436Sru11]
- Apple Music: [https://music.apple.com/us/artist/brad-kirsch/1795556186]

🌍 Stay connected: https://linktr.ee/caseyryanofficial

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
00:40 – Where Is Brad So Far In 2026
02:29 – Feeling Aligned
03:35 – Juggling Being An Independent Artist And Working
04:07 – How Emotions Guide Songwriting
04:56 – Writing New Music
09:10 – Finding Power While 'Floating'
11:44 – How Previous Jobs Help With Performing Live
13:24 – Our Writing Processes
16:04 – Performing Original Music
21:43 – Reflecting On 'Miss You Anyway'
23:30 – Why 'Miss You Anyway' Is My Favorite Song
24:38 – 'Miss You Anyway' Live Performance
27:58 – How Brad Still Relates To 'Miss You Anyway'
29:08 – Dissecting The Lyrics To 'Miss You Anyway'
31:54 – 'Friends With Benefits' Owning Your Own Truth
33:43 – Upgrading Sound & Staying Authentic
35:39 – VoyageLA Magazine Article
37:07 – The Importance of Staying Humble
40:25 – Performing Outside Vs Indoors & Reading The Room
41:20 – Looking Ahead
43:40 – How To Support Brad Kirsch
44:09 – Outro

In this first episode of the CaseyRyan Reacts Podcast, where I get to react and unpack new music with the artist, I am joined by the amazing Justin Renaissance for their newest single Into The Night. A Rock Power Ballad that hit me to my core.