Why Writing Detailed Gratitude Beats Simple Lists - Nate Setto (ep. 1004)

Nate Seto—the artist behind the moving new single “Novocaine.” Nate opens up about his journey from childhood songwriter to a young man battling anxiety, depression, and alcohol dependence, and how he turned those struggles into a raw, honest anthem that’s resonating with fans worldwide.

We dive into Nate’s day‑to‑day gratitude practice—why simply listing things you’re thankful for isn’t enough, and how truly re‑living those moments (think vivid memories of trips with his brothers) can shift your energy and create a snowball effect of positivity. Nate shares the pivotal two‑week stretch where he started each morning with deliberate, upbeat affirmations, feeling the difference instantly.

The conversation also touches on the darker side of coping: the cycle of daily drinking, the fear of being judged, and the isolation that often accompanies substance use. Nate reveals how prayer, deeper gratitude, and a supportive circle—especially his mentor Brandon Smith and his daily relationship with God—helped him find peace and break the pattern.

Listeners will hear the backstory of “Novocaine,” from the hesitation to release a song about personal demons to the overwhelming response of fans who felt seen and heard. Nate explains how music can safely surface buried emotions, allowing space for gratitude to emerge and for healing to begin.

Finally, Nate offers heartfelt advice to his younger self and to anyone struggling: “You need gratitude to have happiness.” He reminds us that while talent and hard work are vital, true growth comes from the mentors, friends, and spiritual connections that lift us up.

Get ready for an authentic, uplifting conversation that blends raw vulnerability with actionable gratitude tools—exactly the kind of inspiration you need to turn a tough day into a hopeful one. 

Resources:

Nate's website: https://natesettomusic.com/

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Timestamps:

• 00:52 – Intro to the episode: welcoming a talented artist on a mission to help others.
• 01:33 – Overview of struggling artists: anxiety, mental health challenges, and substance‑abuse pitfalls.
• 02:08 – Meet Nate Seto: R&B artist, Michigan native, new single “Novocaine” aimed at listeners battling anxiety, depression, and addiction.
• 02:42 – Interview kickoff: Nate shares his personal story.
• 03:03 – Nate’s current life in Grand Blanc, MI, and why “Novocaine” was written during a tough mental‑health period.
• 03:36 – The song as an outlet for stress; drinking was his coping method, but he seeks healthier alternatives.
• 04:10 – Gratitude presented as a healthier tool; many things to be grateful for can keep you moving forward.
• 04:30 – Gratitude + art as dual pathways to healing; importance of not feeling alone.
• 05:29 – Nate’s recent gratitude practice (last two weeks) and its dramatic mood‑boosting effect.
• 06:06 – Morning gratitude ritual: exaggerate positivity, let it snowball into a better day.
• 06:28 – Host confirms: gratitude journaling expands awareness of life’s positives.
• 06:49 – Even amid struggles, gratitude shifts perspective to see the good that already exists.
• 07:20 – Dive into substance‑abuse triggers: Nate used alcohol to “empty” negative feelings.
• 08:14 – Details of daily drinking, tolerance build‑up, paranoia, and hiding the habit from friends/family.
• 09:07 – Healthier coping: deep, specific gratitude (e.g., recalling trips with brothers) versus generic lists.
• 09:48 – Example of vivid gratitude practice and its emotional impact.
• 11:08 – Host reflects on how genuine gratitude practice feels more effective than superficial lists.
• 11:59 – Gratitude reshapes how we view and appreciate other people.
• 12:31 – Advice to younger self: “You need gratitude to find happiness.”
• 13:18 – Nate emphasizes gratitude as a foundation for happiness.
• 13:37 – People Nate is grateful for: family, mentor Brandon Smith (coach/mentor), and God.
• 14:47 – Host underscores the vital role of mentors in personal success.
• 16:29 – Reminder: our achievements are also thanks to others who helped us along the way.
• 17:15 – Creation of “Novocaine”: inspiration, intended impact, and purpose behind the song.
• 17:53 – Nate’s initial reluctance to release the track; wrote it on his phone while dealing with substance issues.
• 18:21 – Fear of exposing vulnerability on social media; pressure to appear “perfect.”
• 18:35 – Decision to release the song, shoot a video, and confront nervousness.
• 19:08 – Fan response: listeners relate deeply, share their own struggles, and feel heard.
• 20:23 – Importance of not feeling alone; gratitude involves acknowledging feelings rather than bottling them.
• 21:40 – Music helps surface emotions, making space for gratitude to emerge.
• 22:48 – Listeners feel “normal” and hopeful after connecting with the song.
• 23:33 – Experiencing emotions leads to openness for gratitude and appreciation.
• 23:57 – Gratitude creates openness to new possibilities and deeper appreciation.
• 24:42 – Closing thanks and gratitude for Nate’s vulnerability.
• 24:56 – Where to find Nate: all streaming platforms, YouTube (Nate Seto), Instagram @nate_seto.
• 25:19 – Host encourages listeners to check out “Novocaine.”
• 25:44 – Final thank‑you and well‑wishes.

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