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 Songrwriter’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
Lucky Star Art Camp: https://luckystarartcamp.com/