#77 When Chronic Illness Changes the Tune: A Musician’s Journey Through Diabetes and Stroke

In this episode of It Happened To Me, we share a powerful story of resilience, creativity, and determination in the face of serious health challenges. We’re honored to welcome Carolyn Routh, an award-winning musician, entrepreneur, and front-woman of the acclaimed bluegrass band Nu-Blu. With more than two decades on the road, multiple Billboard Top Ten albums, and appearances on platforms like CBS Sunday Morning, Carolyn has built an extraordinary career in music. What many don’t see is the parallel journey she’s been navigating behind the scenes—living with Type I diabetes and recovering from multiple strokes. Carolyn’s health challenges reshaped not only her life, but her art. During her stroke recovery, she taught herself to play bass, reinventing her role in the band and reclaiming her place on stage with a renewed sense of purpose. In this conversation, we explore what it means to pursue a demanding creative career while managing chronic illness, how music can become part of healing, and what resilience really looks like when the unexpected changes everything. In This Episode, We Discuss: Carolyn’s early diagnosis with Type I diabetes and how it shaped her life before fame Surviving multiple strokes and the recovery process Learning to play bass as part of rehabilitation and healing Returning to the stage after major health trauma Balancing touring, recording, and performance with ongoing health needs Making career accommodations without giving up on dreams How lived experience influences Nu-Blu’s music Navigating marriage, creativity, and entrepreneurship through serious illness The power of community, music, and perseverance Advice for anyone worried a diagnosis will limit their future Resources: Carolyn's Band Nu-Blu BlueGrass Ridge Syndicated TV Show hosted by Carolyn and Daniel Routh FDA Drug Safety Communication: Updated information about the risk of blood clots in women taking birth control pills containing drospirenone (including Yasmin and Yaz) Connect With Us: Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”. “It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.