The Man Behind the Music: Mike Gouchie on Pain, Purpose & Redemption

Today, we’re sitting down with Mike Gouchie, award-winning vocalist, songwriter, producer, and now author, as he prepares to release his deeply personal and long-awaited book, Shattered Glass, coming August 2025 through BWL Publishing. Known for sharing the stage with legends like George Jones and Alan Jackson, and for his chart-topping, award-winning album of the same name, Mike’s story goes far beyond the spotlight.

In Shattered Glass, he opens up about the highs and lows of a life dedicated to music, the struggles behind the scenes of the industry, and the journey to reclaim the passion that started it all. Join us as Mike reflects on the path that led him here, what it took to write his truth, and what comes next.

Your career spans music, television, and now authorship. How did writing a book compare emotionally and creatively to writing music?

Mike Gouchie: “It was quite similar in a lot of aspects. I’ve written many songs over the years, and often about personal events in my life. So, writing this book was similar to writing a song. One long ass song… 218 pages that no radio station would ever play. But, hopefully, the book would get a mention here and there to their listeners, ‘Go buy the book Shattered Glass by Mike Gouchie.’

“Joking aside, I suffered a traumatic brain injury several years back, which came with lasting side effects. Writing was a wild rollercoaster ride. The reflecting brought on emotions ranging from huge dinosaur tears soaking a few shirts, to deep belly laughs, to memories of hurt and anger soon forgiven.”

Shattered Glass is both an album and now a memoir. What made you decide to give both projects the same name, and what does that title mean to you personally?

“I chose Shattered Glass as the title for my pinnacle album, because it was where I was musically. For some, the song may bring them to a place in a physical relationship. For me, the lyrics represented my relationship with the music industry.

SHATTERED GLASS
I held on to you, you let go
Ever since that day, I’ve been dying slow
Like a house with no light on lonely street
That’s where you left me
I tried so hard to get up off my knees,
Since you walked out with everything I need
Every time I reach inside my empty heart, there you are
Like shattered glass, broken jagged pieces of the past
Can’t you see, I’m still picking up what’s left of you and me
That window of forever, that we looked through together
Lies scattered on the floor like shattered glass

“The book title Shattered Glass made sense for a lot of the same reasons. It tells the story of my life and musical journey from falling apart repetitively, to rebuilding and putting those shattered pieces back together.”

Mike Gouchie in Summer 2025, photo by Pop Media

In the book, you touch on growing up in a musical family. Can you share a memory from your early years that you feel shaped who you are today as an artist and storyteller?

“If I pinpoint just that one memory that shaped who I am, I’d give away the first chapter and important ending, or denouement as they say in the book world.

“So, I’ll just say ‘family played a very important role’ and continues to do so… My father was a huge influence both musically and spiritually. He would say, ‘Everyone in the family is a singer, even the sewing machine.’ My brother Buddy is still one of the best singers my ears have ever heard, and my sister Kym is currently killing it out touring her latest project. Other musical influences growing up started with classics like Merle Haggard and George Jones. Writers like Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton piqued my writing interest. Vince Gill was my first vocal hero while finding my own voice.

“While always staying true to my country roots, from time to time, a new artist would grab hold of me for reasons usually attached to my spirit thread. Those artists ranged from Keith Urban’s first solo album to more currently, the undeniable rich tones of Chris Stapleton, to now the big heart of Jelly Roll. We all love music for the same yet different reasons. Sometimes it’s a tone, a lyric, a beat… I’m drawn to a voice and artists with a similar story to tell, with overcoming setbacks.”

You’ve opened for legends like George Jones and shared the stage with Alan Jackson. How do these moments appear in the book, and what impact did they have on your journey?

“The George Jones tour and opening for major artists appear in the book as stepping stones, accomplishments, and future opportunities. Reaching that level reaffirmed my sense of belonging, strengthened the belief in myself and where I was headed musically. The ‘sky was the limit,’ but unfortunately, ‘limit’ became the key word. Once you reach a certain point in a music career, the stakes become bigger, the shows become bigger! Truth is, if you don’t have the big cash flow to keep the big things rolling (like me), you’ll likely be shelved.”

Mike Gouchie in Summer 2025, photo by Pop Media

The album Shattered Glass achieved major success, winning multiple awards, yet was ultimately shelved due to industry politics. How do you process that kind of heartbreak, and how does it unfold in your book?

“I’ve had a very long time to reflect. Through my many struggles, I could’ve easily spiralled into the victim mode of pity, drugs, and alcohol. But, I chose the path less travelled and I’m super grateful for all my accomplishments to date.

“Writing this book was my way of processing the heartbreak, because ‘it was real,’ and the book outlines that path… of getting back what I lost. I lost the opportunity to sing in front of thousands of people and share my stories through song. As the opener for George Jones’ North American tour (on the cross-Canada leg), every night I would excuse the band from the stage, pull up a short wooden stool with GJ written on it. With just myself and guitar, I’d share my heart through a song by Vince Gill called ‘Sight for Sore Eyes.’ To this day, whenever I sing that song, I can still picture the crowd and what it meant ‘to me.’”

WHEN THE STORMS OF THE DAY, HAVE ALL BLOWN AWAY
ALONG WITH FAIR WEATHERED FRIENDS
THERE’S A PLACE I CAN, GO WHERE THE WIND DOESN’T BLOW
IT’S THE BEST PLACE THAT I’VE EVER BEEN
YOU’RE A SITE FOR SORE EYES, WHEN I NEED A FRIEND
YOU’RE A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES, LET THE HEALING BEGIN

You mentioned that “the music business stole something from me.” How did writing this book help you in the process of reclaiming your passion for music?

“The music ‘business’ stole my love of music. Writing this book helped me understand, ‘it wasn’t me or my music, unworthy of going further.’ It was just a matter of unfortunate circumstances.

“I learned how to accept things for how they played out, but never considered my musical career as ‘unsuccessful!’ After all the accolades and live performance opportunities, it would be selfish of me to think I deserved more than what I’ve already received. Sometimes you have to step back and accept it for what it is (or was) and appreciate the amazing memories.

“Through writing this book, I was able to relive so many amazing moments and regain my love for music. There’s a saying that the ‘music business’ has a small m and a capital B. I’m putting the capital back on the ‘M’ for music and removing the ‘bs’ from business!”

Working with producer Kevin Churko was a turning point in your music career. What was it like collaborating with him, and how does that partnership feature in the story you’ve written?

“I’d say, ‘it was like two old friends hanging out making music.’ Kevin understood where I was coming from vocally. He wasn’t like other producers telling me about all the famous artists and bands he’s produced. It was just a laid-back, here we go approach, giving me a secure feeling of belonging. Kevin had a special touch and ability to bring out my best by simply allowing me to be me, and didn’t try to change the way I sang. Just subtle suggestions giving me the confidence to do my thing!

“Kevin believed in me, and I truly love that guy for treating me like a human and not just a paycheck or cash grab… Shattered Glass (the album) is an undeniable work of art, with Bob Funk also playing a very important role!”

The transition from being on stage to writing behind a desk must have come with challenges. What was the hardest part of the writing process for you?

“I’ve spent the past dozen+ years writing daily environmental inspection reports and the latter part of those years helping others develop them. So, I was comfortable being behind a desk.

“Truthfully, the toughest part of the writing process for me was just remembering….

“I wasn’t sure how much I would recall of a past nearly forgotten. And at times, I was scared that the brain injury would become a barrier preventing important details.

“But fortunately for the most part, it didn’t.”

Mike Gouchie in Summer 2025, photo by Pop Media

You’ve appeared on CMT’s Plucked, APTN, and other programs. Did those experiences in front of the camera prepare you in any way for the vulnerability required to write your own life story?

“Good question! Well, it certainly made for good content to write about. As far as vulnerability goes, I think being vulnerable shows character, honesty and integrity, which in my life, has led to great things.

“Being vulnerable enough to write a book about your life is either crazy or brilliant!

“This is yet to be determined (laughs).”

What do you hope readers take away from Shattered Glass, especially those who have struggled with setbacks in their creative or personal journeys?

“I truly hope it inspires someone just how important it is to never give up. If you need to step back a while due to unforeseen circumstances, don’t be a victim! Silently back away and take all the time you need to reassess. It may take a month, a year, a decade or more, but if you have a deep desire for something you truly love (like music), you’ll find a way to get it back…

“Again, for me, I rediscovered my love of music through writing this book. I never signed a major record deal, so signing this book deal and writing my truths has been my way back in.”

Looking forward, do you see this book as the closing of a chapter, or the beginning of something new for Mike Gouchie, the artist and the man?

“I do believe it is the closing of ‘a’ chapter, but also the beginning of a new one. The old chapter is not yet forgotten, but it is a thing of the past. There are so many things family, friends, folks I’ve shared stages with over the years and those who’ve seen me on stage (or have heard my music), don’t know about me. I’ve felt super vulnerable exposing my musical journey, and hope those who read the book and recognize themselves understand my perspective! I would love to become reacquainted with those I’ve struggled with and turn the page!

“Those musically who’ve stood by my side have never left my heart. I’d love nothing more than to have another lifetime of opportunities, to record with you and stand beside (not in front) you in one way or another, making, playing, and singing the music that we love! This is the beginning of something new for me. Singing songs in front of our campfire on the lake, allowing myself to not be perfect and make mistakes. Flubbing up chords and lyrics while laughing it off. Relearning the music that’s been missing, letting people know I’m human, accepting myself and above all playing music for the love of it.”