Jordan Goodman wants to empower people through drumming. (Photo by Steve Ruark)

At 34, Owings Mills native Jordan Goodman has already fulfilled many of his dreams. Now, he wants to help others fulfill theirs. A professional musician and licensed psychotherapist, Goodman, who lives in Remington, is founder of Beatwell, an initiative that creates rhythm-based programs for nonprofits and corporate groups. Goodman has coordinated drum circles and workshops at synagogues, schools, camps and community centers. In February, he performed at a Jewish Federations of North America conference, and Goodman recently handled branding and communications for Baltimore-based Ring of Honor Wrestling. In addition, he recently co-founded a podcast and will perform with Raindeer, a “psych pop” band, at Ottobar on April 25.

1. What happens in your drum therapy groups?

Everyone sits in a circle, and everyone who wants one gets a drum or percussion instrument. I facilitate rhythmic exercises that have been proven to reduce stress, improve mood, boost the immune system and [in corporate environments] reduce turnover rates. We create collaborative, improvised music and then we verbally process the experience. Sometimes the theme is stress management, other times it’s community support, leadership development, mindful meditation or dealing with frustration.

2. How did you get involved with wrestling? Seems like a leap from drumming.

Not really. They’re both about how you connect emotionally with a culture or person. I trained as a pro wrestler when I was 13, and I was fascinated by the business. I wanted to experience that business from the inside-out at the highest level. At Ring of Honor, I was responsible for 100 percent of the social media. I led our communication efforts, including leading the branding and promotion of their event at Madison Square Garden. The event sold out in less than 20 minutes!

3. What was your podcast Chocolate Croissants all about?

The podcast lasted about a year. There were 150,000 downloads and that doesn’t count streaming. It was rooted in creative entrepreneurship and self-improvement. It was geared mostly for high school students up to people in their 30s. The podcast taught listeners about how they could monetize their passions, how to leverage their college degrees to get a first job.

4. What did you do at the JFNA conference?

I did a 90-minute drumming workshop with American Jewish leaders on opening night. I helped them to develop tools of self-awareness, cross-departmental collaboration and direct communication, so they could go back to their communities and lead in more productive ways.

5. What’s next for you?

I recently began working with a coach who has helped guide the careers of many well-known public speakers and thought leaders. My goal is to use drumming to empower people. I want to give them the mindset and tools to make a living that makes them feel alive. I also want to empower leaders to create cultures that help empower their employees. Drumming brings empowerment to life!

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