It wasn’t just the songs Catherine Skinner wanted to hear from local musicians — she wanted to know the roadblocks they overcame to get where they are.

It became the basis for her podcast “Soft Opening,” for which 12 artists were invited to her home studio to discuss their music and hardships as inspiration to others fighting with their own mental health struggles.

Premiering in May, the show has shared the stories of artists Katey Gatta, Brandon Agnew and Aaron Berger.

It caps its 12th and final episode with a special live show Tuesday at Local. in Niagara Falls ( 5984 Main St. ). It will feature music and spoken word performances by Joe Lapinski, Maja Bannerman, Rusty McCarthy and MOON.

Skinner, a Niagara poet and secular minister, said the podcast has become a safe zone for arti

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