In another session of the Tuska Forum by Bleeding Metal, host Kiki sits down with Natasha Skult, a game developer, academic, and passionate metalhead, to explore the powerful intersection of storytelling in games and music. Natasha shares her journey from indie game studio founder to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry, and discusses how her love for metal music influences her creative work.

Whether you’re a gamer, musician, or just curious about the creative process, this episode offers insights, inspiration, and a celebration of the communities that bring us together.

02:48 Meet Natasha Skult
05:06 The importance of inclusive games and teams
07:50 Storytelling in Metal music and gaming
15:29 AI and the future of creative industries
30:03 Games and mental health: safe digital spaces

Recorded on June 28th, 2025 at Tuska Festival in Helsinki.

Show notes:

• Natasha Skult on LinkedIn

• Trailer for Natasha’s game Willow Guard

Bleeding Metal was created by ⁠⁠@kikigege87 ⁠ and is hosted and produced with ⁠⁠@martha _wingen⁠⁠. Episode edited by Kiki.

Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our ⁠⁠linktree⁠. Intro music by ⁠⁠Savvier Nelson⁠⁠ with vocals from ⁠⁠PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric⁠⁠.

In this special Finnish-language episode recorded live at Tuska Forum by Bleeding Metal 2025, our guest journalist Cristina Gregori sits down with Eicca Toppinen (APOCALYPTICA) and Joel Hokka (formerly of Blind Channel) for a candid conversation about the impact of the world on artists.

The discussion explores the realities of touring, the evolution of band life, mental health, the pressures of the music industry, and the importance of resilience. The episode also features an audience Q&A, personal stories, and practical advice for musicians and fans alike.

03:10 — Finnish Interview

37:46 — Audience Q&A

Recorded on June 27th, 2025 at Tuska Festival in Helsinki.

Bleeding Metal was created by ⁠⁠@kikigege87 ⁠ and is hosted and produced with ⁠⁠@martha _wingen⁠⁠. Episode edited by Kiki.

Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our ⁠⁠linktree⁠. Intro music by ⁠⁠Savvier Nelson⁠⁠ with vocals from ⁠⁠PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric⁠⁠.

Hosts Kiki and Martha bring you a new session from Tuska Forum by Bleeding Metal: a powerful conversation with Charlotte Wessels about music, community, and creative independence.

Dive into Charlotte’s journey becoming a solo artist, the realities of life as a musician, and her insights on activism.

00:00 – Introduction & Welcome
01:27 – Charlotte Wessels Takes the Stage
03:00 – Transitioning from Band to Solo Artist
06:07 – Building Connections Through Music
10:12 – The Financial Reality of Being an Artist
12:23 – Learning Music Production
16:18 – Taking Control of Your Art
20:54 – Activism in Metal Music
29:11 – Q&A Session
37:37 – Final Thoughts on Community

Recorded on June 28th, 2025 at Tuska Festival in Helsinki.

Show notes:

• Check out Charlotte’s Patreon

• Charlotte got her Tuska stage outfit from the Fashion Brand Company

• Blast from the past: Kiki’s first interview with Charlotte Wessels at Metal Female Voices Fest 2013

Bleeding Metal was created by ⁠⁠@kikigege87 ⁠ and is hosted and produced with ⁠⁠@martha _wingen⁠⁠. Episode edited by Kiki.

Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our ⁠⁠linktree⁠. Intro music by ⁠⁠Savvier Nelson⁠⁠ with vocals from ⁠⁠PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric⁠⁠.

This episode of Bleeding Metal brings you hosts Kiki and Martha discussing their most recent live music experiences, with a concert report of DARK SARAH’s comeback performance and a festival report of Nexus Nerd Rock Festival 2025.

Shortly before the concert in Helsinki on July 5th, Kiki was also able to catch up with DARK SARAH-vocalist Heidi Parviainen about her businesses, hobbies and plans for the future of the band and their upcoming album.

0:00 Catching Up with Martha and Kiki
3:35 Interview with Heidi Parviainen from Dark Sarah
15:45 Nexus Nerd Festival - Martha's Experience
27:05 Upcoming Episodes

Recorded on August 1st, 2025.

Show notes:

• Check out our last podcast episode with Heidi from DARK SARAH

• Get your tickets for Nexus Nerd Rock Festival 2026

Bleeding Metal was created by ⁠⁠@kikigege87 ⁠ and is hosted and produced with ⁠⁠@martha _wingen⁠⁠. Episode edited by Kiki.

Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our ⁠⁠linktree⁠. Intro music by ⁠⁠Savvier Nelson⁠⁠ with vocals from ⁠⁠PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric⁠⁠.

Hosts Martha and Kiki present an insightful discussion with the Swedish band IMMINENCE, recorded at the Tuska Forüm by Bleeding Metal during the Tuska Festival in Helsinki this past June. The conversation delves deep into the concept of 'purpose' in music, as the band members reflect on how their fans give their music meaning. They explore the emotional and existential impact of their art, the band's creative process, resilience in challenging times, and the evolving landscape of the metal community.

This intimate and thought-provoking live interview provides a heartfelt look at the connection between musicians and their listeners, highlighting the powerful role of music in offering comfort, a sense of belonging, and even escapism in times of uncertainty.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:26 The Purpose of Music with Imminence
04:09 Finding Purpose and Overcoming Challenges
21:15 Exploring the Emotional Impact of Music
24:45 The Evolution of the Metal Scene
28:38 Fan Questions and Personal Insights

Recorded on June 27th, 2025 at Tuska Festival in Helsinki.

Show notes:

• Check out the band’s acclaimed merch on IMMINENCE’s website

Bleeding Metal was created by ⁠⁠@kikigege87 ⁠ and is hosted and produced with ⁠⁠@martha _wingen⁠⁠. Episode edited by Kiki.

Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our ⁠⁠linktree⁠. Intro music by ⁠⁠Savvier Nelson⁠⁠ with vocals from ⁠⁠PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric⁠⁠.

In this episode of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, hosts Kiki and Martha present an insightful conversation from the Tuska Forum with SKYND. They discuss SKYND's deep interest in true crime, her creative process, and the therapeutic impact of her music.

SKYND also shares her journey with ADHD, the importance of mental health, and her aspirations to support abuse survivors through a foundation. The conversation concludes with a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion towards oneself and others.

01:21 Starting the Session: Finding Light in Darkness
02:37 Exploring the Creative Process
05:10 Musical Upbringing and Inspirations
06:21 Vocal Health and Performance Challenges
07:59 True Crime Community and Mental Health
09:41 Importance of Mental Health Conversations
14:07 ADHD Diagnosis and Personal Struggles
15:23 Therapy and Medication: Breaking the Taboo
16:28 Impact of Medication on Creativity
17:31 Haunting True Crime Stories
20:33 Activism and Supporting Survivors
21:18 Musical Inspirations and Style
22:54 Balancing Mental Health and Awareness
24:24 Finding Light in Community
25:50 Understanding and Compassion
27:56 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Recorded on June 27th, 2025 at Tuska Festival in Helsinki.

Show notes:

• SKYND recommends True Crime Garage

• Kiki recommends My Favorite Murder

Bleeding Metal was created by ⁠⁠@kikigege87 ⁠ and is hosted and produced with ⁠⁠@martha _wingen⁠⁠. Episode edited by Kiki.

Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our ⁠⁠linktree⁠. Intro music by ⁠⁠Savvier Nelson⁠⁠ with vocals from ⁠⁠PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric⁠⁠.

In this episode of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, hosts Kiki and Martha bring you the first session of the Tuska Forum, 'The Values of Metal'. The conversation with activist Sera Heikkilä about the values within the metal community and metal culture, highlighting the balance between positivity and critical perspectives.

The discussion delves into topics such as inclusivity, diversity, and representation of women, queer people, and people of color in metal. Sera and Kiki explore the importance of amplifying marginalized voices and making metal spaces safer and more welcoming. The episode also tackles broader issues of consumer responsibility, systemic change, and creating a supportive, engaged community. The live audience as well as the listeners online are all encouraged to reflect on their own contributions to making the metal community more inclusive and respectful.

00:48 Tuska Festival Highlights
01:01 The Values of Metal
04:29 Diversity in Metal
09:17 Inclusivity and Representation
14:36 Consumer Responsibility
16:22 Challenges and Solutions
17:57 Empathy and Conversations
19:13 Final Thoughts and Q&A
Recorded on June 27th, 2025 at Tuska Festival in Helsinki. 

Show notes:

Bleeding Metal was created by ⁠⁠@kikigege87 ⁠ and is hosted and produced with ⁠⁠@martha _wingen⁠⁠. Episode edited by Kiki.

Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our ⁠⁠linktree⁠. Intro music by ⁠⁠Savvier Nelson⁠⁠ with vocals from ⁠⁠PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric⁠⁠.

In this episode of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, host Kiki meets Morgan Lander and Tara McLeod of the legendary band KITTIE.

The musicians share insights on their long career, their experiences with gender representation in metal music, and their individual growth as well as the band’s, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and authenticity. The conversation also highlights the progress made towards a more inclusive and respectful industry.

01:19 Meet the Band: KITTIE
02:01 Discussing Gender and Representation in Metal
03:24 Role Models and Inspirations
04:55 Challenges and Misconceptions in the Industry
08:45 Evolution of the Music Industry
16:40 Musicianship and Personal Growth
19:00 Advice for Women in Metal

Recorded on June 17th (and July 8th), 2025. 
Bleeding Metal was created by ⁠⁠@kikigege87 ⁠ and is hosted and produced with ⁠⁠@martha _wingen⁠⁠. Episode edited by Kiki.

Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our ⁠⁠linktree⁠. Intro music by ⁠⁠Savvier Nelson⁠⁠ with vocals from ⁠⁠PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric⁠⁠.

In this episode of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, hosts Kiki and Martha provide updates on their summer plans and preparations for the upcoming Tuska Forum. They reflect on their recent interviews with Maria from Future Palace and Lulu Davis from Raising Rock Stars. The hosts discuss the challenges and excitement of organizing the Tuska Forum, their experiences with imposter syndrome, and the importance of activism through music.

Additionally, they share insights on how they approach interviewing artists and the values they aim to promote through their platform. The episode concludes with anecdotes from a recent Future Palace concert and an invitation for listeners to join them at the Tuska Festival.00:53 Exciting Summer Plans and Upcoming Interviews01:31 Tuska Forum: Reflections and Preparations07:11 The Role of Music in Social Change09:30 Challenges and Joys of Interviewing Artists16:55 Live Concert Experiences and Final Thoughts

Recorded on June 13th, 2025. 

Bleeding Metal was created by ⁠⁠@kikigege87 ⁠ and is hosted and produced with ⁠⁠@martha _wingen⁠⁠. Episode edited by Martha.

Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our ⁠⁠linktree⁠. Intro music by ⁠⁠Savvier Nelson⁠⁠ with vocals from ⁠⁠PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric⁠⁠.

In this episode of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, hosts Martha and Kiki welcome artist manager and founder of Raising Rock Stars, Lulu Davis. They discuss Lulu's extensive experience in the music industry, her daily routines, and the importance of mental health and boundaries.

Lulu shares valuable insights into artist management, the challenges faced by musicians, and her commitment to raising the next generation of rock stars.

04:38 Balancing Passion and Burnout

12:54 Raising Rock Stars: Lulu's Journey

15:37 Gender Dynamics in the Music Industry

23:19 The Importance of Kindness and Respect in the Industry

26:15 Diversity and Inclusion in the Music Industry

35:23 Manifestation and Achieving Big Goals

Recorded on June 4th, 2025.

Show notes:

• Follow Lulu Davis as @‌motherofbands on instagram

• Check out Lulu’s website with resources for bands and managers

Bleeding Metal was created by ⁠⁠@kikigege87 ⁠ and is hosted and produced with ⁠⁠@martha _wingen⁠⁠. Episode edited by Kiki.

Subscribe now to the Bleeding Metal Podcast wherever you listen and watch some new video interviews on YouTube, all links are on our ⁠⁠linktree⁠. Intro music by ⁠⁠Savvier Nelson⁠⁠ with vocals from ⁠⁠PERSONA-singer Jelena Dobric⁠⁠.