Why does the voice tighten just when we need it most? In this episode, we sit down with Mind-Body Neuroscientist and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner Emily Kennedy-Barnes to decode the physiological override that happens on stage.

Emily offers practical exercises beyond basic stress management to explore how neuroscience and somatic experiencing can transform your relationship with your instrument. Emily explains that stage anxiety is a survival response that can bypass your technical training. Instead of traditional poses, we explore somatic yoga as a tool for interoception—learning to understand the signals your body sends to your brain.

Whether you’re a semi-professional or a seasoned pro, this conversation offers a valuable insight into embodiment and nervous system regulation. Try these subtle, practical exercises backstage or in the wings before show to ensure your biology works with you rather than against you.

Key Topics

Nervous system and performance

Somatic experiencing and trauma release

Neuroscience and movement connection

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Somatic Practices

02:55 Understanding Somatic Experiencing and Yoga

06:33 The Body-Mind Connection Explained

08:58 The Impact of Past Experiences on Performance

10:33 Stage Nerves on a Biological Level

14:32 Techniques to Manage Performance Anxiety

19:14 Practical Exercises for Nervous System Regulation

27:36 Exploring the Lymphatic System and Circulation

37:28 Breathwork for Singing with Unregulated Nervous System

41:08 How to Be a More Grounded Performer

47:33 Recovery Strategies After Performances

52:18 Get In Touch with Emily

Mentions:

Emily Kennedy-Barnes Instagram - www.instagram.com/somaticyogatherapist/

Emily’s Website: www.somaticyogatherapist.co.uk

Emily’s Email - [email protected]

The Tree of Life Centre, Brighton - https://www.tolcentre.com/

Extra Info on today's Guest:

Emily has a paper currently in press at BJPsych Open -a feasibility randomised controlled trial of somatic yoga therapy for functional neurological disorder, conducted within the NEUROADS Lab at King’s College London. - The first study of its kind!

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

www.instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

www.facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

How do you break through the old habits and creative "scar tissue" that keep you stuck? In this episode, Grace sits down with award-winning singer-songwriter, author, vocal coach, and TEDx speaker Emma G.

After surviving 10 brain surgeries by age 14, Emma didn't just find a way to live—she found a way to rewrite her narrative through music. They discuss her new book, Mental Health Sounds Like This, and take a close look into cognitive reframing. Emma explains how songwriting isn’t just about making music; it’s a neuroscientific tool for moving past trauma, silencing self-sabotage, and reclaiming your voice.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your lyrics or paralysed by your past, this conversation will show you how to use your voice as a precision tool for empowerment and self-discovery.

Key Topics

Music as a tool for cognitive reframing

The impact of music on brain development after trauma

Using songwriting to process emotions and trauma

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Emma G's Journey

02:53 The Healing Power of Music

05:53 Neuroscience of Music and Emotion

08:23 Transforming Trauma into Growth

10:49 The Five Stages of Songwriting for Healing

13:54 Using Your Voice as a Tool for Empowerment

16:51 Navigating Emotions and Self-Identity

19:19 Understanding Self-Sabotage and Growth

25:38 Exploring Emotions Through Writing

28:20 Creating a Safe Space for Self-Expression

30:48 Redefining Self-Worth Beyond Productivity

33:54 Learning from Indigenous Cultures

35:58 Taking Control of Your Narrative

38:11 Using Music as a Tool for Self-Discovery

41:43 The Importance of Authentic Expression

45:32 Building Your Own Musical Affirmations

Resources and Mentions:

Krav Maga - a form of self defence

Emma G's Website - https://emmagmusic.com

Mental Health Sounds Like This (Book) - https://shorturl.at/BBn4y

https://www.instagram.com/emmagmusic/

My Episode on Meredith Miller’s 5 Archetypes of Self-Sabotage as mentioned: https://admin5.podbean.com/gracehancockmusic/stats/episodes

Meredith Miller’s website: https://www.innerintegration.com/

Kimberly Shires - founder of Hear Me Roar Studios  - music production for women and non-binary Artists:  https://hearmeroarstudio.com/

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

Performing every night isn't just an art—it’s an athletic feat. In this solo episode, Grace talks about the rigorous vocal demands of life as a cruise ship performer, sharing the exact strategies she uses to maintain peak stamina while on the go.

Whether you’re a professional touring artist or an aspiring singer, this episode serves as a masterclass in vocal longevity. Grace walks you through her personal daily routine, providing live demonstrations of Targeted Warm-Ups to activate every register and faucet of your voice. She gives tips on the mechanics of placement, hydration, breath support, and active vocal injury prevention. Stay listening to the end for a sing along of Grace’s exercise and warm up routine inspired by the vocal runs and riffs of Tori Kelly.

Key Topics

Vocal stamina and longevity

Hydration and nutrition for singers

Warm-up and cool-down routines

Breathing techniques and posture

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Vocal Stamina

02:18 Hydration and Nutrition for Singers

04:53 The Importance of Vocal Warm-ups

08:06 Movement and Fitness in Singing

10:56 Breathing Techniques for Singers

13:49 Performance Techniques and Vocal Control

17:05 Post-Performance Care and Warm Down

19:34 Vocal Exercises and Practical Tips

Mentions:

Tori Kelly’s version of ‘PYT’ by Michael Jackson and the runs I base my exercise routines off of: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZCCPE-b1BQ

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

Grace's Instagram

Grace's Facebook

Are you trapped in your own head when you’re on stage? You’re hitting the notes and wearing the smile, but internally, you’re calculating the audience's reaction rather than feeling the music.

In today’s episode, Grace goes deep into the archives of your mind to understand why the flow state feels so elusive for many vocalists. Using Meredith Miller’s transformative framework from her course, Ending Self-Sabotage, Grace explores the five primitive archetypes we develop in childhood to navigate stress:

The heart of the episode focuses on The Pleaser and The Rationaliser—the archetypes that turns the piano into a "beast" and the stage into a courtroom. Grace shares her own journey from the rigid, "pleasing" stages of cruise ship life to finding a more grounded, authentic connection to music through teaching and boundary-setting.

Whether you’re a professional struggling with perfectionism or a student trying to trust your intuition, this episode is a roadmap to moving from a "Primitive" survival mode to becoming a Balanced Thinker and a Healthy Boundary Setter on stage and improving your relationship with your music.

Chapters

00:00 The 5 Primitive Archetypes

08:43 How Rationalisers and Pleasers are Hindered on Stage

10:41 Famous Artists and Their Motives to Perform

17:33 How Boundaries and Balanced Thinking Improves Your Singing

25:00 Other Signs You're a Rationaliser or Pleaser in Your Music

30:03 Questions to Reflect On

References & Resources:

The framework of the 5 Primitive/Immature Archetypes (Pleaser, Rationaliser, Runner, Aggressor, Eraser) and their Mature counterparts mentioned in this episode is based on the teachings from the course Ending Self-Sabotage by Meredith Miller.

For those interested in exploring these archetypes further, I highly recommend checking out her work at www.innerintegration.com

The Link to the course ‘Ending Self-Sabotage’: https://www.innerintegration.com/store/PSAHd5gz

Note: This podcast is a personal commentary and exploration of these concepts as they apply to vocal pedagogy and is not an official representation of the original course material.

Further Listening/reading: Meredith’s Podcast: Inner Integration Podcast - www.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prisoners-of-childhood-a-commentary-on-alice/id1418633395?i=1000452245309 - Prisoners of Childhood: A commentary on Alice Miller’s The Drama of the Gifted Child

Book: Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway - Susan Jeffers

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

Grace's Instagram

Grace's Facebook

In this episode, Grace dives into the energetic world of Ukulele Simon, the "beatboxing, looping ukulele guy" known for turning festivals into full-blown "rave-e-leles." They explore the unique challenges and triumphs of having a lower vocal range in a music industry full of tenors or above. Simon reveals how he has leaned into his bonkers ukulele, beatboxing niche that turns even the lowest, chest infected vocal delivery into a raving success. For the professional gigging musician who might view singing as secondary to their instrument, this conversation offers a refreshing masterclass in vocal maintenance and longevity, covering everything from rigorous fitness and dietary rituals to the technical benefits of vocal straw training for warming up on the road. Packed with "silly face noise" beatboxing demos and live looping, this episode is a toolkit for any vocalist ready to embrace their unique power and keep their voice tour-ready.

Key Takeaways:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ukulele Simon

00:00 Beatboxing and Looping Demonstration

06:18 Live Looping and its Challenges

09:09 Embracing Your Low Range Voice

16:33 Gig Preparation Routine

22:03 Physical Fitness and Maintenance for Gigging

29:29 Pre-Gig Rituals and Voice Maintenance

32:12 Vocal Straws Alleviate Strain and Strengthen Your Registers

33:54 2026 Upcoming Gigs and Festival Excitement

37:30 Where to Find Simon Online

37:52 Quickfire Questions and Fun Insights

43:17 Bonkers Baby Shark Rave Demo

Resources & Links

Vocal Straw Info:

Small Diameter (High Resistance): Best for a deep "reset" and intense vocal fold workout to help with agility and blending your registers before a gig.

Large Diameter (Low Resistance): Ideal for gentle warm-downs after a high-energy "rave-e-lele" set. The back-pressure of the bubbles up through the thicker straw acts as a ‘massage’ for your vocal cords after a strenuous vocal session.

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

Grace's Instagram

Grace's Facebook

Ever wonder, "Is that really me?" when you hear a recording of yourself? In this episode Grace talks about the phenomenon of voice confrontation—the psychological and physiological "cringe" we feel when hearing our own voices played back, the importance of recording ourselves as singers and practical ways we can overcome our discomfort.

She breaks down the science of bone conduction versus air conduction to explain why the voice in your head sounds different to the one on tape. Beyond the anatomy, learn from psychological insights, famous artists' experiences of vocal cringe, and simple exercises to improve self-acceptance.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 The Discomfort of Hearing Our Own Voices

01:23 The Science Behind Voice Perception

02:52 Demonstration of Why Your Voice Sounds Different to You

04:06 How Beethoven Used His Bone Structures to Hear

05:58 The Disconnect Between Your Voice and Your Identity

07:43 Is Your Subconscious Sabotaging Your On-Air Voice?

09:22 Famous Voices and Their Insecurities

11:38 A Trick to Bridge the Gap to Your Recorded Voice

13:22 Reasons Why We MUST Record Ourselves as Singers

16:29 Outro 

References & Further Reading:

'How Did Beethoven Hear Music?' - Rick Beato: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bA2V0jZMo4

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

Instagram: @gracehancockmusic

Facebook: @gracehancockmusician

In this conversation, Grace Hancock and Jessica Quiñones delve into the complexities of musical burnout, exploring its symptoms, the impact of perfectionism, and the relationship musicians have with their craft. They discuss the importance of understanding the psychological aspects of musicianship and how to reclaim joy in music through setting boundaries and addressing personal needs. Grace and Jessica explore the complexities of maintaining a relationship with music, setting boundaries, and the therapeutic process of reconnecting with one's inner child. They discuss the challenges of songwriting, the importance of play in creativity, and how to navigate burnout in the music industry. The dialogue emphasises the significance of creating a new relationship with music that fosters joy and fulfilment, rather than pressure and expectation.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jessica Quinones

03:04 Identifying Symptoms of Musical Burnout

05:46 The Impact of Feeling Like You Are Never Enough

09:06 Musicianship as an Abusive Relationship

11:55 Why Do We Perform?

14:12 Perfectionism and the Need for the 'Safe Zone'

17:55 Coming Back to Your Essence

19:20 Setting New Boundaries in Your Musical Relationship

22:28 The Difficulties of Accessing Creativity

25:02 Connecting with the Inner Child

27:17 Therapeutic Techniques for Reconnecting with Self

32:07 Rediscovering Joy in Music

33:12 Finding Time for Play to 'Fill the Well' of Inspiration

37:06 Re-entering Music After Burnout

39:45 Finding Support in the Music Industry

Mentions:

Contact Jessica: drjessicaquinones.com

The Music Industry Therapists Collective MITC: www.musicindustrytherapists.com

The Concept of ‘Artist Dates’ from the book ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

Instagram: @gracehancockmusic

Facebook: @gracehancockmusician

#burnout #psychology #musician #mentalhealth #self-identity #perfectionism #musictherapy #creativity #innerchild #settingboundaries #therapy #fulfillment, #musicindustry

Ever felt like someone else’s musical success is your own personal failure? If you’ve ever felt the urge to slam your instrument down in a fit of jealousy, this episode is for you. Grace explores the complex emotions of jealousy and anger that often arise in the creative process. She shares her personal experiences of feeling inadequate in the face of her partner's success and discusses the psychological mechanisms behind these feelings, including the concept of the 'amygdala hijack.' Grace emphasises the importance of recognising and addressing these emotions, understanding that each artist's journey is unique, and creating a supportive inner environment for creativity to flourish. She offers practical strategies for managing anger and energy, and encourages listeners to embrace their individual creative rhythms without succumbing to comparison and competition.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 How Others' Success Can Feel Like Our Failure

04:25 Understanding How Our Emotions Try To Protect Us

05:41 Naming Emotions to Regulate Them

06:46 Separating Your Journey from Others' Success

08:26 The Comparison Trap and Its Pitfalls

09:33 How We Can Attach Our Worth to Our Achievements

13:17 There Are Seasons in a Creative Life

15:00 Physical Manifestations of Anger and How to Release It

17:08 Practical Strategies for Emotional Reset

21:14 Embracing Your Unique Creative Path

Mentions:

What is meant for your will not pass you by - Episode 3 with Avionce Hoyles: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ZbWBXtSN4F5eha7IYNdjC?si=54b35d9088174a59

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

Instagram: @gracehancockmusic

Facebook: @gracehancockmusician

#jealousy #music #creativity #comparison #emotions #mentalhealth #amygdala #personalgrowth #artisticjourney #angermanagement #selfacceptance #innercritic

Singer Songwriter, SJ Mortimer pulls back the curtain on the reality of following her dream as a front-woman of multi award-winning Americana Rock Band, Morganway. From recognising the red flags of the burnout cycle, to the paralysing perfection trap that often kills the very creativity it’s trying to polish. We move past the highlight reels to discuss the need for healthy sleep patterns, a genuine support system and a deep look inwards as the cure for imposter syndrome, burnout and the balancing act of life, business and creativity. If you’ve ever felt like you’re faking it—or just wondered if everyone else is struggling as much as you are—this conversation is the reality check you been needing.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 SJ Mortimer's Onstage Persona

02:56 The Stage as Your Friend or Foe?

07:53 Fear of the Unknown as an Independent Musician

09:30 Balancing Everyday Life with Music

11:35 How Going Full Time Changed the Creative Process

15:06 Sleep Patterns and their Impact on Creativity

19:19 The Reality of Life as a Gigging Musician

23:52 Mistakes Onstage and The Musician's Inner Critic

31:03 Remembering the Purpose of Music in Our Lives

34:33 Working Around Perfectionism in the Recording Studio

38:33 How to Keep the Creative Juices Flowing

46:58 Where to Find Sj and Morganway

48:34 Quickfire Questions

Mentions:

SJ’s Americana Rock Band: www.Morganway.co.uk

SJ website: www.SJMortimer.net

www.instagram.com/sjmortimer/

www.facebook.com/sjmortimermusic

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

Instagram: @gracehancockmusic

Facebook: @gracehancockmusician

#Americana #rock #musicindustry #burnout #liveperformance #creativity #independentmusician #impostersyndrome #songwriting #singersongwriter #frontwoman #musicianlife

Are you confused about whether to sing like you speak? Grace takes you through how singing in a speech-like quality can rob your voice of a certain ‘je ne said quoi’ and how to alter your vowels for that flowing, professional sound. The episode explains the concept of dipthonging and why it’s detrimental to your sound. It’s a practical, virtual lesson focusing on the importance of vowel alterations, tongue positioning, and airflow management in singing. The discussion includes practical exercises and examples from professional singers like Adele, illustrating how to navigate high notes and manage consonant sounds effectively. The session concludes with key takeaways for singers to enhance their vocal performance.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Diphthonging and Vowel Juicing

01:46 Understanding Diphthonging and Its Impact on Singing

06:17 Practical Examples of Adele's Vowel Alterations

09:52 Consonant Sounds and Maintaining Airflow Exercise

14:13 Vowel Trees Exercises to Relieve Pressure Up High

19:51 The General Rule for Making Your Vowels Work For You

21:10 Breath Support Exercise for Maintaining Open Throat

25:20 Conclusion

Mentions/Resources:

Brett Manning’s Singing Success - https://singingsuccess.com

Vowel Trees (part of Brett Manning’s Singing Success teachings): -

‘Oo’ as in ‘boot’ —> ‘Ouh’ as in ‘book’ —> ‘Uhh’ as in ‘buck’

‘Ee’ as in “beat’ —> ‘Ih’ as in ‘bit’ —> ‘Eh’ as in ‘bet’

Narrow vowels should open a little and wide vowels should round slightly as you sing higher in your range to enable better airflow and resonance. Feel the pressure lessen on the top notes as you migrate these vowels from left to right.

To use this in practise, pin point ‘problem words’ in any song you’re singing where the pitch is high and the vowels are narrow or splatty. You might find it feels squeeze or shaky. You can tweak the vowel more towards the left side of the diagram to release some of the pressure and stabilise the sound in your voice.

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

Instagram: @gracehancockmusic

Facebook: @gracehancockmusician

#vocaltechniques #dipthonging #singingesson #diphthonging #vowelshapes #vocaltone #singing #vocalexercises #airflow #highnotes #consonants #singingcoach