Drummer Mamas

This week's guest has performed live or on record with a wide array of artists including David Bowie, Elton John, A-ha, Asia, Wishbone Ash, Joss Stone, Tom Jones... and many more.
But to us?
He was our drum teacher.
Mike Sturgis taught both of us at ACM, so getting to sit down with him all these years later felt like a real full-circle moment.
We chatted about what it really takes to build a career in music, why you should just bring what you've got, the importance of always giving your best, and why sticking things out can often be the thing that makes the biggest difference.

Follow Mike:
https://mikesturgis.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/mike.sturgis.9/
https://www.instagram.com/sturge50/

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 Follow us here:
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 Instagram.com/Ciaradrums
 Instagram.com/gemmadrums

Instagram.com/swiftiedrums

We’re still buzzing from recording this episode, which ending up being more like a masterclass! This is a unique interview with Stanton, where he covers a wide range of topics with absolute honesty and passion: the realities of co-owning a music venue, taking control of his own publishing and royalties, maintaining a close relationship with his daughter while building his career, the important role that therapy has played in his happiness... and he plays a lot for us too!

A special mention goes out to Nick, Stanton’s engineer, who we loved meeting here as well. 

Stanton Moore:
Instagram.com/stanton_moore

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Instagram.com/swiftiedrums

Buckle up... because this week we're asking: Why should anyone mess with women over 40?

We're diving into the unexpected gifts of midlife—from rage and people-pleasing to finding your voice, unlearning old beliefs, resting without guilt, and caring a little less about what everyone else thinks.

If you're over 40 and nodding along already, this one's for you.

Tell us: what resonated most?

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 Instagram.com/Ciaradrums
 Instagram.com/gemmadrums

Instagram.com/swiftiedrums

Stu Fagan tells us how he built a drum teaching business and turned it into a music school with multiple teachers. He talks candidly about his experiences with the highs and lows of viral posts on social media, looking after yourself for your children, and protecting your mental health in the long run. 

Stu Fagan:

Instagram.com/stufagan

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 Instagram.com/gemmadrums

Instagram.com/swiftiedrums

Today we’re joined by the hilarious Sharon Ransom.
Amongst the laughter we talk about going viral, Drumeo, and growing her drum school.
We also cover online trolls, empowering students, gigs, and future plans.
We talk about what really matters most and  reclaiming the joy of drums.   
Follow Sharon:
https://www.instagram.com/ransomdrumlab/

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 Instagram.com/Ciaradrums
 Instagram.com/gemmadrums

Instagram.com/swiftiedrums

Claus Hessler is renowned to be THE drum educator of our time! With his direct heritage of knowledge from Jim Chapin, the numerous books that he has written, and his general warmth and patient approach to teaching and learning, we are so pleased to welcome Claus to the podcast this week. We talk about Claus’ fear of reading drum notation and how he dealt with it, writing ‘Collapsed Rudiments’ while grieving, how he spends his spare time, the weight of feeling that you’re not good enough at drums, and lots of generally excellent advice on worrying less.

Claus Hessler’s upcoming 2026 UK dates:
2nd & 3rd July – Royal Academy of Music, London
4th July – Bob’s Drum School, Rotherham
5th July – Matty Roberts Drum School, Denbigh
30th October – Drummer’s Odyssey Camp

Claus Hessler:
Instagram.com/claus.hessler

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 Follow us here:
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 Instagram.com/Ciaradrums
 Instagram.com/gemmadrums

Instagram.com/swiftiedrums

This week’s episode is all about rollercoasters and retreats — and what happens when you step outside your comfort zone.

From hosting a drum retreat in Barcelona to making bold, slightly scary life decisions and new ventures, we’re talking about what it really feels like to say yes to things that stretch you.

The fear, the excitement, the doubt… and the unexpected confidence that comes from doing it anyway.

If you’ve been sitting on something that feels a bit too big or too scary, this one’s for you.

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 Instagram.com/Ciaradrums
 Instagram.com/gemmadrums

Instagram.com/swiftiedrums

Anna Mylee describes how an injury gave her a unique focus for teaching technique, the way that she handles being in three bands, her journey back to her roots of prog rock, and how she navigates changing time signatures within music. With a background in philosophy, Anna has interesting thoughts on the effects of AI on the arts, which she shares with us here…

Anna Mylee:

Instagram.com/anna_mylee

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 Instagram.com/Ciaradrums
 Instagram.com/gemmadrums

Instagram.com/swiftiedrums

Today’s guest is drummer and educator Matt Lacey. After years climbing the corporate ladder and chasing targets, Matt made the brave decision to completely change direction and build a life around music. In this episode, we talk about perfectionism, self-doubt, mental health, his podcast and what it really means to redefine success — as well as the importance of empathy, growth, and supporting students through the challenges that come with learning and improving.

Follow Matt here:
https://www.instagram.com/matt_lacey_drummer/

Listen to the podcast "Count Us In"
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2153837

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 Follow us here:
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Instagram.com/swiftiedrums

Pat Garvey is the head of drums and percussion at BIMM in Brighton – we asked him about the advantages of studying drums in further education and what the admission numbers are like for female and transgender drummers, plus how BIMM is supportive and encourages those applicants.

Pat spoke to us frankly and honestly about the added scrutiny that female drummers should be prepared for, and how so many of our choices will affect the way that we are viewed online and in music.

 Pat also talks about burn out, his rule of three, and how he values family life above everything else.

Pat Garvey: 
Instagram.com/garvoid

send us a message <3

 Follow us here:
 Instagram.com/drummermamas
 Instagram.com/Ciaradrums
 Instagram.com/gemmadrums

Instagram.com/swiftiedrums