I Always Wanted To

This episode is a compilation of my favorite excerpts from my most popular podcasts-- the series on Learning To Sing. In putting this together I see the same themes expressed by each of my guests. Singing is joyful and expresses who we are. That vulnerability can be frightening and easily trampled. But there are excellent teachers available to help us get over our fears and rediscover the joy.

 

In part one, Nancy Salwen talks about her debilitating stagefright and how that led her to create the Fear of Singing Breakthrough Program. In part two, Judy Fine talks more about overcoming performance anxiety, and giving yourself permission-- to be where you are, to not be perfect instantly.  She also makes a great case for singers learning music theory both for the musical reasons and also for the additional confidence it gives us when working with other musicians.

 

Then we finish with a mini jazz master class from Isabella Celentano on improvising on the blues using the pentatonic scale. I thought this was magical when I took a class with her a couple of summers ago. She explains that there are 5 notes that fit in each of the 3 chords in a 12-bar blues. You can sing any of them and they will be in tune. This is part of that singers learning music theory. When you know these 5 notes you can improvise on any blues in any key. Magic.

 

Lastly I feel I must mention that these episodes are from early in the podcast and I’ve learned a lot about recording since then. I apologize for the funkiness of the sound. The original episodes were released May 21, 2018, January 28th 2019, and November 18th 2019. If you like the content in this compilation I hope you’ll listen to the originals to learn more about my wonderful guests.

Here are their bios:

Nancy Salwen teaches singing to “non-singers,” beginners and anyone who wants to sing more comfortably and expressively.

She is the author of the book (and online program), “The Fear of Singing Breakthrough Program: Learn to Sing Even if You Think You Can’t Carry a Tune!” She leads singing workshops in Vermont, New York City and California, offers online programs, and teaches lessons in-person and over Skype (or FaceTime).

To learn more about Nancy and what she has to offer, visit www.fearofsinging.com, or email her at [email protected].

 

With a Master of Music in Composition and a penchant for encouraging others to follow their passion, Judy Fine has been teaching and performing popular music styles for two decades, as a singer, keyboardist and sometimes trombonist. Over the years, she has performed in a variety of musical projects, from an original solo act to groups as big as a ten-piece wedding band. Formerly the owner of the Singers and Musicians Studio, a performance-based pop music school in Keene, NH, Judy now coaches aspiring singers in the Cape Coral, FL area and runs Online with Judy Fine, an online teaching and advice resource for singers.

Website:   www.OnlineWithJudyFine.com

Facebook:  @OnlineWithJudyFine (Judy Fine Vocal Coach)

Instagram: @OnlineJudyFine

YouTube: @OnlineJudyFine

 

Isabella Celentano teaches singing at Civica Scuola di Musica Paolo Soprani in Castelfidardo, and Zona Musica and Cantieri Musicale in Ancona, Italy.  Isabella sings regularly with the Reunion Jazz Band among others. She is the vocal maestra for Fabrijazz, a weeklong summer program for singers and musicians of all ages, presented by Fabrianopromusica.it.

Full transcript available at http://ialwayswantedto.net

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Please fill out a 5-question survey at lizsumner.com/survey. Let me know when you're done and I'll send you a coupon code for my online course, 8 Steps to Launch Your Dream Life. (launchyourdreamlife.com)

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Listen on your favorite app - http://pod.link/alwayswanted

Support I Always Wanted To on Patreon - http://patreon.com/alwayswanted

Leave a review on Podchaser - https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/i-always-wanted-to-670674

Thanks for listening.

Liz wraps up Season 8 and talk about what's upcoming over the next few months. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love hearing listener feedback. Here’s a sample from the recent series.

The underwater explorer? I loved her. I bought her book.

The cave diver? Aaack - it makes me claustrophobic.

I totally understand Dr. Leslie’s love of self-contained solo riding.

Oh come on, there’s nothing wrong with e-bikes.

You were not all in agreement and that’s just fine. I want to hear what you think whatever it is.

I was particularly moved by your response to Patrisha McLean’s account of leaving an abusive relationship. I have received multiple messages of thanks for sharing her story. I am honored to amplify the important work and achievements of my courageous and talented guests.

So now Series 8 is complete. Over the next couple of months I’ll be preparing the next season and sharing a few bonus episodes and best of compilations. I’ll have new interviews for you in the beginning of the year. 

Coming up in future episodes we’ll be talking about pots - both making and smoking. Many of you have listed jumping out of an airplane at the top of your bucket lists. We’ll explore that and lots of other intriguing ideas and lifelong dreams.

If this is your first time listening to I Always Wanted To welcome. Please check out my previous episodes. If you don’t see one of your dreams there I want to hear about it so I can remedy the situation. If you’re a regular listener thank you for your continued support. I hope you’ve filled out the 5-question survey mentioned in the show notes and shared the link with your friends. If you can’t get enough you might be interested in the bonus episodes available at Patreon.com/always wanted 

I’d love to hear what you’ve always wanted to try. Please email me or message me on social media. I’m Liz Sumner, reminding you to be bold, and thanks for listening.

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Please fill out a 5-question survey at lizsumner.com/survey. Let me know when you're done and I'll send you a coupon code for my online course, 8 Steps to Launch Your Dream Life. (launchyourdreamlife.com)

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Listen on your favorite app - http://pod.link/alwayswanted

Support I Always Wanted To on Patreon - http://patreon.com/alwayswanted

Leave a review on Podchaser - https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/i-always-wanted-to-670674

Thanks for listening.

Patrisha McLean is a photojournalist whose life was upended in 2016 when her husband of 29 years was arrested for domestic violence. The arrest set her free, and on a course of activism around women’s rights.  In 2019 she started the non-profit organization and movement breaking the silence of domestic abuse Finding Our Voices, which is at FindingOurVoices.net. She has a podcast and radio show of conversations with survivors and for 2021 was named one of 21 leaders for the 21st century by Women’s eNews.    Also, since leaving my ex,  I am doing everything I always wanted to do. "Scuba diving" is one thing, but the biggest thing is probably "making a difference in the world".   

Patrisha’s Journey

Our Voices in Biddeford

https://www.facebook.com/breakthesilenceofdomesticabuse/

https://www.instagram.com/finding.our.voices/

https://twitter.com/patrishamclean

  Resources Patrisha Mentions   FindingOurVoices.net   Power and Control Wheel https://findingourvoices.net/projects/#powerwheels

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Remarks

I’ve heard from some of you that you listen for the uplifting and positive stories that my guests often tell. Well today’s topic is a lot more serious than my usual subjects. But while we get into some very dark territory, Patrisha’s story shines light on behavior that’s often not talked about and is especially inspiring because of how she turned her harrowing experience into a way of helping others.

In preparing for this episode, one article I read says that one in every four women and girls worldwide has experienced domestic abuse. I am fortunate that I am not one of them, though I will say that after listening to Patrisha, that there’s a lot of what she describes that’s frighteningly familiar. I have certainly struggled with low self esteem and because of that I’ve tolerated the intolerable. 

But not for 29 years.

I wanted to understand what makes a person remain in a relationship when she’s being mistreated. To make sense of the statement “He wouldn’t let me.” Patrisha’s deeply vulnerable and open account helped me comprehend the mechanisms that led her to enter and stay in an abusive relationship, for many years. And how she was finally able to free herself and turn her life around.

I chose not to include all of the examples she shared. There were a lot and it was pretty awful.  I left in enough so that people can recognize a variety of behaviors that are not acceptable and also resources that will help you take next steps if you’re a victim or a friend.  

I’m deeply grateful to Patrisha McLean for talking with me, and for all of the people doing work to help victims of domestic violence, in particular to Susan Scrupski of Glorious Alone Productions who made the introduction.

Here’s the interview.

Full transcript available at http://ialwayswantedto.net

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Please fill out a 5-question survey at lizsumner.com/survey. Let me know when you're done and I'll send you a coupon code for my online course, 8 Steps to Launch Your Dream Life. (launchyourdreamlife.com)

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Listen on your favorite app - http://pod.link/alwayswanted

Support I Always Wanted To on Patreon - http://patreon.com/alwayswanted

Leave a review on Podchaser - https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/i-always-wanted-to-670674

Thanks for listening.

Dr. Leslie Kasanoff has spent her life in healthcare, including 25 years as a holistic chiropractor on the Central Coast of California  and 10 years before that as a medical laboratory scientist. Recently, Dr. Leslie has been combining her science knowledge and her holistic & nutritional expertise in health coaching and consulting. She works with women who want to lose weight, address hormone issues, and resolve or reverse chronic health issues, not just treat them, using food and lifestyle as medicine.

https://www.drlesliek.com/

https://www.facebook.com/leslie.kasanoff

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlesliekasanoff/

https://twitter.com/DrLeslieK

https://www.instagram.com/dr.lesliek/

Resources Leslie mentions:

https://www.warmshowers.org/

https://www.adventurecycling.org/

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Please fill out a 5-question survey at lizsumner.com/survey. Let me know when you're done and I'll send you a coupon code for my online course, 8 Steps to Launch Your Dream Life. (launchyourdreamlife.com)

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Remarks

Today’s guest, Leslie Kasanoff, started biking long distance as a young woman. Then she put it aside as she raised her family, and didn’t take it up again until she semi-retired. So while she wasn’t a complete novice, she was starting over.

One of the things that impresses me the most about her story is her comfort with solo travel. I think that’s something that becomes a necessary option for women my age. Some of us are single or have partners that don’t have the same desire to see the world. Being happy with our own company is essential.

Personally I have not had an active lifestyle. I greatly admire my guests like sprinter Madonna Hanna and biker Leslie Kasanoff but I’m not there yet.

I am well aware of the things I need to be doing to feel fit and healthy as I age. I do some of them. Today’s guest gave me some very convincing reasons to consider modifying my diet. And despite her distaste for ebikes that’s an option I’m considering.

I’m curious what you take away from her approach to wellness. Let me know what you think after you’ve listened. Here’s the interview.

Full transcript at ialwayswantedto.net

Dorit Chrysler has been dubbed a superior wizard of the theremin. An Austrian-born, New York-based composer, producer, and singer Chrysler is the co-founder of the New York Theremin Society and founder of the first school for theremin.  As much as the theremin is a tool in Chrysler’s electronic instrument arsenal she's also one of the most visible thereminists spreading the gospel of this mysterious sounding instrument which is basically played by massaging thin air.

Her music has been described by Ann Magnuson in Paper Magazin, “Imagine if Marianne Faithfull and Nikola Tesla had a love child with Jane Birkin as the nanny and Bjork as the wayward Girl Scout Leader!” 

Arte TV calls Dorit “Theremin Goddess”

Wall Street Journal  “A futuristic Lotte Lenya“

 

DoritChrysler.com
https://www.facebook.com/doritchryslerofficial/
https://www.instagram.com/doritchrysler/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=WKmMRtuLfCc&list=UU2FnHcTW8yYhKX8WGQcKEsA&index=1

Resources Dorit mentions:

New York Theremin Society - https://www.nythereminsociety.org/

Dorit at CERN Hadron Collider for 100th anniversary https://www.moogmusic.com/media/electric-storm-100-years-theremin

The Theremin 100 - https://www.nythereminsociety.org/theremin-100-4

THEREMIN GOES BROADWAY

I am happy to have contributed theremin for “FallingInLoveWithMr.Dellamort” a “mysterious new audio musical” by Jack Feldstein and Paul Doust with a tony-nominated cast -  released on Broadway Records and making a splash on Playbill

https://www.playbill.com/article/falling-in-love-with-mr-dellamort-recording-with-james-monroe-iglehart-courtney-reed-telly-leung-released-july-23?fbclid=IwAR32wprk1L2NDb66_Lr0oz4BcDnhAVpE2Nqlx5-mQkg10AVCx2Hr1wZ0dkA

In the podcast I used snippets from The Dark Shadows theme by Bob Cobert, Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys, and Clara Rockmore performing The Swan.

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Please fill out a 5-question survey at lizsumner.com/survey. Let me know when you're done and I'll send you a coupon code for my online course, 8 Steps to Launch Your Dream Life. (launchyourdreamlife.com)

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Remarks

I’ve been fascinated by the theremin since 1966 when I used to watch Dark Shadows every day after school. Then of course the iconic sound of the instrument in Good Vibrations took the theremin out of the scary movie realm and into popular music. In 1993 we saw Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey in the theater and I learned more about the instrument’s origin as the first electronic instrument invented in 1920. That’s also where I learned of the amazing Clara Rockmore, Theremin’s first virtuoso performer. 

The idea of shaping sound in thin air with your hands intrigues me so much. I’ve never been patient enough to learn an instrument but I’m drawn to weirdness of a theremin. 

My guest, Dorit Chrysler, is a virtuoso herself and a teacher. She’s been playing for 20 years, and warns us that the theremin is difficult to learn. A lot of people start then give up. In our conversation Dorit describes her teaching approach and how to avoid some of the pitfalls that frustrate people so that they lose interest.

I kicked myself a few years when I missed an opportunity to take a class with her locally.. I learned about it too late. I sincerely hope I’ll get another chance. Here’s the interview.

Full transcript available at ialwayswantedto.net

Scott Ruston is a Research Professor with Arizona State University’s Global Security Initiative, a university-wide interdisciplinary hub for researching complex challenges in the global security arena. He directs the Center on Narrative, Disinformation & Strategic Influence, leading research teams that combine humanities, social science and computer science in order to better understand manipulations of the information environment and develop technologies to identify malign influence activities. Also a member of ASU’s Center for Strategic Communication, Professor Ruston’s research focuses on the socio-cultural dimensions of the information domain. He has applied his expertise in narrative theory and media studies to a variety of counter violent extremism and counter violent extremist ideology research contexts, including: analysis of extremist narratives; strategies for counter or alternative narratives; and the neurobiology of narrative comprehension.

He is co-author of Narrative Landmines: Rumors, Islamist Extremism and the Struggle for Strategic Influence (Rutgers University Press, 2012), as well as articles on strategic communication, extremist videos and the narrative potential of new media technologies.  He has presented widely on topics intersecting disinformation and propaganda, media, narrative/counter-narrative and terrorism to military, academic and non-governmental organization audiences.  Current research projects focus on analysis of propaganda and information operations in so-called Gray Zone operations, as well as narrative-based interventions influencing attitude, belief and behavior in organizational culture.

Narrative Disinformation and Strategic Influence section of the ASU Global Security Initiative website

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I want to get to know you better. Please fill out a 5-question survey at lizsumner.com/survey.  Let me know when you're done and I'll send you a coupon code for my online course, 8 Steps to Launch Your Dream Life. (launchyourdreamlife.com)

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Remarks

You hear the expression a lot about “controlling the narrative.” For me I hear it mostly on fictional tv shows, where some character has to make sure that reporters tell the story about that character in a way that’s most advantageous to him. He and his handlers frame any details in such a way that the character is presented as a good guy or has been unjustly accused.

I didn’t really think about the mechanics of it all until my conversation with this week’s guest, Scott Ruston. I invited Scott on the podcast because there is so much controversy in what he calls our information environment. I wanted to understand how others can believe what seems to me to be so patently false. What has gotten us to this place and what can we do about it.

Scott Ruston is an expert in the field of narrative disinformation, and teaches and researches it at the university level. As such, our conversation gets pretty theoretical and cerebral. One of many things I admired in his explanation is how neutral he stays as he describes what’s going on. The rhetorical devices are used by all sides, and thoughtful people from all points of view can learn from him without feeling judged.

My hope is that you will take away a new awareness of the the techniques at work and what you can do to counter them. 

Full transcript available at ialwayswantedto.net

Madonna Boclair Hanna  had a successful career in the fashion industry at the corporate level. She retired  as an award winning fashion marketing educator. Presently,  is a motivational speaker, freelance writer,  actress, amateur competitive athlete and she presently writes a monthly article for the Senior Scene publication chronicling her journey to the 2022 National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  Madonna was selected as the January 2020 National Senior Games Association Athlete of the Month.

Follow Madonna’s progress on Facebook @madonnabhanna or Instagram@madonnafitfastandfabulous.

Website: Dropkickthedrama.com.

You may contact Madonna for speaking engagements at [email protected]

Article about Madonna and her coach

Video of Madonna's recent wins at the Washington State Senior Games is available at ialwayswantedto.net

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I want to get to know you better. Please fill out a 5-question survey at lizsumner.com/survey.  Let me know when you're done and I'll send you a coupon code for my online course, 8 Steps to Launch Your Dream Life. (launchyourdreamlife.com)

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Opening Remarks

My guest, Madonna Hanna, is a perfect example of why I created this podcast. She felt a desire to do something at a very young age and even though many years passed she never let go of the dream.

Now some of us who have put things off until later in life off have to make some adjustments.  I’m not going to be a ballerina at this point but I could take a dance class. We can get a version of what we always wanted but maybe not the exact thing we imagined when we were small. That’s not the case with Madonna, and she has the medals to prove it.

She didn’t let injury stop her, or the death of her beloved coach. She is serious about sprinting but you can tell from our laughter that she is enjoying her life.

There are some problems early on with her microphone. I apologize, and hope you agree that her spirit and her stories make it not that noticeable.

For all of us who watch the Olympics and imagine being a champion athlete, I hope you enjoy this interview.

Full transcript available at https://ialwayswantedto.net

My guest, Mark Radel,  describes himself this way: I have always been around music.  I sang in the church choir, school choirs, acted in musicals in high school, was into music but never took up an instrument.  After my wife and I moved to Seattle my commute was 30 minutes and I was bored driving back and forth each day.  I thought about what I could do and saw a book named "harmonica playing for dummies", with it came a cheap C major harp and a cassette.  So each daly as I drove to and from work I practiced playing.  When we moved back to Bellingham, WA, I got serious and started playing with others.  Now I can sheepishly say I am a musician.

Artists Mark mentions that he listens to: Kevin Moore, Taj Mahal Eric Clapton, Tracy Chapman, Jerry Portnoy, and Harry Manx.

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I want to get to know you better. Please fill out a 5-question survey at lizsumner.com/survey.  Let me know when you're done and I'll send you a coupon code for my online course, 8 Steps to Launch Your Dream Life. (launchyourdreamlife.com)

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Opening Remarks

Today’s guest is a dear friend that I’ve known half my life. Before we moved away many years ago Mark was a fan of our music, my husband Michael’s and mine-- that’s that Cohen music I mention later on. Mark would often come see us perform, but he never played. 

It is such a pleasure in this interview to hear about his transformation as a harp player and acceptance of himself as a musician. This is what is possible when we try something we’ve always wanted to do. The story of Mark’s journey is exactly what I was thinking about when I started this podcast.

One of the things that’s most interesting about Mark’s process is that he started with improvisation. He didn’t learn melodies or how to read music, but instead he plays by ear and instinctively. I think that’s unusual and kind of courageous. Plus he is fortunate to have good friends to play with and challenge him. And I miss them all very much.

I should mention that during our conversation I use some shorthand and don’t explain everything because we know each other so well. Also during the interview Mark is fiddling with his harmonicas and you can hear them rattling a bit.

It was a joy to reconnect with my friend and I look forward to joining in on one of the music nights he mentions in the near future.

Full transcript available at https://ialwayswantedto.net

JILL HEINERTH is an underwater explorer, writer, photographer, speaker, and filmmaker. A pioneer of technical rebreather diving, she has led expeditions into icebergs in Antarctica, volcanic lava tubes, and submerged caves worldwide. Jill is the first Explorer-in-Residence of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Her memoir, INTO THE PLANET, has been lauded by the Wall Street Journal, Oprah Magazine, and the New York Times. Her children’s book THE AQUANAUT is a Blue Ribbon Selection for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Jill is a Fellow of the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame, Underwater Academy of Arts and Sciences, Women Divers Hall of Fame and the Explorers Club, which awarded her with the William Beebe Award for ocean exploration.   Contact: www.IntoThePlanet.com   Into the Planet, My Life as a Cave Diver is available through booksellers and Amazon, worldwide.  

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I want to get to know you better. Please fill out a 5-question survey at lizsumner.com/survey.  Let me know when you're done and I'll send you a coupon code for my online course, 8 Steps to Launch Your Dream Life. (launchyourdreamlife.com)

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Opening Remarks 

Hi everyone, and welcome. One of the things I find fascinating as I interview people is the variety of things that attract us, how different are the subjects we want to learn, and the environments we want to explore. And how what scares one person makes another one come alive.

Jill Heinerth and I both love the water. We’d both jump on a flight to outer space if the opportunity presented itself. But Jill has trained to be a world class underwater explorer and boldly goes where no human has ever ventured. She faces her fear regularly and has taken away a lesson that I wholeheartedly agree with-- that stepping into the darkness might feel scary but it’s also exciting. If you focus on that and take small manageable steps you can come up with some amazing results.

One of my favorite parts of my conversation with Jill is how she learned to say no. Once in awhile she finds herself in a situation where her professional judgment tells her this is unsafe. Even though she’s close to the prize or others want her to go on, she knows it’s too dangerous and draws the line. 

For most of us our decisions aren’t quite as much a matter of life and death. But from time to time we all need to resist social pressure and respect our our personal boundaries. Sometimes saying no is as courageous as diving into the unknown

I encourage you to visit the links in the show notes and see some of Jill’s videos. Her descriptions are excellent but the images take you to a whole new world. Here’s the interview.

(Full transcript at https://ialwayswantedto.net)

My guest, Annie Handmer, is a final year PhD Candidate at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Science, in the School of History and Philosophy of Science. Her research traces the social history of Australian space science projects in order to better understand international and interdisciplinary cooperation, the social construction of achievement, and the nature of the military-industrial-academic complex in Australian space science.

In addition, she is on the Advisory Council for the Space Industry Association of Australia, a member of the Space Generation Advisory Council ‘Ethics and Human Rights in Space’ Project Group, the Space Law Council of Australia and New Zealand, program consultant to the Australian Youth Aerospace Association ASTRA Committee, and is also the host and creator of the Space Junk Podcast.

In Spring 2021 (southern hemisphere), Annie will be undertaking a residency at the Sydney Observatory. 

Twitter / Instagram: @anniehandmer

Space Junk Podcast: https://play.acast.com/s/space-junk-podcast/

Space Junk Video: https://www.youtube.com/c/spacejunkpodcast/  

Space Ethics Library: https://spaceethicslibrary.wordpress.com/

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I want to get to know you better. Please fill out a 5-question survey at lizsumner.com/survey.  Let me know when you're done and I'll send you a coupon code for my online course, 8 Steps to Launch Your Dream Life. (launchyourdreamlife.com)

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Opening Remarks 

Hi Everyone,

I’m so glad to have Annie Handmer as my guest on the podcast again. I love the way she sees the world and everything she thinks about.

In this conversation Annie and I turned things around. Instead of looking backwards to what we always wanted, we ponder the question of what do you want to be when you grow up. What effect does that question have on kids when they hear it? And what’s really the point of asking when the jobs available will be completely different in 20 years.

For example the work Annie does now was inconceivable when I was growing up. Annie actually teaches Space Law, she advises the United Nations on Space Ethics, and works for her state government predicting the future in order to come up with better policy.   Wow.

If you haven’t yet listened to our previous conversation, do check out I Always Wanted to Go Into Outer Space from September 2020. She proposes some great alternatives to Space Tourism for those of us who are not billionaires. It’s not a prerequisite for this episode but it’s well worth a listen.

In today’s conversation we talk about better questions to ask children than what do you want to be, and discuss how our differences influence our point of view.  Annie speaks on behalf of all millennials and I speak for all boomers and together we make sweeping generalizations that are absolutely sure to be true.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Here’s the interview.

(Full transcript at https://ialwayswantedto.net)