This episode of Music Is My Mantra is a heartfelt journey into the healing power of sound. Join me in welcoming Lynette Thoma, founder of Pure Sound Bath and a passionate guide in the world of sound healing and energetic wellness.

Broadcasting from her beautiful Redondo Beach studio before closing this sacred chapter, we explore Lynette’s inspiring path—from speech therapy to sound healing—and how music and energy work can transform both personal and collective well-being. We dive into the art of intuitive playing, overcoming self-doubt, and trusting the unseen rhythms of life.

This is a conversation about trusting your voice, tuning your spirit, and remembering that we are the instruments of our own healing.

Episode Highlights:

🔹 How Lynette transitioned from speech therapist to sound healer

🔹 Why intention and intuition are the real magic behind sound baths

🔹 The emotional connection between voice, breath, and authenticity

🔹 Reflections on community, resilience, and closing sacred spaces

🔹 The unseen power of practicing presence in music and in life

Takeaways:

🌟 You are your own instrument—your energy shapes your expression

🎶 Music and sound are pathways to deeper self-connection and healing

🌀 Trusting intuition leads to more authentic creativity and service

🌱 Growth often requires releasing what no longer serves your expansion

🌊 Sound healing isn’t just about music—it’s about remembering your natural resonance

This episode of Music Is My Mantra marks a special milestone—our very first guest interview. Join me in welcoming Julie Mutnansky, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Grammy Museum, lifelong percussionist, and passionate advocate for music education.

From our days as middle school bandmates in Tucson, Arizona to her work with Grammy Camp and national youth programs, Julie’s journey is a story of purpose, persistence, and the power of community. We explore how early music experiences shape identity, how mentorship fuels growth, and what it means to hold space for young artists navigating the music industry.

This is a conversation about connection—through music, through friendship, and through the calling to uplift others.

• Growing up in music: band camp, drumline, and throwing spaghetti at cabinets
• How Julie landed her dream job at the Grammys straight out of college
• What Grammy Camp is—and how it changes students’ lives
• The link between music education and emotional resilience
• Creating safe spaces for expression and sober support in the industry

• Music brings people together—and keeps them connected across time and distance
• Teachers play a vital, often under-celebrated role in shaping the next generation of creatives
• Early creative sparks often carry the seed of lifelong purpose
• The music industry encompasses more than performance—it includes nonprofit leadership, mentorship, and impact
• When you follow what truly lights you up, it gives others permission to do the same

The primary focus of this podcast episode centers on the therapeutic potential of songwriting as a method for emotional regulation and self-exploration. Drawing upon both personal anecdotes and structured techniques, this discussion illuminates how songwriting can function as an intentional, embodied practice that supports mental clarity, emotional balance, and personal growth.

Throughout the episode, we examine the interplay between spontaneous emotional release and the structured refinement of language and melody. Listeners are introduced to a three-phase framework—initiating with intuitive soundmaking, followed by lyrical emergence, and concluding with deliberate editing. By engaging with music in this way, individuals can cultivate a deeper understanding of their inner landscape, develop emotional resilience, and foster creative agency.

Additionally, the episode addresses the cyclical nature of recurring emotional themes within songwriting and highlights how musical expression can be a gateway to transformation. Whether used for personal healing, artistic development, or manifestation of future experiences, songwriting is positioned as both a mirror and a tool for change.

• This episode outlines a three-phase approach to songwriting as a method for emotional processing: intuitive creation, lyrical emergence, and reflective refinement.
• We explore the role of musical ritual in grounding the nervous system and regulating emotional states.
• The discussion emphasizes the value of embracing imperfection and emotional honesty in early songwriting stages.
• Listeners are encouraged to identify and observe recurring emotional motifs in their creative output as a means of personal insight.
• The episode invites reflection on how artistic expression can shape self-perception and contribute to long-term emotional integration and healing.
• Ultimately, songwriting is presented not merely as a creative endeavor, but as a practice of embodied emotional intelligence and intentional self-awareness.

This episode centers on the therapeutic power of music as both an experiential and creative tool for emotional regulation, personal reflection, and growth. We examine the ways in which music functions as a medium for healing—both scientifically and spiritually—while offering insight into how different sonic experiences can support nervous system regulation and enhance individual well-being.

The discussion begins with an exploration of the role of music in community and co-regulation, followed by an analysis of the emotional and physiological effects of listening to and creating music. Personal anecdotes are shared to illustrate the intimate relationship between memory, mood, and melody. We also reflect on the evolving nature of musical genres and their role in shaping cultural and individual identity.

Through a blend of research, storytelling, and personal practice, this episode seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of how music can serve as a consistent and accessible form of medicine in everyday life.

Takeaways:

• This episode illustrates the dual nature of music as both an external experience and an internal healing practice.
• We consider the biological mechanisms through which music interacts with the nervous system and emotional memory.
• The conversation highlights the significance of self-awareness in curating one’s personal soundscape for therapeutic benefit.
• Personal stories underscore the ways in which songs can serve as emotional anchors or transitional tools during major life shifts.
• The evolving overlap between musical genres is examined as a reflection of cultural hybridization and personal identity exploration.
• The episode concludes with an invitation to reflect on one’s own musical journey and the songs that have shaped it.

Additional Resources:

Stay tuned for next week’s episode, where we will explore songwriting as a process for emotional release and self-discovery. Listeners will receive practical prompts to begin their own songwriting journey.

Guest episodes later this month will feature:

• Julie Matnanski (GRAMMY Foundation) on the intersection of arts education and healing
• Lynette Thoma (Pure Sound Bath) on the sacred use of sound in modern wellness practices

In this closing chapter of our March series, we explore the transformative power of mantra—how simple sounds and repeated affirmations can reshape your mindset, regulate your nervous system, and awaken a deeper, more authentic self-expression.

We dive into the origins of mantra in ancient traditions, its connection to meditation and energy healing, and how you can integrate mantra into your daily life to create lasting emotional resilience. From understanding how repetition physically rewires the brain to practical exercises that shift your inner dialogue, this episode gives you tools to use your voice as a source of healing and empowerment.

Whether you're looking for more confidence, inner peace, or creative flow, this is a powerful foundation for making your voice your greatest ally.

✨ Episode Highlights:

🔹 What is a mantra—and how it differs from prayer

🔹 How repetition rewires the brain and anchors new beliefs

🔹 The link between sound, energy, and emotional healing

🔹 Personal stories about using mantra to overcome self-doubt

🔹 Practical ways to integrate mantras into daily life and music practice

💡 Takeaways:

🌟 Your words have the power to heal or harm—choose them with love

🌀 Repetition creates new neural pathways and emotional resilience

🎶 Music, meditation, and mantra work hand-in-hand to awaken expression

🌿 Growth begins with self-awareness and intentional practice

• 📝 Mantra work is a daily devotion to your highest, most authentic self

This podcast episode delves into the profound theme of awakening one's authentic voice, presenting a nuanced exploration of self-expression and identity. The discussion emphasizes that an authentic voice is not merely about the sound produced but is intrinsically tied to an individual's understanding of themselves and their experiences. I reflect on the necessity of confronting fears associated with visibility and acknowledgment, highlighting that such fears inhibit genuine expression. Furthermore, I share personal anecdotes illustrating the journey of self-discovery and the importance of embracing vulnerability in the pursuit of authenticity. By engaging in reflective exercises, listeners are encouraged to explore and articulate their unique voices, culminating in a richer understanding of their true selves.

Takeaways:

• The episode emphasizes the importance of awakening one's authentic voice and self-expression.
• We discussed the fear of being seen and heard, which often hinders authentic expression.
• Authenticity is not merely about sound but understanding and embracing one's true self.
• Cultural trends often create barriers to genuine self-expression, making authenticity challenging.

The principal focus of today's discourse revolves around the formidable challenge of overcoming the pervasive fear of being seen and heard, particularly as it pertains to women. This episode endeavors to elucidate the multifaceted origins of such trepidations, which often stem from cultural conditioning and personal experiences that have shaped our perceptions of self-expression. I share my own journey of grappling with these fears, highlighting the internal conflicts that arise when one is compelled to navigate societal expectations while striving for authenticity. We also explore practical methodologies to confront and surmount these fears, emphasizing the significance of acknowledging and regulating one's emotional state in the face of vulnerability. Through this dialogue, we aim to empower individuals to embrace their voices, fostering a more profound connection to their authentic selves and facilitating a transformative journey toward self-expression.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we explore the profound impact of cultural conditioning on women's ability to express themselves freely and authentically.
• Overcoming the fear of being seen and heard is essential for personal growth, particularly for women who often face societal pressures.
• I share personal anecdotes illustrating my own struggles with self-expression, highlighting the importance of confronting and understanding these fears.
• We discuss practical exercises to cultivate self-awareness and comfort in expressing oneself, emphasizing the role of safe spaces.
• The conversation delves into the historical context of women's voices being suppressed, underlining the need for reclaiming one's authentic voice today.
• Ultimately, we encourage listeners to practice vulnerability and self-acceptance as they embark on their journeys of self-expression.

Links referenced in this episode:

• pureheartcollective.com
• youtube.com

This episode delves into the profound interplay between voice and emotion, specifically focusing on the theme of releasing stuck emotions through sound. I intend to illuminate how our vocal expressions are intrinsically linked to our emotional states, positing that our voices serve as energetic maps of our internal experiences. I will also share insights related to my upcoming class, Vocal Alchemy, where I explore foundational concepts that underpin vocal expression and its transformative potential. Through our discussion, we shall examine the significance of breath regulation and its connection to emotional management, emphasizing the necessity of allowing oneself to vocalize feelings freely. As we engage in this exploration, I encourage listeners to reflect on their own experiences with communication and the limitations that may arise from societal conditioning.

Takeaways:

• The podcast episode discusses the significance of voice and the profound impact it has on one's emotional expression.
• Listeners are encouraged to explore the connection between breath and vocal production, emphasizing the need for breath regulation.
• An important theme presented is the necessity of releasing emotions through sound to enhance personal expression and communication.
• The host shares personal anecdotes illustrating how childhood experiences shaped her relationship with self-expression and emotional management.
• Next week's episode will delve into overcoming the fear of being seen and heard, which is particularly relevant for women.
• The speaker invites feedback from listeners, underscoring the importance of community and shared learning in the journey of vocal exploration.

In this episode, we delve into the profound connection between breath and vocal expression, emphasizing that breath serves as the foundational element of vocal freedom. I am excited to announce the commencement of my new music and wellness class, Vocal Alchemy, which will take place every Tuesday in Sherman Oaks. This month’s theme, "Awaken Your Expression," will explore how singing can enhance one's life and facilitate emotional healing. Our discussion today will focus on the significance of breath work, illustrating how mastering our breath can alleviate stress and enhance our ability to communicate authentically. Through personal anecdotes and practical exercises, we aim to equip you with the tools necessary to cultivate a deeper understanding of your voice and breath, thus fostering a more expressive and joyful existence.

Takeaways:

• The upcoming Vocal Alchemy class aims to enhance vocal skills and overall wellness through various techniques, including singing exercises and meditation.
• Breath work serves as a fundamental element in singing, facilitating vocal freedom and expression, which is essential for effective communication.
• The Hawaiian concept of 'Aloha' encapsulates the significance of breath, representing a connection between individuals and a shared life force.
• Understanding the interplay between breath, emotion, and voice is crucial for overcoming anxiety and promoting self-expression in both singing and everyday interactions.

Links referenced in this episode:

• pureheartcollective.com

This podcast episode delves into the profound connection between self-love and the quality of one's voice, asserting that one's vocal expression serves as a direct reflection of internal self-worth. As I share my personal journey, I emphasize that the cultivation of self-love is paramount, particularly in how we communicate and present ourselves to the world. Through anecdotes and reflective questions, I invite listeners to consider how their confidence—or lack thereof—manifests in their vocalization and interpersonal interactions. By engaging in practices such as mirror work and affirmations, we explore actionable methods to enhance self-acceptance and self-esteem. Ultimately, the discourse aims to empower individuals to recognize their inherent value and articulate their truths with confidence and clarity.

Takeaways:

• The voice serves as a powerful reflection of one's self-love and inner beliefs.
• Confidence and self-acceptance significantly influence how one expresses themselves vocally.
• Developing a strong voice requires continual practice and a commitment to self-love.
• Engaging in mirror work can foster positive self-beliefs and enhance vocal presence.
• The connection between self-worth and vocal expression is often overlooked but critical.
• Self-exploration through vocal practice can reveal deeper emotional truths about oneself.