In this episode, we step again into a world where music, mental health, and medicine intersect – with special guest Heidi Brandi, musician, therapist, and founder of the Center for Professional Musicians in Hamburg. Heidi shares what inspired her to found the center in 2013, alongside Professors Hugo Schmale and Christian Kunert. Her main motivation was to create a space dedicated to the physical and psychological well-being of musicians – a crucial yet often-neglected aspect of professional artistic life, and one we aim to highlight regularly in this podcast.

With her background in piano and organ and extensive experience supporting classical and jazz musicians, Heidi discusses the ongoing challenges musicians face, such as performance anxiety, physical strain, and the unspoken taboos around mental health in the industry.

We explore the parallels she draws between performance music and competitive sports – including the pressure, recovery cycles, and institutional expectations. Heidi also reflects on whether musicians can regulate their own balance between productivity and rest – or whether larger structural changes in orchestras and conservatories are necessary.

Delving into her research on artistic identity, we unpack what this term truly means: its components, how it’s formed, and how it can be shaped, or even distorted, by external pressures, career expectations, and personal history.

The conversation also covers the role of artistic identity in auditions, how it can be used strategically, and whether adapting to specific orchestra cultures is a strength or a risk. Heidi explains how she works with young musicians and orchestral academies to prepare for these defining career moments – not just technically, but psychologically and emotionally.

Would you like to hear more?

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.penthesileaonair.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@karintbonelli⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Cardich⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcastly

In this episode, I had the immense honor of speaking with Tara Mohr, internationally renowned leadership coach and author of the groundbreaking book Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead. This conversation felt like a dream come true - for me personally and as a coach.

Tara’s work, celebrated in The New York Times and Harvard Business Review, explores themes that reach far beyond the business or leadership world:

• How to access your inner wisdom
• What it means to follow a calling

• How to navigate criticism and fear in creative spaces and how musicians - of all genders - can “play big” in the truest sense, both on and off stage

Especially in the classical music world, where external feedback and perfectionism often dominate, Tara’s insights offer a powerful shift - toward self-trust, artistic freedom, and a more authentic connection to your craft.

We also explored two types of fear (Pachad and Yirah), the concept of the Inner Mentor versus the Inner Critic, and how redefining your relationship with both can transform your presence - on stage, in auditions, and in life.

Whether you’re a student, performer, teacher, or music lover, this episode offers rich food for thought and practical tools to support your personal and artistic journey.

More from Tara:

Book: Playing Big: For Women Who Want to Speak Up, Stand Out and Lead

Website: www.taramohr.com

Instagram: @tarasophiamohr

Inner Mentor Visualization: www.taramohr.com/book/inner-mentor-signup/

Would you like to hear more?

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.penthesileaonair.com

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@karintbonelli⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Cardich⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcastly

Have you ever wondered what really happens after winning an orchestra audition?

In this episode, I talk to Gudrun Hinze about the often overlooked challenges of the trial period and how to navigate this crucial phase with confidence and heart. Gudrun shares her personal journey and the lessons she learned about resilience, musical identity, and staying connected to your love for music. If you’re ready to grow beyond your instrument, this conversation is for you.

More from Gudrun:

Instagram: @hinzegudrun

Website: www.gudrunhinze.de

YouTube: @HinzePiccolo

Would you like to hear more?

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@karintbonelli⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Cardich⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcastly

How can we stay creative and relaxed during auditions instead of falling into tension and perfectionism?

In this episode, I talk to Dr. Eckart Altenmüller about how our brain works when we make music – and what it takes to stay healthy, motivated, and musically fulfilled in the long run. We explore topics like neuroplasticity, mental preparation, and how to handle pressure in a sustainable way. If you're ready to deepen your playing while staying connected to yourself, this conversation is for you.

More from Dr. Eckart Altenmüller:

Books: ⁠https://amzn.to/41TDbTL

Would you like to hear more?

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@karintbonelli⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Cardich⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcastly

Have you ever achieved something you worked for, only to realize it wasn’t what you expected?

In this episode, I talk to career strategist Angela Beeching about the myths of success in the music industry and what really matters when building a fulfilling career. We dive into resilience, unexpected career shifts, and how to navigate the moments when things don’t go as planned. If you're looking for inspiration and practical insights on shaping your own musical path, this episode is for you.

More from Angela:

Website: https://angelabeeching.com

Instagram:@angelabeeching

Book: Beyond Talent: Creating a Successful Career in Music

Would you like to hear more?

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@karintbonelli⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Cardich⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcastly

How do you handle stage fright? Is it really possible to step on stage with ease, without being consumed by perfectionism and self-doubt?

In this episode, I talk to Dr. Michael Bohne, one of Germany’s leading performance coaches, about building mental strength, boosting self-worth, and discovering unexpected ways to feel freer on stage. Dr. Bohne shares fascinating insights into his PEP technique and stories that will make you reflect and smile – an inspiring episode for anyone ready to conquer their stage fright once and for all!

More from Dr. Bohne:

Website: ⁠www.dr-michael-bohne.de

Would you like to hear more?

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@karintbonelli⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Cardich⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcastly

In this episode, I have the privilege of talking to the amazing Alain Altinoglu, one of the most celebrated conductors of our time.

We explore how he balances a demanding career with personal well-being, the art of communicating with orchestras, and the surprising lessons he learns along the way. Alain shares inspiring and eye-opening insights into the world of classical music. Join me for a conversation full of wisdom, humor, and a rare behind-the-scenes look at a conductor's life.

More from Alain:

Website: www.alainaltinoglu.com/

Would you like to hear more?

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@karintbonelli⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Cardich⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcastly

In this episode of "Penthesilea On Air," I sit down with Dr. Veronika Jana Lubert to explore the crucial role of mental training for musicians.

Discover how psychological techniques can help overcome performance anxiety and enhance your musical expression. Veronika shares valuable insights and practical tips to help you unlock your full musical potential. We discuss how targeted mental training can not only improve your performances but also help you lead a balanced and fulfilling life as a musician. Get inspired and discover new ways to shine both on stage and in everyday life!

More from Veronika:

Website: https://www.veronikajanalubert.com

LinkedIn: Dr. Veronika Jana Lubert

Instagram: @veronikajanalubert

Would you like to hear more?

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@karintbonelli⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠@penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠⁠

produced by ⁠⁠⁠Eli Cardich⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcastly

In this podcast episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Elizabeth Rowe, a talented flutist who made the bold decision to leave her role as principal flutist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra after two decades. 

Elizabeth shares with us her deep-seated reasons for pursuing a path filled with new meanings outside the world of classical performance. We dive into the emotional and practical aspects of her final season, discussing the challenges she faced and the insights she gathered during this significant transition. Our conversation offers a genuine look into the personal growth and revelations experienced when one embarks on such a transformative life journey.

More from Elizabeth:

- Website: https://iamelizabethrowe.com

- Instagram: @iamelizabethrowe

- LinkedIn: @elizabeth-rowe

Would you like to hear more?

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@karintbonelli⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠@penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠

Would you like to hear more?

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@karintbonelli⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠@penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠⁠

produced by ⁠⁠⁠Eli Cardich⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcastly

In today's episode of the "Penthesilea On Air"-Podcast, I engage in a detailed conversation with Roman Rindberger.

Roman, a valued head coach for trumpet students at our Penthesilea Academy, is also a skilled instructor of the transformative Wim Hof method. Throughout our dialogue, he sheds light on how this method is particularly beneficial for musicians, focusing on its powerful combination of breathing techniques and cold exposure exercises. Roman explains how these strategies enhance our ability to handle stress, boost physical fitness, and maintain focus, which are crucial for both onstage performances and everyday wellness.

Additionally, he shares his personal journey and insights into the holistic approach required for optimal musical performance and personal development, emphasizing the need for musicians to adopt comprehensive wellness practices.

More from Roman:

- Instagram: @roman_rindberger

- Facebook: roman.rindberger

- Wim Hof Method: www.wimhofmethod.com/instructors/romanrindberger

Would you like to hear more?

Website: ⁠⁠⁠penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@karintbonelli⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@penthesilea.academy⁠⁠⁠

produced by ⁠⁠Eli Cardich⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠podcastly