Show Notes

Hi, dear friends! Just a short note to let you know there’ll be a short intermission, while I’m on maternity leave for a couple of months (wahoo! And, another short note to say – if you’re on a fertility journey [and the mention of maternity leave hurts your heart], I see & hear you; keep going, friend. There’s always a light.) With big love, until next episode! Emily x

PS Thank you for all your messages / support this season – it’s always a joy to hear your stories and to connect with you; I love our SN community. Keep rating / reviewing / sharing - it really does make a huge difference to what we do.

March was endometriosis awareness month! And we’re a little late to the party! But in the spirit of embracing the mud (!), we’ve decided to (un)officially extend endo awareness month with this convo all about endo – and some personal experiences of living with this condition, as a performer.

If you’re someone who bleeds / are a little suss that something might be up with your cycle / have been diagnosed with endo / are just curious to hear more about this condition, then this episode is for you! Wonderful singer-extraordinaire Hanna-Liisa Kirchin joins me for this honest and open conversation, about our (varying) experiences with endometriosis. She’s so generous in sharing her experience – I’m so grateful to her for speaking about her journey.

As ever, this conversation is just a sharing of personal experiences; it does not stand in for medical advice. Please seek the support of your doctor / medical professional, for further information. Also, please bear in mind that every endo journey is so wildly different. What you hear might align with either of our experiences – or it might not. It’s just a jumping-off point for raising awareness / the asking of questions / you being an even fiercer advocate for your own health and body.

Suffice it to say, we talk loads about menstruation… so if that’s not up your alley, then this conversation is probably not for you, my friend (or, it might be, if you’d like to learn more!) Whyever (is that a word?! If not, should be) you’re coming to this conversation – we’re so glad to have you; you’re welcome here, and you’re seen.

I’ll also include some resources below, if you’re interested in finding out more / seeking support. This list will be somewhat limited to what I’ve been exposed to / had access to, so a) see your doctor (and then see another one, if they’re dismissive…) and b) keep seeking great information, on your own terms (there’s more and more out there, now – and loads for free, too).

We’re here as friends on the journey! Emily x

Resources mentioned / further info:

Endometriosis Australia: https://www.endometriosisaustralia.org/
Endometriosis UK: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/
Endo dietitian: @endo.dietitian
How to Endo, by Bridget Hustwaite: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/56855221-how-to-endo
Period Repair Manual, by Lara Briden: https://www.larabriden.com/period-repair-manual/
The Fifth Vital Sign, by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/43616354-the-fifth-vital-sign

About our guest:
http://www.hannaliisakirchin.com/
Hanna-Liisa on Instagram: @hannaliisak
Hanna-Liisa on Twitter: @Hanna_Liisa_K

Our guest today is an awesome artistic human – singer / songwriter / poet, Cara Walkam. In addition to being a badass creative artist, Cara is also one of the fiercest humans I know; after a life-changing (read: life-threatening) event, Cara faced an epic re-thinking of her relationship to creativity / making. The insight she shares today is based in a lived understanding of the mess, the mud, and the ways in which we show up, even when there’s no “ideal” or “perfect” way forward.

We talk about the balance between creative work and a day job, juggling the practicalities of everyday life, and creating work in a shifting / changing landscape (within and without). Our convo sits deep in the magic of that mess and mud; we talk loads about how we show up to creativity alongside / within this. It’s an honest, present, joyful convo, about the ways we create in this weird and crazy time (and all times). Enjoy! Emily x

About our guest:
Cara Walkam is a singer-songwriter, poet and stroke survivor from Wollongong, Australia.  She invariably writes and sings about her dogs, her complaints about society, and her many and varied neuroses.  Cara is a double Sagittarius with an Aries rising, a philosopher and a frequent cryer.

Cara’s Website
Cara on Spotify
Cara on Apple Music

*Since recording this episode, much more has come to pass in the world at large. I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the scale of suffering and tragedy being experienced by so many, and to acknowledge the privileged position we are currently in – able to continue creating and sharing. We will continue to do so – in the face of; despite and still; in honour of those who cannot. Hopefully this sentiment resonates; I want this to be a place of solace, comfort, and creation. May we keep creating.*

It’s time for our first convo of Season 2! And who could we begin this season with, other than the inimitable Monica O’Brien? Mon saw us through the highs and lows of early 2020, and brought us so much wisdom / clarity / joy across Season 1 – and now she’s here with us as we dance (with wild and muddy grace) into Season 2!

It’s an understatement to say that we all have so much to process – as artists, and humans – about the last few months & years. In this episode we talk all about integrating what has come to pass, as well as reintegrating: into our artistic worlds / lives / selves.

It’s my hope that this conversation will be nourishing, supportive, and help us all begin / continue to process what has been and what’s to come – a perfect way to start this Season 2 journey together. So, grab a cuppa, and join us for the first convo of Season 2! Emily x

Season 2 has been in my heart and mind for quite some time now; through the highs (hmm) and lows (uh-huh) of the last couple of years (ya know), I’ve been deeply reflecting on what it means to be a performer – and therefore what it means to produce a podcast about being a performer. One of the things that has become wildly clear is – I don’t know. In the (constantly) shifting landscape of the world (let alone the arts world), I’ve realised I can’t quite put my finger on what it “means” to be a performer – and, I’ve realised that that’s okay. It’s okay to not know. It’s okay to be making it up as we go. It’s okay to be messy and muddy and all-things-and-nothing, at once. It’s in the mud, in the mess, that we re-shape; re-make. I’m here for that – and I’m here for you.

I’m here for conversation, community, and discussions about: 1. the (frankly) wild nature of being a performer in the world right now, 2. stuff that might help you along the way, 3. anything else that might make life a little sunnier, really…! Join us this season to be seen, to be heard, and to belong – in this wild wilderness that we’re processing and moving through and re-making, together. Can’t wait to get stuck in! Emily x

In this ep., we chat about the state of the world / our art / the arts industry, and about the fact many friends and colleagues are being confronted with questions like: “What now?”, “Where do I go from here?”, “What can I do in this space?”, “What does this mean for me as an artist?”. We discuss how options paralysis, comparison, and “all or nothing” attitudes can crop up in this space of not-knowing-ness, and ultimately how we as individuals and communities can move towards transformation, peace, acceptance, and grace - even amidst the madness.

Make a cuppa, and come hang out for a while with people who “get it”.

If this ep. resonates with you, share on social media / share with a friend who this would really help, too. We love connecting with people just like you, so share what we do with your wonderful tribe!

I wanted to really break down the “it’s hard but it’s great” phrase that I feel we so often hear when it comes to this space - I wanted someone to tell me / talk deep about exactly why it’s hard, and why it’s great. In diving into detail with the whys, I hope that this convo (and others) can begin to shed some light for women / caregivers in the arts space.

In this convo, I chat to operatic soprano Samantha Crawford, about the practical (and emotional) realities of having a baby, as a freelance performer. Sam generously and vulnerably shares her experience - hopefully this can add to an informed, open, honest dialogue about parenthood in the arts.

We talk about:
- Unexpected joys of parenthood.
- Vulnerability.
- Community.
- Positive dialogue around parenting.
- “The fourth trimester”
- Living away from family support.
- Preparations and plans.
- Boundaries, communication, and the power of asking for support.
- Financial planning.
- Travelling with a baby.
- Reaching out when lonely.
- Specific joys, and specific challenges.
- Real / perceived influence of pregnancy on auditioning / getting cast.
- The experience of women in this space / women in opera.
- Pressures.
- Being kind to yourself, and in the moment.
- The power of conversation.
- Women’s power.
- Some practicalities, when it comes to breastfeeding on the job.
- Auditioning after giving birth.
- Some helpful resources.

Resources mentioned:
- “SWAP’ra” https://www.swap-ra.org/
- The singer’s guide to complete health, Anthony F. Jahn
- The positive birth book, Milli Hill

Guest details:
IG: @samanthacrawfordmusic
FB: https://m.facebook.com/samanthacrawfordsoprano
Twitter: @S_H_Crawford
Website: Samanthacrawford.com

Disclaimer: As ever, please bear in mind that this is just a conversation between two individuals; your feelings and experience may differ from what we discuss. My hope is that this conversation can help you more deeply understand and converse about what’s most important to you / what your feelings are on this topic; everything is valid, and there’s space here for everyone.

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In this Bonus ep., we check in again with Creative Coach Monica O’Brien, for a chat all about fear. We talk about this tough emotion, that it’s likely many of us will be encountering (in whatever form), right now. In our discussion, we explore what goes on psychologically / physiologically when we experience fear, and dive headfirst into getting a clearer understanding of how we can show up in this space - and ultimately, find courage here.

If you liked this ep, please feel free to share on socials or send to a friend - really helps other peeps like you to find our community! Find us over in IG @shownotesthepodcast, for more fun.

Guest details:
Monica O’Brien, at Creative Edge Coaching
www.creativeedgecoaching.com.au

“I help creative people to thrive in all stages of their career and life – artists, actors, singers, musicians, dancers, filmmakers, writers, directors, designers, innovators, entrepreneurs. I work with an incredibly varied cross-section of people: from professional creatives who utilise their artistic talents and unique way of thinking in their career or business, to imaginative individuals who enjoy their creative expression as a deep source of personal connection and fulfilment.” - Monica O’Brien

In this bonus episode, I chat to brilliant Soprano and downright-excellent-human-being, Nicole Car, all about the fund she’s created to support Australian Freelance singers. Not a singer? Not Australian? Fear not - this is some high-quality chat, exploring our perspectives on an ever-shifting arts landscape, the creation of support initiatives, how we can show up & come together as artists, and the state of our art in general. This woman is intelligent, generous, insightful, and - quite frankly - visionary. If this seems like your jam, tune in for some good chat, good insight, and good pals.

Find Freelance Artist Relief Australia at https://freelanceartistrelief.com/, on Facebook “Freelance Artist Relief Australia”, IG @freelanceartistrelief, and Twitter @artistreliefau.

Find Nicole Car on FB, IG @nicolecarsoprano, and Twitter, @nicolecaropera, and www.nicolecar.com

If you liked this ep, please give us a 5 star review, subscribe, and share in any way you like! It really makes a huge difference in reaching many more great humans like you!

Join me and the hilarious Rhiannon Llewellyn in this Bonus Finances ep, as we laugh our way through more financial wisdom, tips and tricks for these tricky timesss, and just some generally uplifting jabber. Genuinely, this ep is glory - so much helpful info, huge inspiration, and a lotta hope. If you’re thinking “er, Finances. Boring.” THEN THINK AGAIN. Grab a cuppa (or 5… actually, maybe make your dinner.) and prepare for A LOT OF GREATNESS AND JOY.

Find the brilliant Rhiannon on YouTube “The Vicar’s Wife’s Frugal Life” (hit SUBSCRIBE!), Instagram @thevicarswifesfrugallife, Twitter @vwfl88, and FB “The Vicar’s Wife’s Frugal Life”. (Keep an eye out for her name change, v soon!)

If you liked this ep, please feel free to share on socials or send to a friend - really helps other peeps like you to find our community! Find us over in IG @shownotesthepodcast, for more fun.