Annie Ridgway is a seasoned sound healing practitioner, musician, and singer-songwriter whose work weaves together sound, voice, and intention. For over two decades, she has been guiding individuals and groups through workshops and experiences centred on singing, sound, and embodied awareness, both in Australia and internationally.

From 2012 to 2016, Annie was invited to work as a Sound Healing Visiting Practitioner at the world-renowned five-star Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary in Koh Samui, Thailand, where she supported guests from around the world in their journeys of rest, renewal, and transformation.

Holding two Diplomas in Sound Healing through the International Sound Healing Academy in the UK, Annie brings a depth of training and lived experience to her work, offering sound as a pathway for balance, wellbeing, and inner harmony.

Based in the Tweed and Byron Shire, NSW, Annie runs a thriving sound healing practice through Lakshmi Sound Sanctuary. She also serves as the Australasian Region Lead teacher in Education Training for the International Sound Healing Academy, where she facilitates Level 1 Foundation Certificate courses and Level 2 Diploma trainings for both one-to-one practice and group facilitation.

In addition, Annie is the founder and co - facilitator of the Alchemy of Sound Retreats, created in collaboration with Anita Cassidy Bowman. These retreats invite participants into a rich, sensory exploration of sound through the five elements — Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether — offering space for reflection, integration, and creative renewal.

Experience the restorative power of sound through a deeply immersive Sound Harmonic Spa journey with Annie Ridgway, founder of Lakshmi Sound Sanctuary.

https://www.lakshmisoundhealing.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lakshmi.sound.sanctuary/

https://www.facebook.com/LakshmiSoundSanctuary

http://www.academyofsoundhealing.com

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxhNpH94R3yfY5ajAcD7uRA

Natalie Brown, host of Sounds Heal Podcast:

http://www.soundshealstudio.com

http://www.facebook.com/soundshealstudio

http://www.instagram.com/nataliebrownsoundsheal

http://www.youtube.com/soundshealstudio

Music by Natalie Brown, Hope & Heart http://www.youtu.be/hZPx6zJX6yA

Email: [email protected]

This bonus episode of the Sounds Heal Podcast is a special listener questions edition, released in celebration of the podcast’s 7 year anniversary. I’m diving into questions you’ve sent in around biofield clearing, the physiology of sound healing, how sound supports the nervous system, and the balance between training, certifications, and intuitive ability. We also touch on what’s currently inspiring my own practice and studies. Thank you for being part of this ongoing conversation and for continuing to listen with curiosity.

Natalie would like to thank her teachers and mentors:

Tony Nec, Dr. John Beaulieu, Thomas Orr Anderson, Mitch Nur, Michael Bettine, Mike Tamburo, Rhonda McCrimmon, Bhuwan Chandra and Jivasu at Nada Yoga School, Dr. Tiffany Barsotti, Master Mingtong Gu, Satyam at TriYoga, Dr. Ian Russell and Dr. Tom McKean at the University of Aberdeen, Dr. Kevin Droe at the University of Northern Iowa, Leopold La Fosse at the University of Iowa, and Sonja Zeithamel at the Preucil School of Music.

Natalie Brown, host of Sounds Heal Podcast:

http://www.soundshealstudio.com

http://www.facebook.com/soundshealstudio

http://www.instagram.com/nataliebrownsoundsheal

http://www.youtube.com/soundshealstudio

Music by Natalie Brown, Hope & Heart http://www.youtu.be/hZPx6zJX6yA

Email: [email protected]

John Minks is a gifted musician with over 15 years of exploring and studying the healing power of sound. John’s first experience with sound healing was in Amsterdam in 2006. Since then, his tone quest has taken him from the Brazilian rainforest to the islands of Hawai’i and beyond. He began his study of the didgeridoo while in the jungles of Brazil in 2007. John has also studied guitar for the past 10 years and has extensive experience in its healing power with plant medicines. John has attended and spoken at Sage Sound Academy and has attended gong workshops with Don Conreaux and 9 Ways Academy.

John has compiled his array of knowledge to offer a truly unique sound experience. More than a sound bath, his sessions are more of a molecular massage with sound. Clients are taken on an astral journey using a mix of indigenous and modern instruments.

John offers sound baths at a variety of locations in the Hudson Valley and New York City. In addition to the didgeridoo and gong, John’s instruments include chimes, flutes, khomus, Tibetan singing bowls, shruti box, handpan, tuning forks, among others.

https://deepspacesound.life/

https://www.instagram.com/deep_space_sound/

Natalie Brown, host of Sounds Heal Podcast:

http://www.soundshealstudio.com

http://www.facebook.com/soundshealstudio

http://www.instagram.com/nataliebrownsoundsheal

http://www.youtube.com/soundshealstudio

email: [email protected]

Music by Natalie Brown, Hope & Heart http://www.youtu.be/hZPx6zJX6yA

Kirsten Agresta Copely is a two-time GRAMMY®-nominated, international award-winning harpist and composer based in New York City whose career spans the worlds of classical, contemporary, and popular music. Her latest album, Kuruvinda, is nominated for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album at the 2026 GRAMMY® Awards, following the success of her 2023 GRAMMY®-nominated release Aquamarine. With more than 12 million streams on Spotify and steady airplay on SiriusXM’s Spa Channel, Copely has been featured in PEOPLE, The New York Post, Crain’s New York Business, and beyond. Classically trained, she debuted as a concerto soloist at Carnegie Hall, performed world premieres at Lincoln Center, and toured internationally from a young age, while also becoming one of the industry’s most sought-after harpists for recordings, film, and television. Her performance career includes appearances at the White House with Beyoncé, the MET Gala, Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl, and collaborations with artists such as Jay-Z, Florence + The Machine, Sting, Kacey Musgraves, Erykah Badu, Tony Bennett and Enya. As a composer and recording artist, her four solo albums have earned global acclaim and multiple international awards, with her music praised for its cinematic, luminous, and deeply restorative qualities. Copely previously served as Associate Professor of Harp at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music and is a member of ASCAP, the Recording Academy, and the World Harp Congress Board of Directors.

Kirsten Agresta Copely,

https://www.kirstencopelymusic.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kcopelymusic

https://album.link/s/1hQTm5LkykSvxIpPnXHFB1

Natalie Brown, host of Sounds Heal Podcast:

http://www.soundshealstudio.com

http://www.facebook.com/soundshealstudio

http://www.instagram.com/nataliebrownsoundsheal

http://www.youtube.com/soundshealstudio

Email: [email protected]

Music by Natalie Brown, Hope & Heart http://www.youtu.be/hZPx6zJX6yA

Becca Laurito, The Meta Musician, is a classically trained percussionist and sound-healing mentor. She holds degrees from Northwestern University, Temple University, and DePaul University, and has performed with renowned orchestras including the Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, National Symphony, and served as Principal Percussionist of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra from 2017 to 2024.

After confronting performance-related anxiety, Becca turned toward meditation, somatic practices, and sound healing, discovering the transformative power of vibration, rhythm, and resonance. Through The Meta Musician, she now empowers musicians, healers, and wellness practitioners to integrate sound, intention, and creativity into meaningful, soul-aligned practices and businesses.

https://themetamusician.com/

https://www.instagram.com/themetamusician/

Natalie Brown, host of Sounds Heal Podcast:

http://www.soundshealstudio.com

http://www.facebook.com/soundshealstudio

http://www.instagram.com/nataliebrownsoundsheal

http://www.youtube.com/soundshealstudio

Music by Natalie Brown, Hope & Heart http://www.youtu.be/hZPx6zJX6yA

The Evolution and Future of Sound Healing: A Panel Discussion

With guests Lana Ryder, Rian McGonigal, Rich Goodhart. Hosted by Natalie Brown.

Lana Ryder has been sharing the healing power of sound, voice, and music for fifty years, beginning with her use of voice as a healing instrument in music ministry. After 25 years in the allopathic medical field, she transitioned full-time into holistic practice in 1995. Known widely as a sound therapy educator, mentor—affectionately called “Sound Mama”—and practitioner, Lana continues her studies with globally renowned masters of sound. She has developed innovative approaches to working with sound in energy healing and bodywork, including ReikiSound, ReikiVoice, Sonic Massage, and Soundwise Voice, as well as foundational training programs, manuals, and curriculum. She is the founding director and senior instructor of Soundwise School of Harmonic Therapy in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

https://soundwisehealth.com/

https://www.instagram.com/soundwise_woman

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057499117700

Rian McGonigal is a pioneer in Acoustic Sound Therapy and healing, active since the late 1980s. Twice a cancer survivor, he developed and directed therapeutic sound programs at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the Simonton Cancer & Counseling Center, and the Philosophical Research Society. His work has been featured nationally on FOX News and internationally on CNN.

A lifelong musician, Rian trained in classical guitar in Europe and later explored rock, drumming, crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, and the Aboriginal didgeridoo. He has created innovative sound therapy programs for hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and youth programs, integrating a wide range of instruments and therapeutic techniques.

Rian has trained thousands of practitioners and advised holistic medical professionals on incorporating sound therapy into their practices, blending ancient traditions with modern healing approaches.

https://www.mariamcgonigal.com/sound-color-certification

Rich Goodhart is an internationally recognized world music multi-instrumentalist, composer, and Master Shamanic Sound Healing practitioner. He has composed and produced eight albums of progressive world music, including Forest River Pathway and the acclaimed Never Give a Sword to a Man Who Can’t Dance, and is the author of two books, including The Sound Inside The Sound.

Over the past 35 years, Rich has performed and collaborated with renowned musicians, writers, and dancers, including Allen Ginsberg, Jon Anderson, Deepak Chopra, Krishna Das, and Bill T. Jones. He plays a wide array of instruments—from African and Middle Eastern hand drums to Native American flute, Himalayan bowls, gongs, and voice—and blends shamanic sound healing, meditation, Qigong, and Tai Chi in his work.

Rich has also taught extensively at the Omega Institute, Kripalu Center, and other venues, leading immersive workshops in shamanic sound, transformational sound practices, and energy work. His work bridges tradition and innovation, offering transformative experiences through sound.

http://www.richgoodhart.com

https://richgoodhart.bandcamp.com/

Natalie Brown, host of Sounds Heal Podcast:

http://www.soundshealstudio.com

http://www.facebook.com/soundshealstudio

http://www.instagram.com/nataliebrownsoundsheal

http://www.youtube.com/soundshealstudio

Music by Natalie Brown, Hope & Heart http://www.youtu.be/hZPx6zJX6yA

Richard Cooke is a Grammy Award–winning musician, instrument designer, and innovator, best known as the founder of Freenotes Company (1991). Early in his musical life, he played flute and explored improvisation and intuitive approaches to sound, which shaped his belief that anyone can make beautiful music. A pivotal moment came during a retreat with Paul Winter’s consort, which inspired him to focus on creating instruments and experiences that make music accessible to all.

Cooke developed Freenotes instruments based on the principle “Beautiful Music Made Simple”—intuitively tuned percussion and melodic instruments that allow anyone to play without fear of wrong notes. His work expanded into Freenotes Harmony Park, bringing outdoor, playable sound installations to parks, schools, and public spaces, creating communal experiences where music fosters connection and joy. He also contributed to the restoration and recreation of instruments by Lou Harrison, preserving and extending the life of these unique creations.

Today, Richard continues to design and consult on instruments, installations, and sound-spaces that encourage play, healing, and community engagement. Guided by the philosophy that sound can unite, transform, and inspire, he invites people of all ages and backgrounds to explore the joy of making music together.

Website: https://freenotes.life/

TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04VbxnzUwes

CD: https://soundcloud.com/search?q=freenotes%20gamelan

Natalie Brown, host of Sounds Heal Podcast:

http://www.soundshealstudio.com

http://www.facebook.com/soundshealstudio

http://www.instagram.com/nataliebrownsoundsheal

http://www.youtube.com/soundshealstudio

Music by Natalie Brown, Hope & Heart http://www.youtu.be/hZPx6zJX6yA

In this bonus episode, Natalie Brown explores some of the most compelling recent research in sound healing. From tuning forks and Tibetan singing bowls to frequency-specific interventions and cellular-level vibration, these studies highlight the scientific insights behind sound, frequency, and vibration for mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Natalie Brown, host of Sounds Heal Podcast:

http://www.soundshealstudio.com

http://www.facebook.com/soundshealstudio

http://www.instagram.com/nataliebrownsoundsheal

http://www.youtube.com/soundshealstudio

Music by Natalie Brown

Featured Studies & Links:

1. Triple OM Clinical Study Using Tuning Fork Sound Healing

https://www.soundtravels.co.uk/a-Triple_OM_Clinical_Study_using_Tuning_Fork_Sound_Healing-3807.aspx

2. Differential Effects of Sound Interventions Tuned to 432 Hz or 443 Hz on Cardiovascular Parameters in Cancer Patients

https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-025-04758-5

3. The Implications of Vibration and Sound Therapy in Modern Medicine

https://www.scholarlyreview.org/article/124889.pdf

4. Effects of Tibetan Singing Bowl Intervention on Psychological and Physiological Outcomes

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/13/16/2002

5. Exploring the Healing Power of Singing Bowls

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37532602/

6. Vibratory Frequencies of Cells in Healthy and Disease States

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359600326_Sound_Therapy_Vibratory_Frequencies_of_Cells_in_Healthy_and_Disease_States

Kimberly Joy Iolana Rieli (Ee-oh-lah-nah Ri-Lee) is a singer, sound healer, and holistic voice practitioner. Founder of Singing For Your Soul, she has helped thousands of people use their voices for deep healing. Her approach is based on feeling safe being seen and heard, and impacts all aspects of life: relationships, work, and health.

With 20 years of experience, Kimberly helps her clients use their voices to heal trauma, enhance well-being, unlock self-expression, and deepen their spiritual connection.

Kimberly offers a variety of transformative experiences both in-person and virtually, including 1:1 coaching, group programs, sound healings, and retreats worldwide.

Kimberly lives in rural Michigan with her husband and their magical feline companions Gandalf the Grey, Arwen, and Moon. She travels internationally as the singer for The Settle Into Stillness Ensemble, and can often be found singing among the trees.

Kimberly’s links:

Free Holistic Voice Class: https://www.singingforyoursoul.com/sign-up-for-free-voice-class/

Website: http://www.singingforyoursoul.com

Singing For Your Wild Soul sacred sisterhood of voice healing + sound healing certification:

https://www.singingforyoursoul.com/singing-for-your-wild-soul-sisterhood/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/singingforyoursoul/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SingingForYourSoul

Natalie Brown, host of Sounds Heal Podcast:

http://www.soundshealstudio.com

http://www.facebook.com/soundshealstudio

http://www.instagram.com/nataliebrownsoundsheal

http://www.youtube.com/soundshealstudio

Music by Natalie Brown, Hope & Heart http://www.youtu.be/hZPx6zJX6yA

Gareth Laffely is a licensed sound healing practitioner with the Sound Healing Academy. He grew up just north of Nashville, Tennessee, and now lives in central Maine. Descended from the Mi’kmaq Native American people, Gareth has a passion for using traditional instruments from his culture to make a positive impact in the lives of those around him.

Gareth began his relationship with the Sound Healing Academy in 2021 when he took the Level 1 Sound Healing with Rhythm and Drums program. A year later, he completed his Level 2 training in the 1-2-1 Diploma program. Prior to his training, he spent several years bringing his Native American flutes into hospitals and nursing homes, using music to comfort terminally ill patients and their families. With a deep love for teaching, Gareth has hosted flute and drum workshops across the United States since 2013. He believes music is extremely powerful and can transcend personal limitations.

In addition to his experience with integral sound healing, Gareth is also a recording artist and composer. He has released five CDs, including one recorded with George Lucas’ symphony at Skywalker Ranch, and his music has been licensed by the Discovery Channel, A&E, History Channel, Travel Channel, and PBS. Gareth also reached #2 on the Billboard Music Charts for New Age. He holds a master’s degree in Digital Marketing from East Tennessee State University and is honored to be working as Head of Marketing at the Sound Healing Academy as they change lives around the world.

https://www.garethmusic.com/

Laura Turian is an Angelic Reiki Master, Intuitive Tarot Reader, Crystal Healer, Candle Maker, free spirited Aquarius and proud cat mum to Angelo. She is a Digital Marketing Specialist at The Sound Healing Academy, where she combines her creativity and passion to share the transformative power of sound healing with a global audience.

Through her sacred business, The Journey To Higher Self, Laura offers energetic healing sessions that help people release what no longer serves them and step into their purpose, joy, and authenticity. Drawing on her skills in Angelic Reiki, Tarot Reading, Crystal Healing, and Integral Sound Healing, she guides others through their multidimensional healing journeys — opening hearts, expanding consciousness, and inspiring people to live their most aligned lives.

https://thejourneytohigherself.co.uk/

Sound Healing Academy:

https://www.academyofsoundhealing.com/

Natalie Brown, host of Sounds Heal Podcast:

http://www.soundshealstudio.com

http://www.facebook.com/soundshealstudio

http://www.instagram.com/nataliebrownsoundsheal

http://www.youtube.com/soundshealstudio

Music by Natalie Brown, Hope & Heart http://www.youtu.be/hZPx6zJX6yA