Success Through Scars

In this episode, I interview my dear friend and one of the most badass women I know, Dana Lynne Varga. Dana is an accomplished career coach, singer, voice teacher, and fierce advocate for singers. But beyond her career, she’s a woman who has walked through fire and come out blazing.

In this episode, we dive deep into her journey through gastric bypass, divorce, sobriety, and the powerful reinvention of her life, career, and sense of self. Dana shares so openly about the pain she endured, the shame she carried, and the freedom she found in rewriting her story on her own terms.

This one is for anyone who has ever felt stuck, silenced, or like their life no longer fit. Dana’s story is raw, real, and wildly empowering. You do not want to miss it!!

Find Dana here:

https://www.theempoweredmusician.com/

@theempoweredmusican

Dana Lynne Varga on Facebook

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review.
For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

If you've ever asked yourself, "WHY can't I just get it together?" "Why am I so exhausted from doing nothing?" this episode is for you.

Recorded while I'm not feeling well and taking a sick day, I realized I was actually burnt out. Because I'm going through some massive Uplevels in life right now.

We go over:

- why you feel exhausted right now

- why nervous system regulation is the foundation of sustainable change

- how to get into energetic alignment

DM me "UPLEVEL" if you're going through a transformation and need some support.

As always, I hope this episode helps you feel less alone! <3 

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review.
For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

Last night, I was literally crying on my couch. So naturally, today I recorded a podcast episode- because I KNOW I’m not the only one who’s felt like that.

This one’s for the version of you who just had a bad audition, launched something that no one bought, or is feeling super rejected. The version of you who's questioning, "Is any of this worth it??"

I see you. I am you.

In this little pep talk episode, I’m sharing the full-circle moment of finally getting to teach my Strength for Singers program at the University of Michigan- after they told me to drop out my freshman year.
I emailed them for years. I cried after every “no.” And yet I kept going.

I’m also getting real about rebuilding my body after my eating disorder, rebuilding my confidence in business, and why those nights on the couch- where it feels like nothing is working- are actually when everything is being built.

This episode is real AF. I'm bringing you along my journey in the hopes that you feel seen by hearing what I'm going through.
KEEP GOING. Your future self is so freaking proud of you.

DM me if this landed for you @anniecalvaneso. You're doing better than you think, and I believe in you!

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review.
For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

Today's episode is so special because I’m joined by one of my dearest friends, Katrina Fasulo! Katrina is an arts leader whose journey is full of resilience, self-discovery, and unapologetic growth. She shares her story of navigating imposter syndrome, workplace dynamics, and early experiences of being bullied for standing out as a tall, self-assured woman.

Katrina opens up about what it’s taken to step fully into her power- learning to take up space, leaning on mentorship, and creating spaces of belonging. She shares how her internal drive and commitment to alignment have fueled a career filled with leadership roles, a national network of powerhouse women, and a more sustainable, fulfilling way of living and working.

If you’ve ever felt like you were “too much,” or questioned your place in the room, this episode is for you!! Katrina’s wisdom is a reminder that you’re allowed to take up space, go after the big things, and lead with confidence.

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review.
For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

Is it okay to "coast" in business and not make growing your income the #1 goal of your life? Of course it is! This is something I previously felt ashamed to share but no longer do.

The past few years, I have been prioritizing my mental health over income growth. That means I have intentionally not grown my business. I haven't hired business mentors, I haven't tried to grow my audience, none of that. I've focused solely on EMDR trauma therapy and getting myself to a place of regulation. And it's served me well! I feel stable and balanced and in a place where I'm ready for expansion (not to mention, while also making a full time income in my business). I hope that if you've been feeling pressured to hustle and grow your income constantly, this can give you another perspective!

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review.
For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

Today's interview is with my incredible client Lucas Coura, who is a successful countertenor and voice teacher and has the biggest heart of anyone I know!

TW: suicidal ideation and depression. If you are struggling, please text or call 988.

Lucas shares his story of overcoming significant challenges including growing up as an immigrant, religious trauma, coming out as gay, struggling with depression, and hospitalization for his mental health. Despite all the struggles he faced, Lucas has achieved success as both a countertenor and a voice teacher (his students get scholarships into grad school- he's amazing!)

If you have ever struggled with depression, don't miss this episode!

Connect with Lucas:

@dudesingslikealady

https://www.lucasludwigcoura.com/

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review.
For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

In this episode of Success Through Scars, I'm joined by my former client Nina Evelyn. Nina shares her profound story of resilience, detailing the emotional abuse she faced from her narcissistic mother and how it impacted her relationships and self-worth. She vulnerably discusses recognizing similar patterns of abuse with her ex-boyfriend and the challenging journey of cutting off toxic relationships to find herself. Nina highlights the crucial support from her friends, which helped her heal and build confidence. She also talks about her successful career in opera and how she now uses her experiences to help heal others through Reiki in the Soul Recharge program. This episode is a powerful testament to overcoming trauma and reclaiming one’s identity. I hope it makes you feel less alone if you've been through something similar!

Nina Evelyn: https://www.ninaevelyn.com/

@ninaevelynsoprano

Soul Recharge: https://www.marykray.com/events/soul-recharge

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review.
For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

In this episode of Success Through Scars, I’m joined by my lovely client, Mary Kray, a multi-passionate entrepreneur, opera singer, voice teacher, and founder of Soul Recharge, an online community for artists and creatives. Mary opens up about her transformative journey from struggling financially and emotionally, to stepping into her power as a full-time entrepreneur. We dive deep into her experience of overcoming trauma, financial hardship, and the impact of elitism and sexism in music programs. These challenges fueled her entrepreneurial drive to create a compassionate, inclusive space for fellow artists through her Soul Recharge group healing program. This conversation is filled with vulnerability, wisdom, and hope, offering inspiration for anyone navigating tough times, especially those facing financial struggles or artists feeling alone in their journey. Join us as Mary shares how radical responsibility, mentorship, and community helped her reclaim her worth, build financial stability, and ultimately use her experiences to help others.

You can find Mary's work here:
marykray.com
instagram.com/marykray.studios

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review.
For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by a SECRET guest who shares her incredible journey of overcoming vocal nodes, healing her throat chakra, and using her voice to transform her life. From not feeling heard as a child to becoming a highly sought-after vocal coach, she now helps others find their authentic voices through her program, Sing From Your Soul. Tune in to discover how vocal healing can empower you and learn the deeper connection between your voice and self-expression. If you’ve struggled with vocal challenges or want to reclaim your voice, this episode is for you!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Reveal
01:22 Our Guest's Background and Career
01:59 The Scar and Its Impact
05:30 Journey to Healing and Empowerment
10:32 Tools for Vocal and Emotional Healing
22:35 Spiritual Gifts and Intuition
28:59 Childhood Anecdotes and Reflections
34:00 Conclusion and Farewell

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review.
For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

This episode was inspired by a conversation I had with a client today. She shared how others often perceive her success as effortless, even though it took significant struggle to get where she is! And sometimes, she STILL struggles. This led her to feeling very misunderstood and not seen. If you’ve ever felt similarly, this episode is for you.

We’ll dive into why people only see the highlight reel, how to own your journey without guilt, and why your struggles don’t diminish your success. Let this be a reminder that even when others don’t understand, your hard work MATTERS.

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review.
For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com