Suzie Explores

 Suzie Explores is a podcast series focussing on the nature of creativity and curiosity. Bringing her unique perspective of the world of music and beyond, Suzie joins forces with a host of luminaries in the creative field to explore what it means to be an inspired human being in this world.

 Today my guest is the incredible mandolin player, composer, TV presenter and all-round epic human being, Chris Thile. We explore what it is to make practice into performance, what it feels like to connect with your audience, and how important it is to make and drink good coffee! 

Suzie Explores is a podcast series focussing on the nature of creativity and curiosity. Bringing her unique perspective of the world of music and beyond, Suzie joins forces with a host of luminaries in the creative field to explore what it means to be an inspired human being in this world.
 
Today, my guest is the director, coach, teacher, recitalist, composer Allyson Devenish. We met once before this podcast when we sat next to each other at a Royal Academy of Music awards ceremony. We just knew that we wanted to carry on having the conversation we had that day, and I am delighted to say that in this podcast, we explore so much of what it is to feel whole in the education process, both as a student and as a teacher.

Suzie Explores is a podcast series focussing on the nature of creativity and curiosity. Bringing her unique perspective of the world of music and beyond, Suzie joins forces with a host of luminaries in the creative field to explore what it means to be an inspired human being in this world.
 
My guest today is the outstanding musician Justin-Lee Schultz. At 15, he has already travelled the world and experienced more music than many of us do in a lifetime. We had a great conversation about getting in the zone, how to have fun when you play, what it is like to find the right teacher, embracing online school and moving to LA. Justin also gave an impromptu performance of the beautiful Chick Corea song – Windows.

Suzie Explores is a podcast series focussing on the nature of creativity and curiosity. Bringing her unique perspective of the world of music and beyond, Suzie joins forces with a host of luminaries in the creative field to explore what it means to be an inspired human being in this world.

American Utopia is a show which toured many cities of the world, before becoming a sell-out Broadway hit. It is the creation of the incredible, ever-evolving, ever-creative David Byrne and features many of his best-loved songs performed by 12 musicians, singers, and dancers live on stage using no pre-recorded tracks. His wish was to represent hope and possibility on stage….and this he does, in the most abundant of ways.
 
This podcast was recorded 6 months after the Broadway run finished and explores how life has evolved since the show ended. We discuss connectivity, mistakes, grief, surviving on tour, and feeding the creative imagination.
 
It was hard to coordinate everyone to be in the same place at the same time, but we did manage to have Jacquelene, Bobby, Mauro, Danny, Tim and Stephane in the same room, and Tendaye joined us by the magic of Zoom.
 
American Utopia Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lg4hcgtjDPc

Suzie Explores is a podcast series focussing on the nature of creativity and curiosity. Bringing her unique perspective of the world of music and beyond, Suzie joins forces with a host of luminaries in the creative field to explore what it means to be an inspired human being in this world.

Rai Thistlethwayte AKA Raithis is one of those rare artists who not only has amazing chops as a pianist and guitarist and an incredible ability to scat all day long, but also an epic sense of humour which he uses to cheer the world via social media. We had a conversation which spanned so many topics, from mending cassette tapes with a pencil to finding authenticity by having a belief in ourselves.

Suzie Explores is a podcast series focussing on the nature of creativity and curiosity. Bringing her unique perspective of the world of music and beyond, Suzie joins forces with a host of luminaries in the creative field to explore what it means to be an inspired human being in this world.

To explore ideas with Yo-Yo Ma was such an incredibly joyous experience! He is undeniably one of the greatest and most beloved cellists of all time, who has recorded and broadcast an incredible amount of classical repertoire, and is unafraid to embrace many other genres of music besides. He’s collaborated with Bobby McFerrin, Santana, Chris Thile, James Taylor, to name but a few. The list is endless, as is Yo-Yo’s thirst to experiment and explore new ideas in music and indeed life. During our conversation, we delve into the world of possibilities, non-transactional actions and what it means to have an authentic voice. We also pay homage to Arnold Lobel's children's books and Mr Rodgers’ Neighbourhood!

Suzie Explores is a podcast series focussing on the nature of creativity and curiosity. Bringing her unique perspective of the world of music and beyond, Suzie joins forces with a host of luminaries in the creative field to explore what it means to be an inspired human being in this world.

My guest today is the incredible conductor, director, composer, author and speaker JMF. In our conversation, we talk about education and performance, and how they impact life and indeed society. Jason has a unique way of conveying a concept that feels exciting, challenging and attainable! It was a true treat to have this conversation with him, and honestly, my favourite expression of his is: ‘the sweet spot is always now!’

Suzie Explores is a podcast series focussing on the nature of creativity and curiosity. Bringing her unique perspective of the world of music and beyond, Suzie joins forces with a host of luminaries in the creative field to explore what it means to be an inspired human being in this world.

Kimbra has given the world cutting-edge music and style ever since she burst onto the music scene with her collaborative hit ‘Somebody that I used to know’, and her first album ‘Vows’, when she was just 21. She is such an inspiration to talk to: a truly beautiful human being who is unafraid to talk about the process of creativity as well as life and indeed death….and tattoos!

https://www.kimbramusic.com/

Suzie Explores is a podcast series focussing on the nature of creativity and curiosity. Bringing her unique perspective of the world of music and beyond, Suzie joins forces with a host of luminaries in the creative field to explore what it means to be an inspired human being in this world.

I can honestly say that meeting the epic choirmaster and broadcaster Gareth Malone, was truly inspiring. As well as exploring many other topics of conversation, Gareth delved back into his studenthood, he explained what it felt like to lose his sense of creativity while he had covid, and also what it feels like to be put under pressure. It was a total blast from start to finish!

https://www.garethmalone.com

Suzie Explores is a podcast series focussing on the nature of creativity and curiosity. Bringing her unique perspective of the world of music and beyond, Suzie joins forces with a host of luminaries in the creative field to explore what it means to be an inspired human being in this world.

Speaking with the incredible violinist Nicola Benedetti, was such a treat. She talks so eloquently of the process of practice and performance, but instead of it feeling like an exclusive conversation about violin playing, it feels like all the ideas she explores are somehow universal life-lessons. It was a joy to have our time together!

https://www.nicolabenedetti.co.uk/