Heather O’Donnell is a psychologist and artistic-systemic therapist from the US now working with classical musicians (amongst others) here in Germany.

I sat down with her to pick her brain on all things musician’s psychology including trauma, identity crisis, neurodiversity, burnout and abuse, as well as more positive things like flow and the benefits of music for the brain.

Grma x

Inline G Merch ⭐️

www.Inlineg.myshopify.com

Inline G Patreon ⭐️

www.patreon.com/TheInlineGFlutePodcast

Inline G will ALWAYS be free of charge, but signing up to the Patreon helps let this podcast reach new heights, if you can afford it. You'll also get to ask questions to upcoming guests as well as get early access to some episodes. 

Or if you'd rather not spend money, subscribing to my YouTube channel and following me on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok is a HUGE way to support the podcast. It'll cost you nothing, and it really makes a difference to the algorithm gods. So please interact however you can; like, comment, or subscribe, and help keep this podcast lit x

Intro music: Rhythm=Power by Spodo Komodo. Used with permission. All rights reserved by the creator.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

04:08 - Pianist to Therapist

17:03 - Trauma and Precarity

27:20 - Neurodiversity and Parenting

44:20 - Practice and Flow

53:10 - Defining Burnout

Eurovision 2026 is tomorrow night, so I invited Irish DJ, and my wee mate, Tir na Rogue aka Sophia to chat about her Master’s Thesis on politicisation within the contest.

From Ukraine and Russia, to the current controversies surrounding Israel, we discuss if Eurovision ever was truly "non-political" as the European Broadcasting Union designed it to be, and if they themselves are contributing to that.

Grma x

Follow Tir na Rogue/Sophia

IG:@tir_na_rogue

Inline G Merch ⭐️

www.Inlineg.myshopify.com

Inline G Patreon ⭐️

www.patreon.com/TheInlineGFlutePodcast

Inline G will ALWAYS be free of charge, but signing up to the Patreon helps let this podcast reach new heights, if you can afford it. You'll also get to ask questions to upcoming guests as well as get early access to some episodes. 

Or if you'd rather not spend money, subscribing to my YouTube channel and following me on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok is a HUGE way to support the podcast. It'll cost you nothing, and it really makes a difference to the algorithm gods. So please interact however you can; like, comment, or subscribe, and help keep this podcast lit x

Intro music: Rhythm=Power by Spodo Komodo. Used with permission. All rights reserved by the creator.

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro (skip if you fancy)

04:05 - American’s Guide to Eurovision

16:28 - European Identity, Verka and Voting

31:57 - Flo Rida, Jedward and Celine Dion

41:25 - LGBTQ+ and Political Support

49:43 - Russian Nation Branding

59:19 - Ireland, Palestine and 2026

Following several controversies in the online flute space recently, I’ve done a load of research into all the allegations and present them here today, along with some responses and my own opinions. 

Grma x

Inline G Merch ⭐️

www.Inlineg.myshopify.com

Inline G Patreon ⭐️

www.patreon.com/TheInlineGFlutePodcast

Inline G will ALWAYS be free of charge, but signing up to the Patreon helps let this podcast reach new heights, if you can afford it. You'll also get to ask questions to upcoming guests as well as get early access to some episodes. 

Or if you'd rather not spend money, subscribing to my YouTube channel and following me on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok is a HUGE way to support the podcast. It'll cost you nothing, and it really makes a difference to the algorithm gods. So please interact however you can; like, comment, or subscribe, and help keep this podcast lit x

Intro music: Rhythm=Power by Spodo Komodo. Used with permission. All rights reserved by the creator.

Chapters:

00:00 - Some Context 

05:44 - The Research Process

08:17 - Blocking and Moderators at Flute Forum

18:41 - Mura Certified and Repair Jobs

25:41 - Legal Threats and Financial Transparency

32:11 - A Better Flute Forum?

Affecting just 1% of the population,  musical synesthesia is a recognised neurological condition linking sounds to colours. Messiaen had it, Scriabin had it; find out if you do too.

A brief history of the condition, tests for it, and an important music lesson to learn. 

Grma x

Inline G Merch ⭐️

www.Inlineg.myshopify.com

Inline G Patreon ⭐️

www.patreon.com/TheInlineGFlutePodcast

Inline G will ALWAYS be free of charge, but signing up to the Patreon helps let this podcast reach new heights, if you can afford it. You'll also get to ask questions to upcoming guests as well as get early access to some episodes. 

Or if you'd rather not spend money, subscribing to my YouTube channel and following me on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok is a HUGE way to support the podcast. It'll cost you nothing, and it really makes a difference to the algorithm gods. So please interact however you can; like, comment, or subscribe, and help keep this podcast lit x

Intro music: Rhythm=Power by Spodo Komodo. Used with permission. All rights reserved by the creator.

Chapters:

00:00 - Flute Forum Honey Dip

03:20 - Messiaen and Scriabin

09:30 - Overlapping Senses 

18:31 - The Brain by Me

23:01 - Modern Synesthesia Tests

29:05 - A Journey Shared, Listener

Comparing how life is for a freelance / self-employed classical musician in 2026 is France, Germany, The UK and The USA to determine who’s getting the best quality of life.

I’m looking at tax rates, social security, health insurances and opportunities, as well as the unique trade unions and government aid available in mainland Europe.

Grma x

Inline G Merch ⭐️

www.Inlineg.myshopify.com

Inline G Patreon ⭐️

www.patreon.com/TheInlineGFlutePodcast

Inline G will ALWAYS be free of charge, but signing up to the Patreon helps let this podcast reach new heights, if you can afford it. You'll also get to ask questions to upcoming guests as well as get early access to some episodes. 

Or if you'd rather not spend money, subscribing to my YouTube channel and following me on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok is a HUGE way to support the podcast. It'll cost you nothing, and it really makes a difference to the algorithm gods. So please interact however you can; like, comment, or subscribe, and help keep this podcast lit x

Intro music: Rhythm=Power by Spodo Komodo. Used with permission. All rights reserved by the creator.

Chapters:

00:00 - The Menu

04:20 - Germany

19:20 - France

27:52 - The United Kingdom

33:11 - The USA

Is pro orchestral playing the pinnacle of a flutist’s career, and does it align with our psychological need for security, comfort and happiness?

Using Sigmund Freud’s theory on Ego, I ask if the juice is worth the squeeze with regards to the anxiety and jealousy of orchestral fluting.

Grma x

Inline G Merch ⭐️

www.Inlineg.myshopify.com

Inline G Patreon ⭐️

www.patreon.com/TheInlineGFlutePodcast

Inline G will ALWAYS be free of charge, but signing up to the Patreon helps let this podcast reach new heights, if you can afford it. You'll also get to ask questions to upcoming guests as well as get early access to some episodes. 

Or if you'd rather not spend money, subscribing to my YouTube channel and following me on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok is a HUGE way to support the podcast. It'll cost you nothing, and it really makes a difference to the algorithm gods. So please interact however you can; like, comment, or subscribe, and help keep this podcast lit x

Intro music: Rhythm=Power by Spodo Komodo. Used with permission. All rights reserved by the creator.

Chapters:

00:00 - Hierarchy of Flute Jobs

08:50 - Employment Rates for Musicians

21:15 - Freud’s Superego

26:33 - Identity Tied to Music 

32:43 - Love Letter to the Orchestra

Performers of contemporary classical music often get their feet out for gigs, but the same luxury isn’t afforded to conventional classical music.

I take a look at how the Carmelites and a decapitation paved the way for musicians to get the dogs out. 

Grma x

Inline G Merch ⭐️

www.Inlineg.myshopify.com

Inline G Patreon ⭐️

www.patreon.com/TheInlineGFlutePodcast

Inline G will ALWAYS be free of charge, but signing up to the Patreon helps let this podcast reach new heights, if you can afford it. You'll also get to ask questions to upcoming guests as well as get early access to some episodes. 

Or if you'd rather not spend money, subscribing to my YouTube channel and following me on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok is a HUGE way to support the podcast. It'll cost you nothing, and it really makes a difference to the algorithm gods. So please interact however you can; like, comment, or subscribe, and help keep this podcast lit x

Intro music: Rhythm=Power by Spodo Komodo. Used with permission. All rights reserved by the creator.

Chapters:

00:00 - Pots and Pans and Georgian Lemonade

04:33 - Asceticism and Isadora Duncan

11:35 - The Barefoot Princess

15:56 - Dame Evelyn Glennie

17:51 - Patricia Kopatchinskaja

22:00 - Grounding and Foot Biology

Canadian violinist and filmmaker, Lara St John, sat down with me in Cologne to talk about her upcoming film, Dear Lara. Having received rave reviews at the Santa Barbara Film Festival earlier this year, Dear Lara is a documentary on sexual abuse at major classical music conservatories in orchestras across the world.

I loved chatting to Lara, but it goes without saying this episode might be triggering to some of you. If you’re not in the headspace for topics of abuse and trauma, perhaps give this one a miss and come back next week.

Grma x

For all news and updates on Dear Lara go to:

www.dearlara.film

Inline G Merch ⭐️

www.Inlineg.myshopify.com

Inline G Patreon ⭐️

www.patreon.com/TheInlineGFlutePodcast

Inline G will ALWAYS be free of charge, but signing up to the Patreon helps let this podcast reach new heights, if you can afford it. You'll also get to ask questions to upcoming guests as well as get early access to some episodes. 

Or if you'd rather not spend money, subscribing to my YouTube channel and following me on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok is a HUGE way to support the podcast. It'll cost you nothing, and it really makes a difference to the algorithm gods. So please interact however you can; like, comment, or subscribe, and help keep this podcast lit x

Intro music: Rhythm=Power by Spodo Komodo. Used with permission. All rights reserved by the creator.

Chapters:

00:00 - An Intro from me

03:45 - Lara on Dear Lara’s early receptions

20:41 - Is the music all there is in this game?

36:42 - How do we change the industry?

46:33 - Identity as classical musicians

AI will never take artist’s jobs; but it could take the donkey work out of it. A look at how it could affect the industry, why it’s not the threat we think it is, and how it’s greatly reduced our capacity to think.
Small note on Ireland winning the World Cup too.
Grma x

Inline G Merch ⭐️

www.Inlineg.myshopify.com

Inline G Patreon ⭐️

www.patreon.com/TheInlineGFlutePodcast

Inline G will ALWAYS be free of charge, but signing up to the Patreon helps let this podcast reach new heights, if you can afford it. You'll also get to ask questions to upcoming guests as well as get early access to some episodes. 

Or if you'd rather not spend money, subscribing to my YouTube channel and following me on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok is a HUGE way to support the podcast. It'll cost you nothing, and it really makes a difference to the algorithm gods. So please interact however you can; like, comment, or subscribe, and help keep this podcast lit x

Intro music: Rhythm=Power by Spodo Komodo. Used with permission. All rights reserved by the creator.

Chapters:

00:00 - Think one stop more

07:25 - No need to be afraid

15:15 - Suno CEO and enjoying music

24:35 - Money, Money, Money

27:30 - 2 Tips for life

Looking at how Timothée Chalamet’s comments about Opera and Ballet were actually correct, Hadar Noiberg’s recent racial slur scandal and how both are examples faux outrage to avoid the real issues in the industry.

Grma x

Inline G Merch ⭐️

www.Inlineg.myshopify.com

Inline G Patreon ⭐️

www.patreon.com/TheInlineGFlutePodcast

Inline G will ALWAYS be free of charge, but signing up to the Patreon helps let this podcast reach new heights, if you can afford it. You'll also get to ask questions to upcoming guests as well as get early access to some episodes. 

Or if you'd rather not spend money, subscribing to my YouTube channel and following me on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok is a HUGE way to support the podcast. It'll cost you nothing, and it really makes a difference to the algorithm gods. So please interact however you can; like, comment, or subscribe, and help keep this podcast lit x

Intro music: Rhythm=Power by Spodo Komodo. Used with permission. All rights reserved by the creator.

Chapters:

00:00 - Father Spodo Komodo

04:18 - Opera/Ballet vs Other Music, Scores

12:10 - Hadar Noiberg’s Racial Slur Controversy

20:59 - Should Classical Music be Relevant in 2026?