Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

Kyleen King, violist and string arranger for Brandi Carlile, opens up about musicians' mental health challenges and her journey toward becoming a therapist for touring musicians. She shares unfiltered insights about the psychological toll of touring life and the community support that's helping her transition into social work.

• The reality gap between performing onstage and the other "22.5 hours" of touring life
• How musicians mask suffering through performance both on and off stage
• The isolation of touring despite being surrounded by people constantly
• Kyleen's pursuit of a social work degree to help fellow musicians with mental health challenges
• The success of her community-funded education through GoFundMe
• The myth of individualism versus the reality of community interdependence
• Growing industry recognition of musicians' mental health needs
• Organizations like Backline offering mental health support to musicians

Text us your feedback via the link in our show notes, join our email list through our website, or support us through Patreon to help us keep these conversations going!

Head over to musiciancentric.com to subscribe to our email list!

Support the show

Interested in starting your own podcast? We can't recommend our host Buzzsprout enough! Click here for an introductory offer from them!

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

Liz and Steph reunite after an eight-month podcast hiatus, bringing with them powerful stories of personal transformation through health challenges. 

With remarkable vulnerability, Steph shares her breast cancer journey—the fear, the treatments, and ultimately the strength she discovered within herself and from her support network. Her experience serves as both inspiration and gentle reminder about the life-saving importance of regular mammograms.

Meanwhile, Liz opens up about navigating life with rare Addison's disease, describing her evolution from merely managing symptoms to exploring deeper healing possibilities. Her realization that autoimmunity requires listening to her body's limits represents a profound shift away from the constant hustle that once defined her professional life. Together, these parallel health journeys have given both musicians a new perspective on what truly matters.

The conversation weaves through serious topics with natural moments of lightness—from Netflix recommendations to memories of watching Celine Dion's documentary together. What emerges most clearly is how this extended break has crystallized their vision for the podcast's future. Though they'll produce fewer episodes moving forward, they're recommitting to the deep, curiosity-driven conversations that have fueled their own personal growth since the podcast's pandemic-era beginnings..

This isn't just a return—it's a renewal of purpose. As they prepare to welcome guests again (with one interview already recorded), Steph and Liz invite listeners to connect beyond social media, through their email list, and direct messaging. 

At its heart, this episode celebrates the sustaining power of community during life's unexpected challenges. Have you experienced similar transformations through difficult periods? We'd love to hear your story. Text us above!

Head over to musiciancentric.com to subscribe to our email list!

Support the show

Interested in starting your own podcast? We can't recommend our host Buzzsprout enough! Click here for an introductory offer from them!

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

What happens when your body sends you warnings that something is seriously wrong? Join us as we recount Liz's unexpected journey through debilitating health challenges, including severe migraines and a frightening ER visit. After numerous consultations and tests, Liz was diagnosed with Addison's disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting cortisol production. We discuss the emotional and physical hurdles faced during this time, the impact on her career, and the immense relief that comes with a definitive diagnosis and effective treatment. This episode is a raw and honest conversation about the importance of listening to your body and the twists and turns life can take.

We also tackle the often frustrating reality of getting medical professionals to take women's health concerns seriously. Sharing personal stories of perseverance and eventual validation, we highlight the importance of advocating for one's health and the benefits of functional medicine. Our discussion takes an intriguing turn with a surprise encounter with Alban from the Buzzcast podcast, which led us to explore Buzzsprout's new feature...TEXT US ABOVE☝️!! 

Steph reflects on her memorable trip to California for a unique class, and we encourage listeners to embrace their multifaceted identities and step out of their comfort zones this summer! What are you excited about this summer? TEXT US ABOVE 👆! 

Head over to musiciancentric.com to subscribe to our email list!

Support the show

Interested in starting your own podcast? We can't recommend our host Buzzsprout enough! Click here for an introductory offer from them!

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

In this week's recap, we're here to whisk you away on a South American escapade—minus the need for frantic passport updates or surprise visa requirements. Our favorite orchestra is on TOUR! Find out what happens when there's apparently no rehearsal itinerary and musicians are unleashed on Mexico City!

*If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and writing a quick review for our podcast! 

We have a Patreon site! Support us and get perks and bonus content!

www.patreon.com/musiciancentric

************************

Our website: www.musiciancentric.com, for merch, joining our email list, and contacting us with stories and feedback!

Episode edited by: Liz O’Hara
ViolaCentric Theme by: JP Wogaman, www.wogamusic.com
Additional music by: Freddy Hall with www.musicforpodcasts.com

Thank you to our Sponsor for this season:
Potter Violins: www.potterviolins.com

Head over to musiciancentric.com to subscribe to our email list!

Support the show

Interested in starting your own podcast? We can't recommend our host Buzzsprout enough! Click here for an introductory offer from them!

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

Discover the keys to turning artistic flair into financial success as we sit down with the extraordinary Miriam Schulman, the mind behind "Artpreneur." Her book lights the way for artists to thrive in the marketplace, and we're diving deep into her treasure trove of strategies. From setting the right prices to self-promotion that doesn't feel like selling out, Miriam's insights offer a compass for creatives looking to chart their own course with confidence. Whether you paint, perform, or play, the wisdom shared in this episode promises to enrich your path to prosperity.

We tackle the persistent myth that art is an unstable foundation for a career, bringing forward real-life sagas of artists who’ve molded their passions into a sustainable income. All-in-all, we're here to affirm that your artistry warrants as much respect and reward as any other profession.

**If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and writing a quick review for our podcast!  

We have a Patreon site! Support us here - any little bit helps us produce these episodes, so thanks in advance 💜

www.patreon.com/musiciancentric

************************
Mentioned in this episode:

Miriam’s book: Artpreneur: ArtpreneurBOOK.com

Get the first chapter for FREE here: schulmanart.com/BELIEVE

The Inspriation Place Podcast: schulmanart.com/podcast 

Miriam’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schulmanart/

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How did you like this episode?

🤩 Inspiring!

🙂 Pretty solid

😐 Meh, could’ve been better

😴 Snooze-fest

************************

Our website: www.musiciancentric.com, for merch, joining our email list, and sharing your stories and feedback!

Produced by: Liz O’Hara and Stephanie Knutsen

Episode edited by: Emily MacMahon and Liz O’Hara

ViolaCentric Theme by: JP Wogaman, www.wogamusic.com

Additional music by: Freddy Hall with www.musicforpodcasts.com

Thank you to our Sponsor for this season: Potter Violins: www.potterviolins.com

Head over to musiciancentric.com to subscribe to our email list!

Support the show

Interested in starting your own podcast? We can't recommend our host Buzzsprout enough! Click here for an introductory offer from them!

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

Ever looked at your music career and wondered if there's more to it than the path you're currently on? Katherine Emeneth joins us with her wealth of experience as a studio building expert and career coach for creatives, ready to shed light on the vast potential that lies beyond traditional music paths. She steers us through the terrain of scarcity versus abundance in the industry, illustrating how to mold opportunities that truly resonate with your personal values and aspirations. Our conversation is a treasure trove of practical advice for those seeking to carve out their niche and invest in a life that harmoniously blends professional success with rich personal experiences.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review  our podcast! 

We also have a Patreon site! Support us here:

www.patreon.com/musiciancentric

*****************************
Mentioned in this episode:

More info on Katherine's course: "Music Teachers Playbook"
Those who enroll before May 2024 get the following amazing bonuses:
🎶 Website building course that includes branding, logo design, SEO, website audits and more (Valued at $800)
🎶2 Extra 1:1 coaching calls (Valued at $400)
Be sure to mention "MusicianCentric"!

Katherine's website: https://www.katherineemeneth.com/
and IG: @katherineemeneth

*****************************

Our website: www.musiciancentric.com, for merch, joining our email list, and contacting us with stories and feedback!

Episode edited by: Emily MacMahon and Liz O’Hara

ViolaCentric Theme by: JP Wogaman, www.wogamusic.com

Additional music by: Freddy Hall with www.musicforpodcasts.com

Thank you to our Sponsor for this season:

Potter Violins: www.potterviolins.com

Head over to musiciancentric.com to subscribe to our email list!

Support the show

Interested in starting your own podcast? We can't recommend our host Buzzsprout enough! Click here for an introductory offer from them!

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

Unlock the backstage pass to an evening where classical music meets wild party vibes, and where industry giants cameo as themselves, merging the highbrow with pop culture. Episode four of "Mozart in the Jungle" has us wrapped around Dermot Mulroney's fingers just like his cello strings, as we gush over his performance that's as captivating as his '90s silver screen magic. And who wouldn't want to party with Lang Lang, Josh Bell and Emmanuel Axe? Laugh along with us as the orchestra gets ready for an international tour, and the seeds are being sown for all sorts of new relationships, musical and otherwise!

*If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and writing a quick review for our podcast! 

We have a Patreon site! Support us and get perks and bonus content!

www.patreon.com/musiciancentric

************************

Our website: www.musiciancentric.com, for merch, joining our email list, and contacting us with stories and feedback!

Episode edited by: Liz O’Hara

ViolaCentric Theme by: JP Wogaman, www.wogamusic.com

Additional music by: Freddy Hall with www.musicforpodcasts.com

Thank you to our Sponsor for this season:

Potter Violins: www.potterviolins.com

Head over to musiciancentric.com to subscribe to our email list!

Support the show

Interested in starting your own podcast? We can't recommend our host Buzzsprout enough! Click here for an introductory offer from them!

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

In this episode we talk shop with violin maker and luthier Robyn Sullivan! She tells us about her path to the bench and what her experience has been as a woman in the sometimes male-dominated field of lutherie. Robyn is not only busy in the shop at Potter Violins in Washington, DC, but is advocating for women makers as well. The Women in Lutherie exhibit will tour the East Coast starting in May 2024! Listen in to this short but provocative look inside the world of lutherie, a field that's come a long way for women, and is still evolving.

**If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and writing a quick review for our podcast! 

We have a Patreon site! Support us here: www.patreon.com/musiciancentric
______________________________

Mentioned in this episode:
Women in Lutherie Exhibit: www.celebratingwomenluthiers2024.com
Robyn on IG: @rsullivanviolins
______________________________
Our website: www.musiciancentric.com, for merch, joining our email list, and contacting us with stories and feedback!

Episode edited by: Liz O’Hara

ViolaCentric Theme by: JP Wogaman, www.wogamusic.com

Additional music by: Freddy Hall with www.musicforpodcasts.com

Thank you to our Sponsor for this season:

Potter Violins: www.potterviolins.com

Head over to musiciancentric.com to subscribe to our email list!

Support the show

Interested in starting your own podcast? We can't recommend our host Buzzsprout enough! Click here for an introductory offer from them!

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

**This is Part 2 of our conversation with Drew. Be sure to look for Part 1 in our feed to hear the whole glorious episode!

Ever wondered how to carve out a successful career in music, with or without the classical repertoire? That Viola Kid, Drew Ford, rejoins us to unravel the secrets of thriving as an “Extra-Classical Musician" in today's dynamic indtry. We start off with a little Valentine's Day banter and a nod to the eerie allure of "True Detective," but the real heart of our conversation is Drew's savvy advice for musicians navigating the economic challenges and opportunities of the modern landscape. Whether you're a musician feeling the pinch or a music lover curious about the industry's inner workings, you're in for a treat!

Drew doesn't shy away from the tough topics—we're talking hard numbers and the stark financial realities for those in the classical music trenches.  We talk about knowing your worth and the art of negotiation for better compensation, while also serving up some fresh takes on personal branding and direct audience engagement. If you're itching to connect with your fans on a deeper level or to navigate the music industry with finesse, tune in for strategies that hit all the right notes.

**If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and writing a quick review for our podcast! 

We have a Patreon site! Support us and get perks and bonus content!

www.patreon.com/musiciancentric

Mentioned in this episode:

Drew's newsletter, Grace Notes: https://thatviolakid.com/gracenotes
wholesoul, a string quartet with attitude: https://www.wholesoulmusic.com/

************************

Our website: www.musiciancentric.com, for merch, joining our email list, and contacting us with stories and feedback!

Episode edited by: Emily MacMahon and Liz O’Hara
ViolaCentric Theme by: JP Wogaman, www.wogamusic.com
Additional music by: Freddy Hall with www.musicforpodcasts.com
Graphic Design by: Jenny H Designs, www.jennyhdesign.com

Thank you to our Sponsor for this season:

Potter Violins: www.potterviolins.com

Head over to musiciancentric.com to subscribe to our email list!

Support the show

Interested in starting your own podcast? We can't recommend our host Buzzsprout enough! Click here for an introductory offer from them!

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

Ever wondered how to carve out a successful career in music, with or without the classical repertoire? That Viola Kid, Drew Ford, rejoins us to unravel the secrets of thriving as an "extra classical musician" in today's dynamic industry. We start off with a little Valentine's Day banter and a nod to the eerie allure of "True Detective," but the real heart of our conversation is Drew's savvy advice for musicians navigating the economic challenges and opportunities of the modern landscape. Whether you're a musician feeling the pinch or a music lover curious about the industry's inner workings, you're in for a treat!

Drew doesn't shy away from the tough topics—we're talking hard numbers and the stark financial realities for those in the classical music trenches.  We talk about knowing your worth and the art of negotiation for better compensation, while also serving up some fresh takes on personal branding and direct audience engagement. If you're itching to connect with your fans on a deeper level or to navigate the music industry with finesse, tune in for strategies that hit all the right notes.

**If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and writing a quick review for our podcast! 

We have a Patreon site! Support us and get perks and bonus content!

www.patreon.com/musiciancentric

Mentioned in this episode:

Drew's newsletter, Grace Notes: https://thatviolakid.com/gracenotes
wholesoul, a string quartet with attitude: https://www.wholesoulmusic.com/

************************

Our website: www.musiciancentric.com, for merch, joining our email list, and contacting us with stories and feedback!

Episode edited by: Emily MacMahon and Liz O’Hara
ViolaCentric Theme by: JP Wogaman, www.wogamusic.com
Additional music by: Freddy Hall with www.musicforpodcasts.com
Graphic Design by: Jenny H Designs, www.jennyhdesign.com

Thank you to our Sponsor for this season:

Potter Violins: www.potterviolins.com

Head over to musiciancentric.com to subscribe to our email list!

Support the show

Interested in starting your own podcast? We can't recommend our host Buzzsprout enough! Click here for an introductory offer from them!