The Unstoppable Singer

Pay yourself first, even if it's fifty dollars a gig.

Keyboard player and producer David Yuter and hip-hop artist Raymond Harper join me for a candid conversation about musicians and money: learning to say no, writing something every day, why finances feel like such a touchy subject, and the simple habit of paying yourself before anyone else.

A note before you listen: this conversation was recorded in 2021. Part of it covers investing ideas the guests were excited about at the time, and a lot has changed since. Nothing in this episode is financial advice.

🎧 In this episode

• You don't always have to be the yes guy.
• Write something every day, even a single line, or the idea is gone.
• Pay yourself first: a small, automatic “life tax” on every gig.
• Musicians can make a great living. Start by believing it's possible.

About David Yuter & Raymond Harper

David Yuter is a San Diego keyboard player and producer who plays upwards of 150 shows a year and works in artist development. Raymond Harper is a hip-hop artist and songwriter from Detroit, an Army veteran now living in Los Angeles.

Moments worth your time

• 02:16 — From Detroit lunch tables to the Army to Hollywood
• 03:15 — Learning not to be the yes guy
• 07:24 — Write something every single day
• 09:55 — Why money feels like a touchy subject
• 35:27 — Yes, musicians can make a great living
• 39:15 — The life tax: paying yourself first
• 1:00:27 — Parting words: it's all a mindset

“If you get $300 for a gig, take $50 and put it in this side account.” — David Yuter

Curious where your career momentum is leaking? The Singer Momentum Snapshot ($47) shows you what deserves your attention first.

Explore more conversations and join the community at The Unstoppable Singer.

Sometimes the most serious lesson shows up in the middle of a game night.

Recorded a few months into the shutdown, this one is pure play: one-word check-ins, guilty-pleasure music, would-you-rather (singer's edition), and a running joke about falling down a well. Along the way, Mariela Contreras and Veronica May get honest about the songs they're tired of, promoter pressure, and what it means to sing what you love. Still true today.

🎧 In this episode

• Laughter is part of the work. Rest and play keep your love of singing alive.
• Notice which songs you reach for when nobody's requesting anything.
• Original shows can feel exposing. That's part of why they matter.
• Showing up early still says a lot about you as a pro.

About Mariela Contreras & Veronica May

Mariela Contreras and Veronica May are singers, songwriters and teachers, and both have been guests on the show before. Mariela was writing songs for an EP; Veronica was teaching virtually and planning new recordings with San Diego friends.

Moments worth your time

• 01:43 — One word for how you're feeling, and one thing to brag about
• 03:34 — Putting on a real shirt for Zoom
• 10:27 — Would you rather play naked, or with a set you don't know?
• 19:54 — Ten minutes late or twenty minutes early?
• 24:54 — The song you dread singing
• 28:06 — “Why have I been singing the songs I don't want to sing?”
• 36:06 — Asleep at the gig: accompanist or audience?

“why have I been singing the songs that I don't want to sing?” — Mariela Contreras

Curious where your career momentum is leaking? The Singer Momentum Snapshot ($47) shows you what deserves your attention first.

Explore more conversations and join the community at The Unstoppable Singer.

A pay conversation isn't a fight over scraps. It's the first conversation of a working relationship.

Jamila Ford has spent years asking working singers how they actually make it work. In this conversation from the archives, recorded as live music was coming back, we talk about gigs that had gone stale, voices that needed waking up, and how to talk about money without walking in scared. Still true today.

🎧 In this episode

• Fear makes you negotiate like this is the last gig on earth. Clarity lets you ask for what's fair.
• A low offer can be a creative conversation: a run of dates, a future raise, terms that work for both of you.
• Rest is good for the voice, but if you don't use it, you lose it. Keep it active.
• When a student cries mid-song, it often means they've finally connected to their body.

About Jamila Ford

Jamila Ford is a singer-songwriter, vocal coach and background vocalist, and the host of The Working Singer podcast, where she interviews full-time professional singers about how they build their careers. She teaches singers of all levels to get into their bodies and develop their tone.

Moments worth your time

• 01:50 — Coming back to live work: how the reopening feels
• 05:18 — When gigs go stale, and how a break brought the joy back
• 10:27 — Too much rest, a nebulizer, and getting the voice back
• 14:31 — Saying yes to everything after a long drought
• 18:10 — Venues crying poor: renegotiating without going backwards
• 23:24 — From “fearful little animal” to creative negotiator
• 49:39 — When a new student bursts into tears mid-song

“I just came like a fearful little animal.” — Jamila Ford

Curious where your career momentum is leaking? The Singer Momentum Snapshot ($47) shows you what deserves your attention first.

Explore more conversations and join the community at The Unstoppable Singer.

Your voice is more than sound—it’s a key to building a life filled with purpose, connection, and creative sustainability.

In this heartfelt episode, Danielle Tucker brings back the insightful Vangie Gunn-Goodwin for a conversation that moves beyond music into identity, resilience, and honoring your own worth as a working vocalist. Together, they unpack the real-world lessons of navigating a creative career through both stillness and surges, and explore how to build a more sustainable, joyful path as a singer.

🎧 In this episode:

• Rest isn’t just a break—it’s how you rediscover who you are beyond the hustle, fueling both artistry and life 03:04.
• Reimagining gig life means being intentional about what you accept—your time, energy, and talent truly matter 37:00.
• Saying yes to rest, family, and boundaries doesn’t mean you’re less driven; it means your momentum is rooted in clarity—not burnout 38:00.
• Visibility and value go hand in hand: knowing your worth allows you to set rates and boundaries that create both impact and stability 53:00.

About our guest:

Vangie Gunn-Goodwin is as pro as they come—a powerhouse session singer, accomplished songwriter, performer, voiceover artist, and educator with credits spanning Disney, CBS, Fox, American Dad, Family Guy, and much more. A fearless creative and industry veteran, Vanjie Gunn exemplifies what it means to lead with your voice while cultivating personal growth, authenticity, and balance in a demanding industry.

Moments worth your time:

• 03:04 ([03:04]): Vangie Gunn-Goodwin reflects on the unexpected gifts of forced downtime.
• 06:31 ([06:31]): Drive-in concerts, at-home gigs, and creative solutions to keep connection alive.
• 10:46 ([10:46]): Turning travel stories and music adventures into fresh visibility.
• 22:15 ([22:15]): Embracing new ways to create and work globally.
• 37:00 ([37:00]): Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Danielle Tucker get candid about learning to say no, re-centering on values, and building a future on your terms.
• 53:00 ([53:00]): Shifting from apologizing for your rates to embracing your expertise and impact.
• 01:03:00 ([01:03:00]): How to keep gratitude, self-trust, and joy at the heart of your craft.

Standout Quote:

"Honestly, that's another thing that I'm just barely learning at my age is I'm valuable—and it’s not just about the money...it’s about the people, the event, the purpose, and that’s the deciding factor."

Ready for your next level of unstoppable?

Discover your unique edge with the Singer Momentum Snapshot—a deeply insightful $47 assessment designed to pinpoint your strengths, clarify your next strategic moves, and help you build a thriving, purpose-driven singing career. Step out of uncertainty. Step into your potential.

Let’s build something sustainable—together.

Sing your own story and discover the voices—and choices—that sustain a musical life.

So many singers feel stuck on the sidelines: talented but invisible, always searching for clarity, impact, and the courage to show up fully as themselves. On today’s episode, you’ll step into a candid circle with working artists and trusted mentors who’ve built sustainable careers by blending creative authenticity with real-world strategy. This is a conversation to wake up your self-trust, honor your “beginning again” moments, and remind you that artistry and business can coexist without compromise.

🎧 In this episode

• Rediscover why consistency, connection, and identity—not just talent—are the real foundations of a sustainable singing career.
• Reframe “hustle” as a tool, not a trap, and hear how pro vocalists balance gig life, reinvention, and creative rest.
• Absorb the power of authentic support systems—how family, collaboration, and vulnerability shape both artistry and confidence.
• Explore why visibility is a skill you can build, and why embracing your story matters as much as mastering your technique.

Meet the Guests

This episode gathers four working artists who live what they teach: Janet Hammer (music director, booking veteran, and harmony specialist), Tiffy Jane (songwriter, session singer, and creative torchbearer), Joshua Taylor (roots-rock artist, educator, and Patreon leader), and Rosy Dawn (multi-genre vocalist with deep family musical roots). Led by Danielle Tucker—founder of The Unstoppable Singer—they openly reflect on building purpose-driven lives and careers through community, resilience, and continual growth.

Moments Worth Your Time

• 03:28: Bragging rights and breakthrough moments—how four singers found gratitude (and momentum) during a challenging year
• 09:38: The real strategies behind getting—and keeping—gigs when the world changes
• 11:27: Tools not rules: The apps, habits, and digital connections that inspire creativity and community
• 21:03: Rediscovering joy through new artists and forgotten favorites
• 37:26: Early memories: The defining moments that made singing “feel like home”
• 53:14: What makes you unstoppable?—Vulnerability, safety, and the desire to help others feel seen
• 55:01: The legacies these artists want to leave—inside and outside of music

Standout Pull-Quote

“If I was able to have some impact on someone’s feeling heard or understood… or less alone because of that, that would be pretty cool.” — Joshua Taylor

Ready to get clear, confident, and seen? Take the Singer Momentum Snapshot—our signature $47 assessment—to map out your next steps for building a visible, purpose-driven singing career. Discover your strengths, blind spots, and strategic opportunities with a tailored game plan for moving forward.

You can connect with The Unstoppable Singer for more mentorship, stories, and strategy at unstoppable Singer.com.

Finding Your Fit, Building Community, and Embracing Adaptability with Felice Hernandez

Every singer needs a reminder: your path is valid and your growth is absolutely possible—whether you're headlining, harmonizing, or transforming your behind-the-scenes impact. This conversation with Felice Hernandez uncovers the real, actionable ways singers can create sustainability, expand self-trust, and claim visibility—without losing what makes us human or the sense of belonging we all crave. If you sometimes wonder how to combine craft, confidence, and community, this is exactly the space you need.

• Discover how adapting quickly (and humanely) can open up new paths and create lasting community—even when everything changes all at once.
• Learn why consistent, practical skills—not just talent—can give you an edge, foster confidence, and help you overcome creative overwhelm.
• Reframe “singer success” beyond record deals: see how small, authentic steps lead to real opportunities, relationships, and fulfillment.
• Explore how self-awareness and mutual support allow you to bring your best (and truest) self to every project and every room.

Felice Hernandez is a powerhouse vocalist whose career spans R&B, pop, rock, jazz, and Latin, with credits alongside Neil Young, Hilary Duff, Josh Groban, and many more. A dedicated mentor and connector, she co-founded the Empowered Singer Workshops and the Singer Friends LA community, providing singers with the practical tools and support they need to stay visible and inspired, no matter where they are on their journey.

• 02:19: Turning loss of gigs into a supportive, skill-building community.
• 12:13: Felice’s “aha” moment about career alignment and showing up as herself.
• 15:43: Why practical workshops—like movement, harmony, and negotiation—give singers crucial, confidence-boosting skills.
• 42:27: Felice on stepping into the roles needed and thriving through service and problem-solving.
• 36:53: How sidestepping traditional definitions has shaped Felice’s work-life balance and fulfillment.
• 52:37: How a happy hour-turned-Facebook group helped hundreds of LA singers rise together.

Ready to get clear on what makes YOUR voice unstoppable? Book a Singer Momentum Snapshot—Danielle’s $47 guided assessment that sparks new confidence, personal clarity, and actionable next steps for your singing journey. Build your future, lead with your voice, and stop spinning your wheels.

Stay in the loop with The Unstoppable Singer—listen, grow, and keep showing up with your authentic, unapologetic voice.

Turning your music into a sustainable, purpose-driven career is about way more than talent—and Audrey Callahan shows us what’s possible when vision meets resourcefulness.

As artists, it's easy to feel scattered or question if we're doing “enough.” On today's episode, Danielle Tucker invites Audrey Callahan to share how she methodically built her music releases, navigated new creative territories, and found balance in her artist’s life—without buying into old-school grind culture. Expect real strategies, permission to grow at your own pace, and a refreshing look at what’s actually working for singers in today's landscape.

• Building momentum isn’t about hustling harder—it starts with small, strategic steps that honor your season.
• Visibility is both skill and service; showing your process and authentic self connects deeply (yes, even if you feel “niche-less”).
• A resilient career is built on layered, flexible income streams and making peace with pivots—your voice can fund your life.
• Saying “no” is sometimes the most unstoppable move for your future self (focus is freedom, not failure).

Audrey Callahan is an accomplished recording artist, songwriter, session vocalist, and creative entrepreneur. Known for her organized, creative approach and candid generosity with peers, she’s released multiple singles and EPs, landed songs in film and TV, and steadily expanded her brand while living out her values—from the RV life to running her home studio on a crystal-dusted ranch. Audrey’s journey is all about leading with her voice, building sustainable systems, and inspiring other artists to do the same, at any age or stage.

• 02:00: Crafting a release plan—how Audrey Callahan organized her first Christmas album (and why it mattered)
• 05:24: Creative album marketing: “The Holiday Express” journey and creating a fan experience beyond the music
• 08:34: The unexpected power of organic audience-building after losing access to paid ads
• 16:07: The courage to say “no” so you can honor your yes—choosing focus during busy seasons
• 23:26: Nature, creative recovery, and the lifestyle that sustains artistry
• 28:51: What The Artist’s Way and morning routines unlocked for Audrey Callahan (mindset & self-care for singers)
• 37:20: What makes Audrey Callahan unstoppable? ("To be a light post—to show people what's possible...to be the example of being my own greatest resource.")

Stop hiding behind the hustle and gain clarity on your next best steps with the Singer Momentum Snapshot. This in-depth $47 assessment gives you focused feedback on your visibility, offers, audience connection, and creative path—so you can build momentum with intention. Invest in your career (and your confidence): Get the Singer Momentum Snapshot now.

Want to go further? Follow Danielle Tucker, The Unstoppable Singer, and Audrey Callahan on socials to keep learning, connecting, and building your future—together.

Unstoppable doesn’t just mean moving forward — it’s about growing deeper roots while the world changes around you.

If you’ve ever wondered how to pivot, persist, and reinvent as a vocalist in uncertain times, this conversation with Rebecca Jade will speak to your soul. Danielle Tucker and Rebecca Jade dig deep into creative grit, evolving identity, and finding new lanes for your artistry when the familiar paths close.

🎧 In this episode:

• True growth as an artist is found in honoring your real sound, not chasing perfection or trending lanes.
• Visibility and momentum are built through courageous self-challenge, not waiting for “readiness.”
• Purpose-driven creativity means adapting, trying new things, and being willing to feel a little unfinished or uncomfortable.
• Building a sustainable life with your voice often requires stepping outside your comfort zone and letting your goals evolve.

About Rebecca Jade

Rebecca Jade is an acclaimed, award-winning singer-songwriter with over 27 years of recording studio experience. She has toured internationally with Sheila E., performed at the Grammy Salute to Prince, and sung with Sir Elton John at the Academy Awards. Known for her soulful versatility, Rebecca Jade is as dedicated to personal growth and integrity as she is to her craft.

Moments worth your time

• Livestreaming Through Uncertainty & New Projects — How Rebecca Jade kept moving forward, learning, and connecting with her audience during the pandemic
• Crafting Your Own Artistic Voice — The challenge and freedom of producing her first all-original album and exploring identity
• Overcoming Perfectionism & Finding Realness — Letting go of flawless performance to embrace honest, raw artistry
• What makes you unstoppable? — The internal drive, upbringing, and lifelong habits that fuel her continual momentum and work ethic
• Rest, Resilience, and Self-Care — Why balance, rest, and joyful activities off-stage are essential to long-term creative sustainability
• Words of Encouragement for Artists — Rebecca Jade’s mantra and hard-won wisdom for anyone following their purpose

Standout pull-quote:

“Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” — Rebecca Jade 44:34

If you’re ready to stop spinning and gain true clarity on your identity, strengths, and next steps as a singer, the Singer Momentum Snapshot is your next move. This powerful $47 assessment and strategy session will help you map a sustainable path, leveraging both your voice and your vision. Learn more and book your Snapshot to build your future with intention.

Let’s keep building something unstoppable together — connect with us and keep your voice moving forward.

A refreshingly honest conversation about building a purpose-driven singing career—on your own terms, in your own voice.

When the path ahead feels uncertain, it's easy to believe you're the only one stumbling. But finding your artistic momentum isn't about pushing harder—it's about showing up with self-compassion, strategic courage, and the willingness to build something sustainable, not just impressive. On this episode of The Unstoppable Singer Podcast, Danielle sits down with Lauren Leigh for a real talk that challenges the myth of the "overnight success" and celebrates the power of messy progress, creative pivots, and authentic connection.

🎧 In this episode

• Releasing your art before it's "perfect" can build deeper trust—with yourself and your audience.
• Success for a singer isn’t measured by how busy you look, but by the meaning and impact you create.
• Collaboration and community can dissolve comparison—and turn former "competition" into creative allies.
• You can grow both your artistic confidence and your business strategy one imperfect, vulnerable step at a time.

Lauren Leigh is a soulful San Diego-based singer-songwriter, bandleader, session singer, and all-around creative. With over seven years of experience performing, leading groups, and releasing original material, Lauren is known for her transparent lyricism, fearless vulnerability, and her commitment to building a sustainable music career while raising her son. She’s the frontwoman of Lauren Leigh and the Low Keys and Wild Heart, and a trusted collaborator in the Southern California music scene.

Moments worth your time

• 03:01: Healing, honesty, and the story behind Lauren’s newest single “Trust Fall”
• 07:33: Creative standards—knowing when (and why) to hold back from sharing something that isn’t ready
• 12:00: Songwriting as radical honesty: letting go of the “right” words for real emotion
• 14:26: Paying your band—and yourself: championing fair compensation and artistic self-respect
• 22:20: Getting over perfectionism and nerves—why your mistakes matter less than you think
• 41:39: Releasing comparison, and why busy doesn’t equal successful
• 48:50: What makes Lauren unstoppable? The wisdom of defining success for yourself (not by someone else’s numbers or timeline)

Standout pull-quote:

"Success isn't a number that you reach. Success is feeling contentment from art that you create, that you put work into. And for musicians and for singers, it's about affecting somebody." — Lauren Leigh

Ready for a breakthrough in your singing career? The Singer Momentum Snapshot ($47) is a powerful assessment designed to help you get radically clear on where you stand and the next steps to move forward—without the confusion or isolation. If you’re serious about building a visible, sustainable, and purpose-driven career with your voice, this is for you. Claim your Singer Momentum Snapshot and take the next step to build your future.

Stay unstoppable, and connect with us for more empowering conversations on The Unstoppable Singer Podcast.

A conversation about redefining success, building community from the ground up, and leading with heart—even in uncertainty.

Sometimes the bravest work we do isn’t on stage, but in the questions we finally ask ourselves off-mic. In this episode, Danielle Tucker sits down with acclaimed songwriter and creative leader Lindsay White to talk about letting go of outdated definitions of success, the power of mutual aid, and how every artist’s journey is richer—and more sustainable—when fueled by real connection and deeper meaning.

🎧 In this episode:

• Why building something sustainable means giving yourself permission to pause, reset, and protect your boundaries—especially when the old ways no longer serve you
• The hidden resilience in rethinking what productivity and contribution look like during times of upheaval
• How mutual aid and community-led models reveal the power and necessity of showing up for each other—without waiting for permission
• An honest reframe: your artistry is enough, whether or not it leads to financial wins or public applause

Guest Bio:

Lindsay White is an award-winning San Diego-based singer-songwriter, storyteller, and founder of the Lady Brain Collective. With a background that bridges acclaimed songwriting, community organizing, and authentic leadership, Lindsay White has earned recognition from the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, American Songwriter, and more. Her music and activism center on building purpose-driven, inclusive spaces where artists can thrive on their own terms.

Moments worth your time:

• 03:54: Boundaries rediscovered—learning to listen to your inner compass in a time of enforced stillness
• 10:21: The origin and evolution of the Lady Brain Collective—and how true community means showing up for each other in real life
• 17:18: Discovering intersectional community action and food justice through We All We Got SD
• 21:28: Unlearning the myth of constant productivity and practicing radical self-care as a creative act
• 39:01: Why songwriting—for self or others—is a lifeline, not just a career metric
• 53:10: What makes you unstoppable? Lyndsay White answers with radical compassion, setting boundaries, and showing grace to yourself and others

Standout pull-quote:

"We can point out all the oppressive practices in the creative arts industry toward women all day long. But if we say, ‘Hey, why are there not women booked regularly?... We’ll just create our own festival.’ You have to be the one to show up for your community." — Lindsay White

Ready to get strategic about your music career?

Take the Singer Momentum Snapshot, The Unstoppable Singer’s signature $47 assessment designed to pinpoint your unique growth blocks and spark the next phase of your sustainable, purpose-driven artist journey. Give your voice—and your vision—the investment they deserve.

Connect with Lindsay White, Danielle Tucker, and explore resources mentioned in this episode by checking the links in the description.