In this engaging conversation Sylvie interviews Anna Marden about her work as a sound artist who facilitates sound baths using different instruments including Himalayan singing bowls, gongs and chimes . Anna shares her journey to Martha's Vineyard, and her experiences in curing her writer's block through sound meditation which ultimately led to her desire to help others experience the gift of sound baths. Anna and Sylvie discuss the different benefits of sound baths and the meditative states and unique experiences people have reported, emphasizing the personal nature of these sessions. In closing Anna shares upcoming events on Martha's Vineyard, see below 

 Website : www.annamarden.com

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/sonic__flow/?__pwa=1

Substack :https://annamarden.substack.com/

Upcoming events :

Sonic Flow Writing/Creative Workshop at Stillpoint MV - 3-4:30 PM, Sunday Dec 7th

Sound Bath at Stillpoint MV - 3-4 PM., Sunday Dec. 27th

www.stillpointmv.org

In this engaging conversation, Monica Brady-Myerov and Sylvie Farrington discuss the vibrant Vineyard community, the role of the Vineyard Gazette Media Group and the future goals of the newspaper. They delve into the importance of local journalism, the impact of podcasting, and the unique aspects of living on Martha's Vineyard. Monica shares her journey to the Gazette, her passion for storytelling, and the newspaper's digital expansion plans. The discussion also highlights the Brazilian community's influence and the Gazette's commitment to covering local stories.

Website : www.vineyardgazette.com

In this engaging conversation, Roberta Kirn and Sylvie discuss Roberta's island journey and her passion of singing in community settings, highlighting the transformative power of singing songs with others.  Roberta has traveled extensively to Africa, Haiti, Cuba and Brazil and has been bringing the joy of singing songs from other cultures back to Martha's Vineyard for over 30 years. She emphasizes the health benefits and the joy communal singing brings to its participants. Roberta aims to foster a culture of singing on Martha's Vineyard, encouraging gatherings where people can sing together to uplift spirits and enhance well-being. Her goal is to transform Martha's Vineyard into the island that sings ! 

Website : https://www.bewellsing.com

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/roberta.kirn

Study on the benefits of communal singing by Chorus America :  https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/Research-Art-Works-ChorusAmerica.pdf

In this engaging episode Sylvie interviews Lucas Ostinato, also known to islanders as Lucas Nascimento. Lucas is originally from Brazil and Sylvie and Lucas explore how his dedication and love for playing music has helped open doors for him and his family including the opportunity to be invited to MV, and later a chance to rent a home for his family in Edgartown .The interview explores the many different ways that music has shaped Lucas'  life and the lives of those around him in positive ways. Lucas shares his experiences teaching music both at the Edgartown school, and through private lessons, as well as the story around recording his first album “ Embracing the doubt “ in Brazil in the summer of 2025 .We learn how Lucas' own journey with religion inspired the title of the album by his band, the Ostinato Trio.

Follow Lucas on Instagram: : https://www.instagram.com/lucasostinato/?__pwa=1

Performance : “ The little Mermaid “ Jr. Show  at the Edgartown school on Nov. 7th

In this engaging podcast episode, Sylvie Farrington hosts Brenda Horrigan and Elisa Speranza, who share their unique journeys to Martha's Vineyard and the formation of the Washashores Writing Collective. They discuss the importance of collaboration, support, and community in the writing process, highlighting the diversity of writers and genres within their group. The conversation also touches on their first anthology, Brenda's museum exhibit project, and the valuable lessons learned through their experiences in writing and community engagement.

Links :

 Purchase link for the Washashores Review

  MV Museum exhibit “The Lost History of Innisfail"  

The Creative Current on Substack  

The Bricklayer’s Daughter on Substack  

Washashores Writers Instagram account

In this soulful conversation, Sylvie speaks with with Sherry Sidoti, long time Vineyard yoga teacher and more recently, author of her debut memoir, a Smoke and a Song. Sylvie and Sherry discuss their journeys of pivoting careers in their fifties, and the significance of staying authentic to themselves by listening to their inner guidance, even if means re-inventing parts of themselves. Sherry shares some of her writing process and highlights how sharing our stories can lead to inspiring others on their journeys. She emphasizes her appreciation of the support she has felt from local writers, authors and our island community. Sherry and Sylvie discuss the benefits being of part of a writing group and the power of embodied writing. In conclusion, Sherry explains her natural progression from writing her memoir to teaching embodied writing in online workshops several times a year. 

Website : www.sherrysidoti.com

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/sherrysidoti/?__pwa=1

First 10 podcast listeners, please contact Sherry at [email protected] for a complimentary Spotify link of " A Smoke and a Song " 

In this engaging conversation, Marta Azzollini shares her journey as a private chef on Martha's Vineyard, discussing her return to the island after college, the organic development of her culinary business, and the importance of community support. She reflects on her childhood experiences with food, the evolution of her cooking style, and the balance between work and personal life. Marta also emphasizes the significance of accommodating dietary needs and building a clientele through word of mouth. As she looks to the future, she expresses gratitude for her experiences and the connections she has made.

Website : www.martaskitchenmv.com

 Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/martaskitchenmv/?__pwa=1

In this delightful conversation, Sarah Shaw Dawson shares her journey from growing up on Martha's Vineyard to becoming a musician and reporter. She discusses her transformative experiences in her 20s including her college years and her time in Austin, TX. Sylvie and Sarah discuss Sarah's passion for music and her process for song writing, and some of the challenges navigating life on the island during the pandemic. Sarah also opens up about her journey to sobriety and how it has impacted her life and creativity. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship, and personal growth.

Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/sarahsdawson/?__pwa=1

Linkedin : Sarah Shaw Dawson

In this engaging conversation, Todd Christy shares his journey from a college student with a love for coffee to the owner of Chilmark Coffee Company, a nano coffee roasting business on Martha's Vineyard. He reflects on his early days on the island , printing Black Dog T-Shirts at Marianne's Screen printing company and later starting a family. He shares his journey of working in a few different jobs while raising young children, later experimenting with coffee roasting and eventually starting Chilmark Coffee Company 15 years ago. Todd emphasizes the importance of community support and the value of quality sourcing in the coffee industry, while also sharing personal anecdotes about family and life on the island.  

For a full list of Chilmark Coffee retail shops and restaurants/coffee shops serving Chilmark coffee, please check the Website : https://www.chilmarkcoffeeco.com/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/chilmarkcoffeecompany/?__pwa=1

Email : [email protected]

In this engaging podcast episode, Sylvie interviews Larisa Stinga, a photographer who shares her journey from Romania to the island, discussing her cultural adaptation, the impact of the pandemic on her career, and the importance of storytelling through photography. Larisa emphasizes the significance of community support, the beauty of capturing family moments, and the joy of noticing the small things in life. She encourages listeners to embrace their creativity and take the leap to pursue their passions.

Email : [email protected]

Website : https://larisa-stinga.com/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/larisastingaphotography/?__pwa=1