Note: There’s a minor wording error in the show intro. It should state 'author, poet, and hobbyist nature photographer.'

In episode 55, I explore how to transform painful experiences of betrayal into opportunities for growth and self-empowerment. Drawing from personal stories, I discuss the lessons learned about setting boundaries and reclaiming personal power. I offer practical steps for navigating betrayal, empowering you with tools like reflection, safe emotional expression, and using creative writing as a healing tool. To illustrate the transformative power of creative expression, I read my poem "Rocked" from my book Kaleidoscope of the Heart, accompanied by my original piano composition "Karmic Thread" (2014). This combination demonstrates how creative outlets can help navigate challenging scenarios and foster personal growth.

I introduce my two books with the soothing backdrop of "Moonlight in My Heart" (2018), another original piece. Using creative tools can support you in transforming difficult experiences into opportunities for growth and inspired living.

Resources:
Better Help Learn To Live Grow Therapy

✨ Free Resources

Experience the expressive power of words with my Poetry Sampler — a curated selection from Kaleidoscope of the Heartthat invites reflection, emotional renewal, and creative inspiration.

Explore practical ways to nurture your creative energy and maintain wellness with my Creative Empowerment Sampler — a gentle, actionable guide anyone can use.

Reset your energy and support recovery from burnout with my short, reflective Burnout RESET Guide — simple steps you can use right away.

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

...

In Episode 54, Launching ‘Start Piano!’ Unveiling Benefits & Essential Insights, I share my personal story of overcoming performance anxiety and how it transformed my piano playing, along with practical tips and strategies for new and returning piano learners, highlighting key points from my book, 'Start Piano: What You Need for Successful Learning,' launching today. 

Whether you're a beginner or looking to reignite your passion for piano, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration to help you achieve your musical goals. 

Explore resources designed to help you create a heartfelt environment for musical confidence, consistent progress, and long-term growth:

🎧 Piano Strategies Bundle: Download my free collection of tools to help you set up a solid piano foundation, practice effectively, avoid common blocks, and make steady musical progress. Includes practice trackers, curated podcast episodes with mindset and practice strategies, plus a combined resource list of methods and teachers.

📖 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning - Get your copy here.

🎹 Essential Piano Basics Course: Opening January 6, 2026! Learn how to set up a strong foundation, practice effectively, avoid plateaus, and steadily progress at the piano with clear guidance based on 30 years of teaching experience and my Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning book. 

 
Additional Piano Music Improvising Heart © 2008 Jenny Leigh Hodgins

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

...

In this episode, we explore how the concepts from my book, Start Piano: What You Need for Successful Learning, help us turn our musical challenges into strengths. I'll share how my personal struggles with music theory, repertoire, piano technique, and performance skills deepened my empathy for others and my understanding of piano learners' motivation to succeed.

We discuss what truly matters in piano study: a genuine connection with music, a solid foundation, and effective tools. A strong foundation is key to overcoming struggles and gaining momentum in piano progress.

My book offers strategies used with thousands of students to build a solid piano foundation, maintain progress momentum, and transform performance anxiety into productive energy.

Explore resources designed to help you create a heartfelt environment for musical confidence, consistent progress, and long-term growth:

🎧 Piano Strategies Bundle: Download my free collection of tools to help you set up a solid piano foundation, practice effectively, avoid common blocks, and make steady musical progress. Includes practice trackers, curated podcast episodes with mindset and practice strategies, plus a combined resource list of methods and teachers.

📖 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning - Get your copy here.

🎹 Essential Piano Basics Course: Opening January 6, 2026! Learn how to set up a strong foundation, practice effectively, avoid plateaus, and steadily progress at the piano with clear guidance based on 30 years of teaching experience and my Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning book. 

Additional Piano Music Improvising Heart © 2008 Jenny Leigh Hodgins

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

...

In Episode 52, we continue our conversation with Jim Johnson, founder of Grass Roots Piano. Jim's approach to adult beginner piano education, infused with humor and a focus on enjoyment, has made learning piano accessible and fun for many. In Part 2, we chat about his online teaching methods, his philosophy of integrating enjoyment and a laid-back attitude into the learning process, and how he creates engaging content that transforms his students' piano paths.

Connect with Jim Johnson and Grass Roots Piano:

• Website: Grass Roots Piano
• Facebook: Adults Learning Piano
• YouTube: Grass Roots Piano Channel

Explore resources designed to help you create a heartfelt environment for musical confidence, consistent progress, and long-term growth:

🎧 Piano Strategies Bundle: Download my free collection of tools to help you set up a solid piano foundation, practice effectively, avoid common blocks, and make steady musical progress. Includes practice trackers, curated podcast episodes with mindset and practice strategies, plus a combined resource list of methods and teachers.

📖 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning - Get your copy here.

🎹 Essential Piano Basics Course: Opening January 6, 2026! Learn how to set up a strong foundation, practice effectively, avoid plateaus, and steadily progress at the piano with clear guidance based on 30 years of teaching experience and my Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning book. 

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

...

In Part 1 of this interview, Jim Johnson shares his inspiring backstory, experience in music education, and the creation of Grass Roots Piano. He shares the profound impact of his mentors. Jim candidly opens up about his struggles with mental illness, the importance of empathy, and how he uses music as a therapeutic tool.

Jim shares his creative process, emphasizing stream of consciousness and the importance of serving his audience. Jim’s philosophy and humor shape his educational content, encouraging learners to embrace their unique musical paths.

Timestamps:

• [00:00:29] Welcoming Jim Johnson
• [00:01:38] Jim’s background and the foundation of Grass Roots Piano
• [00:04:03] Jim’s mental health journey and coping strategies
• [00:09:03] Discussing societal challenges and resilience
• [00:14:54] The importance of kindness and self-care
• [00:16:14] Jim’s creative process and serving his audience
• [00:20:13] Integration of enjoyment and skill development in music learning

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we discuss Jim’s creative process and explore more about he approaches learning with humor and a sense of enjoyment.

🎧 Piano Strategies Bundle: Download my free collection of tools to help you set up a solid piano foundation, practice effectively, avoid common blocks, and make steady musical progress. Includes practice trackers, curated podcast episodes with mindset and practice strategies, plus a combined resource list of methods and teachers.

📖 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning - Get your copy here.

🎹 Essential Piano Basics Course: Opening January 6, 2026! Learn how to set up a strong foundation, practice effectively, avoid plateaus, and steadily progress at the piano with clear guidance based on 30 years of teaching experience and my Start Piano: What You Need For Su

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

...

In this continuation of our in-depth conversation, drawing from her extensive performance experience at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, guest Ashlee Young emphasizes that the highest level of piano performance is not about perfection or technique. Instead, it's about tapping into the music's beauty and connecting with the humanity of both the audience and the performer. She shares invaluable insights on how to transcend the pursuit of perfectionism and truly engage with the emotional core of music.

Join us for an inspiring dialogue on the transformative power of music and the steps needed to achieve expressive, confident piano performances. 

Catch Part 1 in Episode 49:
Musical Expression: A Dynamic Chat With Piano Expert Ashlee Young Pt 1

CONNECT WITH ASHLEE:

YouTube Facebook Piano Group Instagram

🎧 Piano Strategies Bundle: Download my free collection of tools to help you set up a solid piano foundation, practice effectively, avoid common blocks, and make steady musical progress. Includes practice trackers, curated podcast episodes with mindset and practice strategies, plus a combined resource list of methods and teachers.

📖 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning - Get your copy here.

🎹 Essential Piano Basics Course: Opening January 6, 2026! Learn how to set up a strong foundation, practice effectively, avoid plateaus, and steadily progress at the piano with clear guidance based on 30 years of teaching experience and my Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning book. 

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

...

In Episode 49, I'm pleased to introduce Ashlee Young, a pianist, educator, content creator, and business coach who champions the philosophy of practicing smarter, not harder. With a master's degree in classical piano performance from USC's Thornton School of Music and performances at Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center, Ashlee has shifted her focus from competition to connection and expression in music.

Ashlee shares her insights on practical piano techniques, the importance of a positive mindset, and the power of recognizing patterns in music. Whether you're a new or returning piano learner, a teacher, or an aspiring online entrepreneur, Ashlee offers a wealth of knowledge that resonates deeply.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this wonderfully inspiring discussion on piano progress, in episode 50!

CONNECT WITH ASHLEE YOUNG:

YouTube. Facebook Piano Group. Instagram

🎧 Piano Strategies Bundle: Download my free collection of tools to help you set up a solid piano foundation, practice effectively, avoid common blocks, and make steady musical progress. Includes practice trackers, curated podcast episodes with mindset and practice strategies, plus a combined resource list of methods and teachers.

📖 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning - Get your copy here.

🎹 Essential Piano Basics Course: Opening January 6, 2026! Learn how to set up a strong foundation, practice effectively, avoid plateaus, and steadily progress at the piano with clear guidance based on 30 years of teaching experience and my Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning book. 

Additional Piano Music:

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

...

CelebratIng the launch of my new book, Kaleidoscope of the Heart: A Collection of Poetry and Lyrics! I share the personal story behind this collection, spotlighting themes of friendship, self-belief, and the transformative power of authentic expression. Despite a whirlwind of responsibilities as a solo entrepreneur, Board President, and caregiver, I dedicated four intense months to creating this book as a tribute to a dear friend who stood by me during challenging times. Hear my personal readings from the book, reflecting on shared experiences with nature, relationships, loss, and hope. Each poem is a testament to your resilience and the boundless potential within you.

Explore the profound insights woven into 'Kaleidoscope of the Heart,’ a celebration of an individual voice and the power of words to heal and inspire. Listen in to experience the depth of emotion and wisdom that lies within each verse.

Spread the word about this exciting personal project by forwarding this email to a friend or family member!

If the transformative power of poetry resonates with you, consider supporting my work by purchasing 'Kaleidoscope of the Heart'  for more inspiration and connection. 

All music ©️2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins  All Rights Reserved

✨ Free Resources

Experience the expressive power of words with my Poetry Sampler — a curated selection from Kaleidoscope of the Heartthat invites reflection, emotional renewal, and creative inspiration.

Explore practical ways to nurture your creative energy and maintain wellness with my Creative Empowerment Sampler — a gentle, actionable guide anyone can use.

Reset your energy and support recovery from burnout with my short, reflective

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

...

Welcome to a Special Bonus Poetry Episode (2) of Your Creative Chord Podcast, where we benefit from the transformative power of poetry. Join me as I share inspiring verses from my latest book,Kaleidoscope of the Heart: A Collection of Poetry and Lyrics, exploring themes of connection, inner strength, and resilience. 

Through  personal expressions, poignant words, and reflections, I invite you on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Tune in to discover the beauty of interconnectedness and the power of forging belief in oneself. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted by this poetic exploration of life.

✨ Free Resources

Experience the expressive power of words with my Poetry Sampler — a curated selection from Kaleidoscope of the Heartthat invites reflection, emotional renewal, and creative inspiration.

Explore practical ways to nurture your creative energy and maintain wellness with my Creative Empowerment Sampler — a gentle, actionable guide anyone can use.

Reset your energy and support recovery from burnout with my short, reflective Burnout RESET Guide — simple steps you can use right away.

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

...

In Episode 47: A Poetic Path To Finding Hope, I take you on a personal exploration through the transformative power of poetry. Inspired by personal experiences and my book, 'Kaleidoscope of the Heart: A Poetry & Lyrics Collection,' I share readings of three poems centered around the theme of finding hope. 

From the vivid imagery of 'All About Hope' to the resilient message of 'Hold On' and the empowering call-to-action in 'Power In Your Heart,' each poem invites you to reflect on your own experiences and discover the profound strength that lies within. 

With reflection prompts interspersed throughout the episode, you’re encouraged to engage deeply with the themes of hope and empowerment, fostering a sense of connection and inspiration. Join me as I guides us on a poetic voyage toward finding hope in the midst of life's challenges.

All music ©️ 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved 

✨ Free Resources

Experience the expressive power of words with my Poetry Sampler — a curated selection from Kaleidoscope of the Heart that invites reflection, emotional renewal, and creative inspiration.

Explore practical ways to nurture your creative energy and maintain wellness with my Creative Empowerment Sampler — a gentle, actionable guide anyone can use.

Reset your energy and support recovery from burnout with my short, reflective Burnout RESET Guide — simple steps you can use right away.

Ocean Waves music ©️ 2013 Jenny Leigh Hodgins

Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!

Support the show

Connect with Jenny Leigh:

• Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Creative Empowerment Sampler
• Restore energy & balance: Burnout RESET Guide
• Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
• Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!

SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!

Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources. 👉 Support Today

Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2026 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved.

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