Drummer Mamas

Send us Fan Mail We’re still buzzing from recording this episode, which ending up being more like a masterclass! This is a unique interview with Stanton, where he covers a wide range of topics with absolute honesty and passion: the realities of co-owning a music venue, taking control of his own publishing and royalties, maintaining a close relationship with his daughter while building his career,...

Send us Fan Mail Buckle up... because this week we're asking: Why should anyone mess with women over 40? We're diving into the unexpected gifts of midlife—from rage and people-pleasing to finding your voice, unlearning old beliefs, resting without guilt, and caring a little less about what everyone else thinks. If you're over 40 and nodding along already, this one's for you. Te...

Send us Fan Mail Stu Fagan tells us how he built a drum teaching business and turned it into a music school with multiple teachers. He talks candidly about his experiences with the highs and lows of viral posts on social media, looking after yourself for your children, and protecting your mental health in the long run.  Stu Fagan: Instagram.com/stufagan    Follow us here:  Instagram.com/drummermam...

Send us Fan Mail Today we’re joined by the hilarious Sharon Ransom. Amongst the laughter we talk about going viral, Drumeo, and growing her drum school. We also cover online trolls, empowering students, gigs, and future plans. We talk about what really matters most and  reclaiming the joy of drums.    Follow Sharon: https://www.instagram.com/ransomdrumlab/  Follow us here:  Instagram.com/drummerma...

Send us Fan Mail Claus Hessler is renowned to be THE drum educator of our time! With his direct heritage of knowledge from Jim Chapin, the numerous books that he has written, and his general warmth and patient approach to teaching and learning, we are so pleased to welcome Claus to the podcast this week. We talk about Claus’ fear of reading drum notation and how he dealt with it, writing ‘Collapse...

Send us Fan Mail This week’s episode is all about rollercoasters and retreats — and what happens when you step outside your comfort zone. From hosting a drum retreat in Barcelona to making bold, slightly scary life decisions and new ventures, we’re talking about what it really feels like to say yes to things that stretch you. The fear, the excitement, the doubt… and the unexpected confidence that...

Send us Fan Mail Anna Mylee describes how an injury gave her a unique focus for teaching technique, the way that she handles being in three bands, her journey back to her roots of prog rock, and how she navigates changing time signatures within music. With a background in philosophy, Anna has interesting thoughts on the effects of AI on the arts, which she shares with us here… Anna Mylee: Instagra...

Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest is drummer and educator Matt Lacey. After years climbing the corporate ladder and chasing targets, Matt made the brave decision to completely change direction and build a life around music. In this episode, we talk about perfectionism, self-doubt, mental health, his podcast and what it really means to redefine success — as well as the importance of empathy, growth, a...

Send us Fan Mail Pat Garvey is the head of drums and percussion at BIMM in Brighton – we asked him about the advantages of studying drums in further education and what the admission numbers are like for female and transgender drummers, plus how BIMM is supportive and encourages those applicants. Pat spoke to us frankly and honestly about the added scrutiny that female drummers should be prepared f...

Send us Fan Mail Do we have high standards or are we restricting ourselves by trying to do things perfectly? We ask ourselves where we draw the line and how we stop interruptive negative thoughts that interfere with growth and the creative process.  Has it got easier as we’ve got older? Have we found ways to deal with it? Find out as we share our experiences and battles with the feeling that we ne...

Send us Fan Mail Gavin Harrison’s technical ability and musicality within bands such as Porcupine Tree, King Crimson and The Pinapple Thief have set him apart and gained him international respect as a drum clinician. But what happens when drum events make you feel isolated and stressed? Gavin tells us why he took a break from drum shows, how he was able to re-gain confidence, and what his ideal dr...

Send us Fan Mail Get the tissues ready! In this emotional episode, we take a trip back to our very first episode of Drummer Mamas . So much has changed… and yet, in many ways, so much hasn’t. We reflect on where we were 6 years ago, what was on our hearts then, and what’s still showing up for us now. It’s honest, nostalgic, and full of those “wow, we’ve come a long way” moments. Hope you enjoy lis...

Send us Fan Mail Trigger warning: we talk about the topic of suicide in this episode Dylan Redman is a drum teacher, counsellor, cheerleader of people, and good Samaritan all rolled into one as the CEO of the Red Cymbal company.  Motivated by kindness, and with a strong desire to offer support for mental health, Dylan started Red just before the pandemic hit. Discover how he is able to combine man...

Send us Fan Mail Today we’re talking about image — how we present ourselves online, the pressure to look youthful, and the limiting beliefs many of us carry about beauty and ageing… and how all of that shapes the way we show up.  Follow us here:  Instagram.com/drummermamas  Instagram.com/Ciaradrums  Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums

Send us Fan Mail We are honoured to be joined by Jost Nickel this week! Jost is one of the biggest names on the international scene and has a lot of interesting things to say on the topics of encouraging more female students to enrol at the Pop Academy in Mannheim, what he does and doesn’t prepare for with clinics, raising daughters with music, and so much more. We had several laughs about mis-pro...

Send us Fan Mail Today we’re talking to one of the worlds most respected drummers, Mark Mondesir. He’s played with icons like John McLaughlin, Jeff Beck, and Courtney Pine — but beyond the incredible musicianship, this conversation is about something deeper. From the Maguire program to his work with Maggie’s Cancer Charity, Mark shares how music has been his constant companion — guiding him throug...

Send us Fan Mail Dane Campbell knows about family life within music: his father was often away touring as the guitarist with Motörhead when Dane was growing up. Dane and his brothers now tour in a band with their dad; has his childhood affected how he balances being a musician and parent himself?  Dane takes us through family band dynamics, making changes to touring to suit his family, and taking...

Send us Fan Mail We’re joined by Bob Wynne — drummer, educator, and advocate for a world filled with more drummers! Bob talks about the idea behind the Evans Sound Advice Room at The UK Drum Show, his upcoming masterclass with Steve White (Feb 23rd), and how his 50/50 teaching roster is helping shape the next generation. He also shares his take on why drum shops need to wake up to the fact that wo...

Send us Fan Mail This episode comes with a ‘woo woo’ warning! We talk about all things ‘universe’: manifesting, ordering what you want, receiving it, operating on a positive wavelength, and making lists to help you achieve your goals and dreams. Parking spaces, the ideal partner, and lottery wins: listen to this episode to find out how we get the things we ask for!  Follow us here:  Instagram.com/...

Send us Fan Mail Some stats about our guest today that may even be out of date by now: he has played on 89 top 20 albums, 53 number ones, he has produced Debbie Harry, and played with the likes of Stevie Nicks, Tina Turner and Rod Stewart. Geoff Dugmore talks with us about playing for the song, bringing a good feeling to a session, and his surprising pastime when he’s not busy with music. Geoff Du...

Send us Fan Mail Ellie East has been Dave Stewart’s drummer of choice for the last 2 years, and her bouncy energy and positive vibes make it easy to see why she is consistently booked for tours and session work. Ellie tells us how her new outlook on finding interests outside of music and the need to take a break from work are helping her to feel calm, and how she has accepted that some parts of th...

Send us Fan Mail Gabi King joined the 1975 as their percussionist after auditioning for them by performing on the Jonathan Ross Show, which led to her learning the entire percussion set in two weeks before flying out to join them on tour in Mexico. Of course, she smashed it and has been with them ever since!  Gabi tells us the importance of looking after mental health on tour, staying relaxed when...

Send us Fan Mail Tom Howarth’s drum reels are witty, entertaining, full of stick tricks and favoured by the algorithm! Tom tells us how he comes up with his content, about family life supporting a child with additional needs, his new online drum school, and what word he thinks almost got him banned from Instagram… Tom Howarth: Instagram.com/tomhowarthdrums  Follow us here:  Instagram.com/drummerma...

Send us Fan Mail Our last episode before we have a week off for Christmas. We update you with if we are ready for the big day, what we're hoping to get, 2026 and our love of pie!  Follow us here:  Instagram.com/drummermamas  Instagram.com/Ciaradrums  Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums

Send us Fan Mail Maxie is playing drums for music that feels like it is making a difference: touring with artists and activists such as Kate Nash, Jasmine.4.t and Isha, Maxie has had a busy 2025, full of touring, recording, and even a ghostly encounter in Hamburg… Maxie talks to us about committing to and keeping faith in what you’re doing, creating space for transgender people in music, and the p...