Living on the B Side

This is the final episode of Living on the B Side—at least in the way you’ve known it. In this deeply personal solo episode, I share my experience of carer burnout while navigating serious family health challenges, and how—unexpectedly—music went quiet for me during that time. What I needed instead was silence. I talk about the moment music returned, sparked by listening to BTS’ Arirang, and how t...

In this episode of Living on the B Side, Birgit speaks with Brad Stewart about how AI can reduce the stress of the business side of music while keeping creativity intact. Together, they explore the mental health challenges artists face, the power of music to guide us, and practical ways technology can support wellbeing in the creative life. Independent artists, creatives, and anyone navigating the...

In this episode of Living on the B Side, host Birgit Livesey speaks with bestselling author and narrative coach Carrie KC West about the stories we carry through life — and how music often reveals when we’re ready to rewrite them. Together, they explore how our personal soundtracks can reflect emotional turning points, helping us see our lives from a different perspective. This episode invites slo...

In this episode of Living on the B Side, I speak with Sam Mitchell, host of Autism Rocks and Rolls, about autism and music — and how a deep love of rock shaped his identity and advocacy work. We explore how music can become more than entertainment. It can offer structure, confidence, and a way to connect with the world. This conversation invites curiosity and reflection. We talk about autism beyon...

In this episode of Living on the B Side, I sit down with musician, scholar, and multidisciplinary artist Naila Keleta-Mae to talk about her latest album I’m Grateful, which has gained international recognition. We explore the vulnerability and joy of sharing music with the world, the creative process behind songwriting, and how reggae, spoken word, and other musical traditions shape her art. Naila...

In this episode of Living on the B Side, host Birgit speaks with Ian and Danielle from Orphan Prodigy about their conceptual album “Medication for Modern World” and the story behind their song “Trader.” Together, they explore how music can transform feelings of chaos, rejection, and being an outsider into connection, healing, and community. This episode invites slower listening and honest reflecti...

In this episode of Living on the B Side, host B speaks with Robbie Gennet – Los Angeles-based musician, educator, author and lifelong creative – about turning loss into art, self-permission in creativity and staying authentic as an artist. Together, they explore how music can become a language for processing grief, rebuilding identity and giving ourselves permission to fully show up as who we are....

In this episode of Living on the B Side, host B speaks with Emma G a musician, bestselling author, and TEDx speaker on a mission to help people turn struggles into songs, reclaim their voice, and find empowerment through music. She believes that songwriting, breath, and the voice can support mental health, help us process trauma, and reconnect us with our inner compass. This episode invites slower...

In this deeply interesting episode, I’m joined by Julie from Luminous Voices, a professional choir based in Canada that’s been quietly reshaping its work by collaborating with First Nations composers and singers. What started as an outdoor music project during COVID has become an ongoing journey into shared musical storytelling — one that honours Indigenous languages like Cree, explores traditiona...

In this rich and energetic episode, I am joined by the multi-passionate and deeply intuitive Blanca—massage therapist, holistic life coach, Zumba instructor, dancer, and certified canine massage therapist. With decades of experience in the healing arts, Blanca shares how music has always been her silent co-therapist—whether she's working with trauma survivors, veterans, or even dogs. Together,...

What happens when life throws you curveball after curveball—grief, heartbreak, depression, loss of identity—and somehow, you’re still here? In this moving episode, I sit down with Christian singer-songwriter Jay Davids, whose life reads like a roadmap of trials, but whose voice carries the weight of healing. Jay opens up about the personal storms he’s weathered: losing his father as a teen, going...

What happens when music becomes more than entertainment — when it turns into a tool for presence, healing, and human connection? In this episode of Living on the B Side, I sit down with Joanne and Justin of Silvermouse, a genre-defying music duo weaving together psychedelic soundscapes, improvisation, and brainwave entrainment to create something truly unique. Their performances, often held in com...

What happens when one rooftop poem leads to a global peace movement? In this episode of Living on the B Side, I’m joined by jazz pianist and activist Rick DellaRatta to explore the powerful story behind Jazz for Peace—a musical initiative sparked by the events of 9/11. We talk about: • Using music mindfully to process pain and inspire purpose • The journey from grief to global action • Why helping...

Discover how music transforms the lives of seniors in this inspiring episode with Sarah Martin McConnell, founder of Music for Seniors. We explore the powerful connection between music and wellbeing, and how Sarah’s non-profit brings live music experiences to older adults across the U.S. 🎵 From her journey as a singer-songwriter to her TEDx talk and her upcoming album Love Songs to the Universe,...

100 episodes. Five years. Countless conversations about the power of music. During this personal and honest milestone episode, I reflect on my journey with Living on the B Side—the moments that moved me (to tears even!), the struggles I faced, and the lessons I have learned along the way. I open up about the journey between passion and promotion, why turning this podcast into a business hasn’t fel...

Have you heard of Violeta Parra? If not, then in this episode, you will discover that she was more than a musician—she was a poet, activist, and artistic force whose songs have shaped movements, comforted souls around the world, and stood the test of time. In this interview, I sit down with Ericka Verba, musician, historian, and author of Gracias a la Vida: The Biography of Violeta Parra, to explo...

Have you ever asked yourself what music, colours, vibration and frequencies have in common to affect your energy, emotions and overall wellbeing? I have invited Peta-Ann, founder of Elegant Rebel and breast cancer thriver, back on my podcast to share more about this interesting topic; we explore the amazing connection between sound, colour and vibrational medicine. We chat about how our bodies are...

There are times when life and podcasting asks us to take a step back, reassess, and then make the necessary changes that align with our energy and priorities. In this solo episode, I share all about the experiment that I have been running – releasing weekly episodes – and the lessons I have learned about passion, sustainability, my energy management and most of all honouring my own pace. Inspired...

What do you think happens when a rock’n’roll lifestyle collides with a life-changing moment of faith? Howard Gripp, a Wisconsin -based musician, shares his own powerful story of transformation – what began with him playing in bars and dealing with many personal struggles to creating Christian rock music with a purpose, it is a journey that had many ups and downs. Howard openly talks about the high...

During this solo episode on the B Side, I explore the rhythm of my own life and heart thanks to the inspiration of Don Johnson’s song ‘’Heartbeat”. I am taking you on a journey into my own story, the one where I am looking to rediscover my own heartbeat, how to embrace who I am right now and how to use this rhythm to move on and flow with the ups and downs of life. Read about more inspiring, power...

In this episode, I say ‘’ hei og velkommen’’ to singer-songwriter Oda Rose, a Eurovision Song Contest finalist and participant in the Norwegian Idol, who transformed from shy and anxious as a nurse to a musician with a thriving career. During our conversation, Oda shares about her struggles with health anxiety and how embracing her passion for music has helped reconnect with joy and authenticity....

Discover the captivating story of Canadian pianist and composer Martin Mayer as he opens up about the human side of being an artist. In this intimate conversation, I welcome Mayer to my podcast, delving into the realities behind the glamour of the music industry. From the anxiety of performing to the mental health struggles artists face, Mayer candidly discusses the unseen aspects of life as a pro...

In this episode, I’m joined by the talented singer-songwriter Melissa James as we explore how music and nature can unlock your creative voice and spark personal transformation. Melissa shares her inspiring journey of overcoming self-doubt and societal expectations to fully embrace her passion for music. We delve into her struggles with finding her voice—both literally and figuratively—and the pivo...

As the year comes to a close, I'm inviting you to join me on a reflective journey through 2024 - but with a musical twist. In this special solo episode, I'll be sharing a 4-song challenge that invites you to look back on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. From the hopes and dreams that kicked off 2024, to the realities and challenges I faced, I'll be using special selected songs...

In this episode, I want to dive into why we sometimes need to be our own heroes and how music plays a huge role in that journey. Welcome to episode 90—can you believe we’ve made it this far? I’m so grateful you’re here with me today! I’ll be reflecting on Mariah Carey’s powerful song "Hero," which perfectly captures the essence of finding strength within us. If you’ve been following my j...