Music on Mushrooms

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms , I chat with classical guitarist and meditation teacher Manuel Bon ( @thecenteredmusician ) about how mindfulness can transform the way musicians show up to their practice, performance, and lives. Manuel shared how mindfulness practices like grounding, meditation, and somatic awareness can help us move through performance anxiety, creative blocks, and the pre...

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms , I explore the urgent need for compassion in music education. Speaking from personal experience and my trauma-informed training, I dive into what it means to be a safe, inclusive, and supportive educator and why it matters for students' artistic and personal growth. You'll hear about common but harmful dynamics like perfectionism, elitism, fatphobia,...

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms , I’m diving into something that so many of us struggle with: being seen. Whether it’s sharing your art, speaking your truth, or just showing up authentically, visibility can feel really scary. But it can also be one of the most powerful things we do for our growth, our goals, and our healing! This solo episode is part pep talk, part reflection, and a reminder...

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms , I had the honor of sitting down with award-winning soprano and Certified Reiki Master, Nina Evelyn, to explore the intersection of performance, healing, and social change. Nina is a powerhouse of artistry and advocacy whose mission is to diversify the classical music canon by uplifting the works of Black composers. Together, we unpacked what it means to be a...

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms , I interview the multifaceted creative and Boston-based photographer Taylor Rossi . With a background in classical music, marketing, and now a thriving photography business rooted in authenticity, Taylor embodies what it means to live an aligned creative life. We dive deep into the beauty and challenge of being a multi-passionate artist, how to trust the seas...

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms , I interview the multi-passionate creative, Hannah McEachern. She is a Boston-based producer, director, astrologically-informed life coach, & intuitive healer, and in this conversation we dive deep into what it means to hold space for our big visions and follow through with aligned action. From producing community events, directing new works, to coaching...

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms, I interview award-winning soprano, composer, librettist, and producer Stephanie Pfundt. We discussed Stephanie’s journey from a musical upbringing in Southeast Alaska to winning prestigious competitions and producing classical works. Covering essential skills for producing concerts, such as community engagement and strategic planning, this conversation emphas...

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms, we’re diving into the magic of creativity and what it means to truly trust your artistic spark. Host Mary Kray gets real about following through on big ideas, tapping into your intuition, and owning your worth as an artist. There’s also a spicy little chat about how music is deeply connected to our emotions (and maybe even a little erotic). If you’ve been fee...

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms , I chat with River Rhythm, a Las Vegas-based percussionist, DJ, and producer. We dive into his journey through music, the power of collaboration, and the origins of our neo-soul band, Trust in the Sun . From navigating the Vegas music scene to blending diverse styles, River shares insights and stories that’ll inspire musicians and fans alike. Are you a musici...

I sat down with soprano and tarot reader Vee Visnov (they/them) to talk about their journey in opera, from discovering their passion to how they stay grounded in the industry. Vee shares invaluable advice for young singers—how to find opportunities, stay motivated, and build resilience in a tough industry. We also explore how spiritual practices like tarot and offer tips for new readers to build c...

In this captivating episode of Music on Mushrooms, I sit down with Abraham Cruz, an operatic bass-baritone and vocal coach based in San Antonio, TX. Abraham shares his unique path in the world of opera, offering a glimpse into the importance of following your own path in an industry that pushes a “one path” narrative. We acknowledge that building a fulfilling career in the arts looks different on...

In this enriching episode of Music on Mushrooms, we dive into the vibrant world of genre fluidity with the extraordinary Juan Suarez, a Boston-based professional singer and voice teacher with a master's in vocal performance and pedagogy. Join us as we explore the transformative power of vocalists embracing multiple genres and it can enhance overall vocal technique and musicality. Juan shares h...

Perfectionism is the enemy of creative freedom. So what's the enemy of perfectionism? Radical self forgiveness. In this episode, I talk about what it means to practice forgiveness and the immense impact it can have on your creative artform. From losing opportunities during covid, discovering my neurodivergence, and finding solace in spirituality, join me as I take you through my journey of sel...

Step into the world of vocal pedagogy with a fresh perspective! Join us in this eye-opening episode as we dive deep into the fascinating history of how the operatic Fach system has unwittingly perpetuated a rigid gender binary. Lucas Coura, a professional singer and passionate voice teacher, uncovers how the gender binary has woven itself into the fabric of vocal training and still holds sway over...

In honor of spooky season, we are discussing the death and rebirth of classical music. The classical music world innovates at a snail's pace, and so many young musicians are tired of it (including myself). In this episode, I dive into the reasons why I think the classical music world refuses to move forward and innovate to meet modern audiences where they're at. From the deification of com...

Music hasn't always been used as a source of entertainment. Research shows us that our ancient ancestors used music for sex, magic, and violence. Join me as I unpack the first 3 chapters of "Music: A Subversive History" by Ted Gioia, in which I discuss music as a source of power, the research and theories behind the origins of music, and the elitism and misinformation of modern music...

Shadow work is uncovering parts of your subconscious that you repress or hide from. Learning to integrate your shadows as a performer is essential to building confidence in your artistry. Are you interested in learning more about bringing your true self to your work? Join opera singers Nina Evelyn and Maria Dominique Lopez we dive into skills you can use as a performer to learn more about your inn...

The goal of becoming an independent artist can seem daunting. I asked Brittany McKay to help me unpack this topic through the context of her personal journey to success in the music industry. In this episode we discuss the first steps to becoming an indie artist, red & green flags for potential collaborators, and how to balance humility and confidence in the spotlight. Brittany also offers her...

There is no doubt that the performance industry is traumatizing. It can be a hard topic to face. I invited Maria Dominique Lopez to unpack this challenging topic as compassionately as possible. On this podcast we discuss Maria’s story as an opera singer and Reiki Master, nervous system regulation tools for performers, and rediscovering your resilience as a creative. You can find Maria on Instagram...

Creating a safe space for Queer artists to fully express their authentic truth is so valuable. In this episode, I will be interviewing Hannah McEachern about a new business she co-founded called Queer Theater Collective Boston. We have a candid conversation about the importance of queer visibility in artistic spaces, and how important it is to normalize our existence. Being a positive voice for ch...

Annie Calvaneso is an opera singer, business coach, and fitness coach who helps her clients reach their highest potential. Join us in this episode as we discuss practical ways artists can use their intuition and manifestation to create their dream life, how to create an authentic brand with aligned business practices, and creating boundaries as an artist to maintain a balanced life. You can find A...

This episode of Music on Mushrooms is the one-stop-shop for all musicians and artists to grow their presence in their communities and online. Nick and I discuss all things marketing for the modern artist, including: creating a personal brand, community building, networking, social media promotion, and all with a dash of my usual unhinged shenanigans. I hope you enjoy this resource as it was such a...

Join singer, Matti Avery and I as we dive into topics like music school burnout, balancing performing and a work life, and just general goofs and gaffs! Matti is a skilled vocalist across multiple genres; jazz, classical, and musical theater, and in this podcast we discuss how she got there. You can find @mattijo_ performing with @arcadebops , a video game-inspired fusion jazz group in Las Vegas,...

Join Emiland Kray and I as we discuss our recent video game collaboration, You can only turn left, a narrative piece with thought-provoking art and storytelling paired with experimental minimalist music. We also unpack the realities of making a living as a visual artist and maintaining balance in your artistic practices. Emiland Kray is a visual artist based in Tucson, AZ who specializes in waterc...

We're back for Season 2! Join music educator, Stevie Baker and I as we dive into innovation in music curriculum, wellness tips for teachers, and hilarious choral experiences from our undergrad days. Get ready for an inside look at how the pandemic shaped our philosophy as artists, as well as our favorite choral pieces performed with the Shrine of the Ages Choir at Northern Arizona University....