Success Through Scars

What happens when you’re told you can’t match pitch … and you believe it? In today's episode, I interview Drew Russell DuBoff, a full-time professional singer and musician who was once told by a mentor that he couldn’t sing in tune. Because of that moment, he didn’t pursue music in college, even though he really wanted to. But years later, he found his way back to singing and built a career a...

This is a story about opportunity cost: what is choosing the cheapest option costing you? Successful people just think differently. Tune in to find out! Support the show Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday! For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

In this solo episode of Success through Scars , I’m telling the vulnerable truth about my money journey: how I went from broke, bitter, and resentful to running a six-figure business and finally feeling safe with money. I open up about: Living in low-income housing (and not even realizing it at first) Resenting my friends whose parents paid for everything Struggling to accept help from others Work...

In this episode of Success through Scars, I chat with Stephanie Ball- an opera singer, sound healer, and now recording artist- about navigating grief, honoring the body’s needs, and using music as medicine. Stephanie shares the raw story of losing her father to dementia, the repeated heartbreak of saying goodbye in small pieces, and how that grief unlocked old wounds she didn’t even realize still...

Today I sit down with my cousin Kristin Tomasello- our first real heart-to-heart, and what a story she has! From watching her dad collapse from leukemia at 12, to battling her own autoimmune struggles for years, to now running her own foundation, writing books, and launching a sun care line (all while spreading fierce love and faith). We talk healing from the inside out- with food, scripture, boun...

If you're feeling bone-deep tired- even though you're doing work you love- this episode is for you. I'm fresh off a crazy busy week: I just wrapped a musical I produced from the ground up (with 50 kids!), I'm prepping for a huge move, launching the next round of Crescendo Club, and singing paid gigs nearly every day. I'm deeply fulfilled… and I'm also exhausted. In th...

In this episode, I interview my dear friend and one of the most badass women I know, Dana Lynne Varga. Dana is an accomplished career coach, singer, voice teacher, and fierce advocate for singers. But beyond her career, she’s a woman who has walked through fire and come out blazing. In this episode, we dive deep into her journey through gastric bypass, divorce, sobriety, and the powerful reinventi...

If you've ever asked yourself, "WHY can't I just get it together?" "Why am I so exhausted from doing nothing?" this episode is for you. Recorded while I'm not feeling well and taking a sick day, I realized I was actually burnt out. Because I'm going through some massive Uplevels in life right now. We go over: - why you feel exhausted right now - why nervous...

Last night, I was literally crying on my couch. So naturally, today I recorded a podcast episode- because I KNOW I’m not the only one who’s felt like that. This one’s for the version of you who just had a bad audition, launched something that no one bought, or is feeling super rejected. The version of you who's questioning, "Is any of this worth it??" I see you. I am you. In this li...

Today's episode is so special because I’m joined by one of my dearest friends, Katrina Fasulo! Katrina is an arts leader whose journey is full of resilience, self-discovery, and unapologetic growth. She shares her story of navigating imposter syndrome, workplace dynamics, and early experiences of being bullied for standing out as a tall, self-assured woman. Katrina opens up about what it’s ta...

Is it okay to "coast" in business and not make growing your income the #1 goal of your life? Of course it is! This is something I previously felt ashamed to share but no longer do. The past few years, I have been prioritizing my mental health over income growth. That means I have intentionally not grown my business. I haven't hired business mentors, I haven't tried to grow my a...

Today's interview is with my incredible client Lucas Coura, who is a successful countertenor and voice teacher and has the biggest heart of anyone I know! TW: suicidal ideation and depression. If you are struggling, please text or call 988. Lucas shares his story of overcoming significant challenges including growing up as an immigrant, religious trauma, coming out as gay, struggling with dep...

In this episode of Success Through Scars, I'm joined by my former client Nina Evelyn. Nina shares her profound story of resilience, detailing the emotional abuse she faced from her narcissistic mother and how it impacted her relationships and self-worth. She vulnerably discusses recognizing similar patterns of abuse with her ex-boyfriend and the challenging journey of cutting off toxic relati...

In this episode of Success Through Scars , I’m joined by my lovely client, Mary Kray, a multi-passionate entrepreneur, opera singer, voice teacher, and founder of Soul Recharge, an online community for artists and creatives. Mary opens up about her transformative journey from struggling financially and emotionally, to stepping into her power as a full-time entrepreneur. We dive deep into her exper...

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by a SECRET guest who shares her incredible journey of overcoming vocal nodes, healing her throat chakra, and using her voice to transform her life. From not feeling heard as a child to becoming a highly sought-after vocal coach, she now helps others find their authentic voices through her program, Sing From Your Soul . Tune in to discover how vocal healing c...

This episode was inspired by a conversation I had with a client today. She shared how others often perceive her success as effortless, even though it took significant struggle to get where she is! And sometimes, she STILL struggles. This led her to feeling very misunderstood and not seen. If you’ve ever felt similarly, this episode is for you. We’ll dive into why people only see the highlight reel...

“If you don’t just focus on singing, you don’t want it bad enough.” “If you have anything else you want to do as a career, you should do that instead. It means you don’t want it bad enough.” These words were some of the worst advice I’ve ever received, spoken to me by an underpaid, burnt out colleague during music school. If you're a multi-passionate artist, this episode is for you! We cover:...

Today's episode is a bit different - it's raw, unfiltered, and deeply personal. I recorded this episode at 10:39 PM on my 30th birthday after reflecting on everything I've been through the past few months and how I'm overcoming it. You'll hear about: - The pressures and expectations society places on women to be married by 30. - How a recent heartbreak pushed me into one o...

Happy 2025! This year has started off SO weird for me, with strep throat and then very lethargic. If you're feeling similarly and avoiding doing the thing that will help you move forward, this episode is for you. Listen to this if you need a lil kick in the butt to get it done! Here are the main two points: 1. Successful people become successful by following through on what they say they&apos...

Do you often find yourself being “the strong one” in your relationships? The one who always has it together, who others turn to for support, and who seems unshakeable no matter what? While being strong is a gift, it can also feel isolating. This is a topic that is very near and dear to my heart! In this episode, I’ll share personal stories, insights, and encouragement for anyone who feels like the...

One of my "scars" is a tendency towards depression, and I understand deeply how it feels to be stuck in a low mood. A few days ago I had one of those mornings where I woke up already feeling down. In this episode, I’m giving you the exact steps I take to shift my energy when I wake up in a low mood. This episode is a practical pep talk to help you shift your mindset, and as a result, the...

Hi everyone! I'm SO excited you're here! This episode is my story. In this episode, you'll hear about: - why I started this podcast - my accident and emergency surgery, and how it was the catalyst for the rest of my life - the origin of my self-worth issues - how I managed losing all my income overnight - how I pivoted my business during the pandemic Support the show Thank you so mu...

Welcome to Success Through Scars, the podcast where we turn our most painful struggles into our greatest success stories. I’m Annie Calvaneso, a multipassionate entrepreneur, business mentor, and professional singer who’s overcome anorexia, CPTSD, depression, and anxiety. Each week, you'll hear powerful stories of resilience from people who’ve transformed their deepest pains into testimonies...