The Groove Guru Podcast

In episode #20 of the Groove Guru Podcast I reflect on the making of an iconic Beatles song and how Love can be the key to unlocking the creative gateway to the possibility of the life we truly want and that we can manifest through focused action. Timestamps: (1:27) - The making of “All You Need Is Love” (2:32) - Action as the key to success (3:30) - Thought as the seed of creation (4:56) - Three...

In this episode of the Groove Guru Podcast, I reflect on one of the best lessons I ever learned as a musician and some of the implications of how that can play out in music and life. Timestamps: (0:30) Some context (1:26) A lesson I was never taught in my formal music education (3:29) “There are no egos in this band” (5:14) One of the ego’s favourite games (5:42) “We all know we can play” (6:30) T...

In episode #18 of the Groove Guru podcast we explore the nature of mental wellbeing, not just for musicians, but for all people in a way that’s very readily accessible.  Enjoy! Timestamps: (0:45) A glimpse into the nature of mental wellbeing (1:32) My journey looking for wellbeing where it isn't (4:38) A key realisation into the nature of wellbeing (6:08) Your already accessible source of mental w...

In episode #17 of the Groove Guru Podcast, we explore some implications of how adopting the mindset of a beginner can unlock our potential on the road to mastering whatever it is that we want to master.  Enjoy! Timestamps: (0:13) Seeing things in a new way (1:17) Perceptions of mastery and excellence (2:12) One of the biggest barriers to learning (3:15) A key element of mastery (3:31) Beginner’s m...

In episode #16 of the Groove Guru Podcast, we explore the heart of accessing calmness before performing and in the process of living life. Enjoy! Timestamps: (0:40) Reframing uncomfortable feelings (2:16) Implications of thinking into emotions (3:44) Reliable states of mind (5:30) A simple way to feel calm before any performance (7:07) Living beyond fear - 🤝 Support this podcast to assist in crea...

Here we delve into a fundamental yet often overlooked factor that shapes 100% of our experience and results in life.  I'll be sharing practical examples to illustrate how understanding this factor can unlock your potential to give your best performances and experience greater fulfilment in whatever you do. Join me as we explore: Keys to listening well Where our experience truly originates Navigati...

I recently had a blast speaking with Billy Doherty, best known as the drummer of the iconic Northern Irish band, The Undertones. In our recent shows together I've gotten to know Billy Doherty as a dear friend, who not only is part of one of the most successful bands to emerge from Northern Ireland and the punk era, but someone who is incredibly passionate and enthusiastic about what he does, espec...

In this episode of the Groove Guru Podcast, I lay out some essential concepts for this very pertinent topic on a very practical basis related to drumming and music. I also go beyond the surface level to the psychological - and even deeper - to help you realise the inner state of mind that sets you up to win in whatever field you are involved in. Here are some of the angles covered: Keys to groove...

To perform at our best in any endeavour, it goes without saying that preparation is key!  In this episode of the Groove Guru Podcast, I talk about how I prepare for tours as a freelance musician and give some examples of my process for that based on some of my work with Hugh Cornwell and Wishbone Ash.  I also answer some common questions I've received about dealing with fear and anxiety and being...

Darby Todd is currently the drummer for the super-prolific and exceptionally-talented Devin Townsend, and in this podcast we discuss Darby's career, his playing with Devin and much more and we generally have a blast! Here are some of the points covered: Darby’s Drumming Beginnings Discernment and Doing What The Context Requires Some Favourite Vinnie Colaiuta Moments Some Highlights of Darby’s Care...

In episode #10 of the Groove Guru Podcast, I answer a question that is perhaps the most common question I've been asked by my students and clients who want to become professional in the music and creative industries, and that is: 'how do I get my foot in the door and have my first big break - how do I create such opportunities?' One of the most powerful approaches I have found to authentically ser...

Pete Ray Biggin is renowned for his work as the drummer with Level 42 and along the way he has drummed for Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson and Incognito amongst other great acts, and continues to lead his own super-funky group PBUG (formerly known as The PB Underground). In this episode of the Groove Guru Podcast we went into some tantalising territory such as... How Pete's career has developed The mom...

In this solocast I share some insights and practices I find really helpful in being at my best in various areas of life, from health, to my music work and more - whatever scenario I'm focused on really - and it's by tapping into what I sometimes refer to natural intelligence that most fundamentally facilitates that. Here are some of the key points covered in Groove Guru Podcast #8: How We Try To S...

In this solocast, I explore the matter of how to access more creativity whatever you do, something relevant to us all as we go about our lives and work. Here are some of the key points covered: The Relationship Of Creativity To Thought The Principle Of Thought Creating More Creativity Navigating Uncertainty In The Creative Process Having Goals That Light You Up and more... - (Originally aired on 1...

Jim Macauley is best known as the drummer for The Stranglers and following the passing of original Stranglers drummer Jet back - which I first discovered through Jim - we reconnected and had this conversation, centred around a joint tribute to Jet done of love, respect and in celebration of his legacy. This episode unearthed some great points, wisdom and stories: How Jim got started with drumming...

Eliminating Self-Doubt & Intrusive Thoughts When Performing Following my first solocast and a conversation that came up on tour recently, I was inspired to formulate some ideas about a pertinent problem that virtually every performer faces or has at least faced at one point, and present some solutions to help effectively respond to that in being the best version of you possible. Here are some...

In this first solocast from the Groove Guru Podcast I focus on an are I find absolutely key in showing up at my best, whatever the situation, musically or otherwise: Finding Self-Esteem Internally In A World Of External Feedback Here are some of the points I cover in the episode: Understanding the mind What self-esteem is and the trap of externally referencing it How social media plays into this d...

Simon Hanson has had a diverse career which continues to develop and he is currently drummer in English rock band Squeeze. Along the way his touring, performance and recording credits include work with Death In Vegas, Grace Jones, Iggy Pop, Ozzy Osbourne, Rick Wakeman, Liam Gallagher, Ace of Base, Hall and Oates, Natalie Imbruglia, The Blessing, The Quireboys, Hybrid and more. Simon has also creat...

Russell Gilbrook is currently the drummer in British rock band Uriah Heep who have sold over 40 million albums worldwide. Along the way Russell has worked with jazz musician Chris Barber OBE, Alan Price (original keyboardist for the Animals) and Pete Bardens of Camel. He’s also worked with Tommy Iommi of Black Sabbath, Lonnie Donegan, the “King of Skiffle”, Van Morrison, power metal supergroup Ava...

Dylan Howe is best known for leading his jazz groups since 2002 and his tenures with Ian Dury and The Blockheads, his father Steve Howe of Yes, and Wilko Johnson, all coupled with extensive pop and rock session work since 1990. Along the way Dylan has amassed many recording credits as a sideman with a plethora of renowned artists and bands, and has created many albums as a leader with “SUBTERRANEA...