Artistry with Heart: A Musician’s Wellness Podcast

On this episode, I sat down with my sister, Mallory Cooke – a soulful Seattle musician. We dug into what it actually takes to use your voice — literally and emotionally. We talked about play, dreams, and the awkward bravery of sharing something raw. Her song “Guides” closes the episode and landed like a punch to the heart. Key themes: • Stepping into your voice: singing is literal embodiment — Mallory shares how getting in her body helped her stop hiding. • Play first, judge later: trying new instruments and dream-journaling opens surprising ideas without pressure. • Honesty over comfort: she strips a song down to just her voice on purpose — it’s risky, awkward, and necessary. Listen to “Guides” on Bandcamp https://dwarfstarmotel.bandcamp.com/track/guides-demo Follow Mal on Instagram - @dwarfstarmotel For more resources, visit https://www.patreon.com/ArtistrywithHeart1 and stephaniebernards.org/artistrywithheart/wellnesshub ——— Artistry with Heart is hosted by Stephanie Bernards, and is produced and edited by Vic Billones. We are building a community for creatives. Putting yourself out there takes courage, and this podcast was created to help support you! Support the show: • http://buymeacoffee.com/artistrywithheart

Kyshona is a Nashville-based musician, music therapist, and activist whose powerful work bridges music, healing, and social impact. This episode is deep-dive into her 2024 album, Legacy, which explores ancestry, generational trauma, and the work of healing through song. Kyshona talks bout therapeutic songwriting—turning participants’ journal entries into songs—and shares powerful stories about music as empowerment for incarcerated people, elders in memory care, and communities in recovery. She dives into the inspiration behind the track “Carolina,” the role of genealogy in reclaiming family stories, and offers practical advice for artists to align with a mission-driven practice and use their gifts in ways that are trauma-informed and community-centered. Learn more at kyshona.com and yoursong.org ------------- Artistry with Heart is hosted by Stephanie Bernards, and is produced and edited by Vic Billones. We are building a community for creatives. Putting yourself out there takes courage, and this podcast was created to help support you! Support the show: patreon.com/aristrywithheart1 buymeacoffee.com/artistrywithheart

In this episode of Artistry with Heart, I sit down with Charleston-based trio Gale Bird. Josh, Melissa, and Sean share how their songwriting is shaped by marriage, long-term friendship, parenthood, creative doubt, and the constant work of choosing authenticity over performance—both in art and in life. Their original song featured at the end of the episode, Roses, was written from a place of deep heart and honesty—a reminder that tomorrow is never guaranteed, and that love is meant to be expressed while we still have the chance. Throughout our conversation, we explore: Balancing family, friendship, and music without sacrificing what matters most How songwriting can become a grounding force during anxiety, conflict, and uncertainty Why vulnerability is what truly connects us to each other Learn more about Gale Bird Support Artistry with Heart: patreon.com/aristrywithheart1 buymeacoffee.com/artistrywithheart More resources at stephaniebernards.org

In this special holiday episode, Artistry with Heart celebrates Voices Unlimited, a Portland-based choir, serving adults with special needs while also creating opportunities to socialize and form friendships in a safe, positive environment. You’ll hear from founder Ben Landsverk and from the students themselves as they share what music means to them—joy, purpose, friendship, and having a place to truly belong. This conversation shines a light on the importance of arts access, inclusive music communities, and the healing power of singing together. If you’re looking to support a meaningful nonprofit this season, Voices Unlimited is doing beautiful, life-changing work through the arts. Donate to Voices Unlimited: voicesunlimited.net ------------------------------------------------- Support Artistry with Heart: patreon.com/aristrywithheart1 buymeacoffee.com/artistrywithheart

In this episode of Artistry with Heart: A Musician’s Wellness Podcast, Portland-based singer-songwriter Rachel Taylor Brown shares her journey from classically trained soprano to DIY indie artist known for her darkly poetic, genre-bending sound—what critics once called “creep rock.” Rachel reflects on her early years balancing ear training and sight-reading, overcoming imposter syndrome in acclaimed vocal ensembles like Capella Romana, and ultimately carving out her voice as a songwriter and self-produced artist. She opens up about how music became both therapy and truth-telling, with albums that document emotional and societal change—from grief and burnout to Portland’s cultural evolution. This candid conversation explores the intersection of creativity, exhaustion, and gratitude, offering insights for any musician navigating burnout or creative recovery. Rachel shares how focusing on serving the song helps her quiet performance anxiety and reconnect with purpose. The episode closes with her hauntingly beautiful track “Anemone”—a meditation on love’s sting and surrender—featuring Ben Landsverk on viola and backing vocals. racheltaylorbrown.bandcamp.com/ Support Artistry with Heart: patreon.com/aristrywithheart1 buymeacoffee.com/artistrywithheart

Country-soul artist Miko Marks has lived many lives—child of gospel, Carnegie Hall soloist, mother, and trailblazer in country music. After a 14-year hiatus, she returned with a renewed sense of purpose, channeling her ancestors, her struggles, and her joy into music that heals and liberates. In this conversation, Miko opens up about resilience, faith, and becoming a vessel for spirit and song. mikomarks.com stephaniebernards.org Support Artistry with Heart: patreon.com/aristrywithheart1 buymeacoffee.com/artistrywithheart

What if music education put wellness first? Dr. Spencer Hartman shares how authenticity, wellness, and joy can reshape music education. In this episode of Artistry with Heart, host Stephanie Lynne Bernards sits down with Dr. Spencer Hartman — flutist, educator, pianist, and passionate advocate for musicians’ wellness. Spencer shares his late start on the flute, his journey from a small state school in Pennsylvania to earning a DMA at Texas Tech (where he now serves as Assistant Professor of Flute), and his mission to support the next generation of musicians. Together, they explore: 🎶 Spencer’s unconventional path to the flute and academia 🌱 Why musician wellness must be prioritized alongside artistry 🧘 How body mapping, yoga, and movement practices shape his teaching 💡 Challenging outdated academic norms with authenticity and joy 🌍 His vision as president of the Association of Body Mapping Education Spencer’s story is a reminder that music education can be rigorous and human — creating a sustainable, supportive path for artists to thrive.

Vocalist and interdisciplinary artist Katie Jacobson shares a powerful journey of creativity, chronic pain, and late-in-life autism diagnosis. From early jazz training to stepping away from music school and eventually returning on her own terms, Katie reflects on how injury, burnout, and masking shaped—and ultimately deepened—her relationship with music. Her honesty and insight offer a moving reminder that healing and artistry are deeply intertwined.

What happens when you let go of the rules and make music that feels like you? In this episode, Megan Diana opens up about her journey from classical training to pioneering her own genre: Dream Country Disco. From playing in hotel lobbies to founding her non-profit, Piano Push Play, and writing an album while isolated in a cabin, Megan shares what it means to create with heart, curiosity, and courage. Whether you're an artist, a dreamer, or someone who’s ever felt stuck between genres or expectations, Megan’s story will remind you that magic happens when you give yourself permission to explore. -------------------------------------- Megan Diana is a singer, songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, pioneering a new music genre: Dream Country Disco. She is also the founder of Piano Push Play, a Portland-based organization that since 2013, has been working with local piano companies to rescue old pianos and transform them into works of art for the world to enjoy. Her debut album, Woman in My Head, was released in 2018, but it was her sophomore album, Cabin Fever, that gave birth to the genre she is pioneering today. Megan Diana is currently on tour all over the US. https://www.megandiana.com/

🎙️ In This Episode of Artistry with Heart, I sit down with Lucie Burns—industry-leading performance coach, speaker, and bestselling author of The Art of Live Performance Unlocked. Lucie is the founder of Stage Ready Artists and host of The Singing Buddha Podcast. Named “a performance coach to follow” by LA Weekly, she’s been featured in two television documentaries for her transformational work with musicians. With nearly 30 years in the industry, Lucie takes a holistic and intuitive approach to artistry—nurturing the person behind the performer and honoring the powerful connection between mind, body, and emotion. As the artist, songwriter, and producer behind Lazy Hammock, Lucie has topped the World Chill Lounge charts four times, released 11 self-produced albums, and reached over 25 million streams. Her music has been licensed to major labels and TV networks including Sony BMG, Ministry of Sound, Hed Kandi, and EMI. Whether you're navigating stage fright, searching for flow, or reconnecting to your voice, this conversation is an invitation to honor your artistry from the inside out. 🌿 This episode is brought to you by the Association for Body Mapping Education. Learn more about how healthy movement can transform your musicianship at bodymap.org. ---------------------- To support our production with a donation and receive a free journal prompt and a shoutout on a future episode, visit coff.ee/artistrywithheart

In this episode, I speak with NYC-based contralto Emily Geller, whose lower extension has to be heard to be believed. In our conversation, Emily and I pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build a career in opera—from navigating identity and voice type, to facing rejection, to finding strength in self-trust. Her honesty and grit are contagious, and I walked away from our conversation feeling deeply inspired. I hope you will too. A huge thank you to the Association of Body Mapping Education for sponsoring this episode and for the life-changing work they continue to do for musicians around the globe. Get in touch with Emily Geller at emilygeller.com Find out more about Body Mapping for Musicians at bodymap.org. Produced and Edited by Vic Billones

In this deeply moving episode, I speak with legendary vocalist, The First Lady of Portland Blues herself, LaRhonda Steele, who talks about her inspiring journey through music, resilience, and self-discovery. From navigating life with albinism to battling cancer, LaRhonda shares how music became her lifeline, healer, and source of strength. She opens up about the inner critic, self-doubt, and the power of embracing one’s true voice. Through heartfelt storytelling, LaRhonda reveals how she transformed pain into purpose, fear into freedom, and hardship into artistic expression. This episode is a must-listen for musicians, creatives, and anyone facing personal struggles, offering wisdom on: ✔ Overcoming adversity through music ✔ Silencing the inner critic and stepping into confidence ✔ Healing through artistic expression ✔ Finding joy, purpose, and resilience in life’s hardest moments ------------------------------------------ LaRhonda Steele is an award-winning Blues and Gospel singer/songwriter who is recognized as one of Portland’s best vocalists. Dubbed "The First Lady of Portland Blues”, she was inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame in 2020, and currently fronts the LaRhonda Steele band, and serves as music director of the non-profits: Portland Interfaith Gospel Choir, These Are They of Bethel AME, and the Portland Center for Spiritual Living. Resources & Links: Follow LaRhonda: Instagram Listen to her music: Spotify, Apple Music Support her work: The Portland Interfaith Gospel Choir ------------------------------------------ Support us on Patreon

“When we sing together, our heartbeats synchronize.” In this episode, composer and multi-instrumentalist Ben Landsverk shares how music can be so much more than the sum of its parts — it can be a gift to the audience, the space, and even the artist themselves. From composing for The Daily with Wonderly’s Jim Brunberg, to leading Portland’s Low Bar Chorale, to founding Voices Unlimited – a non-profit dedicated to providing an excellent chorale experience for neurodivergent adults. Ben talks about how music builds connection, breaks barriers, meeting your audience halfway, and how creativity can bring us together. Wonderly’s album “Wolves” is out now. -------------------- Hailed as a “prominent Portland composer” (Bloomberg Magazine) and praised for his “stunning prowess on viola and mandolin” (Willamette Week), Ben Landsverk is best known for his work as one half of the duo Wonderly. Their compositions include numerous podcast/radio theme songs, including the New York Times’ "The Daily" and Cheryl Strayed’s "Dear Sugar Radio"; many indie film scores and soundtracks, including James Westby’s "At the Video Store" and Jon Garcia’s "Luz"; and three studio albums, "We Are", "Story We Tell", and "Wolves". An active session musician and orchestral/choral arranger, Ben has worked with musical luminaries such as Father John Misty, Ruby Friedman, Pink Martini, Storm Large, Smokey Robinson, Van Dyke Parks, Rachel Taylor Brown, Holcombe Waller, Liz Vice, Kasey Anderson, Box Set, and Alela Diane. benlandsverk.com lowbarcharoale.com wonderlymusic.com voicesunlimited.net

“Your mind, body, and spirit are your primary instrument—your musical instrument is secondary.” Violinist, Alexander Technique teacher, and bestselling author Jennifer Roig-Francolí talks about the deep connection between music and well-being, as well as the transformative effects of The Alexander Technique. She shares her methods on helping musicians overcome pain, performance anxiety, and mindset obstacles through her Art of Freedom Method, emphasizing that true artistry comes from an integrated approach to mind, body, and spirit. —————— Honored as a “Rising Star” by TIME magazine, Jennifer Roig-Francolí is a prize-winning violinist who has performed all over the world, including Carnegie Hall, and has collaborated with orchestras such as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Berlin Symphony Orchestra. She is also an Alexander Technique teacher, and The Art of Freedom® Coach for musicians and creatives, specializing in helping musicians overcome pain, performance anxiety, and mindset obstacles to achieve artistic success, and is an author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller “Make Great Music with Ease!”

"Creation is not linear. Ideas orbit us like stars and moons—we grab them when we’re ready, and they reveal their purpose in time." 2024 Music Educator Grammy Nominee, Prof. Coty Raven Morris is a versatile musician and educator at Portland State University, takes us through her early life in New Orleans and how the loss of her mother and grandmother shaped her passion for music and social justice. She discusses the healing power of music, the importance of sharing authentic stories, and her non-profit, Being Human Together, which seeks to normalize difficult topics through music and connection. ------------------------------ Coty Raven Morris is the Assistant Professor of Choir, Music Education, and Social Justice at Portland State University and founder of Being Human Together, a budding community normalizing difficult topics through music education, conversation, and connection. She is a sought-after clinician, artist, and speaker across the country. Her most recent acknowledgments include being a nominee for the Portland State University George C. Hoffman Faculty award, Finalist for the 2024 Music Educators Grammy, and was just named a Quarter-Finalist for the 2025 Music Educator Grammy. You can learn more about Coty here ------------------------------ Subscribe to the newsletter

This holiday season, Artistry with Heart is spotlighting Being Human Together, a non-profit founded by Coty Raven Morris. In Coty’s words, “Love is a Verb” - and as teachers, we need to be preventative about oppression as we embrace and learn about our beautiful and diverse community around us. In a world that seems so divided right now, we need more resources for our communities to learn from, and teach the next generation how to unite under our fundamental humanity and embrace the diversity of our individuality. We need both to make the world a more beautiful and effective place. Tis the season to spread love and light to those around us. and support our local non-profits! Check out the holiday episode below where you can hear all about this incredible cause. Click the link here to make your donation!

Sofia von Trapp is an internationally renowned vocalist, performer, songwriter, and producer who has a deep-rooted musical gift that is both empowering and magnetic. She studied voice and music business at the Berkeley College of Music, toured the world as a professional musician for 15 years with her three incredibly gifted siblings, The von Trapps, and is now producing and songwriting music of her very own. This episode was produced and edited by the incredible Victoria Billones. In this conversation, we talk about following your heart, tuning into your intuition, listening to the voice of love and not fear, and so much more. I gained so much insight and inspiration from my conversation with Sofi, and I hope you do too. This resource is here to support you on your creative journey, wherever it may lead you. I’d love to hear from you about where yours, and how this conversation resonates with you.

In Episode 5 of Artistry with Heart, I dig in to an insightful and inspiring conversation with Dr. John Pickett, a virtuoso classical pianist who received his doctoral degree at Indiana University, and was a professor of piano for 33 years at Central Washington University. Since his retirement, John has dived into composing and singing his own original material which can be found at johnpickett.bandcamp.com. In this conversation, we talk about finding inspiration everywhere, summiting your own personal Everest, admiring the good in others, and so much more. This resource is here to support you on your creative journey, wherever it may lead you.

In this episode, we dig into an inspiring conversation with Professor Lisa Ann Marsh, an incredible pianist, instructor and composer who is notorious for her ability to lead injured musicians to healing. Lisa has a striking ability to write compositions that fuse the natural and supernatural worlds while deeply embodying the complexity of human emotion. In this conversation, we talk about dreaming big, debunking perfectionism, putting your spirit before your ego, and so much more. I gained so much insight and inspiration from my conversation with Lisa, and I hope you do too. This resource is here to support you on your creative journey, wherever it may lead you.