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

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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

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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/

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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

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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.

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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.

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