The Conscious Artist: Mental Health Conversations with Pallavi Mahidhara

In this Season 5 opener, we are joined by the incomparable Sir András Schiff in an intimate and personal conversation about the importance of taking care of yourself as an artist and a human being, why music and politics are inseparable, and the human capacity. Find Sir András Schiff's concert schedule here: https://www.kirshbaumassociates.com/artist.php?id=andrasschiff&aview=bioFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport the show

In this fun bonus episode, two musicians and podcasters share turns interviewing each other for an exclusive, behind the scenes conversation about music, life, and our biggest dreams.  Tune in to hear the host of the Strings Attached podcast, violinist Asaf Maoz, chat with yours truly.Join the Strings Attached community: https://pod.link/1645845109Discover more about Asaf: https://www.toscaniniquartet.com/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport the show

Investment Banker and Classical music enthusiast George Apfelbach sits down with us to share his perspective about the future of classical music.  As a Board member of the educational organization PianoArts in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, George is passionate about continuing the legacy and longevity of classical music. We chat about what we from the artistic perspective can do to engage new audiences, we make (un)educated guesses about the algorithms of social media, and we share our personal views about why classical music allow us to access the deepest levels of our own emotions. Learn more about PianoArts: https://pianoarts.org/?doing_wp_cron=1690707760.8186559677124023437500Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport the show

Iranian-American violist Muriel Razavi shares with us the injustices of what is happening in Iran, her research on Re-Orientalism in Music, and her desire to help make other Iranian voices heard. Discover more of Muriel's work: https://www.murielrazavi.com/More information about Iran: https://linktr.ee/fromiran?fbclid=PAAaa_rTh_e0gz_ohoaCv7mIq-bEOGr1i1urRWoMOI2okzbm5Vr1AsiZIP89M_aem_AdoFikrjfdhBlTm7_B_mKcUuA2KDiF4D0WpmQMXoPkEQckWqBMukg4xMpB3pdE0TP8ohttps://instagram.com/middleeastmatters?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport the show

Former oboist turned psychoanalyst Tim Sawyier shares his knowledge and expertise about psychoanalysis, and how we can learn to better understand our patterns, behaviors, and ourselves.Learn more about Tim's work: https://www.timsawyier.com/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport the show

Multi-faceted and multi-talented ballet dancer Georgina Pazcoguin joins us this week to share her journey as a woman through the world of dance; her experience with freezing her eggs, how each phase of the menstruation cycle affects our bodies, and much more. Follow Georgina's work: https://georginapazcoguin.com/Read Swan Dive: https://georginapazcoguin.com/swan-dive/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport the show

Founding member and 1st violinist of the Dover Quartet, Joel Link, takes us behind the scenes into the life of a string quartet musician. From dealing with member changes to learning how to maintain one's identity while being part of a team, it is ultimately a deep dive into the study of human psychology.Learn more about Joel and the Dover Quartet: https://www.doverquartet.com/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport the show

Accomplished mezzo-soprano Amber Fasquelle shares her experiences in the classical vocal world, filled with power imbalances and people abusing their power; and her strength and courage in her journey of speaking up and fighting for justice to make healthier changes in our industry. Discover more about Amber: http://amberfasquelle.com/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport the show

Grief coach and recovery specialist AmarAtma takes us on a beautiful journey of accepting our grief and all the forms it comes in, and shows us some somatic healing techniques for letting go. Book a session to heal with Amaratma: https://amaratmacoaching.com/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport The Conscious Artist Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1881074/supportSupport the show

Soloist, Professor, and Mother of four, violinist Lily Francis chats with us about the evolution of teaching in our modern day society, and reminds us of the importance of curiosity instead of judgement, practicing taking risks, and healing our own traumas so that we don't pass them down to future generations. Read about Lily's perspective on Mozart: https://mobile.theviolinchannel.com/violinist-lily-francis-stand-learn-mozart-advice/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport The Conscious Artist Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1881074/supportSupport the show

Highly sought-after and prize-winning clarinetist, Kevin Spagnolo, shares his journey through battling Hodgkins Lymphoma in his 20s, and discovering the intensity of his survival instinct within. Discover more about Kevin: https://www.kevinspagnolo.com/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Phenomenal violinist Simone Porter joins us to chat about the art of performing.  In a field where the pressure to be "perfect" is high and nerves can run rampant, she reminds us of how to bring ourselves back to the present, and experience the magic of live performance.  Read more about Simone: https://www.simoneporterviolin.com/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Our second guest this season is Indian-American conductor Vinay Parameswaran.  We dive into the not-so-fun topics of discrimination, micro-racism, as well as the strength and courage of the younger generation. Find out where you can catch Vinay in concert: https://www.vinayparameswaran.com/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Season 4 begins with singer-songwriter Isabel Cox. Born to Chilean and German parents, we explore the concept of identity - musical identity, personal identity, cultural identity, familial identity, how identity crises develop, and much more. Listen to Isabel's music here:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/11fAytuq0mFvV3cPWd5yaPFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

In this season finale, we are joined by CEO and Founder of Classeek, Catarina Amon, who chats with us about the wonderful mission and inspiration behind her organization, and the importance of prioritizing one's wellbeing. Learn more about Classeek: https://classeek.com/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Multi-talented cellist and professor Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir shares with us her journey through improvisation, meditation, and gaining the tools to help her feel free from external pressure and judgment. Learn more about Saeunn: http://www.saeunn.com/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Japanese-Italian Pianist Elena Chiavegato shares her experience with working through the fear of judgement, not only as a professional musician, but also as a legal consultant for Vialto Partners, and previously for PWC. Read more about Elena: https://www.elenachiavegato.com/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

On the 1 year anniversary of this podcast, your very own host Pallavi Mahidhara shares her thoughts and experiences on finding the path from loneliness to solitude; from feeling anxiety when being alone, to feeling at peace with oneself.  Learn more about your host: https://www.pallavimahidhara.com/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

A member of Sinfonia Toronto and the Ton Beau String Quartet, Canadian cellist Sarah Steeves chats with us about the topic of audience participation, and how it differs so greatly from classical music to other musical genres and sports.  The world and the classical musical world in particular is constantly evolving, and perhaps it is time to start exploring new ways to relate to our audiences, and help make the concert experience a more inclusive one.   Read more about Sarah: https://www.lippertmusic.com/profile/sarah-steeves-cello-piano-theory/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Violist and Coach for musicians, Evelin Tomasi, shares with us her expertise and advice on helping herself and other musicians feel better during their studies, onstage, and most importantly, in their lives.Discover more about Evelin here: https://www.coachformusicians.com/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses the traumas and consequences of emotionally and mentally abusive relationships. Internationally sought after singer/songwriter Tess Collins meets us with strength and courage as she shares her journey of healing from emotionally abusive musical and personal relationships. Follow Tess on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tesscollinsmusic/?hl=enFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

This special episode features cellist Dalia Lévy, pianist Álvaro Fernández-Bravo, and bassoonist and composer Marc Sansalvador: three wonderful and talented students who bravely ask your very own host questions about music, life, and how to cope with the many challenges we face on a daily basis, especially in the music world.  Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Psychiatrist Dr. Helen Trebbau shares her expertise in the connection between the mind and the body, and how we can learn to free ourselves from fears and psychological issues through the concept of "playing" - essentially learning to connect with our inner child. Learn more about Dr. Trebbau: https://helentrebbau.com/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Indian-American composer Reena Esmail shares with us her journey of helping to pave the way for the younger generations of South Asians in the arts, and finding a unique and successful way to bridge the gap between Indian and Western classical music.Discover more about Reena here: https://www.reenaesmail.com/Letter to the Young Artist's Immigrant Parents: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce_Qmn3Lh_I/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Accomplished pianist Lana Suran takes us on a journey through her past, growing up with Kurdish and Russian roots in Stockholm, and shares her path of searching for the balance between the basic human need and desire to belong, and finding inner peace and a sense of "home" from within. Discover more about Lana: https://www.lanasuran.comFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses scenarios before and after sexual trauma, but no graphic descriptions of assault.Accomplished singer Lucy Dhegrae shares with us her story of the power of healing, and the science behind the body and trauma. With her courage and strength, she is carrying and healing the trauma of generations before her, and generations to come. Learn more about Lucy's incredible journey: http://www.lucydhegrae.comFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastIf you have experienced sexual trauma, or know anyone that has, you are not alone.  Please find help here:USA: https://www.rainn.orgCANADA: https://endingviolencecanada.org/sexual-assault-centres-crisis-lines-and-support-services/EUROPE: https://www.rcne.comSOUTH AFRICA: https://help.unhcr.org/southafrica/get-help/violence/SOUTH AMERICA: https://www.equalitynow.org/ending-sexual-violence-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean/ASIA: https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/focus-areas/end-violence-against-women/shadow-pandemic-evaw-and-covid-response/list-of-helplinesIf you have more links to share that can help others, please send them to consciousartistpodcast@gmail.com and I will add them here.

Your very own host, Pallavi Mahidhara, shares a short and sweet insight into the importance of being able to let go and adapt when things cannot or do not go as planned.Discover more about Pallavi: https://www.pallavimahidhara.comFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Secretary General of the Geneva International Music Competition, and President of the World Federation of International Music Competitions, Didier Schnorhk, chats with us about his goal of finding the humanity in competitions to create healthier and happier environments for artists.   Learn more about Didier and the Geneva International Competition: https://www.concoursgeneve.ch/eng/people/didier_schnorhkFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast*This episode was recorded on February 20, 2022.  It is shocking to witness the relevance of what is spoken about from 36:02 today; to watch history repeating itself...

Concert Pianist and Co-Founder of the Washington Arts Ensemble Natalia Kazaryan shares her journey of motherhood with us, and the constant search for balance as a mother and a performing artist.  Discover more about Natalia: https://www.nataliakazaryan.comWashington Arts Ensemble: https://www.washingtonartsensemble.orgFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Meditation teacher Ofer Shani shares his expertise with us on the benefits of meditation.  He is a former product specialist and tech entreprenuer,  and currently works for Classeek, as their advisor to the CEO.  Listen to Ofer's meditation playlist: https://open.spotify.com/show/6684Au2BR2YNwbJQkiQms4?autoplay=trueFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Former Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Trumpet player turned Physiotherapist, Jon Kretschmer, shares invaluable insight and tips for musicians and non-musicians alike, to maintain healthier muscles, reminding us of the importance of mindful practice habits.  Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Suzuki and Curtis Institute of Music Alumna, Cellist Yumi Kendall, shares her journey with us as she learns to apply positive psychology to the different musical settings in her life with the Philadelphia Orchestra and with her students.  Discover more about Yumi: http://www.pomusicians.org/yumi-kendall.htmlFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Professor of Psychiatry and Human Genetics, Dr. Vishwajit Nimgaonkar, gives us an insight into the different types of depression that can develop, some tips for recognizing the signs, and useful tools to guide us into healing and getting the necessary help needed. Read more about Dr. Nimgaonkar here: https://www.psychiatry.pitt.edu/about-us/our-people/faculty/vishwajit-l-nimgaonkar-md-phdFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastUS Listeners: If you or anyone you know has depression and needs help, know that you are not alone.  Please call:National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Author, Writer, and Reporter Brianna Holt chats with us about the importance of representation, and how discrimination and racism take their tolls on individual and collective mental health. Learn more about Brianna here: https://www.briannaholt.meFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

American singer-songwriter Jon McLaughlin shares his experiences and knowledge with us throughout his career, recognizing the need to separate his identity from his work, finding his grounding through his faith and family, and learning to trust and let go onstage. Discover more about Jon here: https://www.jonmcl.comFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Violinists and Founders of Intermission, Melissa White and Elena Urioste share their journey with us on how they decided to launch their ground-breaking program that unites body, mind, breath, and music-making through yoga and meditation.  We chat about the importance of breath work as it relates to our instruments, how learning to still your mind and body positively and directly affect our abilities onstage, and learning to meet yourself where you are in the present moment. Read more about Intermission here: https://www.intermissionsessions.comMelissa White: https://melissawhiteviolin.comElena Urioste: https://www.elenaurioste.comFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Multi-talented violinist Alexi Kenney takes us on his personal journey during the pandemic, the existential questions it brought up, and finding his way back to himself through music.  Read more about Alexi here: https://www.alexikenney.comFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Cuban-Chinese cellist and interdisciplinary artist, Sophia Bacelar, shares a vulnerable and detailed account of her experiences with anxiety and imposter syndrome, and how martial arts have played a big role in helping to regain control on and off stage. Explore more of Sophia's talents here: http://www.sophiabacelar.comFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Cognitive scientist Dr. Maya Shankar shares her personal experiences dealing with big life changes, and how to find deeper meaning with the things we do in our lives to connect us more to our purpose. Discover more about Dr. Shankar: https://mayashankar.com/bioA Slight Change of Plans (Podcast):  https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/a-slight-change-of-plans/id1561860622Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Award-winning author, Rana Dasgupta, leads us in an extremely thought-provoking conversation about the philosophies of life, suffering, art, and humanity.  Learn more about Rana Dasgupta here: https://www.brown.edu/academics/english/rana-dasguptaFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Accomplished violist Sara Ferrández and I share our past personal experiences with physical injuries from playing, and explore the connection between physical injuries and mental health.  Learn more about Sara: https://www.saraferrandez.comFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Actor and Dancer Saaj Raja gets deep with us about existential life questions and those "fork in the road" moments that force us to choose between what is right (for us) and what is easy.  Discover more about Saaj's talents: https://www.saajraja.comFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Levine Music CEO Jeff Tribble chats with us about the importance of learning an instrument as it relates to cognitive and emotional development,  and the benefits of music education in the community.  Learn more about Jeff and Levine Music: https://www.levinemusic.org/about/people/jeffery-tribble-jr/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Violinist Josef Špaček shares his experiences preparing for some of the world's biggest competitions, auditions, and stages, and the mental resilience he has built overtime as a result of having successfully navigated through these "baptisms of fire." Learn more about Josef here: https://www.josefspacek.comFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Ex-Ballet Dancer and now Personal Trainer to the Stars, Cindy Jourdain, gives invaluable advice about the necessity of taking care of one's body and mind as a performing artist.  She shares how personal experiences and realizations have helped guide her to seek more physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance in her life.  Read more about Cindy's artistic and fitness adventures: https://www.cindyjourdain.comThe two books Cindy mentions at 40:49 are:The Prophet by Kahil Gibran The Tibetan Book of the Living and the Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Actor and Pianist Mario Mario, currently starring in Los Protegidos: El regreso, connects with us through his emotions and values as an artist, and shares his vulnerability in coping with the grief and loss of a loved one.  Discover more about Mario: http://www.musiespana.com/mario-marzohttps://www.aleighthouse.com/en/mario-marzo-en/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastNote: This episode is dedicated to Benjamin Paul Davis, a clarinetist, my best friend in high school, and one of the most beautiful souls I've ever known.  Ben left this earth too soon, but his memory will live on in my heart and in our shared love of music.  Love you always, Ben. 

Welcome to The Conscious Artist, a safe space for conversations around mental health awareness for musicians, artists, and all human beings.  I am your host, Pallavi Mahidhara - a concert pianist and teacher.  My hope for this show is to give all of us a sense of solidarity and knowledge that we are not alone, and together, through these conversations, we can create more awareness and change for a healthier future.  Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

World-renowned cellist Gary Hoffman offers us incredible life lessons and his personal view on what it means to remain true to yourself as a musician and a human being.   Visit Gary Hoffman's website: http://www.gary-hoffman.comFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Violinist Nick Kendall from the genre-defying band, Time for Three, chats with us about his  musical journey, and how he carved out a path and defined success for himself that was true to his passion.  Learn more about Nick and Time for Three: https://www.tf3.comFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast

Dr. Emily Wong is a physician, brain health coach, certified Life Coach, and the founder of the wellness blog, Integrity Healing.  She gives us valuable insights into managing stress and burnout, and how to #momyourbrain.  Learn more about Dr. Wong and her work: https://www.integrityhealing.infoFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcast