Musings of the Artist: (Honest) Conversations with Montse Andrée

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Morning. Theme music is by Ilan Isakov.

Valerie June Oct 04, 2020

Valerie June is a singer, songwriter, poet, and multi-instrumentalist. She also (so wonderfully) describes herself as a “professional dreamer.”

In this episode she speaks on finding home on the road and within oneself, her writing practice, manifestation, and how to be a “light worker.” We also chat about being hermit-like, moving through sadness, the joy of nature and letters, and much more!

Valerie radiates warmth and you can feel it every moment of this conversation.

Where to find Valerie:

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Music is by Ilan Isakov.

Naomi Shihab Nye Sep 22, 2020

Naomi Shihab Nye is a Palestinian-American poet, Young People's Poet Laureate through the Poetry Foundation, and editor of poems for the New York Times Sunday magazine. She has written or edited more than 30 books, most recently Cast Away, The Tiny Journalist, Voices in the Air, and Everything Comes Next.

Naomi is full of poignant stories and refreshing wisdom. In this episode, she reads my all-time favorite poem “Kindness.” She touches on loss, how to get yourself back on the path to gratitude when you start to get into a worry cycle, collective suffering and unspoken pain, how attentive listening to oneself and others will give you what you need when you need it, and the ways in which the people we lose, stay. She speaks on all these things, and more with a genuine positivity that is contagious. This is a must-listen episode!

Where to find Naomi:

Poetry Foundation

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Ilan Isakov.

Dawn Landes Sep 11, 2020

Dawn Landes is a singer-songwriter and delightful person. In this episode we chat all about art and life. We get into her album ROW about the incredible story of Tori Murden McClure (the first woman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean!), her life as a new-ish mother, our love of memoirs, Patti Smith, and much more.

Where to find Dawn:

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Music is by Ilan Isakov.

Lissie Jun 30, 2020

Lissie is an American singer-songwriter.

In this episode we talk all about vulnerability. On feeling “oversized” emotions and the creative side of that, trauma (collective and personal), comparative suffering, and the special bonds we can form with animals. She also speaks on her quarantine experience, what it’s like living on a farm in Iowa, on the kindness in openness, and her favorite musical memory.

While speaking with Lissie I almost forgot it was being recorded - it just felt like I was speaking with an old friend! I think if you’re a deep-feeling kind of person like me you’re going to get so much out of this episode.

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Ilan Isakov.

Christine Shevchenko Jun 15, 2020

Christine Shevchenko is a Principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre. I spoke with her last month about life as a principal ballerina - and what that looks like during quarantine! I love hearing stories about the moment people recognize the thing that brings them to life - and she shares her moment, when she knew she wanted to be a dancer. Christine also tells us what makes global water charities and refugee organizations so important to her, and reflects on falling and getting back up, on stage and in life.

Where to find Christine:

Website (ABT)

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Ilan Isakov.

Tara Schuster May 26, 2020

Tara Schuster is an author, playwright, and Comedy Central’s VP of Talent and Development.

We chat all about her new book, "Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies: and Other Rituals to Fix Your Life from Someone Who has Been There". We talk rock bottoms, re-parenting, becoming your own champion and making new friends as an adult. Tara tells us why “should” is her least favorite word and she has some wise words to share about not comparing our pain to others. I so enjoyed this conversation with Tara and have a hunch you’ll be nodding your head “yes!” along with me as you listen to her.

Where to find Tara:

The Book

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Ilan Isakov.

Carolyn Forché May 12, 2020

Carolyn Forché is a poet, translator, and activist whose work has been translated into over twenty languages. Her books of poetry are Blue Hour, The Angel of History, The Country Between Us, Gathering the Tribes, and In the Lateness of the World. Her memoir, What You Have Heard Is True, describes her time in El Salvador shortly before and during the civil war there, and was a finalist for the 2019 National Book Award for Nonfiction. Carolyn is also a Co-Chair with Gloria Steinem of Hedgebrook's Creative Advisory Council.

In this conversation, we talk about her incredible story, on being a witness to such pain and suffering and the myth of closure. We talk about the art of writing and the emotional aspect of publication. She tells us the greatest cure for our own pain is to have a positive effect on the world, even in some small way, and I wholeheartedly agree.

Getting to speak with Carolyn was such an honor, and I’m so grateful to be able to share this conversation with you.

Where to find Carolyn:

Goodreads

Carolyn's Latest Books

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Ilan Isakov.

Tina Lifford May 04, 2020

Tina Lifford is an actress, playwright and author. She currently plays Aunt Vi on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network’s showQueen Sugar, and you might also recognize her from her roles on Scandal and Parenthood. She is also known behind the camera as a playwright, and author of The Little Book of Big Lies.

As you will find within moments of listening to Tina, she exudes positivity and light. In this episode we chat about her quarantine experience, her role as Aunt Vi on Queen Sugar, and ALL about inner health, well-being and the human experience. She talks about going from the surviving self to the thriving self, producing authentic art, cultivating inner resilience, and the unifying power of music. She unpacks the powerful phrase ”Up until now, from this point forward” and how daydreaming and reconnecting with gratitude can turn your day around.

This conversation felt like a big warm hug for me and I hope listening in gives you this same comfort.

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Ilan Isakov.

Gina Chavez Apr 28, 2020

Gina Chavez is a bilingual singer-songwriter based in Austin, TX.

Singing in both English and Spanish, her record Up.Rooted topped both the Amazon and Latin iTunes charts following a feature on NPR's All Things Considered. Her Tiny Desk concert made NPR’s top 15 of 2015.

In this wide-ranging conversation we talk about her Latin roots, releasing music during the pandemic, breaking through the noise as an independent artist, learning how to step back from the comparison game, and self-giving love. She also speaks on her most recent song Ella (about persisting in times of trouble), and her theme music on Brené Brown’s new podcast.

Where to find Gina:

Lily King Apr 20, 2020

Lily King is the author of five award-winning novels including Euphoria which was named one of the 10 best books of 2014 by The New York Times. Her most recent novel Writers & Lovers was published in March this year, and I LOVED it. In addition to her novels, she has published many stories and essays including a piece for Modern Love (An Empty Heart Is One That Can Be Filled). If you haven’t read it already, it’s one of my favorites in the column.

In this episode we talk about her new book, how she’s coping during quarantine, and re-imaging her book tour, virtually. She packs so much wisdom into this conversation, including on what she really needed to hear as a young writer.

I hope you are all staying as well as can be during this unsettling time and finding silver linings where you can. Getting to virtually meet Lily was one of my week’s highlights and I hope listening in makes you feel a little better, too.

Where to find Lily:

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Ilan Isakov.

Jane Beaird Apr 13, 2020

Under the name Quiet Creature, illustrator and fine artist Jane Beaird’s work has been featured by Glamour Magazine, Teen Vogue and highlighted by national political organizations, celebrated actors, and prominent advocacy groups including Planned Parenthood and The Women's March. She made the cover art for this podcast, too! She also works in the Film and TV world as an actress and stand-in.

Jane is based in Brooklyn, NY but is currently quarantined in New Orleans. We talk about this unsettling time, and what it feels like to move through the world as a highly sensitive soul. She also shares about being a visual artist, a stand-in for Anne Hathaway, and what it’s like working on a film set as an empath.

One of the many things I loved about this episode is that we talked honestly about various shades of mental illness, and I so appreciate Jane being open about her own story with Persistent Depressive Disorder (also called Dysthymia).

You know when you meet a new friend and it just feels like this immediate kinship and soul connection? That is exactly what it was like when we met, and I know you are going to fall in love with Jane, too.

Where to find Jane:

Website

Instagram

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music by Ilan Isakov.

Letitia VanSant Mar 24, 2020

Letitia VanSant is a folk singer-songwriter based in Baltimore, MD.

She has received many awards and accolades for her songwriting including being named among Paste Magazine’s “10 Country Artists to Watch” in 2020. Her new album Circadian was released last month, and is an honest and powerful reflection on significant themes.

In our conversation we touch on re-imagining dreams, quieting your inner critic, the delicate balance of holding people accountable for their actions while also leaving room for compassion, and the many layers of loneliness.

I know it’s a time of heightened anxiety for so many of us right now. Having a conversation with Letitia about topics outside of the pandemic was a welcome distraction for me, and I hope that listening in might be able to help you a little bit, too.

Where to find Letitia:

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme Music is by Ilan Isakov.

Jessica Ciencin Henriquez Feb 24, 2020

Jessica Ciencin Henriquez is a Colombian-American writer and editor. Her personal essays and narrative journalism have appeared in the New York Times among many other publications. Her essays have also been featured in multiple anthologies, including Oprah's Little Guide to The Big Questions, and she is the author of the forthcoming memoir: If You Loved Me You Would Know.

Jess is also a wonderful writing teacher which is how we met!

In this episode, we speak on growing up between two vastly different cultures, on the necessity of vulnerability in art, on the key element that helps transform pain into gratitude. She notes that all of her success has followed rejection and shares a wonderful story that serves as a reminder that when the door doesn’t open, it’s not your door, and something better is around the corner. We also talk about our shared feeling towards the suggestion of growing a “thick skin” (spoiler, we don’t like it).

Jess drops so much wisdom as I knew she would. I always feel lighter and so inspired after talking to her and this was no exception. I’m thrilled for you to get to know her, too!

Where to find Jessica:

Birds of Chicago on Instagram

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Ilan Isakov.

Allison Russell (Birds of Chicago, Our Native Daughters) Feb 04, 2020

Allison (“Alli”) Russell is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist in Birds of Chicago and Our Native Daughters. She is also a mother and describes herself as a “connection seeker.”

I recently sat down with Alli in New Orleans, and I was so grateful to spend this hour with her. Alli has an incredibly powerful story. To me, she is a shining example of someone who has walked through darkness and come out on the other side beaming with warmth and beauty.

In this episode you’ll hear Alli speak about her time in foster care, finding the strength to escape an abusive home at such a young age, on creating community, motherhood, finding love in chosen family, how music changed her life, and more.

Alli is an extraordinary artist and human. Throughout this conversation, as you’ll hear I laughed, I cried, I was so moved by Alli’s story. I know you will be too.

Where to find Birds of Chicago and Our Native Daughters:

Birds of Chicago Website

Birds of Chicago on Twitter

Our Native Daughters on NPR

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music by Ilan Isakov.

Podcast webpage here.

Krista Tippett Jan 20, 2020

Krista Tippett is the creator and host of On Being and a New York Times bestselling author. She radiates wisdom and generosity and is one of the wisest voices of our time. In 2014, President Obama awarded Krista the National Humanities Medal at the White House for “thoughtfully delving into the mysteries of human existence.”

In this conversation, we dive into the deeper meaning of the words “beauty” and “love.” We discuss cultivating qualities of character, going from, as Krista says, “wound to gift,” illuminating the quiet voices, and much more.

It’s hard for me to put into words how special this episode is to me. It’s one I will always cherish.

I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude to Krista and the entire team at On Being for welcoming me to their beautiful studio and my thanks to Chris Heagle for recording this episode.

Where to find Krista / On Being:

Krista’s most recent book: Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living

This episode was recorded at On Being's studio by Chris Heagle, and edited by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Ilan Isakov.

Zac Clark Jan 07, 2020

Zac Clark is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Nashville. After seven years traveling the world as a member of Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Zac is leaving the band and heading out on his own with new music on the way. While co-writing on each Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness record, Zac released two solo records, 2015's "I Am a Guest" and 2012's "Young Volcanoes." His self-titled album was released last year.

We recently sat down in LA and talked books, music, rock bottoms, and a whole lot more.

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Ilan Isakov.

Podcast Website here.

Ben Moon Dec 17, 2019

Ben Moon is a filmmaker, photographer and author based on the Oregon coast. His beautifully vulnerable memoir "Denali: A Man, a Dog, and the Friendship of a Lifetime" will be released on Penguin Books in January 2020.

Ben has inspired countless people with his photography for Patagonia, impactful portrait series, and the short film "Denali". His new memoir is a moving account of Ben’s journey with colorectal cancer and his special relationship with his dog.

In this episode, we discuss living as an “off-the-charts” empath, the healing powers of dogs and nature, his creative process, and much more! When I read Ben’s memoir, which at its core is a story of growth, resilience, and genuine love and connection, my cheeks were stained with tears. Getting to sit down with him over tea and just talk about life for an hour was so lovely. I can’t wait for you to hear his story.

Where to find Ben:

Pre-Order Ben’s Memoir: ‘Denali’

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Ilan Isakov.

Podcast webpage here.

Pádraig Ó Tuama Dec 03, 2019

Pádraig Ó Tuama is a poet and theologian based in Ireland. He is the author of a number of books including a gorgeous memoir called In the Shelter: Finding a Home in the World.

Themes of loneliness, belonging, language, and the power of storytelling are laced throughout his work, and we unpack these topics, and much more in this conversation.

If you enjoy this episode, I’d highly recommend reading his heart-opening memoir and listening to his On Being interviews with Krista Tippett - where you can find more of Pádraig’s replenishing wisdom.

Where to find Pádraig:

Musings of the Artist is audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Ilan Isakov.

Podcast website: https://www.montseandree.com/podcast

E.J. Koh Oct 22, 2019

E. J. Koh is a poet, author and translator based in Seattle, WA. Her book of poetry is called A Lesser Love, and her memoir The Magical Language of Others is forthcoming this January.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with E.J. in her home recently, where we discussed everything from memoir writing, to inter-generational trauma, to her “Love Letter” project which is all about her mission to write a thousand letters to strangers by hand. She tells us what drove her to start the project and the common thread she’s noticed about the stories we tell ourselves.

E.J. also shared the old way she used to deal with rejection to her new approach of taking the rejection as a gentle nudge, a whisper saying “not right now.”

If you are a storyteller or want to be, I think this episode will be especially relevant but truly you can glean so much wisdom from E.J.’s words no matter who you are or what you’re up to!

Where to find E.J.:

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Heather Maloney.

Run River North Oct 08, 2019

Alex Hwang is a singer and songwriter for the Los Angeles based band Run River North.

In this conversation, we touch on growing up bi-culturally and Alex speaks on learning how to find ways to talk about his Korean culture. He also talks about his faith, how finding a routine in yoga helps him battle anxiety, about his love of reading and getting lost in menial tasks. He also shares the most touching story about a Run River North fan, and what he’s most excited about right now.

Where to find Run River North:

Where to find Run River North:

Website: http://home.runrivernorth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runrivernorth/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runrivernorth

Twitter: https://twitter.com/runrivernorth

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFn3IPGHVWH_C0j4nt6iICw

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme song is by Heather Maloney.

Episode webpage here.

Sam Lamott Sep 24, 2019

Sam Lamott is the creator of the Hello Humans website and How To Human podcast. If you like this podcast you should definitely check his out as well! He’s had many wonderful guests including Brené Brown, Byron Katie and his mom Anne Lamott.

In this conversation, we get deep real fast. I love that Sam speaks so openly and honestly about his story. He talks about being the sensitive kid who didn’t feel like he belonged. About being an addict and getting sober at 22. On being a young dad. Learning how to live well with depression. On getting past envy, and how to keep going, even when you feel like a failure.

He also tells us how pain has been his biggest teacher, and we talk about how the smallest moments of kindness can make a major impact on ourselves and others.

If you’ve struggled with any kind of addiction, I think it will be especially powerful for you to hear Sam’s story, but no matter who you are or what you’re going through, you will find plenty of wisdom, comfort and inspiration throughout the episode.

Where to Find Sam/Hello Humans:

Sam on Instagram

Hello Humans Instagram

Website
Instagram
Instagram Tribute to Jessie’s Mother

Hello Humans Website

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Heather Maloney.

Danya Kukafka Aug 27, 2019

Danya Kukafka is the bestselling author of the novel Girl in Snow and is currently at work on another book.

In this episode we talk a lot about writing, and the whole process of publishing a book. We dive into the differences between writing long form fiction vs. non-fiction, what drew her towards fiction in particular, and she shares how her first published novel came to be.

Some other themes we cover include resisting comparison, nostalgia, criticism, and how she deals with negative feedback as a writer.

If you are an author or aspiring writer I think you’ll get a lot out of this episode. And if you’re an artist of any kind you’ll find a lot of gems here. I hope you enjoy!

Where to find Danya:
Website
Instagram
Twitter
Goodreads

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme song is by Heather Maloney.

WALK THE MOON (Nicholas Petricca) Aug 13, 2019

Nicholas Petricca is the lead singer of pop-rock band WALK THE MOON and is also an incredibly thoughtful, deep soul as you’ll hear in this episode!

In this conversation, we dive deep and talk about art and expression - as he says “we’re either expressing or suppressing”. He speaks on how being a touring musician is like living multiple lives, his greatest teachers, and we unpack anxiety and learning how to banish self-judgement. Nicholas also speaks on the heartbreaking loss of his father to Alzheimer’s and how Kundalini yoga helped him cope with this incredibly painful time in his life.

I can’t stop thinking about the line you hear Nicholas say at the top of this intro… “Everything is a gift if you allow it to be. Pain is information about what matters to you.”

I’ve been a fan of WALK THE MOON for years and it was such a treat to sit down with Nicholas over tea in his beautiful home. I left our conversation feeling so touched by his honesty and depth and I’m certain you will too.

Where to find WALK THE MOON:

Official Site: http://www.walkthemoonband.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walkthemoon

Twitter: http://twitter.com/walkthemoonband

Instagram: http://instagram.com/walkthemoonband

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme song is by Heather Maloney.

Jessie McCall Jul 23, 2019

Jessie McCall is a Portland-based photographer who has brought her camera on the road capturing the tours of some of your favorite musicians, and more recently can be found diving into the mystical world of underwater photography. I’ve been photographed by her a number of times and I can tell you the magic she creates is something wonderfully unique.

We cover many topics in this episode including, the truth of what we don’t always see behind fame, success or simply someone’s Instagram feed. The vulnerability of being single, and the growth that happens in a partnership. Finding beauty in our bodies no matter what shape or size we are, and Jessie shares who’s inspiring her to feel comfortable in her own skin. She tells us what she does to get on the other side of a bad day, the story of her mother’s incredible life as a journalist for LIFE magazine, her own artistic path as a photographer with an emphasis on capturing the evocative raw nature of humanity.

We talk about so much more - and if you are an artist or have an artist’s soul so many things in this conversation are going to speak to you.

The photos she captures are some of the most striking images I’ve come across, and as you’ll hear her story is just as captivating.

Where to find Jessie:

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme song is by Heather Maloney.

Natalie Stovall Jul 09, 2019

Natalie Stovall is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, from Nashville, TN. She’s also an old friend of mine as we met years ago in college.

Natalie has been playing on a stage almost her entire life and made her Grand Ole Opry debut at the age of 12. She has performed everywhere from the White House to The Oprah Show and more recently was a contestant on The Voice. Natalie tells us about her time on the show, and you’ll hear us talk about being two of the only girls during our time at Berklee College of Music!

This was such a fun conversation that takes us many places. She shares about having been a bit heartbroken by music, and finding her way back to a new place with it. On navigating social media as an artist. Her most memorable concert experience that still gives her chills. How she uses gratitude to turn a bad day around. And, it was also so nice hearing her love for her best friend Ruthie Collin’s artistry.

Natalie radiates joy and warmth and if you don’t already know her I know you’re going to love getting to know her a bit through this chat.

Where to find Natalie:

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Heather Maloney.

Holly Miranda Jun 25, 2019

Holly Miranda is a singer-songwriter who grew up Detroit but left home at 16 to pursue music.

We speak on forgiveness, inter-generational friendships, healing through singing, grief, Ibiza, chosen family, moving through feelings of not belonging, stage fright, how to protect yourself from negative energy and more. Holly has an incredibly powerful story and her resilience and depth continues to inspire me.

Where to find Holly:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollymiranda/

Website: https://www.hollymiranda.com/

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Heather Maloney.

Bonus Episode: On the Record with Heather Maloney Jun 13, 2019

A special episode featuring sneak peeks of the songs on Heather Maloney's upcoming album "Soil In The Sky". Heather speaks openly and honestly about the stories behind these songs.

For more info on the album visit heathermaloney.com

This episode was produced by Aaron Moring. Theme song by Heather Maloney (!).

Pico Iyer Jun 04, 2019

Pico Iyer is a travel writer who has been to over 80 countries, the best-selling author of many books, and he has given TED talks that have reached millions. More importantly, he is one of the most genuine, generous, kind-hearted people I have ever come across. I had the honor of sitting down with him recently in Santa Barbara, California. It was one of the most special conversations of my life, and I’m so elated to be able to share it with you.

Pico talks about life without a cell phone, finding friends in books, losing everything he owned in a fire years ago, and how it brought him closer to the simple and beautiful life that he now has in Japan. We mused on the idea of home: how places can feel like people, and how we can be instinctively drawn to a place, as Pico calls them, our “secret homes.”

My friend Ayappa always says to me “quality recognizes quality” and those words rung in my mind as Pico recounted his friendships with the Dalai Lama, Leonard Cohen, Krista Tippett - and other incredible souls just like him.

Pico is such a treasure and I know you are going to love hearing his story and all the wisdom he shares. Be sure to check out Pico’s interviews on Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations podcast and Krista Tippett’s On Being podcast as well!

Where to find Pico:

Pico’s TED Talks

Pico on Krista Tippett's On Being Podcast

Pico on Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations Podcast

Pico on Facebook and Twitter

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Heather Maloney.

Melissa Messer May 14, 2019

Melissa Messer is an American realist oil painter based in Seattle, WA. I got a chance to sit down with Melissa in her beautiful studio last week. We were surrounded by her paintings, there was tea, some cat meows in the background... and it was just perfect.

We had a wide-ranging conversation and cover a lot of topics dear to my heart - including art and vulnerability. The gifts and challenges of being an empath. Putting your art out and allowing for criticism. Settling into yourself and the effects of that in art. We also talk about in-between times of life, and the beauty and fertileness of going through a season of uncertainty.

I’m such a fan of Melissa’s art and what she does with words. I teared up multiple times throughout this conversation because it made me feel so much. I hope it moves something in you, too!

Where to find Melissa:

Project Girl Crush Interview with Melissa

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Heather Maloney.

Katie Jayne Earl of The Mowgli's Apr 30, 2019

Katie Jayne Earl is part of the Los Angeles band The Mowgli’s. She’s also a fierce advocate and does so much good in this world. I’ve been lucky to know Katie for a number of years now and have seen that first hand.

This conversation was both fun and deep. Katie speaks on how grieving holds value. On why it’s important to her to use her platform to do something that’s greater than herself. She reflects on all the women in her life who make her feel like “the closet purest version” of herself, and why simply thinking of her best friends can be the key to getting through a rough patch.

We chat about how dating random people can be really weird, and she shares how her relationship with her husband and band-mate came to be. We also get all girly and talk about hair for a bit.

As always, you’ll hear her “favorites”: book, record, place, memory and more!

Where to find Katie / The Mowgli’s:

Instagram: The Mowgli’s and Katie

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Heather Maloney.

Aran Goyoaga Apr 23, 2019

Aran Goyoaga is a cookbook author, photographer and creator of Cannelle et Vanille.

Everything that Aran touches holds so much beauty – her photos, her food, her words. One of the things that makes Aran so special is her genuine care and honesty. She isn’t afraid to talk about the messy parts of being human, including as she says her “shadow side.” We go deep in our conversation and talk about everything from searching for and the claiming of identity, to feelings of not belonging, eating disorders, depression, the incredible power of gentleness, and learning to listen to intuition. You’ll also hear us talk about our shared Spanish roots and I loved hearing Aran speak about the ways her father and whole family have deeply influenced her.

I don’t have the adequate words to describe how much I enjoyed this conversation. Aran’s salient and empathetic advice, artistic sensibility, and stories are full of so much meaning, truth, and they sparked many moments of inspiration for me. I’m so grateful for this conversation and am elated to share it with you all.

**Where to find Aran: **

Instagram

Website(s): http://www.cannellevanille.com/ and https://www.arangoyoaga.com/

Pre-order her new cookbook “Cannelle et Vanille” here !

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Heather Maloney.

Jeffrey Martin and Mick Flannery Apr 16, 2019

Jeffrey Martin is an internationally touring singer-songwriter based in Portland, OR. Mick Flannery is an award-winning singer-songwriter from Ireland.

These two share a deep appreciation for each other, many similarities, and a tour van occasionally. It was great to sit down with them while they were on tour recently and catch a glimpse into their friendship and hear their unique stories.

Jeffrey tells us about his decision to walk away from full-time teaching into full-time music. Mick shares about his own turn towards music as a career after working in a completely different profession. They discuss the transition from touring back to real life, and what - in addition to beer - helps them get through rough patches.

We also chat about Steinbeck’s tenderness and their “favorites” - books, music, memories and more!

Where to find Jeffrey:

Instagram and Website

Where to find Mick:

Instagram and Website

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Heather Maloney.

Rachel Demy Apr 09, 2019

Rachel Demy is a music photographer who honed her craft while on the road with various rock bands over 10+ years as a tour manager. She’s from Portland, OR and now based in Seattle.

Our wide-ranging conversation takes us everywhere from panic attacks, to the romance (and heartbreak) of friendships, to taking leaps of faith by following your instincts, to learning how to live in the grey.

This is one of my favorite conversations - on or off the podcast - ever. Maybe it’s because Rachel is so raw and vulnerable (which allowed me to be the same), maybe it’s because we cover topics that are heavy on my mind lately, or maybe it’s just because Rachel is so darn wonderful. I know you’re going to love her (and all the wisdom she shares), too!

Where to find Rachel:
Website
Instagram: @racheldemy and @racheldemyfilm

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Morning. Theme music by Heather Maloney.

Peter Mulvey Apr 02, 2019

Peter Mulvey is a folk singer-songwriter and all around wonderful human. He is a deeply curious person who loves poetry, so I already knew we’d be fast friends and have a lot to talk about!

We got a chance to sit down together in San Francisco, and we cover a lot of ground during this conversation.

He tells us about a time he was living alone in an empty house in a little town, and the profound encounter with a fox he had during that time that led to beautiful lyrics. He talks about the important distinction between solitude and isolation, and I love how he unpacks the feeling of grief.

He talks about what tools have helped him get through darker times, including being as he describes a “very persistent half-assed meditator”, nature, community, and looking after other people. I’d like to add an exclamation point on that last bit: if you’re going through a hard time, I can’t emphasize enough how useful it is to do something - however small - to make someone else feel better when you’re down. When I’m going through it, this is the one thing that consistently helps me get out of a funk. And I was happy to hear Peter say it too.

He also tells us some of the writers and musicians whose creativity moves him. And wow - I got goosebumps all over when he describes his favorite memory – it’s a good one.

Everyone I know who is friends with Peter says he’s one of the best humans they know, and I can see why.

**Where to find Peter: **

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Morning. Theme music by Heather Maloney.

Daniel Ellsworth and Beth Mathews Mar 29, 2019

In this episode, I’m talking to my good friends Daniel Ellsworth and Beth Mathews.

Beth is a graphic designer but also spends her time working on many impactful social justice projects, including The Mom Bag, a non-profit she started to help refugee mothers.

Daniel is a musician in the band Daniel Ellsworth
& The Great Lakes.

We touch on so many topics throughout this conversation - everything from dogs, their creative inspirations, to feelings of guilt, and anxiety. And speaking of anxiety - Beth has a super awesome “anxiety manual” she created to help those who struggle with it, and you should check out - it’s definitely helped me!

There are so many nuggets of wisdom throughout this chat as I knew there would be, because Dan and Beth are two of the best people I know.

Where to find Daniel and Beth:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethmathews/ and https://www.instagram.com/danielellsworth/

Websites: https://www.bethmathews.com/ and https://danielellsworthandthegreatlakes.com/

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music is by Heather Maloney.

Meera Lee Patel Mar 20, 2019

Meera Lee Patel is an illustrator and writer, whose work is focused on mental health and helping people feel more connected to themselves. She is the author of My Friend Fear: Finding Magic in the Unknown, and two beautiful journals: Made Out of Stars, and Start Where You Are.

In this episode, we chat about pushing through fear, and the freedom that comes from both being wholly yourself and learning that not everyone is for you and that’s OK.

She tells her story about when she realized most of her time was being spent in a way that wasn’t meaningful to her, at the same time she found herself feeling free in paining and writing. She shares her journey on how she moved towards her creative vocation full time.

We talk about physical and emotional scars and the ongoing process of being brave enough to show them to the world. And I love how she notes that talking about her own scars “brings me closer to myself but also to other people.”

Meera also speaks about how the artist process is so similar to the human process, what it is about reading both fiction and non-fiction that help her through a hard time, and much more.

I loved getting to know Meera a bit through this conversation and I know you’ll find her to be a beautiful person just as I did!

**Where to find Meera: **

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meeraleepatel/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/meeraleepatel

Website: https://www.meeralee.com/

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring and theme music is by Heather Maloney.

Emily Katz of Modern Macramé Mar 11, 2019

Emily Katz of Modern Macramé is an artist (in many forms!) based in Portland, OR.

This conversation is woven with so many nuggets of wisdom from Emily. She tells us about her beautiful creative story, and I really loved how she calls out that even though on the outside it might look like everything “just happened” and fell into her lap, that while yes there was a kismet magic to her story, that it’s all about what you do with it. And she really has done so much.

She also shares some of her coping mechanisms for when she’s going through a rough day including her go-to activity to lift her spirits. She speaks about those moments that happen to all of us - as she puts it “even if you have everything that you imagine and dreamt up, you can still feel terrible” - and about learning to forgive yourself when you do feel that way, remembering that we all do sometimes.

We cover a lot of ground in the episode! I think Emily is so inspiring and lovely, and I know you are going to really enjoy hearing her story.

Where to find Emily:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emily_katz/ and https://www.instagram.com/modernmacrame/

Websites: www.emilykatz.com and www.modernmacrame.com

Griff Goldsmith of Dawes Mar 04, 2019

Griff Goldsmith is a Los Angeles-based musician in the band Dawes. In this episode, we chat about his life as a touring musician, and his love of books and dogs.

He shares how introspection and mindfulness help him get through moments of stress or unease. We also talk a lot about the mind-body connection and how being mentally unhealthy can manifest itself into the body. He tells his own story about what he describes as a “revelatory experience” around his back pain.

He also shares the invaluable lesson his brother Taylor has imparted on him, and a whole lot more!

Where to find Griff (and Dawes):

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawestheband/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dawestheband

Website: https://dawestheband.com/

Misty Boyce Feb 25, 2019

Misty Boyce is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She is part of the band Lord Huron and has an incredible solo career to boot! Her latest album is called "Get Lost" and touches on the hard stuff in life including tragedy and loss, depression, and what can be the emptiness of fame.

In addition to her solo career, Misty has performed and toured with many notable artists including Sara Bareilles.

I got a chance to catch up with Misty in her home studio in LA and I loved this conversation so much. Misty is a new friend, but someone I connected with instantly. We talk about getting through the lowest of lows. Moving from devastation to freedom. On tackling body image issues as women. On pushing through fear, and as she so perfectly says, “When you tackle the heavy, dark things, they become light...do not run away from them.”

She also talks about her incredible path in music (which started when she was nine!), shares some special musical moments (like being in the vocal booth with Sting!), how meditation has been life-changing, and so much more.

Plus, she shares her “favorite” list, including her go-to song to sing in the shower!

Where to find Misty:

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring.

Theme music by Heather Maloney.

Sara Forte of Sprouted Kitchen Feb 19, 2019

Sara Forte is the creator of the award winning food blog Sprouted Kitchen, as well as the author of two cookbooks - James Beard nominee Sprouted Kitchen and Sprouted Kitchen Bowl + Spoon. She is based in Southern California.

I first stumbled onto her blog some years ago and before I even tried any of her recipes I fell in love with her writing, and the way she wrote so truthfully about life stuff. In this episode we talk about her love of journal style writing, and how she writes more of the story of the “why” behind the food rather then “just about the tomato sauce”.

I really loved her response to my “how do you move through a bad day” question where she talks about pivoting towards an action step to move out of it.

She also shares her story on being self-employed as a creative, what it’s like being spouse, co-parent and creative partners with her husband, and we gush about why Trader Joe’s in so awesome.

She tells us what she likes in her salads, some of her favorite people, places and things, and a lot more!

Where to find Sara:

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring.

Theme music by Heather Maloney.

Oh Pep! Feb 12, 2019

Oh Pep! are indie-folk/pop duo Olivia Hally and Pepita Emmerichs.

They are from Melbourne, Australia but we were able to catch up in person while they were on tour in the US (with our mutual friend Gregory Alan Isakov) in support of their new album called "I Wasn't Only Thinking About You".

We cover a lot of ground in this conversation (with lots of giggling along the way!).

They share the story of how they came together as a band, and tell us about something outside of music that they both want to do.

We talk about the grounding nature of journaling, the beauty and romance of handwritten letters, and some of the challenges (and benefits!) of a life on the road.

They also share some “favorites” including their musical and personal inspirations, though Liv so beautifully adds that to her, it’s “more that there are moments that are really inspirational than people.”

I so enjoyed catching up with these two wonderful friends and I know you’re going to love getting to know them a bit!

Where to find Oh Pep!:

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring.

Theme music by Heather Maloney.

Eric D. Johnson (Fruit Bats) Feb 05, 2019

Eric D. Johnson is a songwriter, musician and producer. He has been in The Shins, Califone, and his current musical project is Fruit Bats.

He’s also a really great guy, and I feel lucky to call him a friend!

In this episode, Eric gives some solid advice to young artists, and tells us why failing (“hopefully not spectacularly”) can be a really good thing.

We talk about the good and bad of social media. He also shares some great tour stories, talks about the differences between joining someone else’s band as a “side guy” (as he did in The Shins) vs. doing his own thing, fan interactions (and how he wants to make a graphic novel about this! - I can’t wait), the book that had a major impact on him, and a whole lot more.

Where to find Eric:

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring.

Theme music by Heather Maloney.

Hollis Wong-Wear Jan 29, 2019

Hollis Wong-Wear is a songwriter, musician, speaker, and community advocate based in Los Angeles. She is the lead vocalist of the electronic R&B trio The Flavr Blue, and was GRAMMY nominated for Album of the Year for her vocal performance of “White Walls” on The Heist by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis.

In this episode, Hollis shares why her intention of creating real impact through her art is so important to her, and tells her story of how spoken word poetry is where she first honed her storytelling skills.

Hollis shares a time in her life when perceptively everything looked good but on the inside she felt really down on herself. She tells us what helped her through that time and I think it’s so important to hear - not only because we all need to be reminded that perception is not reality but also because she shares really practical advice on how to get through those times we feel empty inside.

We talk about the collaborative and powerful relationship of mentorship, and a lot more!

Hollis also shares some of her favorites - a person, place, food, and book!

Where to find Hollis:

Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Website

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring.

Theme music by Heather Maloney.

Liza Anne Jan 22, 2019

Liza Anne is a songwriter and musician based in Nashville, TN.

Her latest album is titled “Fine But Dying” and I love how raw and honest every song on that album is. In this episode, we talk a lot about mental health. She explains the duality of being introverted but also wanting to being around people. I really loved how she says getting older is “an eternal homecoming”, and how she describes what small talk feels like (as if everyone is "playing a part”).

Liza shares how she gets through life’s challenging times: whether just a moment or day, or much longer. We talk about the importance of finding a good therapist (go on a few blind dates with therapists until you find the right one!), and you’ll hear her talk about what the women in her life have meant to her.

She also talks about her love for Sex and the City, favorite album, favorite song, city, memory/feeling and more!

Where to find Liza Anne:

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring.

Theme music by Heather Maloney.

Tom Renaud of Lord Huron Jan 15, 2019

Tom Renaud is a member of Lord Huron, based in Los Angeles, CA. He’s also one of my dear friends!

In the episode, he tells us how Lord Huron came to be, about curating a taco with his band, and his love of food, cooking, and travel. He also speaks about the post-tour come down that inevitably happens as a touring musician, what he does to manage stress on the road, and the one thing that clears his head. Tom has been a good friend of mine for years and I can tell you he is one of the kindest people I know. While interviewing him for this podcast, I actually learned some new things about him! I’m excited for you to get to know him a bit.

Tom also shares his favorite podcast, album(s), place, and more!

Where to find Tom:

Tom on Instagram
Lord Huron on Instagram
Lord Huron Website

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring.

Theme music by Heather Maloney.

Heather Maloney Jan 08, 2019

Heather Maloney is a singer-songwriter based in Northampton, MA. She sings the theme song for this podcast! She is also my best friend. So, you'll have get through a bit of of us giggling and gushing, but it's worth it to hear her beautiful story - I promise!

In this episode, Heather shares how going through a bout of depression led her to spending three years at a silent meditation retreat center and how meditation changed her life. I love the simple but profound mantra that came to her during that time: “If your heart is aching, let it ache.” We also talk about the power of female friendship and being mirrors to each other, long-distance friendships, being highly sensitive which she so perfectly describes as an “overload of information”, and about being independent in romantic relationships. Oh, and as I knew we would, we talk about our deep love for Joni Mitchell, and a whole lot more.

Heather also shares her favorite book, album, podcast and more! This is a particularly special episode to me. I hope it feels like something special to you, too!

Where to find Heather:

Website
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring, and recorded at The Music District, in Fort Collins, CO.

Theme song by Heather Maloney.

Catherine Russell Jan 01, 2019

Catherine (“Cat”) Russell. Backup singer/collaborator to David Bowie, Steely Dan, Jackson Browne, Paul Simon, Dolly Parton (and many more!), and her legendary father (the late Luis Russell) was Louis Armstrong’s musical director. She is also an incredible Jazz Musician - her sixth album, Harlem On My Mind, received a Grammy Nomination.

As you can imagine, Cat has incredibly dazzling stories to share, and you’ll hear some of them on this episode. For example what it was like to sing duets with David Bowie night after night, why singing with Dolly Parton - who she describes as the “sweetest, most real person” is one of her all-time favorite experiences, and what Louis Armstrong meant to her. She also talks about singing with Steely Dan (she’s been working with them over the last 25 years and counting), Paul Simon, her dear friend Cindy Lauper, and more. She has an incredibly rich musical background and you’ll love to hear these stories. But to me, she is the person who taught me how to sing the Blues, who helped me move through my first real heartbreak, and the woman who continues to mentor and care for me through life’s challenges and joys. She’s still one of my all-time favorite people to sit down with over a cup of tea to talk about music, men, work, friendship, LIFE. As you’ll hear in the interview, she talks about being honest with her feelings, about emotional learnings, the things no one teaches us about it school - and how list writing helps when her mind is racing.

Because Catherine has taught me so much about life and music I thought it was fitting to have her as our first artist in the “mentor series” of this podcast. I love her to pieces, and know you will, too!

Where to find Catherine:

Website
Facebook
Twitter

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring.

Theme music by Heather Maloney.

Podcast Webpage: montseandree.com/podcast and Instagram.

Sam Outlaw Dec 25, 2018

Sam Outlaw is a singer-songwriter from Southern California who is currently based in Nashville, TN.

I’ve known Sam for a few years and I have always appreciated his unfiltered honesty about moving through life’s challenges. In this episode, we talk in depth about mental health. Sam describes what going through a season of depression and panic attacks really feels like, and how he has gotten through it. He also talks about the moment he left his high-paying job to pursue the dream that kept tugging at him, and what it’s been like sharing the stage and opening for Kacey Musgraves and Sheryl Crow, among others.

Sam also shares a musical idol of his, a favorite song, place, book, podcast and more!

Where to find Sam:

Website
Instagram
Twitter

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring.

Theme music by Heather Maloney.

Podcast Webpage: montseandree.com/podcast

Dessa Dec 18, 2018

Dessa is a rapper, singer, and essayist. She has landed on the Billboard Top 200 as a solo artist, as a member of the Doomtree collective, and as a contributor to The Hamilton Mixtape. As an author, her memoir-in-essays entitled My Own Devices: True Stories from the Road on Music, Science, and Senseless Love was published in September 2018 by Dutton Books.

In this episode, Dessa talks about making her living in the language arts, how slam poetry led her to Doomtree, and the difference between telling her story in song form vs. book form. She also speaks about the the unique type of heartbreak that followed after falling in love with her bandmate, post-tour depression, and the un-glamorous parts of being on the road (the reality behind the pretty Instagram photos that you don’t always see).

Dessa also shares a favorite memory, book, place, podcast and more!

Where to find Dessa:

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring.

Theme music by Heather Maloney

Podcast Webpage: montseandree.com/podcast

Steve Varney Dec 09, 2018

Steve Varney is the guitarist for Gregory Alan Isakov and leader of Kid Reverie, a rock band out of Denver, CO.

In this episode, Steve talks about what it’s like being a touring dad (and how technology helps!), emotional rebuilding, turning towards music during the hardest times, touring with his best friend and neighbor Gregory Alan Isakov, and about his stutter which he describes as an “uncontrollable vulnerability.”

Steve also shares his favorite song, album, book and more!

Where to find Steve: