Music on Mushrooms

32. Embracing Mindfulness: A Journey Toward Becoming a Centered Musician with Manuel Bon

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms, I chat with classical guitarist and meditation teacher Manuel Bon (@thecenteredmusician [instagram.com/thecenteredmusician]) about how mindfulness can transform the way musicians show up to their practice, performance, and lives.Manuel shared how mindfulness practices like grounding, meditation, and somatic awareness can help us move through performance anxiety, creative blocks, and the pressure to be perfect. We also talked about the role of the music educator in holding space for students’ emotional experiences, and how we can begin to shift the culture of classical music toward one that supports mental well-being and authentic expression. Whether you’re navigating stage anxiety or just craving more presence in your artistry, this conversation is full of grounded wisdom and gentle reminders to come back to yourself. ✨ Learn more about Manuel and his offerings at thecenteredmusician.com [https://thecenteredmusician.com] ✨ Find me at marykray.com [https://marykray.com] or on Insta @marykray.studios [https://instagram.com/marykray.studios] to stay inspired on your creative journey!

31. Compassionate Music Education: Breaking the Cycle of Harm

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms, I explore the urgent need for compassion in music education. Speaking from personal experience and my trauma-informed training, I dive into what it means to be a safe, inclusive, and supportive educator and why it matters for students' artistic and personal growth. You'll hear about common but harmful dynamics like perfectionism, elitism, fatphobia, and unchecked egos, and learn how curiosity, nervous system regulation, and humility can help shift the culture. Whether you're a teacher or student, this episode is an invitation to embody the change our music spaces so deeply need.Follow the podcast on Instagram @musiconmushrooms [instagram.com/musiconmushrooms] to stay inspired & connected or visit marykray.com [marykray.com] to collaborate! Let’s keep building a creative world where we all feel safe to be seen.

30. The Courage to be Seen: Overcoming Rejection Sensitivity

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms, I’m diving into something that so many of us struggle with: being seen. Whether it’s sharing your art, speaking your truth, or just showing up authentically, visibility can feel really scary. But it can also be one of the most powerful things we do for our growth, our goals, and our healing! This solo episode is part pep talk, part reflection, and a reminder that you don’t have to be fearless to move forward, you just have to be willing. We’ll explore: - Why visibility feels so scary and why that fear is totally valid - How to shift your mindset from fear-based action to heart-centered aligned action. - The power of starting small and building confidence through intentional steps - Why your goals become magnetic when you lead with love, not dread This one’s for anyone who’s ready to stop hiding and start stepping into their purpose. Follow the podcast on Instagram @musiconmushrooms [https://www.instagram.com/musiconmushrooms] to stay inspired and connected or visit marykray.com [marykray.com/podcast] to collaborate! Let’s keep building a creative world where we all feel safe to be seen.

29. What’s Your Artistic Mission? Inclusivity, Healing, and Impact with Nina Evelyn

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms, I had the honor of sitting down with award-winning soprano and Certified Reiki Master, Nina Evelyn, to explore the intersection of performance, healing, and social change. Nina is a powerhouse of artistry and advocacy whose mission is to diversify the classical music canon by uplifting the works of Black composers. Together, we unpacked what it means to be a true changemaker in the classical music world and how to lead from a place of authenticity, courage, and heart. You’ll hear Nina’s reflections on: * How the five Reiki principles support sustainable artistry * What impactful inclusivity really looks like in programming and performance * The emotional and artistic breakthroughs that happen in group healing workshops for musicians * Why defining your artistic mission can be a compass for being aligned and fulfilled as a creative. This conversation is an invitation to think deeper about the energy we bring to our work, the courage it takes to be a change-maker, and the healing potential of authentic creative expression. Follow Nina on Instagram @ninaevelynsoprano [https://instagram.com/ninaevelynsoprano] or visit ninaevelyn.com [https://ninaevelyn.com] to explore her work. To stay connected and inspired, follow me on Instagram @marykray.studios [https://instagram.com/marykraystudios] or visit marykray.com [https://marykray.com]. Let’s continue building a more intentional and inclusive creative world together!

28. Redefining Success as a Creative Professional with Taylor Rossi

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms, I interview the multifaceted creative and Boston-based photographer Taylor Rossi. With a background in classical music, marketing, and now a thriving photography business rooted in authenticity, Taylor embodies what it means to live an aligned creative life. We dive deep into the beauty and challenge of being a multi-passionate artist, how to trust the seasons of your creative calling, and why it’s okay to not stick to just one lane. Taylor shares how her experiences in music and marketing inform her work in photography today, from building a business rooted in community, to creating safe and empowering spaces for her clients. This conversation is packed with wisdom for any creative soul who’s ever felt torn between paths or longed to feel more aligned in both art and life. This is for the artists, freelancers, and soul-led creatives who are navigating nonlinear paths and seeking permission to evolve. You can follow Taylor on Instagram @taylorrossiphotography [https://www.instagram.com/taylorrossiphotography/]or visit taylorrossiphotography.com [https://www.taylorrossiphotography.com/] to explore her work. Wanna stay inspired on your journey, Creative Soul? I want to hold space for your growth and your magic. Connect with me on Instagram @marykray.studios [https://www.instagram.com/marykray.studios/] or at marykray.com [https://www.marykray.com/] — let’s keep co-creating a more compassionate world together.