Herizon Music: Whether on stage, behind the scenes, or on air, Herizon Music introduces you to the women who are defining the music industry and the issues that affect them. Each episode is entertaining, inspiring, and relatable. Join our band of dreamers, rule breakers, and rock stars today! Hosted by Thea Wood. Subscribe to our newsletter at HerizonMusic.com.
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Podcast: Sintija Brence and The Politics of Grunge
Saturday, April 18, 2026 • Duration 40:28
Welcome to another episode of Herizon Music! Today’s guest comes to us from England! Her new book From Seattle To The System: Grunge As Political Expression is drawn from a thesis she completed at York St. John University where she is a PhD researcher in American History and Sociomusicology.
She’s also a fan of film and photography with a short documentary interview series called Close Focus. She was a teaching assistant at MetFilm School in Leeds and posts her music films and photography online.
She’s no stranger to Herizon Music, as we discussed the effects of celebrity political endorsements just before the 2024 U.S. Presidential election.
She’s a favorite music history buff and sister Substacker, I’m thrilled to welcome Sintija Brence!
👇🏻 Video podcast link below. 👇🏻
In This Episode
* Why she pursued socio musicology studies and the grunge genre in particular
* Definition of grunge and why its political roots began in Seattle
* Music censorship as a bi-partisan issue
* The woman who had the most influence on the male-dominated genre
* Music as a means to oppress or liberate people through history
Plus, Sintija’s answers to the Shakedown Questions!
Recorded in October 2025.Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.If you’d like to reproduce this podcast or a portion of the podcast or associated content, you must obtain prior approval in writing from Thea Wood Productions, LLC. Email herizonmusic@substack.com.
Please help us champion female trailblazers and rising stars in the music industry. Proceeds go toward podcast, newsletter, and artist showcase production costs. If these text links do not work for you, visit this page and scroll to the bottom
* Ask Thea about sponsoring the podcast or showcases.
The video podcast is for paid subscribers. If a picture is worth a thousand words, video is priceless! Only available at HerizonMusic.com/s/video-vault
John Thomas: The Kalamazoo Gals' Almost Forgotten Story
Thursday, November 6, 2025 • Duration 38:25
John Thomas: The Kalamazoo Gals’ Almost Forgotten Story
This is an historic episode of Herizon Music. For the first time since launching in 2019, I am interviewing a MAN on the podcast. And I cannot think of any other man I would rather have than today’s guest.
We met at an “off” SXSW event hosted by Texchromosome in 2022. He held a World War II era acoustic Gibson guitar and was talking about his new book Kalamazoo Gals. Come to find out, he has unearthed an incredible almost-forgotten history about the women who stepped in and crafted Gibson guitars while the men in their lives were at war. These guitars are considered some of the finest ever made by Gibson.
It was a five-year journey of research, conversations, and travel. The story is so remarkable, it’s become a documentary that won Best Short Documentary awards at the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival and Red Dirt Film Festival. And there are more festivals screening the film in 2025.
He’s an author, a musician, an attorney, a law professor, an avid cyclist, and a champion of women in music.
Meet John Thomas! (Documentary trailer below)
In This Episode
* How John Thomas stumbled upon the photo that revealed Gibson’s female workforce during WWII.
* The scientific proof that these “Banner” wartime guitars were the finest craftsmanship that Gibson has produced and why.
* The stories of three surviving Gibson workers whom John interviewed for the book and new documentary.
* How Gibson’s reaction to the book has evolved over the years (a rollercoaster ride).
Plus, John’s answers to the Shakedown Questions!
This episode was recorded in April 2025.
Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.
Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Get full access to Herizon Music at
Jazmine Valencia: From Record Label Intern to Digital Marketing Mentor
Friday, May 2, 2025 • Duration 34:45
Today’s guest is a DJ turned music executive and founder of JV Agency, a music marketing firm celebrating its 10 year anniversary. She has handled thousands of album launches throughout her career, including for acts like Fall Out Boy, Shawn Mendes, and the Killers.
She specializes in digital marketing with a side passion for empowering women in the music industry. She pays it forward by bringing in interns with the goal of mentoring and creating a career path for them. In fact, her own path started as an intern at Def Jam Records.
As a public speaker, she has appeared at SXSW, Canadian Music Week, Live Nation All Access Fest, numerous university events, and is a GRAMMY U mentor. She’s been quoted by Forbes, CNBC, and the LA Times.
She’s the music marketing maven with the motto “Stay resilient, stay authentic.”
Meet Jazmine “DJ Jazzy” Valencia! (see links and videos below)
In This Episode
* How an internship at Def Jam Records defined her career path
* Jazmine’s “Marketing Starts At Home” philosophy explained
* Two big mistakes emerging artists make in marketing themselves
* Most common marketing challenge female artists face that male artists do not
* Mentoring through internships at her own agency and at GRAMMY U
* Emerging female acts Jazmine’s excited about
Plus Jazmine Valencia’s answers to the Shakedown Questions!
Recorded in March 2024.
Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.
Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Get full access to Herizon Music at
Radhika Vekaria: GRAMMY Nominee With A Healing Touch
Friday, January 31, 2025 • Duration 34:58
Radhika Vekaria: GRAMMY Nominee With A Healing Touch
Today’s guest is on her way to the 2025 GRAMMYS with a nomination in the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category for her release “Warriors of Light.” Her Indian, East African and British roots inspire her chant-centric music composed with the purpose of spiritual, physical, and emotional healing.
As she likes to say: “I don’t make music for you to see me. I make music for you to see yourself.”
As a singer and multi-instrumentalist, she’s collaborated with Prince, Eddie Palmieri, Enrique Iglesias, Shoshana Bean, producer Jeff Koons, and more.
She is now the voice for Chopra Yoga, a new game based on Deepak Chopra’s Laws of Manifestation.
She’s the voice who liberates, elevates and calibrates us! Meet Radakah Vekaria.
In This Episode
* The unexpected person who derailed her path to Oxford/Cambridge medical school
* How music healed a life-long affliction
* Hear a song clip for “Release Your Fears” from the new album Warriors of Light
* Learn a mantra for calming and recalibrating when you feel stressed out
* What is sound coaching and how does it work
Plus Rashida’s answers to the Shakedown Questions!
Recorded in January 2024.
Guest Links
If you don’t see these links (or embedded videos!) on your podcast platform, get the full experience at HerizonMusic.com.
I met today’s guest through Chris Dalla Riva of Can’t Get Much Higher on Substack. She was offering a $10,000 grant opportunity for women who want to learn music production.
That definitely caught my attention and the more I learned about her work, the more intrigued I became. She was born in India but moved to Australia where she writes and records music and founded online school Music Production for Women in 2019. She also hosts the MPW podcast.
Since then, she’s helped over 7,000 women from 120 countries pursue their music production Dreams.
She’s the production wonder from down under, meet Xylo Aria!
Get new podcast episodes, exposés, new music listings, music industry trends/events, and more by subscribing to Herizon Music today! HerizonMusic.com
In This Episode
* The recording process from production to mixing to mastering
* How Xylo’s program “Music Production for Women” works
* One student who will wow you with her latest recording
* Something that many in the music industry have in common
* Advice for women who want to try music production for themselves
Plus her answers to The Shakedown questions!
Recorded in December 2024.
Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.
Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Get full access to Herizon Music at
Kaytee Long Becker: GRAMMY-Worthy PR
Friday, January 10, 2025 • Duration 30:30
Kaytee Long Becker
Today’s guest is a seasoned public relations and communications expert based in Los Angeles.
DIY Public Relations has secured over 3,000 press placements, four GRAMMY nominations, one GRAMMY win and generated more than one billion impressions for their creative clients. Her clients have been featured by Forbes, Billboard, GRAMMY.com, Variety, People, Harper’s Bazaar, USA Today, BBC News, EARMILK, GLAAD, Rolling Stone, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Newsweek and, of course, Herizon Music: The Podcast.
She’s the voice of the rising star and puts the PR in promotion. Meet Kaytee Long Becker!
Get new podcast episodes, exposés, new music listings, music industry trends/events, and more by subscribing to Herizon Music today!
In This Episode
* What an artist needs to have “already happening” for an effective PR campaign
* The FYC (For Your Consideration) nomination process from a PR perspective
* Tips and tricks to making sure your music is eligible
* The one “ask” she has for Herizon Music listeners
Plus her answers to The Shakedown questions!
Recorded in December 2024.
Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.
Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Guest Links
If you don’t see these links (or videos!) in your podcast platform, get the full enchilada at
Get full access to Herizon Music at
Carré of Queen Kwong & Why "The Rockstar" Must Die
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 • Duration 44:35
Queen Kwong
I met today’s guest through Substack, where she is writing a collection of essays about personal life events and how they have shaped her philosophies on music, fame, and famous musicians. Her parents raised her in a Denver goth/punk nightclub and hotels. She met Trent Reznor and toured with him as a teenager, performing music that’s been compared to L7, Hole, Iggy Pop, and Patti Smith.
She has since experienced homelessness, marriage, divorce, fairytale beginnings and rock bottom endings. And recently revealed she has cystic fibrosis. She’s one the girls who was one of the guys and says it’s time for rockstars to die. Meet Carré a.k.a. Queen Kwong!
How Carré got Johnny Knoxville to star in her music video “Sad Man”
The story behind “Detroit Rock Shitty”
The new Queen Kwong EP “Strangers”
Facing cystic fibrosis head on
The one “ask” she has for Herizon Music listeners
Plus her answers to The Shakedown questions!
Credits
Guest: Carré of Queen KwongSong: “Sad Man” by Queen KwongHost: Thea WoodIntern: Remy Kuo
Recorded in October 2024.
Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.
If you'd like to reproduce this podcast or a portion of the podcast or associated content, you must obtain prior approval in writing from Thea Wood Productions, LLC. Email herizonmusic@substack.com
Get full access to Herizon Music at
Mandy Mayhem: More Swag Than You Can Handle
Friday, September 13, 2024 • Duration 48:01
Mandy Mayhem
Mandy Mayhem is a writer, actress, and single mom who took her karaoke rap alter ego public. Over 318,000 people now follow her Rated R rap videos on TikTok and Instagram. She wrote and starred in the TruTV musical comedy sketch series Mutha that appeared on Rachel Dratch’s Late Night Snack. The sketch’s raps eventually became her new EP of the same title, “MUTHA.”
Songs like “Take My Man, Please!” and “I’m Not Here For Your Entertainment” give you an idea of how disgruntled she must be! She hosted the 2017 Amazon Prime talk show with a twist called Rapping With Actors. Who knew hip-hop and comedy were so intertwined? Her podcast Going Gray In Tinsel Town celebrates the joys of aging in the entertainment industry with heart-to-heart interviews with women in all roles of the industry.
She’s the voice for the invisible yet infuriated middle-aged woman and puts the Parent in Parental Advisory.
Welcome, Mandy Mayhem!
If you don’t see links (or videos!) in your podcast platform, get the full enchilada at HerizonMusic.com.
In This Episode
* Why we all need our own Mandy Mayhem alter egos sometimes.
* Did the #metoo movement change the music industry? (Apparently not.)
* Where feminine energy vs. masculine energy reside within your body.
* Her rap video series depicting gut-wrenching moments everyday women endure.
* Mixing "taboo" topics with comedy for effect.
* How the Time Trampoline helps creatives balance life and art.
Recorded in December 2023.
Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.
Get full access to Herizon Music at
Lissa Schneckenburger: Fostering Fiddle Music For The Soul
Friday, September 6, 2024 • Duration 30:23
Lissa Schneckenburger: Fostering Fiddle Music For The Soul
Lissa Schneckenburger is a fiddler, singer, and activist all rolled into one package. As a foster parent, she filled a void by creating music that specifically helps families find compassion, empathy and unity. Her latest album “Falling Forward” features a female cast of players and producer who brought her pandemic lockdown songs to life. And she’s got plenty more where those came from.
When she’s not writing, she’s teaching fiddle and vocals with a specialty in ear training exercises to help kids and adults learn music by ear.
Meet the floorboards thumping, bow hair flying, fiddler on the roost: Lissa Schneckenburger!
Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
In This Episode
* the difference between fiddle and violin
* which song by The Proclaimers inspired the driving rhythms of her single “Look Away”
* the challenges of fostering and the importance of community
* neurological benefits of learning music by ear
* her advice for those interested in starting a career in fiddle playing
Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.
I met DJ Shotski (Stacy Harbaugh) through her Substack home called Shotski’s Lodge. Her posts immediately attracted my attention because she does something that no one else I know does:
She produces radio shows, videos, and articles featuring the glory of … polka!
And not just any polka, Stacy specializes in Dutchmen-style polka from Wisconsin. Talk about a niche topic! For a musical genre with an aging population, she is the young voice ushering in the next generation of fans. Is her passion contagious? It was for me!
Stacy’s love of polka shines through in her branding, which looks like a European beer label. Her articles and videos spotlight the cultural aspects of polka such as dancing, lodges, beer gardens, beer drinking, and yes, vinyl. Lots and lots of vinyl.
If a polka party breaks out in Wisconsin, she’s on the scene with two turn tables and a microphone!
Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
In This Episode
* How she chose polka music as her DJ genre— this is a mini-master class on researching and defining your niche!
* What swing and ska music have in common with polka
* The different styles of polka (there are many!)
* Up-and-coming female polka acts
* Her advice to women who want to become a DJ
If the following links aren’t working on your podcast platform, visit HerizonMusic.com to access them on Substack.
Guest Links
Get full access to Herizon Music at
Guest Links
If you don’t see these links (or embedded videos!) on your podcast platform, get the full experience at HerizonMusic.com.
* Sponsor a podcast episode! You or your business can reach our dreamers, rule breakers and rockstars in the most positive way possible! It’s super affordable to sponsor this evergreen content that includes a midroll after The Shakedown questions and logo/link in the Show Notes. Email me for a rate card.
* Sponsor an issue (or two or three!) of the Herizon Music Newsletter. It costs time and money to publish the exposés, news, and interviews that over a thousand subscribers and 3,000 social media followers read. Email me for a rate card for this and other marketing opportunities.
If you’d like to reproduce this podcast or a portion of the podcast or associated content, you must obtain prior approval in writing from Thea Wood Productions, LLC. Email herizonmusic@substack.com.
Subscribe to Herizon Music: The Podcast & Newsletter for free. You can also fiscally support our mission to promote gender equity in music. Since launching in 2019, Herizon Music was recognized as a finalist for the Women Changing The World Awards (Journalism & Media category, 2025), ranked #15 in FeedSpot's 2025 Top 45 Women In Music Podcasts, Podcast Magazine's "Top 20 Mom Podcasters of 2020," and Pretty Progressive's “Inspiring Podcasts for Women in Their 20s.”
* Opt into a paid subscription - only $7.50 per month! You can pay $72 in advance for 12 months (or $6 per month) or become a Founding Member for $216 annually. Upgrade here.
* Sponsor a podcast episode! You or your business can reach our dreamers, rule breakers and rockstars in the most positive way possible! It’s super affordable to sponsor this evergreen content that includes a midroll after The Shakedown questions and logo/link in the Show Notes. Email me for a rate card.
* Sponsor an issue (or two or three!) of the Herizon Music Newsletter. It costs time and money to publish the exposés, news, and interviews that over a thousand subscribers and 3,000 social media followers read. Email me for a rate card for this and other marketing opportunities.
If you'd like to reproduce this podcast or a portion of the podcast or associated content, you must obtain prior approval in writing from Thea Wood Productions, LLC. Email herizonmusic@substack.com.
Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.
Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Support This Podcast
There are 3 ways you can support women in music and Herizon Music: The Podcast:
* Opt into a paid subscription - only $7.50 per month! You can pay $72 in advance for 12 months (or $6 per month) or become a Founding Member for $216 annually. Upgrade here.
* Sponsor a podcast episode! You or your business can reach our dreamers, rule breakers and rockstars in the most positive way possible! It’s super affordable to sponsor this evergreen content that includes a midroll after The Shakedown questions and logo/link in the Show Notes. Email me for a rate card.
* Sponsor an issue (or two or three!) of the Herizon Music Newsletter. It costs time and money to publish the exposés, news, and interviews that over a thousand subscribers and 3,000 social media followers read. Email me for a rate card for this and other marketing opportunities.
If you'd like to reproduce this podcast or a portion of the podcast or associated content, you must obtain prior approval in writing from Thea Wood Productions, LLC. Email herizonmusic@substack.com.
There are 3 ways you can support women in music and Herizon Music: The Podcast:
* Opt into a paid subscription - only $7.50 per month! You can pay $72 in advance for 12 months (or $6 per month) or become a Founding Member for $216 annually. Upgrade here.
* Sponsor a podcast episode! You or your business can reach our dreamers, rule breakers and rockstars in the most positive way possible! It’s super affordable to sponsor this evergreen content that includes a midroll after The Shakedown questions and logo/link in the Show Notes. Email me for a rate card.
* Sponsor an issue (or two or three!) of the Herizon Music Newsletter. It costs time and money to publish the exposés, news, and interviews that over a thousand subscribers and 3,000 social media followers read. Email me for a rate card for this and other marketing opportunities.
If you'd like to reproduce this podcast or a portion of the podcast or associated content, you must obtain prior approval in writing from Thea Wood Productions, LLC. Email herizonmusic@substack.com.
There are 3 ways you can support women in music and Herizon Music: The Podcast:
* Opt into a paid subscription - only $7.50 per month! You can pay $72 in advance for 12 months (or $6 per month) or become a Founding Member for $216 annually. Upgrade here.
* Sponsor a podcast episode! You or your business can reach our dreamers, rule breakers and rockstars in the most positive way possible! It’s super affordable to sponsor this evergreen content that includes a midroll after The Shakedown questions and logo/link in the Show Notes. Email me for a rate card.
* Sponsor an issue (or two or three!) of the Herizon Music Newsletter. It costs time and money to publish the exposés, news, and interviews that over 1,100 subscribers and over 3,000 social media followers read. Email me for a rate card for this and other marketing opportunities.
If you'd like to reproduce this podcast or a portion of the podcast or associated content, you must obtain prior approval in writing from Thea Wood Productions, LLC. Email herizonmusic@substack.com.
Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
There are 3 ways you can support women in music and Herizon Music: The Podcast:
* Opt into a paid subscription - only $7.50 per month! You can pay $72 in advance for 12 months (or $6 per month) or become a Founding Member for $216 annually. Upgrade here.
* Sponsor an episode! You or your business can reach our dreamers, rule breakers and rockstars in the most positive way possible! It’s super affordable to sponsor this evergreen content that includes a midroll after The Shakedown questions and logo/link in the Show Notes. Email me for a rate card for this and other marketing opportunities.
* Sponsor a woman in music. Herizon Music Makers program is building a content library for professional and personal development for women in the music industry. Many women have a limited budget and have a hard time investing in themselves. When you sponsor a music maker, you directly impact her chances of success — however she defines it. Email me to become a patron.
There are 3 ways you can support women in music and Herizon Music: The Podcast
* Opt into a paid subscription - only $7.50 per month! You can pay $72 in advance for 12 months (or $6 per month) or become a Founding Member for $216 annually. Upgrade here.
* Sponsor an episode! You or your business can reach our dreamers, rule breakers and rockstars in the most positive way possible! It’s super affordable to sponsor this evergreen content that includes a midroll after The Shakedown questions and logo/link in the Show Notes. Email me for a rate card for this and other marketing opportunities.
* Sponsor a woman in music. Herizon Music Makers program is building a content library for professional and personal development for women in the music industry. Many women have a limited budget and have a hard time investing in themselves. When you sponsor a music maker, you directly impact her chances of success — however she defines it. Email me to become a patron.
Guest: Stacy Harbaugh, a.k.a. DJ ShotskiHost: Thea WoodEditor: Lora Cornes and Lauren Cooper at Mix Messiah Productions
Thea’s Magic Mind Story
In this podcast episode, I share my experience with a new liquid supplement called Magic Mind. Menopause has caused issues with fog brain and low energy levels— like how you feel after following your favorite band for weeks without ample sleep or homemade food! So when Magic Mind contacted me to try it with a consideration fee, I said yes in spite of my skepticism.
You’ll see from the podcast story that I was pleasantly surprised about the results. So much so, that I asked Magic Mind to create a discount code for Herizon Music fans. And they came through!
Get 20% to 56% off your first order using this URL and the discount code HERIZON20 on the payment page during checkout.
100% money back guarantee.
Note: I do not receive a commission on sales. This discount is a perk for being a Herizon Music subscriber!
