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Explore every episode of the podcast The Musician's Guide To Being Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise

Dive into the complete episode list for The Musician's Guide To Being Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Episode 257: A Different Direction25 Sep 202400:18:43

We want to say a huge thank you to those of you that have been here since the beginning. We're looking forward to this new direction! 

Take a listen to this short episode to hear our thoughts. 

With love,
Karen & Jen 

Episode 256: Performance Anxiety & Winning the Job Ft. Dr. Brianne Borden21 Aug 202401:14:46

In this episode, Karen interviews Dr. Brianne Borden, assistant professor of trumpet at the University of Delaware. Dr. Borden discusses her transition to a new job and the challenges of saying goodbye to her previous studio. She shares her passion for mindfulness and wellness in the music industry, emphasizing the importance of preventing injuries and burnout. 

Dr. Borden also talks about her specialization in performance anxiety and the need for a culture shift in the classical music world. She explores the nuances of imposter syndrome and the role of somatic energy in navigating performance anxiety. Additionally, she discusses her decision to pursue a career in academia and her interest in dance. Borden discusses her experience as a musician and entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of being a beginner and embracing new opportunities. 

She shares her journey of starting Yoga for All Musicians during the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges of transitioning into the entrepreneurial space. Borden also addresses the misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding yoga and emphasizes the inclusivity and diversity of her yoga community. She discusses the impact of the #MeToo movement in the music industry and the importance of creating safe spaces for female identifying individuals. 

Episode 247: Networking as an Emerging Artist24 Apr 202400:19:19

In this episode of the Musicians Guide Podcast, Karen and Jen discuss networking for emerging artists. They provide tips for effective networking, emphasizing the importance of clear and respectful communication in emails. They also discuss the value of following up and maintaining relationships with people in the industry. The hosts highlight the significance of positive interactions and support in networking, both in person and through social media. They encourage emerging artists to find networking methods that align with their preferences and objectives, and to be patient as building connections takes time.

Episode 157: Holiday Boundaries Feat. Jen22 Dec 202100:21:46

In this episode, Karen and Jen discuss holiday boundaries in a very candid conversation.

Episode 156: Holiday Gift Guide For Musicians15 Dec 202100:29:54

In this episode, Karen and Jen go through their top recommendations of gifts that are healthy, wealthy, and wise. 

Episode 155: Interview with Dr. Bruce Faske08 Dec 202100:59:29

In this episode, Karen has a candid and in depth conversation with none other than Dr. Bruce Faske. 

Episode 154: Deep Dive- Entrepreneur v. Business Owner Part 201 Dec 202100:39:34

In this episode, Karen and Jen walkthrough and define what it means to be an entrepreneur  v. a business owner. Not only do they define and provide examples but they also dive into answering the most requested questions that include, finances, building a team, contractors and vendors. 

Episode 153: Deep Dive- Entrepreneur v. Business Owner Part 124 Nov 202100:43:43

In this episode, Karen and Jen walkthrough and define what it means to be an entrepreneur  v. a business owner. Not only do they define and provide examples but they also dive into answering the most requested questions that include, what holds people back? Who/what should be your biggest influence? Top 3 things you need to start each and How to judge what partnership is best for you. 

Episode 152: Interview with Sophie Volpe27 Oct 202101:00:39

In this episode, Karen interviews the one and only Holistic Musician Sophie Volpe! 

Episode 151: Non-Musicians Perspective Chamber Groups Pt 220 Oct 202100:37:28

In this episode Karen and Jen continue to talk about interpersonal relationships in chamber groups. 

Episode 150: Non-Musician Perspective Conflict in Chamber Music Groups13 Oct 202100:44:10

In this episode, Karen and Jen dive into the various complex relationships and interpersonal conflict that can exist in a chamber music group. 

Episode 149: Instagram Down?06 Oct 202100:23:44

In this episode Karen discusses the bizarre IG blackout that happened this past week. 

Episode 148: Non-Musician Perspective- An Open Conversation on Struggling29 Sep 202100:40:16

In this episode, Karen and Jen dive deep into what it means to struggle and how to cope with a season in your life that might feel unmanageable. 

Episode 246: Uncomfortable Truths17 Apr 202400:29:15

In this episode, Karen and Jen discuss uncomfortable truths related to various aspects of life, including career, finances, health, and relationships. They emphasize the importance of holding career goals loosely and not tying your identity to success or specific numbers. They also highlight the need for financial literacy and planning for the future. The hosts discuss the importance of prioritizing health and advocating for oneself in medical settings. Lastly, they explore the significance of surrounding yourself with positive and supportive relationships.


Episode 147: Guided Meditation22 Sep 202100:17:24

In this episode, Karen leads us through a relaxing guided meditation. 

Episode 146: Demystifying Entrepreneur v. Business Owner15 Sep 202100:40:31

In this episode, Karen begins her first deep dive. Karen sets the tone by talking about finances for musicians as well as delineating the difference between an entrepreneur and a business owner. 

Episode 145: Myths about Entrepreneurship Feat. Jen Cubides08 Sep 202100:40:27

In this episode, Karen debunks the top myths regarding entrepreneurship as she celebrates her 8th year in buisness. Follow along as Jen interviews Karen in a spicy, no holding back type of episode. 

Episode 144: Same year, New you?01 Sep 202100:42:30

"New year, new me" doesn't always acknowledge the changes we are constantly undertaking as we grow. In this episode, Karen discusses the renaissance that's occurring as she navigates and pivots her process. 

Episode 143: Non-Musician Perspectives- What I Wish I Knew in My 20's25 Aug 202100:30:14

In this episode, Karen and Jen dive into the top things they wish they knew in their 20's. Together they discuss both the musician and non-musican perspective of what it's like to navigate your 20s. They recount their experience with worthiness, health, changing jobs, and making major spicy life changes. Follow along as they drop major truth bombs and share their choices, regrets, and the lessons they learned. 

Episode 142: Meet the Mcllwain’s18 Aug 202100:48:42

Ben and Jackie McIlwain join us in this couples interview to talk all about their relationship as two musicians, having kids and fostering, as well as navigating their musical careers in higher education. Both having doctorates and now teaching at the same university, Ben and Jackie’s path to getting where they are today involved a lot of communication and supportive attitudes. In having similar careers, they understand the challenges and necessities of the craft.

Join us in this episode to hear about Ben and Jackie’s relationship through undergrad to tenure track, having kids, fostering, and more.


Episode 141: Non-Musician Perspectives - Normalizing Social Media11 Aug 202100:21:02

“It will never hurt your career to be more adventurous and multifaceted” 

Authenticity and vulnerability are the keys to human connection. Why, then, do we hesitate to be authentic and vulnerable on social media? In this episode with KCA project manager and non-musician perspective Jen Cubides, we talk about normalizing social media to capture the everyday. 

Being authentic on social media is a lot easier said than done. To help you take your first steps toward an authentic platform, Karen and Jen give some examples of content you can post to get started: 

  • Videos in the practice room, being gentle and honest with the imperfect parts of your playing 
  • Real day-in-the-life, what you’re up to and where you are 
  • Behind the scenes, sharing bad days and how you overcome them 
    • Remember, we are all humans, imperfection is natural! 

We need to show up consistently and authentically to form connections with our audience. To do so, we can strategize our content to an extent in order to put ourselves in a position to share our lives regularly. Discipline equals freedom, and this discipline of strategy will leave room for us to be more spontaneous in what we share when those spontaneous times come: with the discipline of strategy, we don’t have to worry about rushing through a post or racking our brains to come up with content for the day. We’ve planned for consistency and sustainability in our strategies! 

Lastly, social media is your portfolio. It will evolve and change just like we do. People will get to know who you were, who you are, and who you become, just as you’re able to see the documentation of your own life in each season that you share. 

Episode 140: Interview with Jackie McIlwain04 Aug 202100:35:54

“Teach the whole person.” 

In music performance, we need to take care of our bodies in order to ensure sustainability in our careers. This episode, we talk all things wellness, intention, and body mapping with Associate Professor of Clarinet at the University of Southern Mississippi and President-elect of the Association of Body Mapping Educators, Dr. Jackie McIlwain. 

For those unfamiliar with body mapping, here’s a little overview! Body mapping is a technique that was made directly for musicians, making sure that we have a very clear understanding of how the body is designed to move. If we have this understanding of the body map, then we can use it to move more effortlessly, with more fluidity, more ease, and less tension. 

Jackie discovered body mapping in her undergraduate career, where she began to experience pain that greatly interfered with her performance. She was then introduced to Alexander Technique and body mapping, and became so passionate about these areas of study that she began to focus on pedagogy and wellness in her academic career. Now, she’s co-writing two books with friend Shawn Copland: Body Mapping for Clarinetists all about healthy ways to approach the instrument, and the Breathing Book for Clarinetists, a step by step practice companion.

Episode 139: Interview with Jen Oliverio28 Jul 202100:34:32

“Instead of playing that game of comparison, use that as an opportunity to be inspired rather than to be jealous of something you don’t necessarily have yet.” 

This episode, Karen is joined by Jen Oliverio, Oakland University Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Principal Cornetist of the Fountain City Brass Band. In this interview, you’ll hear about Jen’s journey to teaching higher education, moving, starting a family, and getting a new job during the pandemic, as well as the reality of being a musician mom and being married to someone who plays the same instrument. 

“You can always find something in your bad days. I try to, even on my worst playing days, find something beautiful in my music.”

Episode 138: Interview with Ben McIlwain21 Jul 202100:39:22

For Dr. Ben McIlwain, being a professor is about much more than just teaching trombone. It’s about cultivating enjoyment in music and in life. 

In this episode, Ben talks about his teaching philosophy, passions for expanding the trombone repertoire through over 50 commissions, behind the scenes of his debut solo album releasing in fall 2021, and the importance of enjoyment in all aspects of career and life. 

“If you work hard and you dream big, things will come.” 

“You only have one life. You enjoy it, and you take one day at a time.”

Episode 245: The Importance of Diversifying your Interest Ft. Alexis Smith10 Apr 202401:06:36

In this episode of the Musicians Guide podcast, host Karen Cubides interviews Alexis Smith, a trombonist and product specialist for S.E Shires. They discuss Alexis' career journey, her role at Shires, and the importance of balancing different roles and responsibilities. 

They also touch on the process of fitting trombones for musicians, the significance of sound in music, and the impact of equipment on a musician's performance. The conversation highlights the importance of being open to different opportunities and the value of being a good colleague in the music industry. 

In this conversation, Alexis Smith discusses her experiences in the music industry and the importance of exploring different interests. She talks about her work with S.E. Shires and the Rising Artist program, which aims to teach young musicians about the business side of music. Alexis also shares her love for axe throwing and other unconventional hobbies. She emphasizes the importance of saying yes to new experiences and encourages others to explore their interests.

Episode 137: Interview with Marianne Ploger14 Jul 202100:44:34

“I believe we need to reform the way that we think about musical training, and it’s a revolution. It is a paradigm shift.”

Episode 136: Non-Musician Perspectives - Negotiations with Jennifer Cubides07 Jul 202100:23:08

“Your time is not free. Your time is you and your time is your skillset.” 

This episode, we’re joined by Non-Musician Perspective and KCA project manager Jennifer Cubides to talk about negotiations and knowing your worth. Besides being KCA project manager, Jen also just got a new job as Head of Academics at TPH Nashville! In addition to navigating new opportunities in the education industry, Jen’s role keeping up with KCA contracts, projects, and clients has made her quite well-versed in negotiations. 

Karen and Jen pinpoint 3 main principles to keep in mind when making negotiations: 

  1. “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.” -Brene Brown 
  2. Do your own research: be knowledgeable 
  3. Know your worth: ask for what you want and deserve 

The premise of negotiating is capitalizing on your skills and your environment. In navigating negotiations, though, be sure to keep in mind that there’s a fine line between confidence and entitlement: have humility! Advocate for what you deserve, not just what you desire.

Episode 135: Interview with Dr. Kate Umble Smucker30 Jun 202100:58:08
Episode 134: Interview with Jen and Patrick Oliverio23 Jun 202100:35:10

“I haven’t always lived the most balanced life in terms of professional and personal life. I go wholeheartedly into the things I’m interested in and sometimes it’s really beneficial to take a step back and think about how that’s benefitting or not benefitting our family.” 

Trumpet couple Jen and Patrick Oliverio are experiencing lots of newness in this season of life from pandemic to both starting new jobs, having their son Ben, and moving. Through these experiences, they’ve learned quite a few things about themselves and their relationship; they’ve learned patience, advocating for their own needs, communicating sooner, and the importance of connection rather than comparison. 

“Don’t let your career be an excuse to not do something. If you’re driven in your career and love what you do, you’ll always be able to balance it.”

Episode 133: Interview with Kathleen Costello16 Jun 202100:44:14

“Flow state is not elusive. We can design for it.” 

The flow state is often known as being “in the zone”, and this phenomenon can actually be created if we dedicate thought and intention into our process. In this interview with clarinetist and artist Kathleen Costello, we focus on the idea of flow state, mental practice and visualization, and creating a business from passion projects. 

When diving into flow state research, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is a great foundational book where Kathleen started her own learning. Through this research, Kathleen found the 8 main components and indicators of the flow state, which can help us recognize when flow occurs as well as create an environment conducive to flow state.  

Listen through for more on Kathleen’s research on flow and to learn the 8 main components and indicators of the flow state in order to design your practice sessions and work for optimal focus and engagement.

Episode 132: Interview with Kevin Fitzgerald, Part 209 Jun 202100:41:22
Episode 131: Interview with Kevin Fitzgerald, Part 102 Jun 202100:16:12

“Through your own work and discipline and seeking out help, you can conduct any piece you want.”  

Understanding yourself and your past not only aids the present and future you, but also your career. In this interview with Assistant Conductor of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of ÆPEX Contemporary Performance, Kevin Fitzgerald, we talk about how the pandemic has shifted his mindset and career, as well as putting his ego in a box to better serve others. 

In episode 60, we got a little bit of backstory into Kevin’s life and past. This episode, we talk about the present and future growth on the horizon for Kevin and his projects.

Episode 130: Interview with Cesar Pimentel Ortiz26 May 202100:46:42

“I’m not pursuing a career, I’m pursuing being the best human being I possibly can be every day.” 

Navy Band Southeast trombonist Cesar Pimentel is all about living a fulfilling life. In this interview, we talk about his musical journey from Puerto Rico to the United States, as well as how his mindset has shifted to prioritize his happiness. 

Cesar’s story is touching and rawly authentic as he shares adversity he has faced with mental health, racism, and self criticism. This episode tells a story of perseverance and utmost gratitude. 

“I don’t need talent. I don’t need to fulfill my dreams. Having opportunities today makes me happy.” 

Get to know Cesar and his work @tromborican on Instagram and www.tromborican.com.

Episode 129: Interview with Ryan Beach and Kathleen Costello19 May 202100:44:40

“My thing to carry is today.” 

This episode, we interview Ryan Beach and Kathleen Costello about their time together, their self development journeys, and what they’ve learned throughout the pandemic as well as throughout their relationship. Ryan is principal trumpet of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and host of of the That’s Not Spit Podcast, and Kathleen is principal clarinet of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and musician in the IonSound Project chamber group. Together they give us some insights into juggling work from home and family, personal growth, and sustainable careers given pandemic shifts. 

“Do great work because you can do great work - not because your career depends on it.” 

The pandemic has brought them spiritual journeys, more family time, better boundaries, and new perspective.

Episode 128: Interview with Kevin Fitzgerald and Kurt Tseng12 May 202100:30:12

“Differences that we have and diversity in the biggest sense is going to become the focal point of the arts… The theme of the next chapter is inclusion in all areas.” 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront of countless industries, and music is no different.This episode, we sit down with Alabama Symphony Orchestra Assistant Conductor, Kevin Fitzgerald, and Violist, Kurt Tseng to talk about juggling relationship and career, as well as their experiences being LGBTQ+ musicians. Authenticity and self development are at the forefront of their experience, working to bring their whole selves to their work and their life everyday. 

“Had the world not stopped… I wouldn’t be where I am right now.”

Episode 244: Evaluating your Career: 3 Essential Questions for Spring Cleaning03 Apr 202400:22:08

In this episode, Karen goes through 3 essential career questions as we move into spring. These thought provoking career questions allow you to evaluate and reflect on what is currently working and what isn't aligning with your goals to achieve the level of success you desire. 

Episode 127: Non-Musician Perspectives - Toxic Work Environments05 May 202100:33:36

“The path of success can be a rollercoaster, and then there’s also the component of you.You, the person with emotions, feelings, needs, desires, wants, all the things. It’s so important for you to take care of yourself and to honor yourself first and foremost.” 

The environment you find yourself in will most definitely affect your mental health and translate into all other parts of your life. Preserving yourself is your most important priority. This episode, we’re joined by KCA project manager Jennifer Cubides for a non-musician’s perspective on toxic work environments and strategies for dealing with them.  

Firstly, we need to identify toxicity around us. This comes from how we feel at work and about work: Are we fearful? Afraid? Unfulfilled? Unsafe? Anxious? Second is to pinpoint what we can change: what boundaries can we set to preserve ourselves, what communication needs to be had, and what areas of our work environment are unavoidable toxicities? Outline your expectations and have clear communication for what you need to be supported. Lastly, if there are unavoidable toxicities that hinder your wellbeing and mental health, know when to tap out and preserve yourself. Plan an exit strategy to honor yourself first and foremost. 

“Wherever your focus goes, your energy flows.”

Episode 126: Non-Musician Perspectives - Social Anxiety28 Apr 202100:22:42

“The intention and the hope is that we’re not just playing or working or training towards that perfect day that happens once a millenia, but that we’re really equipped and empowered to consistently live our best days.” 

In times of pandemic quarantine and virtual everything, social interactions have been quite limited. As we emerge (hopefully) from the other side of the pandemic, social anxiety might come around since we haven’t experienced social environments for quite some time. With this, we’re offering some tips and tricks we use to curb our anxiety in social situations, accompanied by Jennifer Cubides for a non-musician perspective. 

Firstly, do the best you can with what you have, and create mechanisms for yourself to feel secure. Whether you need a fidget, boundaries, an exit plan - analyze how you feel and determine what you need. Untapped anxiety leads to burn out, and it becomes overwhelming to just exist at times. Create help and compassion for yourself by listening to what you may need and acting on it without guilt. Self preservation should always be at the forefront of our lives. 

“It’s not your fault, it’s not all on you, but it is your responsibility to take care of your mental health. Don’t shame yourself, but honor yourself.” 

Discipline equals freedom (thanks, Jocko Willink, for the mathematical equation to life). Prepare yourself with proper fuel to maintain energy, set boundaries to preserve yourself, and increase your self awareness to increase your choices.

Episode 125: Guided Meditation - Grounding and Reenergizing21 Apr 202100:31:04

“Slow down. I think we all have this zest for life as creatives and we just want to do all the things and be all things. Notice things, take a pause, and allow things to flow through.” 

 As you explore new things in life (job, style, food, fitness), how are you feeling and how are you speaking with yourself? Are you allowing yourself to be a beginner again, unapologetically? In this guided meditation, we’re assessing what’s going on upstairs to ensure that we’re giving ourselves the energy we want to embody. 

This guided meditation offers a new way to hold ourselves  in our bodies, embracing ourselves and leaning into resistance. After being centered and grounded through guided meditation, we often feel calm. In this guided meditation, host Karen Cubides also walks us through a reenergizing ritual to help us go about our days with purpose. 

Karen also talks about time she sets aside for problem solving, as well as a “power hour” for to-do list items and  administrative things. With this, we have such a focused practice for efficiency and getting things done, but consider also having time to think, be, and exist. Give yourself the space to get grounded and have gratitude for your body. 

Episode 124: Gender Inclusivity Interview with Jess Abbattista14 Apr 202100:57:30

“We call a lot of this work diversity and inclusion, but if we’re not creating equity, what is the diversity and inclusion working toward?” 

Starting conversations is the first step to spreading knowledge, and that’s what this Gender Inclusivity Interview is all about. This episode, we talk all things gender inclusivity and advocacy with special guest, Jess Abbattista. Jess is our Podcast Director and Branding and Marketing Strategist here at The Musician’s Guide, and is currently pursuing a degree in trumpet and an MBA in marketing and HR at Vanderbilt University. 

As a nonbinary person, Jess sheds some light on their gender experience and journey, as well as touching upon how gender manifests for them in life, in music, and in business. As an advocate, Jess also shares some ways to support marginalized genders and deconstructs the gender binary our society has (unfortunately) become so accustomed to. 

“You can’t look at someone and know their gender. There’s no way. People represent gender identity in so many different ways… You can’t say anything to dispute other people’s personal journeys. They are whatever they are because they know themselves better than you do.” 

Here are a few resources we talk about in this interview: them.us, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/gender-identity 

“You can’t deem yourself an ally. You have to be deemed an ally by someone of that marginalization. You can say you advocate for people, but if people of that marginalization don’t tell you that you’re advocating for them, how are you going to tell them that you are?”



Episode 123: 5 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make in the Music Industry09 Apr 202100:30:28

“Particularly musicians have so many talents and so many things to really capitalize on, and I think if we’re going to get anything out of this pandemic, it’s the fact that you can make money in so many different ways without even having to come in contact with anyone.” 

Lots of innovation has hit the industry during the pandemic, and with this, we’re redefining what it means to be a musician. As we stretch the bounds of our creative careers, there’s a lot of unchartered territory that needs clarity that we oftentimes dismiss. This episode, we’re continuing our Non-Musician Perspectives series with KCA project manager Jennifer Cubides to talk about 5 mistakes entrepreneurs make in the music industry, with emphasis on clarity: 

  1. Lack of clarity in the product or service that you’re offering 
  2. Lack of clarity in pricing and what that’s going to get me 
  3. Contracts 
  4. Communicate the scope of the project 
  5. Lack of boundaries around personal investment in projects 

With this clarity, we can preserve ourselves and our projects to make the best creations and collaborations we can.

Episode 122: Who is Karen Cubides?07 Apr 202100:27:54

“What I’m trying to do is be passionate, be loving, be helpful.”

 Ping pong champion? Monica Geller 2.0? This episode, we’re getting to know more about our amazing host, Karen Cubides. In this casual Q&A with KCA Project Manager, Jennifer Cubides, we learn about everything from Karen’s favorite moments to what gives her giddy, childlike joy.

Episode 121: Recital Marketing02 Apr 202100:17:30

“The world needs what you have to give. You have nothing to prove and so much to offer.” 

 A sense of normalcy in performing is returning! With that, recitals are starting to pop up, and the last thing you want to worry about is your social media or marketing plan. This episode, host Karen Cubides talks all things recital marketing, focusing on authenticity, clarity, intentionality, and going in with a plan. 

“Everything about social media is 60% strategy, 20% aesthetic, and 20% energy. It really boils down to ‘Can we be consistent about this?’, ‘What is the strategy behind this?’, ‘What are we trying to do?’” 

We need our strategy to be authentic and intentional. If we plan ahead of time, we can really hone in on what type of promotions we want to do and what type of content we want to create for our brand. If you formulate a social media calendar around this strategy, you’ll actually post. If we don’t plan ahead of time with graphics, captions, etc., social media and marketing become the lowest priority ever (because doing a recital is pressure enough). With that, plan to have clarity around your marketing: call it what it is so we know what we’re looking at, and we can make time to be there! 

Focus on what matters to you. Have clear call to action so we can cheer you on. Take advantage of capturing these moments to help build your creative portfolio, whether it be content leading up to the recital or video snippets after the fact. Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts for more on recital marketing and social media plans! 

Episode 120: Enneagram Instinctual Subtypes31 Mar 202100:32:38

“Personal development and career development have to go hand in hand. It’s not so much about if you can win the job, but more about if you can you keep it.” 

With the Enneagram, there are 9 different numbers; 9 different ways to experience the world. These are the foundations that gauge our motivations as a humans. With the Enneagram, there are also 27 subtypes, made up of 3 variations of each of the 9 personality types depending on which of our 3 instincts are highlighted: self-preservation, one-to-one, and social. 

Subtypes describe our major concerns and focus of attention in daily life, giving us the opportunity to really get to know ourselves and what our instinct-based activities are. They all exist within us and stack one on top of the other, with one usually being more prominent. Here’s a little bit about each subtype, which we talk about more in depth in the episode: 

1. Self-preservation 

  • Theme: the right to be alive, experiences of being physically grounded in our bodies and connected to the earth 
  • Governs our need for food, shelter, and warmth 
  • Affects how we regulate our daily rhythms of work, home, life, sleep, and self care 

2. One-to-one 

  • Theme: the right to be loved, to be seen and appreciated as an individual 
  • Governs our sexuality, intimate relationships, and our movement of the life force within our bodies 
  • Affinity for deep and intimate connections, smaller groups, silence 

3. Social 

  • Theme: our right to belong, our role or place in the world 
  • Governs our need for belonging and membership within the larger group of a community 
  • Affinity for bringing people together, desire to be behind the scenes and forming the community, enjoying the energy of a group 

 Subtypes are another opportunity to see our weaknesses, strengths, and how they show up in our daily life. This is a tool to help grow and understand your self-awareness as well as your empathy and compassion for other people. 

“We all come in with our biases and we all come in with a certain amount of knowledge. Imagine that you don’t know as much as you do and come with a posture of openness. Understand there are endless possibilities and we see what we see.”

Episode 119: Q&A - Music Industry Inquiries26 Mar 202100:44:16

“How are we going to holistically, effectively, and sustainably disrupt the industry?” 

You can't improvise experience - that's why we're sharing ours with you! Careers in the music industry give us a lifelong learning process, and we have to explore the resistance we face so that we can thrive and innovate. 

In this episode, we answer many music industry questions that may be on your mind, from perfectionism to social media to booking gigs to contracts to facing adversity and defining success. 

Episode 118: Non-Musician Perspectives - Websites with Jennifer Cubides19 Mar 202100:31:44

“Your website is your business card to the world.” 

We promise that whoever you are, wherever you are in your career, and whatever you do, you’re in the market for a website. Websites let us tell people who we are, what we do, and how to get in touch with us, and we have full control over how they see this content. This episode, we’re learning about website creation from a non-musician’s perspective to shed some insight into what to include in your website, how to cater your website to your audience, and the importance of having a multi-faceted platform for your brand. 

Having your website be professional and sophisticated is important. You want people to hire you. One crucial thing to remember with any aspect of your brand, though, is that you’re not just a musician - you’re human, too! Include some candid photos, and some information about what else you do beyond the music industry at the end of your bio. We want to be able to see your personality shine through so we can get to know who you really are. 

With that, your photography sets the tone for your website. Collaborate with a photographer you admire, tell them your vision, and work together to create it (that's what we did!). Then take your next step into creating a platform for your particular audience, and let your true self come through.

Episode 243: Building Wealth & Money Management for Musicians ft. Mariah27 Mar 202400:52:03

In this episode, Karen has the pleasure of interviews Mariah Phillips, a financial advisor. Mariah shares her journey in becoming a financial advisor, with a focus on helping musicians and creatives navigate the variable cashflow of the industry. 

The conversation covers the difficulty of talking about money, the reasons why some people know more about money than others, and the differences between financial planners, CPAs, and business managers. 

Mariah also discusses the importance of thinking about your whole life when it comes to money and provides insights into the cost and payment for financial planning services. 

In this conversation, Mariah, a financial advisor, discusses the different types of financial advisors, how to find the right advisor, and the importance of having a retirement conversation. She also shares insights into the training and education required for financial advisors. 

The conversation emphasizes the need for personalized financial advice and the importance of asking questions and seeking guidance. Mariah encourages individuals to start planning for retirement, even with small steps, and highlights the value of having an expert in your corner. 

Insta: @haveyoumetmariah

Facebook: Mariah Phillips – Northwestern Mutual

LinkedIn: Mariah Phillips

 Have a quick question for Mariah? Schedule a call here.

Episode 117: Relationship Reflections with Nick Laufer17 Mar 202100:45:01

“The more that we have gotten to know ourselves as individuals, and been more prepared and equipped and wise, I think that has made our partnership so much better.” 

This week marks the 4 year anniversary of host Karen Cubides and podcast favorite Nick Laufer! In this episode, the life & business partners sit down to talk about lessons learned, from self discovery to finances to health: 

  • Self discovery: “Know what you want as an individual before you tend to the needs of others.” Advocate for yourself first! 
  • Finances: “Manage what you have instead of always wanting more or feeling like it isn’t enough.” Financial literacy and communication is a must; there needs to be mutual understanding and agreement. 
  • Health: “I want to have the energy to support you in the ways you need to be supported.” 

Developing vulnerability and exercising gratitude are key components to an authentic and supportive relationship. Learning and growing together is a beautiful thing, even when things become difficult. 
“Because we do things big, we do things the hard way. We’ve done it the hardest way, and we still did it. If there’s anything to help motivate anybody out there, you can probably figure it out smarter and faster and better than we did.” 

Episode 116: Non-Musician Perspectives - Teaching Beginners with Jennifer Cubides12 Mar 202100:30:24

“With beginners, you’re building and fostering that passion.” 

Teaching beginners is all about fostering passion and human connection. At younger ages, students we teach are more people than they are musicians, and we’re at a crucial position to educate them from a place of experimentation and excitement in order to cultivate and instill creative inspiration. 

This episode, we’re talking all things teaching with KCA Project Manager Jennifer Cubides as we continue our new Non-Musician Perspectives series. Jen is not only KCA’s Project Manager, but she’s also a teacher for young students! Her experience as an educator combined with her deep understanding of the music industry provide unique insights into what teaching beginners is all about. 

“Capture a full scope of the student. Capture who they are and the type of knowledge they have.” 

With beginners, it’s all about fostering a relationship and building rapport in order to create a foundation of trust for experimentation and desire to learn. It’s also about keeping your students (and their parents, especially!) excited and well-informed. In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into some tips and misconceptions surrounding teaching beginners, from a non-musician (and young educator's) perspective.

Episode 115: Checking In With Ourselves10 Mar 202100:15:42

“Healing myself from the inside out has given me new liberties and new possibilities and new levels of energy and emotion that I didn’t know were available to me.” 

Overwhelmed? Overworked? Not enough time? Let’s take a few moments to check in with ourselves and see how we can preserve ourselves for tomorrow (and every day after that). This episode, we’re challenging the habits that don’t serve us so life can be more enjoyable. 

“Your body does keep the score and your body can heal itself. As long as we get out of the way and we empower and nurture our bodies, anything is possible.” 

Nothing has to be permanent. We don’t have to do anything that doesn’t align with our values, desires, or health. We can redirect, shift, and reshape our careers and our lives at any moment if we so choose to analyze how we’re feeling and how we want to feel. We can change the narrative by challenging our thoughts and behaviors of suffering in order to reach success. It doesn’t have to be that way, and we shouldn’t let it. 

“Things don’t have to be hard. You don’t have to be in pain. You are doing the best you can with what you have.”

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