The Femme Music Podcast by Mel Lathouras

In this heart-filled, laugh-out-loud episode, I sit down with the glorious Sue Ray—a proud Gamilaraay woman, award-winning singer-songwriter, and total genre-bending powerhouse. We talk about her roots in country and punk, her deep love for jazz, and the wild ride from 1AM Troubadour gigs to Nina Simone tributes at the Brisbane Powerhouse. ✨ Expect stories, Brisbane nostalgia, music memories, laughs, and so much heart. 🎟️ Come see us LIVE at Femme Jazz Sessions — Thursday 29 May @ The Cave Inn Book Your Tickets Here  Let's dive into the good stuff! 00:20 – Meet Sue Ray 01:55 – The Fondelles + band beginnings 06:52 – Musical roots in Toowoomba 20:52 – Discovering jazz + first influences 26:12 – Nina Simone tribute + the Powerhouse 28:21 – Toowoomba Jazz Club magic 31:09 – Social media vs. live audience 34:35 – Nashville sessions + new music 41:26 – Final reflections + what's next 📲 Follow Sue Ray: @sueraymusic | www.sueraymusic.com 🎧 More from Mel: @mellathouras | www.fearlesssinger.com   #FearlessSinger #SueRay #FemmeJazz #SingerSongwriterPodcast #WomenInMusic

In this inspiring episode of the Fearless Singer Podcast, I sit down with the brilliant Alex Van den Broek—arranger, choral director, singer-songwriter, and vocal harmony legend. We chat about everything from: ✨ Her creative process and how she builds those spine-tingling vocal arrangements ✨ Growing a TikTok following of nearly 300K (!!) through viral harmony videos ✨ The knock-backs, imposter syndrome and how she's navigated them with grace ✨ Her epic work with The Little Red Company and Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols ✨ Plus, she's joining us as one of our stellar line up of jazz vocalists at Femme Jazz on May 9 💃🎷 Alex is one of those rare artists who brings big inspiration and big heart—and keeps it real about the journey. This one's for singers, harmony lovers, and creatives chasing their dreams on the heart-and-soul path. 🎧 Prefer to watch this episode? 📺 Watch on YouTube  🧿 More on Alex Van den Broek Follow her on Instagram → @alexvandenbroek TikTok → @avdbsings 🎟️ See Alex LIVE at Femme Jazz – 9 May in Brisbane Tix & details → https://events.humanitix.com/femme-jazz-a-celebration-of-jazzy-femme-folk   ✨ About Fearless Singer Fearless Singer is a coaching platform and creative community founded by Mel Lathouras, helping singers reclaim their voices, overcome fear, and step into their artistry—with zero perfectionism and all heart. 🌐 Learn more → fearlesssinger.com Follow Mel → @mellathouras | @fearlesssingers ❤️‍🔥 Loved this ep? Rate + review the pod, and share it with a fellow singer who needs to hear it!   #FearlessSinger #AlexVanDenBroek #FemmeJazz #VocalHarmony #JazzVocalist #ChoralMusic #CreativeJourney #SingerPodcast #VoiceConfidence #WomenInMusic

🎙️ Ep. 50 – Growing Pains & Creative Breakthroughs with Clare Hudson Welcome to a very special milestone episode of the Fearless Singer Podcast! 💃 Mel chats with singer-songwriter and Fearless Singer member Clare Hudson ahead of her debut show Growing Pains—a beautifully curated journey through her originals, favourite covers, and pivotal life moments. From studying classical voice at the QLD Conservatorium, to experiencing creative burnout, to finding her way back to music through community and songwriting, Clare shares her story with honesty, humour, and heart. If you've ever struggled with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, or letting go of your dream (only to come back to it stronger), this one's for you. ❤️‍🔥🎤   ⏱️ Timestamps (click to jump!)   00:00 – Intro & Special Guest Reveal! 00:52 – Clare's Musical Journey (So Far) 01:40 – The Big Gig & Clare's Signature Sound 02:34 – "Growing Pains" – The Concept Behind the Show 04:13 – Real-Life Moments That Inspired the Setlist 06:44 – From Classical Rigour to Jazz Freedom 18:57 – Writing Her First Original Songs (and Loving It) 22:36 – Show Time Correction + Warm Fuzzies 22:47 – Finding Her Way to Fearless Singer 23:12 – That Creative Low Point No One Talks About 23:42 – Reconnecting with Music Gently (and on Her Terms) 24:59 – The Inner Critic & the Healing Journey 28:43 – Conservatorium Challenges & The Comparison Trap 38:25 – You're Not Alone – The Power of Shared Experience 40:14 – The Cutest Flashback – Clare at 8 Years Old 42:34 – Upcoming Show Details – Don't Miss It!     🎤 Clare Hudson Live – "Growing Pains" 🗓️ Saturday 13 April 🕒 3–5 PM 📍 Can You Keep A Secret, Woolloongabba 🎟️ Only a few tickets left! 👉🏻 Book here   With: • Clare Hudson – vocals & originals • Peta Wilson – keys • Dave McGuire – guitar • Dr. Bob – bass Special Guest: Hope Morrison 🎧 Follow Clare: @clarehudsonmusic   ✨ About Fearless Singer Fearless Singer is a vocal coaching and creative empowerment community created by jazz singer and mindset coach Mel Lathouras. We help singers reclaim their voices, rewrite their fear stories, and live their boldest creative lives—with support, skill, and soul. 🌐 Learn more: https://www.fearlesssinger.com/ https://www.mellathouras.com/ 🎤 Follow Mel: @mellathouras 🎧 Listen to the podcast: 🟢 Spotify: Fearless Singer Podcast on Spotify 🍎 Apple: Fearless Singer on Apple Podcasts     💬 Loved this episode? Give it a thumbs up, leave a comment, and don't forget to subscribe for more fearless, feel-good conversations with incredible artists. 🧿

Show Notes: In this episode of the Fearless Singer Podcast, I dive deep into what it really means to love your voice and how that love can literally take you places—on stage, in life, and in your creative career. ❤️‍🔥🧿🙌🏻 I also share: ♡ How Cyclone Alfred (yes, an actual cyclone!) pushed me into finally creating the Vocal Love Club 🎤 ♡ Why self-love and affirmations aren't just woo—they actually rewire how we feel about our voices ♡ How daily vocal rituals & EFT tapping can unlock confidence and performance opportunities ♡ Actionable steps to strengthen your vocal relationship and start showing up for your voice every day 🚀 The Vocal Love Challenge starts Monday, March 10! Get daily vocal & EFT tapping sessions to build confidence, consistency, and joy in your singing—without pressure or perfectionism. 🎶 Join now for only $47: [https://www.fearlesssinger.com/30day-vocal-love-challenge] Let's dive in! 🎤✨

This episode is a deep dive into the new era of Fearless Singer—a movement dedicated to emboldening the femme voice, taking up space, and redefining fear. I'm sharing what's been happening behind the scenes, why I've gone ALL IN on uplifting femme-identifying singers, and what's coming up next (spoiler alert: it's bloody exciting). In this episode, we cover: ✨ The shift in Fearless Singer—why this movement is now laser-focused on empowering femme voices ✨ Lessons from my FREE masterclass—how to navigate fear & step into your vocal power (replay available for a limited time!) ✨ Femme Jazz is BACK! A night of jazz rebellion & femme excellence—get your tickets! ✨ The Girl From Greece Show—celebrating bold women, music & culture ✨ The real reason so many singers struggle with confidence (and how to break free) ✨ Why NOW is the time to step up & share your voice—no more waiting, no more playing small   This is for you if:   ✔️ You've ever felt like your voice wasn't "good enough" or "too much" ✔️ You want to take up space in the music industry (without apology) ✔️ You're ready to OWN your artistry & start that big, bold project you've been dreaming about   🚀 Ready to be part of the movement?   ♡ Join Fearless Singer Membership – Weekly coaching, classes & a powerhouse community 🔗 Sign up here ♡ Watch the FREE Masterclass Replay – Vocal Confidence: The 3-Step Formula to Tap Into Your Power - only available for 24 hours.  🔗 Watch it here   ♡ Get Your Femme Jazz Tickets – A jazz party celebrating the rebel girls of jazz 🔗 Grab your seat   ♡ The Girl From Greece Show – A bold celebration of women, music & culture 🔗 Book your spot   💖 Let's Stay Connected!   Instagram –  @mellathouras @fearlesssingers Facebook – Mel Lathouras YouTube – Fearless Singer Channel

🎙️ Starting My Recording Career at 41: Why It's Never Too Late In this episode, I dive into a personal and transformative journey—returning to the studio to finish two original tracks after a two-year hiatus. Fear, self-doubt, and even money blocks held me back, but I share how EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and self-coaching helped me break through those barriers and reconnect with my creative voice. This episode is about more than just recording music—it's a testament to showing up for yourself, even when it's hard, and proving that it's never too late to chase your creative dreams. ✨ What you'll hear in this episode: ♡ Why fear and perfectionism held me back—and how I shifted them. ♡ The role of mindset tools like EFT and IFS in overcoming creative blocks. ♡ Lessons learned about investing in your creativity and starting, no matter your age. ♡ How I honored my late Grandma Mave by finishing what I started. If you've been waiting for the "right time" to pursue your creative dreams, let this episode be your sign to start messy, start scared, and start NOW. ✨ Links Mentioned: ♡ Read the Blog Post ♡ Download the Free Vocal Love MP3 Join me on this journey of self-discovery, creativity, and empowerment. Your voice is your superpower—let's unlock it together! #FearlessSinger #VocalConfidence #NeverTooLate #CreativeEmpowerment #MindsetTools

🎙️ Episode 46 of the Fearless Singer Podcast is live! Join me, your host Mel Lathouras, as I dive into my latest adventure—signing up for a Stand-Up Comedy Course and performing a routine in front of a live audience for graduation. There were many pearls of wisdom gained through this little old escapade.❤️‍🔥🙌🏻 🎤 I'll share the powerful lessons from this experience and how they relate to the magic of the jam session—where musicians cut their teeth and learn the ropes on the bandstand. Plus, I'm thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the Fearless Singer Jazz Club, an 8-week (6 Live Training Sessions) course designed to help you become a confident, powerful jazz singer armed with all the tools for your success and most importantly, joy. 🎶 I'll be hosting free live training on Facebook at the Fearless Singer Jazz Club leading up to the course. Don't miss out! Tune in, and let's explore the transformative power of stepping out of your comfort zone and learning to embrace discomfort. 🙌🏻🧿✨ Register for Fearless Singer Jazz Jam and FB Group. Become a Fearless Singer Member to get the Fearless Singer Jazz Club for free: Lots of love  Mel ❤️‍🔥Xx Follow Me: 👌🏻 Insta 🧿 FB 🎤 Website

Tune in to this week's Fearless Singer chat with jazz vocalist Paula Hackney. Her journey, from discovering a Billie Holiday boxset in a thrift shop to fronting her own band - Melody Graves and the Hokum Redemption - and creating the Jazz Hive, is INSPIRING! Early in her performing career, Paula grappled with her inner critic, which fueled her fear of the spotlight.  A pivotal moment led her to reframe her mindset, propelling her from occasional gigs to headlining festivals. Learn how Paula hones her craft, from mastering songs to exploring new vocal styles, ensuring vocal longevity and a vibrant colour palette. This episode is a must-listen! As always, I LOVE to hear your takeaways, please leave us a comment! And share this one with your mates!  If you like what you hear, subscribe now! And leave a review for others like yourself to find this podcast. Links:  Book in to see the Jazz Hive at the Brisbane Jazz Club Sat 4 May Follow Paula's band on: Facebook Instagram The Jazz Hive Facebook Instagram Book into the Femme Voice Workshop Join the Fearless Singer Membership Follow Mel Fearless Singer:  👌🏻 Insta 🧿 FB 🎤 Website

In this episode of Fearless Singer, join me (Mel Lathouras) in a conversation with Ella Doneman, a Singer, Educator, and Advocate for people, especially performers, living with a disability, including the less spoken about invisible ones.  Ella shares her firsthand experiences with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, shedding light on the challenges of navigating life and the stage as a performer. She also discusses her journey in creating a tribute show to celebrate and honour Blossom Dearie on her 100th birthday. Tune in for insights and wisdom from Ella's remarkable journey! Follow Ella: Facebook InstagramBook Your Tickets to Blossoming Ella Tribute to Blossom Dearie on Sunday 28 April 3 pm.  Follow Mel: FacebookInstagram  Website Enrol in the Fearless Singer Membership  

How can you be creative when life feels a bit FKN crunchy? Tune into our Fearless Singer episode with the AMAZING @emmadeanmusic and me (Fearless Singer - Mel Lathouras)! ❤️‍🔥🙌🏻 In this episode, "Getting Your Sparkle Back" - we're diving into creativity, our singing projects and business, and reclaiming your magic in these crunchy times.  So dive in to discover how we are navigating it, being easy on ourselves, and perhaps channelling it into our singing and art-making. Here are the links we spoke about:  Emma Dean's Creative Colonic  Follow Emma on Instagram and Facebook More info on Fearless Singer Workshop - Her Voice  Follow Mel on Instagram and Facebook  Love Mel X ❤️‍🔥    

Unlock the unsexy (or sexy—depending on what you're into) truth about building confidence on the Fearless Singer Podcast! Mel Lathouras (that's me) explores practical strategies for cultivating confidence, which is essential for every singer's journey. Tune in for insights and actionable steps. Plus, upcoming workshop details!   Her Voice: Vocal Confidence & Power Workshop - enrol here:    Get started with the Fearless Singer Membership here.   Follow Me: 👌🏻 Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mellathouras 🧿 FB: https://www.facebook.com/mel.lathouras 🎤 Website: http://www.fearlesssinger.com  

🎙️ Fearless Singer Podcast Episode 41: The Life-changing Magic of Turning 40 ✨ Embracing renewed fearlessness, authenticity, and taking risks! Tune in now! Make your dreams a reality, Singer!   Here's the Vocal Glow Up - FREE 8min Daily Singing Routine, ebook and course mentioned: Here's info about the Fearless Singer Membership - weekly online group coaching and access to all Fearless Singer Courses.  Let me know what resonated with you in the comments!   I LOVE hearing from you.  Love Mel ❤️‍🔥  X   

🎙️ An Inspiring Convo about Uncovering Your Creative Light: Meet Victoria Watson ✨ This Fearless Singer podcast episode is a  heartwarming chat with the talented Singer, Songwriting Coach, and creator of "Uke 'n' Bake," Victoria Watson.  As a member of the seminal Brisbane band Some Jerks, Victoria shares her story about embracing her creative spirit and blending her passions for music, baking and fashion.  In this episode, Victoria delves into overcoming stage nerves, navigating the challenges of growing up as a quirky, creative kid in rural Gatton after emigrating from Scotland at five years old, and the transformative power of finding her passion in music but most importantly, finding her voice in music.  Discover how she made the leap from a long-term career in childcare to pursuing her full-time creative calling. Don't miss this inspiring episode of Fearless Singer, which nearly ended abruptly when a fly snuck into Vic's nose and down her mouth as she was chatting away. But it didn't - because Vic's a bloody legend.  🔗 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations and to never miss an episode! ✍🏻 Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review for other like minded folk to find this podcast.   P.S. Apologies for some inconsistencies with mic levels - still getting my head around the tech!  Love Mel ❤️‍🔥🎵   Follow Mel  💜🎤 Blog: http://www.fearlesssinger.com  💜⚡️I share a lot about singing, and mindset adventures on Instagram. Come on over! https://www.instagram.com/mellathouras/

htIn the latest episode of the Fearless Singer Podcast, host Mel Lathouras overcomes her own fear of speaking about the political and social division as well as the atrocities happening around the world. Mel dives deep into the interconnectedness of humanity, emphasising the importance of unity and peace. She candidly shares her own fear about addressing these crucial issues but realises that her yearning for positive change surpasses any fear of 'getting things wrong'. She urges Singers and Professional Voice Users to step into their "healing" roles and use their voices for positive change. Follow Mel on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Website  

G'day Singer! 🎤  In this episode, I almost didn't hit that "share" button because I was wrestling with a #vulnerabilityhangover. You see, I've been in the trenches battling imposter syndrome and the relentless chatter of my inner critic these past weeks. Juggling multiple projects and being more visible online and onstage has a way of cranking up that inner noise. But here's the thing: the critical mind is a constant companion wherever you are on your spiritual or singing journey. And that's perfectly fine. Embracing it as a normal part of the human experience is the key. I like to think of it as akin to popping a satisfying blackhead (pardon the analogy). Let's be honest; there's something oddly gratifying about that! In this episode, I bare it all and share a deep-seated story that's been on repeat in my subconscious, like an old VHS tape stuck on replay. It's the tale of "nobody likes me, I had no friends in high school" – cue Pauly Shore. You'd get that reference if you grew up with 90s trashy high school comedies. I had to confront this narrative head-on because it was gaining steam and hindering my efforts to promote gigs on social media. I dubbed it my personal ball and chain, something I needed to let go of because it was holding me back. And then there's the narrative of not being "Greek Enough" for a musical project with my best mates called "Girl From Greece." 😆 We're launching officially next week, and it's a big deal! We have members of our Greek community, my family, a bouzouki player from Melbourne, and a guitarist from Cairns all attending. But here's the twist—I can't speak Greek, at least not fluently enough for meaningful conversations or even asking where the toilet is. So, I'll walk you through my process of conquering these narratives. I'll also spill the beans on some nifty "motivation hacking" tricks I've picked up from Brendon Burchard and Mel Robbins. Plus, I even use classroom behaviour management tactics on myself. So, if you're grappling with kickstarting your projects, this episode is a treasure trove of tools and tips.  ----------------- Now, for some EXCITING news! We're hosting our first-ever Fearless Singer Jam this Sunday (note Jam, not Showcase). After receiving numerous requests from talented souls wanting to perform at the showcase (which is exclusive to Fearless Singer members), we've decided to open up our performance opportunities to other singers who want to be part of our beautiful community.  We've curated an AMAZING lineup, and you can check out all their profiles on Facebook and Instagram. If you're curious, join us at the Bearded Lady this Sunday, September 17th. We kick off at 2 p.m., and it's just $10 at the door, with all proceeds going directly to the band. RSVP here: https://fb.me/e/3QWRt3Dbh Let me know if you'd like to take the stage in the next one, sing your heart out, and be part of our magic! And, of course, mark your calendars for Girl from Greece's debut concert next Saturday, September 23rd. I'll sing in my great-grandparent's language, share family stories, and jam with the incredible Katerini, Christina Xydi Lignou, and our stellar band. You can snag your tickets here: https://bit.ly/GirlfromGreece  I absolutely love hearing from you! If any of this resonates with you or if you have your own strategies for coaching yourself through similar challenges, drop me a line. Let's connect and share the love! Lots of love, Mel Xx ❤️‍🔥🎵 Follow Mel 💜🎤 Blog: http://www.fearlesssinger.com 💜⚡️I share a lot about singing, and mindset adventures on Instagram. Come on over! https://www.instagram.com/mellathouras/ 

This is my story on how deadlines and I became friends after a tumultuous relationship, starting back when I was 10. Yes, I have been deadline-resistant for most of my adult life until now. A few years ago, I had finished my music degrees, and the gigs that had come so easily to me stopped. I went quite a while without performing. And my self-confidence dwindled – I was a fish out of water. I then realised I had to take responsibility for making my opportunities. These brilliant ideas I kept telling people about (mostly my Mum and my best friend Amy, who I FaceTime daily) wouldn't be manifested without action. So, I reached out to JMI Live and asked for a gig. It was a few months into the future, so there was enough space not to freak out but a clear deadline. And I found my new method to make things happen – book the show even when you're not ready! This method can apply to any project really. Set a date and tell people about it! In this episode, you can learn about how to: ✨ Bite the bullet and give yourself a clear date (even if you don't feel ready), and then reverse engineer your project.  ✨How to ask for a gig at a Venue - ask for what you want!  ✨Uncover resistance and coach yourself out of it. I also let you know about all of our exciting Fearless Singer Events. If you want to stay posted, go to www.fearlesssinger.com/events  As always, let me know what resonates with you!!  Lots of love Mel ❤️‍🔥🎵 Follow Mel 💜🎤  Blog: http://www.fearlesssinger.com  💜⚡️I share a lot about singing and mindset adventures on Instagram. Come on over!   

As a long-time admirer of Singer-Songwriter Emma Dean, welcoming her to the Fearless Singer Podcast was an exciting fan-girl moment. Emma's impressive accolades includes multiple albums, iconic projects like the Cheap Trill community choir, and a standout appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Beyond her thriving performing career, Emma is now a creativity coach, offering an upcoming 8-week course that delves into creative expression. In this episode, we explore Emma's journey, temporarily stifled by pre-teen bullying. She shares how her high school music teacher helped her reclaim the stage, leading to her role as Audrey in The Little Shop of Horrors. Emma discusses how bullying can foster a fear of standing out and stifling creativity, which ties into managing the inner critic. She offers practical techniques for breaking free from self-doubt and rediscovering creative flow. 'We also talk about the importance of creative communities, self-acceptance, the power of storytelling, pursuing happiness, and reframing success. Emma also shares how her creative output now looks different with baby twinnies and how she has learnt to embrace her new pace. Don't miss this beautiful episode! You can also watch it on Youtube here.  And if you've ever doubted your creative abilities, Emma's 8-week course, Exploring Creativity, might be your answer – with early bird pricing ending today. Follow Emma on Insta.  Love Mel ❤️‍🔥🎵 Follow Mel 💜🎤 Blog: http://www.fearlesssinger.com 💜⚡️I share a lot about singing, and mindset adventures on Instagram @mellathouras. Come on over! 

Join us as we reunite with the AMAZING Katerini Manolatos, a singer, music therapist, now producer, and my dear friend.  If you tuned into her episode last year, you might remember her story and insights into her Greek heritage and her music therapy journey.  Since then, we've embarked on musical adventures together, including performances in Brisbane's Greek Choir, Ellinikes Fones, and the creation of our very own production company, Girl From Greece. 🎤 Highlights of the Episode: ✨ The Birth of Girl From Greece: Delve into how Katerini and I established "Girl From Greece," a dynamic project driven by a profound purpose. Discover the driving force behind this project and how it fuels our passion for music and community. ✨ Our debut Girl From Greece concert: Here about all the behind-the-scenes as we prepare for our debut concert on Saturday, 23 September 2023.  ✨ Greek Connection and Beyond: Explore the incredible power of friendship, family, and community as we share personal stories that reflect the profound influence of Greek culture on our lives and music. ✨ Manifesting Dreams: If you dream of bringing a project to life, this episode is your source of inspiration. Uncover the secrets to turning your aspirations into reality as we discuss our journey from idea to creation.  🎟️ Join the Journey: Curious about our Girl From Greece Concert or eager to book tickets? Find all the details you need here. Immerse yourself in the power of music and culture as you experience the beauty of our upcoming concert. 📻 Extra Treat: Discover the enchanting world of Greek stories beyond our podcast! Catch us on Kate O'Toole's Music Rabbit Hole segment on ABC Brisbane Radio. We share tales of the Lathouras diaspora story and how music rekindled our connection to our Greek roots. Listen in at the 1:00:00 mark here. 🌍 Share Your Story: We're eager to hear your cultural background and how music influences your connection to it. Leave a comment or DM me on Instagram @mellathouras  LoveMel ❤️‍🔥🎵🎤 P.S. Prefer to watch our interview, you can do this here. 

Laine Loxlea-Danann is the epitome of a Renaissance Woman – not only is she a Singer, Musician, Writer, Producer and Talent Manager – she even makes her wine out at her Cleveland Artists' Retreat. I first met Laine back in 2015 at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music when we were both studying Vocal Pedagogy. And not sure whether it was the Universe or the Instagram algorithm (I'm grateful either way!) – she came back into my orbit at the end of last year via Instagram stories. I was captivated by her and her story! She was living her version of Eat Pray Love as she went on a European Tour starting in Germany to watch a theatre company perform her self-penned musical theatre show – Critical Last Chance Years. The one-woman musical is based on Laine's experience of navigating societal pressure to find a partner in her 30s. The musical examines the social pressures of being single in a culture where couple relationships define the norm and where you're told at an incredible volume that if you try hard enough, wishes can come true. We spoke extensively about this and how a few years ago, while performing Laine discovered that she was not hearing sound the same way she used to. After multiple trips to health professionals, she finally got the diagnosis that she had Semicircular Canal Dehiscence - a rare opening between the uppermost semicircular canal in the upper part of the inner ear and the brain. The condition causes problems with hearing and balance. Laine talks about how this prompted her to pursue her many other talents and skills, including talent management. She now runs a boutique agency nurturing and booking work for actors from all walks of life, age groups and acting experience. Laine said helping other artists on their creative journey is something she has always naturally done and enjoyed but gave her an enormous sense of purpose after her diagnosis. Resilient, resourceful and downright inspirational – Laine is making her way back to performing again – and will start by being the accompanist (she's a killer piano player) in Critical Last Chance Years when it is performed again here in Australia. The German Theatre company will be coming over to direct it next year! Please enjoy this episode – and as always, let me know what resonates for you!? If you are comfortable with sharing with me, have you had a condition that has made it difficult for you to sing? Would love to hear from you. Leave me a comment!  Love Mel ❤️‍🔥🎵🎤 Follow Laine:  Insta @laineloxleadanann Website: www.loxleacreative.com

Get inspired by an incredible journey on this episode! Meet Josephine Lancuba, a Performing Arts Business Coach, Studio Owner, and Producer who turned her life around through music. From a turbulent childhood, Josephine's love for singing changed her life's course. Discover how she landed a studio scholarship and embarked on a career as a performer, even playing Sporty Spice in tribute shows. But when motherhood arrived, she seized the opportunity to build her own teaching studio with four locations in Sydney. Josephine shares her passion for giving back to aspiring young artists and her successful venture into talent management and creating her own children's musical theatre show, raking in $30,000 in profit. Tune in to hear Josephine's journey and love for coaching fellow artists. Also, explore topics like embracing innovation to stay relevant in the performing arts, monetizing talents with integrity, and the upcoming Studio Innovation Conference she's hosting for Performing Arts Studio Owners in Sydney. Plus, book early for her conference and get a 20% discount using code INNOVATE23. Don't miss this wisdom-packed episode! Love, Mel ❤️‍🔥🎵🎤 P.S Follow Josephine on Insta at @josephinelancuba