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Drummer Mamas
Drummer Mamas
Author: Ciara Chinniah and Gemma Hill
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© 2026 Drummer Mamas
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Drummer Mamas is a podcast aimed at bringing drumming mothers together. Ciara Chinniah and Gemma Hill have been friends since they met studying the drums at music college. Since then they have both had children and wanted to share their experiences in the drumming world whilst also juggling everything that comes with motherhood.
57 Episodes
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Send us Fan Mail Trigger warning: we talk about the topic of suicide in this episode Dylan Redman is a drum teacher, counsellor, cheerleader of people, and good Samaritan all rolled into one as the CEO of the Red Cymbal company. Motivated by kindness, and with a strong desire to offer support for mental health, Dylan started Red just before the pandemic hit. Discover how he is able to combine many unique experiences and qualities with this cymbal brand, which he is taking all over the w...
Send a text Today we’re talking about image — how we present ourselves online, the pressure to look youthful, and the limiting beliefs many of us carry about beauty and ageing… and how all of that shapes the way we show up. Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas instagram.com/Ciaradrums instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
Send a text We are honoured to be joined by Jost Nickel this week! Jost is one of the biggest names on the international scene and has a lot of interesting things to say on the topics of encouraging more female students to enrol at the Pop Academy in Mannheim, what he does and doesn’t prepare for with clinics, raising daughters with music, and so much more. We had several laughs about mis-pronouncing names, and Jost tested us with some German too. Catch him here before you see him on the Main...
Send a text Today we’re talking to one of the worlds most respected drummers, Mark Mondesir. He’s played with icons like John McLaughlin, Jeff Beck, and Courtney Pine — but beyond the incredible musicianship, this conversation is about something deeper. From the Maguire program to his work with Maggie’s Cancer Charity, Mark shares how music has been his constant companion — guiding him through challenge, healing, and change. He opens up about life, loss, and what it feels like to be in a club...
Send a text Dane Campbell knows about family life within music: his father was often away touring as the guitarist with Motörhead when Dane was growing up. Dane and his brothers now tour in a band with their dad; has his childhood affected how he balances being a musician and parent himself? Dane takes us through family band dynamics, making changes to touring to suit his family, and taking lessons himself as a busy, gigging musician if he feels ‘stuck in a rut’. Dane Campbell:&n...
Send a text We’re joined by Bob Wynne — drummer, educator, and advocate for a world filled with more drummers! Bob talks about the idea behind the Evans Sound Advice Room at The UK Drum Show, his upcoming masterclass with Steve White (Feb 23rd), and how his 50/50 teaching roster is helping shape the next generation. He also shares his take on why drum shops need to wake up to the fact that women just get on and buy — and how that mindset could save the industry. We missed some names out who p...
Send a text This episode comes with a ‘woo woo’ warning! We talk about all things ‘universe’: manifesting, ordering what you want, receiving it, operating on a positive wavelength, and making lists to help you achieve your goals and dreams. Parking spaces, the ideal partner, and lottery wins: listen to this episode to find out how we get the things we ask for! Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas instagram.com/Ciaradrums instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
Send a text Some stats about our guest today that may even be out of date by now: he has played on 89 top 20 albums, 53 number ones, he has produced Debbie Harry, and played with the likes of Stevie Nicks, Tina Turner and Rod Stewart. Geoff Dugmore talks with us about playing for the song, bringing a good feeling to a session, and his surprising pastime when he’s not busy with music. Geoff Dugmore: Instagram.com/geoff_dugmore Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas instagram.com/Ciaradru...
Send a text Ellie East has been Dave Stewart’s drummer of choice for the last 2 years, and her bouncy energy and positive vibes make it easy to see why she is consistently booked for tours and session work. Ellie tells us how her new outlook on finding interests outside of music and the need to take a break from work are helping her to feel calm, and how she has accepted that some parts of the music industry are simply beyond her control. Ellie East:Instagram.com/ellieeastdrums Follow ...
Send a text Gabi King joined the 1975 as their percussionist after auditioning for them by performing on the Jonathan Ross Show, which led to her learning the entire percussion set in two weeks before flying out to join them on tour in Mexico.Of course, she smashed it and has been with them ever since! Gabi tells us the importance of looking after mental health on tour, staying relaxed when working with big names, being a good hang as a session player, and something no one has ever aske...
Send a text Tom Howarth’s drum reels are witty, entertaining, full of stick tricks and favoured by the algorithm! Tom tells us how he comes up with his content, about family life supporting a child with additional needs, his new online drum school, and what word he thinks almost got him banned from Instagram… Tom Howarth: Instagram.com/tomhowarthdrums Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
Send a text Our last episode before we have a week off for Christmas. We update you with if we are ready for the big day, what we're hoping to get, 2026 and our love of pie!
Send a text Maxie is playing drums for music that feels like it is making a difference: touring with artists and activists such as Kate Nash, Jasmine.4.t and Isha, Maxie has had a busy 2025, full of touring, recording, and even a ghostly encounter in Hamburg… Maxie talks to us about committing to and keeping faith in what you’re doing, creating space for transgender people in music, and the positive experiences they have had in helping to diversify the drum industry’s artist rosters. Photo by...
Send a text 2025 has been a big year for Martina Barakoska both personally and professionally; she’s moved to a different country, learned a new language, filmed a phenomenal commercial for Thomann, hosted a masterclass at the UK Drum Show, and is busy with new music. And those are just a couple of highlights. Martina tells us what inspired her to leave her hometown of Skopje in North Macedonia to move to Berlin, and her balanced approach to dealing with the positives and negatives of social ...
Send a text Having enjoyed huge success with Paul Weller and the Style Council from the latter part of his teenage years, Steve White went on to tour all over the world and become a hugely respected drum clinician, author and educator. As a dad to four children, and husband to a successful actress and producer, how has he fitted his music career together with family life? Steve tells us how he has adapted over the years, the importance that he puts on to supporting upcoming music talent, and ...
Send a text Gemma and Ciara have been up to new things… Ciara is about to launch ‘Begin’, an online beginner drum course that people can do at their own pace, and Gemma has set up Swiftiedrums on social media, where people can learn the real drum parts to Taylor Swift songs with notation and drum charts to download. Talking about learning new skills, adapting, asking other people for help (even when it feels uncomfortable), and the freedom in not worrying about how people perceive us, the Dru...
Send a text Sarah Hagan worked as the Director of Artist Relations at Zildjian for several years, is on the Board of Advisors for the Percussive Arts Society, and now runs her own consulting company, so if anyone knows about the topic of diversity and inclusion, it’s her! We asked her what changes she has seen in the drum industry and what she hopes for the future of it. How can we ensure fair representation of women and minority groups at music events? Sarah shares her knowledge. Sarah Haga...
Send a text ‘Leave the room better than when you entered it and make everyone feel awesome along the way’ is the mantra that Stan Bicknell lives by, and it seems to work because he landed himself a huge tour with Natasha Bedingfield this year! He is seeing success with his Mastermind Drummer platform…but he’s had to make a lot of tough choices with his family to get where he is… Enjoy finding out more in this episode! Stan Bicknell: Instagram: Instagram.com/stanbicknell Follow us here: Inst...
Send a text We met up in Liverpool for the UK Drum Show! What were our favourite moments from the weekend? What would we do differently next time? From the Main Stage to the Education Room and everything in between, this is our rundown of the biggest drum event of the year. Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas instagram.com/Ciaradrums instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
Send a text Ollie Winiberg is the sunny personality who is best known for interviewing drummers and hosting the UK and Europe Drum Shows. Ollie frankly shares his journey to where he is today with us, including his start in BBC radio, losing his dad at a young age, and the impact his grief has had on his life and parenting, as well as growing up with Jeff Beck’s unwavering support as a teenager. Ollie Winiberg: Instagram.com/olliewiniberg Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram...



