Herizon Music: The Podcast

Connie Reeves: Saved By The LightTaff Optical Pickups founder Connie Reeves could have missed her calling. Spending her young, formative years in war-torn Chile, Connie’s adulthood was plagued by depression and alcoholism. But one dark day, a small ray of light changed her life’s direction. With the spiritual green light from a 1960’s pioneer in sound technology, Connie went on to develop this millennium’s biggest advancement in stringed instrumental amplification. In This Episode * A “terrifying” first concert experience and Shakedown Q&A* What is a pickup and how it works* What makes Taff pickups different and better for the discerning player* How a ray of light saved her life* Advice for women starting over and following their passion when others say they are crazyDisclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors. Thea Wood Productions, LLC is an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.Connect with ConnieTaff Optical Pickups WebsiteInstagramFacebookHerizon Music: The Podcast is a reader-supported production. To receive new posts and support our work, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.CreditsGuest: Connie ReevesHost and Producer: Thea WoodIntern: Nora KappIf you like this episode, please click the “heart” icon and share with friends. ICYMI - Past Podcast Episodes Lurleen Ladd: Pursuing Music As A Second ActMichele Darling: Women, Technology & Music's FutureFemale Guitar Techs Who Don’t Fret The Small Stuff Get full access to Herizon Music: The Newsletter at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe

Satori Shakoor: Detroit's Funkadelic Midwife of StoriesBorn Jeanette McGruder in 1954, Detroit native Satori Shakoor knew she wanted to be a star from a young age. Her wish was granted with an audition for George Clinton’s group, The Brides of Funkenstein, and later becoming backing singer for Parliament Funkadelic. Stardom takes on many forms, and hers led to an unexpected yet successful career in storytelling after traumatic life-changing events. This episode is dedicated to storytellers everywhere.Note: This episode was recorded in 2022. If there is one regret I have besides it’s delayed publication, it’s hat we didn’t talk about the amazing costumes Satori wore on stage. A good reasons for a follow-up chat!In This Episode* A third grader with a homemade violin* New York, stolen recordings and Luther Vandross and Irene Cara* A day in the life as a “Brides of Funkenstein” with Parliament Funkadelic* Recovering from post partum depression* How the loss of her child and the Wall Street crash changed her life’s direction* How storytelling became her life’s purposeMeet Satori!Disclaimer: Opinions of show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors. Connect with SatoriThea Wood Productions, LLC is an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.Buy Parliament MusicBuy Brides of FunkensteinListen To ParliamentListen to Brides of FunkensteinWatch Mike Judge Presents: Tales from the Tour BusWatch Tear the Roof Off: The Untold Story of Parliament FunkadelicSatori’s Video BioWebsiteCreditsGuest: Satori ShakoorHost and Producer: Thea WoodIntern: Nora KappThea’s Magic Mind StoryIn this podcast, I share my first experience with a new type of 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 pretty excited 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 during checkout. 100% money back guarantee. HTTPS://magicmind.com/herizonNote: I do not receive a commission on sales. This discount is a perk for being a Herizon Music subscriber!If you liked this episode and want to stay connected, please subscribe to our newsletter for episode announcements, articles, live event updates, and more! Get full access to Herizon Music: The Newsletter at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe

SummaryIf you’re a movie buff, you’re going to love today’s guest. She’s a composer and multi-instrumentalist whose music has appeared in over 30 motion pictures and soundtracks like Porno, This Is Jessica, and Lotte That Silhouette Girl.Not to mention over 100 song placements in Emmy and BAFTA award-winning shows like Ellen DeGeneres, The Young & The Restless, Skins, Teen Titans Go, and Dance Moms. All you gamers out there may even recognize her sounds in the Microsoft video game Project Spark.She also records and performs as White Widow and recently released a new album “So She Howls,” which is nominated for a 2024 GRAMMY in the “Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album” category.Her work has earned her over a dozen awards, nominations and fellowships since 2015, with two of her film scores presented at the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences Museum.I am so excited to welcome the musical champion for women, minorities, immigrants and the LGBTQ community, and the woman who Sandra Bernhardt calls “so fucking groovy that it scares the shit out of me!”Meet Carla Patullo!In This Episode* Carla’s 2024 GRAMMY-nominated album So She Howls as music therapy for herself after grief and trauma* Soundscapes: what are they?* The differences in creating music for film/TV versus an album* The job of a film score’s music director explained* How Carla’s publishing deal got her into film and TV work* Projects she’s drawn to based on personal valuesDisclaimer: Opinions of show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors. Connect with CarlaBuy The MusicStream The MusicWebsiteYouTubeFacebookInstagramX (not Twitter)CreditsGuest: Carla PatulloHost and Producer: Thea WoodSong: “Earth” by Carla Patullo, Lily Haydn, Tonality Get full access to Herizon Music: The Newsletter at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe

GoGo Germaine: A Riot Grrrl’s Fury Painted BlackAuthor and music journalist Erin Barnes, a.k.a. GoGo Germaine, shares the highs and lows of her girl gang days as a teen rebel. Her book Glory Guitars: Memoir of a ‘90s Teenage Punk Rock Grrrl chronicles Gogo’s questionable firsts at varying degrees of sobriety. There’s more than meets the eye to a woman who discovered she can see the true colors and healing power of music and words.   In This Episode* The story behind Erin’s nom de plume GoGo Germaine* Defining a riot grrrl from her own experience* Reliving hard memories like her jarring first kiss (trigger warning)* The anger her girl gang carried and how it manifested* Her super power: synesthesia, what it is and how it works for her* Advice for women aspiring to become music journalists and authorsDisclaimer: Opinions of show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors. Connect With GoGoThea Wood Productions, LLC is an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to youWebsiteTikTokYouTubeFacebookInstagramBuy The BookCreditsGuest: Erin Barnes, a.k.a. GoGo GermaineHost and Producer: Thea WoodPhotos: Glenn RossBook Cover: Carri LawrenceBook Cover Art: Joel Amat Güell ArtThank you for reading Herizon Music: The Newsletter. This post is public so feel free to share it with other dreamers, rule breakers, and rockstars! Get full access to Herizon Music: The Newsletter at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe

Todays’s guest is a singer-songwriter with an evolutionary heart. Her story shines light on the meandering path that many of us often travel before finally committing to pursuing our deepest passions. An accountant and social worker by training, she founded nonprofits and other businesses with her husband, Dan.While she couldn’t muster the courage to audition for a voice class in college, she had the experience and grit to take a leap of faith and commit to a singing career. In a music industry that ages women out of success by their 30th birthday, she took the challenge head on.Since then, she’s released the appropriately titled pop album “No Goin’ Back” and has committed to helping other women over 40 realize their musical dreams. This year, she founded Wavemakers: Women In Music for women over 40 who are ready to take a chance and pursue a singing career.She’s the activist with a big voice, a big mind, and big aspirations of wiping ageism off the face of the music industry.Welcome, Lurleen Ladd! In This Episode– Growing up in an abusive household– Perfection as a dream killer– The “Hell No!” spreadsheet we might all need– How radio helped cure stage fright– Kids vs. adults and the learning arc– Lurleen’s plans to help women over 40 start singing as their second act Disclaimer: Opinions of show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors. Connect with Lurleen LaddWebsite https://lurleenladd.com/ and https://www.wwimusic.com/Spotify https://lurleenladd.com/lurleen-ladd-contactYouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiOOCPxVUY19Vd5NbVULXQQFacebook https://www.facebook.com/Lurleensings/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lurleenladd/CreditsGuest: Lurleen LaddHost & Producer: Thea Wood, Thea Wood Productions, LLCAudio Editing/Production: Qixiang TongSocial: Bianca Garcia and her social media teamOliver (sexy AI voice): Murf AITheme Music: Pond 5Disclaimer: Opinions of show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, officers/directors, or contractors. Thank you for reading Herizon Music: The Newsletter. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Herizon Music: The Newsletter at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe

It’s my first podcast episode to launch on Substack!  Scroll to the bottom to hear more episodes— all are available for free. Herizon Music is funded by subscribers like yourself. If you like what you hear and see, pls upgrade to a paid subscription. Thank you for joining our band of dreamers, rule breakers, and rockstars! — Thea 🎶Upgrade now!Today’s guest is the first female chair of the Electronic Production and Design Department at Berklee College of Music. She is a sound designer, Composer/Producer, Recording engineer, and founder of Women Beatmakers.She worked for many years as part of the Emmy Award–winning production team at Sesame Workshop, where she composed music, worked on sound design, and recorded voice work for The Muppets. Other sound credits include animated television shows, such as Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!; online media; games; and applications for clients such as 4Kids Entertainment, HBO Family, the Learning Channel, Moshi Monsters, Toca Boca, and more.And as if that wasn’t enough, she performs with Girls Like Bass as her alter ego Misha D and with the experimental project Aerostatic.From college chair by day to funked up beat master by night, meet the talented Michele Darling!In This Episode— Learn what electronic music production and design is all about and how music is used in movie and gaming environments— How Virtual Reality is shaping the future of sound engineering and music— Music for classic cartoons like Looney Tunes vs. modern anime like Pokemon— Alter ego Misha D and the importance of nomenclature as an entertainer— Why adding tech education into women’s groups promotes gender equity in musicConnect with Michele DarlingWebsiteInstagram @mdarlingsoundFacebookLinkedInCreditsGuest: Michele DarlingHost & Producer: Thea Wood, Thea Wood Productions, LLCAudio Editing/Production: Amir Halevi and Qixiang TongSocial: Bianca Garcia and her social media teamTheme Music: Pond 5Disclaimer: Opinions of show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, officers/directors, or contractors.  Thank you for reading Herizon Music: The Newsletter. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Herizon Music: The Newsletter at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe

Vanessa Lively walks the talk of a free-spirited soul who channels the healing power of music into uplifting the chronically unhoused in Austin, TX.  Her story as a creative and advocate is powerful and thought provoking. In this episode:Vanessa’s gypsy-esque musical roots and lifestyle that took her from Texas to Ecuador to Bolivia and Peru.The song contest hosted by Noel Paul Stooky of Peter Paul & Mary that jump started the nonprofit Home Street MusicHow Home Street’s music circle transforms people who are chronically unhoused, like musician Scott OsborneListen to Vanessa’s original song “Oh, Deliverance” which came to her in a dream– twice! – when she felt her life was falling apart.Learn about the “The Trinity” daily practice for women to share with each other – it’s like a daisy chain of personal growth and accomplishment. Listen and try it with a friend!Get "Mama Gena's School of Womanly Arts" on Amazon today!Connect with Vanessa Lively:  Website InstagramFacebook LinkedInVisit Home Street Music: Website InstagramFacebookIf you like what you hear, sign up for our newsletter here.Disclaimer: Opinions of show guests are not necessarily those of Herizon Music: The Podcast or its employees, volunteers, officers/directors, or contractors.   Get full access to Herizon Music: The Newsletter at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe

Dr. Jennifer Whitehead is an associate professor of music at Ohio Wesleyan University. With a Doctorate of Musical Arts in voice and singing health, she's teaching the next generation the skills necessary to heighten and extend their singing careers. Anyone who speaks for a living can benefit from her wisdom. She frequently appears in both staged and concert works in central Ohio, where recent roles with Opera / Columbus include Kate Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly, Guinevere in Camelot, Papagena in The Magic Flute, and Yum-Yum in The Mikado. Let's bust some myths and hit the high notes of vocal health! See episode notes.In this episode, Jennifer covers:What you need to know about vocal health if you’re a singer, speaker, or any vocal-centric professionHer strong opinions about auto-tune usage in modern musicClassical vs. modern vocal techniques: is one bad for you?The “backpack look” and what it conveys about youDo fat ladies really sound better, and how does appearance affect women in music industry?How she’s putting her creative/journalistic writing skills to workVisit https://backstagechats.com/jennifer-whitehead for full Show Notes, videos, social links, and credits!This podcast is a production of Herizon Music Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit based in Austin, TX. If you like what you hear, sign up for our newsletter here.Disclaimer: Opinions of show guests are not necessarily those of Herizon Music Foundation, Inc. or its employees, volunteers, officers/directors, or contractors. Get full access to Herizon Music: The Newsletter at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe

Bassist Janis Wallin is the “Mistress of Groove” of the jam band scene. With decades of experience, she’s the bass teaching, vegetarian-eating,  Bootsy-loving trail blazer with an alter ego.In This Episode - Why it took nine years for her band band Family Groove Company to finish their newest album titled “Through With Tomorrow” - The story behind a personal invite to join legendary bassist Victor Wooten — with only 10 minutes to show time- How to prepare for playing in multiple bands who improvise on hundreds of songs- Her sidekick Bootsy and her rap-lovin’ alter ego (you may see her on stage!)Visit https://backstagechats.com/janis-wallin for full Show Notes, videos, social links, and show credits!This podcast is a production of Herizon Music Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit based in Austin, TX. If you like what you hear, sign up for our newsletter here.Disclaimer: Opinions of show guests are not necessarily those of Herizon Music Foundation, Inc. or its employees, volunteers, officers/directors, or contractors.   Get full access to Herizon Music: The Newsletter at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe

Cheryl B. Engelhardt received her first New Age Ambient or Chant Album GRAMMY Award nomination this year for her latest album “The Passenger.” Thea Wood spoke to her about the therapeutic story behind the album, which was written and recorded on a cross-country train trip and produced and mastered by an all-female team.In this episode, Cheryl covers:– How New Age/Ambient music is different than other genres– The challenges of writing/recording an album on a train  (with a few good travel tips thrown in!)– The influence that her best friend’s death had on this album, and the hidden message for him– The GRAMMY nomination process and playing the long game to winPlus, Cheryl’s answers to The Shakedown!Visit https://backstagechats.com/cheryl-b-engelhardt for full Show Notes, videos, social links, and show credits!Disclaimer: Opinions of show guests are not necessarily those of Herizon Music Foundation, Inc. or its employees, volunteers, officers/directors, or contractors.    Get full access to Herizon Music: The Newsletter at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe

BlueSkye is the teen sensation from Michigan who is taking her unique brand of songwriting to the top! As Herizon Music’s Tate-Makeba Rising Star award winner in 2022, she made the most of her year. In this chat, meet the teen who is taking the Midwest by storm— blue skies and all!In this episode, BlueSkye covers:— The origin of her unique name.— Her not-so-lucky Lucky Penny— The story of her song "America’s Middle Class"— What it's like to audition for the NBC television show The Voice.Visit https://herizonmusic.org/blueskye for full Show Notes, videos, social links, and videos!Disclaimer: Opinions of show guests are not necessarily those of Herizon Music Foundation, Inc. or its employees, volunteers, officers/directors, or contractors.  This podcast is a production of Herizon Music Foundation, a nonprofit uplifting women in music through education, experience, and role-coding programs. It’s made possible thanks to fans like yourself.  Please donate today! Get full access to Herizon Music: The Newsletter at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe

This podcast is a production of Herizon Music Foundation, a nonprofit uplifting women in music through education, experience, and role-coding programs. It’s made possible thanks to fans like yourself.  Please donate today!In this episode, Katie covers:— What does the TV show producer do behind the scenes?— The most memorable thing a celebrity showed her on AXS TV series “Rock & Tell."— How she snagged a job from another host.— A valuable lesson her billionaire boss Mark Cuban taught her (and why you may not want to be his landlord). Visit https://herizonmusic.org/katie-daryl for full Show Notes, videos, social links, and videos!Disclaimer: Opinions of show guests are not necessarily those of Herizon Music Foundation, Inc. or its employees, volunteers, officers/directors, or contractors.  Get full access to Herizon Music: The Newsletter at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe

This is Part II of Thea Wood’s chat with Donna Jean Godchaux McKay. In this episode, the Alabama native leaves a promising musical career in Muscle Shoals for uncharted waters in California. She got more than she bargained for! This podcast is a production of Herizon Music Foundation, a nonprofit uplifting women in music through education, experience, and role-coding programs. It’s made possible thanks to fans like yourself.  Please donate today! In this episode, Donna Jean Godchaux Mackay covers:— Why she left a lucrative music career in Muscle Shoals— Her life-changing decision to join the Grateful Dead — Forming female friendships while on the road— Regrouping after tragedy strikes — Why she re-recorded “Shelter” and its importance in today’s world Disclaimer: Opinions of show guests are not necessarily those of Herizon Music Foundation, Inc. or its employees, volunteers, officers/directors, or contractors.  Get full access to Herizon Music: The Newsletter at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe

In this chat, Donna Jean Godchaux Mackay covers:Meeting and working with a young Cher in the studioThe homemade “instrument" her mother came up with so she could make music as a childHow Muscle Shoals became a safe haven for musicians amidst societal turmoilHow Elvis treated her in the studio and his last words to her before his deathWhat surprising outfit teen Donna Jean wore to the recording studio --  they still talk about today!Cultivating lifelong friendships through musicCredits:Song "Shelter" courtesy of Donna Jean & The TrickstersDonate to our nonprofit Herizon Music Foundation TODAY and help us uplift the next generation of women in music!Full show notes along with links to guest sites, social, and more are at BackstageChats.com.Disclaimer: Opinions of show guests are not necessarily those of Herizon Music Foundation, Inc. or its employees, volunteers, officers/directors, or contractors.   Get full access to Herizon Music: The Newsletter at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe

When you hear our next guest’s last name, you most likely think of her larger-than-life big brother David Lee Roth — lead singer of Van Halen. But did you know that musical prowess ran in the family?  Driven to turn her love of music into a gift that mothers and babies could enjoy together, Lisa Roth conceived an album series called Rockabye Baby, which transforms pop and rock hits into instrumental lullabies. Acts like Metallica, Lady Gaga, Fleetwood Mac, Madonna, No Doubt, Snoop Dogg, and (of course) Van Halen have never sounded so sweet.  With over 100 albums released and billions of streams under her belt, she’s proven to be an exceptional entrepreneur, record label executive and creative director. In this episode, Lisa covers:Life as a kid in the Roth householdHow the ‘60s and ‘70s school integration and women’s lib movements shaped her journeyTransforming a rock anthem into a soothing lullaby (it ain’t easy!)Which skillset gives her an advantage as an entrepreneurPlus, Lisa’s answers to The Shakedown!See full show notes, links, and videos at backstagechats.com/lisa-roth Get full access to Herizon Music: The Newsletter at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe