The Conscious Artist®: Mental Health Conversations with Pallavi Mahidhara

This week we feature Dr. Emily Gee, the Director of the Musicians’ Wellness Program at the University of Colorado in Boulder. She is a licensed physical therapist (PT) and certified yoga instructor with a background in music. As a cellist, she battled playing-related injuries during music conservatory that led to a career path. Throughout her own physical recovery, she saw a great need for healthcare providers who better understood the physical, mental and emotional demandsplaced on musicians throughout their careers, and has dedicated her time serving the music community as a clinician, educator, advocate and resource to promote health and wellness among musicians. Discover more about Emily's work: https://www.colorado.edu/music/emily-geeOnline Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠⁠⁠

CONTENT WARNING: Suicide, Domestic violence, abuseIn this heartfelt episode, host Pallavi sits down with fitness coach, content creator, and former competitive figure skater Neha Alisha Dias. Neha opens up about her powerful journey of resilience, from dealing with a double concussion that brought her skating career to an early end, to overcoming an abusive relationship, to finding healing through movement and creative expression. Her book, 101 Reasons to Stay: A Collection of Reminders for the Days You Feel Alone, offers hope and encouragement for anyone navigating challenging seasons. Through this intimate and inspiring conversation, Neha reminds listeners that strength is born from perseverance, and that creativity, mindfulness, and compassion can guide us toward healing and self-discovery.Shop Neha's Book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/101-reasons-to-stay-neha-dias/1142815032Follow Neha on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nehas_wrld/?hl=enTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nehas_wrldOnline Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠⁠⁠

In this special joint episode with The Classical Circuit host Ella Lee, Pallavi and Ella discuss growing up as children of immigrants, discovering their voices beyond the piano, and redefining belonging in classical music. Their conversation offers an inspiring reminder that there’s space for everyone in this industry, and that by pursuing what’s authentic and meaningful, we can each create our own path forward.Listen to The Classical Circuit:https://shows.acast.com/the-classical-circuitOnline Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠⁠⁠

In this deeply personal opening episode of Season 8, pianist Jonathan Biss joins host Pallavi Mahidhara for a courageous conversation about mental health, living with anxiety, and the emotional complexities of life as an artist. Together they explore identity, vulnerability, and the lifelong journey of understanding oneself on and offstage, offering insight, honesty, and hope for artists navigating similar struggles. Discover more of Jonathan's work: https://www.jonathanbiss.com/Listen to Unquiet:https://www.jonathanbiss.com/projects/unquietOnline Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠⁠

Our Season 7 finale features violinist Irene Abrigo. She is a performer and teacher, runs her own festival and non profit, and is committed to her social responsibility as an artist. Her academy, Fast Fingers, Slow Life, is a holistic approach to a musician's journey. We discuss how she balances all the facets of her artistry, while taking care of her mental wellbeing.Discover more of Irene's story: https://www.ireneabrigo.com/Join the Fast Fingers, Slow Life Academy: https://www.ireneabrigo.com/fast-fingers-slow-lifeOnline Shop: ⁠⁠⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠⁠⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠⁠

Dutch violinist Elvira van Groningen is specialized in musicians' health. After unexpectedly dealing with focal dystonia during her musical studies, she has dedicated the past decade to arming herself with tools and knowledge during her training as a Timani teacher, which focuses on the anatomy and movement necessary to play with optimal effectiveness.Discover more of Elvira's story: https://www.elviravangroningen.com/Learn more about Timani: https://www.timani.no/Online Shop: ⁠⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠⁠

Afro-Latina conductor, Kalena Bovell, shares her unique journey into classical music. Largely self-taught in her early years, she came to music later than most and navigated a path that was far from traditional. She discusses the importance of forging one's own path in the face of systemic barriers, and reflects on the deeper risks women face when their voices are ignored or dismissed, onstage in the music world, and especially in regards to women's health. Learn more about Kalena: https://www.kalenabovell.com/Online Shop: ⁠⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠⁠

Dr. Esther Kim is a former violinist turned psychiatrist, practicing at Adelpha Psychiatric Group. We discuss her intense beginnings of a musical career, the subsequent burnout, and the sudden spark and shift into medicine and psychiatry. Learn more about Dr. Kim: https://www.adelphapsych.com/provider/esther-kim-m-dOnline Shop: ⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠

TW: This episode discusses personality disorders.This week we are joined by Dr. Frederic Bien, President of the Personality Disorders Awareness Network (PDAN). He has served as Director of Development and was on the Board of National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder. This conversation sheds light on the different types of personality disorders, to help bring awareness and offer support to those with disorders or who have family members and friends who have disorders. PDAN: https://pdan.org/PDAN Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/PDAN/Other resources: https://pdan.org/resources/associations-and-organizations/Online Shop: https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.meSubscribe for access to premium content: https://theconsciousartist.substack.comBuy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartistFollow us on Instagram: @theconsciousartistofficial

Hungarian flutist Ágnes Vass speaks about her work as Co-Principal Flutist of the Bremerhaven Philharmonic Orchestra, alongside being a certified yoga teacher and meditation and breathwork instructor. Also the creator of Body Mind Music Lab, her diverse passions and skills combine art and mindfulness, enriching both her musical practice and her personal development.Learn more about Ágnes: https://en.agnesvass.com/Join Body Mind Music Lab: https://www.instagram.com/bodymindmusiclab?igsh=MTkzMWVtdDkxYTZteA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrOnline Shop: https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.meSubscribe for access to premium content: https://theconsciousartist.substack.comBuy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartistFollow us on Instagram: @theconsciousartistofficial

Announcing the official launch of The Conscious Artist®️ Online Shop! Logo and merchandise designed exclusively for the store by Pallavi Mahidhara. You can browse t-shirts, mugs and more to help support mental health awareness. Site currently intended for US customers only - international shipping rates and taxes apply - but stay tuned for the EU site, coming soon! Happy shopping - be sure to show off your purchases on social media and tag @theconsciousartistofficial on Instagram! Thank you for supporting this show and see you back in July for Season 7 of The Conscious Artist®️.Online Shop: https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.meSubscribe for access to premium content: https://theconsciousartist.substack.comBuy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartistFollow us on Instagram: @theconsciousartistofficial

A special bonus episode with your host, Pallavi Mahidhara, reflecting on the conversations in Season 6, and looking forward to Season 7. I love being able to give back with this podcast and the content I share. That's why I invest my time and money into The Conscious Artist® - because I am committed to contributing positive change to our industry and to helping the next generation of artists. At the same time this is an independent podcast, fully run by yours truly, and in order to maintain quality and consistent content on top of my performance schedule, I do need some support. So moving forward from Season 7, bonus episodes like these will be available only to paid subscribers. For only $9/month, paid subscribers will get access to bonus episodes, personal reflections, and a brand new bite size meditation series - "Mini Mindfulness with Pallavi".  All under 5 minutes, these guided meditations can help you get started on your meditation journey, ease your stress during practice sessions, or simply allow you to unwind after an intense day. Premium content will also include once a month 30-min Zoom community check-ins. If you love this show and want to get premium access by subscribing - please know it would help me out a lot! If a monthly subscription feels too daunting for you right now, you can also support me with a one time donation instead on Buy Me A Coffee - the links for both the monthly subscriptions and the one time donations are listed below. Thank you all for being here with me - I truly appreciate all your continued support and love!  Follow us on Instagram: @theconsciousartistofficialAccess Premium Content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1881074/subscribeBuy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartistSupport the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsciousartist.substack.com

IIN Certified Health and Wellness Coach Neelam Daswani talks us through nutrition, supplements, and hormone balance, as she guides us with advice on how to be our optimal selves.Book a complimentary consultation with Neelam: https://neelampurehealth.com/Follow us on Instagram: @theconsciousartistofficialBuy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartistSupport the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsciousartist.substack.com

This episode features Susan Zhang, co-founder of The Concert Truck - a traveling music venue that strengthens communities by redefining the concert experience and making live music accessible to everyone. We chat about the importance of failing, how growing through discomfort frees us from internal and external restraints, and the importance of community for healing. Discover more about The Concert Truck: http://theconcerttruck.orgFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsciousartist.substack.com

Composer and arranger Stephen Emmer takes us on a very personal journey through loss of hearing in his left ear, developing tinnitus, and finding the will to continue creating art and music through it all. Listen to Stephen's music: https://stephenemmer.com/Learn about the foundation: https://artistsagainsttinnitus.org/en/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsciousartist.substack.com

Multi-faceted singer and pianist Rachel Fenlon reflects how stepping beyond the traditional classical path has given her artistic freedom and a truer sense of identity, while learning to embrace failure has shifted her perspective from judgment to curiosity. Discover Rachel's work: https://www.rachelfenlon.com/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsciousartist.substack.com

Ab Sengupta, Director of Artistic Planning at Carnegie Hall, shares his experiences growing up as a multicultural child of immigrant parents. Through a variety of roles as a student of both Economics and Music, an orchestral musician, and a music administrator, Ab shares his wisdom about the "lived experiences" each of us can attest to, and the importance of showing up with those different lived experiences that contribute to making our world a richer place.  Learn more about Ab: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ab-sengupta-b0163350Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsciousartist.substack.com

In the opening episode of Season 6, your host, Pallavi Mahidhara, shares her perspective on perfectionism, boundaries, and having compassion for yourself. This season very spontaneously developed common themes through the conversations with our guests around finding ones identity, struggling with perfectionism and failure, and learning how to trust oneself and fight for what aligns with us. Part of sharing our struggles and being vulnerable means the possibility for collective healing. So thank you all for the beautiful community we are growing. Welcome to Season 6.Discover more about Pallavi: https://www.pallavimahidhara.com/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsciousartist.substack.com

In this season finale, we are joined for the first time by a past guest, cellist and interdisciplinary artist Suuvi. Formerly known as Sophia Bacelar, she shares with us her personal transformation journey, through transcendental meditation, neuro feedback therapy, and learning to know herself truly in spite of all the outside noise.Discover more about Suuvi: https://suuvi.xyz/Support the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsciousartist.substack.com

Secretary General of the Geza Anda Foundation and Competition, Markus Wyler, joins us in a discussion about the relationship between an artist and their agent, and the expectations versus reality aspects in his vast experience in music management, advisory roles, and dramaturg.Read more about the Geza Anda Foundation: https://geza-anda.ch/the-foundation/#about-usFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsciousartist.substack.com