In this episode of Artistry with Heart, I sit down with Charleston-based trio Gale Bird.

Josh, Melissa, and Sean share how their songwriting is shaped by marriage, long-term friendship, parenthood, creative doubt, and the constant work of choosing authenticity over performance—both in art and in life.

Their original song featured at the end of the episode, Roses, was written from a place of deep heart and honesty—a reminder that tomorrow is never guaranteed, and that love is meant to be expressed while we still have the chance.

Throughout our conversation, we explore:

• Balancing family, friendship, and music without sacrificing what matters most
• How songwriting can become a grounding force during anxiety, conflict, and uncertainty
• Why vulnerability is what truly connects us to each other

Learn more about Gale Bird

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More resources at stephaniebernards.org

In this special holiday episode, Artistry with Heart celebrates Voices Unlimited, a Portland-based choir, serving adults with special needs while also creating opportunities to socialize and form friendships in a safe, positive environment.

You’ll hear from founder Ben Landsverk and from the students themselves as they share what music means to them—joy, purpose, friendship, and having a place to truly belong. This conversation shines a light on the importance of arts access, inclusive music communities, and the healing power of singing together.

If you’re looking to support a meaningful nonprofit this season, Voices Unlimited is doing beautiful, life-changing work through the arts.

Donate to Voices Unlimited: voicesunlimited.net

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In this episode of Artistry with Heart: A Musician’s Wellness Podcast, Portland-based singer-songwriter Rachel Taylor Brown shares her journey from classically trained soprano to DIY indie artist known for her darkly poetic, genre-bending sound—what critics once called “creep rock.”

Rachel reflects on her early years balancing ear training and sight-reading, overcoming imposter syndrome in acclaimed vocal ensembles like Capella Romana, and ultimately carving out her voice as a songwriter and self-produced artist. She opens up about how music became both therapy and truth-telling, with albums that document emotional and societal change—from grief and burnout to Portland’s cultural evolution.

This candid conversation explores the intersection of creativity, exhaustion, and gratitude, offering insights for any musician navigating burnout or creative recovery. Rachel shares how focusing on serving the song helps her quiet performance anxiety and reconnect with purpose.

The episode closes with her hauntingly beautiful track “Anemone”—a meditation on love’s sting and surrender—featuring Ben Landsverk on viola and backing vocals.

racheltaylorbrown.bandcamp.com/

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