In this episode of Curious Vocalists, RTT Practitioner and Hypnotherapist Laura Paton joins the show to de-mystify the world of hypnotherapy. She clarifies that the process is far from the freaky stereotypes of swinging clocks or losing consciousness; instead, it is a grounded method of relaxing the nervous system where the individual remains fully in control. The conversation explores how subconscious beliefs dictate our confidence and how to handle those moments when you feel like you’re in so much of a negative ‘funk’ that you BECOME the funk! Laura shares specific somatic techniques to shift out of those heavy mental states, offering performers practical ways to move through self-doubt and find their most authentic voice.

Key Topics

• What is Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) and how it works
• The role of subconscious beliefs in self-identity and confidence
• Techniques for overcoming performance anxiety and self-doubt
• The importance of self-acceptance and somatic practices in healing
• How RTT can help creatives and performers find their authentic voice

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Laura Paton

03:47 Exploring Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT)

12:01 The Process of RTT and Client Experience

13:56 How Unpicking Past Experiences Can Help Your Identity as a Performer

18:45 Navigating Identity and Self-Worth in Creativity

26:50 The Impact of COVID-19 on Personal Growth

30:02 Finding Courage and Passion in Creativity

31:40 Turning a Negative Funk into Creative Flow

40:48 Future Projects and the Power of Audio Therapy

Resources/ Mentions

Laura Paton, RTT Hypnotherapist on Instagram - instagram.com/rtthypnotherapist/

Tree of Life Centre in Hove - www.tolcentre.com/

Muswell Health Centre in North London - www.muswellhealth.uk/

Dr Gabor Mate 3-7-8 breathing

Marisa Peer - the founder of the Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) method - https://marisapeer.com/

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

gracehancockmusic@gmail.com

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

Why does the voice tighten just when we need it most? In this episode, we sit down with Mind-Body Neuroscientist and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner Emily Kennedy-Barnes to decode the physiological override that happens on stage.

Emily offers practical exercises beyond basic stress management to explore how neuroscience and somatic experiencing can transform your relationship with your instrument. Emily explains that stage anxiety is a survival response that can bypass your technical training. Instead of traditional poses, we explore somatic yoga as a tool for interoception—learning to understand the signals your body sends to your brain.

Whether you’re a semi-professional or a seasoned pro, this conversation offers a valuable insight into embodiment and nervous system regulation. Try these subtle, practical exercises backstage or in the wings before show to ensure your biology works with you rather than against you.

Key Topics

Nervous system and performance

Somatic experiencing and trauma release

Neuroscience and movement connection

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Somatic Practices

02:55 Understanding Somatic Experiencing and Yoga

06:33 The Body-Mind Connection Explained

08:58 The Impact of Past Experiences on Performance

10:33 Stage Nerves on a Biological Level

14:32 Techniques to Manage Performance Anxiety

19:14 Practical Exercises for Nervous System Regulation

27:36 Exploring the Lymphatic System and Circulation

37:28 Breathwork for Singing with Unregulated Nervous System

41:08 How to Be a More Grounded Performer

47:33 Recovery Strategies After Performances

52:18 Get In Touch with Emily

Mentions:

Emily Kennedy-Barnes Instagram - www.instagram.com/somaticyogatherapist/

Emily’s Website: www.somaticyogatherapist.co.uk

Emily’s Email - emily@somaticyogatherapist.co.uk

The Tree of Life Centre, Brighton - https://www.tolcentre.com/

Extra Info on today's Guest:

Emily has a paper currently in press at BJPsych Open -a feasibility randomised controlled trial of somatic yoga therapy for functional neurological disorder, conducted within the NEUROADS Lab at King’s College London. - The first study of its kind!

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

gracehancockmusic@gmail.com

www.gracehancockmusic.com

www.instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

www.facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

How do you break through the old habits and creative "scar tissue" that keep you stuck? In this episode, Grace sits down with award-winning singer-songwriter, author, vocal coach, and TEDx speaker Emma G.

After surviving 10 brain surgeries by age 14, Emma didn't just find a way to live—she found a way to rewrite her narrative through music. They discuss her new book, Mental Health Sounds Like This, and take a close look into cognitive reframing. Emma explains how songwriting isn’t just about making music; it’s a neuroscientific tool for moving past trauma, silencing self-sabotage, and reclaiming your voice.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your lyrics or paralysed by your past, this conversation will show you how to use your voice as a precision tool for empowerment and self-discovery.

Key Topics

Music as a tool for cognitive reframing

The impact of music on brain development after trauma

Using songwriting to process emotions and trauma

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Emma G's Journey

02:53 The Healing Power of Music

05:53 Neuroscience of Music and Emotion

08:23 Transforming Trauma into Growth

10:49 The Five Stages of Songwriting for Healing

13:54 Using Your Voice as a Tool for Empowerment

16:51 Navigating Emotions and Self-Identity

19:19 Understanding Self-Sabotage and Growth

25:38 Exploring Emotions Through Writing

28:20 Creating a Safe Space for Self-Expression

30:48 Redefining Self-Worth Beyond Productivity

33:54 Learning from Indigenous Cultures

35:58 Taking Control of Your Narrative

38:11 Using Music as a Tool for Self-Discovery

41:43 The Importance of Authentic Expression

45:32 Building Your Own Musical Affirmations

Resources and Mentions:

Krav Maga - a form of self defence

Emma G's Website - https://emmagmusic.com

Mental Health Sounds Like This (Book) - https://shorturl.at/BBn4y

https://www.instagram.com/emmagmusic/

My Episode on Meredith Miller’s 5 Archetypes of Self-Sabotage as mentioned: https://admin5.podbean.com/gracehancockmusic/stats/episodes

Meredith Miller’s website: https://www.innerintegration.com/

Kimberly Shires - founder of Hear Me Roar Studios - music production for women and non-binary Artists: https://hearmeroarstudio.com/

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

gracehancockmusic@gmail.com

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

Performing every night isn't just an art—it’s an athletic feat. In this solo episode, Grace talks about the rigorous vocal demands of life as a cruise ship performer, sharing the exact strategies she uses to maintain peak stamina while on the go.

Whether you’re a professional touring artist or an aspiring singer, this episode serves as a masterclass in vocal longevity. Grace walks you through her personal daily routine, providing live demonstrations of Targeted Warm-Ups to activate every register and faucet of your voice. She gives tips on the mechanics of placement, hydration, breath support, and active vocal injury prevention. Stay listening to the end for a sing along of Grace’s exercise and warm up routine inspired by the vocal runs and riffs of Tori Kelly.

Key Topics

Vocal stamina and longevity

Hydration and nutrition for singers

Warm-up and cool-down routines

Breathing techniques and posture

Takeaways

• Hydrate constantly and eat nourishing meals to support vocal health.
• Use strategic napping and rest to recover during demanding gigs.
• Warm up your voice with gentle swoops and lip trills before singing.
• Practice diaphragmatic breathing to improve stamina and reduce strain.
• Maintain overall fitness and flexibility through yoga and stretching.
• Avoid excessive throat clearing and coughing to prevent vocal damage.
• Use proper vocal placement and resonance to reduce strain.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Vocal Stamina

02:18 Hydration and Nutrition for Singers

04:53 The Importance of Vocal Warm-ups

08:06 Movement and Fitness in Singing

10:56 Breathing Techniques for Singers

13:49 Performance Techniques and Vocal Control

17:05 Post-Performance Care and Warm Down

19:34 Vocal Exercises and Practical Tips

Mentions:

Tori Kelly’s version of ‘PYT’ by Michael Jackson and the runs I base my exercise routines off of: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZCCPE-b1BQ

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

gracehancockmusic@gmail.com

www.gracehancockmusic.com

Grace's Instagram

Grace's Facebook

Are you trapped in your own head when you’re on stage? You’re hitting the notes and wearing the smile, but internally, you’re calculating the audience's reaction rather than feeling the music.

In today’s episode, Grace goes deep into the archives of your mind to understand why the flow state feels so elusive for many vocalists. Using Meredith Miller’s transformative framework from her course, Ending Self-Sabotage, Grace explores the five primitive archetypes we develop in childhood to navigate stress:

1. The Pleaser — > becomes the Boundary Setter (note: I said ‘Runner’ becomes the Boundary Setter in the recording. This was an ERROR)
2. The Rationaliser — > becomes the Balanced Thinker
3. The Runner
4. The Aggressor
5. The Eraser

The heart of the episode focuses on The Pleaser and The Rationaliser—the archetypes that turns the piano into a "beast" and the stage into a courtroom. Grace shares her own journey from the rigid, "pleasing" stages of cruise ship life to finding a more grounded, authentic connection to music through teaching and boundary-setting.

Whether you’re a professional struggling with perfectionism or a student trying to trust your intuition, this episode is a roadmap to moving from a "Primitive" survival mode to becoming a Balanced Thinker and a Healthy Boundary Setter on stage and improving your relationship with your music.

Chapters

00:00 The 5 Primitive Archetypes

08:43 How Rationalisers and Pleasers are Hindered on Stage

10:41 Famous Artists and Their Motives to Perform

17:33 How Boundaries and Balanced Thinking Improves Your Singing

25:00 Other Signs You're a Rationaliser or Pleaser in Your Music

30:03 Questions to Reflect On

References & Resources:

The framework of the 5 Primitive/Immature Archetypes (Pleaser, Rationaliser, Runner, Aggressor, Eraser) and their Mature counterparts mentioned in this episode is based on the teachings from the course Ending Self-Sabotage by Meredith Miller.

For those interested in exploring these archetypes further, I highly recommend checking out her work at www.innerintegration.com

The Link to the course ‘Ending Self-Sabotage’: https://www.innerintegration.com/store/PSAHd5gz

Note: This podcast is a personal commentary and exploration of these concepts as they apply to vocal pedagogy and is not an official representation of the original course material.

Further Listening/reading: Meredith’s Podcast: Inner Integration Podcast - www.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prisoners-of-childhood-a-commentary-on-alice/id1418633395?i=1000452245309 - Prisoners of Childhood: A commentary on Alice Miller’s The Drama of the Gifted Child

Book: Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway - Susan Jeffers

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

gracehancockmusic@gmail.com

www.gracehancockmusic.com

Grace's Instagram

Grace's Facebook

In this episode, Grace dives into the energetic world of Ukulele Simon, the "beatboxing, looping ukulele guy" known for turning festivals into full-blown "rave-e-leles." They explore the unique challenges and triumphs of having a lower vocal range in a music industry full of tenors or above. Simon reveals how he has leaned into his bonkers ukulele, beatboxing niche that turns even the lowest, chest infected vocal delivery into a raving success. For the professional gigging musician who might view singing as secondary to their instrument, this conversation offers a refreshing masterclass in vocal maintenance and longevity, covering everything from rigorous fitness and dietary rituals to the technical benefits of vocal straw training for warming up on the road. Packed with "silly face noise" beatboxing demos and live looping, this episode is a toolkit for any vocalist ready to embrace their unique power and keep their voice tour-ready.

Key Takeaways:

• Own the Low End: Stop fighting the "high-voice" industry standard. Embracing a lower range allows for more authentic, sustainable performances.
• Strategic Rituals: Vocal health isn't just about the throat; it’s about dietary choices and physical fitness to support the breath.
• The Power of the "Silly Face Noises": Incorporating beatboxing and texture into your vocals can fill out a sound as a solo or small-group performer.
• Consistency is Key: Using vocal straws regularly is recommended as it can drastically increase vocal performance and recovery.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ukulele Simon

00:00 Beatboxing and Looping Demonstration

06:18 Live Looping and its Challenges

09:09 Embracing Your Low Range Voice

16:33 Gig Preparation Routine

22:03 Physical Fitness and Maintenance for Gigging

29:29 Pre-Gig Rituals and Voice Maintenance

32:12 Vocal Straws Alleviate Strain and Strengthen Your Registers

33:54 2026 Upcoming Gigs and Festival Excitement

37:30 Where to Find Simon Online

37:52 Quickfire Questions and Fun Insights

43:17 Bonkers Baby Shark Rave Demo

Resources & Links

• Loopy Pro - Looping software mentioned for live performance
• Simon’s Website - to order his Loop-e-lele Vol.1 tutorial book, upcoming gig information and tutorials
• Instagram
• Facebook

Vocal Straw Info:

Small Diameter (High Resistance): Best for a deep "reset" and intense vocal fold workout to help with agility and blending your registers before a gig.

Large Diameter (Low Resistance): Ideal for gentle warm-downs after a high-energy "rave-e-lele" set. The back-pressure of the bubbles up through the thicker straw acts as a ‘massage’ for your vocal cords after a strenuous vocal session.

• Silicone straw for use with water as a ‘vocal massage’ Link to Silicone straw on Amazon UK
• UK Made singing Straws Company: www.rayvox.co.uk

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

gracehancockmusic@gmail.com

www.gracehancockmusic.com

Grace's Instagram

Grace's Facebook

Ever wonder, "Is that really me?" when you hear a recording of yourself? In this episode Grace talks about the phenomenon of voice confrontation—the psychological and physiological "cringe" we feel when hearing our own voices played back, the importance of recording ourselves as singers and practical ways we can overcome our discomfort.

She breaks down the science of bone conduction versus air conduction to explain why the voice in your head sounds different to the one on tape. Beyond the anatomy, learn from psychological insights, famous artists' experiences of vocal cringe, and simple exercises to improve self-acceptance.

Takeaways

• Your voice sounds different to you because your own anatomy acts as a low-pass filter
• Many artists disliked their recorded voices, including John Lennon and Bowie.
• Recording yourself and watching back is crucial for singers’ and musicians’ improvement
• Practicing recording and listening desensitises you to your voice.
• The slightest anxiety or discomfort causes you to subtly ‘hold back’ which disproportionately affects how your voice comes across.
• Your voice mirrors your body language.
• Throwing an imaginary ball as you vocalise can help bring out confidence in your tone.

Chapters

00:00 The Discomfort of Hearing Our Own Voices

01:23 The Science Behind Voice Perception

02:52 Demonstration of Why Your Voice Sounds Different to You

04:06 How Beethoven Used His Bone Structures to Hear

05:58 The Disconnect Between Your Voice and Your Identity

07:43 Is Your Subconscious Sabotaging Your On-Air Voice?

09:22 Famous Voices and Their Insecurities

11:38 A Trick to Bridge the Gap to Your Recorded Voice

13:22 Reasons Why We MUST Record Ourselves as Singers

16:29 Outro

References & Further Reading:

'How Did Beethoven Hear Music?' - Rick Beato: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bA2V0jZMo4

• John Lennon’s "Tomato Ketchup" Vocals: As famously recalled by producer Sir George Martin in the Beatles Anthology. Lennon’s insecurity was so high he often asked Martin to "smother" his voice in effects and ADT (Artificial Double Tracking) to hide its natural sound.
• David Bowie’s Vocal Identity: See Bowie’s 2003 interview on the Parkinson show (BBC), where he admits he never viewed himself as a "singer" and only took the microphone because no one else was performing his songs.
• Bono’s "Early Recording" Cringe: In a 2022 interview on the Awards Chatter podcast, the U2 frontman revealed he "turns scarlet" when hearing his early vocals (specifically on the album Boy), describing his younger voice as "strained" and lacking the resonance he has today.
• Jimi Hendrix’s Studio Shyness: Legendary engineer Eddie Kramer has often shared how Hendrix—despite his wild stage persona—was incredibly self-conscious about his singing. He famously requested recording screens or partitions in the studio so he could sing without the engineers or other musicians watching him.
• Dolly Parton’s "High and Trilly" Critique: Dolly has often joked in interviews (including her memoirs) about her "cartoonish" or "high and trilly" natural tone. She famously credited her success to leaning into that "twang" to cut through the noise, despite her initial personal critiques of her own pitch.

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

gracehancockmusic@gmail.com

www.gracehancockmusic.com

Instagram: @gracehancockmusic

Facebook: @gracehancockmusician

In this conversation, Grace Hancock and Jessica Quiñones delve into the complexities of musical burnout, exploring its symptoms, the impact of perfectionism, and the relationship musicians have with their craft. They discuss the importance of understanding the psychological aspects of musicianship and how to reclaim joy in music through setting boundaries and addressing personal needs. Grace and Jessica explore the complexities of maintaining a relationship with music, setting boundaries, and the therapeutic process of reconnecting with one's inner child. They discuss the challenges of songwriting, the importance of play in creativity, and how to navigate burnout in the music industry. The dialogue emphasises the significance of creating a new relationship with music that fosters joy and fulfilment, rather than pressure and expectation.

Takeaways

• Musical burnout encompasses a variety of symptoms and experiences.
• Many musicians face existential exhaustion and performance anxiety.
• Perfectionism can lead to a toxic relationship with music.
• Identifying personal motivations for making music is crucial.
• Setting boundaries is essential for mental health in music.
• Musicians often need to redefine their relationship with music.
• Therapeutic work can help musicians reconnect with their essence.
• Not all musicians return to music in the same way after burnout.
• Understanding one's history with music can aid in recovery.
• Connecting with one's inner child can unlock creativity.
• Therapeutic techniques can help in reconnecting with lost parts of self.
• Re-entering music after burnout requires a new approach.
• Creating a new relationship with music involves changing expectations.
• Engaging in playful activities can replenish creative energy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jessica Quinones

03:04 Identifying Symptoms of Musical Burnout

05:46 The Impact of Feeling Like You Are Never Enough

09:06 Musicianship as an Abusive Relationship

11:55 Why Do We Perform?

14:12 Perfectionism and the Need for the 'Safe Zone'

17:55 Coming Back to Your Essence

19:20 Setting New Boundaries in Your Musical Relationship

22:28 The Difficulties of Accessing Creativity

25:02 Connecting with the Inner Child

27:17 Therapeutic Techniques for Reconnecting with Self

32:07 Rediscovering Joy in Music

33:12 Finding Time for Play to 'Fill the Well' of Inspiration

37:06 Re-entering Music After Burnout

39:45 Finding Support in the Music Industry

Mentions:

Contact Jessica: drjessicaquinones.com

The Music Industry Therapists Collective MITC: www.musicindustrytherapists.com

The Concept of ‘Artist Dates’ from the book ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

gracehancockmusic@gmail.com

www.gracehancockmusic.com

Instagram: @gracehancockmusic

Facebook: @gracehancockmusician

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