n this inspiring episode of Handpan Voices, Phil speaks with James Hunter Crossley — known to many as “Hunter” from the hit 90s TV show Gladiators. From bodybuilding at 12 to becoming a world record–holding strongman, James shares the powerful turning points that led him to the world of sound healing, gong baths, and handpans.We explore: • How a wrist injury ended his strength career but opened the door to music • His first experiences with the RAV Vast and handpan • The birth of The Handpan Gentlemen with Saraphin Zlatev • What busking on the streets of London taught him • Founding the Handpan Academy and teaching sound healing • His plans for future retreats and possibly hosting UK handpan eventsJames’s story is full of passion, drive, and heart — blending physical strength with sonic stillness. Whether you know him from the arena or the sound bath, this is a conversation not to miss.🛎️ Subscribe for more episodes: Handpan Voices on Spotify!

In this deeply heartfelt episode of Handpan Voices, I sit down with Nancy — a vibrant member of the Master the Handpan community — to explore her musical journey from Native American flutes to falling in love with handpans.Nancy shares how discovering the handpan in 2021 through Amy Naylor’s course completely transformed her musical path. What started as a background instrument for flute improvisation quickly became her main passion. We talk about her growing handpan collection (and her RAVs!), her love for the D Kurd and F# Low Pygmy scales, and the challenges — and joys — of practice.She also opens up courageously about her battle with skin cancer and how the handpan, the Master the Handpan courses, and the community — especially the Happy Hours — played a key role in helping her heal emotionally during recovery.Whether you’re a beginner, a curious listener, or someone looking for inspiration, Nancy’s story is a beautiful reminder of how music can be both a refuge and a source of empowerment.

In this heartwarming episode of Handpan Voices, I connect with the incredibly expressive Mar Loi — a handpan artist known for playing with deep emotion, passion, and joy. 🌊✨We explore her journey from the Canary Islands to Barcelona, from busking on the streets to performing on international stages. Mar opens up about the emotional connection she feels when she plays, how vulnerability became a strength through music, and why collaboration fuels her creativity. 🎶❤️She shares stories of:🌍 Performing in Switzerland and at India’s Vyan Festival🎻 Collaborating with Indian classical musicians🧘‍♀️ Creating handpan retreats and playing for yoga📱 Navigating the highs and lows of social media🙏 Her daily gratitude and meditation practice💬 Advice for new players and embracing the journeyWhether you’re a handpan player, fan, or just curious about music that comes from the heart — this conversation with Mar Loi is full of warmth, wisdom, and inspiration.

When Carina Trott first heard the handpan in Erfurt, she had no idea what it was—but she knew she had to find out.!

After years of searching, she finally discovered the instrument and has since immersed herself in learning, performing, and connecting with the global handpan community.

A huge part of her journey has been shaped by Master the Handpan, where monthly challenges have pushed her creativity, helped her grow as a player, and introduced her to a supportive network of musicians.

In this episode, Carina shares:

🔹 The first time she heard the handpan and how it captivated her 🔹 The long search to figure out what this mysterious instrument was 🔹 How Master the Handpan’s monthly challenges shaped her playing 🔹 The joy of blending storytelling with handpan music 🔹 Incorporating handpan into sound healing and therapy

Carina’s journey is proof of how inspiring and transformative the handpan can be—especially within a strong community.

🎧 Listen now and be part of the Handpan Voices experience!

In this episode of Handpan Voices, I sit down with Jim Lo Presti, a musician whose journey started with the accordion and led him to the world of handpans and sound baths. Jim shares his musical roots growing up in an Italian-American community, his transition from drums to handpans, and how discovering tongue drums led him to his first handpan.

We also discuss:

🎵 His first encounter with the handpan and how it captivated him

🥁 The shift from melodic instruments to percussion and back again

🔄 Looping, electronics, and how he incorporates them into his music

🧘‍♂️ How the handpan became a part of his mindfulness and sound healing practice

🌍 The handpan community and his experiences with gatherings, including Spirit Voices and Pan Marco Gathering

🎤 His connection with Amy Naylor, Dan Mulqueen, and the broader handpan worldJoin us as Jim shares his inspiring story of passion, creativity, and finding his tribe through music.

In this special episode of Handpan Voices, Amy Naylor shares the remarkable story behind her Desert Rose handpan, crafted by Elaia Handpans.

Amy takes us on a journey from the moment she first encountered the instrument during her travels in Italy to the years of evolution that led to her receiving a custom-built version. Along the way, she recounts chance encounters, deep friendships within the handpan community, and the inspiration behind her composition Mandala Mind.This story beautifully captures the magic of the handpan world — where passion, craftsmanship, and serendipity create something truly special.

🎶 Listen to Amy’s composition, Mandala Mind: https://youtu.be/H3pUAaIcPX4?si=bC01cESDvXb-Vc1j

📌 Follow Amy Naylor: https://www.youtube.com/@UCRReqswTY59_ZL5MUjq68gA

🎙️ Discover more episodes of Handpan Voices: https://www.youtube.com/@handpanphil/podcasts

✨ If you love handpan stories, subscribe for more inspiring tales from players around the world!

✨ In this episode of Handpan Voices, I chat with Lawanda Hardy, a beginner handpan player whose journey to discovering this unique instrument is heartfelt and inspiring.

🎥 Lawanda shares how a video of Malte Marten playing on the beach introduced her to the handpan and sparked her interest. A key moment in her story came after being rear-ended on the freeway—a life event that shifted her mindset. Deciding to focus on living in the moment, she chose to get what she could afford and began her handpan journey.

👩‍👧‍👦 As a mother of four, Lawanda reflects on how the handpan has brought mindfulness and joy into her life. She also discusses the role of the handpan community in encouraging her growth and creativity.

🎧 Join us for an honest and heartfelt conversation about resilience, personal growth, and the simple joys of music.

🎉 COUPON CODE ALERT! 🎉Are you a beginner handpan player thinking about joining Master the Handpan? Use my exclusive coupon code PHIL to get 10% off your first payment! 🥁✨