In this season finale, we dive deep into a crucial topic for musicians: nervous system regulation. Understanding how to master this skill can be transformative for your career and personal well-being.

Episode Highlights:

• What is nervous system regulation?
• • How dysregulation manifests in two ways:
  • • Hypoactivation: Wanting to shut down, hide, or feeling depressed.
    • Hyperactivation: Increased heart rate, hypervigilance, perfectionism, and anxiety.
• The stories and fears that affect musicians:
• • Fear of being seen.
  • Worry about not being good enough.
  • Fear of rejection or criticism.
• The disconnect between mind and body:
• • Even if you know you're safe, your body may still react based on past experiences.
• Cheryl’s personal experience with anxiety and regulation:
• • Learning to communicate with anxiety as a protective part of herself.
  • Cultivating compassion for the body's response to fear.
• Practical tools to regulate your nervous system:
• • Down-regulation techniques:
  • • Breathing through your nose to signal safety to your brain.
    • Grounding: Lying on the floor, feeling your feet on the ground, or rubbing your arms.
    • Listening to bird songs, singing, humming, or taking a hot bath.
  • Up-regulation techniques (for hypoactivation):
  • • Walking, getting fresh air, or using a hot-and-cold shower.
    • Flossing your teeth to focus your energy.
• Why this matters for your music career:
• • Shortening the time you spend in dysregulation helps you stay aligned with your goals.
  • Regulation enables you to connect authentically with your audience and build the fan base you deserve.

Resources Mentioned:

• Amplify Coaching: If you’re ready to work on your triggers and nervous system regulation, learn more about Cheryl’s trauma-informed coaching at http://www.inthekey.co/coach.
• Releasify App: Download the free Releasify app to elevate your music career and streamline your next release: http://www.inthekey.co/app

Thank you for joining me this season! Share this episode with your musician friends, and I’ll see you next season with more tools and inspiration to help you thrive.

Episode Summary:
For years, I avoided co-writing, assuming it would lead to creative clashes and headaches. But when I decided to make my fourth album a collaborative effort, everything changed. The process opened doors, built amazing friendships, and brought unexpected opportunities. In this episode, I’m sharing my top tips and tricks for successful co-writing sessions, from finding the right collaborators to breaking the ice and setting clear intentions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Co-Writing is Worth It: How collaboration creates connections, opens doors, and leads to surprising opportunities.
• How to Find Co-Writers: Tips for reaching out to communities, attending conferences, and leveraging masterminds like Amplify.
• Nailing the Logistics: Why follow-ups and scheduling integrity are key to making sessions happen.
• Breaking the Ice: Questions and strategies to ease into a session and spark creativity.
• Setting Intentions: The importance of defining goals, understanding parameters, and finding common ground.
• The Magic Question: Discover the simple question that unlocks vulnerability and creativity in any co-writing session.

Key Takeaways:

1. Connect and Collaborate: Co-writing is about more than music—it’s a way to deepen relationships and explore new creative avenues.
2. Start with Intentions: Be clear on what you and your co-writer want to achieve from the session.
3. Lead with Vulnerability: Sharing your own story can create space for honest and emotional songwriting.
4. Be Organized: Follow up to ensure the session is on the calendar and stays top of mind for everyone involved.
5. Ask the Right Questions: “What’s going on in your life right now?” can lead to breakthrough moments in your music.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join the Amplify Mastermind for collaborative opportunities: www.inthekey.co/amplify.
• Listen to my episode on pitching for tips on inviting collaborators effectively.

Episode Summary:
Are you ready to transform your live shows? In this episode, we dive deep into the art of live show banter—the stories, conversations, and moments between songs that can make or break your audience's connection with you. Whether you're performing on a big festival stage, at an intimate venue, or even streaming live online, mastering your banter is key to building stronger relationships with your fans and achieving your career goals.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why repetitive, uninspired song intros (e.g., "This next song is about…") don't work.
• How to craft engaging, specific anecdotes that draw your audience in.
• Tips on using "Easter eggs" in your storytelling to enhance your audience's experience.
• The importance of being clear on your goals—whether it's growing your email list, selling merch, or building your fan base.
• Creative ways to involve fans in achieving your goals during live shows (e.g., using QR codes, contests, or fan volunteers).
• How to avoid feeling like a "nag" while still effectively communicating your goals to your audience.

Actionable Tips:

1. Make It Relatable: Shift the focus from you to your audience. Share stories or details that connect them to your music on a deeper level.
2. Set a Clear Goal: Decide on one primary goal for your show—like growing your email list—and craft your stage banter around that.
3. Get Creative: Use props like QR codes, fan volunteers, or live contests to make your audience feel like part of your journey.
4. Tease and Surprise: Mention fun details or Easter eggs about your songs that give your audience something to listen for.
5. Engage Your Fans: Involve your fans in your success—whether they’re collecting email addresses or participating in a contest, make it a team effort!

Key Quote:
"The key to great live show banter is connection. When you share stories that engage and entertain, your audience becomes a part of your journey—and that’s where the magic happens."

Resources Mentioned:

• Episodes to Revisit:
• • The Musician Success Cycle (601: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3TNDXdMqWasWoow29hyJRG?si=6691a17d095448b9)
  • Goal Setting (603: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4y8PFJqDRHeApxEM1W4RDx?si=3f869b1b18294571)
• Quick Tools: QR codes for email signups, contests, and fan involvement strategies.

Follow & Subscribe:
Don’t miss future episodes filled with actionable tips to grow your music career. Follow this podcast wherever you listen, and connect with me on IG: http://www.instagram.com/musiccareercoach to keep the conversation going!