Engaging the Muse with Kat Spina

Erica's mission is to help people feel better in and about their bodies.  She is the author of Your Body, Your Best Friend: End the Confidence-Crushing Pursuit of Unrealistic Beauty Standards & Embrace Your True Power (New Harbinger 2020). She is an educator and presenter, ready to deliver weight inclusive DEI trainings to your internal staff, and public-facing employees. As the President of The Yoga Clinic, Erica writes, trains, and delivers adaptive yoga curriculum and services for medical practitioners, clients, and teachers. Our conversation centers around self perception and how "letting your body be" can help unlock your true power and how important that is for our creative soul.

Mark Roman is a recording artist, songwriter and bassist originally from Woodstock, New York. A second-generation American, he came up with a wide range of musical influences, including classical training at Juilliard pre-college. Among his early mentors from New York’s music community were members of The Jazz Messengers (Curtis Fuller, Javon Jackson), Tito Puente’s Orchestra (Ray Vega), The Sun Ra Arkestra (Marvin “Bugalu” Smith), The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra (Jon Faddis, Ralph Lalama), & The Cannonball Adderley Quintet (Hal Galper). Upon graduation from SUNY Purchase, trio performances in New York’s Capital District with pianist Lee Shaw (Dexter Gordon, Zoot Sims) soon followed. He later paid his dues on tour with The Defibulators in the American South & Lord Mouse and the Kalypso Katz in Southern France. Further performance credits include collaborations with pianist Reggie Moore (Johnny Hartman, Anita O’Day, Cab Calloway), Garage Rock legend Rudi Protrudi, Afrobeat heir Seun Kuti and members of Berlin indie-rock band The Whitest Boy Alive.

In this episode, I talk with Lola Menthol, recording artist, producer, songwriter and entrepreneur. She explains that the most important element of her music and creating it, is authenticity. It’s about being human and connecting.

Fear? What fear, it's time to make moves... I met when I was 12. I was one of her first vocal students and now (nearly 25 years later) she still sees my passion for music and encourages me to keep moving in the direction of my dreams. I welcome you to visit her website: Bennett Academy of the Performing Arts. 

Dragonflies, Rheingold Beer and New Paltz, NY. These are just a few things that connected me to this guest. Meet Ryan Cronin: an artist with an impact. His art is bold, thought-provoking with a style that is all his own. Visit CRONARTUSA.COM 

In this episode, I talk with Mike Squillante, lead singer of the band RUNNING LIGHTS who tells us about his journey as an artist, frontman, writer, producer and much more! If you're one who believes in never giving up on your passions, go ahead and stream/download DREAMER and turn it up! 

Season 1/Episode 14: In this episode, I talk with Julie Kathryn, better known as I Am Snow Angel. She has been featured in several renowned music publications (Music Tech Magazine, American Songwriter, Refinery 29, and many more. IASA is also the sound designer for Abelton. Her album Falling Down to the Earth released in May 2021. New album in Winter '22. 

Season 1/Episode 13: In this episode, I talk with Geordie Gillespie.  Founder and CEO of Unleashed Music and industry vet who has held the VP of Promotion position at Sony Music, Virgin Records, Hollywood Records, and managed campaigns for a diverse roster of acts including: The Red Hot Chili Peppers, N.E.R.D, Fiona Apple, Lenny Kravitz, Jamiroquai, Gorillaz, Breaking Benjamin, Dar Williams, Amy Winehouse, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Arctic Monkeys and more.

Season 1, Episode 12: In this episode, I talk with Ze Luis, Brazilian film composer, saxophonist, flutist, producer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist. He became famous in the 1980s performing and recording with Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Tania Maria and Cazuza. At age 43, he studied at the Juilliard Conservatory and later transitioned to composing music for film and television. In 2019, Ze is a five-time Latin Grammy nominee. His recording studio is located in New York, NY. 

Season 1/Episode 11: In this episode, I talk with Chris J McLaughlin. Musician, Voice Over Talent, Audio Engineer and Paramedic.  His journey speaks to the power of connections, resiliency during transition, and how our motivation is driven by the goals we set for ourselves. 

Season 1/Episode 8: In this episode, I talk with Cat Calabrese, singer, songwriter and recording artist who is taking this next chapter into her own hands. She talks about how meeting someone ignited her inner muse and launched her singing journey. Sometimes we’re faced with the unexpected, we have a choice, and Cat knew exactly what would help her overcome and keep going.

Season 1/Episode 7: In this episode, I talk with Owen about performing with intention, adapting to change and his journey as a performer & writer. In November 2019, he invited me to perform for his artist series at the River Reporter and later that month we shared the stage at Rafter’s Tavern in Callicoon, NY. He is dedicated to his craft and continues to share his music in new and innovative ways. 

Season 1/Episode 6: In this episode, I talk with JOSHNOVA about his journey as an independent artist, writer and entrepreneur. His latest music video “The Battle” and EP reflects his commitment and passion for his art. He was a finalist for The Voice and American Idol. 

Season 1/Episode 5: In this episode, I talk with singer-songwriter, lead singer of the band Tiny Blue Ghost and graphic artist, Marissa Carroll. She shares the inspiration behind her new album and how doing something just a little bit differently can ultimately change the overall outcome.

Season 1/Episode 4: In this episode, I talk with artist mentor, entrepreneur, author, and educator,  Patrick Ermlich. Through his own introspection and ability to truly listen, he has helped countless artists uncover the why of what they do. His blog, The Compass Method, helps artists navigate a career in music from a very human approach. He currently teaches graduate courses in Music Career Strategies at Berklee College of Music. 

Season 1/Episode 1: In this episode, I talk with my cousin, Tom Spina, who isn’t your ordinary sculptor and artist. We explore his journey into movie prop restoration, guitar building, team leading, and a milestone that opened his eyes to the fact; people do creative things for a living.