The Conscious Artist®: Mental Health Conversations with Pallavi Mahidhara

Michelle Barzel Ross: The Poetry of Composition 04.05.2026 43min

Violinist, Improvisor, and Composer Michelle Barzel Ross closes out season 9 in a beautiful conversation about discovering our authentic voices through different mediums of expression. She shares her journey into improvisation through the piano, her process as a composer, and the challenges of knowing how and when to let go. Discover more about Michelle: https://michellerossviolin.com/Online Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Mathis Picard: Music and the Chakras 27.04.2026 54min

This week we feature French-Malagasy pianist, composer, and producer, Mathis Picard. We discuss his upcoming book, "Where. Music. Lives." which reflects the combination of the mind, body, and soul; melody, harmony, and rhythm; and the 7 chakras. Reminding us of the importance of being present, leading with purpose, and being intentional about why we play music, this conversation encourages us to step away from the capitalistic mentality of constant production and open our minds to what already exists inside of us. Discover more of Mathis's work: https://www.mathispicard.com/Online Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Meena Bhasin: Are you in tune with yourself? 20.04.2026 51min

This episode features Meena Bhasin - a multi-faceted human being, fighting to break societal norms, and help us deeply connect with who we are. A pleasure activist, sacred sensuality guide, and an internationally touring violist, her devotional work supports women in safely coming home to their bodies, stoking their inner fires, and unleashing their fullest expression. Discover more of Meena's work: https://www.meenabhasin.com/Online Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Alyssa Weinberg: Healing Anxiety through Composition 13.04.2026 38min

This episode features composer Alyssa Weinberg, as she shares her journey into composition, dealing with anxiety, and being an intentional educator, to help support and nurture the next generation of young artists. Read more about Alyssa: https://weinbergmusic.com/Online Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dr. Mei Rui: Music and the Science of Healing 06.04.2026 48min

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Mei Rui, a Yale-trained molecular biochemist and an internationally award-winning concert pianist. Dr. Rui is the Director of Music-in-Medicine and Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. In this fascinating episode, we learn the science behind the healing properties of music, the data that proves playing music increases sensitivity as opposed to doom-scrolling that decreases sensitivity, and the different ways music has an impact on cognitive and behavioral functions.Read more about Dr. Mei Rui: https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/mei_rui.htmlOnline Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Arlen Hlusko: The Gift of Giving 30.03.2026 45min

We open Season 9 of The Conscious Artist® podcast with multifaceted cellist Arlen Hlusko. In this beautiful conversation, she shares how a moment of doubt turned into a life path of being intentional, serving others and the community around her, and inspiring her to search for meaning in each musical choice she makes. Discover more about Arlen: https://www.arlenhlusko.com/Online Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠⁠⁠⁠

Neha Dias: Resilience, Creativity, and Finding our Strength 03.11.2025 37min

CONTENT WARNING: Suicide, Domestic violence, abuseIn this heartfelt episode, host Pallavi sits down with fitness coach, content creator, and former competitive figure skater Neha Alisha Dias. Neha opens up about her powerful journey of resilience, from dealing with a double concussion that brought her skating career to an early end, to overcoming an abusive relationship, to finding healing through movement and creative expression. Her book, 101 Reasons to Stay: A Collection of Reminders for the Days You Feel Alone, offers hope and encouragement for anyone navigating challenging seasons. Through this intimate and inspiring conversation, Neha reminds listeners that strength is born from perseverance, and that creativity, mindfulness, and compassion can guide us toward healing and self-discovery.Shop Neha's Book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/101-reasons-to-stay-neha-dias/1142815032Follow Neha on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nehas_wrld/?hl=enTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nehas_wrldOnline Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠⁠⁠

Ella Lee: Finding Where We Belong 27.10.2025 1h 10min

In this special joint episode with The Classical Circuit host Ella Lee, Pallavi and Ella discuss growing up as children of immigrants, discovering their voices beyond the piano, and redefining belonging in classical music. Their conversation offers an inspiring reminder that there’s space for everyone in this industry, and that by pursuing what’s authentic and meaningful, we can each create our own path forward.Listen to The Classical Circuit:https://shows.acast.com/the-classical-circuitOnline Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠⁠⁠

Irene Abrigo: The Freelance Musician's Life 11.08.2025 37min

Our Season 7 finale features violinist Irene Abrigo. She is a performer and teacher, runs her own festival and non profit, and is committed to her social responsibility as an artist. Her academy, Fast Fingers, Slow Life, is a holistic approach to a musician's journey. We discuss how she balances all the facets of her artistry, while taking care of her mental wellbeing.Discover more of Irene's story: https://www.ireneabrigo.com/Join the Fast Fingers, Slow Life Academy: https://www.ireneabrigo.com/fast-fingers-slow-lifeOnline Shop: ⁠⁠⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠⁠⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠⁠

Elvira van Groningen: Focal Dystonia, Timani, and Musicians' Health 04.08.2025 50min

Dutch violinist Elvira van Groningen is specialized in musicians' health. After unexpectedly dealing with focal dystonia during her musical studies, she has dedicated the past decade to arming herself with tools and knowledge during her training as a Timani teacher, which focuses on the anatomy and movement necessary to play with optimal effectiveness.Discover more of Elvira's story: https://www.elviravangroningen.com/Learn more about Timani: https://www.timani.no/Online Shop: ⁠⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠⁠

Kalena Bovell: The Importance of Being Heard 28.07.2025 43min

Afro-Latina conductor, Kalena Bovell, shares her unique journey into classical music. Largely self-taught in her early years, she came to music later than most and navigated a path that was far from traditional. She discusses the importance of forging one's own path in the face of systemic barriers, and reflects on the deeper risks women face when their voices are ignored or dismissed, onstage in the music world, and especially in regards to women's health. Learn more about Kalena: https://www.kalenabovell.com/Online Shop: ⁠⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠⁠

Dr. Esther Kim: Expanding our Identities 21.07.2025 37min

Dr. Esther Kim is a former violinist turned psychiatrist, practicing at Adelpha Psychiatric Group. We discuss her intense beginnings of a musical career, the subsequent burnout, and the sudden spark and shift into medicine and psychiatry. Learn more about Dr. Kim: https://www.adelphapsych.com/provider/esther-kim-m-dOnline Shop: ⁠https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.me⁠Subscribe for access to premium content: ⁠https://theconsciousartist.substack.com⁠Buy Me a Coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartist⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@theconsciousartistofficial⁠

Dr. Frederic Bien - Personality Disorders and Awareness 14.07.2025 1h 1min

TW: This episode discusses personality disorders.This week we are joined by Dr. Frederic Bien, President of the Personality Disorders Awareness Network (PDAN). He has served as Director of Development and was on the Board of National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder. This conversation sheds light on the different types of personality disorders, to help bring awareness and offer support to those with disorders or who have family members and friends who have disorders. PDAN: https://pdan.org/PDAN Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/PDAN/Other resources: https://pdan.org/resources/associations-and-organizations/Online Shop: https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.meSubscribe for access to premium content: https://theconsciousartist.substack.comBuy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartistFollow us on Instagram: @theconsciousartistofficial

Ágnes Vass: Body, Mind, and Music 07.07.2025 41min

Hungarian flutist Ágnes Vass speaks about her work as Co-Principal Flutist of the Bremerhaven Philharmonic Orchestra, alongside being a certified yoga teacher and meditation and breathwork instructor. Also the creator of Body Mind Music Lab, her diverse passions and skills combine art and mindfulness, enriching both her musical practice and her personal development.Learn more about Ágnes: https://en.agnesvass.com/Join Body Mind Music Lab: https://www.instagram.com/bodymindmusiclab?igsh=MTkzMWVtdDkxYTZteA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrOnline Shop: https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.meSubscribe for access to premium content: https://theconsciousartist.substack.comBuy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartistFollow us on Instagram: @theconsciousartistofficial

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT 26.05.2025 1min

Announcing the official launch of The Conscious Artist®️ Online Shop! Logo and merchandise designed exclusively for the store by Pallavi Mahidhara. You can browse t-shirts, mugs and more to help support mental health awareness. Site currently intended for US customers only - international shipping rates and taxes apply - but stay tuned for the EU site, coming soon! Happy shopping - be sure to show off your purchases on social media and tag @theconsciousartistofficial on Instagram! Thank you for supporting this show and see you back in July for Season 7 of The Conscious Artist®️.Online Shop: https://the-conscious-artist-shop.printify.meSubscribe for access to premium content: https://theconsciousartist.substack.comBuy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartistFollow us on Instagram: @theconsciousartistofficial

Bonus Episode: Reflections with Pallavi Mahidhara 19.05.2025 6min

A special bonus episode with your host, Pallavi Mahidhara, reflecting on the conversations in Season 6, and looking forward to Season 7. I love being able to give back with this podcast and the content I share. That's why I invest my time and money into The Conscious Artist® - because I am committed to contributing positive change to our industry and to helping the next generation of artists. At the same time this is an independent podcast, fully run by yours truly, and in order to maintain quality and consistent content on top of my performance schedule, I do need some support. So moving forward from Season 7, bonus episodes like these will be available only to paid subscribers. For only $9/month, paid subscribers will get access to bonus episodes, personal reflections, and a brand new bite size meditation series - "Mini Mindfulness with Pallavi". All under 5 minutes, these guided meditations can help you get started on your meditation journey, ease your stress during practice sessions, or simply allow you to unwind after an intense day. Premium content will also include once a month 30-min Zoom community check-ins. If you love this show and want to get premium access by subscribing - please know it would help me out a lot! If a monthly subscription feels too daunting for you right now, you can also support me with a one time donation instead on Buy Me A Coffee - the links for both the monthly subscriptions and the one time donations are listed below. Thank you all for being here with me - I truly appreciate all your continued support and love! Follow us on Instagram: @theconsciousartistofficialAccess Premium Content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1881074/subscribeBuy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartistSupport the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsciousartist.substack.com

Neelam Pure Health: Nutrition, Supplements, and Hormone Balance 12.05.2025 36min

IIN Certified Health and Wellness Coach Neelam Daswani talks us through nutrition, supplements, and hormone balance, as she guides us with advice on how to be our optimal selves.Book a complimentary consultation with Neelam: https://neelampurehealth.com/Follow us on Instagram: @theconsciousartistofficialBuy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theconsciousartistSupport the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsciousartist.substack.com

Susan Zhang: The Importance of Community 05.05.2025 32min

This episode features Susan Zhang, co-founder of The Concert Truck - a traveling music venue that strengthens communities by redefining the concert experience and making live music accessible to everyone. We chat about the importance of failing, how growing through discomfort frees us from internal and external restraints, and the importance of community for healing. Discover more about The Concert Truck: http://theconcerttruck.orgFollow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsciousartist.substack.com

Stephen Emmer: Dealing with loss of hearing and tinnitus as a musician 28.04.2025 47min

Composer and arranger Stephen Emmer takes us on a very personal journey through loss of hearing in his left ear, developing tinnitus, and finding the will to continue creating art and music through it all. Listen to Stephen's music: https://stephenemmer.com/Learn about the foundation: https://artistsagainsttinnitus.org/en/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsciousartist.substack.com

Rachel Fenlon: Owning Failure 21.04.2025 36min

Multi-faceted singer and pianist Rachel Fenlon reflects how stepping beyond the traditional classical path has given her artistic freedom and a truer sense of identity, while learning to embrace failure has shifted her perspective from judgment to curiosity. Discover Rachel's work: https://www.rachelfenlon.com/Follow us on Instagram: @consciousartistpodcastSupport the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theconsciousartist.substack.com