In this episode of Music on Mushrooms, I chat with classical guitarist and meditation teacher Manuel Bon (@thecenteredmusician) about how mindfulness can transform the way musicians show up to their practice, performance, and lives.Manuel shared how mindfulness practices like grounding, meditation, and somatic awareness can help us move through performance anxiety, creative blocks, and the pressure to be perfect. We also talked about the role of the music educator in holding space for students’ emotional experiences, and how we can begin to shift the culture of classical music toward one that supports mental well-being and authentic expression.

Whether you’re navigating stage anxiety or just craving more presence in your artistry, this conversation is full of grounded wisdom and gentle reminders to come back to yourself.

✨ Learn more about Manuel and his offerings at thecenteredmusician.com
✨ Find me at marykray.com or on Insta @marykray.studios to stay inspired on your creative journey!

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms, I explore the urgent need for compassion in music education. Speaking from personal experience and my trauma-informed training, I dive into what it means to be a safe, inclusive, and supportive educator and why it matters for students' artistic and personal growth. You'll hear about common but harmful dynamics like perfectionism, elitism, fatphobia, and unchecked egos, and learn how curiosity, nervous system regulation, and humility can help shift the culture. Whether you're a teacher or student, this episode is an invitation to embody the change our music spaces so deeply need.Follow the podcast on Instagram @musiconmushrooms to stay inspired & connected or visit marykray.com to collaborate! Let’s keep building a creative world where we all feel safe to be seen.

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms, I’m diving into something that so many of us struggle with: being seen. Whether it’s sharing your art, speaking your truth, or just showing up authentically, visibility can feel really scary. But it can also be one of the most powerful things we do for our growth, our goals, and our healing!

This solo episode is part pep talk, part reflection, and a reminder that you don’t have to be fearless to move forward, you just have to be willing.

We’ll explore:

- Why visibility feels so scary and why that fear is totally valid
- How to shift your mindset from fear-based action to heart-centered aligned action.
- The power of starting small and building confidence through intentional steps
- Why your goals become magnetic when you lead with love, not dread

This one’s for anyone who’s ready to stop hiding and start stepping into their purpose.

Follow the podcast on Instagram @musiconmushrooms to stay inspired and connected or visit marykray.com to collaborate! Let’s keep building a creative world where we all feel safe to be seen.

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms, I had the honor of sitting down with award-winning soprano and Certified Reiki Master, Nina Evelyn, to explore the intersection of performance, healing, and social change. Nina is a powerhouse of artistry and advocacy whose mission is to diversify the classical music canon by uplifting the works of Black composers.

Together, we unpacked what it means to be a true changemaker in the classical music world and how to lead from a place of authenticity, courage, and heart.

You’ll hear Nina’s reflections on:

• How the five Reiki principles support sustainable artistry

• What impactful inclusivity really looks like in programming and performance

• The emotional and artistic breakthroughs that happen in group healing workshops for musicians

• Why defining your artistic mission can be a compass for being aligned and fulfilled as a creative.

This conversation is an invitation to think deeper about the energy we bring to our work, the courage it takes to be a change-maker, and the healing potential of authentic creative expression.

Follow Nina on Instagram @ninaevelynsoprano or visit ninaevelyn.com to explore her work.

To stay connected and inspired, follow me on Instagram @marykray.studios or visit marykray.com. Let’s continue building a more intentional and inclusive creative world together!

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms, I interview the multifaceted creative and Boston-based photographer Taylor Rossi. With a background in classical music, marketing, and now a thriving photography business rooted in authenticity, Taylor embodies what it means to live an aligned creative life.

We dive deep into the beauty and challenge of being a multi-passionate artist, how to trust the seasons of your creative calling, and why it’s okay to not stick to just one lane. Taylor shares how her experiences in music and marketing inform her work in photography today, from building a business rooted in community, to creating safe and empowering spaces for her clients.

This conversation is packed with wisdom for any creative soul who’s ever felt torn between paths or longed to feel more aligned in both art and life.

This is for the artists, freelancers, and soul-led creatives who are navigating nonlinear paths and seeking permission to evolve.

You can follow Taylor on Instagram @taylorrossiphotography or visit taylorrossiphotography.com to explore her work.

Wanna stay inspired on your journey, Creative Soul? I want to hold space for your growth and your magic. Connect with me on Instagram @marykray.studios or at marykray.com — let’s keep co-creating a more compassionate world together.

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms, I interview the multi-passionate creative, Hannah McEachern. She is a Boston-based producer, director, astrologically-informed life coach, & intuitive healer, and in this conversation we dive deep into what it means to hold space for our big visions and follow through with aligned action.

From producing community events, directing new works, to coaching others in living out their purpose, Hannah shares wisdom on balancing creative ambition with inner harmony. We talk boundaries, authenticity, community-building, and how her spiritual practices inform her unique approach to life and leadership.

This episode is a must-listen for creatives looking to fuse their artistic practice with spiritual purpose and make meaningful impact in their communities.

You can connect with Hannah on Instagram @hanmcea and on her website. Wanna get involved with QTCBoston? Check out this link to learn more.

Wanna stay inspired on your journey, Creative Soul? That’s what I’m here for! I want to hold space for you and your big visions. Connect with me on Instagram @marykray.studios or at marykray.com — and let’s make magic together.

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms, I interview award-winning soprano, composer, librettist, and producer Stephanie Pfundt. We discussed Stephanie’s journey from a musical upbringing in Southeast Alaska to winning prestigious competitions and producing classical works.

Covering essential skills for producing concerts, such as community engagement and strategic planning, this conversation emphasizes compassionate leadership and innovative approaches to modernizing the classical music industry.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring musicians and producers interested in creating their own unique paths and impacting the world of classical music.

You can connect with Stephanie on her website and follow her inspiring journey on her Instagram and Facebook.

Wanna stay inspired on your journey, Creative Soul? That's what I'm here for. I want to hold space for you and your big visions. Connect with me on ⁠Instagram⁠ or at ⁠marykray.com⁠ and let's make magic together!

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms, we’re diving into the magic of creativity and what it means to truly trust your artistic spark. Host Mary Kray gets real about following through on big ideas, tapping into your intuition, and owning your worth as an artist. There’s also a spicy little chat about how music is deeply connected to our emotions (and maybe even a little erotic). If you’ve been feeling stuck, doubting yourself, or just need a creative pick-me-up, this episode is for you. Let’s get inspired and remember—your creativity is pure magic.

For more content to keep you inspired your creative journey, follow @musiconmushrooms on Instagram and follow the host @marykray.studios to connect with the Mindfulness Queen for Creative Professionals! Are you are artist or musician looking for a community of heart-centered creatives to grow with? Or maybe you’re struggling with self-doubt and you’ve forgotten your power as a creative? If so, you are invited to Soul Recharge—our monthly group healing event designed to help creative professionals stay spiritual grounded on their journey. Click here to learn more.