Episodes

  • The Music My Dad Left Me
    Jan 27 2025

    This episode of Music Is My Mantra delves into the profound relationship between the host and her father, exploring themes of addiction, loss, and healing. The host reflects on her father's larger-than-life personality and the challenges his struggles with alcohol and drugs presented to their family dynamics. As she recounts the impact of his passing and her journey through grief, she emphasizes the therapeutic power of music as a means of processing complex emotions. The episode culminates in a grounding meditation, inviting listeners to take a moment for self-reflection amid the chaos of life. Ultimately, this heartfelt narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and wellness in the face of personal trauma.

    Takeaways:

    • Music can serve as a powerful tool for emotional healing and processing trauma.
    • Personal relationships, especially with parents, significantly shape our identities and life choices.
    • Grounding techniques and meditation are essential for mental wellness and self-reflection.
    • The impact of addiction on family dynamics can lead to complex emotions like relief and anger.
    • Creative expression through songwriting can help articulate and process complex feelings surrounding loss.
    • Understanding the generational trauma from family relationships can aid in personal healing journeys.

    Navigating the complexities of grief and addiction, this episode delves into the intimate reflections of a daughter grappling with the legacy of her father, a larger-than-life car salesman who battled alcoholism. The host shares a poignant narrative, recounting the journey from childhood memories to adult realizations, as she reflects on her father's impact and the resulting emotional turmoil from their tumultuous relationship. The episode paints a vivid picture of her father's charismatic personality juxtaposed with his struggles, providing listeners with a heartfelt exploration of how addiction can distort familial bonds and the painful journey towards understanding and acceptance.

    As the host reminisces about her father's life, she reveals the challenges faced after his passing and the complexities of processing grief amidst unresolved feelings. The discussion touches on the harsh realities of his homelessness, the impact of his addiction on family dynamics, and the longing for connection that often goes unfulfilled. Listeners are invited into a space of vulnerability, as the host candidly shares her own struggles with addiction, her path to sobriety, and how her music has served as a vital outlet for processing her emotions. Through her songs, she weaves a narrative that not only honors her father’s memory but also serves as a form of healing.


    Towards the end of the episode, the tone shifts towards hope and healing as the host leads listeners into a grounding meditation, encouraging a moment of reflection and self-care. This transition signifies the importance of wellness and mental health in the aftermath of loss, urging listeners to embrace their journeys of growth and creative expression. The episode is a touching reminder of the complexities of love, loss, and the transformative power of music in navigating life's most challenging moments.

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    19 mins
  • Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself
    Jan 20 2025

    Today, we delve into the profound connections between music, emotional healing, and self-expression, inspired by Joe Dispenza's book, "Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself." As I reflect on my own songwriting journey, I share how the process of creating music has allowed me to transmute emotions and uncover deeper truths within myself. We'll explore the importance of consistency and devotion in developing new skills, as well as the intricate relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and the music we create. By embracing uncertainty and allowing ourselves to express authentically, we can break free from limiting patterns that hold us back. Join me as we navigate this transformative journey through sound, community, and the healing power of music.

    Starting new endeavors can be daunting, but embracing this uncertainty is where true growth lies. In today's episode of Music Is My Mantra, I share my journey of overcoming self-doubt and the challenges of beginning anew, especially in the realm of music and wellness. We’ll explore how the integration of sound and self-expression can serve as powerful tools for emotional healing and transformation. I'll also discuss the importance of devotion to practice and the impact of music on our nervous system. Join me as we delve into the intersection of creativity, emotional wellness, and the ancient art of community through music, all while inspiring you to find your own voice and purpose.

    Courtney McKenna welcomes listeners to 'Music Is My Mantra,' sharing her journey as a musician and healer. She reflects on the transformative power of music and self-expression, emphasizing the importance of aligning with one's true purpose. This inaugural episode introduces her mission to empower women to embrace their voice and creativity, urging them to make bold decisions that resonate with their authentic selves. Courtney reveals her personal struggles with self-doubt and the challenges of starting new projects, likening these experiences to the emotional journey many artists face. She draws connections between music and wellness, highlighting how singing and sound can regulate emotions and improve mental health. Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to explore their own relationship with music as a tool for healing and self-discovery. The episode culminates in a call to action, inviting listeners to engage with their own creative practices and prepare for future discussions on breaking habits and embracing uncertainty.

    Takeaways:

    • Starting new things is often the hardest part of any creative journey. Embrace the process!
    • Music serves as a powerful tool for emotional healing and self-expression in our lives.
    • Integrating practices like yoga and sound healing can help regulate our nervous systems.
    • Every project begins with a single step; consistency is key to transformation.
    • The journey from inadequacy to resourcefulness is vital for personal growth and creativity.
    • Using a devotional Bullet Journal can help you track progress and set intentional goals.

    Exploring the profound connection between music and personal transformation, this episode delves deep into the healing power of sound and self-expression. The host shares personal experiences shaped by recent wildfires in Los Angeles, emphasizing the emotional toll of such events while highlighting the importance of community and support. The conversation shifts towards the transformative insights from Joe Dispenza's book, "Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself," focusing on how our thoughts can shape reality and the power of meditation in cultivating self-awareness. Through personal anecdotes, the host illustrates how songwriting serves as a vital tool for transmuting emotions, emphasizing the role of consistency and practice in both music and personal growth. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their creative processes, trusting the journey...

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    25 mins
  • The Healing Power of Music: Why I Started My Podcast
    Jan 13 2025

    Starting new things can be challenging, and this podcast dives into that struggle while exploring the transformative power of music and self-expression. Courtney McKenna shares her journey of creating a new podcast, Music Is My Mantra, reflecting on her past experiences and the lessons learned along the way. She discusses the importance of integrating her passions for music, healing, and personal growth, highlighting how these elements intertwine in her life. With a focus on emotional expression and the role of music in grounding and soothing, Courtney aims to inspire listeners to embrace their own journeys and goals. Tune in as she shares insights, personal stories, and tools to help you navigate your path to a fulfilling life.

    Courtney McKenna's podcast, "Music Is My Mantra," opens a dialogue about the intersection of music, healing, and personal transformation. With a warm and inviting tone, McKenna shares her journey as an artist, touching on the struggles and triumphs she has encountered along the way. She reflects on her past podcast, "Indie Artists Survival Showcase," revealing her motivations for shifting focus to a new project that aligns more closely with her inner self and spiritual beliefs. This transition marks a significant evolution in her career, as she aims to create a platform that not only showcases music but also explores its deeper meanings and effects on healing and self-discovery.

    Throughout the episode, McKenna articulates her passion for utilizing music as a therapeutic tool, emphasizing its ability to regulate emotions and provide solace during challenging times. She intertwines her experiences with energy healing and yoga, illustrating how these practices enhance her understanding of music's power. By inviting guests who share similar insights and experiences, McKenna hopes to provide her audience with diverse perspectives on how music can facilitate personal growth and emotional regulation. The narrative emphasizes the importance of self-expression and the need for a supportive community where artists can thrive and share their stories.

    As the episode concludes, McKenna offers listeners practical resources, such as a Bullet Journal designed to help track their personal goals related to music and wellness. This initiative underscores her commitment to fostering accountability and encouraging listeners to embrace their creative journeys. The episode serves as both an introduction to her podcast and a heartfelt invitation for listeners to embark with her on a path of exploration, healing, and artistic expression, reinforcing the notion that the journey of self-discovery is a continuous and rewarding process.

    Takeaways:

    • Starting new projects can be challenging, but embracing the journey is essential for growth.
    • Music serves as a powerful tool for emotional expression and personal transformation.
    • The integration of experiences, such as learning, is often the hardest part of growth.
    • Setting small, achievable goals can help maintain motivation in your creative journey.
    • Reflection on past experiences can illuminate the path forward in artistic endeavors.
    • Creating a supportive structure, like a bullet journal, can enhance your daily practice.

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    16 mins