In this episode, I sit down with my longtime collaborator and dear friend, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Olivia Chaney. Filmed in her now-hometown of York, we reflect on our shared musical journey; how she helped me shape my voice, and how we’ve both fought against the labels imposed on us, whether in genre or industry. Olivia shares the highs and lows of her time on a major label, the freedom of returning to self-releasing, and the delicate balance of making deeply personal music while rooted in classical tradition. We talk about artistic identity, motherhood, the importance of musical community, and her long-awaited Purcell record; one she’s finally making on her own terms. Oh, and the title of last week’s episode? That was one of her lyrics.

In this episode, I dive deep into the nature of creativity. Is our work finite, or does it stretch on infinitely? Inspired by legends like Sibelius, who famously put a full stop on his composing career, I ponder if an artist’s journey is ever truly complete or simply an endless evolution.I also share a personal story about finding refuge in the garden, where mindfulness helped me cope with burnout and reconnect with reality. And along the way, I reveal a mentor’s secret: the art of pausing mid-idea to keep the creative flow alive. Join me on this reflective ride as we explore the challenges and beauty of staying in motion.

What if things go well? Dancer, choreographer, and artistic director Monique Jonas believes in unlocking potential; emotional, creative, and human. We talk about the power of positivity, versatility, and transparency, and why dancers are people first, artists second. With Jona Dance, Monique is building a space where the next generation can grow with care, not fear. Join us for a conversation Deep Down where we reminisce on past collaborations and envisage possible futures.