The Fearless Artist Podcast

Michelle Lynne

Welcome to The Fearless Artist Podcast where we empower classical musicians to build their own thriving careers. In each episode, we will explore the intersection of artistry and entrepreneurship, teaching you the Fearless Mindset with practical steps and strategies to build a sustainable career. https://podcast.thefearlessartistmastermind.com/

  1. Jul 31

    Keep it 100 on the land, the sea, the sky

    In the 100th episode of The Fearless Artist podcast, Michelle reflects on the growth of the show and the lessons she has learned. The podcast was created to offer an honest look at freelance classical music careers, challenge perfectionism and comparison, and provide musicians with advice. Michelle discovered that guests are often willing to share their knowledge and that her solo episodes, despite causing her the most anxiety, frequently connect most with listeners. Hosting has helped her become a better listener and ask deeper questions. She credits the podcast’s consistency to teamwork, accountability, simple guest outreach, and a willingness to produce a minimum viable version instead of waiting for perfection. Her first episode lasted only nine minutes, and she avoided checking statistics for six months to protect the project from self-criticism. Guests taught her valuable lessons about emotional marketing, strategic career planning, negotiation, audience data, and making concertgoers feel welcome. Michelle also learned to schedule interviews around her energy levels and stop overthinking solo recordings. Her central advice is to begin with the smallest practical step, track what works, accept early awkwardness, seek support, and make gradual improvements. Consistent action, rather than perfection, allows creative projects and careers to grow. -- The Fearless Mastermind Website - https://www.thefearlessartistmastermind.com/ The Fearless Mastermind Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thefearlessartistmastermind/ -- 🎵 Intro/Outro Music by Michelle Lynne 📽️ Produced by phMediaStudio, LLC

    Keep it 100 on the land, the sea, the sky
  2. Jun 26

    How not to be a starving artist and make it work with Met tenor Ben Bliss

    In this episode, Michelle speaks with tenor and author Ben Bliss about the financial realities of life as a freelance opera singer and performing artist. Ben shares his unconventional path from film school and working on the Dr. Phil show to becoming a professional opera singer with a global career. His new book, Making It Work, grew out of a practical problem: realizing that performers often accept impressive-looking contracts without understanding taxes, travel costs, housing, agent commissions, insurance, and other hidden expenses. Ben explains how freelance artists are essentially running small businesses, even though few conservatories teach budgeting, taxes, investing, negotiation, or long-term financial planning. He emphasizes that every gig offer should be carefully budgeted before saying yes, and that contracts are always worth negotiating. A major theme of the conversation is replacing fear and avoidance with knowledge, structure, and control. Michelle and Ben also discuss student loans, choosing schools wisely, burnout, the emotional rewards of performing, and the importance of building financial stability so artists are not forced to accept every opportunity out of desperation. Ben encourages listeners to start investing, even with one dollar, as a first step toward confidence and freedom. The episode is a candid, practical conversation about how musicians can protect both their art and their future. ✨ Connect with Ben Bliss: Instagram – @mrbenbliss Book - https://makingitworkbook.com ✨ Explore The Fearless Mastermind: Website – thefearlessartistmastermind.com Instagram – @thefearlessartistmastermind 🎵 Intro, Outro music by Michelle Lynne 📌 Episode produced by phMediaStudio, LLC

    How not to be a starving artist and make it work with Met tenor Ben Bliss
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Fearless Artist Podcast where we empower classical musicians to build their own thriving careers. In each episode, we will explore the intersection of artistry and entrepreneurship, teaching you the Fearless Mindset with practical steps and strategies to build a sustainable career. https://podcast.thefearlessartistmastermind.com/

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