Birds in the Sky

Matthew Crane Studios

A podcast that focuses on the benefits of music and art as methods for healing and maximizing mental health. Show host Matthew Crane is a working artist and musician - who also served in the US Navy from 2001-2006. Matt speaks to veterans, educators, artists, musicians, and those affected by trauma who’ve found release in art practices.

  1. 09/16/2025

    #019 - Birds in the Sky - Recycling Pain into Art: Jason Pfaff's Journey.

    In this episode of the Birds in the Sky podcast, host Matthew Crane welcomes musician Jason Pfaff, who discusses his journey as a multi-instrumentalist and composer. They delve into the creative process behind Jason's new album, which serves as a cathartic exploration of personal experiences, including a significant breakup and a life-altering car accident. Jason shares insights on the importance of improvisation in music, the influence of his musical family, and the evolving landscape of live performances. The conversation also touches on the legacy of Jason's late sister, Kristen Pfaff of the rock band Hole, and how her work continues to inspire him. If you or a loved one are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the 24 hour hotline at www.988lifeline.org Find Jason's Music here: https://jasonpfaff.bandcamp.com/album/2025 Jason's Substack: https://substack.com/@iknowhowtolivebio Host: Matthew Crane Theme Song: "Good Times" by Matt Crane featuring Gantzer © Visit the Studio: www.matthewcranestudios.com IG: / matthewcranestudios Blog: https://substack.com/@matthewcranestu... FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... #artistpodcast #podcasting #veteranscommunity

    29 min

  2. 04/29/2025

    #018 - "You're allowed to take up space" with photographer and Navy veteran: Erica Duncan

    In this episode of Birds in the Sky, host Matthew Crane speaks with Erica Duncan, a Navy veteran and photographer, about her experiences in the military, her transition to civilian life, and the healing power of creativity. They discuss the importance of community among veterans, the Odyssey Project, and how art can serve as a therapeutic outlet. Erica shares her journey of self-discovery through photography and the significance of tattoos as personal expression. Erica and Matthew explore themes of validation, creativity, and connection among veterans. They also discuss the importance of finding one's voice, the healing power of creative outlets, and the shared experiences of grief within the veteran community. The conversation touches on her journey of self-discovery through photography and the significance of reconnecting with old friends. Thank you for spending some time with this podcast. Keep spreading the power of creativity! If you or a loved one are having thoughts of Suicide, please reach out to the 24 hour hotline at 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org Host: Matthew Crane Theme Song: "Good Times" by Matt Crane featuring Gantzer © Visit the Studio: www.matthewcranestudios.com IG:   / matthewcranestudios   Blog: https://substack.com/@matthewcranestu... FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... #veteranpodcast #artistpodcast #podcastingartists

    25 min

  3. 04/22/2025

    #017 - Photography brought me back into the moment: Rob Healy's story.

    In this episode of Birds in the Sky, host Matthew Crane speaks with Rob Healy, a veteran of the Air Force who shares his journey from military service to civilian life. Rob discusses the challenges of transitioning out of the military, the importance of community, and how photography has played a crucial role in his healing process. He emphasizes the therapeutic value of creative expression for veterans and the unique language that art provides in connecting with others. Rob also highlights the impact of the Odyssey Project, which uses photography to foster community and healing among veterans. Thank you for spending some time with this podcast. Keep spreading the power of creativity! If you or a loved one are having thoughts of Suicide, please reach out to the 24 hour hotline at 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org Host: Matthew Crane Theme Song: "Good Times" by Matt Crane featuring Gantzer © Visit the Studio: www.matthewcranestudios.com IG:   / matthewcranestudios   Blog: https://substack.com/@matthewcranestu... FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

    19 min

  4. 04/15/2025

    #016 - Maja Kraft: A Medic's Journey Through War and Art

    In this episode of the Birds in the Sky podcast, host Matthew Crane speaks with Maja Kraft, a former US Army medic who served in a forward surgical team during the early years of the Iraq War. Maja shares her experiences in the military, the challenges she faced transitioning to civilian life, and how art and photography have become therapeutic outlets for her PTSD. The conversation also touches on her background as an immigrant from Poland, her motivations for joining the military, and the impact of the Odyssey Project on her healing journey. In this conversation, Maja Kraft discusses her journey through various art forms, particularly ceramics and photography, as a means of emotional expression and healing. She shares her experiences in the Odyssey project, highlighting how art has helped her confront repressed emotions and connect with her identity as a veteran. The discussion also touches on the importance of engaging veterans in creative arts and breaking down barriers to artistic expression, emphasizing that everyone has the potential to create art regardless of their perceived talent. If you or a loved one are having thoughts of Suicide, please reach out to the 24 hour hotline at 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org Credits: Host: Matthew Crane Theme Song: "Good Times" by Matt Crane featuring Gantzer © Visit the Studio: www.matthewcranestudios.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthewcranestudios/ Blog: https://substack.com/@matthewcranestudios?utm_source=profile-page FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553739994552

    34 min

  5. 04/08/2025

    #015 - Veterans Voices: A Platform for Expression with Mansa Bey

    In this episode of the Birds in the Sky podcast, host Matthew Crane speaks with Mansa Bey, an American folk artist and veteran. Mansa shares his journey from military service in the Army National Guard to discovering his passion for writing and poetry during his deployment in Iraq. He discusses how writing became a therapeutic outlet for him and how he now runs a creative writing workshop called Veterans Voices, aimed at helping fellow veterans express their experiences. The conversation also delves into the healing power of music and art, the importance of storytelling for veterans, and Mansa's future endeavors, including his work with Healing Frontline Heroes, which offers healing retreats for veterans. Mansa emphasizes the significance of creating a space for veterans to share their stories and the transformative power of art in the healing process. Find More about Mansa and his work here: https://www.land-studio.org/artists/meet-the-artists/mansa-bey Healing Frontline Heroes: https://www.healingfrontlineheroes.org/veterans-first-responders Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MansaLamontBey If you or a loved one are having thoughts of Suicide, please reach out to the 24 hour hotline at 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org Host: Matthew Crane Theme Song: "Good Times" by Matt Crane featuring Gantzer © Visit the Studio: www.matthewcranestudios.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthewcranestudios/ Blog: https://substack.com/@matthewcranestudios?utm_source=profile-page FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553739994552

    19 min

  6. 04/01/2025

    #014 - Brianna Nilsen: The Healing Power of Music Therapy

    In this episode of the Birds in the Sky podcast, host Matthew Crane speaks with Brianna Nilsen, a licensed master social worker and music therapist. They explore the intersection of music and mental health, discussing how music therapy can be used to achieve non-musical goals, the science behind its effectiveness, and the importance of emotional regulation. Brianna shares her experiences working with various populations, including veterans, and highlights the barriers individuals face when seeking mental health support. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion, choice, and community in the therapeutic process, as well as the profound impact of music on emotional well-being. Find more about Brianna here: linkedin.com/in/brianna-nilsen-452a2045 Brianna's latest work: https://www.caryhousebuffalo.com/postpartum American Music Therapy Association: https://www.musictherapy.org/about/musictherapy/ If you or a loved one are having thoughts of Suicide, please reach out to the 24 hour hotline at 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org Credits: Host: Matthew Crane Theme Song: "Good Times" by Matt Crane featuring Gantzer © Visit the Studio: www.matthewcranestudios.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthewcranestudios/ Blog: https://substack.com/@matthewcranestudios?utm_source=profile-page FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553739994552

    28 min

  7. 03/25/2025

    #013 - The Art of Transition: Veterans and Storytelling with Ben Davis

    In this episode, Host Matthew Crane speaks with Benjamin Davis, a Navy SEAL veteran, Writer and executive director of Veterans Outdoor Advocacy Group. Matt and Ben discuss the challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life, the importance of sharing all veterans' stories, and how writing has become a vital outlet for Ben. He reflects on the need for a deeper understanding of the veteran experience beyond just vocational transition, emphasizing the role of storytelling in healing and connection. The conversation also touches on the influence of poetry on writing and the importance of carving out time for creative pursuits. In this conversation, Ben discusses the intricacies of writing, emphasizing the importance of engaging the reader and providing enjoyable content. He highlights the necessity of honest feedback in the writing process and shares his experiences with emotional writing, particularly in relation to his personal history. Ben also talks about his upcoming novel, which explores themes of Southern life and military experiences, and advocates for the healing power of art and writing, especially within the veteran community. Find Ben's work over on Substack: https://bldavis3.substack.com Read: "A Man in a field, We Did Not Kill" : https://bldavis3.substack.com/p/the-man-in-the-field-we-did-not-kill Links to Veterans Outdoor Advocacy Group: https://www.voag.org If you or a loved one are having thoughts of Suicide, please reach out to the 24 hour hotline at 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org Credits: Theme Music: "Good Times" by Matt Crane featuring Gantzer © Host  @matthewcranestudios  Visit the Studio: www.matthewcranestudios.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthewcranestudios/ Blog: https://substack.com/@matthewcranestudios?utm_source=profile-page FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553739994552

    46 min

  8. 03/18/2025

    #012 - Taking the Initial Steps to Reach Out with Lindsey Chudzik

    Lindsey Chudzik (LCSW, MSW, C-IMHP) is the owner of Jade & Sage Holistic Therapy, LLC in the Fort Myers area.  Lindsey's passion is helping people who suffer from trauma and emotional distress find healing and growth. Lindsay is a champion of those looking to build a better life and understands that it begins with a solid relationship to ourselves, our self worth and our habits.  In this episode we discuss her experience in the field of mental health, and the different methods and modalities used for treating PTSD, anxiety, trauma or navigating challenging relationships. WE also chat about her experiences workin with the Veteran and First Responder communities.  Find Lindsey's work below IG: https://www.instagram.com/jadeandsageholistictherapy?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Resources: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/lindsey-chudzik-fort-myers-fl/764947 ART: https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/what-is-art/ Find more of Matt: Visit the Studio: www.matthewcranestudios.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthewcranestudios/ Blog: https://substack.com/@matthewcranestudios?utm_source=profile-page FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553739994552

    34 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

A podcast that focuses on the benefits of music and art as methods for healing and maximizing mental health. Show host Matthew Crane is a working artist and musician - who also served in the US Navy from 2001-2006. Matt speaks to veterans, educators, artists, musicians, and those affected by trauma who’ve found release in art practices.

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Crane Studios
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Birds in the Sky