Episodes

  • Episode 332: Is It the Universe…or God? Rethinking the Creative Process as a Flutist

    Episode 332: Is It the Universe…or God? Rethinking the Creative Process as a Flutist
    Jun 26 2025

    Flute 360 | Episode 332: "Is It the Universe…or God? Rethinking the Creative Process as a Flutist"

    In this solo episode, Dr. Heidi Kay Begay invites you into a vulnerable, soulful conversation about creativity, faith, and what it truly means to be a modern-day artist.

    Inspired by the Flute 360 Accelerator’s June book club selection, The Creative Act by Rick Rubin, Heidi reflects on how the book reshaped her understanding of artistry — and how viewing “the Source” through a faith-based lens revealed a deeper truth: that we are co-creators with God.

    This is not just a book review. It’s a gentle nudge for any flutist who’s been questioning their identity, comparing their path to others, or wondering whether their art still matters in a season of change or healing.

    Whether you’re playing, podcasting, composing, writing, or resting — this episode will remind you that your creativity is still valid. Still sacred. And still very much needed.

    Main Points:

    • Why redefining “the Source” as God can ground and deepen your creative process
    • The lie that says “If I’m not performing, I’m not creating” — and how to rewrite that story
    • What it means to be a flutist in a season of injury, recovery, or transformation
    • How to release comparison and show up in your own artistic lane with joy and freedom
    • Why your artistry counts — even if it looks different than it used to
    • How the Flute 360 Accelerator creates a space for flutists to reflect, grow, and connect

    Resources:

    • Book: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
    • Join the Flute 360 Accelerator Program: Click Here to Enroll – Tier 1, 2, or 3

    Subscribe + Review:

    If you loved this conversation, please subscribe and leave a review. It helps more flutists find our growing 360 community, and we’re so grateful for your support.

    Follow Heidi!

    • Follow Flute 360 via TikTok!
    • Follow Flute 360 via Instagram!
    • Follow Flute 360 via Twitter!
    • Follow Flute 360 via LinkedIn!
    • Follow Flute 360 via Facebook!
    • Subscribe to the Flute 360’s YouTube Channel!
    • Join the Flute 360 Newsletter!
    • Join the Flute 360 Family’s Facebook Private Group!
    • Join the Flute 360’s Accelerator Program Here!
      • TIER 1 for $37
      • TIER 2 for $67
      • TIER 3 for $97
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    16 mins
  • Episode 331: Create More, People-Please Less with Melvine Naliaka

    Episode 331: Create More, People-Please Less with Melvine Naliaka
    Jun 24 2025
    Flute 360 | Episode 331: "Create More, People-Please Less with Melvine Naliaka" Have you ever felt like you're saying “yes” to everyone else but “no” to yourself? Maybe you’ve tried juggling too many roles—educator, performer, entrepreneur—and are left feeling stretched thin and stuck in burnout. Or maybe you’re craving permission to finally choose you and prioritize your creativity, but you're unsure how to say “no” without guilt. If any of that resonates, this episode was made for you. In today’s heartfelt conversation, Dr. Heidi Kay Begay sits down with Nairobi-based flutist, educator, and entrepreneur Melvine Naliaka, whose story of self-discovery, faith, and resilience will inspire you deeply. Mel opens up about what it means to create space for what matters most, and how she overcame the fear of being seen as “selfish” for putting up boundaries. You’ll hear her journey of teaching flute in Kenya, starting a student recorder orchestra, launching a secondhand book business, and learning how to protect her energy—all while staying true to her artistic voice. This episode is a love letter to anyone learning to say “no,” create unapologetically, and live fully aligned with their calling. Main Points: Mel’s flute journey: self-taught beginnings and the courage to keep showing upWhy people-pleasing leads to burnout—and how to recover from itThe importance of saying “no” to others so you can say “yes” to your purposeHow to juggle a full-time teaching job with a creative side businessWhat it looks like to build your own artistic path with limited resourcesThe surprising ways business skills can feed your growth as a musicianWhy relatability and imperfection are powerful tools for connectionHow to balance faith, boundaries, and kindness as a modern creative Don’t Miss the June 28th Flute 360 Live Session! Mark your calendar! On Saturday, June 28th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM CT, we’re hosting a powerful live session inside the Flute 360 Accelerator that’s designed to support your personal, artistic, and professional growth. Click here to join us! Hour One – Flute Masterclass with Dr. Heidi Kay Begay: Watch three performers receive real-time feedback and support to elevate their playing: Natalie – performing orchestral excerptsCaroline – preparing for a July performanceMel – our amazing guest from this episode! Hour Two – Holistic Mastermind with Guest Dr. Kristin Caliendo: Experience transformative coaching as three flutists work through their biggest career and mindset questions, who include Erin, Carmen & Sarah. Whether you’re looking to refine your artistry, reset your mindset, or build lasting community, this session is a creative catalyst. Zoom access and all supplemental materials (book club notes, scores, and more) are available inside the Flute 360 accelerator folder. See you in the inside! Guest’s Links: Instagram – @melvine_nalyakaLinkedIn – Melvine Nalyaka Follow Heidi! Follow Flute 360 via TikTok!Follow Flute 360 via Instagram!Follow Flute 360 via Twitter!Follow Flute 360 via LinkedIn!Follow Flute 360 via Facebook! Subscribe to the Flute 360’s YouTube Channel!Join the Flute 360 Newsletter!Join the Flute 360 Family’s Facebook Private Group!Join the Flute 360’s Accelerator Program Here!TIER 1 for $37TIER 2 for $67TIER 3 for $97
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    52 mins
  • Episode 330: This Is Real Life – Two Flutists, One Faith, and a Journey Through It All with Dr. Kristin Caliendo

    Episode 330: This Is Real Life – Two Flutists, One Faith, and a Journey Through It All with Dr. Kristin Caliendo
    Jun 17 2025
    Flute 360 | Episode 330: "This Is Real Life – Two Flutists, One Faith, and a Journey Through It All with Dr. Kristin Caliendo" This episode isn’t just a conversation—it’s a moment of truth, healing, and deep connection. Dr. Heidi Kay Begay and Dr. Kristin Caliendo come together for a raw and heartfelt discussion on what it means to live a fully integrated life as a flutist, believer, caregiver, mother, teacher, and friend. It’s for the listener who feels pulled in too many directions and is craving clarity, energy, peace, and purpose. If you’ve been questioning how to juggle it all—your health, studio, family, calling, and faith—this conversation meets you right where you are. It’s a reminder that your body is sacred, your energy is a resource, and your identity is not defined by a title—but by who God says you are. Main Points: How faith, food, and friendship sustain us through life’s hardest seasons.The connection between energy and your environment: food, people, habits.Caregiving, grief, and the supernatural peace that only God can give.What it really means to steward your body as a temple.Letting go of performance perfectionism and embracing presence in your playing.Redefining success beyond the degree, job title, or performance.Using your music and teaching as a vehicle for ministry and healing.The daily decision to live intentionally—one minute, one rehearsal, one lesson at a time. Resources Mentioned: Iowa State Daily on grapes vs. red wine for cancer prevention: grapes (especially red/purple varieties) contain higher levels of resveratrol without the risks associated with alcohol – click here to read article! Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Atomic Habits by James Clear Guest’s Information: Dr. Kristin Caliendo is a flutist, educator, mother, and caregiver with a heart for holistic living and Christ-centered purpose. She brings decades of wisdom not just as a performer and teacher, but as a woman deeply attuned to what it means to live aligned with her faith. Through every season—especially the hard ones—she models what grace, grit, and God-led living can truly look like. Connect with Kristin via email at kristinflute@yahoo.com. Follow Heidi! Follow Flute 360 via TikTok!Follow Flute 360 via Instagram!Follow Flute 360 via Twitter!Follow Flute 360 via LinkedIn!Follow Flute 360 via Facebook! Subscribe to the Flute 360’s YouTube Channel!Join the Flute 360 Newsletter!Join the Flute 360 Family’s Facebook Private Group!Join the Flute 360’s Accelerator Program Here!TIER 1 for $37TIER 2 for $67TIER 3 for $97
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    2 hrs and 33 mins
  • Episode 329: Your Studio Is a Lab – Teaching with Curiosity & Care with Alexandra Petropoulos

    Episode 329: Your Studio Is a Lab – Teaching with Curiosity & Care with Alexandra Petropoulos
    May 20 2025

    Flute 360 | Episode 329: “Your Studio Is a Lab – Teaching with Curiosity & Care with Alexandra Petropoulos”

    Have you ever wished your flute studio felt more joyful, creative, and… human?

    In today’s episode, Dr. Heidi Kay Begay sits down with Alexandra Petropoulos—aka The Flute Nerd—to unpack how your studio can become a supportive, experimental, and healthy space for your students and for you as the teacher. Alex opens up about her 8-year break from playing, what brought her back to the flute, and how curiosity, compassion, and a laboratory mindset transformed her teaching.

    If you’ve ever battled perfectionism, burnout, or imposter syndrome in your playing or teaching, this conversation is a must-listen. You’ll walk away with tangible ideas for reframing mistakes, building trust with your students, and empowering them to explore artistry on their terms.

    Click play to explore:

    • Why your studio should feel like a laboratory, not a pressure cooker
    • How Alex rebuilt her relationship with music after academic burnout
    • Tools for cultivating curiosity, permission, and self-compassion in your students
    • Releasing rigid pedagogy and embracing experimentation in your lessons

    Whether you’re a teacher, student, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you reset and reimagine what a healthy music studio can truly look like.

    UPCOMING EVENTS!
    Join us LIVE on Saturday, May 31st, 2025 @ 12 PM CT for the next Flute 360 Accelerator session featuring Alexandra Petropoulos! She’ll be guiding us through how to combat perfectionism in our playing and teaching. You’ll leave with mindset tools, clarity, and community support.

    👉 Register through this link – click here!

    Save the Date!
    On Saturday, July 12th, 2025 @ 12 PM CT, Dr. Heidi will be guest presenting for Alex’s Flute Nerd Lab, sharing how to express yourself through storytelling. You won’t want to miss this creative and empowering session—link coming soon!

    Connect with Alex (The Flute Nerd):

    • Instagram – [Click Here]
    • YouTube – [Click Here]
    • TikTok – [Click Here]
    • Website / Flute Nerd Lab

    Resources:

    • Book: The Inner Game of Music by Barry Green
    • Book: The Gilbert Legacy

    Follow Heidi!

    • Join the Flute 360 Newsletter!
    • Join the Flute 360 Family’s Facebook Private Group!
    • Join the Flute 360’s Accelerator Program! Next live session is 05/31/25!
      • TIER 1 for $37
      • TIER 2 for $67
      • TIER 3 for $97
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    45 mins
  • Episode 328: Finding Your Flute Voice – How Rabbit, Tigger, and Owl See You with Erin Rauch, Part 10

    Episode 328: Finding Your Flute Voice – How Rabbit, Tigger, and Owl See You with Erin Rauch, Part 10
    Apr 29 2025

    Flute 360 | Episode 328: “Finding Your Flute Voice - How Rabbit, Tigger, and Owl See You with Erin Rauch” (Part 10)

    Flute 360 podcast episode featuring Erin Rauch – a flutist, VA, and life coach helping creative artists overcome self-doubt and carve out their unique paths.

    What if the clarity you’re craving isn’t found in a technique book—but in the words of someone who already believes in you?

    In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Heidi Kay Begay sits down with Flute 360 Accelerator member Erin Rauch to talk about embracing your individuality, defeating negative self-talk, and stepping into your unique identity as a creative.

    Through Erin’s story, you’ll see how being multi-passionate isn’t a limitation—it’s an invitation to carve your own lane. She shares two powerful mindset exercises, including one that invites you to ask three people who love you to describe what makes you special. This simple but transformative tool can help shift your inner dialogue and reignite your confidence.

    You’ll leave this episode with practical ways to shift your thinking, simplify your next creative step, and finally start walking your own path as a modern-day flutist.

    Top 3 Highlights:

    • How Erin blends VA work and coaching to support creative professionals.
    • Why asking others for honest feedback can reveal strengths you didn’t know you had.
    • How to shift from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this” with your flute, business, or life.

    Want to go deeper?

    Join the Flute 360 Accelerator Program with a free trial (through May 15). You’ll get access to live sessions, expert guidance, and a supportive community of flutists who are ready to grow alongside you. Sign up here! Deadline is 5/15!

    Guest’s Information:
    Erin is a flutist, virtual assistant, and certified life and performance coach. She supports creative entrepreneurs through a unique blend of administrative support and mindset coaching. Erin empowers her clients to pursue their creative goals by helping them navigate mental roadblocks, build systems, and delegate tasks that drain their energy.

    Erin’s Contact Info:
    Email: erin.rauch@comcast.net
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinsempowerempire

    Resources & More:

    • Listen to Episode 302: “Just Drink the Pickle Juice” – embracing discomfort for growth
    • Subscribe to the Flute 360 newsletter for creative prompts, behind-the-scenes updates, and upcoming sessions!
    • Grab your Flute 360 Coaching Bundle for $200 off until 4/30/25!
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    47 mins
  • Episode 327: Stop Blending In—Be the Flutist Everyone Remembers, Part 9

    Episode 327: Stop Blending In—Be the Flutist Everyone Remembers, Part 9
    Apr 24 2025

    Flute 360 | Episode 327: "Stop Blending In – Be the Flutist Everyone Remembers" (Part 9)

    Do you feel like your unique talents are getting lost in the noise?

    In today's episode, Dr. Heidi Kay Begay and Eric Jay Begay pull back the curtain on what it truly means to stand out as a flutist and creative artist. They explore how embracing your unique qualities and showing up authentically can transform your career from blending in to standing out vividly in people's minds.

    Heidi and Eric share powerful strategies from their own journeys on how to creatively leverage your interests and talents—beyond traditional boundaries—to open new doors and opportunities. They'll guide you through overcoming imposter syndrome, stepping confidently into your role as a "flutepreneur," and building genuine relationships that make you unforgettable.

    You'll walk away from this episode inspired to:

    • Embrace your individuality and let your authenticity be your biggest asset.

    • Creatively combine your interests with your flute career to unlock new opportunities.

    • Overcome imposter syndrome and perfectionism by recognizing your unique value.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Practical advice for leveraging your unique talents to build memorable connections and opportunities.

    • Real-life examples of how musicians have successfully packaged their skills in unexpected, profitable ways.

    • Insight into overcoming barriers such as imposter syndrome, fear of visibility, and perfectionism.

    • Encouragement to see your diverse interests not as distractions but as powerful avenues for growth.

    Episode Resources:

    Grab your Flute 360 Coaching Bundle before April 30, 2025, and receive $200 off! You'll get personalized guidance, tools, and resources tailored specifically to your unique flute journey. Spots are limited, so secure yours today!

    CLICK HERE TO GRAB YOUR COACHING BUNDLE NOW! 🔥

    Connect with Heidi:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
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    46 mins
  • Episode 326: Creative Flow & Strategic Planning with Eric Jay Begay, Part 8

    Episode 326: Creative Flow & Strategic Planning with Eric Jay Begay, Part 8
    Apr 23 2025

    Flute 360 | Episode 326: "Creative Flow and Strategic Planning with Eric J. Begay” (Part 8)

    Are you struggling to find the perfect time and space for creativity in your busy life?

    In today's episode, Dr. Heidi Kay Begay and Eric J. Begay dive deep into practical strategies for unlocking your creative flow—even amid life's chaos. Whether you're looking to expand your flute studio, launch a new course, or finally write that book, you'll discover how intentional planning can transform your creative process.

    Heidi and Eric share how their recent shift to structured daily meetings and a customized schedule (inspired by Benjamin Franklin!) has significantly boosted their productivity and focus. They'll guide you through setting clear, achievable goals, breaking big projects into manageable steps, and navigating life's disruptions with flexibility and grace.

    You'll walk away from this episode inspired to:

    • Set healthy boundaries around your time to ensure your creative ideas come to life.
    • Implement simple systems and routines that support consistent creative output.
    • Let go of perfectionism and embrace "done" over "perfect" to achieve tangible progress.

    If you're ready to stop waiting for the ideal moment and start taking actionable steps towards your creative goals, this episode is your roadmap!

    Episode Highlights:

    • How Heidi and Eric overcame scheduling challenges by implementing structured daily meetings.
    • Practical tips for carving out uninterrupted creative time, even in the midst of busy life circumstances.
    • The power of consistent, incremental steps versus relying solely on inspiration.
    • Real-life examples of flexibility and adaptability when things don't go according to plan.

    Episode Resources:

    Grab your Flute 360 Coaching Bundle before April 30, 2025, and receive $200 off! You'll get personalized guidance, tools, and resources tailored specifically to your unique flute journey. Spots are limited, so secure yours today!

    CLICK HERE TO GRAB YOUR COACHING BUNDLE NOW!

    Connect with Heidi:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
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    38 mins
  • Episode 325: Stop Undervaluing Your Creativity – How to Sell Your Projects with Confidence, Part 7

    Episode 325: Stop Undervaluing Your Creativity – How to Sell Your Projects with Confidence, Part 7
    Apr 22 2025

    Flute 360 | Episode 325: “Stop Undervaluing Your Creativity – How to Sell Your Projects with Confidence!” (Part 7)

    What if the only thing standing between you and your next big leap as a musician…is your belief in the value of your work?

    In this heart-to-heart episode, Dr. Heidi Kay Begay challenges the outdated systems in our music training that have failed to prepare flutists for the modern marketplace. From undercharging for lessons to feeling invisible in your creative career, it’s time to flip the script and confidently own your worth.

    You’ll learn how to reframe selling as an invitation into transformation, and gain practical tips for pricing your work, increasing your confidence, and embracing a new narrative where you’re in the driver’s seat of your artistic and financial journey.

    If you’ve poured your soul into a course, a book, a concert series, or any creative project but feel stuck when it comes to selling it, this episode is your permission slip to start moving forward — and get paid for your brilliance.

    🔥 Top 3 Highlights:

    • Why your career math isn’t mathing – and how today’s music industry demands entrepreneurial thinking
    • The difference between sales and sleaze: How to pitch with heart and integrity
    • How writing 40–50 value points can radically increase your confidence and close more sales

    🎯 Just for You!

    • Grab the Flute 360 Coaching Bundle for $200 OFF – only available until April 30th. This is your only chance this year to work one-on-one with Dr. Heidi and bring that stalled creative project to life with strategy, clarity, and confidence.
      👉 Secure your bundle now!
    • Join the Flute 360 Accelerator Program for an energizing LIVE coaching session on Friday, April 26th, 2025. Meet your flutist peers, ask questions, and grow in community. Plus, enjoy tier-specific perks for holistic growth as a flutist!
      👉 Reserve your seat in the Accelerator!

    💡 Resources & Links:

    • 📥 Join the Flute 360 Newsletter – for bonus content, creative prompts, and behind-the-scenes tips
    • 🎧 Episode 294: Visible & Valued – Embrace Selling as an Invitation
    • 💬 Message me on Instagram or email to share your biggest takeaway!

    🎵 More from Flute 360:

    In the last 7 years, I’ve coached hundreds of flutists, launched a successful podcast, performed internationally, and built a holistic music studio from scratch. I’ve learned what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to creative careers – and Flute 360 is where I open up my practice journal, prayer diary, and business notebook to share it all with you!
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    23 mins