Episode 331: Create More, People-Please Less with Melvine Naliaka
Release Date: 06/24/2025
Episode 360: Closing a Creative Chapter with Intention—A Flute 360 Reflection
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Flute 360 | Episode 360: “Closing a Creative Chapter with Intention—A Flute 360 Reflection" This episode marks a meaningful milestone: Episode 360 and seven+ years of Flute 360 podcasting. In this special conversation, I’m joined by my husband, Eric Jay Begay—producer, audio editor, and creative partner—as we reflect on what this journey has meant and why the podcast production itself is coming to a professional pause. Together, we talk about something musicians and creatives rarely discuss: how to discern when a creative chapter is ready to pause, shift, or close with...
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Episode 359: How to Start a Non-Profit Music Organization—Lessons from Dr. Susan Fain
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Flute 360 | Episode 359: “How to Start a Nonprofit Music Organization—Lessons from Dr. Susan Fain” Have you ever felt called to serve your community through music—but weren’t sure where to begin? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Susan Fain to talk about what it actually takes to build a nonprofit music organization from the ground up. Dr. Fain shares her journey in Fort Worth, Texas—where she helped create a nonprofit ensemble for medically practicing musicians who still longed for meaningful artistic connection. Together, we explore the realities of nonprofit leadership,...
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Episode 358: Before the Big 360—An Honest Reflection on Calling, Career, and Identity
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Episode 357: When Teaching Styles Clash—Handling Music Teacher Conflict Without the Drama
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Flute 360 | Episode 357: “When Teaching Styles Clash—Handling Music Teacher Conflict Without the Drama” Conflicts between music colleagues are more common than we like to admit — and they can show up in band halls, studios, shared programs, and co-teaching situations. In this episode, Dr. Heidi Kay Begay draws from nearly two decades of experience as a professional flutist and music educator to explore how music teachers can navigate these moments with clarity, kindness, and professionalism. From differing teaching methods and pedagogy to shared student populations and communication...
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Episode 356: Took a Break? Your Playing Isn’t Behind—It’s Evolving
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Flute 360 | Episode 356: "Took a Break? Your Playing Isn’t Behind—It’s Evolving” This episode is for the musician returning from a hiatus—short or long. Whether life changed, your energy shifted, or you simply needed space, your playing isn’t behind. It’s evolving. We talk through comparison, fear, grief, and the gentle curiosity needed to rebuild. Breaks don’t erase artistry; they often deepen it. What We Discuss: Why returning to the flute brings up fear, shame, or comparison How to release old narratives about your “prime” The role of gentleness, curiosity, and presence...
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Episode 355: Your Spoken Voice Is Your Flute Voice—Here’s How to Reunite Them
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Flute 360 | Episode 355: “Your Spoken Voice Is Your Flute Voice—Here’s How to Reunite Them” If you feel disconnected from your playing—unsure, hesitant, or muted—this episode uncovers why. Often, the break isn’t just musical; it's between your spoken voice and your flute voice. We revisit early musical memories, confidence wounds, comparison culture, and the pressures that disconnect musicians from their natural expressive centers. You’ll learn how your everyday voice can guide you back to authenticity in your artistry. What We Discuss: How comparison and grading environments...
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Episode 354: Stop Waiting for Perfect Conditions—Practice Without the Flute on Your Face
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Flute 360 | Episode 354: “Stop Waiting for Perfect Conditions—Practice Without the Flute on Your Face” If you’ve ever told yourself “I don’t have time to practice,” this episode will free you. We look at why waiting for the perfect moment keeps musicians stuck—and why some of your most meaningful practice can happen away from the flute. Using the score, your voice, visualization, analysis, listening, and intentional micro-practice, you can move your artistry forward even on the busiest days. What We Discuss: Why perfectionism keeps you from practicing at all How to...
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Episode 353: The Baby Metaphor That Will Change How You Practice Forever
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Episode 352: Stop Shrinking—How to Take Up Healthy Artistic Space as a Musician
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Episode 351: Vision Beyond Sight with Liz Hargest
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Flute 360 | Episode 351: “Vision Beyond Sight with Liz Hargest” In today’s episode, Heidi sits down with longtime student, colleague, and dear friend Liz Hargest to explore what it truly means to cultivate artistry, perseverance, and purpose beyond physical sight. Liz, who has been blind since infancy, shares how she learned flute through Braille music, how she approaches memorization, and how she continues to grow as a musician and teacher well into her 70s. Her story offers profound insight into resilience, lifelong learning, and the deep internal work that shapes expressive,...
info_outlineFlute 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 up
- Why people-pleasing leads to burnout—and how to recover from it
- The importance of saying “no” to others so you can say “yes” to your purpose
- How to juggle a full-time teaching job with a creative side business
- What it looks like to build your own artistic path with limited resources
- The surprising ways business skills can feed your growth as a musician
- Why relatability and imperfection are powerful tools for connection
- How 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 excerpts
- Caroline – preparing for a July performance
- Mel – 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:
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- Join the Flute 360’s Accelerator Program Here!