246 Brad Stulberg: The Way of Excellence - The Secret to What It Really Takes to Thrive
Release Date: 01/23/2026
249 You’re Not Behind. You’re Overloaded. How Unrealistic Expectations Hijack Your Brain and What to Do Instead
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
In this episode, we unpack how unrealistic expectations quietly overload your brain, tighten your body, and slow your progress. And more importantly, how to reset them so they actually work for you. You’ll learn: • Why high standards are not the problem but misaligned expectations are • How pressure and perfectionism interfere with learning • A simple expectation audit you can use before practice or performance • How to shift from “I should” to “What can I do today?” • A powerful on stage reframe that turns anxiety into expression If you’ve been pushing hard but not...
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248 Bill Denton: Forget the Timeline - The Path Is Yours to Build - What Every Musician Needs to Hear About Age, Timing, and the Long Game
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
What if your path takes longer than you thought it would? What if you don’t win the job straight out of school. Or even straight out of your twenties? And what if that’s not failure, but just a different kind of success? In this episode, I sit down with Bill Denton, Principal Trumpet of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, to talk about what it really means to stay in the game. Bill won his job at 50. Before that? He taught high school band, drove to gigs, kept showing up, and stayed connected to his playing through real life, not a perfect timeline. This conversation is for anyone who’s ever...
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247 Tired of Forcing Yourself to Practice? The Mental Reset That Gets You Back Into Practice Gently
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
When practicing feels impossible, it’s not because you’re lazy or undisciplined. In this episode, I walk you through the simple mindset shifts and practical strategies that help you stop pushing and start showing up with more ease, clarity, and self-respect. You’ll learn: · Why waiting for motivation doesn’t work · A five-step mental reset to ease into practice · How to reduce friction and make your routine feel lighter ...
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246 Brad Stulberg: The Way of Excellence - The Secret to What It Really Takes to Thrive
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
What does it really take to grow as an artist without burning out? In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by bestselling author and performance expert Brad Stulberg to explore what excellence actually means, and how we can pursue it in a way that feels deeply fulfilling, not exhausting. Brad’s new book, , offers a grounded and practical roadmap for anyone looking to sustain high-level work over time. Whether you’re navigating auditions, refining your craft, or questioning how to stay connected to music in a chaotic world, this episode is for you. You’ll learn how to: ...
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245 Long-Term Growth vs. Short-Term Pressure: Why Trying to Master Everything Is Slowing You Down and How to Fix It
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
Are you juggling big technique goals and an upcoming performance? Struggling to fix your vibrato while also cramming notes for an audition? You’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong. In this episode, we unpack why chasing long-term mastery and short-term perfection at the same time can leave you overwhelmed, stuck, and second-guessing everything. You’ll learn: · How to separate growth work from prep work without sacrificing either · Why perfectionism in your “big goal” might be...
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244 One Sentence to Change Your Year: How to turn resistance into real momentum
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
If you’ve ever had one of those days where you know what you should do, but everything in you wants to procrastinate, avoid, or zone out... this episode is for you. I’m sharing one of my favorite mindset tools: a simple sentence structure you can use when motivation is low, when self-doubt is loud, or when you just feel stuck. It’s a trick I return to again and again to get myself into action and back into alignment with who I want to become. Inside, you’ll hear exactly how it works, why it helps you make progress without needing a massive pep talk, and how to use it right away in...
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243 You’re Closer Than You Think: The Mindset Shift That Will Move the Needle
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
In this solo episode, Dr. Gauthier breaks down a powerful mindset shift that can transform your musical growth and career. If you're tired of working harder and still feeling stuck, this is the episode for you. 🎯 In this episode, you'll learn: · Why the “do, have, be” model keeps musicians burned out and unfulfilled · What the “be, do, have” approach looks like in real practice · How your identity is the hidden lever that drives...
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242 Tim Higgins: The Long Game Every Musician Needs to Play - Winning the Job, Finding Your Sound, and Staying Inspired
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
In this inspiring backstage pass conversation, Tim Higgins, principal trombone of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and acclaimed composer, arranger, and educator, shares the real work behind long-term success in music. Whether you're preparing for auditions or building artistic depth in your playing, this episode offers mindset shifts and practical tools you can apply today. In this episode, you’ll learn: · What Tim believes is at the core of audition success and how to train it with consistency ...
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241 Beyond the Practice Room: What Four Top Experts Want You to Know About Performance
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
In this special episode, recorded live at New World Symphony’s Wellness Week, four leading voices in musician wellness come together to share powerful strategies for navigating the mental, physical, and emotional demands of a music career. You’ll learn: · How to recover from a tough performance without spiraling into shame or self-doubt · The mindset shift that separates your identity from your results · Why your body holds the key to...
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240 You’re Not Unmotivated, You’re Believing the Wrong Thing: How to Reclaim Your Focus, Confidence, and Momentum
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your current beliefs—not your ability—might be the real reason behind lack of motivation or progress How to spot the subtle thoughts that quietly shape your practice habits and performance results A powerful mindset shift that helps musicians move from self-doubt to self-trust The truth about where limiting beliefs come from—and how to start letting them go The difference between repeating affirmations and actually practicing belief How to use “bridge thoughts” to shift your mindset when a positive belief still feels out of reach ...
info_outlineWhat does it really take to grow as an artist without burning out?
In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by bestselling author and performance expert Brad Stulberg to explore what excellence actually means, and how we can pursue it in a way that feels deeply fulfilling, not exhausting.
Brad’s new book, The Way of Excellence, offers a grounded and practical roadmap for anyone looking to sustain high-level work over time. Whether you’re navigating auditions, refining your craft, or questioning how to stay connected to music in a chaotic world, this episode is for you.
You’ll learn how to:
· Redefine excellence as a process of becoming, not a fixed destination
· Align your ambition with your core values for a stronger sense of purpose
· Balance self-discipline with self-kindness, especially when motivation is low
· Use the "brave new world" mindset to face fear and uncertainty
· Build emotional resilience so you can keep showing up when it counts
· Stay consistent without getting stuck in hustle or burnout
· Create progress that’s sustainable, satisfying, and deeply your own
This episode is a must-listen for musicians who want to stay inspired, grounded, and intentional in the way they grow. Brad brings wisdom from elite performers across fields — and his insights will help you rethink what excellence can look like in your own musical life.
Tune in and take away practical tools to support your artistry, your mindset, and your well-being.
Grab The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction in a Chaotic World HERE!
If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there.
Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality.
Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE
Book your free consultation with Renée HERE
Download the transcript from this episode HERE
Brad Stulberg
Grab The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction in a Chaotic World HERE: https://amzn.to/4jWCsd1
Website: https://www.bradstulberg.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradstulberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-stulberg-009b168b/
Mind Over Finger
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THANK YOU:
Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme: Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.