Stories from Under the Piano
Welcome to ‘Stories from Under the Piano’. In each episode, a guest shares a personal story, and Craig responds with a spontaneous piano piece that evokes the emotions and mood of their story. I’m Craig Addy, your host. I'm the Musician Who Listens to the Listener. This podcast offers a glimpse into the world of ‘Under the Piano’, an immersive musical experience I’ve been providing since 2009. Over 1,000 people have discovered comfort, connection, and healing through these sessions, featuring several original compositions that capture the essence of their personal stories. My mission is to connect, comfort, and inspire through the universal language of music. Thank you for joining me on this journey.
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Dancing with Porpoises – Stephen Paré’s Story of Wonder on the Open Sea
02/28/2025
Dancing with Porpoises – Stephen Paré’s Story of Wonder on the Open Sea
What happens when you find yourself on a boat in the middle of the foggy Pacific, searching for birds—but instead, you become the audience to an astonishing dance of nature? In this episode of Stories from Under the Piano, multidisciplinary artist Stephen Paré shares a breathtaking memory from his university days. As he sailed through Monterey Bay on an ornithology field trip, he expected to see rare birds. Instead, he witnessed something extraordinary—two Dall’s porpoises playfully racing alongside the boat, performing a synchronized, awe-inspiring maneuver that left the entire crew speechless. We explore the emotional arc of Stephen’s experience—starting with exhaustion and disinterest, moving into a moment of pure connection with nature, and ending in a collective sense of wonder. After the story, I transform it into an improvised piano composition, capturing the fog, the sun breaking through, and the joy of the porpoises' dance. Stephen also shares insights into his creative world, from his digital paintings to his upcoming VR and in-person art exhibitions. He discusses his passion for Venice, his work on a new book, and even his inspiring decision to apply for graduate school in music at age 70! Join us for a conversation filled with beauty, reflection, and artistic inspiration—and of course, a one-of-a-kind piano piece composed in the moment. Learn more about Stephen Paré Website: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: Craig’s Websites:
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Rebirth and Resilience: Steve Honyotski’s Journey Through Trauma and Healing
02/11/2025
Rebirth and Resilience: Steve Honyotski’s Journey Through Trauma and Healing
Life can change in an instant. For Steve Honyotski, a car accident turned into a 321-day battle for survival, involving multiple comas, 14 surgeries, and over 100 pints of blood. In this deeply moving episode, Steve shares his extraordinary journey of resilience, gratitude, and the profound realization that life’s simplest moments—feeling the sun on your face, walking, eating—are gifts not to be taken for granted. Through his experience, Steve found a new purpose: advocating for blood donation, the very thing that saved his life. Now, as an organizer of multiple blood drives each year, he is dedicated to ensuring others receive the same life-saving gift he once did. Craig listens to Steve’s incredible story and then creates a spontaneous, heartfelt piano composition capturing its emotional depth. From tragedy to transformation, this episode is a testament to the human spirit and the power of community. How to donate blood: Canada: USA: Listen or watch and be inspired: 🎥 Video: 🍎 Apple: 🎵 Spotify: Craig’s Websites: 🌐 🌐
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Surviving the Invisible: Gabrielle Senza's Life-Changing Brush with Death
01/28/2025
Surviving the Invisible: Gabrielle Senza's Life-Changing Brush with Death
In this episode of Stories from Under the Piano, Craig welcomes multidisciplinary artist, educator, and empowerment coach Gabrielle Senza. Gabrielle’s award-winning work, featured in prestigious collections like MoMA and the Whitney Museum, highlights the transformative power of art to heal, inspire, and create meaningful change. Gabrielle shares a gripping and deeply personal story of survival—an unintentional brush with death caused by carbon monoxide poisoning during her teenage years. She reflects on how this pivotal moment transformed her perspective on life, inspiring her to embrace bold choices and live with purpose. The story is layered with curiosity, fear, determination, and a profound commitment to making every moment count. Through Gabrielle's emotional journey, we hear about her creative and activist pursuits, including her work empowering others through art, advocating for environmental and social justice, and fostering connection through her Invisibility Laband Terraluna projects. Following Gabrielle’s story, Craig improvises a unique piano composition inspired by her experience—a musical translation of the emotions, transitions, and revelations she shares. Gabrielle also provides insight into her current projects, including a 23-part musical score and her environmental activism, encouraging listeners to take creative and meaningful action in their own lives. Learn more about Gabrielle Senza of : Instagram: LinkedIn: YouTube: Listen or watch and be inspired: 🎥 Video: 🍎 Apple: 🎵 Spotify: Craig’s Websites:
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The Best Bad Thing That Ever Happened: Jill Arena’s Story of Reinvention
01/07/2025
The Best Bad Thing That Ever Happened: Jill Arena’s Story of Reinvention
In this episode of Stories from Under the Piano, Jill Arena shares a deeply personal and transformative story about the unexpected turn that changed her life—and ultimately set her on a path to greater success and fulfillment. Jill, a dynamic healthcare executive, author, podcaster, and entrepreneur, takes us back to 2009 when she was fired from a business she co-founded—a cutting-edge primary care clinic designed to transform patient care. What began as a bold and innovative venture turned into an abrupt ending, leaving her reeling with shock, anger, and uncertainty. Through heartfelt reflections, Jill walks us through the emotions of loss, fear, and indignation—and how she ultimately channeled those feelings into building Health e Practices, a thriving consulting company. Jill now helps physicians master the business side of their practices while also empowering leaders through her nonprofit initiative, the Physician Leadership Project. Craig captures the essence of Jill’s journey in a spontaneous piano composition that mirrors the arc of excitement, despair, resilience, and triumph. It’s a story of personal growth and the unexpected gifts that emerge from life’s challenges. Listen in for inspiration, and discover how setbacks can lead to breakthroughs. Learn more about Jill Arena of Health e Practices Website: Medical Money Matters podcast: Listen or watch and be inspired: 🎥 Video: 🍎 Apple: 🎵 Spotify: Craig’s Websites:
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A Story of Strength and Support: Peaches Udoma’s Open-Heart Journey
12/10/2024
A Story of Strength and Support: Peaches Udoma’s Open-Heart Journey
In this powerful episode of Stories from Under the Piano, Craig sits down with Peaches Udoma, a trailblazing academic writer, editor, communication strategist, and coach who has spent decades empowering others to achieve their dreams. Peaches shares a deeply personal story about her battle with severe aortic valve stenosis, a diagnosis that led her to open-heart surgery at the age of 61. Peaches takes us through her family’s cardiac history, the fear of facing her own diagnosis, and how a major reframe turned her greatest anxiety—the ventilator—into her unexpected ally. She recounts her preparation for surgery, her gratitude for medical professionals, and the love and support of her friends and family. Peaches’ courage, humor, and determination shine through as she reflects on her recovery and how this experience gave her a renewed sense of life, love, and purpose. Craig’s spontaneous piano composition captures the essence of Peaches’ journey, from the gravity of her diagnosis to the joy and resilience that carried her through. This musical tribute evoked memories of her healing process, bringing to life the determination she embodied in her months of preparation and her ultimate triumph over fear. Stick around after the story as Peaches talks about her passion for coaching and her work with the Wealth and Impact Bootcamp. You’ll also hear her heartfelt endorsement of Craig’s “Under the Piano” experience and how it has brought meaning to her life. Learn more about Peaches Udoma of Wealth and Impact Bootcamp: 🌐 💼 Listen or watch and be inspired: 🎥 Video: 🍎 Apple: 🎵 Spotify: Craig’s Websites:
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Connecting with Nature: A Journey of Love, Stewardship, and Letting Go with Susan Kaplan
11/19/2024
Connecting with Nature: A Journey of Love, Stewardship, and Letting Go with Susan Kaplan
In this episode of Stories from Under the Piano, I sit down with the inspiring Susan Kaplan, founder of Sustainable Futures Consulting. Susan shares her deep connection to nature, cultivated from childhood through mossy forests and oceanic horizons, and how it evolved into a spiritual journey during her life on a 43-acre property in New Hampshire. We explore her touching story of stewardship, her bond with her beloved dog, Libby, and the bittersweet process of saying goodbye to the land she’s nurtured. As always, I create a unique piano composition inspired by her journey, capturing emotions of wonder, love, joy, and the poignant experience of letting go. 🌿 Discover the importance of connecting with nature and the role of sustainability in our lives, as Susan shares insights from her work and her personal experiences. 🎧 Listen to the full episode and experience the magic of Susan’s story and the music it inspired: Audio: YouTube Video: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Connect with Susan Kaplan: Website: LinkedIn (Personal): LinkedIn (Company): Facebook: Instagram:
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Reclaiming the Dance of Life with Kristen Mangione, the Dance Alchemist
11/05/2024
Reclaiming the Dance of Life with Kristen Mangione, the Dance Alchemist
In this inspiring episode of Stories from Under the Piano, I sit down with Kristen Mangione, also known as the Dance Alchemist. Kristen shares a powerful story from her childhood, where the innocence of dance met the harshness of judgment, leading her to abandon her true self-expression. Years later, she found the courage to embrace her passion once more, leading to a lifelong journey of helping others reconnect with the power of movement through her practice, Dance Alchemy for the Soul. Join us as Kristen recounts the impact of reclaiming her creative identity and the resilience it takes to overcome fear and rediscover joy. As a unique feature of this podcast, I create an original piano composition inspired by Kristen’s journey—a musical reflection of her emotional journey from childhood to empowerment. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of healing, expression, and the art of transformation through dance. Mentioned in This Episode: Kristen's upcoming project, Chance to Dance, available online for all who wish to reconnect with movement. Visit to learn more. Follow Kristen on Instagram at @thedancealchemist for updates on her transformative workshops and classes. Key Takeaways: The importance of self-expression and reconnecting with childhood joy. Overcoming the fear of judgment to fully embrace one's creative self. The transformative power of Dance Alchemy as a form of inner healing and movement meditation. Other places to listen or see Stories from Under the Piano Podcast Video: Apple Podcasts: Spotify Podcast:
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Soaring Beyond Fear with Ruth Wishengrad
10/15/2024
Soaring Beyond Fear with Ruth Wishengrad
In this episode of Stories from Under the Piano, Craig Addy is joined by Ruth Wishengrad, founder of Upbeats Media and Get Reel Videos. With over 30 years of experience in education and video production, Ruth shares how she helps entrepreneurs create engaging content that truly connects with their audiences. She also reveals her passion for working with children and parents to build confidence from the inside out using music and movement. Ruth takes us on an emotional journey, sharing a powerful story about overcoming fear during an Outward Bound experience and how, years later, a chance encounter with a top hang glider pilot helped her rewrite that fearful memory with a sense of freedom and exhilaration. Ruth’s tale of soaring—both literally and figuratively—reminds us how we can release past fears and embrace new perspectives on life. Following the story, Craig composes a spontaneous piano piece that captures the emotional highs and lows of Ruth’s adventure, transforming her story into music. Connect with Ruth: Ruth is passionate about helping both adults and children gain confidence through creativity. Learn more about her work and the services she offers by visiting her websites below: Upbeats Media: Get Reel Videos: Learn more about Craig Addy’s work and Under the Piano: Craig’s Websites Social Media & Everything Else Stories from Under the Piano Podcast Video:
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Beyond Time and Space: Alfred DePew’s Akashic Discovery
10/01/2024
Beyond Time and Space: Alfred DePew’s Akashic Discovery
Welcome to another episode of “Stories from Under the Piano”, where personal tales come to life through the magic of music. In this episode, I am joined by Alfred DePew, an award-winning author, painter, coach, and spiritual guide, as he takes us on a transformative journey into the Akashic Records — a mystical dimension of knowledge and wisdom that transcends time and space. Alfred shares the profound story of his first encounter with the Akashic Records, a moment that deeply shifted his perspective on life and the universe. This extraordinary experience, both enlightening and humbling, led Alfred into deeper realms of personal insight, spiritual growth, and connection with the divine. Together, we explore the emotions, thoughts, and revelations that arose during his encounter, and I compose a musical portrait that reflects the essence of his story. The composition captures the sense of wonder, awe, and peace that comes from touching the infinite wisdom of the Akashic Records. Tune in to hear Alfred’s heartfelt story and the music it inspired—a piece that invites listeners to feel the timeless connection between themselves and the greater mystery of existence. Episode Highlights: Alfred DePew shares his first experience with the Akashic Records. Insights into the spiritual significance of the Akashic Records and their role in personal growth. A musical composition that embodies the emotions and atmosphere of Alfred’s journey beyond time and space. Books, Essays, and Journals: An Inexact Science of the Heart — a collection of essays about art, process, healing, community, family, grief, and theatre. Due to be published in October 2024. Wild & Woolly: A Journal Keeper’s Handbook (20th Anniversary Edition) — full of exercises you can do in your journal — for teachers, parents, individual journal keepers, men’s groups, women’s groups, non-binary groups, journal groups — you name it. A handbook for absolutely everybody. Due to be published in January 2025. Alfred’s Community Offerings: Akashic Records consultations Astrological consultations Energy clearing and balancing Meditative writing Drawing/dialogue Constellating inner figures or aspects of self Unfolding signals in the body Connect with Alfred DePew: Email: Website: Learn more about Craig Addy’s work and Under the Piano: Craig’s Websites Social Media & Everything Else Stories from Under the Piano Podcast Video: This episode will leave you feeling inspired, connected, and curious about the infinite possibilities that lie beyond the visible world.
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M. L. Ayer – Author of the Simon Spring magical children's series
09/17/2024
M. L. Ayer – Author of the Simon Spring magical children's series
In this enchanting episode, Craig Addy welcomes author M. L. Ayer to discuss her long-standing passion for storytelling, sparked from a young age, and how a dream involving a flying witch inspired her magical imagination. M. L. Ayer shares fascinating details about her *Simon Spring* series, which follows a boy on extraordinary adventures, infused with magic and mystery. The episode features a special treat: M. L. Ayer reads excerpts from her work, including a scene where Simon Spring finds a mysterious egg, glowing with gold and silver. Craig, ever the musical artist, selects one passage to create a unique musical composition, adding a new layer of magic to the storytelling. Throughout the conversation, they touch on the inspiration behind Ayer's writing, the vividness of dreams, and the enduring magic in fantasy tales. With three books in the *Simon Spring* series, listeners are given a glimpse into the world of warm-water Fae, magic-wielding families, and the journey of Simon as he navigates his magical inheritance. For fans of magical realism and children's fantasy, this episode is a heartwarming introduction to M. L. Ayer’s imaginative world. Special Links: - Learn more about M. L. Ayer and her magical stories: - Discover free stories, character short stories, and more. Connect with Craig Addy: Video Version of the podcast: Social Media & Everything Else: Tune in for a mesmerizing blend of storytelling, music, and the wonder of childhood imagination!
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A Journey Through Grief and Joy with Carin Mikos
09/03/2024
A Journey Through Grief and Joy with Carin Mikos
In this heartwarming episode of Stories from Under the Piano, I have the pleasure of welcoming Carin Mikos, a remarkable woman whose work touches the deepest aspects of life and loss. Carin is a registered nurse with 27 years of experience and has spent the last three years as an end-of-life specialist. She is also the founder of the Quietus House, a unique concierge service that helps individuals plan their final journey, leave a legacy, and find support in their grief. Carin shares a poignant childhood memory of learning to ride a bike—a moment filled with joy, fear, and unexpected adventure. This simple yet powerful story of her father’s guidance, the thrill of newfound freedom, and the unexpected crash into a tree serves as a metaphor for navigating life’s uncertainties and the comfort of knowing someone is there to support you. After Carin shares her story, we dive deeper into her emotions during that experience. With a few questions, I help Carin explore the nuances of her feelings—her initial fear, the exhilarating sense of freedom, and the shock of crashing into the tree. These insights allow me to create a personalized musical portrait at the piano, reflecting the emotional journey Carin described. The music captures the initial trepidation, the thrill of riding, and the light-hearted moment of impact, bringing her memory to life through sound. We also delve into Carin’s incredible work with the Quietus House. She discusses the importance of embracing grief, the various ways individuals can express and process their grief, and the need for a supportive community. Carin’s holistic approach helps ensure that when the time comes, the experience is as complete and peaceful as possible. Listen in to discover how memories, music, and deep conversations can help us overcome our fears and connect with those we love, even in their final days. Links & Resources: Carin Mikos and The Quietus House: Stories from Under the Piano Podcast:
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Experiencing Relaxation and Safety in the Space of Source with Monika Becker
08/20/2024
Experiencing Relaxation and Safety in the Space of Source with Monika Becker
This video explores the feelings that arise when entering the space of source, emphasizing relaxation, safety, and a sense of being nurtured. The discussion highlights the importance of letting go of struggle and busyness to feel taken care of and reassured that all is well. Book a complimentary Clarity Session with Monika. This is for anybody who feels stuck in life/work and is open to gaining a fresh perspective and clarity about something they can do to get unstuck: Craig’s Websites: and YouTube Podcast Link: Craig’s Newsletter: Lullabies Under the Piano:
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From Felines to Fidos: Zan Romeder’s Unexpected Bond
08/06/2024
From Felines to Fidos: Zan Romeder’s Unexpected Bond
In this inaugural episode of Stories from Under the Piano, Craig welcomes Zan Romeder, an entrepreneur living in Roberts Creek, B.C. Zan shares her transformative story of overcoming her fear of dogs for the sake of her daughter. Despite being a lifelong cat person, Zan's intuition led her to adopt a rescue dog named Ruby. This decision profoundly changed her family's life, teaching Zan lessons in trust, surrender, and personal growth. The episode explores themes of discovering new joys, overcoming anxieties, and finding balance in life. Zan also highlights her work at Vital Body Weight Loss and Wellness, where she helps people reconnect with food. After the musical piece inspired by Zan's story (17:46), the conversation turns to sharing final thoughts about embracing life's unpredictability and the importance of having time for passions. Zan highlights how professional trainers helped her family integrate Ruby successfully. The episode concludes with reflections on the unique and lasting impact of the Craig's musical creation service, Under the Piano. Zan’s website: Vital Body Weight Loss and Wellness: Craig’s Websites: and Craig’s Newsletter: Lullabies Under the Piano: Watch this podcast on YouTube:
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