Herizon Music: The Podcast

John Thomas: The Kalamazoo Gals' Almost Forgotten Story

John Thomas: The Kalamazoo Gals’ Almost Forgotten StoryThis is an historic episode of Herizon Music. For the first time since launching in 2019, I am interviewing a MAN on the podcast. And I cannot think of any other man I would rather have than today’s guest.We met at an “off” SXSW event hosted by Texchromosome in 2022. He held a World War II era acoustic Gibson guitar and was talking about his new book Kalamazoo Gals. Come to find out, he has unearthed an incredible almost-forgotten history about the women who stepped in and crafted Gibson guitars while the men in their lives were at war. These guitars are considered some of the finest ever made by Gibson.It was a five-year journey of research, conversations, and travel. The story is so remarkable, it’s become a documentary that won Best Short Documentary awards at the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival and Red Dirt Film Festival. And there are more festivals screening the film in 2025.He’s an author, a musician, an attorney, a law professor, an avid cyclist, and a champion of women in music.Meet John Thomas! (Documentary trailer below)In This Episode* How John Thomas stumbled upon the photo that revealed Gibson’s female workforce during WWII.* The scientific proof that these “Banner” wartime guitars were the finest craftsmanship that Gibson has produced and why.* The stories of three surviving Gibson workers whom John interviewed for the book and new documentary.* How Gibson’s reaction to the book has evolved over the years (a rollercoaster ride).Plus, John’s answers to the Shakedown Questions!This episode was recorded in April 2025.Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.Guest LinksIf you don’t see these links (or embedded videos!) on your podcast platform, get the full experience at HerizonMusic.com.Buy John Thomas’s Kalamazoo Gals here on Amazon.Kalamazoo Gals Website & Social LinksDocumentary TrailerCreditsGuest: John ThomasHost: Thea WoodListen to other episodes of Herizon Music: The Podcast.Support This PodcastThere are 3 ways you can support women in music and Herizon Music: The Podcast:* Opt into a paid subscription. Upgrade here.* Sponsor a podcast episode! You or your business can reach our dreamers, rule breakers and rockstars in the most positive way possible! It’s super affordable to sponsor this evergreen content that includes a midroll after The Shakedown questions and logo/link in the Show Notes. Email me for a rate card.* Sponsor an issue (or two or three!) of the Herizon Music Newsletter. It costs time and money to publish the exposés, news, and interviews that over a thousand subscribers and 3,000 social media followers read. Email me for a rate card for this and other marketing opportunities.If you’d like to reproduce this podcast or a portion of the podcast or associated content, you must obtain prior approval in writing from Thea Wood Productions, LLC. Email herizonmusic@substack.com. Get full access to Herizon Music: Newsletter & Podcast at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe

Jazmine Valencia: From Record Label Intern to Digital Marketing Mentor

Today’s guest is a DJ turned music executive and founder of JV Agency, a music marketing firm celebrating its 10 year anniversary. She has handled thousands of album launches throughout her career, including for acts like Fall Out Boy, Shawn Mendes, and the Killers.She specializes in digital marketing with a side passion for empowering women in the music industry. She pays it forward by bringing in interns with the goal of mentoring and creating a career path for them. In fact, her own path started as an intern at Def Jam Records.As a public speaker, she has appeared at SXSW, Canadian Music Week, Live Nation All Access Fest, numerous university events, and is a GRAMMY U mentor. She’s been quoted by Forbes, CNBC, and the LA Times.She’s the music marketing maven with the motto “Stay resilient, stay authentic.”Meet Jazmine “DJ Jazzy” Valencia! (see links and videos below)In This Episode* How an internship at Def Jam Records defined her career path* Jazmine’s “Marketing Starts At Home” philosophy explained* Two big mistakes emerging artists make in marketing themselves* Most common marketing challenge female artists face that male artists do not* Mentoring through internships at her own agency and at GRAMMY U* Emerging female acts Jazmine’s excited aboutPlus Jazmine Valencia’s answers to the Shakedown Questions!Recorded in March 2024.Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.Guest LinksIf you don’t see these links (or embedded videos!) on your podcast platform, get the full experience at HerizonMusic.com.JV AgencyLinkedInInstagramCreditsGuest: Jazmine ValenciaHost: Thea WoodProducer: Thea Wood Productions, LLCListen to other episodes of Herizon Music: The Podcast.Support This PodcastSubscribe to Herizon Music: The Podcast & Newsletter for free. You can also fiscally support our mission to promote gender equity in music. Since launching in 2019, Herizon Music was recognized as a finalist for the Women Changing The World Awards (Journalism & Media category, 2025), ranked #15 in FeedSpot's 2025 Top 45 Women In Music Podcasts, Podcast Magazine's "Top 20 Mom Podcasters of 2020," and Pretty Progressive's “Inspiring Podcasts for Women in Their 20s.” * Opt into a paid subscription - only $7.50 per month! You can pay $72 in advance for 12 months (or $6 per month) or become a Founding Member for $216 annually. Upgrade here.* Sponsor a podcast episode! You or your business can reach our dreamers, rule breakers and rockstars in the most positive way possible! It’s super affordable to sponsor this evergreen content that includes a midroll after The Shakedown questions and logo/link in the Show Notes. Email me for a rate card.* Sponsor an issue (or two or three!) of the Herizon Music Newsletter. It costs time and money to publish the exposés, news, and interviews that over a thousand subscribers and 3,000 social media followers read. Email me for a rate card for this and other marketing opportunities.If you'd like to reproduce this podcast or a portion of the podcast or associated content, you must obtain prior approval in writing from Thea Wood Productions, LLC. Email herizonmusic@substack.com. Get full access to Herizon Music: Newsletter & Podcast at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe

Radhika Vekaria: GRAMMY Nominee With A Healing Touch

Radhika Vekaria: GRAMMY Nominee With A Healing TouchToday’s guest is on her way to the 2025 GRAMMYS with a nomination in the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category for her release “Warriors of Light.” Her Indian, East African and British roots inspire her chant-centric music composed with the purpose of spiritual, physical, and emotional healing.As she likes to say: “I don’t make music for you to see me. I make music for you to see yourself.”As a singer and multi-instrumentalist, she’s collaborated with Prince, Eddie Palmieri, Enrique Iglesias, Shoshana Bean, producer Jeff Koons, and more.She is now the voice for Chopra Yoga, a new game based on Deepak Chopra’s Laws of Manifestation.She’s the voice who liberates, elevates and calibrates us! Meet Radakah Vekaria.In This Episode* The unexpected person who derailed her path to Oxford/Cambridge medical school* How music healed a life-long affliction* Hear a song clip for “Release Your Fears” from the new album Warriors of Light* Learn a mantra for calming and recalibrating when you feel stressed out* What is sound coaching and how does it workPlus Rashida’s answers to the Shakedown Questions!Recorded in January 2024.Guest LinksIf you don’t see these links (or embedded videos!) on your podcast platform, get the full experience at HerizonMusic.com.Buy Radhika Vekaria’s music on Amazon.Buy Radhika Vekaria’s music on Amazon.Website and social media links (radhikavekaria.com)CreditsGuest: Radhika VekariaSong: “Release Your Fears” by Radhika VekariaHost: Thea WoodListen to other episodes of Herizon Music: The Podcast.Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.Support This PodcastThere are 3 ways you can support women in music and Herizon Music: The Podcast:* Opt into a paid subscription - only $7.50 per month! You can pay $72 in advance for 12 months (or $6 per month) or become a Founding Member for $216 annually. Upgrade here.* Sponsor a podcast episode! You or your business can reach our dreamers, rule breakers and rockstars in the most positive way possible! It’s super affordable to sponsor this evergreen content that includes a midroll after The Shakedown questions and logo/link in the Show Notes. Email me for a rate card.* Sponsor an issue (or two or three!) of the Herizon Music Newsletter. It costs time and money to publish the exposés, news, and interviews that over a thousand subscribers and 3,000 social media followers read. Email me for a rate card for this and other marketing opportunities.If you'd like to reproduce this podcast or a portion of the podcast or associated content, you must obtain prior approval in writing from Thea Wood Productions, LLC. Email herizonmusic@substack.com. Get full access to Herizon Music: Newsletter & Podcast at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe

Xylo Aria & The Power of Producing Your Own Music

I met today’s guest through Chris Dalla Riva of Can’t Get Much Higher on Substack. She was offering a $10,000 grant opportunity for women who want to learn music production.That definitely caught my attention and the more I learned about her work, the more intrigued I became. She was born in India but moved to Australia where she writes and records music and founded online school Music Production for Women in 2019. She also hosts the MPW podcast.Since then, she’s helped over 7,000 women from 120 countries pursue their music production Dreams.She’s the production wonder from down under, meet Xylo Aria!Get new podcast episodes, exposés, new music listings, music industry trends/events, and more by subscribing to Herizon Music today! HerizonMusic.comIn This Episode* The recording process from production to mixing to mastering* How Xylo’s program “Music Production for Women” works* One student who will wow you with her latest recording* Something that many in the music industry have in common* Advice for women who want to try music production for themselvesPlus her answers to The Shakedown questions!Recorded in December 2024.Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.Guest LinksIf you don’t see these links (or videos!) in your podcast platform, get the full enchilada at HerizonMusic.comInstagram Music Production for WomenInstagram Xylo AriaWebsiteCreditsGuest: Xylo AriaHost: Thea WoodIntern: Remy KuoPhoto: Leo GomezListen to other episodes of Herizon Music: The Podcast.Support This PodcastThere are 3 ways you can support women in music and Herizon Music: The Podcast:* Opt into a paid subscription - only $7.50 per month! You can pay $72 in advance for 12 months (or $6 per month) or become a Founding Member for $216 annually. Upgrade here.* Sponsor a podcast episode! You or your business can reach our dreamers, rule breakers and rockstars in the most positive way possible! It’s super affordable to sponsor this evergreen content that includes a midroll after The Shakedown questions and logo/link in the Show Notes. Email me for a rate card.* Sponsor an issue (or two or three!) of the Herizon Music Newsletter. It costs time and money to publish the exposés, news, and interviews that over a thousand subscribers and 3,000 social media followers read. Email me for a rate card for this and other marketing opportunities.If you'd like to reproduce this podcast or a portion of the podcast or associated content, you must obtain prior approval in writing from Thea Wood Productions, LLC. Email herizonmusic@substack.com. Get full access to Herizon Music: Newsletter & Podcast at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe

Kaytee Long Becker: GRAMMY-Worthy PR

Kaytee Long BeckerToday’s guest is a seasoned public relations and communications expert based in Los Angeles.DIY Public Relations has secured over 3,000 press placements, four GRAMMY nominations, one GRAMMY win and generated more than one billion impressions for their creative clients. Her clients have been featured by Forbes, Billboard, GRAMMY.com, Variety, People, Harper’s Bazaar, USA Today, BBC News, EARMILK, GLAAD, Rolling Stone, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Newsweek and, of course, Herizon Music: The Podcast.She’s the voice of the rising star and puts the PR in promotion. Meet Kaytee Long Becker!Get new podcast episodes, exposés, new music listings, music industry trends/events, and more by subscribing to Herizon Music today!In This Episode* What an artist needs to have “already happening” for an effective PR campaign* The FYC (For Your Consideration) nomination process from a PR perspective* Tips and tricks to making sure your music is eligible* The one “ask” she has for Herizon Music listenersPlus her answers to The Shakedown questions!Recorded in December 2024.Disclaimer: Opinions of Herizon Music show guests are not necessarily those of Thea Wood Productions, LLC or its employees, volunteers, advisors, or contractors.Herizon Music is produced by Thea Wood Productions, LLC, an Amazon Associate that earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.Guest LinksIf you don’t see these links (or videos!) in your podcast platform, get the full enchilada at HerizonMusic.comInstagramWebsite: DIYPRGroup.comCreditsGuest: Kaytee Long BeckerHost: Thea WoodListen to other episodes of Herizon Music: The Podcast.Support This PodcastThere are 3 ways you can support women in music and Herizon Music: The Podcast:* Opt into a paid subscription - only $7.50 per month! You can pay $72 in advance for 12 months (or $6 per month) or become a Founding Member for $216 annually. Upgrade here.* Sponsor a podcast episode! You or your business can reach our dreamers, rule breakers and rockstars in the most positive way possible! It’s super affordable to sponsor this evergreen content that includes a midroll after The Shakedown questions and logo/link in the Show Notes. Email me for a rate card.* Sponsor an issue (or two or three!) of the Herizon Music Newsletter. It costs time and money to publish the exposés, news, and interviews that over 1,100 subscribers and over 3,000 social media followers read. Email me for a rate card for this and other marketing opportunities.If you'd like to reproduce this podcast or a portion of the podcast or associated content, you must obtain prior approval in writing from Thea Wood Productions, LLC. Email herizonmusic@substack.com. Get full access to Herizon Music: Newsletter & Podcast at www.herizonmusic.com/subscribe