Skip The Repeat

Daniela Mack does not do backup plans. Daniela and Kai talk about her being Argentine American (4:20), what made her go to Louisiana State University, perhaps not the most famous school for opera (17:45), and what kept her going in those moments when she wasn't winning auditions (24:22). They also discuss being in a marriage with a fellow opera singer and how she's grown from that (37:30), and what she would tell a younger version of herself (50:07). 

Cheryl and Kyra adore their Great Dane, Beau. They talk to Kai about what brought them to Philadelphia (2:40), the fantastic story of how they first met on New Year's Eve (7:50), and how being gay has influenced their aesthetic (27:00). They also discuss the idea of pursuing a passion while being employed full-time (39:55), and how meditating every day turned their life around (42:10). 

Conor Hanick studied Chemistry and English in college. Conor and Kai discuss growing up in Iowa City (2:30), what went through his mind that led to him deciding to focus on music (5:00), and the leap of faith he took in moving to NYC after graduating to practice (10:15). They also talk about how he supported himself during that year (18:15), and his mindset in pursuing the one thing he just couldn't live without: music (29:30). 

Joshua Roman just came back from a silent meditation retreat. Joshua and Kai discuss why he went and what he learned (1:30), what he's noticed about people since he's been back (5:30), and what he was like growing up in Oklahoma City (9:15). They also talk about why he left the Seattle Symphony just two years after becoming the youngest ever Principal Cellist in its history (24:30), and how he wants to deal with people's expectations post silent meditation retreat (35:10). 

Noreen Murdock runs everyday at 5:30AM. Noreen and Kai talk about her most recent adventure in Scotland (1:07), how she gets her running in every day (17:22), and the most challenging thing leading PYP (21:35). They also discuss the time she slashed her own salary in half at the Salem Chamber Orchestra (29:40) and how she went from being a musician to an arts administrator (37:47). 

David Hattner is a big fan of The Beatles' newly remastered, "Sgt. Pepper". David and Kai discuss his advice for graduating seniors in his orchestra (13:25), the challenges in having a high turnover of musicians each year (29:30), and the things he strives for at every rehearsal with PYP (33:30). They also talk about how he decided to pursue conducting as his artistic path later than is typical for conductors (40:45) and what the moment he got the PYP job felt like (54). 

Lori Lindsey loves malted milk balls. Lori and Kai talk about how important this year's World Cup win was for the United States (1:58), her brief foray into Hollywood and how being away from soccer made her realize how much she loved it (7:30), and fighting for equal pay in soccer (26). They also discuss being gay and the difference in treatment from teammates on men's and women's teams (44:10) and the powerful effect having a gay mom had on her (48:30).  

Timmy Chooi is a very proud Canadian. Timmy and Kai discuss what Canada means to him (7), what it's like inside Finals week at the Queen Elisabeth Competition (23), and how he really felt after his performance at the Finals (33:30). They also talk about the confusion he felt about his identity when he was younger (48:40) and whether he will keep doing competitions (1:04:50).  

Ken Kubota takes promises very seriously. Ken and Kai discuss the tumultuous start to his life as a Juilliard student (15:45), how JHM Jams went from a class project to his dream and self-therapy (24:36), and stubbornness and where that comes from for him (37:50). They also talk about cutting sugar out of his diet (48) and how we can callus our mind (59). 

Sumire Hirotsuru never imagined she'd write a book, and yet, here we are. Sumire and Kai talk about how her life has changed since the book's release to rave reviews in Japan (2:55), the unexpected story of how the book came about (4:05), and the origins of her five minute method (38). They also discuss whether she had a career in mind going into Harvard (21) and the danger of assuming that things are impossible (34:40).  

Alex Torra is Cuban. He's also an adopted Venezuelan. Alex and Kai discuss the origins of his powerful twenty four year undertaking, "The Sincerity Project" (1:40), being repulsed by power plays and how he balances that with being a director (24:30), and what made him go away from religion (33:30). They also discuss the history of Cuban-American relations (42:20), and how the knowledge that he is adopted influences his current and future works (1:02:30). 

To say that Andrew Ousley is a fan of Maria Callas would be a grave understatement. Andrew and Kai talk about the powerful influence his parents have had on him (7), choosing a major in college based on learning and not job security (22), and how volunteering at a cat shelter played a role in him getting a job at EMI Records (36). They also discuss his concert series The Crypt Sessions (50) and his burger recommendations in NYC (1:22:40). 

Joseph Conyers is obsessed with winter storms. Joe and Kai talk about bodybuilding and the benefits of working out (1:30), growing up around the church and how spirituality plays into his life now (14:50), and why he finds the weather so fascinating (20:50). They also discuss Project 440 and how he sees music as a way to help the youth (37:50), and the changes they want to see in the classical music industry (55). 

Elena Urioste is a big fan of cats. Elena and Kai talk about the time she may have accidentally stolen a cat (6:22), how yoga became an integral part of her life (21:30), and the importance of having a beginner's mindset (32:07). They also discuss what made her co-found Intermission (39:25) and what she hopes to do about the toxic environment that's bred by competition in the classical music industry (1:04:45).  

Viktor Valkov loves rock music and EDM. Viktor and Kai discuss him being in a rock band in Bulgaria (9:40), what life in America has meant to him (10:50), and what he has learnt about himself through teaching (26:20). They also talk about Viktor losing his mother at the age of 16 and what that meant (35:10), and the importance of realizing that time waits for no one (40:58). 

Lawrence Brownlee is a big time Ohio State Buckeyes fan. Lawrence and Kai talk about whether singing gospel music influenced his operatic singing (7:40), how the world's obsession with body image has influenced his own image as an artist (10:35), and the surprising way he met his wife (19:20). They also discuss what keeps him motivated to keep working out when he is jet lagged (17:15), and whether he ever imagined he would have the career he has cultivated when he was a student at Anderson University (27:30). 

Matt Dine comes from a family of artists. Matt and Kai talk about what made him fall in love with the oboe (11), the episode that changed his life (26:40), and how he found his second career (31). They also discuss what allowing people to take photos during concerts might do for the classical music industry (46:40) and what he's learned about musicians by becoming a photographer (53). 

Dan Visconti is a composer, but he did not know that when he entered college. Dan talks to Kai about his weird path as an artist (13:50), what he learned from working jobs alongside his pursuits as a composer (30:50), and being vulnerable as an artist (57:50). They also discuss problems with music schools (20:20) and whether there will ever come a time when the works of composers still living will comprise the majority of the "core" repertoire (48:20). 

Gerald Klickstein believes in change. Gerald and Kai discuss the moment he realized he could make a difference in higher education (7:30), his ideas for what students, especially in undergrad, should be learning (10), and a mindset problem specific to classical music (31). They also talk about why music schools have such a hard time changing their curriculum (48) and the thoughts that might be running through the minds of teachers most resistant to change (45).  

Bella Hristova used to be a gamer. Bella and Kai discuss her time playing World of Warcraft (1:45), what Bulgaria is like (13:40), and her relationship with her mentor, Ida Kavafian (26). They also discuss finding her long lost brother (32:30) and her fierce love for her two cats, Schmoopy and Uni (40:05).