Sounds Heal Podcast

Tom Kenyon is a sound practitioner, musician, author, and psychotherapist whose work explores the intersection of sound, consciousness, and human neurophysiology. He holds a master’s degree in psychological counseling and spent over a decade in private clinical practice before shifting his focus toward psychoacoustics and the effects of sound on the nervous system and perception. In 1983, he founded Acoustic Brain Research (ABR), an organization dedicated to studying how sound, music, and language influence brain states, creativity, and psychological transformation. His early work combined clinical psychology with emerging research in neuro-linguistic programming, hypnosis, and auditory entrainment, which later became the foundation for his sound-based meditation work. Over time, Kenyon developed a large body of recordings, teachings, and live workshops centered on the use of voice, toning, and psychoacoustic sound as tools for shifting awareness and facilitating inner experience. His work expanded into writi

Don Reed Simmons is a mystic, shamanic practitioner, meditation teacher, and pioneer in the modern sound therapy movement whose life’s work explores how vibration awakens kindness, compassion, and peace. Raised on a farm in small-town Mississippi, Don’s earliest memories are rooted in sound: the mooing of cows at dawn, the wind moving through trees, the subtle hum of the natural world. It was sound that first soothed him during a life-threatening hospital experience in his early twenties, planting a seed that would later become his life’s calling. After years in radio and a long career in film production in New York and Los Angeles, Don experienced a profound turning point. A near-death experience while scuba diving in Hawaii and later recognized by a shamanic teacher as a rite of passage. This opened him to a deeper understanding of resonance, spirit, and the unseen dimensions of healing. Since then, he has worked with thousands of individuals across the globe, integrating shamanism, meditation, hypnosis, an

Based in Washington, DC, Born I creates at the intersection of hip-hop and mindfulness, blending lyricism, spirituality, and cultural storytelling into a body of work that’s both innovative and deeply human. His influences span Wu-Tang Clan, Ka, André 3000, Alice Coltrane, and Buddhist teachers like Thích Nhất Hạnh, and his music has garnered over 20 million streams worldwide. Born I’s most recent album, Komorebi (2025), has been hailed by listeners as “a missing piece in hip-hop,” praised for its meditative flow and spiritual depth. The companion book, Lyrical Dharma: Hip-Hop as Mindfulness (Parallax Press), arrives with a foreword by Pulitzer Prize winner Alice Walker, further cementing Born I as a unique voice at the intersection of art and contemplative practice. A certified meditation teacher, Born I is also the male voice on the Balance app, where his teachings reach millions of listeners daily. He regularly leads retreats, concerts, and hybrid events that weave live hip-hop with meditation and sound ba

Jay Hollingshed, known as "Papa Sage," owns Quantum Mind Body Medicine, a pioneering holistic practice where he works as an International Energy Healer and Spiritual Coach. Jay orchestrates therapeutic healing journeys that release emotional trauma from the mind, spirit, and body using only energy, frequency, and vibration. His work involves no pills, side effects, or multiple therapy sessions. He is committed to his earthly purpose of unconditional love and abundance through his healing practices. With expertise spanning various modalities, Jay holds the esteemed position of Reiki Grandmaster, adeptly wielding multiple forms of Reiki, and is a proficient Biofield Tuning Practitioner and Shamanic Healing Practitioner. Ohio-licensed as an ordained Minister of Healing, he also has a Master of Science degree in Health Administration and over 25 years of healthcare experience across physical and mental health domains. A John Maxwell certified Life Coach and international best-selling author, Jay's influential voi

Annie Ridgway is a seasoned sound healing practitioner, musician, and singer-songwriter whose work weaves together sound, voice, and intention. For over two decades, she has been guiding individuals and groups through workshops and experiences centred on singing, sound, and embodied awareness, both in Australia and internationally. From 2012 to 2016, Annie was invited to work as a Sound Healing Visiting Practitioner at the world-renowned five-star Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary in Koh Samui, Thailand, where she supported guests from around the world in their journeys of rest, renewal, and transformation. Holding two Diplomas in Sound Healing through the International Sound Healing Academy in the UK, Annie brings a depth of training and lived experience to her work, offering sound as a pathway for balance, wellbeing, and inner harmony. Based in the Tweed and Byron Shire, NSW, Annie runs a thriving sound healing practice through Lakshmi Sound Sanctuary. She also serves as the Australasian Region Lead teacher in Ed

This bonus episode of the Sounds Heal Podcast is a special listener questions edition, released in celebration of the podcast’s 7 year anniversary. I’m diving into questions you’ve sent in around biofield clearing, the physiology of sound healing, how sound supports the nervous system, and the balance between training, certifications, and intuitive ability. We also touch on what’s currently inspiring my own practice and studies. Thank you for being part of this ongoing conversation and for continuing to listen with curiosity. Natalie would like to thank her teachers and mentors: Tony Nec, Dr. John Beaulieu, Thomas Orr Anderson, Mitch Nur, Michael Bettine, Mike Tamburo, Rhonda McCrimmon, Bhuwan Chandra and Jivasu at Nada Yoga School, Dr. Tiffany Barsotti, Master Mingtong Gu, Satyam at TriYoga, Dr. Ian Russell and Dr. Tom McKean at the University of Aberdeen, Dr. Kevin Droe at the University of Northern Iowa, Leopold La Fosse at the University of Iowa, and Sonja Zeithamel at the Preucil School of Music. Natal

John Minks is a gifted musician with over 15 years of exploring and studying the healing power of sound. John’s first experience with sound healing was in Amsterdam in 2006. Since then, his tone quest has taken him from the Brazilian rainforest to the islands of Hawai’i and beyond. He began his study of the didgeridoo while in the jungles of Brazil in 2007. John has also studied guitar for the past 10 years and has extensive experience in its healing power with plant medicines. John has attended and spoken at Sage Sound Academy and has attended gong workshops with Don Conreaux and 9 Ways Academy. John has compiled his array of knowledge to offer a truly unique sound experience. More than a sound bath, his sessions are more of a molecular massage with sound. Clients are taken on an astral journey using a mix of indigenous and modern instruments. John offers sound baths at a variety of locations in the Hudson Valley and New York City. In addition to the didgeridoo and gong, John’s instruments include chimes, fl

Kirsten Agresta Copely is a two-time GRAMMY®-nominated, international award-winning harpist and composer based in New York City whose career spans the worlds of classical, contemporary, and popular music. Her latest album, Kuruvinda, is nominated for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album at the 2026 GRAMMY® Awards, following the success of her 2023 GRAMMY®-nominated release Aquamarine. With more than 12 million streams on Spotify and steady airplay on SiriusXM’s Spa Channel, Copely has been featured in PEOPLE, The New York Post, Crain’s New York Business, and beyond. Classically trained, she debuted as a concerto soloist at Carnegie Hall, performed world premieres at Lincoln Center, and toured internationally from a young age, while also becoming one of the industry’s most sought-after harpists for recordings, film, and television. Her performance career includes appearances at the White House with Beyoncé, the MET Gala, Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl, and col

Becca Laurito, The Meta Musician, is a classically trained percussionist and sound-healing mentor. She holds degrees from Northwestern University, Temple University, and DePaul University, and has performed with renowned orchestras including the Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, National Symphony, and served as Principal Percussionist of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra from 2017 to 2024. After confronting performance-related anxiety, Becca turned toward meditation, somatic practices, and sound healing, discovering the transformative power of vibration, rhythm, and resonance. Through The Meta Musician, she now empowers musicians, healers, and wellness practitioners to integrate sound, intention, and creativity into meaningful, soul-aligned practices and businesses. https://themetamusician.com/ https://www.instagram.com/themetamusician/ Natalie Brown, host of Sounds Heal Podcast: http://www.soundshealstudio.com http://www.facebook.com/soundshealstudio http://www.instagram.com/nataliebrownsoundshea

The Evolution and Future of Sound Healing: A Panel Discussion With guests Lana Ryder, Rian McGonigal, Rich Goodhart. Hosted by Natalie Brown. Lana Ryder has been sharing the healing power of sound, voice, and music for fifty years, beginning with her use of voice as a healing instrument in music ministry. After 25 years in the allopathic medical field, she transitioned full-time into holistic practice in 1995. Known widely as a sound therapy educator, mentor—affectionately called “Sound Mama”—and practitioner, Lana continues her studies with globally renowned masters of sound. She has developed innovative approaches to working with sound in energy healing and bodywork, including ReikiSound, ReikiVoice, Sonic Massage, and Soundwise Voice, as well as foundational training programs, manuals, and curriculum. She is the founding director and senior instructor of Soundwise School of Harmonic Therapy in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. https://soundwisehealth.com/ https://www.instagram.com/soundwise_woman https://www.faceb

Richard Cooke is a Grammy Award–winning musician, instrument designer, and innovator, best known as the founder of Freenotes Company (1991). Early in his musical life, he played flute and explored improvisation and intuitive approaches to sound, which shaped his belief that anyone can make beautiful music. A pivotal moment came during a retreat with Paul Winter’s consort, which inspired him to focus on creating instruments and experiences that make music accessible to all. Cooke developed Freenotes instruments based on the principle “Beautiful Music Made Simple”—intuitively tuned percussion and melodic instruments that allow anyone to play without fear of wrong notes. His work expanded into Freenotes Harmony Park, bringing outdoor, playable sound installations to parks, schools, and public spaces, creating communal experiences where music fosters connection and joy. He also contributed to the restoration and recreation of instruments by Lou Harrison, preserving and extending the life of these unique creations

In this bonus episode, Natalie Brown explores some of the most compelling recent research in sound healing. From tuning forks and Tibetan singing bowls to frequency-specific interventions and cellular-level vibration, these studies highlight the scientific insights behind sound, frequency, and vibration for mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Natalie Brown, host of Sounds Heal Podcast: http://www.soundshealstudio.com http://www.facebook.com/soundshealstudio http://www.instagram.com/nataliebrownsoundsheal http://www.youtube.com/soundshealstudio Music by Natalie Brown Featured Studies & Links: 1. Triple OM Clinical Study Using Tuning Fork Sound Healing https://www.soundtravels.co.uk/a-Triple_OM_Clinical_Study_using_Tuning_Fork_Sound_Healing-3807.aspx 2. Differential Effects of Sound Interventions Tuned to 432 Hz or 443 Hz on Cardiovascular Parameters in Cancer Patients https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-025-04758-5 3. The Implications of Vibration and Sound Ther

Kimberly Joy Iolana Rieli (Ee-oh-lah-nah Ri-Lee) is a singer, sound healer, and holistic voice practitioner. Founder of Singing For Your Soul, she has helped thousands of people use their voices for deep healing. Her approach is based on feeling safe being seen and heard, and impacts all aspects of life: relationships, work, and health. With 20 years of experience, Kimberly helps her clients use their voices to heal trauma, enhance well-being, unlock self-expression, and deepen their spiritual connection. Kimberly offers a variety of transformative experiences both in-person and virtually, including 1:1 coaching, group programs, sound healings, and retreats worldwide. Kimberly lives in rural Michigan with her husband and their magical feline companions Gandalf the Grey, Arwen, and Moon. She travels internationally as the singer for The Settle Into Stillness Ensemble, and can often be found singing among the trees. Kimberly’s links: Free Holistic Voice Class: https://www.singingforyoursoul.com/sign-up-for-free

Gareth Laffely is a licensed sound healing practitioner with the Sound Healing Academy. He grew up just north of Nashville, Tennessee, and now lives in central Maine. Descended from the Mi’kmaq Native American people, Gareth has a passion for using traditional instruments from his culture to make a positive impact in the lives of those around him. Gareth began his relationship with the Sound Healing Academy in 2021 when he took the Level 1 Sound Healing with Rhythm and Drums program. A year later, he completed his Level 2 training in the 1-2-1 Diploma program. Prior to his training, he spent several years bringing his Native American flutes into hospitals and nursing homes, using music to comfort terminally ill patients and their families. With a deep love for teaching, Gareth has hosted flute and drum workshops across the United States since 2013. He believes music is extremely powerful and can transcend personal limitations. In addition to his experience with integral sound healing, Gareth is also a recor

Shannon Brown is a visionary mentor, medicine woman, and sacred sound practitioner with over 25 years of international experience guiding personal and collective transformation. As an opera-trained vocalist with a background in documentary film, visual arts, education, and healing, she bridges the worlds of ceremony and strategy with uncommon clarity and compassion. Rooted in sound healing, shamanic practice, and trauma-informed facilitation, Shannon creates powerful spaces for healing, awakening, and creative expression. She leads global retreats, sacred ceremonies, and immersive training programs that have impacted thousands worldwide. With a rare ability to move between the boardroom and the ceremonial circle, Shannon supports others in stepping into their gifts with authenticity, purpose, and soul. https://shannonbrownhealingarts.ca/ Shannon interviews Natalie Brown for the Sacred Sound Summit: https://youtu.be/MVfHRiA-ex4 The Practice of Presence: Sound, Silence & Embodied Listening Interview and sound

Jonny Lipford is an award‑winning flutist, composer, and educator who has specialized in Native American and world flutes for over two decades. He has amassed dozens of accolades for his work, having written over 200 original songs, released 18 commercial albums, and toured nationally, appearing for audiences of up to 14,000 people. Not only is Jonny a gifted musician, but he is also an accomplished and highly sought-after instructor, leading thousands of students each year through courses, workshops, lessons, and an exceptional online learning membership through his Horizons Flute School and Store—a thriving hub for flute education, community, and creative exploration. 2025 Horizons Flute School Fall Summit https://www.horizonsfluteschool.com/pages/summit/ Jonny Lipford performing live in front of 14,000 people https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4N0zPmhDvg Natalie Brown, host of Sounds Heal Podcast: http://www.soundshealstudio.com http://www.facebook.com/soundshealstudio http://www.instagram.com/nataliebro

Julia and Maddy offer the Sing to Thrive Method—a mother-daughter collaboration that blends music, meditation, voice science, and energetic healing to help people find freedom, purpose, and joy through their voice. https://singtothrive.com/ Free monthly global mantra meditation: https://singtothrive.com/global/ Julia Williamson Julia is the visionary founder of Sing to Thrive, with over 30 years of experience in music, voice work, and energy healing. She draws deeply from her own healing journey—overcoming trauma, performance anxiety, and burnout—and brings a unique approach that blends sound, neuroplasticity, and emotional clearing. She is a certified practitioner of Past Age Clearing and Healing (PACH), a modality that works with the subconscious to release stored patterns and emotional imprints. Julia founded her Singing and Healing School in 2006 and has since helped thousands reconnect with their voice, confidence, and authentic self. Her mission is to bring singing back into everyday life as a tool fo

In this special bonus episode of Sound Healing News, host Natalie Brown dives into the expanding world of sound healing—from global market trends and industry insights to the latest research and inspiring stories from the field. Discover the numbers behind the movement, explore key trends and get practical tips for growing your sound healing practice. We also highlight recent clinical research on sound frequencies, a groundbreaking immersive exhibition at London’s Barbican Centre, and an exciting update from Monique Mead and the Scottie Sound Bath program at Carnegie Mellon University. Tune in for a powerful glimpse into the evolving landscape of sound—where healing, science, art, and innovation meet. References: https://straitsresearch.com/press-release/global-sound-therapy-market-size https://rollingout.com/2025/03/09/impact-of-sound-frequencies-on-wellbeing https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/may/21/anyone-fancy-a-subwoofer-massage-the-show-that-shakes-you-senseless https://www.cmu.edu/news/s

Laila Brady Walzer has spent decades exploring music, sound, and healing, transforming her own life through Sufi-based healing, Qur’anic recitation, and Divine Love. A Muqaddim Mirrabi-Rouhi in the Shadhuliyya Sufi tariqa, she blends deep spiritual wisdom with musical mastery. She holds degrees in Music, Sociolinguistics (Swarthmore College), and a Master of Divinity (University of Sufism). Laila is a graduate of Grammy Award-winning David Darling’s Music for People improvisation facilitation training, and has studied with Bobby McFerrin, Rhiannon, and John McCutcheon, among others. She has immersed herself in interfaith work, global musical traditions, and lived in Africa, Ireland, and Germany, enriching her spiritual and artistic path. The University of Sufism presents Healing Sounds of the Abrahamic Faiths, a groundbreaking program exploring the mystical power of sacred sound in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Learn from renowned masters as they unveil how sacred vibrations can restore balance, elevate

Christine Stevens is author of Music Medicine, The Healing Drum Kit and The Art and Heart of Drum Circles. The founder of UpBeat Drum Circles, she has appeared on NBC, PBS, KTLA, Discovery Health, Living Better TV, and is a faculty for The Shift Network. She has trained facilitators from more than twenty-five countries including Iraq, China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Europe. Christine has worked with Fortune 500 companies, survivors of Katrina, students at Ground Zero and most recently, led the first drum circle training in a war-zone in northern Iraq. She is the host of Global Rhythm Sangha Online, and teaches a variety of online training programs, including Awaken Your Rhythm which has served hundreds of people from over 35 countries. https://ubdrumcircles.com/ Photo by Xavier Bailey Natalie Brown, host of Sounds Heal Podcast: http://www.soundshealstudio.com http://www.facebook.com/soundshealstudio http://www.instagram.com/nataliebrownsoundsheal http://www.youtube.com/soundshealstudio Music by Natalie Brown, H