Get to the Roots Extras

The 2/18 Radio Show in Review, two female artists in Tampa Bay featured in Get to the Roots on RSP

Recapping the 2/18 Get to the Roots show on RSP in which I feature both Linda Horrell of Now and Then on RSP and Fiona Frensche of Women of Song on RSP. Both are DJs second and singer-songwriters / musicians first! 
 
Two amazing women here in Tampa Bay each with a wide range of songs, some even folk enough for Get to the Roots!

Finished! Celebrate Your Wins & Smack Procrastination

Get to the Roots Stef celebrates finishing a 49-minute Radio St. Pete slideshow and reflects on overcoming lifelong procrastination and self-sabotage.
This episode is a personal look at the relief of completing work, the joy of sharing creative projects, and the motivation to keep creating. She talks about the fear related to procrastination. 
Although there is an updated version, the original text was Stef's inspiration: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1141601.Procrastination 

The 2/11 Radio Show in Review, 13 minutes about local artists in Tampa Bay featured in Get to the Roots on RSP

Reviewing my 2/11 radio show Get to the Roots, something we do every week on the Extras podcast channel. We like to get some extra words in about how much I love these different musicians. Big hearts and shout outs to June Bunch and her music. 

Practice Practice Practice!

Make sure you practice even when creating feels slow. It's hard to give an audience anything with the over abundance of content available out there in the world. It's good to get to deliberate practice -- aka practicing the hard things -- in order to level up your skills. Back when I was very passionate about becoming a full time writer, I practiced my craft extensively. Now that I'm past that, it's still something I look back on and hope that practice will bring my art to the next level. You can practice and get better at any art you are passionate about and I encourage you to do your best and keep trying -- even if you feel like you're not getting anywhere. 

AI Music vs. Humanity

Is AI music real music? No. AI is a tool that musicians or other artists can use to improve their art or publications, but it should not be the final product

Should You Join the [Musicians] Union?

Get to the Roots Stef explains why she joined the American Federation of Musicians, what protections and community it offers, and how it supports working musicians.
She also discusses union flaws—favoritism, corruption, and challenges for women—shares personal anecdotes, and encourages finding community and small practical steps that help creatives succeed. 
 
Are you musically inclined? Join our union: https://www.afm.org/ 
 
THIS PODCAST DOES NOT REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE AFM * * This is personal opinion and experiences only. The anecdotes I share are from being in a different union. 

You Matter; An interview with Lisa Leitl and her release: 'Snowfall'

A Huge THANK YOUUUU to Lisa Leitl for speaking so candidly with me about her release SNOWFALL and her journey from performing covers, becoming an independent artist, and her deep emotional connection to singing and songwriting. I’m so excited to share her interview with you all so you too can benefit from her experience and her positive energy!
 
Listen to “SNOWFALL” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6UW0K3VCrmC4kRSpBS7eoU?si=2m6ZwB2_Rp6WMEUFWz_rJQ
Visit Lisa Leitl Online: https://lisaleitl.com/
Check out Lisa Leitl’s Songwriting Chronicles on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LisaLeitl
Music, Release, Distribution, Oh My! On Lisa’s YouTube: https://youtu.be/j4Kjz1ZUQc4?si=GCsymYI5S8bvHVoA
Lisa Leitl’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/lisaleitlsongwriter

Don't Let the Negative Nancys Stop You — A Creator's Reality Check

Get to the Roots Stef responds to negative comments and 'Negative Nancys,' reflects on years of making content since 2008, and urges creators to keep putting work out there instead of quitting or arguing in the comments.
The episode also features music highlights from local acts (Sunset Bridge Band, Urban Gypsies of Florida, Ronny Elliott), talk about GarageBand and copyright issues, and teases an upcoming interview with Lisa Leitl.

The 5 Whys Method

Explore the Five Whys technique; 5 Whys technique was created by Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries. Dig into root causes of problems, using personal examples and relating this to the prevalence of singer-songwriters asking "Why" in their songs. Didn't even dig much into the music, as so many songs start with the word "why."
This short episode mixes practical self-inquiry with musical mentions, invites listeners to ask their own whys, and ties the method back to creativity, confidence, and community.

When Everyone Uploads: Local Music vs. the rest of the 20 Million Daily Videos

Get to the Roots Stef reflects on the overwhelming surge of daily uploads and how hard it is for musicians and creators to be noticed. She recounts this week’s Radio St. Pete playlist—featuring Mama Gina, Laura Lanero, the Anderson Brothers—and a theme of female angst balanced with happier tracks.
Stef shares candid thoughts on engaging listeners both in person and online, the struggle of creative work, and teases upcoming interviews and music-release advice.