Ep 25 - 5 Things You Can Do to Feel Like a Rockstar - Solo Episode

I’m doing a lil solo episode today! I am currently in Michigan for a few months, but I recorded this in my Brooklyn living room before I left. I spend the first half of this episode talking (maybe too much) about my dating life. Or an attempt at a dating life. And then I get into the GOOD stuff. I’ve been thinking about what really makes my life good. As you might know, I am in my Rockstar Goddess Era and I want to share some things that have been working for me. Some of these things you might already be doing. Some of them might take you by surprise. I believe in sharing everything I know with you (which isn’t much)! If it helps one person, I will feel successful.

I’m also putting the live 'Shay & The Good People' show on hold while I’m away. Podcast episodes will still happen! Don’t forget you can watch & listen to all of these over on YouTube!

Follow us on Instagram for show updates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Intro song by Will DeYoung

24. We Both Come from Goofy Dads with Ines Nassara

Ines Nassara brings my heart and soul SO much joy. Whenever we are together it’s silly, stupid, funny, tearful, emotional, Libra/Aries energy madness. We’ve been friends for a really long time, since the Maryland days. In 2020 I left Brooklyn and went back to Maryland where I ended up living for 9 months. Ines was also in MD and we used to meet up and play guitar in the park and share our fears. We wondered if the pandemic would ever end and wondered if we’d ever get back to Brooklyn. Here we are, 4 years later, we are Brooklyn girls (well, she’s a Brooklyn/London cusp) and are not giving up on our dreams. Ines has one of the BEST voices in the world. She’s my favorite singer. I hope you enjoy this episode and fall in love with my friend.

Ines Nassara performed on our December 11th, 2023 Shay & The Good People show:

Songs written and performed by Ines:

• Keep You High

• Jealousy

• Depressed

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Ines Nassara: @ines.nassa

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Intro song by Will DeYoung

23. What’s the Intention for Being in this Space? w/ Spencer Brill

Spencer Brill is in the studio today! Shay & The Good People fan, turned SGP guest! We talk about gathering, spirituality, music, building a newsletter and so much more.

Spencer Brill performed on Shay & The Good People on October 9th, 2023.

Songs written and performed by Spencer:

• Hospital Song

• Cold Sweat

• Haunt You

Hear more from Spencer: Spotify | Apple Music

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Spencer Brill: @spencerbrillmusic

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Intro song by Will DeYoung

22. I Would Love to be Staring at a Mountain All Day with Peter Smith.

So great to finally talk to a real New Yorker!!! Star of stage and screen! Broadway’s own, Peter Smith is in the studio with me today. We are, of course, talking about the MTA, Marianne Williamson, Judaism, Easter, baby Jesus, and more. One of my favorite episodes. Go see Peter in ‘Oh, Mary’ on Broadway!

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Peter Smith: @ptrsmth

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Intro song by Will DeYoung

21. We Do it for Love, Ya Know?!? with Jackson Perrin

Welcome back to Shay & The Good People!! Today is our first zoom interview. Wow, people still do those! I’m chatting with my friend Jackson Perrin. We put it all out there folks. This is an episode for the FEELS. All the feels. We talk about what it actually takes to keep going, being an artist in your 20s v 30s, and how to continue to receive joy. I love this one!!

Jackson Perrin played on the July 22nd, 2022 show of Shay & The Good People.

Check out music from Jackson with his band Jack Mogi and the After Party.

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Jackson Perrin: @jackxmogi

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Intro song by Will DeYoung

20. Mom, I Don't Need Voice Lessons with Alexandra James

Welcome back to the internet’s #1 music podcast! Shay & The Good People is where you get to hear real life stories of how artist survive in New York City. Today we’re sitting down with Alexandra James to chat about bartending, cabaret class, singing “Forget Your Troubles”, supportive moms, anxiety, jazz, and animals.

Alexandra James played on the March 14th, 2023 show of Shay & The Good People.

Listen to more music from Alexandra James: Spotify | Apple Music

Songs in the episode written and performed by Alexandra James:

• “I’m Not Done Fighting Yet”

• “Velvet and Smoke”

• “South Hampton”

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Alexandra James: @_alexandrajames_

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Intro song by Will DeYoung

Recorded at My Friend’s Basement.

19. How Dylan is Bob Dylan These Days? with Dustin Lowman | Shay & The Good People podcast

Another fun episode of Shay & The Good People! Talking today with Bob Dylan super fan man - Dustin Lowman. We had fun on this one, y'all!!

Dustin Lowman played on the May 9th, 2023 show of Shay & The Good People.

Listen to more music from Dustin Lowman: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Dustin Lowman: @dustinlowmanmusic

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Intro song by Will DeYoung

Recorded at My Friend’s Basement.

18. New York City Living with Jacob Fjeldheim

Hey! Shay & The Good People is back! We're interviewing another New York composer, musician, and good friend, Jacob Fjeldheim.

In this ep, we talk about:

• Jacob's role on Shayna's show - Basement Social

• Shayna using Jacob for medical advice (lol)

• What does it mean to "have your shit together"??

• The joy of putting energy into personal projects 

• Grocery shopping in NY vs any other town…

• Importance of structured time and relation to discipline

• Jacob's first instruments!

• Tiny Jacob playing a big cello in elementary school

• Jacob's differing career choices as a child

• Views on isolation during the pandemic

• When Jacob helped write music for Shayna’s Hanukkah hour show in 2019 at the Kennedy Center

Jacob Fjeldheim played on the May 9th, 2023 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Jacob Fjeldheim:

• “Timing”

• “Delancey”

• “Laundry Pile”

Listen to more music from Jacob Fjeldheim: Spotify | Apple Music | Website

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - @thefjeld

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Intro song by Will DeYoung

Recorded at My Friend’s Basement

17. Southern, Youthful Charm with Hudson Freeman

I met Hudson Freeman at a Sofar Sounds happy hour. I really liked learning more about his music. One afternoon, on his instagram, he said he was looking to play more shows. I booked him on Shay & The Good People without ever really hearing him play. I was absolutely blown away by his performance. His voice is incredibly unique and his songwriting is so somber. It makes me miss a place I’ve never even been to before. I’m so happy he came in for an interview. It’s great to learn from the youth!!

In this ep, we talk about:

• Smelly feet, smelly bums

• Blunt honesty from friends

• Southern charm

• Growing up in South Africa

• Hudson’s advice for the pod

• Musical mirrors of the present

• Showing our ahuahs-huahs through our songs

• Being in program

• Differing relationships with spirituality

• Different views on competition

• Not “shoulding” on yourself

• The philosophy of care

Hudson Freeman played on the July 10th, 2023 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Hudson Freeman:

• “I’m Most Me”

• “Martha Sways” cover by Andy Shauf

• “Killing Time”

Listen to more music from Hudson Freeman: Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - @thehuddog.wav

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Intro song by Will DeYoung

Recorded at My Friend’s Basement

16. Sisters "Swinning" with Abigail Rose

Welcome back to Shay & The Good People podcast. Okay this is probably one of my favorite interviews because it is with my real life sister, Abigail Rose. We’ve always been close as sisters, but she is now my roommate. Sharing space, sharing gigs, sharing Brooklyn is all new! My life has been changed for the better now that she’s in town. She helps me get all my stuff to gigs and let me complain about the G train as much as I want. I’m really excited for you to hear this interview with my sister and I!

In this ep, we talk about:

• Being from the same womb!

• “Sisters swinning”! Jinx!

• Abigail’s name changes

• Our love for the art of drag and drag queens

• Competitive dance as children was basically a drag show

• Our first dance solos (costumes, props, tricks, and flips!)

• Our first concert ever!!

• Our first musical theatre performance

• Our passionate mother and drummer father..

• Exploring different instruments and Abigail’s guitar journey

• Our high school shenanigans

• Our parents’ love of the Beatles and their relation to John Lennon and Paul McCartney

• Singing in the House!

• Working through intense performance anxiety and self worth struggles

• Being proud sisters <3

Abigail Rose played as Tomi Rose on the April 11th, 2023 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Abigail Rose:

• “Memory”

• “Ten Thousand Years”

• “Alone”

Listen to more music from Abigail Rose: Spotify | Tomi Rose | Apple Music

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Abigail Rose: @abrosemusic

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Intro song by Will DeYoung

Recorded at My Friend’s Basement

15. Being a Goofy, Fun Loving Guy with Ross Newhouse

Welcome back to Shay & The Good People podcast. I got connected to Ross from friends I made upstate when I was living in Kingston, NY. Ross’s songs are meaningful, intimate, and vulnerable. So his goofy, silly nature came as a wonderful delight!

In this ep, we talk about:

• Pros and cons of fangirling

• Ross’s pandemic podcast called “Stage Banter”

• Ross being a goofy, fun loving guy!

• How Shay taught herself guitar over the pandemic

• The importance of discussing our mental health with loved ones

• Their love of gabbing between songs

• Music calming the nervous system

• Sad girl summer songs

• Balancing enjoying a variety of music genres

• Playing to a specific crowd

• Writing on the west coast

• Getting wacked by a branch while doing show promo

Ross Newhouse played on the July 10th, 2023 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Ross Newhouse:

• “The Spider Song”

• “Sea Without Blue”

Listen to more music from Ross Newhouse: Spotify | Apple Music | Stage Banter Pod

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Ross Newhouse: @ross__newhouse

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Intro song by Will DeYoung

Recorded at My Friend’s Basement

14. From Metal to Opera with Gavon Mitchell

Welcome back to Shay & The Good People! Today I’m speaking to the jovial Gavon Mitchell. I just adore Gavon. His energy is so fun and light. Probably because he’s new-ish to New York City and isn’t pissed about everything yet! You’ll hear some his Shay & The Good People performance throughout the episode. His voice is not what you would expect! He’s also a trained opera singer. I had so much fun chatting with him.

In this ep, we talk about:

• How Gavon went to an open mic on his first day moving to BK!

• How Shayna trusts a cutie with long hair

• Gavon's opera history and being raised on heavy metal

• The opposition or art and capitalism

• Difficulties of balancing a music career with a day job to afford life

• Gavon’s Euro trip - late nights and midday naps

• Handling the chaos that is NYC

• The importance of having a spiritual practice to stay sane

• The importance of therapy and the connection to the voice

• How our baseline is what we develop from our parents

• Welcoming “no’s” and not seeing them as failure

Gavon Mitchell played on the June 16th, 2023 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Gavon Mitchell:

• Silent Storm

• Steam

• Blindsided

Listen to more music from Gavon: Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Gavon Mitchell: @gavonmitchell

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Intro song by Will DeYoung

Recorded at My Friend’s Basement

13. The Power of Collective Effervescence with Matt Rodin

Oh, hi you all! Welcome back to Shay & The Good People podcast. Today I am talking to my friend, Matt Rodin. He’s an actor, musician, producer, heart-centered spirit artist, and I just love him. We got to know each other when I did his show, Urban Campfire. S&TGP was definitely inspired by that song circle show. We spoke at his apartment before he left to be on the Company national tour.

In this ep, we talk about:

• Performing in our 30s

• Coffee v matcha girlies

• Matt IS Regina from Mean Girls

• Hot Jews in media

• Bonding through working Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

• Shay as a Lady Gaga impersonator

• The Jewish-Aries hustle

• Matt’s podcast called “The Come Up”

• Collective effervescence and being part of something bigger than yourself

• The power of crowd work

• How all humans have the desire to feel seen and heard

Matt Rodin played on the April 11th, 2023 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Matt Rodin:

• “Window to Nowhere”

• “Extra Strength”

• “The Love Song!”

Listen to more music from Matt Rodin: Spotify | Apple Music | The Come Up podcast

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Matt Rodin: @whoismattrodin

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Intro song by Will DeYoung

Recorded at Matt’s apartment! :)

12. We're doing a solo episode, babes with Shayna Blass

Hi you all!! Shay & The Good People podcast is back and I’m really happy about it! This first episode is…well, just me! I’ve actually never done a solo episode before. I’m really happy we get to talk. Well, I will talk and I’m really happy you’re here to listen. I’m going to catch you up on what I’ve been doing, where I’ve been working, why more of my greys are coming in, what I think about Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards, pondering the point of life and more. So happy you’re back here with me!!

The pod is also now on YOUTUBE!! Hallelujah. Make sure you’re frickin’ going over there to watch, like, and subscribe. You rock!!!

If you don’t know, Shay & The Good People is a monthly singer-songwriter showcase that I host in Brooklyn. Each show has 3 different songwriters who pour their heart and souls out for our beautiful crowds at Pete’s Candy Store. A few weeks (or months) later I’ll have them in the studio to interview them about their music!

Shayna Blass is the host of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Shayna Blass:

• “Stuck in NC”

Listen to more music from Shayna Blass: Spotify | Apple Music | YoutTube Channel

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Intro song by Will DeYoung

Listen to this episode on Spotify here.

Listen to this episode on Apple podcasts here.

11. It’s a blessing that you don’t know where to put me with Shira

I am so grateful for my friendship with Shira and this opportunity for a sit-down chat! Shira is an American-Israeli singer, writer, actor, and heart-centered artist based in New York City. We met playing on a Sofar show in Brooklyn and hit it off instantly. Whenever we hang out we always have these amazingly long conversations about music, love, and purpose. Shira is always a beacon of hope and light to me since our friendship began. You can really hear that infused in all of her song lyrics. She recently released a song called “Beautiful Release” with fellow songwriter, Mendeleyev (The Voice). I think you’re definitely going to fall in love with Shira by the end of this conversation!

In this ep, we talk about:

• Shira’s big “Why”.

• Shira asks me about my big “Why”.

• You have to be open to seeing all the opportunities in New York.

• Shira’s husband is a chef which means they can live wherever they want!

• The misconception that we should only focus on one artistic endeavor at a time.

• Being in the energy of receiving and radically accepting what is happening in the present.

• The difference between being an artist and choosing an artistic path.

• The story and the lyrics behind her song “Am I Beautiful?”.

• You are not your thoughts - quoting “The Untethered Soul” by Michael Singer.

• “Happy, thank you, more please!” - using this mantra to hold onto good moments and good feelings throughout the day.

Shira played on the March 14th, 2023 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Shira:

• “Usually”

• “Am I Beautiful?”

• “Can I Borrow Your Hope?”

Listen to more music from Shira: Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Shira: @shiramusic

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Episode recorded at New Daydream Media: @newdaydreammedia

10. What was up with y2k?! with Peter Baldwin

Welcome back to Shay & The Good People podcast! As a reminder, we are a live music show AND a podcast. Shay & The Good People is a singer-songwriter showcase hosted by me, Shayna Blass, and features 3 different artists every show. After the shows, I interview the guests, The Good People, to ask about their music, lifestyle, and spiritual practices that help them survive New York City!

Today you are going to hear an interview with one of my favorite songwriters and humans of all time, Peter Baldwin. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, Peter is now a Brooklyn-based songwriter who I knew from a former band, Bedstudy. We got connected through the interwebs when Peter asked me to play a double bill at 68 Jay St Bar and I’ve been obsessed with his music ever since. I’ve had him perform on a few of my shows, including playing drums for my full band, Shay Fever. You know when you like something so much, it’s hard to really explain the specifics of why you like a thing? That’s how I feel about Peter’s songs. The guitar lines are incredibly dynamic but sadly you can’t listen to them anywhere, so you’ll have to go see him play live! I think you’re really going to love getting to know Peter more through this interview. Get out and support local musicians!!

In this ep, we talk about:

• Peter’s entrances and exits into NYC over the years.

• Things you want in New York require a change in quality of life, AKA money.

• From Alaska to Florida and back to Alaska.

• Peter’s formative music influence growing up in the church, playing drums, and singing.

• Y2K - what even was that?!?!

• Peter’s biblical references in his song lyrics that went straight over my head.

• We both agree that morning practices are so important.

• Quitting cigarettes!!

• I speak a little bit about my own sober journey.

• 44:08 - I ask Peter about his song “Free Form Bird”, one of his favorites.

• Peter’s inspiration for his original music: Louie Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald and John Mayer.

• How and why it’s really hard to do a lot of shows in New York.

• An artist’s individual investment if you want to play and grow an audience.

• Honoring your energy and stamina!

Peter Baldwin played on the September 5th, 2022 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Peter Baldwin:

• “Closterphobic”

• “Sick Pleasure”

• “Free Born Bird”

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Peter Baldwin: @stayencouraged

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Episode recorded at New Daydream Media: @newdaydreammedia

09. This is my star is born, Lady Gaga moment with Emily Jeanne Brown

Emily Jeanne Brown is on Shay & The Good People podcast today! The first time I met Emily was when she performed on S&TGP and I was really excited to get to know her more. Since this interview, we have become great friends. She really does it all, folks. She writes beautiful songs, has a voice that can charm the masses, has an MFA in acting, AND runs a consulting leadership business called OnVoice Coaching. As busy as she is, she made time to come into the studio with an aura of grace and groundedness that I wish I had! I highly recommend listening to her music after this episode.

In this ep, we talked about:

• Emily’s background as a performer and how she got a guitar in her hand.

• Emily and I don’t know anything about gear!

• Psychology and identity as a singer.

• Fearlessness and confidence at 14 years old vs. 30 years old.

• Rick Rubin and The Creative Act - required reading for every human, but especially artists.

• Self-forgiveness, self-compassion, inner child work, Oh my!!

• How to stay in a creative flow.

• Doing a lot of drugs and trying to be an artist seems like it would be really expensive.

• Emily’s yearning to deepen her spiritual practice.

• 46:00 - I asked Emily about the songs from her S&TGP set.

• I asked Emily to tell me her love story with her husband - it’s so beautiful!

• How to create an energetic container to write more songs.

Emily Jeanne Brown played on the June 6th, 2022 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Emily Jeanne Brown:

• “Late Bloomer”

• “Mina”

• “Proud”

Stream more music from Emily Jeanne Brown: Spotify | Apple | Bandcamp

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Emily Jeanne Brown: @emilyjeannebrown

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Episode recorded at New Daydream Media: @newdaydreammedia

08. I do not want to fear the things I do not want anymore with Miranda Joan

Miranda Joan is one of my favorite singers and the first Canadian we’ve had on Shay & The Good People! Miranda is very well-known and respected in the music scene here in New York City. She is currently on tour singing backup with The Killers! Before she left I got to sit down with her to ask about her songwriting process and her herculean sweet tooth. Miranda has such a grounding presence and her commitment to music is really inspiring. I think you’re going to get a lot out of this conversation! Miranda is currently releasing new music, linked below.

In this ep, we talk about:

• Being a Metro-North Queen!

• How the day is not done without sweets or chocolate.

• Growing up in Vancouver.

• Salmon fishing.

• We both talked about how we are being in full acceptance and serenity of our singing career. We’re in it for the long haul!

• “Music lives beyond us once you put it out into the world. You don’t know what dots those are going to connect and in what ways.” - Miranda

• Miranda’s connection to spirituality.

• Dating as a female songwriter and really telling your truth through songs.

• Freedom to pursue your dreams wholeheartedly. Unbothered and unrushed, honey!

• We ‘LOL’ when people say “Oh, I was so busy I forgot to eat”.

• I talk a little astrology (yay!). We talk about Miranda’s big three!

• I met Mirand’s mom las year at a show and she was an absolute delight. I asked her to share a little bit more about their connection!

• Miranda’s love song to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Miranda Joan played on the October 4th, 2022 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Miranda Joan:

• “Cake For Dinner”

• “She Knows”

• “I Love You, Dwayne”

Stream all music by Miranda Joan: Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Miranda Joan: @mirandajoanmusic

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Episode recorded at New Daydream Media: @newdaydreammedia

—————————

P.S. I’ve been starting these pods a little differently. I’m putting a clip of their S&TGP show performance instead of jumping right into the intro. Let me know if you like that or would rather jump straight into the interview! You can send me a message on our Instagram page, @shayandthegoodpeople. Thank you!

07. Happy to be just a ghost haunting my comfort zone with Small Chucks

Small Chucks joins me in the studio for an amazing convo! Small Chucks is the moniker for Sarah Trabue’s banjo folk music. This was also the first banjo we had on the show! Sarah and I originally met at a Brooklyn open mic earlier in the year. Once I heard her honest lyrics and gentle voice, I knew I wanted to have her on Shay & The Good People! I loved getting to know Sarah in this interview and am so grateful that she shared her heart with us.

TW: suicide

In this ep, we talk about:

• Taking the Greyhound bus to NYC to play shows while in high school (she’s braver than me!!).

• Sip n’ Sea! Working at National Geographic was her first job in the Big Apple!

• How whales and dolphins are related to music and songwriting.

• Sarah’s experience building her community in Brooklyn. The music scene’s sense of care may not always be obvious, but it is there if you’re looking for it.

• Gratitude practices.

• Sarah’s rough year and how she’s been navigating life since.

• What does New Year’s Day even mean!?!?!?!

• How to expand your capacity for joy.

• The origin story of the stage name “Small Chucks”.

Small Chucks played on the February 14th, 2023 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Small Chucks:

• “Who Owns My Time”

• “Whodunit Complex”

• “Glad”

Listen to more music by Small Chucks: Bandcamp | YouTube

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Small Chucks: @smallchucks

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Episode recorded at New Daydream Media: @newdaydreammedia

06. You can literally die at any minute with Adelide

Welcome back to Shay & The Good People podcast! In this episode, I’m chatting with Adelide, aka Kayla Schwartz. Kayla is a jazz-trained singer and Adelide is her singer-songwriter project. You can stream her latest album, Adelide, which features a full band with incredible production. Now don’t get me wrong, I love going to see live bands play. I love new music and to see someone play their recorded music live for the first time. When Adelide performed on S&TGP, she played all the tunes solo and it was so beautiful. Something about the isolated songs interpreted with just vocals and guitar really allowed me to go into her world. Kayla also vulnerably shares her story about her near-death experience and how that changed her life.

In this ep we get into so many things including:

• Kayla’s drum dreams.

• Learning guitar left-handed and the chic inspiration of Alanis Morissette.

• I explained the secret to how I avoided being bullied in high school.

• We both went to Stage Door, but not at the same time.

• Teaching music lessons to kids from rich families versus poor families.

• How Kayla’s spiritual practice deepened after a near-death car accident.

• The meaning behind the moniker Adelide.

• We both went to Birthright and we talked about it.

• “A lot about what’s really hard about being an artist is that you are expected to be out in the world all the time.” - Kayla

• How to use your spiritual toolbox to cope with anxiety and depression.

Adelide played on the September 5th, 2022 show of Shay & The Good People.

Songs in the episode by Adelide:

• Eleanor

• Is Anybody Else Alright?

• Dance With Me

Listen to more music by Adelide: Spotify | Apple Music

Come out and see us live! Shay & The Good People happens monthly at Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn NY). The music starts at 8:30 pm!

Follow us on Instagram for show dates: @shayandthegoodpeople.

Guest - Adelide: @its.adelide

Host - Shayna Blass: @shaynablass

Pod edits + mastering by Irving Gadoury: @irvingg_recording

Episode recorded at New Daydream Media: @newdaydreammedia