Birds in the Sky

#018 - "You're allowed to take up space" with photographer and Navy veteran: Erica Duncan

In this episode of Birds in the Sky, host Matthew Crane speaks with Erica Duncan, a Navy veteran and photographer, about her experiences in the military, her transition to civilian life, and the healing power of creativity. They discuss the importance of community among veterans, the Odyssey Project, and how art can serve as a therapeutic outlet.
Erica shares her journey of self-discovery through photography and the significance of tattoos as personal expression.
Erica and Matthew explore themes of validation, creativity, and connection among veterans. They also discuss the importance of finding one's voice, the healing power of creative outlets, and the shared experiences of grief within the veteran community. The conversation touches on her journey of self-discovery through photography and the significance of reconnecting with old friends.
Thank you for spending some time with this podcast. Keep spreading the power of creativity!
If you or a loved one are having thoughts of Suicide, please reach out to the 24 hour hotline at 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org
Host: Matthew Crane Theme Song: "Good Times" by Matt Crane featuring Gantzer ©
Visit the Studio: www.matthewcranestudios.com
IG:   / matthewcranestudios  
Blog: https://substack.com/@matthewcranestu...
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
#veteranpodcast #artistpodcast #podcastingartists 

#017 - Photography brought me back into the moment: Rob Healy's story.

In this episode of Birds in the Sky, host Matthew Crane speaks with Rob Healy, a veteran of the Air Force who shares his journey from military service to civilian life. Rob discusses the challenges of transitioning out of the military, the importance of community, and how photography has played a crucial role in his healing process. He emphasizes the therapeutic value of creative expression for veterans and the unique language that art provides in connecting with others. Rob also highlights the impact of the Odyssey Project, which uses photography to foster community and healing among veterans.
Thank you for spending some time with this podcast. Keep spreading the power of creativity!
If you or a loved one are having thoughts of Suicide, please reach out to the 24 hour hotline at 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org
Host: Matthew Crane Theme Song: "Good Times" by Matt Crane featuring Gantzer ©
Visit the Studio: www.matthewcranestudios.com
IG:   / matthewcranestudios  
Blog: https://substack.com/@matthewcranestu...
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

#016 - Maja Kraft: A Medic's Journey Through War and Art

In this episode of the Birds in the Sky podcast, host Matthew Crane speaks with Maja Kraft, a former US Army medic who served in a forward surgical team during the early years of the Iraq War.
Maja shares her experiences in the military, the challenges she faced transitioning to civilian life, and how art and photography have become therapeutic outlets for her PTSD. The conversation also touches on her background as an immigrant from Poland, her motivations for joining the military, and the impact of the Odyssey Project on her healing journey.
In this conversation, Maja Kraft discusses her journey through various art forms, particularly ceramics and photography, as a means of emotional expression and healing. She shares her experiences in the Odyssey project, highlighting how art has helped her confront repressed emotions and connect with her identity as a veteran.
The discussion also touches on the importance of engaging veterans in creative arts and breaking down barriers to artistic expression, emphasizing that everyone has the potential to create art regardless of their perceived talent.
If you or a loved one are having thoughts of Suicide, please reach out to the 24 hour hotline at 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org
Credits: Host: Matthew Crane
Theme Song: "Good Times" by Matt Crane featuring Gantzer ©
Visit the Studio: www.matthewcranestudios.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthewcranestudios/
Blog: https://substack.com/@matthewcranestudios?utm_source=profile-page
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553739994552
 

#015 - Veterans Voices: A Platform for Expression with Mansa Bey

In this episode of the Birds in the Sky podcast, host Matthew Crane speaks with Mansa Bey, an American folk artist and veteran. Mansa shares his journey from military service in the Army National Guard to discovering his passion for writing and poetry during his deployment in Iraq.
He discusses how writing became a therapeutic outlet for him and how he now runs a creative writing workshop called Veterans Voices, aimed at helping fellow veterans express their experiences. The conversation also delves into the healing power of music and art, the importance of storytelling for veterans, and Mansa's future endeavors, including his work with Healing Frontline Heroes, which offers healing retreats for veterans.
Mansa emphasizes the significance of creating a space for veterans to share their stories and the transformative power of art in the healing process.
Find More about Mansa and his work here: https://www.land-studio.org/artists/meet-the-artists/mansa-bey
Healing Frontline Heroes: https://www.healingfrontlineheroes.org/veterans-first-responders
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MansaLamontBey
If you or a loved one are having thoughts of Suicide, please reach out to the 24 hour hotline at 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org
Host: Matthew Crane
Theme Song: "Good Times" by Matt Crane featuring Gantzer ©
Visit the Studio: www.matthewcranestudios.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthewcranestudios/
Blog: https://substack.com/@matthewcranestudios?utm_source=profile-page
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553739994552
 

#014 - Brianna Nilsen: The Healing Power of Music Therapy

In this episode of the Birds in the Sky podcast, host Matthew Crane speaks with Brianna Nilsen, a licensed master social worker and music therapist. They explore the intersection of music and mental health, discussing how music therapy can be used to achieve non-musical goals, the science behind its effectiveness, and the importance of emotional regulation.
Brianna shares her experiences working with various populations, including veterans, and highlights the barriers individuals face when seeking mental health support. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion, choice, and community in the therapeutic process, as well as the profound impact of music on emotional well-being.
Find more about Brianna here: linkedin.com/in/brianna-nilsen-452a2045
Brianna's latest work: https://www.caryhousebuffalo.com/postpartum
American Music Therapy Association: https://www.musictherapy.org/about/musictherapy/
If you or a loved one are having thoughts of Suicide, please reach out to the 24 hour hotline at 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org
Credits: Host: Matthew Crane
Theme Song: "Good Times" by Matt Crane featuring Gantzer ©
Visit the Studio: www.matthewcranestudios.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthewcranestudios/
Blog: https://substack.com/@matthewcranestudios?utm_source=profile-page
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553739994552

#013 - The Art of Transition: Veterans and Storytelling with Ben Davis

In this episode, Host Matthew Crane speaks with Benjamin Davis, a Navy SEAL veteran, Writer and executive director of Veterans Outdoor Advocacy Group.
Matt and Ben discuss the challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life, the importance of sharing all veterans' stories, and how writing has become a vital outlet for Ben. He reflects on the need for a deeper understanding of the veteran experience beyond just vocational transition, emphasizing the role of storytelling in healing and connection. The conversation also touches on the influence of poetry on writing and the importance of carving out time for creative pursuits.
In this conversation, Ben discusses the intricacies of writing, emphasizing the importance of engaging the reader and providing enjoyable content. He highlights the necessity of honest feedback in the writing process and shares his experiences with emotional writing, particularly in relation to his personal history.
Ben also talks about his upcoming novel, which explores themes of Southern life and military experiences, and advocates for the healing power of art and writing, especially within the veteran community.
Find Ben's work over on Substack: https://bldavis3.substack.com
Read: "A Man in a field, We Did Not Kill" : https://bldavis3.substack.com/p/the-man-in-the-field-we-did-not-kill
Links to Veterans Outdoor Advocacy Group:
https://www.voag.org
If you or a loved one are having thoughts of Suicide, please reach out to the 24 hour hotline at 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org
Credits: Theme Music: "Good Times" by Matt Crane featuring Gantzer ©
Host  @matthewcranestudios 
Visit the Studio: www.matthewcranestudios.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthewcranestudios/ Blog: https://substack.com/@matthewcranestudios?utm_source=profile-page FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553739994552

#012 - Taking the Initial Steps to Reach Out with Lindsey Chudzik

Lindsey Chudzik (LCSW, MSW, C-IMHP) is the owner of Jade & Sage Holistic Therapy, LLC in the Fort Myers area. 
Lindsey's passion is helping people who suffer from trauma and emotional distress find healing and growth. Lindsay is a champion of those looking to build a better life and understands that it begins with a solid relationship to ourselves, our self worth and our habits. 
In this episode we discuss her experience in the field of mental health, and the different methods and modalities used for treating PTSD, anxiety, trauma or navigating challenging relationships. WE also chat about her experiences workin with the Veteran and First Responder communities. 
Find Lindsey's work below
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jadeandsageholistictherapy?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Resources: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/lindsey-chudzik-fort-myers-fl/764947
ART: https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/what-is-art/
Find more of Matt:
Visit the Studio: www.matthewcranestudios.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthewcranestudios/
Blog: https://substack.com/@matthewcranestudios?utm_source=profile-page
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553739994552

# 011 - Chasing theater through addiction and recovery with Aleks Malejs

"Feel the fear, and do it anyway" - Actor Aleks Malejs can sum up her acting career in two distinct timelines: Early in her acting career, there was a cycle of addiction and crisis that seemed to hold her back on stage. However, once Aleks worked to reclaim her sobriety, she found her self having a greater range and depth of emotions to tap into while performing.
Aleks also walks us through how she is able to release and process her own emotions through other characters on stage - and how those choices impact the audience and production as a whole. These choices turn her pain, regrets, joys, fears, hope and triumphs into memorable and relatable theatrical experiences for theater patrons.  
Find more about Aleks here: 
https://aleksmalejs.com/
If you or a loved one are having thoughts of Suicide, please reach out to the 24 hour hotline at 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org
Credits: Host: Matthew Crane
Edited: Brandon Barry
Theme Song: "Good Times" by Matt Crane featuring Gantzer ©
Visit the Studio: www.matthewcranestudios.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthewcranestudios/
Blog: https://substack.com/@matthewcranestudios?utm_source=profile-page
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553739994552
 

#010 - Music educator Melanie Stang shares the importance of pursuing a creative lifestyle

Music educator and actor Melanie Stang shares the importance of pursuing a creative lifestyle. Mel's story is one of perseverance and determination. 
Melanie is an advocate for peace and equal rights. 
To see Melanie on stage in Buffalo, NY click here:
https://theatreofyouth.org/the-hobbit/
 

#09 - Finding Your Truth by Making Art with Bryce Hansen, Retired US Army Green Beret

Warriors often benefit from deep emotional suppression in order to be effective on the battle field. It's a critical skill required for navigating the hellscape and atrocities of war and chaos - but this skill can be detrimental in our personal relationships, families and our communities. Retired Green Beret and West Point graduate, Bryce Hansen talks about his path to finding art and painting, after his military career. We discuss what it means to create honest art, the lack of purity in the "business" of art, how art has the power to and so much more.
If you or a loved one are having thoughts of Suicide, please reach out to the 24 hour hotline at 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org
For more on Bryce and his work please visit:
https://brycenhansen.wixsite.com/artportfolio
IG: https://www.instagram.com/bryce.n.hansen?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Credits: Host: Matthew Crane Theme Song: "Good Times" by Matt Crane featuring Gantzer ©
Visit the Studio: www.matthewcranestudios.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthewcranestudios/
Blog: https://substack.com/@matthewcranestudios?utm_source=profile-page