The Finish More Music Podcast

In this powerful conversation, I sat down with Mark Turk, founder of the Austin-based nonprofit Beat 4 Beat.    Mark’s organization brings music education to underserved youths by hiring local musicians to teach in after-school programs—using creativity, performance, and songwriting as tools to transform young lives.   In this show, we explore:
   ✅ How teaching is a superpower for creatives  ✅ How music builds trust, confidence and community  ✅ How music and generosity are a life-line to underserved youth
 ✅ How YOU can get started impacting the world with your music ✅ How teaching fuels personal and professional growth for artists   We also dive into the surprising challenges of running a nonprofit—that quite frankly blew my mind! I thought everyone would be wholly supportive of organisations and people that empower young people… as you’ll hear, that isn’t so!   Mark’s story is one of incredible resilience, challenges, kindness and impact that left me inspired and driven to contribute more with my creativity.    Let me know how this episode impacts you!  

What does it truly mean to give everything for your art?   In this powerful episode, drum & bass legend Tony Colman aka London Elektricity shares his deep philosophy on music, contribution, and living a life of service.   From founding Hospital Records to performing in war-torn Ukraine for free, Tony’s career is a testament to the power of giving without expectation—and the unexpected rewards that come from it.   We explore: ✅ Why giving selflessly benefits both the artist and the world ✅ How Tony overcame fear, ego, and self-doubt to focus on service ✅ The battle to save small club culture from corporate dominance ✅ How to build real connections in the industry through trust & generosity ✅ Why music is about lighting people up, not just playing tracks   This episode is a masterclass in artistic generosity—one that might just change the way you approach your music career.  

Mark Allin is an accomplished artist, musician, and promoter known for his contributions to major labels and live performances. In this engaging discussion, he highlights the power of service in professional success, emphasizing how selfless contributions can enhance artistic journeys. Allin dives into the evolution of a music producer and the global rise of the EMOM movement, which revitalizes live electronic music. He also shares insights on fostering authentic communities and the excitement surrounding his upcoming EP, 'Blank Time,' while advocating for supportive environments in the creative landscape.

Explore the transformative power of creativity and its impact on mental and emotional well-being. Discover how lethargy secretly derails our passions and learn that motivation is born from action, not waiting. Uncover practical strategies inspired by elite performers to reclaim your energy. Embrace boldness and resilience to combat the inertia that holds you back. Finally, adopt the 'a little further' mindset to boost your motivation and keep moving toward your creative goals.

Explore the powerful impact of pursuing creative passions on overall well-being. Fear often masquerades as perfectionism and self-doubt, keeping individuals from realizing their potential. Discover ways to overcome these barriers through actionable steps and boldness. Delve into the nature of fear and its protective role, while learning to confront it with curiosity and bravery. Embrace small victories and dismantle limiting beliefs to unlock a more fulfilling creative journey!

Welcome to our first-ever Finish More Music podcast series!   This podcast series, "The Creative Calling," explores how pursuing one's passions, particularly in creative fields, leads to a more fulfilling life for you and for others.    In the series I use research and personal stories to illustrate the profound positive impacts of creative pursuits on mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and also address how to balance your personal creative goals with other life commitments.   In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest questions creatives face: When we follow our calling, are we being selfish? How do we balance personal creative pursuits with our responsibilities to others?   We explore the friction that can arise when making meaningful changes, the pushback we might receive from those around us, and how to navigate these challenges with integrity.   Through personal stories and deep reflection, I unpack why honoring your creative calling isn’t self-indulgent—it’s essential for growth, contribution, and authentic living.   Tune in now!  

Exploring the importance of following your creative callings opens doors to personal growth and fulfillment. The conversation delves into overcoming societal expectations and embracing passions for a more engaged life. With personal stories and research, the benefits of creativity on mental and physical well-being are highlighted. Plus, there's an inspiring discussion on supporting underprivileged youth through creative projects, showcasing how music can change lives and transform communities.

Dive into a powerful journey of recovery and self-discovery as the speaker shares insights from their transformative healing from depression. They explore the concept of the 'numinous,' revealing how recognizing inner callings can ignite personal passions. With anecdotes that illustrate the distinction between intuition and deeper purpose, the importance of honoring one's true calling is emphasized. This exploration highlights how neglecting these callings can impact mental health and fulfillment, pushing listeners toward a more creative and energized life.

So we are deep into a story together…   A story of the darkest must tumultuous time in my life.    A time that almost ended me.   And now things are about to get very, very weird,   It starts with an event that spiralled me into panic followed by multiple appointments with the UK’s top specialists.   And then there was a flash of intuition from my mentor that turned my entire world upside down.   And of course, because I was at rock bottom, turning my entire world upside down sent me soaring amongst the stars!   A new me. A new beginning. A new life.    You will of course make your own conclusions about what happened.   Was it a message from the Universe? Was it nature intervening? Was it a ‘million in one’ pure coincidence? Or did God have a hand in my fate?   I know what I believe.    In fact I know what I know…   Now I’m curious to hear how you put the pieces of the puzzle together in your mind.   Reach out and let me know!