What happens when the very thing that once lit you up feels out of reach—yet still lives deep in your soul, waiting to be reclaimed? In this episode, we sit down with Carla Sciaky, a lifelong musician, who opens up about her incredible journey from early musical brilliance to facing a dark night of the soul that transformed everything. Carla shares how her relationship with music shifted from pressure and perfectionism to something sacred—purpose-driven, healing, and deeply connected to Spirit. We explore how silence became her ally, how creativity cycles through light and shadow, and how music—far beyond just entertainment—has the power to change lives, starting with her own.
From the science behind music's effect on the brain and body to its emotional influence on infants and elders alike, Carla offers a unique blend of personal story and universal truth. How does music shape our development? And what role can it play in reconnecting with who we truly are? Whether you're an artist, healer, or simply someone navigating your own transformation, Carla's wisdom will stir something in your soul. Tune in to remember the power of music—not just as a sound, but as a force for connection, healing, and coming home to yourself.
Ways to Connect with Carla & her Music:
Music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n89CPWG4uE
Lyric video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtQKKSbrEkg
Order an album on Carla's website: https://carlasciaky.com/index.html#store
P.S. A note from Carla: "It occurred to me to say that I really want other coaches, therapists, healers, etc., to feel free to use any of my songs in their work with clients, For example, my 12-step sponsor used to use my song “Awakening” (title song of my 1995 release) to do workshops and journaling exercises with recovering addicts. Putting on my musician/songwriter hat, I want to honor all musicians with the reminder that it is most respectful for anyone who puts our songs to use in this way to actually purchase either the individual cut or the album as a whole, and also to credit the songwriter, whoever it is. And at the same time, I would rather someone use it from YouTube or Spotify than not use it at all! I just want to mention that out of respect to all my fellow songwriters."
About Carla Sciaky:
Carla Sciaky has enjoyed over five decades in her career as a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, including a 2019 induction in the Colorado Music Hall of Fame with the group the Mother Folkers. Renowned for her clear articulate voice, strong fingerpicking style, and a warm intimacy with her audiences, she has toured the US and Europe, amassed a discography on Green Linnet and her own Propinquity labels, and was awarded awards and recognition for her songwriting in such arenas as the Kerrville New Song Competition, the Louisville (KY) songwriting competition, the Colorado Arts and Humanities Fellowship for Composition, and the Billboard Songwriting Competition. Her most recent solo album Heart of the Swan soared to the top of the folk radio charts upon its release in October 2024, and her music video “Standing by a River” has won multiple awards at film festivals worldwide in the categories of music video and songwriting. Carla has also performed on baroque violin as a core member of the Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado and Sémplice Baroque, with Wyoming Baroque, Colorado Chamber Players and more. She lives with her husband Dan in Lakewood, Colorado, working as a published author and public speaker and with clients as a life coach through her practice Doorway to Your Life.
Chapters
00:00 Carla Sciaky's Musical Journey
05:24 The Call Back to Music
12:24 The Dark Night of the Soul
17:32 Transforming the Creative Process
25:54 The Impact of Music on People
39:12 Music's Universal Language and Emotional Influence
44:57 The Role of Silence in Creativity
49:38 The Evolution of Music and Technology