Success Through Scars

What happens when you’re told you can’t match pitch… and you believe it?In today's episode, I interview Drew Russell DuBoff, a full-time professional singer and musician who was once told by a mentor that he couldn’t sing in tune.Because of that moment, he didn’t pursue music in college, even though he really wanted to. But years later, he found his way back to singing and built a career as a working performer.This conversation is all about overcoming limiting beliefs, unlearning negative feedback, and creating a successful career as a singer without following the traditional path.If you’re a singer, performer, or creative who has ever been told “you’re not good enough,” this episode will show you what’s possible when you stop letting that story define you.In this episode, we talk about:What it’s like to be told you “can’t sing” and how that impacts your identityHow to overcome limiting beliefs in music and performanceBuilding a singing career without a music degreeNavigating musical theatre, opera, and choral workWhy information in the arts shouldn’t be gatekeptHow the Singers and Performers Community supports singers at every stageThis episode is especially powerful for singers, voice teachers, musical theatre performers, opera singers, and anyone building a non-traditional creative career.Connect with Drew DuBoff + the Singers and Performers Community: https://singersandperformers.comhttps://instagram.com/drewduboffhttps://facebook.com/drewrduboffDrew’s Bio:Drew Russell DuBoff is an interdisciplinary musical theatre performer, opera singer, and sacred/choral singer. His performance credits include engagements with Walnut Street Theatre, New Jersey Lyric Opera, Opera Philadelphia, and soon-to-be New Camerata Opera in New York City. He is also the General Manager of Theatre Ariel, Philadelphia’s professional theatre company specializing in Jewish works. He started the Singers and Performers Community because information shouldn’t be gatekept. All singers and performers, whether they’ve pursued a degree in the arts or otherwise, deserve the chance to pursue their dream. The Singers and Performers Community can help make that happen.singersandperformers.comSupport the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

This is a story about opportunity cost: what is choosing the cheapest option costing you? Successful people just think differently. Tune in to find out!Support the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

In this solo episode of Success through Scars, I’m telling the vulnerable truth about my money journey: how I went from broke, bitter, and resentful to running a six-figure business and finally feeling safe with money.I open up about:Living in low-income housing (and not even realizing it at first)Resenting my friends whose parents paid for everythingStruggling to accept help from othersWorking four jobs just to get by while building my businessThe moment things finally started to shift (hint: it involved delusional confidence and a mentor)If you’ve ever felt stuck in a scarcity mindset, ashamed of your financial situation, or unsure if success is really possible for you, I hope my story shows you that transformation is possible- and that it starts with belief.💸 I also talk about my Make More Money Masterclass, where I teach you how to rewire your beliefs about money, get out of scarcity mode, and start seeing real possibilities for income and abundance.Use code BROKETOBOSS for a special discount, valid through August 10th.🎟 Grab your spot hereCome say hi on Instagram @anniecalvaneso, and if this episode speaks to you, send it to a friend who might need it too!Support the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

In this episode of Success through Scars, I chat with Stephanie Ball- an opera singer, sound healer, and now recording artist- about navigating grief, honoring the body’s needs, and using music as medicine. Stephanie shares the raw story of losing her father to dementia, the repeated heartbreak of saying goodbye in small pieces, and how that grief unlocked old wounds she didn’t even realize still needed healing.She dives into how sound healing helps release stored trauma in the body and why shoulders, hips, and throats often hold our deepest stuck energy. We also chat about her pivot from back-to-back opera gigs to crafting immersive sound bath experiences, working with corporate teams, and launching her new recording projects- all to help people heal physically, emotionally, and energetically.Stephanie leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: it’s all temporary, you will make it through, and radical honesty about your needs is the first step to real healing.https://stephanieannballsoprano.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephaball/Support the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

Today I sit down with my cousin Kristin Tomasello- our first real heart-to-heart, and what a story she has! From watching her dad collapse from leukemia at 12, to battling her own autoimmune struggles for years, to now running her own foundation, writing books, and launching a sun care line (all while spreading fierce love and faith).We talk healing from the inside out- with food, scripture, boundaries, and compassion. Kristin is living proof that you can turn your deepest pain into a mission that helps thousands. If you’re going through something hard right now, this one’s for you.Find Kristin here:http://kristintomasello.comhttps://costaseasuncare.com/https://www.instagram.com/kristintomaselloSupport the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

If you're feeling bone-deep tired- even though you're doing work you love- this episode is for you.I'm fresh off a crazy busy week: I just wrapped a musical I produced from the ground up (with 50 kids!), I'm prepping for a huge move, launching the next round of Crescendo Club, and singing paid gigs nearly every day. I'm deeply fulfilled… and I'm also exhausted.In this solo episode, I'm sharing a raw, honest reflection on what it means to feel both grateful and worn out.Because sometimes, the life we dreamed of is also the one that stretches us the most.This is your permission slip to honor your tiredness, zoom out, and celebrate the growth you’ve worked so hard for!✨ Ready to build a business that lets you sing, create, and live freely? DM me “CRESCENDO” on Instagram for information about my business mentorship program, the Crescendo Club📲 Come say hi on Instagram📝 If this resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave a review. It helps more than you know. 💕Support the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

In this episode, I interview my dear friend and one of the most badass women I know, Dana Lynne Varga. Dana is an accomplished career coach, singer, voice teacher, and fierce advocate for singers. But beyond her career, she’s a woman who has walked through fire and come out blazing.In this episode, we dive deep into her journey through gastric bypass, divorce, sobriety, and the powerful reinvention of her life, career, and sense of self. Dana shares so openly about the pain she endured, the shame she carried, and the freedom she found in rewriting her story on her own terms.This one is for anyone who has ever felt stuck, silenced, or like their life no longer fit. Dana’s story is raw, real, and wildly empowering. You do not want to miss it!!Find Dana here:https://www.theempoweredmusician.com/@theempoweredmusicanDana Lynne Varga on FacebookSupport the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

If you've ever asked yourself, "WHY can't I just get it together?" "Why am I so exhausted from doing nothing?" this episode is for you.Recorded while I'm not feeling well and taking a sick day, I realized I was actually burnt out. Because I'm going through some massive Uplevels in life right now.We go over:- why you feel exhausted right now- why nervous system regulation is the foundation of sustainable change- how to get into energetic alignmentDM me "UPLEVEL" if you're going through a transformation and need some support.As always, I hope this episode helps you feel less alone! <3 Support the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

Last night, I was literally crying on my couch. So naturally, today I recorded a podcast episode- because I KNOW I’m not the only one who’s felt like that.This one’s for the version of you who just had a bad audition, launched something that no one bought, or is feeling super rejected. The version of you who's questioning, "Is any of this worth it??"I see you. I am you.In this little pep talk episode, I’m sharing the full-circle moment of finally getting to teach my Strength for Singers program at the University of Michigan- after they told me to drop out my freshman year.I emailed them for years. I cried after every “no.” And yet I kept going.I’m also getting real about rebuilding my body after my eating disorder, rebuilding my confidence in business, and why those nights on the couch- where it feels like nothing is working- are actually when everything is being built.This episode is real AF. I'm bringing you along my journey in the hopes that you feel seen by hearing what I'm going through.KEEP GOING. Your future self is so freaking proud of you.DM me if this landed for you @anniecalvaneso. You're doing better than you think, and I believe in you!Support the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

Today's episode is so special because I’m joined by one of my dearest friends, Katrina Fasulo! Katrina is an arts leader whose journey is full of resilience, self-discovery, and unapologetic growth. She shares her story of navigating imposter syndrome, workplace dynamics, and early experiences of being bullied for standing out as a tall, self-assured woman.Katrina opens up about what it’s taken to step fully into her power- learning to take up space, leaning on mentorship, and creating spaces of belonging. She shares how her internal drive and commitment to alignment have fueled a career filled with leadership roles, a national network of powerhouse women, and a more sustainable, fulfilling way of living and working.If you’ve ever felt like you were “too much,” or questioned your place in the room, this episode is for you!! Katrina’s wisdom is a reminder that you’re allowed to take up space, go after the big things, and lead with confidence.Support the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

Is it okay to "coast" in business and not make growing your income the #1 goal of your life? Of course it is! This is something I previously felt ashamed to share but no longer do.The past few years, I have been prioritizing my mental health over income growth. That means I have intentionally not grown my business. I haven't hired business mentors, I haven't tried to grow my audience, none of that. I've focused solely on EMDR trauma therapy and getting myself to a place of regulation. And it's served me well! I feel stable and balanced and in a place where I'm ready for expansion (not to mention, while also making a full time income in my business). I hope that if you've been feeling pressured to hustle and grow your income constantly, this can give you another perspective!Support the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

Today's interview is with my incredible client Lucas Coura, who is a successful countertenor and voice teacher and has the biggest heart of anyone I know!TW: suicidal ideation and depression. If you are struggling, please text or call 988.Lucas shares his story of overcoming significant challenges including growing up as an immigrant, religious trauma, coming out as gay, struggling with depression, and hospitalization for his mental health. Despite all the struggles he faced, Lucas has achieved success as both a countertenor and a voice teacher (his students get scholarships into grad school- he's amazing!)If you have ever struggled with depression, don't miss this episode!Connect with Lucas:@dudesingslikealadyhttps://www.lucasludwigcoura.com/Support the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

In this episode of Success Through Scars, I'm joined by my former client Nina Evelyn. Nina shares her profound story of resilience, detailing the emotional abuse she faced from her narcissistic mother and how it impacted her relationships and self-worth. She vulnerably discusses recognizing similar patterns of abuse with her ex-boyfriend and the challenging journey of cutting off toxic relationships to find herself. Nina highlights the crucial support from her friends, which helped her heal and build confidence. She also talks about her successful career in opera and how she now uses her experiences to help heal others through Reiki in the Soul Recharge program. This episode is a powerful testament to overcoming trauma and reclaiming one’s identity. I hope it makes you feel less alone if you've been through something similar!Nina Evelyn: https://www.ninaevelyn.com/@ninaevelynsopranoSoul Recharge: https://www.marykray.com/events/soul-rechargeSupport the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

In this episode of Success Through Scars, I’m joined by my lovely client, Mary Kray, a multi-passionate entrepreneur, opera singer, voice teacher, and founder of Soul Recharge, an online community for artists and creatives. Mary opens up about her transformative journey from struggling financially and emotionally, to stepping into her power as a full-time entrepreneur. We dive deep into her experience of overcoming trauma, financial hardship, and the impact of elitism and sexism in music programs. These challenges fueled her entrepreneurial drive to create a compassionate, inclusive space for fellow artists through her Soul Recharge group healing program. This conversation is filled with vulnerability, wisdom, and hope, offering inspiration for anyone navigating tough times, especially those facing financial struggles or artists feeling alone in their journey. Join us as Mary shares how radical responsibility, mentorship, and community helped her reclaim her worth, build financial stability, and ultimately use her experiences to help others.You can find Mary's work here:marykray.cominstagram.com/marykray.studiosSupport the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by a SECRET guest who shares her incredible journey of overcoming vocal nodes, healing her throat chakra, and using her voice to transform her life. From not feeling heard as a child to becoming a highly sought-after vocal coach, she now helps others find their authentic voices through her program, Sing From Your Soul. Tune in to discover how vocal healing can empower you and learn the deeper connection between your voice and self-expression. If you’ve struggled with vocal challenges or want to reclaim your voice, this episode is for you!00:00 Introduction and Guest Reveal01:22 Our Guest's Background and Career01:59 The Scar and Its Impact05:30 Journey to Healing and Empowerment10:32 Tools for Vocal and Emotional Healing22:35 Spiritual Gifts and Intuition28:59 Childhood Anecdotes and Reflections34:00 Conclusion and FarewellSupport the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

This episode was inspired by a conversation I had with a client today. She shared how others often perceive her success as effortless, even though it took significant struggle to get where she is! And sometimes, she STILL struggles. This led her to feeling very misunderstood and not seen. If you’ve ever felt similarly, this episode is for you.We’ll dive into why people only see the highlight reel, how to own your journey without guilt, and why your struggles don’t diminish your success. Let this be a reminder that even when others don’t understand, your hard work MATTERS.Support the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

“If you don’t just focus on singing, you don’t want it bad enough.”“If you have anything else you want to do as a career, you should do that instead. It means you don’t want it bad enough.”These words were some of the worst advice I’ve ever received, spoken to me by an underpaid, burnt out colleague during music school.If you're a multi-passionate artist, this episode is for you!We cover:- how being multi-passionate helps your art- a powerful shift my client Lucas made that helped him get more aligned singing opportunities- why I disagree with the term "starving artist"I hope this episode gives you the support and encouragement you need to pursue all your passions!Support the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

Today's episode is a bit different - it's raw, unfiltered, and deeply personal. I recorded this episode at 10:39 PM on my 30th birthday after reflecting on everything I've been through the past few months and how I'm overcoming it.You'll hear about:- The pressures and expectations society places on women to be married by 30.- How a recent heartbreak pushed me into one of the darkest periods of my life.- My struggle with attaching self-worth to relationships and how I’m learning to let go.- The mental health challenges I faced, including depression and su1cidal ideation.- The lessons I’ve learned about healing, self-acceptance, and finding worth within myself.- How attachment is the root of all suffering.This episode is extremely vulnerable for me, and my hope is that it helps you feel less alone if you’ve ever struggled with similar feelings. Support the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

Happy 2025! This year has started off SO weird for me, with strep throat and then very lethargic. If you're feeling similarly and avoiding doing the thing that will help you move forward, this episode is for you. Listen to this if you need a lil kick in the butt to get it done!Here are the main two points:1. Successful people become successful by following through on what they say they'll do.2. Following through on what you say you'll do builds self-trust.I hope this episode is helpful for you, and if you got this far - send me a DM on Instagram or Facebook to let me know that you did the thing!Support the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

Do you often find yourself being “the strong one” in your relationships? The one who always has it together, who others turn to for support, and who seems unshakeable no matter what? While being strong is a gift, it can also feel isolating. This is a topic that is very near and dear to my heart!In this episode, I’ll share personal stories, insights, and encouragement for anyone who feels like they have to hold it all together, even when they’re struggling inside.We’ll talk about why it’s so hard to ask for help, how being strong can affect your relationships, and why letting others show up for you is one of the actual strongest things you can do. Most importantly, I’ll remind you that vulnerability is also strength, and that it's okay to let yourself be supported.If you’re a "strong one," this episode is for you. I hope it makes you feel seen!Support the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

One of my "scars" is a tendency towards depression, and I understand deeply how it feels to be stuck in a low mood. A few days ago I had one of those mornings where I woke up already feeling down.In this episode, I’m giving you the exact steps I take to shift my energy when I wake up in a low mood. This episode is a practical pep talk to help you shift your mindset, and as a result, the outcome of your day.This isn’t about toxic positivity or ignoring your feelings. It’s about creating a list of possibilities to shift your energy.Spoiler alert: EVERYTHING on my list happened within 48 hours!!!Quick disclaimer: I’m not a mental health professional, and this episode is not a cure for clinical depression. If you’re dealing with serious mental health struggles, please reach out to a professional. This episode is a mindset shift for those “blah" days when you’re ready to shift your energy.New episodes every Wednesday. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tag me on social media to share your thoughts on today’s pep talk!Support the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

Hi everyone! I'm SO excited you're here! This episode is my story. In this episode, you'll hear about:- why I started this podcast- my accident and emergency surgery, and how it was the catalyst for the rest of my life- the origin of my self-worth issues- how I managed losing all my income overnight- how I pivoted my business during the pandemicSupport the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com

Welcome to Success Through Scars, the podcast where we turn our most painful struggles into our greatest success stories. I’m Annie Calvaneso, a multipassionate entrepreneur, business mentor, and professional singer who’s overcome anorexia, CPTSD, depression, and anxiety. Each week, you'll hear powerful stories of resilience from people who’ve transformed their deepest pains into testimonies of strength.If you’re feeling lost or broken but have big goals, you’re in the right place. Whether your scar comes from a traumatic past, a breakup, a near-death experience, or a mental health struggle, remember this: Your scars are proof that you survived. And scar tissue rebuilds and repairs itself, and you come out stronger on the other side. I hope this podcast can bring you the hope you need to keep going. Let’s walk this journey of finding success through scars, together.Support the showThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review. Be on the lookout for new episodes every Wednesday!For coaching services, visit: anniecalvaneso.com