In a world driven by algorithms and streaming services, it's sometimes easy to forget the raw, authentic journeys of musicians who've carved their paths with talent, tenacity, and a bit of luck. Janet Robin, a celebrated guitarist and Grammy-winning artist, shared her incredible story on TMI, offering insights into her career, passion for music, and the lessons she's learned along the way. From fateful encounters with rock legends to her philosophy on creativity, Janet's journey is a testament to resilience and dedication in the ever-evolving music industry.

Learn more about Janet at www.janetrobin.com.

In this episode of TMI with Laura, I catch up with my college friend, Chrissi Poland—a powerhouse vocalist who has made her mark both as a solo artist and a backing singer for some legendary acts. We reminisce about our days at Berklee, navigating the industry, and the wildly different paths our careers took after college. Chrissi shares her journey from hustling in New York, chasing her dream of working with musicians she admired, to touring the world with Scissor Sisters and singing duets with Michael Bolton (yes, really!).

We also dive into what it's like balancing motherhood with a career in music, the emotional rollercoaster of ending a major tour, and how having clear goals and a manifestation mindset kept her moving forward. Chrissi gets real about the challenges of being a woman in the industry and the importance of building a supportive network. She gives us a peek into her newest project, "Forever Muscle Shoals," inspired by the legendary recording studios of Alabama and fueled by her soul music roots. If you're curious about what's next for Chrissi, from European tours to collaborations with Chris Botti, we cover all of it.

This episode is packed with honest stories, practical advice for musicians, and lots of laughs as we reconnect. Whether you're new to the music industry or a longtime fan, you'll find something to relate to in our conversation.

Follow TMI with Laura @tmiwithlaura

Visit www.tmiwithlaura.com for show notes, insights and more!

Learn more about Chrissi Poland at www.chrissipoland.com

Welcome to the first episode of TMI with Laura! For the first show, I sat down with my longtime friend and industry pro, Dan O'Neil (or as some call him, Borga or Danny). We went way back—think 2009—reminiscing about when we first crossed paths and how the music industry has changed over the years. Dan has done it all: he's been a guitar tech and production manager for some of the biggest names out there, from Orianthi to Janet Jackson, and most recently, Bon Jovi.

We got into what it really means to be a guitar tech versus a "roadie," and Dan broke down what goes on behind the scenes—from making sure guitars are stage-ready and squeaky clean (plus the all-important towel and water service!) to the gnarly logistics and relentless schedules that come with being a production manager. You'll hear hilarious road stories, get a peek at what it's like to manage a sprawling tour crew, and find out what makes touring with legacy artists both challenging and rewarding.

We also talked about how COVID shook up the touring world, the organizations stepping up to help crew members, and the huge shift in attitudes among the road crew—the balance between paying your dues and creating a healthy work environment. Dan didn't hold back with his advice for newcomers: keep your eyes and ears open, be humble, and respect those who've come before you.

If you've ever wondered who keeps your favorite shows running smoothly, or what really happens on the other side of the stage, this one's for you—and it's only part one! Stay tuned for part two where we'll dig even deeper into life on the road.

Listen to Dan's Rockstar Roadie Podcast at https://rockstarroadiepodcast.com/!

Check out my Rockstar Roadie episode here.