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Drummer Mamas

Ciara Chinniah and Gemma Hill

Drummer Mamas is hosted by drummers, mums and long-time friends Ciara Chinniah and Gemma Hill.

Ciara and Gemma love to explore the other side of drummers — less gear, more stories, ideas, experiences and real life.

Through honest conversations with drummers from all walks of life, they chat about music, creativity, careers and everything that happens beyond the kit.

Because there’s always more to a drummer than drumming. 🥁❤️

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25 episodes
weekly
Avg 42 min
English

Episodes 25

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S5 · E5
Monday · 27 min
The UK Drum Show 2026...
This week we're chatting all things UK Drum Show 2026! From Gemma's exciting new role to Ciara's session in the Evans Sound Advice Room. We also talk community, representation, supporting each other and a special motherhood milestone. 🥁❤️ Enjoy! send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S5 · E4
October 12 · 47 min
Jessie May Smart: Between The Notes
Jessie May Smart is a violinist who has experience in playing globally and on the biggest stages, but on the flipside, she has also dealt with anxiety, depression, ill health and concerns about performing. Drawing on her own experiences, she has trained to coach musicians to reach their maximum potential; we talk about the use of breathwork, tapping, calming the nervous system and much, much more in this fascinating episode! Jessie May Smart: Instagram.com/between.thenotes send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S5 · E3
October 5 · 37 min
Camille Phillips (The Subways): Touring, Tattoos & Overcoming Performance Anxiety
Camille Phillips is the drummer for The Subways, and this week we chat about touring, teaching, confidence and overcoming performance anxiety. We talk about joining an established band, the realities of life on the road and finding your confidence behind the kit. Plus tattoos, gyms, coffee, rehearsal rooms… and somehow creating our dream drummer commune. 😂🥁 https://www.instagram.com/camillelphillips send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S5 · E2
September 28 · 55 min
Vicky O’Neon: Part 1 – tour prep with a new baby
Vicky is heading out on the road with Anastascia, and this time she’s taking her baby with her! We find out how she’s making it happen, if and how motherhood has changed the way she views her career, and how her experience of the music industry is as a new mum. We cover everything from working until the last possible week of her pregnancy in the studio to planning a baby-tour within a tour and the practicalities of parenthood on the road. We’ll be speaking to Vicky after the tour for Part 2 to find out how it all goes! Photo by: Dave Phillips Vicky O’Neon: Instagram: Instagram.com/vickyoneondrums send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S5 · E1
September 21 · 31 min
Summer's over, the Mamas are back!
Drummer Mamas are BACK for Season 5!! We're kicking things off with a good old catch-up! From our summer adventures to what's coming up next, there's plenty to chat about. Come and join us! ❤️ send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E25
July 27 · 23 min
A spotlight on...life lately
This week we're reflecting on our trip to Germany for an amazing drum event, chatting about the juggle of the summer holidays, and, as always, sharing plenty of laughs along the way. 🥁☀️ We'll be taking a little break over the summer, but we'll be back before you know it for Season 5! In the meantime, we'd love to hear from you... who would you like us to have on as a guest next season? Let us know x send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E24
July 20 · 31 min
AJ Rousell: staying out of your own head
AJ wears a lot of different hats that all related to drumming: session and touring drummer, teacher and drum camp organizer, composer and author. With so many facets to his character and abilities, what does he identify with the most? AJ takes us through the struggles of overthinking, over-analyzing, and how we can be healthier and happier with ourselves as musicians in general. AJ Rousell: Instagram.com/ajrouselldrums send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E23
July 13 · 1 hr 1 min
Mike Sturgis: Just Bring What You've Got
This week's guest has performed live or on record with a wide array of artists including David Bowie, Elton John, A-ha, Asia, Wishbone Ash, Joss Stone, Tom Jones... and many more. But to us? He was our drum teacher. Mike Sturgis taught both of us at ACM, so getting to sit down with him all these years later felt like a real full-circle moment. We chatted about what it really takes to build a career in music, why you should just bring what you've got, the importance of always giving your best, and why sticking things out can often be the thing that makes the biggest difference. Follow Mike: https://mikesturgis.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/mike.sturgis.9/ https://www.instagram.com/sturge50/ send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E22
July 6 · 57 min
Stanton Moore: the groove alchemist
We’re still buzzing from recording this episode, which ending up being more like a masterclass! This is a unique interview with Stanton, where he covers a wide range of topics with absolute honesty and passion: the realities of co-owning a music venue, taking control of his own publishing and royalties, maintaining a close relationship with his daughter while building his career, the important role that therapy has played in his happiness... and he plays a lot for us too! A special mention goes out to Nick, Stanton’s engineer, who we loved meeting here as well. Stanton Moore: Instagram.com/stanton_moore send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E21
June 29 · 41 min
Don't F**k with the over 40s!!
Buckle up... because this week we're asking: Why should anyone mess with women over 40? We're diving into the unexpected gifts of midlife—from rage and people-pleasing to finding your voice, unlearning old beliefs, resting without guilt, and caring a little less about what everyone else thinks. If you're over 40 and nodding along already, this one's for you. Tell us: what resonated most? send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E20
June 22 · 41 min
Stu Fagan: building the future
Stu Fagan tells us how he built a drum teaching business and turned it into a music school with multiple teachers. He talks candidly about his experiences with the highs and lows of viral posts on social media, looking after yourself for your children, and protecting your mental health in the long run. Stu Fagan: Instagram.com/stufagan send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E19
June 15 · 47 min
Going Viral, Survival Mode and Knowing What Matters Most with Sharon Ransom
Today we’re joined by the hilarious Sharon Ransom. Amongst the laughter we talk about going viral, Drumeo, and growing her drum school. We also cover online trolls, empowering students, gigs, and future plans. We talk about what really matters most and reclaiming the joy of drums. Follow Sharon: https://www.instagram.com/ransomdrumlab/ send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E18
June 8 · 42 min
Claus Hessler: Passing knowledge on
Claus Hessler is renowned to be THE drum educator of our time! With his direct heritage of knowledge from Jim Chapin, the numerous books that he has written, and his general warmth and patient approach to teaching and learning, we are so pleased to welcome Claus to the podcast this week. We talk about Claus’ fear of reading drum notation and how he dealt with it, writing ‘Collapsed Rudiments’ while grieving, how he spends his spare time, the weight of feeling that you’re not good enough at drums, and lots of generally excellent advice on worrying less. Claus Hessler’s upcoming 2026 UK dates: 2nd & 3rd July – Royal Academy of Music, London 4th July – Bob’s Drum School, Rotherham 5th July – Matty Roberts Drum School, Denbigh 30th October – Drummer’s Odyssey Camp Claus Hessler: Instagram.com/claus.hessler send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E17
June 1 · 23 min
A Spotlight On... Going Outside Your Comfort Zone
This week’s episode is all about rollercoasters and retreats — and what happens when you step outside your comfort zone. From hosting a drum retreat in Barcelona to making bold, slightly scary life decisions and new ventures, we’re talking about what it really feels like to say yes to things that stretch you. The fear, the excitement, the doubt… and the unexpected confidence that comes from doing it anyway. If you’ve been sitting on something that feels a bit too big or too scary, this one’s for you. send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E16
May 25 · 35 min
Anna Mylee: Feel & philosophy
Anna Mylee describes how an injury gave her a unique focus for teaching technique, the way that she handles being in three bands, her journey back to her roots of prog rock, and how she navigates changing time signatures within music. With a background in philosophy, Anna has interesting thoughts on the effects of AI on the arts, which she shares with us here… Anna Mylee: Instagram.com/anna_mylee send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E15
May 18 · 59 min
Daring to Redefine Success with Matt Lacey
Today’s guest is drummer and educator Matt Lacey. After years climbing the corporate ladder and chasing targets, Matt made the brave decision to completely change direction and build a life around music. In this episode, we talk about perfectionism, self-doubt, mental health, his podcast and what it really means to redefine success — as well as the importance of empathy, growth, and supporting students through the challenges that come with learning and improving. Follow Matt here: https://www.instagram.com/matt_lacey_drummer/ Listen to the podcast "Count Us In" https://www.buzzsprout.com/2153837 send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E14
May 4 · 51 min
Pat Garvey: BIMM, beating burn out, and the rule of 3
Pat Garvey is the head of drums and percussion at BIMM in Brighton – we asked him about the advantages of studying drums in further education and what the admission numbers are like for female and transgender drummers, plus how BIMM is supportive and encourages those applicants. Pat spoke to us frankly and honestly about the added scrutiny that female drummers should be prepared for, and how so many of our choices will affect the way that we are viewed online and in music. Pat also talks about burn out, his rule of three, and how he values family life above everything else. Pat Garvey: Instagram.com/garvoid send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E13
April 27 · 39 min
A spotlight on... perfectionism
Do we have high standards or are we restricting ourselves by trying to do things perfectly? We ask ourselves where we draw the line and how we stop interruptive negative thoughts that interfere with growth and the creative process. Has it got easier as we’ve got older? Have we found ways to deal with it? Find out as we share our experiences and battles with the feeling that we need to do things perfectly! send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E12
April 20 · 59 min
Gavin Harrison: The perfect mix - perfectionism, stress & mindset
Gavin Harrison’s technical ability and musicality within bands such as Porcupine Tree, King Crimson and The Pinapple Thief have set him apart and gained him international respect as a drum clinician. But what happens when drum events make you feel isolated and stressed? Gavin tells us why he took a break from drum shows, how he was able to re-gain confidence, and what his ideal drum clinic situation would be… Plus, that time he sampled each cymbal he’d played in a performance and re-mixed every beat to create the perfect track of it afterwards! Gavin Harrison: Instagram.com/gavinharrison send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E12
April 13 · 40 min
A spotlight on…6 Years Later
Get the tissues ready! In this emotional episode, we take a trip back to our very first episode of Drummer Mamas. So much has changed… and yet, in many ways, so much hasn’t. We reflect on where we were 6 years ago, what was on our hearts then, and what’s still showing up for us now. It’s honest, nostalgic, and full of those “wow, we’ve come a long way” moments. Hope you enjoy listening. send us a message <3 Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums

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