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Drummer Mamas

Ciara Chinniah and Gemma Hill

Drummer Mamas is a podcast aimed at bringing drumming mothers together. Ciara Chinniah and Gemma Hill have been friends since they met studying the drums at music college. Since then they have both had children and wanted to share their experiences in the drumming world whilst also juggling everything that comes with motherhood.

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20 episodes
Avg 43 min
English

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S4 · E25
July 27 · 23 min
A spotlight on...life lately
Send us Fan Mail 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 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
Send us Fan Mail 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 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
Send us Fan Mail 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/ 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
Send us Fan Mail 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 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!!
Send us Fan Mail 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? 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
Send us Fan Mail 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 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
Send us Fan Mail 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/ 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
Send us Fan Mail 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 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
Send us Fan Mail 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. 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
Send us Fan Mail 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 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
Send us Fan Mail 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 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
Send us Fan Mail 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 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
Send us Fan Mail 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! 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
Send us Fan Mail 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 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
Send us Fan Mail 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. Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E11
March 23 · 36 min
Dylan Redman: Red Cymbals, connections & kindness
Send us Fan Mail Trigger warning: we talk about the topic of suicide in this episode Dylan Redman is a drum teacher, counsellor, cheerleader of people, and good Samaritan all rolled into one as the CEO of the Red Cymbal company. Motivated by kindness, and with a strong desire to offer support for mental health, Dylan started Red just before the pandemic hit. Discover how he is able to combine many unique experiences and qualities with this cymbal brand, which he is taking all over the world and creating communities with. Dylan Redman & Red Cymbals: Instagram.com/redcymbals Instagram.com/drummerbloke Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E10
March 16 · 23 min
A Spotlight On...Image, Ageing & Showing Up Online
Send us Fan Mail Today we’re talking about image — how we present ourselves online, the pressure to look youthful, and the limiting beliefs many of us carry about beauty and ageing… and how all of that shapes the way we show up. Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E9
March 9 · 30 min
Jost Nickel: The Delayed Effect - encouraging girls to drum & Disko No.1
Send us Fan Mail We are honoured to be joined by Jost Nickel this week! Jost is one of the biggest names on the international scene and has a lot of interesting things to say on the topics of encouraging more female students to enrol at the Pop Academy in Mannheim, what he does and doesn’t prepare for with clinics, raising daughters with music, and so much more. We had several laughs about mis-pronouncing names, and Jost tested us with some German too. Catch him here before you see him on the Main Stage of the Europe Drum Show in April! Jost Nickel: Instagram: Instagram.com/jost_nickel Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E8
March 2 · 1 hr 14 min
Mark Mondesir: When you’re in a club no one wants to join, let music be your companion
Send us Fan Mail Today we’re talking to one of the worlds most respected drummers, Mark Mondesir. He’s played with icons like John McLaughlin, Jeff Beck, and Courtney Pine — but beyond the incredible musicianship, this conversation is about something deeper. From the Maguire program to his work with Maggie’s Cancer Charity, Mark shares how music has been his constant companion — guiding him through challenge, healing, and change. He opens up about life, loss, and what it feels like to be in a club no one ever wants to join. Mark finds endless inspiration in music, and we think his story will inspire you just as much. Follow Mark: https://www.facebook.com/MarkMondesirDrummer Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums
S4 · E7
February 23 · 38 min
Dane Campbell: a Motörhead childhood, a band with brothers, and the future
Send us Fan Mail Dane Campbell knows about family life within music: his father was often away touring as the guitarist with Motörhead when Dane was growing up. Dane and his brothers now tour in a band with their dad; has his childhood affected how he balances being a musician and parent himself? Dane takes us through family band dynamics, making changes to touring to suit his family, and taking lessons himself as a busy, gigging musician if he feels ‘stuck in a rut’. Dane Campbell: Instagram.com/dane_drums Follow us here: Instagram.com/drummermamas Instagram.com/Ciaradrums Instagram.com/gemmadrums Instagram.com/swiftiedrums

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