TTP #11a- Tourganic Shorts: Kalmia Traver on Transformation- Battling Cancer on the Road, Nutrition, Mindfulness Practice and her State of Awareness on Stage

This episode's guest is Kalmia Traver- singer, saxophone player, songwriter, band leader and completely inspiring individual Kalmia Traver from the bands Rubblebucket and Kalbells. We cover a lot of territory in this episode from her transformation as a sax player in the horn section to front woman of an successful touring band. Her battle with cancer and the amazing story of touring while undergoing treatment and what helped her get through that time to her current state of living cancer free. We talk about how that experience affected her diet and the discipline to maintain that level of nutrition on the road. We also get into how mindfulness and meditation was a crucial factor in her survival and ability to thrive in the face of adversity. Kalmia's story is an inspiration to all of us who face tough challenges in our lives and how to look those straight in the face and beat them back. Her ability to thrive in the toughest of moments is incredible.

In this conversation:

-Transformation from section sax player to frontwoman

-‘Cancer Tour’- How that reality shaped her growth as a performer and transcended to a mindfulness practice

-Inspiration sources- Tara Brach​ Podcast, Power of Now- Eckhart Tolle, Kelly Brogan Melding eastern and Western healing techniques

-Touring with Cancer and the affect on diet and nutrition. Whole foods, organic, No sugar, No meat, minimal grains/seeds must be sprouted, sour dough bread, goat milk but no dairy, greens and veggies, lots of fats, fermented foods

-Salad Backpack!! And touring with a Nutribullet

-Playing shows and performing while fighting cancer causes a shift in perspective and elevated the connection with fans

-Sowing the seeds of self love and working to eliminate insecurities

-"The best career is the one that combines your greatest strengths with fulfilling what the world needs the most"

-Breaking through exhaustion and physical ’barriers’ on tour

-Rising above our perceived capabilities

-The healing process of creativity and Kalmia's goal of not only healing herself but others through music

Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast in iTunes and visit www.tourganic.com for more info on this episode and living healthy on the road

Tourganic Podcast Theme song 'The Path' written by David Bailis and this episode's musical interludes by Kalbells