How Casey Muze Thinks About Empowering Teams by Slowing Down and Tuning In
On today's episode of "How Leaders Think" Kenny Lange sits down with Casey Muze, a music behavior cognitive specialist and founder of Avenue Speak, for an inspiring conversation on the power of being present as a leader. In this insightful episode, they dive into how music therapy—especially drumming—can improve mental health, foster resilience, and create meaningful connection in both individual and organizational settings. Casey shares practical examples from his work with neurodivergent youth, people with dementia, and daycare students, revealing how leaders can harness the present moment to better understand, motivate, and support their teams. Plus, he offers actionable tips for leaders looking to slow down, tune in to their own needs, and develop more transparent, authentic relationships at work and home. Whether you’re navigating your first managerial role or leading a thriving organization, this episode is packed with strategies to help you become a more mindful, effective leader.
Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast:
Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast:
* Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807
* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=
* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KennyLange/podcasts
* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/
Casey Muze Resources:
Website: https://caseymuze.com/
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-muze-89a2a616a/?trk=public_post_follow-articles
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avenuespeak63/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseymuze/
Books Mentioned:
Holistic Mental Health: Calm, Clear, and In Control for the Rest of Your Life, Volume 2: https://amzn.to/4dhhxOv
#HowLeadersThink #MusicTherapy #MentalHealthMatters
- (00:00) - "Embrace the Present Moment"
- (04:15) - Turning Distraction Into Leadership
- (08:33) - Individualized Management Approach
- (11:37) - Slow Down for Focused Control
- (15:06) - "Breathing and Drumming Techniques"
- (18:21) - Bilateral Stimulation Benefits Everyone
- (21:01) - "When to Introduce Music Therapy?"
- (24:59) - Advice for Neurodivergent Leaders
- (28:06) - Understanding Neurodiverse Team Members
- (32:04) - Drumming as Therapy: A Personal Journey
- (34:50) - "Transparency vs. Honesty"
- (38:17) - Pocket-Sized Journals with Prompts
- (42:54) - Podcast Outro: Listener Appreciation
- (43:34) - "Engage & Empower Leadership Journey"
Creators and Guests

Host
Kenny Lange
Jesus follower, husband, bio-dad to 3, adopted-dad to 2, foster-dad to 18+. @SystemandSoul Certified Coach. Dir. Ops @NCCTylerTX. Go @ChelseaFC

Guest
Casey Muze
Casey is a skilled keynote speaker and authority in mental health and music therapy, dedicated to providing impactful services for daycare youth, neurodivergent individuals, and people with dementia. His innovative approach combines music therapy to enhance well-being and mental health, engaging audiences with his insights and tailored programs that inspire resilience and foster positive change.
