Music for the Soul Podcast

We often wonder about the reach a song or act can have and how God uses it for His Kingdom. What leads to those large movements where the Lord enters the lives of thousands? 

We are so blessed to have Christian Music Icon Bob Farrell as today's guest on The Music for the Soul Podcast. Bob shares his experience co-founding Farrell and Farrell during the height of The Jesus Movement, what lead to the movement creating such a lasting impact for the Kingdom of God, and how his music played into the sounds of the time while creating deep, meaningful lyrics that led people to Christ.

Bob also talks about traveling the world ministering to others, including traveling to Moscow just a year before the Berlin Wall fell. He explains the many names he has worked with in his over 40 year career, and what he believes is so important for Christian music in a day and age that can look more clouded than ever.

Who is Bob Farrell?

Bob Farrell is a Nashville-based musician-songwriter-producer with a career that has spanned 40 years; 25 years of that as Christian music duo Farrell & Farrell with his wife Jayne, recording 10 albums and touring all over the world, including in 1988 - a year before the Berlin Wall came down - performing 30 shows in Moscow and Leningrad by invitation of the Kremlin Peace Committee.

Bob has penned songs for Eric Clapton, Wynonna Judd, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Anne Murray and dozens of other artists, as well as several concept works, including !HERO The Rock Opera, Le Voyage for Sandi Patty, and two projects recorded with the London Symphony - one of which is Saviour, performed at Carnegie Hall Oct. 2014 and The Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. June, 2016.

Resources:

Learn more about Bob's work, hear his songs and more at his website: www.farrellandfarrell.net

Listen to the song featured in today's episode, These Things, at the link here: www.musicforthesoul.org/resources/these-things

We've spoken many times on this podcast about the positive impact music can have on individuals' lives. Whether they are struggling with trauma, abuse, mental illness or any other form of valley in their life, music is a tool that can help soften the heart, rejuvinate the mind, and perservere through life's hardships.

That is why we are so greatful to have legendary singer and songwriter, John Mandeville, to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast. John shares the story of what led him to writing music as a child and how he created a song that we have talked about a few times on this show, Free. He also talks about how he uses his montra, Living Forward, in both his songwriting and daily life.

As we begin to live forward, we begin to call upon God's wisdom, strength and empathy to help us take those next steps in our lives and work to influence what is right infront of us for the better. 

Who is John Mandeville?

John Mandeville is one of Christian music's most acclaimed songwriters, writing and producing hits for artists such as Avalon, 4HIM, Point of Grace, and Tammy Trent, among others. Prior to his 2009 solo hit “Glorify,” Mandeville was awarded six certified Gold Records, wrote multiple #1 songs, and was nominated for three Dove Awards for Song of the Year with “Jesus Will Still Be There,” which was included in CCM Magazine’s 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music.

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about John Mandeville, his upcoming projects and more at his website: www.johnmandeville.com

You can also reach out to John for coaching at the link here: mandeville.media

Listen to all of John's songs that he has worked on for Music for the Soul at the link here: www.musicforthesoul.org/product_musicians/john-mandeville/page/2/

On the Music for the Soul Podcast, we talk honestly about a variety of difficulty, life changing topics. So, where did Music for the Soul get its start? What lead to its creation of using music and song as a tool for hope and healing? What are the plans for the future as Music for the Soul navigates an everchanging, tumultuous world?

We are so excited about today's conversation with Founder of Music for the Soul, Steve Siler. Steve shares what called him to create Music for the Soul after pursuing a career in music. He talks about how he immediately saw impact in people's lives as they listened to the songs he wrote and performed, and how they could be used as a powerful tool for restoration. Steve also shares some of the stories that have impacted him the most while working for Music for the Soul and then discusses the future projects they are working on to continue to help more and more people.

Who is Steve Siler?

Steve Siler is an award winning songwriter, video producer, and music producer. He is also a speaker, author, and founder and director of Music for the Soul. Through his work through Music for the Soul he has been called “The father of the healing Christian music movement.” As a songwriter Siler has had over 500 of his songs recorded in the Christian, pop, & country markets.

Nominated for multiple Dove Awards, Siler won Inspirational Song of the Year with I Will Follow Christ. Circle of Friends and Not Too Far From Here are the best known of his nine #1 Contemporary Christian songs and forty-five top ten singles.

As a speaker Siler has appeared at the The National Center on Sexual Exploitation Summit, the National Right to Life Convention, and The American Association of Christian Counselors among many others.

Siler is the author of three books; The Praise & Worship Devotional, Music for the Soul, Healing for the Heart: Lessons from a Life in Song, and Twenty Three: Reflections Inspired by Psalm 23.

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about everything Music for the Soul works towards, listen to our entire catalog and more at www.musicforthesoul.org

You can get in touch with Steve through his email: steve@musicforthesoul.org

You can also donate directly to Music for the Soul by clicking the link here: www.musicforthesoul.org/donate/

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast! If you haven't already, please leave us a five star rating and review wherever you get this podcast. We are so grateful to bring you this powerful story and many more like it in the future.

Mother's Day is a day of celebration for moms and grandmothers throughout the world, thanking them for all they did to help raise us into the people we are today. However, Mother's Day can also be a time of hardship and grief for mothers or grandmothers that have experienced loss in their family. Whether it is a the pain of a stillbirth, losing a child throughout their life, or being disconnected from their children after they grow up, there can be a lot of grieving on Mother's Day.

That is why we are so blessed to have songwriters and mothers Bev Herrema and Marcy Each on this week's episode. Bev and Marcy share how they developed passions for songwriting and how they used it to collaborate in the song Another Mother's Day. Another Mother's Day was written as a song to help mothers and grandmothers walk through their grief on mother's day. 

Who are Bev Herrema and Marcy Each?

Bev Herrema is a professional songwriter and musician who enjoys using her skills to serve her community and the church at large. She lives in Littleton, Colorado, but often writes for Dave Clark at Sunday Best Music Publishing out of Nashville, Tennessee, as well as other diverse opportunities. She has had songs recorded in a variety of genres, and especially enjoys the challenge of assignment writing. Bev won the Iowa Young Composer award while still in college, and also won IMMERSE Song of the Year in 2009 (Nashville). 

Marcy Each is singer/songwriter and worship leader from Cedar Rapids, IA. She is a GMA Immerse singer/songwriter of the year winner and a multi-Dove award nominated artist/writer.  Marcy is excited to serve in her local church and also has the privilege of writing with a community called, People and Songs.  Marcy is married to Jake, a lead pastor at Veritas Church, and they have three kids.

Resources:

Our listeners can get in touch with Bev and Marcy on their facebook pages at the links here: https://www.facebook.com/bevherrema/ & https://www.facebook.com/marcyeachmusic/

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast! If you haven't already, please leave us a five star rating and review wherever you get this podcast. We are so grateful to bring you this powerful story and many more like it in the future.

Dancing is such a beautiful medium to express the serenity and grace of music. There is a connection to our spirit and to our Heavenly Father that compels us to move when we hear a joyous hymn or upbeat melody. However, in today's culture, many young adults and even children are being raised on a form of dancing that is often vulgar and hypersexualize.

That is why we are so grateful to have as our guest, dance educator Mary Bawden. Mary discusses how dance is an incredible tool for expressing worship, and why it is so important to preserve "Healthy Dance." She also explains how dance today is becoming more and more sexualized, what parents can do to fight against that exploitation in dance and how to know they are creating healthy relationships with dance in their children's lives.

Who is Mary Bawden?

Mary Bawden (MA ‘06) is deeply passionate about dance, not just as a hobby or performing art, but as an expression of worship through “prayer in motion.”  Her lifelong calling to praise through dance led Mary to found a non-profit organization called Soul to Sole Choreography in 1994. The mission of Soul to Sole is to “use planned movement as an expression of worship (praise, beauty, teaching, celebration, and/or prayer) to glorify God during church services and ministry situations with a specific choreography concept and song/text that communicates a biblical, conceptual message.”

Mary’s organization also addresses the overwhelming issue of the sexualization of children in dance. Such exploitation compelled Bawden to compile materials that raise awareness and combat this offensive abuse of the art of dance, which she released under the banner of DA:NCE (Dance Awareness: No Child Exploited). In 2016, Bawden spoke at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) Conference in Houston Texas on this topic and continues to advocate for a medium free of exploitation.

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Mary's organization, DA:NCE, access resources and much more on her website: www.danceawareness.com

Get in touch with Mary through her email: Mary@danceawareness.com

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast! If you haven't already, please leave us a five star rating and review wherever you get this podcast. We are so grateful to bring you this powerful story and many more like it in the future.

A mother's pain after losing a child is often unfathomable and difficult to put into words for others to understand. Whether it is experiencing a stillbirth or a death after the child is born, mothers are left feeling like their child was called back to God before they could even say hello.

On today's episode, we are so blessed today to sit down and talk with our very own Becky Nordquist. Becky shares her story of walking through the tragedy of multiple pregnancy losses and the stillbirth of her son, Niklas. Through this time of unspeakable difficulty, Becky talks about how she channelled her emotions into songwriting and singing. Having had a passion for music from a young age, it was through these moments of song and music that she found healing.

Through working with ministries like Music for the Soul, Becky found the path that God was calling her to be on, and how she could see the beauty and majesty of God in the ashes of life. Becky then talks directly to women who are facing similar tragedies of childloss and what they can do to find hope and healing in their lives as well.

Who is Becky Nordquist?

Becky is a West Michigan based Speaker, author, worship leader, songwriter, and recording artist. Her message full of hope in Christ, she offers both topical sessions and Bible study lessons. A blend of pop, gospel and folk sound, she offers an eclectic feel to worship and Christian Contemporary music. 

Her mission is to bring the mercy, grace, and love of God to those who are broken, wandering and wondering where God is in the midst of their suffering, as well as, lead His people into deep, honest and "All In" devotion.

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Becky, her songs and her book on her website: www.beckynordquist.com

You can also hear all of the songs Becky has worked on with Music for the Soul at the link here: www.musicforthesoul.org/product_musicians/becky-nordquist/

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast! If you haven't already, please leave us a five star rating and review wherever you get this podcast. We are so grateful to bring you this powerful story and many more like it in the future.

Songwriting for the church is a vital component to creating worship songs that help us feel the love and praise we offer God during our services. So what goes into creating songs that are rooted in God's word and emotionally impactful?

We are so blessed to have Dove Award winning professional songwriter, Krissy Nordhoff, as our guest on this episode of The Music for the Soul Podcast. Krissy shares her story of how she fell in love with songwriting from a young age and how that developed into passion for both writing and performing her songs in churches across the country.

Krissy also shares her journeys through hardships she faced throughout her life, and how prayer and talking with God walked her through those valleys. From there, Krissy felt called to begin leading others in the art of writing worship, as she now works to train the next generation of worship songwriters.

Who is Krissy Nordhoff?

Krissy Nordhoff is a Grammy® nominated (FAMOUS FOR(I BELIEVE)) and Dove Award® winning (YOUR GREAT NAME) professional songwriter and author.

Realizing that her dreams were shifting away from travel and performing as she and her husband, Eric, welcomed young children, Krissy began to focus on songwriting. She poured her own tears and triumphs into songs birthed out of an ever-deepening relationship with God through each season of life. Along the way, she garnered three Dove Award nominations for her efforts and won a Dove Award for Worship Song of the Year for the beloved anthem “Your Great Name,” inspired by her own health battle and God’s healing. She was most recently nominated for a Grammy® Award for her song “Famous For (I Believe). Her songs have been recorded by a variety of artists including Natalie Grant, Tauren Wells, Jenn Johnson (Bethel Music), Mandisa, Darlene Zschech, David and Nicole Binion, Travis Cottrell, Prestonwood Worship, Corey Voss, Dustin Smith, Phillips, Craig & Dean, and many others.

She recently penned a book, Writing Worship: How To Craft Heartfelt Songs for the Church, that offers spiritual and practical insights for aspiring songwriters and worship teams that want to write original songs for their church congregations. Krissy, Eric, and their three children live in the suburbs of Nashville, TN.

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Krissy's writing worship training, access other free resources for songwriting, and more on her website: www.krissynordhoff.com

You can also purchase her new book, Writing Worship: How To Craft Heartfelt Songs for the Church, here: www.amazon.com/Writing-Worship-Craft-Heartfelt-Church-ebook/dp/B07WR1VV2G

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast! If you haven't already, please leave us a five star rating and review wherever you get this podcast. We are so grateful to bring you this powerful story and many more like it in the future.

Instrumentals are the foundation of creating an emotionally powerful song. Different instruments combining certain chords, tempos and melodies can transport the listener to different locations, with each person experiencing the same song differently.

That's why we are so excited to have Professional Studio Musician, Mark Baldwin, on today's episode. Mark shares his story of becoming a guitarist, discovering his passion for music and playing several songs for Music for the Soul.

He also explains why he believes intrumental music can be so transformational in peoples' lives and the importance it can have in giving people an outlet to express their emotions. Finally Mark shares tips from his 30+ years of experience on how aspiring artists can get their start in becoming a studio musician.

Who is Mark Baldwin?

Mark Baldwin is a Dove Award Nominated studio musician and producer, solidly established in the ever-changing Nashville music scene. His credits include recordings and/or performances with Stevie Wonder, Ce Ce Winnans, Whitney Houston, James Ingram, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Kirk Franklin, FFH, Yolanda Adams, Take Six, Twila Paris, Charlie Peacock, Point of Grace, Steven Curtis Chapman, Four Him, First Call, Steve Green, Carman, and Wayne Watson.

He’s also recorded regularly with CNN-TBS. In February, 2002, Mark was asked to be part of Michael Omartian’s band, playing with numerous Christian artists for a special televised Gospel Music Association Concert at the White House for President and Mrs. Bush.

For many years, Mark has also played guitar, along with 15 other high-caliber studio players, in Nashville’s premier high-energy R & B / Funk band, “The Smoking Section,” playing the songs of Earth, Wind, & Fire; Tower of Power; Rufus & Chaka Khan; Al Jarreau; and all the funky greats.

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Mark's story, hear his new album, Restoration, and sign up for his Worship Music Seminar at his website by clicking the link here: www.markbaldwinguitar.com

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast! If you haven't already, please leave us a five star rating and review wherever you get this podcast. We are so grateful to bring you this powerful story and many more like it in the future.

Having a child be diagnosed with an autoimmune condition is a devistating life event for any parent. It can be hard to know where to turn, what information is the most important to learn about the disease, and above all, how to help your child feel like a regular kid. 

We are so blessed to have Chiquita Wright on today's episode of The Music For The Soul Podcast. Chiquita shares her story of having her daughter, Chanell Wright, diagnosed with sickle cell disease and how she unfortunately passed at the age of 7. She explains what the symptoms of the disease are, why it is such a significant disease, and what parents can do to find help for their child.

She also talks about how she walked through the pain of losing her daughter and how it lead to her working with Steve to write the song "Save a Child."

Who is Chiquita Wright?

Chiquita Wright is the CEO and Founder of The Chanell Wright "Save A Child" Foundation.  Chiquita has 20 years of financial/banking experience. She has worked for a Fortune 500 company for 14 years & received a certification in Non-Profit Management from Rollins College. She has been married to Tony Wright for 16 years and they have a daughter Cherrish Wright.

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Chiquita's work, resources for those diagnosed with sickle cell disease and donate to the Chanell Wright Foundation at the link here: https://www.chanellwrightfoundation.org/

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast! If you haven't already, please leave us a five star rating and review wherever you get this podcast. We are so grateful to bring you this powerful story and many more like it in the future.

When caring for a parent who is living with a condition like Alzheimer's can be one of the hardest events in a person's life. It is something that takes a toll both on the parent suffering from the disease and the caregiver who wants to ensure they can give their parent the best care possible. So how does someone do this? What is it like to "return the favor" to our parents?

We are extremely blessed to have Award Winning Songwriter and Musician, Dwight Liles, on today's episode. Dwight shares his passion from music and how he has written dozens of songs throughout his career that have touched countless lives. Dwight also talks about writing the song Returning the Favor, and how it was based on his own experience taking care of his mother.

Dwight has such an incredible gifting in music and a passion to share it with others, along with the knowledge and empathy of using songs like Returning the Favor to give caregivers inspiration and encouragement as they walk these difficult paths. 

Who is Dwight Liles?

Dwight Liles is an ordained minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and lives in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee, with his wife, Denise. He has had several hundred Christian songs recorded in a career spanning thirty years. Perhaps the Dove Award winning songwriter's best-known work is "We Are An Offering," a standard at churches the world over. Proficient on piano and guitar, Dwight's diverse catalog includes southern gospel, rock, rhythm and blues, pop, and country hits, including nineteen #1 songs.

Resources:

Our listeners can hear the catalogue of songs Dwight has worked on with Music for the Soul at the link here: www.musicforthesoul.org/product_musicians/dwight-liles

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast! If you haven't already, please leave us a five star rating and review wherever you get this podcast. We are so grateful to bring you this powerful story and many more like it in the future.

We know that we live in a fallen world and that hardships are a part of our lives. Whether its a cancer diagnosis, abusive relationship, the loss of a child, or any other form of significant loss, it can be difficult for us to move past these events. Women, in particular, can face various traumas in their lives that leave them questioning what to do after riding a figurative rollercoaster. So how can women build themselves up in courage?

We are so blessed to have as our guest today, Kathleen Brooks. Kathleen is a Master Certified Christian and Professional Life Coach for Women Specializing in Courage Coaching. She talks about living through almost every hardship imaginable, from cancer, to losing a child, to her home burning down. However, she did not let these events control who she was called to be. 

Kathleen shares with us how she used these events to build her courage and how she has coaches women to build their courage after hardships by trusting in Christ.

Who is Kathleen Brooks?

Kathleen Brooks is a Master Certified Christian and Professional Life Coach and speaker who specializes in Courage and Leadership work. She works with women in the personal growth and development of their calling, utilizing their gifts and talents and the development of spiritual disciplines to deepen their personal walk with the Lord. 

In addition to being Certified as a Master Certified Christian and Profession Life Coach, Kathleen also has specialty certifications in the areas of Joy Restoration and Grief Coaching, and Stress Relief Coaching. She's also had the privilege of being on staff as a PCCCA Coach Trainer for their Joy Restoration and Grief coaching certification training. 

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Kathleen's speaking and couching, get resources, read her blog, and much more at her website: www.bycourage.com

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast! If you haven't already, please leave us a five star rating and review wherever you get this podcast. We are so grateful to bring you this powerful story and many more like it in the future.

Sex addiction is incredibly destructive, both on the person suffering the addiction and their spouses or partners. Many men struggle to even quantify that they have a problem when they go to see a therapist. So how do therapists get through to men struggling with sex addiction? What  role can music play in this kind of therapy?

We are so bless to have Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, Jim Cress, on today's episode to talk to us about this. Jim explains the impact music can have in the sessions and lives of sex addicts, and how music can break down the barriers men have built up over the course of their addiction.

Jim also shares how sex addiction can take many different forms in men and what the healing process looks like for men experiencing addiction and for their spouses.

Who is Jim Cress?

Jim is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, Certified Multiple Addictions Therapist, and a Certified Daring Way Facilitator with Dr. Brene’ Brown’s The Daring Way Organization. For three years, he studied with and was trained by Dr. Patrick Carnes, the founder of the sex addiction field. Jim specializes in counseling those struggling with sex addiction, partners of sex addicts, marital counseling, trauma, abuse, and experiential group therapy.

Jim is in private practice in Matthews, NC, and is a group leader for Onsite Workshops near Nashville, TN. He led sexual addiction workshops for Bethesda Workshops in Nashville for six years. Jim is also a national conference speaker with The American Association of Christian Counselors.  He leads regular weekly men’s therapy groups, and speaks at churches in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Jim Cress' work and get in contact with him at his website: www.jimcress.com

Check out Jim Cress' Instagram: @jimcress

You can also check out Jim's Podcast, Therapy and Theology, at the link here: www.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/therapy-and-theology/id1641587501

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast! If you haven't already, please leave us a five star rating and review wherever you get this podcast. We are so grateful to bring you this powerful story and many more like it in the future.

When it comes to things like anxiety, depression and other forms of mental illness, studies all say the same thing: the numbers are going up. It can be difficult to feel hopeful for the future when each day, new issues pop up in both our personal lives and the world we live in. So how can we begin to find hope in these moments? Where does hope start?

We are thrilled to have Dr. Gregory Jantz, best selling author and founder of The Center, A Place of HOPE, as our guest on today's episode. Dr. Jantz talks about his 38 years of experience working with individuals suffering from mental illness, and what people can do to begin to feel hopeful again. He also explains the important of in person connections, the benefits of having a trusted group of 5 people in your life, and why social media isn't a great tool for keeping our social batteries charged.

Who is Dr. Gregory Jantz?

Gregory Jantz , Ph.D., is a state-certified chemical dependency counselor, a licensed mental health counselor, and a nationally certified eating disorder specialist. He is an internationally recognized expert on a wide range of afflictions including anxiety, depression, abuse, and addiction, and a go-to media source expert on these topics who’s been interviewed by major outlets like CNN, FOX, ABC, CBS, and many more.

Dr. Jantz is the founder of The Center, A Place of HOPE which is regarded as one of the nation’s top 10 best facilities for the treatment of depression. He is the best-selling author of nearly 40 books including Five Keys to Raising Boys, Don’t Call It Love, and Healing Depression for Life. 

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Dr. Gregory Jantz and The Center, A Place of HOPE by visiting: www.aplaceofhope.com

You can also check out Dr. Jantz's Podcast, Overcoming Anxiety with Dr. Gregory Jantz, by visiting the link here: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overcoming-anxiety-with-dr-gregory-jantz

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast! If you haven't already, please leave us a five star rating and review wherever you get this podcast. We are so grateful to bring you this powerful story and many more like it in the future.

When it comes to walking through the chaos of grief, the journey is always a difficult one. This is especially true of suicide grief, when we lose a family member or friend to suicide. That is why we are so blessed to have Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, Sue Foster, on today's episode.

Sue shares her own story of suicide grief and what her life looked like as she walked through that grief. She also shares how suicide grief impacted her faith, and how she found support groups and resources that helped her process that grief.

Sue walks our listeners through the signs we can be looking for in someone who might be debating taking their own life, what to do in the immediate aftermath of a suicide, handling emotions like guilt or shame in the aftermath, and how to create a deep, faith-based support system to help you through this journey.

Who is Sue Foster?

Sue Foster is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist with over 20 years’ experience working with clients on a variety of issues including: Relationships, anxiety and depression, women’s issues, abuse, stress and burnout, setting boundaries, and grief and loss.

Sue's years of counseling experience have included working with several people who have lost loved ones to suicide. Anyone who has dealt with a suicide knows this is a loss that can be more traumatic than other types of losses and the healing process is longer and more complicated.

In addition to counseling survivors, Sue has co-authored a book for survivors from a faith-based perspective, Finding Your Way After the Suicide of Someone you Love. She now also leads support groups for survivors and has spoken at conferences and workshops on suicide.

Resources:

Our listeners can purchase Sue's book, Finding Your Way After the Suicide of Someone you Love, at the Amazon link here: www.amazon.com/Finding-Your-after-Suicide-Someone/

You can also contact Sue's office directly at 303-484-1948

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast! If you haven't already, please leave us a five star rating and review wherever you get this podcast. We are so grateful to bring you this powerful story and many more like it in the future.

Film and music are two genres that go hand in hand when it comes to creating stories that can transform the lives of others. That's why we are so excited to have on today's episode, a master of both film directing and music producing, Rick Altizer. 

Rick shares his journey of growing up listening to music, and how music quite literally became "his life". From there, he explains how this lead him to become a song writer and recording artist, which eventually lead to him also becoming a film director. 

From there, Rick discusses one of his most impactful films, Show Me The Father, a film that offers different perspectives on the roles of fathers, including our Heavenly Father. He shows how he was able to connect with so many people from different walks of life and create a film that is helping so many in a time where our culture is desperate for a father.

Who is Rick Altizer?

"Renaissance Man," Rick Altizer, is an award winning film director, recording artist, music producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and radio show host.

Rick is the director of "The Kendrick Brothers' – SHOW ME THE FATHER." The film was in almost 1,100 theaters and received an A+ CinemaScore rating (only 1 or 2 movies per year achieve such a rating). Rick is also the director of "Russ Taff: I Still Believe." The film has 9 awards from film festivals. Rick has also directed 3 award winning documentaries for Chonda Pierce. "Unashamed" (#2 movie in America), "Enough" (#2 movie in America) and "Laughing in the Dark" (#5 movie in America).

A twice Dove nominated music producer, he has sold over one million albums. He has produced such artists as Johnny Cash, Vince Gill, Marty Stuart and Russ Taff. As a recording artist, he recorded seven studio albums with three top 10 singles. He currently lives in Nashville TN. He is married to his wife, Jan, and has two sons, David and Matthew, daughter-in-law, Laura and grandsons, Ryan and Caleb.

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Rick's films, albums and contact Rick by visiting his website: www.rickaltizer.com

You can also listen to The Rick Altizer Show wherever you get your podcasts or at the link here: www.rickaltizer.com/radioshow

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast! If you haven't already, please leave us a five star rating and review wherever you get this podcast. We are so grateful to bring you this powerful story and many more like it in the future.

When we hear terms like sex addiction, our minds often will go to a person addicted to one night stands or pornography because they are addicted to the concept of sex. However, sex addiction runs much deeper than just the physical act. So what does recovery look like for a person struggling with that addiction? What about the victims they often abuse and manipulate to fulfill their addiction?

We are so grateful for our guest on today's episode is Marnie Ferree, licensed marriage family therapist and executive director of Bethesda Workshops. She shares her own story of sex addiction after growing up in an abusive home, and how she overcame that addiction and used her experience to help others through Bethesda Workshops.

Who is Marnie Ferree?

Marnie C. Ferree is the founder of Bethesda Workshops and has a national reputation as a leader in the field of sexual addiction. She has an active role in every workshop.

In 1997, Marnie established a workshop program for female sex addicts that was the first of its kind, and today draws participants from across the United States and Canada. That program expanded in 2001 to include workshops for male sex addicts, partners, and couples, and it was renamed Bethesda Workshops. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a certified sex addiction therapist (CSAT).

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Marnie's workshops for sex addiction, her own story, and more by visiting her website: www.bethesdaworkshops.org

You can also find all of her books at the Amazon link here: www.amazon.com/stores/Marnie-C.-Ferree/

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast! If you haven't already, please leave us a five star rating and review wherever you get this podcast. We are so grateful to bring you this powerful story and many more like it in the future.

Feeling weak is something that makes us feel inadequate. We become frustrated with areas of weakness in our lives, whether they be physical, mental or even spiritual. That's why today's guest has such a powerful message on how to find God's Strength in our own weaknesses. We are so excited to have award winning songwriter, singer, musician and producer, David Baroni, for this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast.

David shares his exposure to singing and songwriting at a young age, the places his career took him, and most importantly, what music has meant to him and his faith throughout his career. He explains that through his diagnosis with Parkinson's Disease, songs that he has sang for years have taken on a whole new meaning.

Rather than living his life waiting for the storms of life to pass, David shares how he has found true peace in his weakness through God's strength, love, and empathy.

Who is David Baroni?

David is an internationally known Grammy award winning songwriter, singer, musician, producer, arranger, conference speaker, recording artist, and worship leader. David has been a songwriter with Integrity Music and is the president of KingdomSongs Inc. His “A Quiet Place: Instrumental Hymns” is a top seller on iTunes and Amazon with millions of Spotify and Youtube plays.

His songs have been recorded by Michael W. Smith, Ron Kenoly, Alvin Slaughter, Kent Henry, Don Moen, Selah, Morris Chapman, Phil Driscoll, Debby Boone, The Imperials, Morris Chapman, Natalie Grant, and many others. Perhaps best known for his thoughtful, well-crafted lyrics and prophetic, intuitive keyboard playing, David combines a childlike exuberance for Christ with the maturity of a seasoned minister of the Gospel. David served on the faculty of the International Worship Institute for 15 years.

He and Rita also have 3 grown daughters and 7 beautiful grandchildren!

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about David's music, books, blog and more by visiting his website: www.davidbaroni.com

You can also get in touch with David through the link here: www.davidbaroni.com/contact

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast! If you haven't already, please leave us a five star rating and review wherever you get this podcast. We are so grateful to bring you this powerful story and many more like it in the future.

What goes into composing a breathtaking song? How do conductors bring music to life as they lead an orchestra through the notes? Composing and conducting music is an art form that can touch countless lives. That is why we are so excited to have as our guest today artist, composer, and conductor, Phillip Keveren.

Phillip explains how he finds his vision when he is tasked to write a song and what goes into creating an emotional and memorable composition. He also talks about how his relationship with God plays into the art of music, as the inspiration of God's strength and love can flow into the notes and lyrics of a song.

Phillip masterfully walks us through how music is writen to serve the greatest purpose possible. If you have been curious about how to begin composing music or just what goes into a song that really impacted your life, this is a must-listen episode!

Who is Phillip Keveren?

A multi-talented keyboard artist and composer, Phillip Keveren displays a tremendous versatility in both his original works and concert performances. He composes in a variety of genres, and is widely acclaimed for his piano publications.

Mr. Keveren is a prolific arranger, orchestrator and producer. His work is featured in numerous instrumental recordings, church choral, educational piano and Christian artist releases (Steve Green, Travis Cottrell, Larnelle Harris, Sandi Patty, Mandisa, Jeremy Camp, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir). Phillip is co-author, major composer and orchestrator of the internationally acclaimed Hal Leonard Student Piano Library, a complete method of study for young students. His unique piano arrangements are also featured in The Phillip Keveren Series (Hal Leonard Publishing).

Mr. Keveren holds a Bachelor of Music in Composition from California State University, Northridge, and a Master of Music in Composition from the University of Southern California. He and his wife Lisa live in Franklin, Tennessee and are parents of two grown children, Lindsay and Sean.

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Phillip's music, Masterclass videos and more by visiting his website: www.phillipkeveren.com

You can also get in touch with Phillip through his email: phillipkeveren@comcast.net

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast! If you haven't already, please leave us a five star rating and review wherever you get this podcast. We are so grateful to bring you this powerful story and many more like it in the future.

When tragedy strikes our lives, whether it's loss of life, financial hardship, or divorce, we are left with two options. We can either perpetually wallow in grief and self pity, or allow God to use that event to achieve victory over the enemy. However, in times of grief we often need someone else to offer us help. A compassionate caregiver.

Our guest on today's show is Author Carmen Leal. Carmen shares her own stories of tragedy in her life, the current problems of caregiving in the church, and steps we can take to create compassionate caregivers. She breaks down steps to not only becoming a compassionate caregiver ourselves, but how to guide people around us to help when we are struggling with grief.

Carmen also shares her experience with getting a rescue dog. Despite being very hesitant at first to adopt, she went on to bring Coconut into her life. She explains how this transformed her life for the better and led her to write I Chose You, Imperfectly Perfect Rescue Dogs and Their Humans.

Who is Carmen Leal?

Carmen Leal is a storyteller and the author of multiple books, articles, devotionals, and human-interest stories. Carmen relocated from Hawaii to Oshkosh, yes, there is a story behind the move, and has become an awesome dog mom. Carmen and her husband have become reluctant gardeners and know a crazy amount about Wisconsin weeds. She is the mother of two sons, two incredible grandsons, and Coconut, the best imperfectly perfect rescue dog in the world.

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Carmen's books, hear testimonials and donate to her ministry at www.wagawaypublishing.com

You can also get in touch with Carmen at the email info@wagawaypublishing.com

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast! If you haven't already, please leave us a five star rating and review wherever you get this podcast. We are so grateful to bring you this powerful story and many more like it in the future.

When trauma impacts our lives, our soul feels like it is shattered. One wound that cuts particularly deep is with women who have been abused, misused or simply cast aside in a relationship. That is why we are so excited to have Michael Cusick as our guest today, as he explains how to restore a broken soul.

Michael shares the story of how he wrote The Apology, a letter of apology to women around the world who had been wounded in relationships with men. He talks about working with Steve to turn The Apology into a song and how music "can get past our watchful dragons" so that we may find peace and healing through God's grace. 

Michael then talks about how sharing our brokenness with others leads to understanding and connections with them. Often times we can begin to think "there is no one worse than me" and by speaking to others about our brokeness and asking for help, we can find restoration for our lives and our soul.

Who is Michael Cusick?

Michael is a Licensed Professional Counselor, spiritual director, speaker, and author of two books including Surfing for God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle and Somebody's Daughter: An Experiential Guide. Having experienced the restoring touch of God in a deeply broken life and marriage, Michael’s passion is to connect life’s broken realities with the reality of the gospel.

In addition to leading Restoring the Soul and equipping Christian organizations around the world, Michael formerly served as an adjunct professor at Denver Seminary and full-time professor at Colorado Christian University. He holds an MA in Biblical Counseling from Colorado Christian University and an MA from the College of Education at the University of Denver. Michael lives with his wife Julianne in Littleton, Colorado where he enjoys the Rocky Mountains and a host of other outdoor activities with friends and family.

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Michael's blog, resources and so much more by visiting his website: www.michaeljohncusick.com

You can also listen to Michael's Podcast, Restoring the Soul Podcast, and access additional resources by visiting: www.restoringthesoul.com

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast! If you haven't already, please leave us a five star rating and review wherever you get this podcast. We are so grateful to bring you this powerful story and many more like it in the future.