The Dr. Ward Bond Show

EP 417: Executive Producer Mary Lou Falcone Discusses Lewy Body Dementia Film Documentary & Film Documentary FACING THE WIND

Ladies and gentlemen, with honesty, tenderness and, yes, sometimes humor, the film Facing the Wind invites viewers into the lives of people with Lewy body dementia and their caregivers…real people in real time.  FACING THE WIND, a sixty-minute documentary film, reveals how a mutual support community can be an antidote to despair, letting people know they are not alone.  You will follow their journey, laughing and crying with them, while taking an unflinching look at dementia care with its overwhelming and isolating aspects. The struggle is real, but so is the love.

Ladies and gentlemen, Lewy body dementia is not a rare disease. It affects more than 1.4 million people in America. It is the second most common form of dementia, but it still being misdiagnosed.

Alzheimer’s disease is the gradual decline of memory as Lewy body dementia is the roller coaster ride with ups and downs. One moment the patient can be fully present and lucid and the next be completely lost or deal with hallucinations from mild to severe.

There is no cure, but this very powerful film documentary is not for those suffering with Lewy body dementia, but for the people who care for them. Many spouses and family members are thrust into being a caregiver and navigating the vast ocean of the unknown.

FACING THE WIND is a starting place for caregivers and to know that it’s ok to not be ok. Head over to LewyBodyResourceCenter.org for more information. If your loved one was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, you are not alone and there are resources right now that can help you.

Mary Lou Falcone, author of the book, “I Didn’t See It Coming: Scenes of Love, Loss and Lewy Body Dementia”. Mary Lou Falcone, author of I DIDN’T SEE IT COMING: Scenes of Love, Loss, and Lewy Body Dementia, is internationally known as a classical music publicist/strategist who for 50 years has helped guide the careers of celebrated artists – Van Cliburn, Gustavo Dudamel, Renée Fleming, Sir Georg Solti, James Taylor – and advised many institutions including Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic. 

Combining communication skills with her background as a performer and educator, she now adds another layer: advocate for Lewy body dementia (LBD) awareness. 

Her late husband, the illustrator/painter Nicky Zann who died from LBD in 2020, was the catalyst for her book.  She is also an Executive Producer of a new documentary film about LBD entitled Facing the Wind, a love story about people with Lewy body dementia, the spouses who care for them, and the remarkable community where they find sustenance and support.

#lewybodydementia #lewybody #dementia #alzheimersdisease #alzheimers #parkinsonsdisease #brainhealth #medicine #filmdocumentary #documentary #health #wellness #caregiving #caregivers 

EP 416: Making of FACING THE WIND: Lewy Body Dementia Film Documentary

Ladies and gentlemen, with honesty, tenderness and, yes, sometimes humor, the film Facing the Wind invites viewers into the lives of people with Lewy body dementia and their caregivers…real people in real time.  FACING THE WIND, a sixty-minute documentary film, reveals how a mutual support community can be an antidote to despair, letting people know they are not alone.  You will follow their journey, laughing and crying with them, while taking an unflinching look at dementia care with its overwhelming and isolating aspects. The struggle is real, but so is the love.

Lewy body dementia is not a rare disease. It affects more than 1.4 million people in America. It is the second most common form of dementia, but it still being misdiagnosed.

Alzheimer’s disease is the gradual decline of memory as Lewy body dementia is the roller coaster ride with ups and downs. One moment the patient can be fully present and lucid and the next be completely lost or deal with hallucinations from mild to severe.

There is no cure, but this very powerful film documentary is not for those suffering with Lewy body dementia, but for the people who care for them. Many spouses and family members are thrust into being a caregiver and navigating the vast ocean of the unknown.

FACING THE WIND is a starting place for caregivers and to know that it’s ok to not be ok. Head over to LewyBodyResourceCenter.org for more information. If your loved one was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, you are not alone and there are resources right now that can help you.

Facing the Wind is the latest collaboration of award-winning director Deedra Fishel and producer Tony Heriza. Their groundbreaking film Care, funded by the Ford and MacArthur Foundations, shed light on America’s broken eldercare system. Deerdra and Tony both have family members with dementia and share deep empathy for those with the disease and their caregivers.

Deerdra Fishel has been writing and directing documentaries and dramas for 25 years now. Her life's goal is to create complex, realistic portraits that challenge mainstream stereotypes and work to improve lives. She started her career at WNYC-TV where she produced a half-hour program on women community organizers working to save the South Bronx. She went on to write/direct RISK, a dramatic feature, which premiered in competition at Sundance and was broadcast in 35 countries.

Tony Heriza’s award-winning films and videos have addressed a broad range of social issues, including gentrification, immigration, racism, gender equity, sexuality, criminal justice, and peace-building. His New Day film, Care, produced with Deerdra Fishel, is an intimate exploration of home-based elder care from the POV of both workers and their clients.

#lewybodydementia #lewybody #dementia #alzheimersdisease #alzheimers #parkinsonsdisease #film #filmdocumentary #documentary #mentalhealth #memory #brainhealth #medicine #wellness

EP 415: Founder Norma Loeb of the Lewy Body Resource Center Discusses Lewy Body Dementia and How They Can Help You

My guest today is the founder and executive director of the Lewy body Resource Center.

Norma’s knowledge and experience with Lewy body dementia began with the personal care of her mother, Lillian, who had LBD for many years.

Norma has been facilitating the only New York Metro area LBD caregivers support groups since 2008.  She also leads a national group for people living with LBD which has been lauded. 

She served on the board of directors of the Lewy Body Dementia Association for three years before launching the LBD Resource Center in 2016 to provide much needed support and resources on more personal and connective levels.

Norma worked as executive assistant to the CFO at The New York Times Company for over 20 years. While there, she served as chairperson of the work/life committee of The New York Times’ women’s affinity group and initiated and ran their eldercare support group.

Her expertise working with the top executives at The Times, as well as her managerial experience as executive director and a co-founder of What BETTER Looks Like, a nonprofit organization which partners with communities to help individuals imagine, articulate, and create visions for a better world, has prepared her to lead the LBD Resource Center which is very dear to her heart.

Ladies and gentlemen, Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second most common form of progressive dementia, affecting more than 1.4 million Americans. Because LBD comes with a host of physical, cognitive and behavioral symptoms, it often mimics Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or a psychiatric disorder.

As a result, it is widely misdiagnosed. Even as diagnoses increase, resources for people with LBD and their families still remain extremely limited. Citing this lack of resources and assistance, the Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center was founded to provide much needed services and support for people with LBD and their loved ones.

Go to LewybodyResourceCenter.org or LDBNY.org for more information.

#lewybodydementia #lewybody #dementia #brainhealth #mentalhealth #resourcecenter #facingthewind #LBD #misdiagnosis #Alzheimers #AlzheimersDisease #ParkinsonsDisease #medicine #wellness #psychiatricdisorders 

EP 414: VAN ZANT goes from Southern Rock to Standing on the Rock with new Christian album ALWAYS LOOK UP!

My guests today are southern rock icons Van Zant who have reunited and returned to the studio for what will be their first new album in nearly two decades. The new album ALWAYS LOOK UP will also mark the duo’s first foray into Christian music, while holding firm to their southern rock roots.

The Van Zant musical dynasty built its foundation firmly on family. Donnie Van Zant co-founded .38 Special and brother Johnny Van Zant is the current lead vocalist for Lynyrd Skynyrd after the passing of their brother Ronnie Van Zant, who fronted and co-founded the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rock band.

But throughout their four decades of climbing the southern rock and country charts together and separately, faith has stayed just as important of a factor in the equation, so much so that the guys decided to finally share their inspirational side with the upcoming new album.

So from southern rock to standing on the rock, let’s welcome southern rock royalty Donnie and Johnny Van Zant of VAN ZANT and their new album ALWAYS LOOK UP to the show!

#southernrock #christianmusic #christianalbum #christianrock #gospelmusic #newmusic #newrelease #newalbum #lynyrdskynyrd #38special #ronnievanzant #johnnyvanzant #donnievanzant #music 

EP 413: Jazz Great Michael Wolff talks his new album MEMOIR and more!

Michael Wolff, a renowned jazz pianist, composer and bandleader known for his virtuoso performances and innovative style. After leaving music school early to join the Latin-jazz great Cal Yader’s band in the early ’70s, he spent the next two decades gigging and recording extensively. Michael can be heard on over 21 recordings with a veritable hall of fame ranging from Cannonball Adderley, Sonny Rollins, Nancy Wilson (he was her musical director), Sheila E, Christian McBride, Tony Williams, and more.

He has performed with and conducted over 25 symphony orchestras worldwide and also had a five-year tenure as the musical director of the high energy house band on Arsenio Hall’s groundbreaking late-night talk show. This journey led to him accompanying saxophonist and Presidential candidate Bill Clinton in 1992.

His newest album, MEMOIR is a stunning collection of 11 tracks, a mixture of moods, beautifully and elegantly played with his frequent trio partners, stellar musicians Alan Mednard, and Ben Allison.

His newest album release is especially noteworthy because it is miraculous he is alive after a brutal battle with a misdiagnosed form of cancer that had him at death's door. But he’s back making incredible music!

#jazzmusic #jazz #jazzmusician #jazzpiano #piano #cancersurvivor #memoir #newalbum #newmusic #newrelease #neworleans #chicago #newyork #losangeles #arsenohall 

EP 412: Country Recording Artist Trey Calloway talks about his new album WANTED MAN

The North Carolina-grown and Nashville-based, Trey Calloway grew up singing in church and was a seasoned performer by the age of ten. Although southern and contemporary gospel were his first musical loves, Trey instantly fell in love with country music and quickly developed a deep understanding and passion for the rocking, boot-stomping music of Clint Black, Alan Jackson, and Travis Tritt.

Trey has opened shows for Tracy Lawrence, McBride & The Ride, Pat Green, and Trent Tomlinson to name a few.

And since mid-2023, Trey has won Songwriter of the Year at the Texas Country Music Awards, had a music video featured on CMT.

Currently nominated for the 2024 Texas Country Music Association Christian Songwriter of the Year for “Backroad Believer.”

His new album Wanted Man is out now and a wanted man he is.

#counrymusic #wantedman #countryrecordingartist #nashville #northcarolina #newmusic #newalbum #newrelease #texas #musicawards

EP 411: Oak Ridge Boy William Lee Golden and Danni Stefanetti discuss their New Single, I've Got My Heart On You

Oak Ridge Boy William Lee Golden debuts as a songwriter with “I’ve Got My Heart On You,” a heartfelt duet featuring rising star Danni Stefanetti. Inspired by his son Solomon’s words during his touring days, this song blends Golden’s legendary status with Stefanetti’s fresh talent.

William Lee Golden, the Country and Gospel Hall of Famer with 5 Grammys, brings decades of experience to his first self-penned track.

Danni Stefanetti, an award-winning artist, adds her virtuoso guitar skills and contemporary flair. This collaboration offers a poignant tribute to family bonds. With Golden’s rich baritone and Stefanetti’s emotive vocals, “I’ve Got My Heart On You” promises to resonate with longtime fans and new listeners alike, showcasing the timeless power of country music to connect generations.

#countrymusic #countrymusicradio #countryradio #newsingle #newrelease #newsong #australia #guitar

EP 410 - Former Lead Singer of Butcher Babies Carla Harvey Talks Innovative Death Care Parting Stone

My guest today is Carla Harvey. She is not your average death care professional. Alongside her background in embalming and funeral directing she is an internationally acclaimed front woman in Heavy Metal, bringing a unique blend of expertise and passion to the world of death care.

After earning her Associate of Science in Mortuary Science and her Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Management, Carla embarked on a journey to redefine the way we approach death and grief. Recognizing the need for creative and non-traditional support, she became certified as a Grief Coach and a Bereavement Specialist.

In her 17 years of navigating the death industry, Carla has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of embracing mortality and facilitating grief.

Driven by her own experiences in both the funeral home and on stage, in 2016 Carla founded Good Grief, a bereavement center tailored to the unique needs of rockers and alternative communities worldwide. Through Good Grief, she provides a safe space for individuals to explore their grief, mental health in a supportive and understanding environment.

Carla Harvey is more than just a death care professional – she's a force for change in an industry that is ripe for evolution. Carla’s current role is Partner Success Manager for innovative death care company Parting Stone.

#partingstone #carlaharvey #butcherbabies #deathcare #deathcareprofessional #griefcounselor #funeralservice #funeralhome #cremation #greenburial #traditionalburial #casket #heavymetal #deathmetal #rockmusic 

EP 409 - Singer/Songwriter Pete Muller's Discusses New Album 'More Time' a collection of Rock and Soul that Moves You

After releasing a pair of early albums, he got married, and became a father, and while he eventually returned to the business he’d founded, he remained as dedicated as ever to his craft. In 2014, he recorded his third album, Two Truths and a Lie, which introduced him to Avatar Studios (a New York landmark previously known as The Power Station, where icons like Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, David Bowie and Bob Dylan had recorded).

Upon learning the studio was under threat of being sold, Pete Muller decided to use his resources in partnership with the City of New York and the Berklee College of Music to save, renovate, and re-launch the space as a world-class recording and educational facility. He would go on to record his next two albums—2019’s Dissolve and 2022’s Spaces—there, launching a whole new chapter of his career that would find him sharing bills with artists like Joan Osborne, Jimmy Webb, Livingston Tayler, and Paul Thorn in addition to landing festival slots everywhere from Telluride to Montreux. 

His newest album More Time, Pete Muller has harnessed this passion and infused it into his most striking and bold set of songs to date and the focus of our discussion today.

Ladies and gentlemen, Pete Muller’s newest album More Time was recorded in Memphis with producer/engineer

Matt Ross-Spang, the collaboration with Muller is apparent across the entire record. Together they crafted a collection of a looser, grittier slice of rock and soul without sacrificing the open-hearted, expansive nature of Pete’s songwriting. No less prominent is the all-star band assembled for the sessions, including celebrated bassist Dave Smith (Al Green, Wilson Pickett), famed Texas guitarist Will Sexton (Joe Ely, Roky Erickson), Memphis organist Rick Steff (Lucero, Cat Power), longtime Wilco drummer Ken Coomer, and a host of local legend horn players and background vocalists.

Pete Muller’s album More Time is exactly what it gives the listener. More time to enjoy the authentic vocals and sounds that come from real musicians bringing sheet music to life.

His collections of songs has something for everyone. If you rock, soul, blues, jazz, easy listening, then your ears will be filled with joy and put a smile on your face.

You find his new album More Time on Spotify so check it out.

#petemuller #morganstanley #powerstationstudio #rockandsoul #rockmusic #easylistening #brucespringsteen #paulsimon #davidbowie #duranduran #bobdylan #newalbum #newmusic #interview #talkshow 

EP 408 - Buck Johnson of Aerosmith Debuts New Solo Album: Tongue & Groove and it ROCKS!

Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer Buck Johnson. He is the keyboardist and backing vocalist for the legendary rock band Aerosmith, The Hollywood Vampires and The Joe Perry Project. He currently on tour with Ringo Starr.

As a versatile entertainer, Buck’s artistry encompasses American rock and roll with a unique soulful flare that comes from his gospel roots creating a sound and style of his own.

Buck releases his highly anticipated album Tongue and Groove. The album is a rock and roll experience with the soulful depth of a seasoned storyteller. Packed with blistering guitar riffs, haunting melodies, and lyrics that cut to the bone, Tongue and Groove is a fearless tribute to resilience, drawing its strength from the timeless concept of the “tongue and groove” woodworking joint—a symbol of enduring connection and strength against life's fiercest storms.

Ladies and gentlemen, Tongue and Groove is a collection of songs Buck had co-written with lifelong collaborators such as Charlie Midnight (James Brown, Joe Cocker, Joni Mitchell), and was self-produced by Buck.

The album showcases the roots-rock voice of Buck (“the tongue”) with his classic rock production (“the groove”).

Buck enlisted talented musicians and friends on the album, including guitarists Damon Johnson (Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alice Cooper, Brother Cane), Peter Stroud (Sheryl Crow), Rob McNelley (Bob Seger), drummer Nick Buda (Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney), and bassist Ted Pecchio (Susan Tedeschi).

His new album, Tongue and Groove drops September 20th so be sure to get a copy. Head over to BuckJohnson.com for the new album and all his tour dates.

#buckjohnson #aerosmith #soloalbum #tongueandgroove #newmusic #ringostarr #rockmusic #popmusic #powerballad #toto #thebeatles #beatles #steventyler #joeperry #hollywoodvampires

EP 407: Comedian Jeff Allen: ARE WE THERE YET? His Comedy, His Life from Overcoming Substance Abuse to Finding Faith

My guest today is Jeff Allen who has been a working comedian for five decades, and his work has been featured on America’s Got Talent, Dry Bar Comedy, HBO, Comedy Central, and even on TBN and CBN.

He can be heard regularly on SiriusXM’s comedy channels, as well as Pandora and Spotify. His videos have surpassed 400 million views on Facebook, YouTube and other digital media. Many of you may have seen him perform at some of the Gaither’s Praise Gatherings too.

With his new book and his tour ARE WE THERE YET?, Jeff Allen drives home the humor of everyday family life, the ups and downs of marriage, the challenge of raising children, the bliss of the empty nest, and the joys of being a grandparent.

Ladies and gentlemen, for years, one of the funniest men in America was crying on the inside, Jeff Allen was a comedian with the lead role in a tragedy.

Jeff fell into substance abuse at an early age, and his problems didn’t magically go away when he got married. In fact, with the arrival of two children, they intensified. The sense that his life was meaningless made his family life as dark and biting as his comedy.

But in his darkest moment, an unlikely encounter with the gloomiest book of the Bible set him on the path to salvation. The line of Ecclesiastes, “Meaningless, meaningless, all in life is meaningless” - resonated with him.

So he kept reading, and soon found that Jesus wasn’t a religion, but He was Savior who loved him right where he was at. And many times that’s at the bottom so the only direction you can look is up.

If you have struggled to find meaning in your life, this book is for you.

With his trademark humor and unflinching honesty, Jeff will point you to the only One who can answer the question, “Are we there yet?”

So I end with one of the most famous prayers ever written.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

#comedy #faith #inspiration #newbook #comedytour #substanceabuse #marriage #lifelessons #humor #comedian 

EP 406: Nashville Recording Country Artist Whey Jennings Talks New Album: Jekyll & Hyde

My guest today is Nashville recording artist and country singer/songwriter Whey Jennings.

His newest full length album Jekyll & Hyde shows all sides of Whey Jennings. There’s upbeat rockers like “10 Day Run” and “Hotter in Texas”. While “Sleeves” and “One Folded” will make you think and possibly even cry and he brings light to some heartfelt topics.

Let’s welcome the man who is redefining outlaw country on his own terms, Nashville recording artist and country singer/songwriter Whey Jennings! #nashville #countryartist #countrymusic #jekyllandhyde #music #newsongs #newalbum #recordingartist #nashvillesongwriter

EP 405: Nashville Recording Country Soul Artist Brei Carter continues to take Country Music by Storm!

Hold onto your hats ladies and gentlemen, because Nashville country soul recording artist Brei Carter is back today and is set to electrify your ears with her new upcoming 7-song EP, A Brei Of Fresh Air, due out in October across all major digital music streaming platforms.

Dive into the irresistible groove of one of my favorite tracks, "Sun Still Shining,” where the feel-good, infectious countrypolitan vibe will remind you that no matter the storm, your sun never stops shining.

Then, get ready to strut your stuff to the bold and daring anthem "Cake And Eat It Too”, a track that screams liberation and pure, unfiltered sass that was inspired by her spirited Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Sisters and women around the world.

Let’s welcome back, Nashville country soul recording artist Brei Carter and her new upcoming EP to the show!

#breicarter #countrymusic #countrysoul #soulmusic #beyonce #taylorswift #music #newmusic #newrelease #countryradio #whiskeyjam

EP 404: Eduard Shyfrin Discusses His New Music - Some of the Most Powerful Melodic Blues You will Ever Hear

Eduard Shyfrin, who was classically trained on piano before becoming an award-winning mathematician, physicist, and businessman.

But Eduard’s passion for music never left him, and his musicianship and profound life experience have now led to his debut album, Shyfrin Alliance. This intoxicating mix of rock, blues and romantic balladry brims with messages of unconditional love and anti-war – and the effortlessly rich voice of this singular talent.

"Whiskey Blues" is a modern blues-rock classic featuring a thrilling blend of Hammond organ, gospel-blues chorus, blues guitar licks, and Eduard's distinctive bass voice. His style is reminiscent of blues legends such as Muddy Waters and Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the song has already garnered positive reviews from music critics.

#eduardshyfrin #shyfrinalliance #bluesmusic #classicallytrained #pianist #rockmusic #ballads #unconditionallove #bluesrock #muddywaters #stevierayvaughan #music 

EP 403: Legendary Songwriter/Music Producer David Malloy discusses His First Solo Album MIRROR, Eddie Rabbitt & more

The legendary songwriter and producer David Malloy. He was recently inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and credited with creating the cross-over influenced sound of country music that designed the genre in the 80s and 90s. He has 41 #1 hit songs and multiple Grammy nominations.

David Malloy has produced artists like Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Reba McEntire, Rosanne Cash, and more. In the latest chapter of his life, David releases Mirror, a musical autobiography collection of 14 self-penned songs reflecting on his life's highs and lows.

Co-produced with Paul Childers, the album delves into life lessons of joy, pain, and loss, with "Mason's Wallet." Inspired by Luke Bryan's documentary, David found the closure needed to write about his son Mason, resulting in a raw and emotional journey through grief and healing. 

With the release of Mirror in 2024, listeners are invited to connect soul-to-soul with the exceptional man behind the music.

#songwriter #musicproducer #eddierabbitt #mirror #newalbum #popmusic #rockmusic #countrymusic #dollyparton #reba #lukebryan #kennyrogers #songwritershalloffame #music #mixing 

EP 402: National Recording Artist Ashley Wineland talks New Single CRANK IT UP, Motorcycles and Upcoming Album

National recording artist Ashley Wineland. She is the epitome of country music and brings a breath of fresh air with her electrifying single, CRANK IT UP written by Steven McEwan, Marti Frederiksen, and Carrie Underwood. 

Ashley emerged on the scene as a powerhouse, garnering audiences with her storytelling lyrics that cut to the core of the country music genre’s essence, reflecting her passion and lifestyle of riding horses and dirt bikes.

Throughout her journey, Ashley has used her platform to become not only a respected musician, but a voice for change in the industry. Realizing that her music could raise awareness for causes close to her heart, including supporting veterans and animal rights.

Let’s welcome the next superstar in country music, the young lady who knows how to crank it up, Ashley Wineland to the show!

#countrymusic #recordingartist #motorcycles #newsingle #newalbum #countryradio #countryrock #southernrock #music 

EP 401: Sound of Hope: The True Story of Possum Trot with Writer/Producer Rebekah Weigel

Writer/producer Rebekah Weigel began her career in the field of psychology, which informed her eventual work in the entertainment industry.

With a strong sense of story, strategy, and ability to rally, she writes and produces with her husband, Joshua, bringing powerful and spiritually significant stories to the screen.

Her work includes the critically acclaimed short film, The Butterfly Circus, which became a viral phenomenon, impacting countless lives around the world and winning over 35 film festival awards, including the esteemed Clint Eastwood Filmmaker Award, presented by Clint Eastwood at the Carmel Film Festival.

Rebekah is also a foster/adoptive parent, and has become a fierce advocate for the reversal of the foster crisis in America. This work led to her to co-write, SOUND OF HOPE: The True Story of Possum Trot. An independent feature film aimed at ending the foster crisis.

#possumtrot #soundofhope #angelstudios #rebekahweigel #writer #producer #film #cinema #fostercare #fosterkids #adoption #filmmaker #filmmaking #lovestory #clinteastwood

EP: 400 - Grammy Winner Renee Fleming New Book - Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness

Grammy Winner Renee Fleming has been called the most beautiful soprano voice in the world. 

She is one of the most highly acclaimed singers of our time. Honored with five Grammy awards and the US National Medal of Arts. In 2014 she became the first classical artist ever to sing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl.

And in 2023, Renee Fleming became a Kennedy Center Honoree along with Sir Barry Gibb, Billy Crystal, and Dionne Warwick to name a few.

In recent years, Renée has become a leading advocate for research at the intersection of arts, health, and neuroscience. As Artistic Advisor to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, she launched the first ongoing collaboration between America’s national cultural center and the National Institutes of Health.

In the new book, Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness, she curates a collection of essays from leading scientists, artists, and healthcare providers about the powerful impacts of music and the arts on our health and the human experience.

#soprano #grammys #grammywinner #opera #musicandmind #healthandwellness #alzheimers #multiplesclerosis #parkinsons #painrelief #musictherapy #lewybodydementia #kennedycenterhonors #NIH #healthcare #science #scientists #artists 

EP 399: Jake Thompson discusses How to a Better Leader with LEAD BETTER NOW (Very Informative)

Jake Thompson, Leadership Performance Coach, Keynote Speaker, Published Author, and who has been featured in Forbes Magazine & directly impacted over 80,000 people to date. 

His programs help ambitious leaders boost their performance and create better personal and professional skills to help teams gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. His new book Lead Better Now: A Practical Guide to Increase Your Influence As a Leader is a must read book to help all of us to understand leadership and give us the tools to gain insight, confidence and courage to go from follower to leader or employee to boss.

Ladies and gentlemen, one of the biggest challenges in today is the promotion of talented individuals to leadership positions without the proper training to succeed in this new role. 60% of new managers fail within the first 24 months of their promotion.

Jake Thompson’s book, Lead Better NOW, A Practical Guide to Increase Your Influence as a Leader.   Discover practical insights and strategies you can implement today to reshape your leadership experience and start driving the positive change you want to see in your team, department, and organization.

And if you an employee, but you want to move up the ladder, take the step of faith and start acting like a leader with the help of Jake Thompson’s book, LEAD BETTER NOW, A Practical Guide to Increase You Influence as a Leader.

#leadbetternow #leadership #careertips #careerhelp #leading #leadershipgoals #leadershiptips #careerstrategies #strategy #influence #influencer #careergoals

EP: 398 - TG Sheppard and Kelly Lang talk their New Album CHEMISTRY!

TG Sheppard and his wife Kelly Lang talk about their new duet album, Chemistry. 

TG Sheppard has always had a steadfast dedication to entertainment, and has made him one of the most popular live performers in country music for the last 40 years.

With 21 #1 hit songs, his live concerts are packed full of his chart-topping tunes like “Last Cheater’s Waltz,” “I Loved ‘Em Every One,” “Party Time” and “Do You Wanna Go To Heaven.”

Kelly Lang is a singer/songwriter and grew up in country music. As a songwriter, Kelly has a stellar career with her songs being recorded by artists such as Ricky Skaggs, Lorrie Morgan, The Oak Ridge Boys, Crystal Gayle, George Jones, Jerry Lee Lewis, and her husband TG Sheppard, just to name a few.

Let’s welcome one of the most popular guests on my show and what I call a superstar country music couple that knows how to make the world go around, TG Sheppard and Kelly Lang!

#countrymusic #duets #TGSheppard #KellyLang #Chemistry #music #countrymusicradio #countryradio #popmusic #lovesongs

EP: 397 - McBride and the Ride are BACK! They're on Sacred Ground and Burning Up the Road with Amarillo Sky!

After 35 years, McBride & the Ride is still one of the most beloved country music groups.

Their first three albums — Burnin' Up the Road, the gold-certified Sacred Ground, and Hurry Sundown, released in 1991, 1992, and 1993 are still full of timeless country music.

These albums also produced several hits on the Billboard country charts, including the Top 5 hits

Sacred Ground, Going Out of My Mind, Just One Night, and Love on the Loose, Heart on the Run.

Terry McBride has had quite a fruitful career, writing major hits for Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Cody Johnson and others. He toured with Brooks & Dunn through most of their biggest years playing bass and writing songs.

Ray Herndon has been Lyle Lovett’s lead guitarist since 1985 and has had songs cut by Kenny Chesney, Lee Greenwood, Linda Davis and more.

Billy Thomas moved to Nashville from Los Angeles in 1987 and immediately started working with Vince Gill along with many other country stars (Emmylou Harris, Patty Loveless, Steve Wariner & Earl Scruggs). He’s been Vince’s drummer on the road and in the studio ever since, adding background vocals to his many hits.

But I’m very excited and I’m trying to keep from Going Out of My Mind, so let’s welcome the smoothest harmonies in country and celebrating their 35th anniversary, the one and the only McBride and the Ride to the show!

#mcbrideandtheride #sacredground #amarillo #countrymusic #countrymusicradio #countryradio #newmusic #newalbum #newrelease #music #guitar #bassguitar #drums #musictrio

EP: 396 - Blackout to Blessing: The Perfect Love of Jesus Saved Me from the Highway to Hell with Melissa Huray

Melissa Huray has dedicated the last two decades to helping people with addictions find freedom.

Radically delivered by the Lord Jesus 20 years ago, she is a masters level addiction counselor with degrees in communications and exercise physiology. Her many writings have appeared in local magazines, Steve Bannon’s War Room forum, and in Charisma Media publications. She is also the executive director for the Lindell Recovery Network.

Prior to entering the field of addiction recovery, Melissa was an on-air radio personality and Emmy award winning news reporter and anchor.

But at the time, she was a television news reporter by day, blackout drunk by night – no one suspected that capable and competent Melissa Huray needed alcohol to survive. In spite of her public persona, the squeaky clean girl from small-town Minnesota spent years carousing seedy bars – shockingly drunk with no hope of remembering anything the next day.

With surprising candor and raw emotion, her new book, Blackout to Blessing – How the Perfect Love of Jesus Saved Me From the Highway to Hell invites the reader into Melissa’s journey through childhood dysfunction, the fleeting relief of alcohol and empty relationships, and the dreadful daily grind familiar to the functional addict.

#alcoholism #addiction #addictionawareness #counseling #faith #jesus #inspiration #motivational #melissahuray #highwaytohell #blackout 

EP 395: - World Renown Eye Surgeon Dr. Ming Wang Talks the new movie SIGHT & His Medical Advancements

My guest today is Dr. Ming Wang, who attended both Harvard Medical School and MIT. Today he is a world-class eye surgeon, celebrated phil-an-thro-pist, and community activist.

He is the founding director of the internationally known Wang Vision Institute in Nashville, TN, which provides free-of-charge sight restoration surgeries for patients who otherwise would never have the opportunity to receive them.

To date, Dr. Wang has performed more than 55,000 eye procedures in over 55 countries worldwide. He is also the co-founder of the Common Ground Network based in Nashville, TN.

We are here to talk about the new movie, SIGHT, starring Greg Kinnear and Terry Chen, follows the inspiring true story of Ming Wang, an impoverished Chinese prodigy who flees Communist China to become a pioneering eye surgeon in America. When tasked with restoring the sight of an orphan who was blinded by her step mother, he must confront the trauma of living through the violent uprising in his youth, the Cultural Revolution.

#eyesurgeon #drmingwang #thesightmovie #sightmovie #eyecare #visioncare #cataracts #eyesight #film #movie #cinema #wangvisioninstitute #amnioticcontactlens #health #wellness

EP 394: - Art Director Rick Caballo Talks about His Multi-Faceted Approach to Branding a Client

Rick Caballo, a true Renaissance man, excelling in various creative fields including music, art, photography, design and fashion. His diverse skill set and boundless creativity make him a sought-after figure in the industry.

Rick’s musical journey has taken him across the world and beyond his musical talent, he is a talented visual artist renowned for his rock star portraits, such as Steven Tyler, Keith Richards, Willie Nelson and Bono.

Design USA Magazine awarded Rick with two awards when he was named one of 2018’s People to Watch and earned the magazine’s award for the best brand identity-logo that he created for Steven Tyler’s solo brand, Loving Mary.

In 2015, Rick and his partner Melissa Core launched Dead Horse Branding, a comprehensive creative management company. Combining Rick's artistic direction with Melissa's marketing prowess, Dead Horse Branding offers a range of services, from graphic design to brand management.

Rick's art direction played a pivotal role in the creation of the award-winning coffee table book, "Elvis: Strait to Jesus," for legendary music producer Tony Brown. His involvement in documenting the history of modern country music showcases his ability to transcend traditional boundaries and create impactful projects.

#branding #brandawareness #brandstrategy #brandambassador #photography #artdesign #artdirector #visualarts #publicrelations #music #steventyler #aerosmith #marketing #marketingstrategy 

EP 393: - Grand Ole Opry Member T. Graham Brown talks New Album 'Memphis to Muscle Shoals'

Some have called him an R&B version of George Jones, while others have called him a Country Otis Redding.

Whichever description you feel fits him best, there is no doubting that fact that when you hear the music of T. Graham Brown, you are hearing something that is very special.

With over 15 studio albums under his belt, T. Graham Brown has charted more than 35 singles on Billboard, Cash Box and Gospel charts since 1986. You know his hit songs, “I Tell It Like It Used to Be,” “Hell and High Water,” “Wine Into Water,” and “Darlene.”

He also hosts LIVE WIRE with T. Graham Brown, airing monthly on SiriusXM Prime Country Channel 58.

He has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry stage over 300 times and just recently he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by Vince Gill.

He has a new album From Memphis to Muscle Shoals debuting in August, a series of duets with some of the biggest names in music, Dwight Yoakam, Sam Moore, Sammy Hagar, Tanya Tucker, Wyonna and Zach Williams to name a few.

#countrymusic #countrymusicradio #countryradio #memphis #muscleshoals #memphistomuscleshoals #newalbum #duets #newmusic #newrelease #tgrahambrown

EP 392: - Famed Music Critic Joel Selvin: Drums & Demons: The Tragic Journey of Jim Gordon

Author Joel Selvin, a San Francisco Chronicle pop music critic for thirty-six years, is author of more than twenty books about pop music, including the definitive account of the Rolling Stones free concert at Altamont and the biography of songwriter Bert Berns that paved his way into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as well as the No. 1 New York Times best-seller, Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock with Sammy Hagar.

Ladies and gentlemen, the subject of Joel Selvin’s latest book was raised in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles and got his start as a professional drummer touring with the Everly Brothers in the mid-1960s.

Jim Gordon’s penchant for creative and astonishingly accurate musicianship earned him regular session work, joining the community retroactively referred to as The Wrecking Crew.

His supernatural intuition and perfect sense of time can be heard on more than 30 Top 10 singles including several #1 hits, such as the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations,” Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” and “I Got You Babe” by Sonny & Cher (he also supplied the literal beat for “The Beat Goes On” by the latter).

He has been immortalized on albums by George Harrison, John Lennon and the Byrds, among dozens of other household name music acts.

Gordon was notably the drummer for Derek and the Dominos and provided the piano coda for their evergreen anthem “Layla.”

Joel Selvin details how Gordon didn’t merely keep time, but he was also instrumental in shaping compositions; whether it was his Latin-influenced rhythms on “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” by Steely Dan or his monumental drum break on the Incredible Bongo Band’s “Apache” (a staple of hip-hop from the genre’s inception, having been sampled on over 750 other records), he wasn’t just a player on hits, he made them hits.

If you love music history, then Drums & Demons: The Tragic Journey of Jim Gordon is a must read. Joel Selvin’s power of the pen makes live every page of Jim Gordon’s life and you learn in the midst of brilliant musicianship, the darkness of mental health issues like paranoid schizophrenia. 

#mentalhealth #mentalillness #schizophrenia #drummer #rockmusic #popmusic #ericclapton #georgeharrison #lindaronstadt #carlysimon #sonnyandcher #cher #beachboys #jamesbrown #jacksonbrowne #boneshowe #mikepost #musicrecording #popmusic 

EP 391: - Famed Photographer David Alexander Talks his Iconic Album/Movie Covers and HIs New Book 'Pictures of Time'

In his commercial photography career, David photographed The Eagles’ Hotel California album cover, the Blues Brothers’ album covers and movie poster, and The Terminator movie poster.

Some of the artists for whom he photographed album covers are Aretha Franklin, Linda Rondstadt, James Taylor, James Brown, Bonnie Raitt, Ringo Starr, Tina Turner, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Doobie Brothers, The Steve Miller Band, and The Allman Brothers. How’s that for a star-studded line up?

He also photographed movie posters for Bill Murray’s Stripes, Richard Pryor Live on Sunset Strip, 9 To 5 with Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton, Fletch, and others.

David has a new book of photographs called Pictures of Time. This beautiful book looks at the connections, commonalities, similarities, and reflections of people, nature, and the living things around us, which is a major part of our discussion today.

#photography #photographer #photographytips #photograph #albumcovers #movieposters #cinema #rockmusic #popmusic #camera #nikon #canon #newbook #rodstewart #jamestaylor #theeagles #hotelcalifornia #tompetty #stevemillerband #theterminator #robinwilliams #richardpryor #chevychase #dollyparton #rockmusic #popmusic #lynyrdskynyrd #streetsurvivor 

EP 390: - Iconic Entertainer Tony Orlando talks Beginning, Hit Songs, Variety Show, Freddie Prinze and more!

The legendary entertainer Tony Orlando. He has achieved fifteen Top 40 hits, two Platinum albums, three Gold albums, and millions of copies sold. He won two American Music Awards and a People’s Choice Award for Best Male Entertainer.

He is best known for his Five #1 hit records: “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Ole Oak Tree,” “Knock Three Times,” “Candida,” “My Sweet Gypsy Rose” and “He Don’t Love You (Like I Love You).”

“Tie A Yellow Ribbon” was the #1 Billboard Song of the Year for 1973 and went on to become the theme song for Tony Orlando and an anthem for hope, reunion, and renewal in America.

He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to commemorate his outstanding achievements in the entertainment industry. And outstanding they are!

Tony is finishing up on his Farewell Tour and to the delight of his countless fans, Tony will continue hosting his beloved hit radio program Saturday Nights with Tony Orlando on 77 WABC Music Radio, which airs in New York, and surrounding states.

We discuss his time with Clive Davis, the creation of Dawn, the hit songs, his friendship with Freddie Prinze, the phenomenon of 'Tie a Yellow Ribbon Around the Old Oak Tree' and more!  

#entertainment #entertainer #entertainmentnews #celebritynews #celebrity #tonyorlando #freddieprinze #robinwilliams #clivedavis #hitsongs #hitsong #USO #bobhope #thetonightshow #varietyshow #tvshow 

EP 389: - HOW DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND PROMOTION TODAY? Special Guest CEO/Brand Management Expert Melissa Core

CEO and co-founder of Dead Horse Branding, Melissa Core. She heads an award-winning PR and Marketing firm in Nashville, Tennessee.

As legendary music producer Tony Brown would call her, "The Velvet Glove", a strong punch delivered softly.

Melissa Core Caballo is anything but ordinary. Her passion is branding, but she has an extremely broad knowledge of every niche of the industry. She is a female entrepreneur who doesn’t take "no" for an answer.

As a CEO and former model for large brands herself such as Harley Davidson, Victoria's Secret, Toyota, to name a few, her unique skill set ensures client success, strong sales delivery, and unforgettable branding.

Melissa's passion for entrepreneurship mixed with her branding expertise led her to launch Dead Horse Branding in 2013. In under 5 years, she took a startup company making $0 to a multi-million dollar company.

Through Dead Horse Branding, Melissa is responsible for managing all of the brand’s requirements, from the initial strategic plan, through to all of the project's needs and implemented services.

In 2020, Dead Horse Branding made the TOP 10 best Marketing and Publicity firms in Nashville, TN, adding another addition to their strong coat of armor.

#publicrelations #pragnecy #branding #brandmanager #brandmanagement #career #publicist #publicists #brand #brandambassador #brandingexpert #corporateidentity #rockbands #recordingartists #cinema #film #productplacement #DH7 

EP 388: - Jayne Denham Hits You Like White Lightning!

Top recording artist Jayne Denham is THE dominant female force in the country rock music scene, has released her album Moonshine.

Her new album hits you like blinding white lightning as Jayne has partnered with Franklin County Distillery, located in the mountains of Virginia, known as the “Moonshine Capital of the World,” to release her own line of two different-flavored moonshines, Ridge Runner Pear and Orchard Peach, to accompany the album.

The 10-track album features Grammy award-winning and Grammy-nominated producers Brian White and Brian Bunn, along with hits written by Miranda Lambert, Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark, Jon Randall, and many others.

Leading up to the album, Jayne has had various number-one hits, including her album title track, “Moonshine,” featuring Colt Ford. The boot-stomping cross-country collaboration infused Jayne’s country rock roots, captivating audiences worldwide with placements on CMT USA and CMT Official Top 30 in Australia. 

#countrymusic #countryrock #southernrock #music #recordingartist #countrymusicradio #countryradio #CMT #Australia #ACDC #moonshine #coltford