Memories With A Beat: Recent Episodes
Tiffany Mason
Music can bring up a memory in seconds! Join me as I interview people to understand how the lyrics to a song make them feel and remember. I'm sure some of your own memories will be sparked! Let's learn about other's memories with a beat!
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Jeff Zona reflects on the song that launched his Nashville journey—When I Call Your Name by Vince Gill. After answering a newspaper ad, he landed a spot in the band Denim Blue, and this was the first song they told him he’d be singing. With renewed attention on Vince Gill, Jeff revisited this emotional deep cut, and the nostalgia hit hard—bringing back memories of his early performances, his growth as a vocalist, and the moment his music career truly began.
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Janis Joplin didn’t just sing a song—she shouted a truth. And for Erica Saccoccio, "Piece of My Heart" was the raw, fearless soundtrack to her wild, love-filled, unconventional childhood.
Raised by a motorcycle-riding, leather-wearing single mom in the 1970s, Erica (Little Indian) and her sister (Little Terror) belted this iconic anthem in the living room and biker hangouts. These days, she's cranking the same song in her convertible, singing like she did back then. In this episode, Erica shares how the unapologetic energy of Joplin—and her own mother's fierce independence—shaped her confidence, resilience, and bold spirit.
Listen now to laugh, remember, and feel empowered by the music that still moves us.
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Despite being a successful music publisher today, Greig Watts’ career almost never happened due to early discouragement. He recalls a pivotal school report where a teacher claimed he was "not interested" in music, leading him to abandon his studies for a "proper" career in business and banking. For years, he felt the pressure to move away from his creative passions, a struggle he now shares in his book, Keeping the Dream Alive, to inspire other artists to persevere through rejection and ignore the critics who doubt their potential.
The trajectory of Greig’s life shifted at age 14 when a supportive teacher, Mr. Bland, allowed him to use the school’s recording studio to cover "Strawberry Fields Forever." This six-week project became a transformative experience where Greig discovered he could sing and fell in love with the production process. He credits this specific act of mentorship and his fascination with The Beatles' innovative recording techniques as the "catalyst" that eventually drew him back to the music industry full-time, proving that one person’s belief can change a student’s entire future.
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Who loves Christmas Music? Nicole loves Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas because she experienced a similar move as the little girl in this movie. She comforted herself, alone in FL, with this song as she worked through a lost relationship and moved on to new opportunities! Who knew she’d meet someone so special by staying in Florida in faith?
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: https://youtu.be/CreWsnhQwzY
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I love the scene in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation where Chevy Chase is in the attic and he steps on board after board that hits him in the face. I used to almost pee my pants over that part. This music video for Blame It On the Mistletoe reminds me of the sentimental scene that follows the slap-happy board face-smacking scene. Clark found old family movies and he's reminiscing. Colleen was purposeful in having the video have that feel as well as a nostalgic timeless feel to the song.
Colleen used her contacts during the pandemic to get this video created. She remembered asking a bandmate and his wife to do a kissing scene since you know, no actors during the pandemic were going to do a kissing scene, LOL!! Colleen shared about the venue, The Standard, in which the video was recorded. Colleen has performed there many times and met a lot of stars throughout her singing career. She had her friend, Nikki Williams, sing back up on this song. Nikki has some pretty impressive chops and is the go-to in Nashville for songwriting. Colleen gave the inside scoop as to how she and Nikki became friends. Nikki was all too happy to back up Colleen.
I hope you all check it out but I don't hope for you to get it stuck in your head for a week, like I did! I "blame it on the mistletoe...." This is on my personal Christmas playlist and will stay there for all future Christmases.
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The tradition continues...good news more cookies baked this year! What are your family traditions? This year with a new chapter of life I am realizing I need to set new expectations because my two of my kids have moved out. What new traditions did you start when your kids moved out?
Check out Krisitn's memories to Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth!
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Dan Steward reflects on how The Mighty KC by For Squirrels became part of his personal and musical memory. He first heard it in Gainesville in 1997, and when friends from California came to visit, they knew it too. They all went together to buy their own copies—and soon after, they started a band. As a member of Strange Day, Dan saw parallels between his band and For Squirrels—the same drive and scene. If For Squirrels could do it, Strange Day could too. The song still sticks with him today, tied to friendships, shared experiences, and a moment in time that’s never really left.
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Sophia Warren opens up about how BadBadNotGood’s “Time Moves Slow” became tied to her first real heartbreak. What started as a close friendship at their retail job turned into something more—and the song quietly followed them through it all. From late-night talks to moments when words weren’t enough, the track’s slow, jazzy rhythm matched the emotional weight of falling in and out of love.
Even now, the lyrics still sting a little, echoing a time when everything felt both exciting and uncertain. The song didn’t just soundtrack a relationship—it captured.
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Patrick O'Donnell told me about two songs that have followed him through life: Tom Petty’s Even the Losers and Foo Fighters’ Walk. From his college DJ days to moments of personal reflection and growth, Patrick shared how these tracks helped him process challenges—from heartbreak and identity to healing and new beginnings. Whether you're a longtime fan of Petty or the Foo Fighters, or someone who’s found meaning in music during your own messy chapters, you’ll find something to connect with in this conversation.
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Dan Shinder reflects on the complexity and brilliance of “Awaken” by Yes—a song that changed the way he listened to music. From hearing it at just 13 to eventually performing it himself, the track became a guidepost in his musical journey. He shares how this 15-minute epic shaped his relationship with rhythm, deepened his appreciation for storytelling in music, and reminded him that drumming is about more than keeping time—it's about feeling the spaces between.
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I sat down with country singer-songwriter Stephen Quinn to talk about the story behind his patriotic anthem Stand Up—a song born from personal values, national pride, and a desire to inspire unity and kindness. From his tight-knit family roots to performing on big stages like American Idol and the Little League World Series, Stephen opened up about music, faith, and finding purpose in the chaos. Whether you’re a country fan or just someone looking for a little inspiration, this one will hit home.
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James Campion, author of Revolution: Prince, the Band, the Era, remembers the first time he heard “When Doves Cry” and how it spread through his band like wildfire. He reflects on the song’s weirdness—no bassline, a haunting guitar, and Prince’s poetic metaphors—and why it still sparks something in him decades later. He also reads three vivid paragraphs from his book, capturing the intensity, emotion, and complexity of the track. From liner notes to Prince’s fusion of sexuality, spirituality, and social commentary, James unpacks what made the song—and the artist—utterly unforgettable.
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Reeya Paulose traces her love for The Beatles back to one of the earliest influences in her life—her mom. Before Reeya turned 12, her mom passed away, but not before passing down a deep appreciation for the band and their music. “Eight Days a Week” reminds Reeya of the way her mom talked about The Beatles—not just the songs, but who they were and why they mattered.
It wasn’t about one moment, but about many little ones. Reeya shares how her mom’s enthusiasm helped shape her understanding of music as something more than sound—something cultural, emotional, and lasting. Even now, hearing the song brings back that bond and reminds her of the woman who introduced her to one of the greatest bands of all time.
👉 Full Show Notes in the blog
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Kevin Waugaman is the founder of Momentors, LLC—a business and life coaching firm that helps professionals unlock growth, navigate change, and elevate their impact, drawing on his experience rising from “busboy to CEO.” Despite loving everything from Wu-Tang Clan to Green Day, “Forgiveness” by Matthew West broke through during one of the most painful seasons of his life, helping him see that forgiveness isn’t approval—it’s release.
He opens up about the moments where the lyrics landed hardest—while preparing a eulogy, navigating sensitive conversations, and committed to becoming the kind of father and husband he wants to be. He’s also discovered that forgiveness is bad for mental clutter and good for reaching new professional heights—clarifying vision, building stronger relationships, and freeing up space for growth. This isn’t just about faith—it’s about freedom, and how one song helped shift his perspective when nothing else could.
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At 16, Miki Hellerbach got his first job bussing tables at Clementine, a cozy BYOB restaurant in Baltimore. He was the youngest on staff, but the older servers took him under their wing and made him feel like part of the crew.
One night, Auto Pilot by Queens of the Stone Age came on over the speakers—he hadn’t heard it before, but it stuck. That track became linked to the early days of figuring out who he was.
It was also where his love of food began. We talk about first jobs, mentorship, discovering new music by accident, and how that one restaurant helped shape his path—as a journalist, music writer, and host of Convo at the Spot.
👉 Full story in the blog
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She left Disneyland with a one-way ticket and a gut feeling. A homeless man's subway advice sent Salisha to New York City, where a Broadway show, a backstage invite, and a soulful duet would change everything. The song You're All I Need to Get By became the thread that ran through her move, her first major tour, and even her walk down the aisle years later.
Find out how one Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell classic became the soundtrack to a life-altering leap—and how it continues to echo through the biggest moments of her life.
👉 Full story in the blog.
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When a dream of pro baseball fizzled, Darryl found himself staring at a blank wall in his college dorm—until Curtis Mayfield’s “Give Me Your Love” filled the silence. That one track set a new course, reshaping his identity and fueling a passion for music that’s taken him from Napster downloads to EA Sports and ultimately launching his own platform for creatives, Bass Parlour.
Hear how one song became a soundtrack to reinvention, love, and life’s unexpected second acts.
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In this episode of Memories with a Beat, Katrina Mendez reflects on how the hymn Amazing Grace became a meaningful part of her life—from learning it in Catholic school to performing it at family memorials and auditions. She talks about her musical upbringing, her connection to her grandmother, and how music has always been a natural part of her world. The conversation offers a warm, personal look at how one song can carry so many stories over the years. Tune in now to see why this timeless hymn still resonates so deeply.
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We're recapping our night at Pesca by Michael’s in Vilano Beach — a stylish rooftop hideaway with cozy blankets, moody lighting, and standout Brussels sprouts (yes, really!).
But the real spotlight belongs to Vegas Gray — a powerhouse trio made up of a father, daughter, and her boyfriend. Their chemistry, killer vocals, and crowd connection made it feel more like a private concert than a casual night out. You don’t just hear them — you feel every note.
If you missed it… we’re sorry. But you can live it vicariously through us in this episode.
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I got to hang out with my friend Kaden Collins and chat about a song that really means a lot to him—Time Has Made a Change in Me by the Oak Ridge Boys. His love for the Oaks runs deep and this song took on a whole new meaning after he lost his grandma. We talked about how certain lyrics just hit differently when life changes, and how that connection to music helped him through some tough moments. He shared the sweetest story about how his school honored his grandma, how he started his podcast because of her, and even how he ended up connecting with William Lee Golden himself. It’s full of heart, hope, and some serious love for good storytelling through song.
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A last-minute invite. Four hours of sleep. A road trip to Daytona Beach during Bike Week. Tiffany and Anna Marie barely knew each other—but a shared love for live music led them to an unforgettable night with the band SIRSY. From valet parking mishaps to misty oceanside tacos and a two-person band that sounds like five, this one’s full of surprises, laughs, and connection. Hit play—you’ll feel like you were.
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The sound of Pearl Jam takes Tom straight back to high school—late nights with MTV, learning guitar riffs from CDs, and rushing to the mall on release day. “Corduroy” hit him so hard he used a lyric in his graduation speech. Tom shares memories of figuring out the song by ear, dragging friends to concerts, and why this track still holds up decades later. If you loved Pearl Jam, grew up in the ‘90s, or ever wore out a CD trying to learn every word, you’ll want to hear this one!
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In this episode of Memories with a Beat, host Tiffany Mason and her new co-host, Rachel Steele, share their experience of a fun night of live music at Palm Valley Outdoors. With the perfect waterfront backdrop, they break down the laid-back atmosphere, Robby and Felix's music (the talented musicians who set the vibe), and the moments shared with friends. Love live music? Join us at our next outing!!
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Rachel Steele shares how Rise Up by Andra Day became her lifeline during high school. Struggling with anxiety, depression, and anorexia, she found solace in the song’s powerful lyrics, using it as a reminder to keep pushing forward. Whether blasting it in the car with her best friend or leaning on it during tough moments, Rise Up became more than just a song—it was a source of strength and resilience.
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Who loves Christmas Music? Nicole loves Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas because she experienced a similar move as the little girl in this movie. She comforted herself, alone in FL, with this song as she worked through a lost relationship and moved on to new opportunities! Who knew she’d meet someone so special by staying in Florida in faith?
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: https://youtu.be/CreWsnhQwzY
Nicole: @nicolecrangle (FB) @ncrangle_ltd (IG)
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Jessica Houle shared her cherished memories associated with the timeless Christmas songs 'Hallelujah Chorus' and 'Silent Night.' She recounts her family's unique tradition of singing 'Hallelujah Chorus' together at church, a beautiful, chaotic, and impromptu choir experience. Jessica also talks about the serene and meaningful tradition of ending the Christmas Eve service with 'Silent Night,' candles in hand, creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere. Perfect for anyone nostalgic about the magical connection between holiday music and family memories.
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Diane Freeman shared the deep-seated memories associated with the classic Christmas song, 'Silent Night'. Diane shares how the song instantly transports her back to the days of attending midnight mass with her mother and grandmother, reflecting on the serene church ambiance filled with poinsettias, stained glass, and candlelight. The song 'Silent Night' serves as a poignant reminder of her mother, who passed when Diane was only four years old, and her grandmother who owned a cherished music box playing the same melody. Despite the sorrow of losing her mother at such a young age, Diane has found solace and tranquility in the song 'Silent Night,' from that delicate music box, using it as a way to connect with both her mother and her spiritual faith.
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Joel Bouchard shares his profound connection to the Jack Johnson song 'Adrift' and reflects on its soothing vibes and layered lyrics. From his early days listening with friends to revisiting the song during pivotal moments like the loss of loved ones or the start of a new school year, Joel highlights how the song's themes of growth and change resonate deeply throughout his life.
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Debra Cohen shares her touching connection to Christina Aguilera's song 'Beautiful.' She reflects on how it helped her heal from childhood trauma and panic attacks after a car accident, and talks about her rock and roll days in the 80s, including opening for Joan Jett, and struggling with issues of shame and promiscuity tied to her upbringing. Deborah continues her journey by finding strength in the lyrics of 'Beautiful' to overcome self-doubt and build self-esteem. She discusses her time as a public school teacher, dealing with difficult students, and using music as a therapeutic tool. Deborah also opens up about finding love later in life and creating a supportive community through her singing circle. Her stories are a testament to the transformative power of music and personal growth.
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Melissa Loggins, is a passionate music teacher who shared her impactful memories associated with the song 'Hall of Fame' by The Script. Melissa shares how the motivational lyrics of the song found a special place at her rock camp, providing inspiration to a diverse group of middle and high school students. We discuss the logistics of running a rock camp, they even offer a session for adults!! Listen in to hear Melissa’s firsthand accounts of how one song can leave a lasting imprint on young lives, turning hesitant kids into confident performers.
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Hashondra, my guest, shared about her deep-rooted passion for music and fond memories of singing for her family on road trips. He uncle's funeral was a pivotal moment when she first performed an original song, "He Is A King". Hashondra's journey in music spans from childhood talent shows to sharing her original song,
'Freedom,' born from her experience of overcoming an unhealthy marriage and rediscovering herself. We also explore the song's creation, how it served as a therapeutic outlet for her emotions, and the meaningful lyrics that helped her navigate tough times. Hashondra opens up about how music has been a constant source of support, not just for her but for her daughters as well. Tune in to hear more about her story, her creative process, and the powerful memories tied to her musical pieces.
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I was thrilled to have Dan Kuckel and Tommy Lavalle, who formed their band No Easy Day, join me to talk about their band and how 'All Along the Watchtower' brought them together. Tommy recounts his teenage years playing the song with his high school friends. When Tommy heard his neighbor, Dan, sing the song, it sparked a fire to start up a band and play together. They are able to jam a little harder with a full band now. Dan shared how music got him through some tough days in the Navy. This song helped him to ease into the spotlight of live performances. They both shared their love for the lyrics and the story within 'All Along the Watchtower' and how their band has adapted it.
Whether you're a fan of the original Dylan version, Hendrix's electric twist, or the Dave Matthews rendition, this episode has something for everyone. The guys shared how a serendipitous night out with friends inspired the band's original song 'With My Friends'. Discover the stories behind the music and the passion that drives this band forward.
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When Chris hears "Sing Sing Sing," he's instantly in his bedroom waking up to music and the smell of fresh cut grass. Chris Stone, a former Sony employee, has always harbored a profound love for music, a passion deeply rooted in his childhood. His thoughts on music and memories reflect a deep emotional connection to the songs he grew up listening to, on record, such as those by Benny Goodman and Louis Prima. His upbringing in a musically diverse environment not only shaped his musical tastes but also inspired his creative endeavors, including playing bass guitar and composing music.
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We're diving into the impact of Led Zeppelin's legendary track "When the Levee Breaks" with our guest, Clementine Moss. With over two decades of experience as a drummer in a Led Zeppelin tribute band, Moss's love for the band's music goes way back to her childhood, where their songs provided comfort and escape. Through her personal stories and insights, we explored how music can shape who we are, help us grow, and create connections that last a lifetime. So, come along for the ride as we uncover the timeless tunes of Led Zeppelin, the emotions they stir in listeners of all ages, and the enduring influence of one of rock music's greatest bands.
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"My favorite line is, 'You can buy all the makeup that MAC can make, but if you can't look inside you, find out who am I to be in a position to make me feel so damn unpretty.'" Kelda Music revisits an amazing group from the '90s, TLC, and we dive into their song "Unpretty" from the FanMail album, released in 1999. Kelda shares how she resonated with this song in school and today how women are pressured to alter their appearance.
Kelda vividly recalls hearing "Unpretty" for the first time during middle school. She talks about being a tomboy, wearing braces, and feeling different from the "pretty" girls at school. We also discuss the song's origins as a poem. Kelda's insights remind us all that true beauty comes from within. Tune in to hear more about her journey and how "Unpretty" helped her embrace her natural self.
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Nismah Osman unpacks the roles Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" has played in her life. Starting from her high school years, the song accompanied her through moments of joy and camaraderie as she and her friends turned street corners into stages, busking their way through summer afternoons.
Nismah reveals how "Hallelujah" later morphed from a simple song in her repertoire to a symbol of her personal and philosophical shifts, especially after moving away from her religious roots. Listen in as we discuss the enduring impact this song has had through various phases of Nismah's life. Click to explore how a single track can echo through time, shaping and reflecting personal growth.
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Who remembers Vonray the band? I'm so thankful Jay Franze introduced them to me, and now to you! Jay remembers going to see their shows in the early 90's, when he was in the prime of his life. Jay used to live in Orlando when he was starting out in his music producing career and can remember grabbing a beer with friends and listening to their sets. One of the songs they often sang was Drinker's Hour.
Jay spent many years on the production end of music in Nashville. But how did he get from Orlando to Nashville? It's an pretting inspiring story of fate "granting wishes" for Jay. He was always a fan first but became friends with Vaughan and Dave Rhea and have stayed in touch. Jay has a podcast interviewing his guests about what goes on "backstage" of the industry. He had The brothers on to talk about their experience in the music industry. And I was flattered to be invited onto Jay's show as a co host to talk to Dave about THIS song Drinker's Hour. I hope you'll check it out, see below for a listening link in the full show notes.
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Have you ever considered, that college is the only time (for most people) you live with your friends and visit your family? Kyle Wiltshire remembers that from his Freshman orientation. Kyle went to school with Jay Watson. Jay took Kyle under his wing that year, the fall of '98, Jay was a sophomore in college. Kyle ended up being an honorary resident of the dorm, his "room" being the couch!
Catch the full episode to hear all the high jinx that went on in that dorm room due to this song! They were living their best life.
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Andrew was used to surfing the radio airwaves to find great music. He and his brother loved having a radio in their bedroom. So naturally, in '94, when his family moved from Michigan to Rochester, NY, he wanted to see what new stations he could tune into. He came across WBER and his life was changed. He heard "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley! He couldn't wait till it came on the radio again so he could share it with his younger brother. Eventually, he was able to record it onto a mix tape and share it with his new friends.
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How does a girl from North Dakota get addicted to EDM? And who says how old a memory has to be to qualify for this podcast?
When I reached out to Kay to set up our interview this is what she had to say about her selection for this episode "Steve is my favorite EDM DJ and producer. He is from Germany and creates progressive house, trance and euphoric tracks." In the midst of starting her new career, she commented on social media to Steve about his music, and would you believe, he replied? This song has such a positive beat and restores Kay's hope for love, humanity, and that you can heal from heartbreak.
It was Basement Jaxx, Calvin Harris, and Skrillex that first caught her ear. In 2013, she feels like EDM helped her to find herself again and it seems as though EDM is working in Kay's life to do the same thing now!
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In three short years my guest today, John Kimble, went from robbing homes, committing felonies and doing drugs to understanding how to positively motivate himself and others. He remembers this song because the crowd he was surrounding himself, is who introduced him to it. At that time he loved the vibe it gave off. It was like a hype song for them before they misbehaved. But now? Now?
Let's just say his dad wasn't happy with what John had been up to so he was punished with early wake-ups and going to work with his dad. John can see this as his father's love now and appreciates what he did for John. John considers Wess Watson his mentor. "Once you are aligned on that path and you're listening to someone else who is on that path, it's collective conscience."
I was so blown away by the wisdom this Eighteen-Year-Old shared that I wrote down SEVENTEEN quotes. Just good advice for me to continue to reflect on. John said, "Age is in wisdom not in numbers." And he is proof of that!
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Did you know originally only a 5:29 min version was released of All Too Well? But long-time Swifie fans like Priscilla Brooke knew there was a longer version. She hung in there and sure enough Taylor Swift released the full version...NINE years later!
And this was the version Priscilla chose to share memories about. This long version is much like the long time she's been a fan as she and Taylor "grew up together." All Too Well is on the Red album released in 2012, which of course Priscilla rushed to the store to buy along with a fabulous tube of red lipstick!
But what she really remembers is her senior year at UNF here in Jacksonville, FL. Listen as she shares and explains what this song means to her and the memories her mind is filled with when it comes on unexpectedly these days.
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This is the first band, Talking Heads, that Rob Kassees remembers claiming as his. And this is one of the first songs, This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody), that Rob remembers standing out to him. Remember back in the day there wasn't instant access to your favorite songs. He liked getting the greatest hits of bands so he could really see what they were like. Soon he and his core group of friends were hooked on Talking Heads too. They all loved the artistic music style as well as their videos on MTV. Talking Heads were really taking advantage of the new platform. Do you remember seeing Talking Heads on MTV?
Listen as Rob explains that time in his life as well as him and his buddies reconnecing in California, forming a band, longing for is wife while listening to this song far away from home, and his current podcast where he got to dissect this song with his buddies.
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"Our friendship will never die..." I can see Ashely Bagni and her friends singing this song in her '89 Toyota Camry in high school. If you don't know the song it's "You've Got a Friend In Me" from the movie Toy Story. Ashley had the fortune of being friends with the same people in high school that she had in elementary school. How cool is that? They played on the high school basketball team and loved this song in the movie Toy Story as well as the movie. But once they got cars...they were playing this song a lot. When this song comes on she's reminded of a carefree time of life without so many responsibilities yet.
Ashley connects with this song in a second season of her life. She's stayed in touch specifically with one of those friends. They both have children about the same age and shared Toy Story with them. Hear Ashley explain the relationship she has with her son EJ now and what EJ loves about this song. If you are a parent I'm sure you too resonate with the line "There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you." like Ashley does.
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The tradition continues...good news more cookies baked this year! What are your family traditions? This year with a new chapter of life I am realizing I need to set new expectations because my two of my kids have moved out. What new traditions did you start when your kids moved out?
Check out Krisitn's memories to Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth!
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Lucky You! I'm revisiting previous Holiday Epiosdes. Who doesn't love "All I Want for Christmas Is You" my Mariah Carey? Happy Holidays Y'all!
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Lucky You! I'm revisiting previous Holiday Epiosdes. Happy Holidays Y'all!
Who loves Christmas Music? Nicole loves Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas because she experienced a similar move as the little girl in this movie. She comforted herself, alone in FL, with this song as she worked through a lost relationship and moved on to new opportunities! Who knew she’d meet someone so special by staying in Florida in faith? Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: https://youtu.be/CreWsnhQwzY
Nicole: @nicolecrangle (FB) @ncrangle_ltd (IG) Gonna stalk me on social? Let me help you...
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This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
iTunes Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
Lucky You! I'm revisiting previous Holiday Epiosdes. This is one of the best Christmas songs by Colleen Orender. I hope you enjoy!! Happy Holidays Y'all!
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What song does a successful female CEO resonate with? Yep, "9 to 5" by Dolly Parton. This is a movie Lisa Woodruff, CEO of Organize 365, saw when she was younger and it imprinted the idea of a successful woman on Wall Street working 9 to 5. And, yes, we reminisced over some of those classic 80's movies. But as she became a teacher and then a mom, she realized a couple of things. Women work way more than just 9 to 5. And sometimes you work your 9 to 5 so you can go home to work on your true passion, that thing you are uniquely created to do. She has slowly been developing and refining her business and systems to now offer Organize 365 to other hard-working women so that they can calm the overwhelm. You gotta hear everything she had to say about this song relating to her business and life. She shared a ton of realizations and inspiration you just may need to hear.
Lisa has been growing her business over the last 12 years and identified 3 seasons of 9 to 5 and what each one looked like. Within Organize 365, Lisa has offered an impactful conference, if you will, called Embrace. Embrace is an opportunity for women to self-reflect and discover what they are uniquely created to do in this long life as we discussed. Lisa used this song at Embrace. Just like Dolly Parton, she's successful, driven, down to earth, doesn't take herself too seriously, and offers a lot of grace to women through her business and podcast.
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When you can't understand the words...do they matter? I tend to think yes! Paul Wallash loves music where the "singer" is screaming the lyrics. What he really loves is the energy it creates. Nothing was better than the first time he got to hear this song, "Southeast First" by Hot Water, live. The band is so good at building excitement and then it's a bunch of Pos-A-Rock fans jamming out!
Paul remembers being much cooler than his older brother who he originally took the CD from. Paul and his older brother's friend, Neil, would chat music and knew he was not nearly cool enough to be listening to Hot Water. Thus growing his love for Hot Water and the positive messages of their music.
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The dreaded "friend zone"...when you really like someone and they like you too, but they are unsure or too afraid the friendship will change, they "friend zone" you. I mean sometimes they just aren't into you and you are in the "friend zone", LOL! This song may be able to help you out. Or this song may be able to say what you want to say. Amani Roberts, a true hopeless romantic, my guest today, suggested that if you get the girl with this song...it'd be a pretty slick move to play it on your anniversaries too! He's smooth ladies!!
I talked to Amani about his song choice "Where Will You Go" by Babyface. Amani can remember being in high school when he hears this song. He can remember her name, his crew, the school dances, and even his childhood bedroom. Amani is a DJ so he was able to recall a lot of popular artists at the time he was in high school. He reminisced about all the different posters and record albums on the ceiling of his, in the attic.
Amani loved the B side of this album with all the slow songs. All those songs that make you feel. And now when he hears them he feels, he feels nostalgic. I'm sad to report no additional information about this song on Song Facts.
Full Show Notes
Which band did you think of when you saw the song name "Live and Let Die"? My guest Asher Laub, as a boy, loved the Guns N Roses version because it made him feel so "Bad A$$"! It's hard to sing the line melancholy after all. He remembers his cool friend Mark playing it and Asher wanted to listen to what Mark was listening to. They played pool, footballl, and you know all the games kids play. This song comes on and Asher is in his childhood yard (which he only moved 2 blocks from as an adult) and the gang is there playing ball.
Asher comes from a musical family. He can remember taking lessons at 3 but pictures prove it was more like 2 years old! But now, Asher is an electric violinist, composer, and dancer/performer. He tends to connect more to the Wings version. He appreciates, as a composer, the simplicity and complexity and how it appeals to a wide variety of people. He loves the inspirational message of "Work hard and be the best you can be." He also simply loves the way the song makes him feel... nostalgic. Can you relate?
Full Show Notes
We've all been in a relationship where we weren't our best selves. Lee Piatelli, my guest, is reminded of a relationship like that when he hears John Mayers "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room." This song really alludes to the end of a relationship. Sometimes we aren't ready to see that it's over. Have you ever hung on to a relationship you knew was ending?
Lee remembers both of them getting comfortable. He can look back now and see they were just going through the motions. Sometimes it's hard to leave comfortable! And that's why I always say a relationship is over before it's publicly over. We get stuck in safe and changing that can be scary. At some point, one person "calls it" and it's time to move on. The important thing is that we learn from our mistakes in relationships and not repeat them.
John Mayer puts so much emotion into his songs. Lee enjoys this song to evoke emotion or simply to feel emotion. He has quite an appreciation for it!! Lee pointed out that he has such a talented band supporting him, it's hard not to produce, and play live, amazing music. Lee knows a good band bc he is a singing drummer out of Nashville. You often can find him on Broadway playing with the likes of Nick DeLeo, and he's played in the past for artists like Ry Bradley and Derek St Holmes. Lee actually loves the live version of this song off of the live album "Where the Light Is." It was recorded in L.A., 2007 and released in 2008.
Full Show Notes
Be the change, that's how Gerard Longo feels about life and that is the message of the song Indigo by Dirty Heads. He appreciates this song encouraging you to go against the grain and do what makes you happy. Indigo the color stands for tranquility, harmony, confidence, and integrity. When you are working in alignment with your passions you experience tranquility and harmony. He has a company that does just that for talented people in the music industry.
Gerard is also happy to be an example to his nieces and nephews about being an entrepreneur with confidence and integrity. He hopes to be an example but also save them some hard lessons by going through them and finding better ways first!
He started with a blog in Pennsylvania about the local Indy music scene. Then he started a podcast about the music scene. And now, has now grown into a company with employees and they are getting ready to explore other markets.
Full Show Notes
Andy Frye likes to say this song, Steal My Sunshine is the perfect bookend to the 90's. When you live in Jersey, at the end of the school year everyone heads to Ocean City or Wild Wood. Andy kinda knew he wasn't going to get an invite to join friends. Steal My Sunshine lends to the idea of FOMO, Fear Of Missing Out. Andy did have FOMO as he and his family headed to Bermuda and his friends, he'd rather be with, headed to the shore!!
Andy is such a fan of music from the 90's that he wrote a book "90 Days in the 90's" where his fictional characters get to go to all kinds of bands. Andy's wish is to see some bands from the 90's that aren't around anymore and bands that he didn't get to see.
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Nothing better, when you are an aspiring skateboarder, than listening to what the cool kids listen to, while they rip on their skateboards! Allen Halas chose to share his memories to a song called "Linoleum" by NOFX. Feel free to have a laugh on me when I introduced the band on this episode! LOL
This song was popular in the 90's, although Allen first heard it in 2000, and rightfully so with a similar sound to Green Day, The Offspring, and Rancid. This is one of their most popular songs. It was sung the loudest at a concert and their fastest song! They are celebrating 40 years as a band this year and going out with a bang by way of an epic tour.
Allen can remember he and Tom out skating any free moment they had. They build some not-so-sound ramps and tried to improve their skillz. They were neighbors and skating buddies for many years.
Allen has over 15 years in and around independent music, formerly as a producer, and eventually a writer and content creator. He feels punk rock always has and always will influence his life in some way!
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Frank Ocean, does that name ring a bell? He's a songwriter, singer, and rapper. AND he's the artist who sings White Ferrari. My guest Wes Harris is a big fan of Frank Ocean and you will be too after you hear this song.
This is the perfect road trip song, White Ferrari, and Wes knows all about that. Wes was fortunate enough to enjoy a road trip, to Nashville, with his good friend. Along the way, they blared this music and enjoyed fresh air with the windows down.
Wes appreciates this song because it's like it's painting a picture with sound. He knows about all the complexity of mixing and composing a song like this. Wes has plenty of his own music that he uses to paint with sound.
Full Show Notes
Need a pick-me up? THIS is the song! Ever feel like your day has been a dumpster fire? The song Bryson chose encourages you to take that day - throw it in a fire and let go! He is an Elementary Music teacher that has had his fair share of dumpster fire days! When he hears this song he is proud of himself for not letting them determine his future. Instead, he can remember all the times he used his strength to let go and choose to let the new day be fresh.
Full Show notes
I knew there was something I really liked about Bielefeldt! Turns out she's from IA and knows what it's like to save up your babysitting money to go get the latest music at MusicLand! April has followed Duran Duran throughout her life and shared her love of the song "My Own Way." April remembers finding out about Duran Duran from her cool school-aged friends. Then in college, her and her artsy friends would enjoy new music together.
Now April is a photographer in Las Vegas. She has photographed many bands. When the talent is exactly cooperating, she uses this song to give herself the confidence to run the shoot her way. She also likes to use it to set the vibe of the photo shoot. Maybe she plays in the background or maybe it's just running through her head to get herself in the right headspace!
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Alex is a reserved guy that just never worked up the guts to tell his crush that he liked her! Listening to his story I felt like I was watching a movie that I would shout at the tv screen! She was just a few miles away in a town N of him. His band would hire her dad to run the sound for them. And she was always so interested in the lyrics he was writing for his next song! They hung out a lot in small-town FL. He found it difficult to bring up the heavy conversation of (George Straight sang it best) "Do you love me? Do You want to be my friend? Well, if you do, check yes or no."
Alex listens to a lot of Indy music and happened to come across this demo song, "Play Me That Song" by Brantley Gilbert, at age of nineteen. He just felt like this song was parallel to the life he was living. So where is Alex now and did he end up with the girl?
Full Show Notes
When I heard my guest, Rob Walsh, singing on his podcast, I knew I had to have him on my podcast! He jokes about how bad his singing is and shared a pretty funny story about him trying his hand at karaoke! Rob loves the entire Chris De Burgh collection. So, I love that Rob chose the song "Don't Pay the Ferryman" by Chris De Burgh. Rob discovered Chris De Burgh in the 80's, while folding pizza boxes at Satelite Pizza, and it's stuck with him throughout his life. You see, Satelite Pizza had MTV, and Rob's house didn't. You could rest assured after Rob's shift there were plenty of boxes ready for the next day's orders. Rob had just finished reading "The Clash of the Titans" and couldn't believe this song was singing about the Ferryman!! Rob was hooked right then and there and checked out all music by Chris De Burgh. Now, this wasn't something he was bragging to his bros about in high school, but he sure would share it with the ladies to show his softer side.
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Sunshine perfectly describes Kelsey Breton! She is a ray of sunshine herself living in the "Sunshine State" with her husband and dog - Zoe. This dog lives a better life than me with so many walks and all the attention!! Kelsey was a ray of sunshine in the education system as a speech and language pathologist. While she was transitioning to photography she was a little low on energy at times. Music got her through those times of doubt and the need to keep pushing, which sometimes required a dance party. At the beginning of 2022, Kelsey was able to realize the goal of doing photography full-time. She is now fully living her Ikigai as she has found her passion, which is something the world needs (a photographer to make the most magical day of your life filled with her bright personality) and they pay her for it!
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Susan Reis, a musical angel here on Earth, blessed this episode with an angel song! What is an angel song you may ask? You gotta listen to this episode to fully understand but simply put, she channels the angels and they sing through her! You can get your very own angel song. Isn't it fitting then that she selected "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"? As a child, she wondered about "way up high" and fairies. And now as an adult she connects people with all the things from a land that you have dreamed of once in a lullaby. Susan's goal here on Earth is to help people to make the kind of money that they can make a diffenrence and leave behind a legacy!
Full Show Notes
I love the scene in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation where Chevy Chase is in the attic and he steps on board after board that hits him in the face. I used to almost pee my pants over that part. This music video for Blame It On the Mistletoe reminds me of the sentimental scene that follows the slap-happy board face-smacking scene. Clark found old family movies and he's reminiscing. Colleen was purposeful in having the video have that feel as well as a nostalgic timeless feel to the song.
Colleen used her contacts during the pandemic to get this video created. She remembered asking a bandmate and his wife to do a kissing scene since you know, no actors during the pandemic were going to do a kissing scene, LOL!! Colleen shared about the venue, The Standard, in which the video was recorded. Colleen has performed there many times and met a lot of stars throughout her singing career. She had her friend, Nikki Williams, sing back up on this song. Nikki has some pretty impressive chops and is the go-to in Nashville for songwriting. Colleen gave the inside scoop as to how she and Nikki became friends. Nikki was all too happy to back up Colleen.
I hope you all check it out but I don't hope for you to get it stuck in your head for a week, like I did! I "blame it on the mistletoe...." This is on my personal Christmas playlist and will stay there for all future Christmases.
Blame It On the Mistletoe (the song)
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Can you imagine passing a child, singing about virginity, in the grocery store? Well as an only child Zachary Anderson loved The Proclaimers. And they just happened to have a new song out titled "Over and Done With" and Zachary wanted the album. So what did the mom of an only child do? She got it for him of course. She was a little shocked by the lyrics but kinda liked the music too. Plus when Zachary had to get glassed his mom made it cool by saying that The Proclaimers had glasses too!
Who knew Zachary would grow up learning the guitar and even going to college for commercial guitar at Belmont college? Zachary ends up meeting M.C. Cunningham, a past guest of mine, and they formed the band The Dreaded Laramie. They initially formed their bond over Weezer and the rest of the story is still being written. With a proper band in place, they are achieving goals together and rising to the top. This was a fun interview learning about Zachary, how he enjoys this song still, and how the band got its name.
Full Show Notes
It's a tight game and Darth Vader appears as the fans hear "...It's the final count-downnnn..." SJ Barakony hears this song as motivational. He remembers going to see his favorite indoor soccer team, the Cincinnati Force. This was the hype song for the fans of the Force. Their mascot was Darth Vader! This was the time of the Star War Trilogy man! Darth made for an iconic mascot of force! SJ cherished this time with his family. His dad dedicated his time to every game so he could spend time with his wife and son. SJ could head up to the loges to get autographs and pictures! His mom beaming as she too got to take some great pics.
SJ also relates this song to his life now as a soloprenuer. There are good days and bad days in business and he hears this song and is encouraged to ponder "Is this deal going to close? Will they hire me? Will they accept my proposal?" It's the final countdown...what will happen??
Full Show Notes
M.C. Cunningham didn't always know of or love Weezer. She made friends with, now bandmate, Zach and he introduced her to the group. Instantly she loved their music. She cherishes her rides with Zach as they'd scream the words and drive. She uses Weezer music as a loose guideline for the music she writes for her band The Dreaded Laramie.
Full Show Notes
This Tampa Bay native now lives and sings in Music City, Nashville, TN. Colleen Orender picked the Patsy Cline song "Sweet Dreams." Colleen grew up learning her music. Her Papa had a collection of records for Colleen to listen to and she always sang along. Patsy Cline was considered to have one of the most unique voices called a Contralto. It's no surprise that Colleen is too. I had the pleasure of hearing Colleen sing and hearing her stories about the songs she was singing. She talked a lil about her Papa then and again in this interview. They truly had a special love.
Full Show Notes
David has experienced a lot of life in his life and often listens to "Without You" by Harry Nilsson. I have sung this song a million times, at the top of my lungs in my car, but I did not realize the song David chose was by a man originally, Badfinger. David is self-proclaimed to be fascinated with death. He is in a band "In Lieu of Flowers" and chose their name in association with death. David just loves the colorfulness of this song. It is so rich with all the instruments and then they back off. It's like just the music alone could move someone to tears because it conveys such emotion...and then you add the lyrics!!
Full Show Notes
Mama Pistachio is back on the airwaves with me with Unforgiven 3!! She brought another Metalica song with deep lyrics. This is the third song in the Unforgiven trilogy! After checking out SongFacts, it seems as though each of the Unforgiven songs offers viewpoints of forgiveness, whether it's others we forgive, a love we forgive, or ourselves, each is difficult!
Angela lives an autistic queer life. She wishes she would have forgiven herself sooner for living a life of acceptance over a life of authenticity! She cited many lyrics from the song and shared what they mean to her. So many of her insights hit home with me!! I hope you enjoy this episode too!
Full Show Notes
Mama Pistachio is back on the airwaves with me with Unforgiven 3!! She brought another Metalica song with deep lyrics. This is the third song in the Unforgiven trilogy! After checking out SongFacts, it seems as though each of the Unforgiven songs offers viewpoints of forgiveness, whether it's others we forgive, a love we forgive, or ourselves, each is difficult!
Angela lives an autistic queer life. She wishes she would have forgiven herself sooner for living a life of acceptance over a life of authenticity! She cited many lyrics from the song and shared what they mean to her. So many of her insights hit home with me!! I hope you enjoy this episode too!
Full Show Notes
We'll all get to hear the "Getting Stronger Now" AKA "Gonna Fly Now" (Theme song from Rocky) song again later this year when the new Creed movie is released. SJ Barakony shared the future, past, and present cultural connection to financial, social, mental, and emotional securities. Society should be building up these securities when they are at their peaks for the valleys that are sure to come. Rocky built up his social and emotional from his trainer. He had to get mentally tough for the fights...to win the fights. And I think SJ said in the 5th movie he had to rebuild his finances. He was buying everything and in the process got mentally weak and didn't win that next fight. There was so much good life advice in this episode. SJ also mentioned a few books and I put links to them below if your curiosity was peaked, I know mine was!! At the end of the day, SJ really likes this song for how it makes him FEEL. It's nostalgic. He hypothesized, and I agreed, that this may be the big draw to the new release of Top Gun Maverick. It's like E.T. and the Rocky series. They make us feel good. And I think he hit the nail on the head saying after all the world just survived during the pandemic...it feels good to feel good. Full Show Notes
We'll all get to hear the "Getting Stronger Now" AKA "Gonna Fly Now" (Theme song from Rocky) song again later this year when the new Creed movie is released. SJ Barakony shared the future, past, and present cultural connection to financial, social, mental, and emotional securities. Society should be building up these securities when they are at their peaks for the valleys that are sure to come. Rocky built up his social and emotional from his trainer. He had to get mentally tough for the fights...to win the fights. And I think SJ said in the 5th movie he had to rebuild his finances. He was buying everything and in the process got mentally weak and didn't win that next fight. There was so much good life advice in this episode. SJ also mentioned a few books and I put links to them below if your curiosity was peaked, I know mine was!! At the end of the day, SJ really likes this song for how it makes him FEEL. It's nostalgic. He hypothesized, and I agreed, that this may be the big draw to the new release of Top Gun Maverick. It's like E.T. and the Rocky series. They make us feel good. And I think he hit the nail on the head saying after all the world just survived during the pandemic...it feels good to feel good. Full Show Notes
What little girl wouldn't want a concert by her fav boy band at her birthday party? Vanessa shared her birthday memory with the song "It's Gonna Be Me." Vanessa's older sister pulled together 5 high school, guy friends, to pose as the band NSYNC to perform at Vanessa's elementary NSYNC-themed birthday party.
But as Vanessa has gotten older she still defers to this song to remind her that in the end it's gonna be her! Don't doubt that if this song is on in Vanessa's car, she's moving and singing along. This has become one of those songs that always get thrown into her playlists and she couldn't ever skip it. She HAS to sing along!!
Vanessa has done some modeling and has had to endure some pretty tough treatment. Vanessa knows some of that harsh treatment was to make her better but some of it was just poor treatment. She could have had it break her OR it could have made her thicker skinned which is exactly what it did.
She is now choosing to make a podcast to share some of the self-love she has learned along the way. She wants others to be able to "self soothe" too. She wants to empower others to love themselves and take care of themselves. What should her podcast title be?
Full Show Notes
Blessed...isn't that what we all want for our children? We want them to be blessed. Jenny Watt fell in love, got married, and saved lots of money to have her precious baby. When Jenny heard this song...it struck her in her heart. She was longing for and preparing for a baby, in her life, in the future. The lyrics are so straightforward. The song expressed blessing for a child a person is longing for. Her story has such a happy ending that she got the little girl her heart desired and a second child, a son. Jenny made sure to listen to this song lots during her pregnancy. Now, her daughter has had a daughter and they all share the same middle name, Louise. The fourth and fifth Louise now live with Jenny Louise. She loves her daughter and granddaughter. Jenny is blessed and continues to desired a blessed life for her children...
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Who loves vacation? Sarah Bonham is back with another song that perfectly matches her life and personality! She shared the song "Vacation" by Dirty Heads. Sarah lives where it looks like vacation s well as actually going on vacation. Sarah spoke about all the trips she has been able to take with her family due to hard work. She just got back from Hawaii with her husband. She's been able to take her son and husband to Thailand!! And family trips domestically. Can you imagine?? She loves to travel and be outdoors. And these trips allow her to do that. Sarah has made many friends with all the people on her team and is able to live comfortably! She addressed all the hard work that goes into earning those trips and reminded listeners that her social media is the highlights reel. It's easy to look at another's social media or life if you know them in person and compare. You just don't know WHAT they did to reach the level of success in business or life that it has taken them to get where they are!
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"The first time I saw her, she was returning a toy that her niece had to my niece." Cliff was a musician and had just left his band in Hawaii. He flew home with no home, no job, and very little money. And being the supportive parents, they took him in again. So the good sister she was, she found him a job. He helped his sister with her kids after school. It's funny because while driving for work that day "Two Tickets To Paradise" was being overplayed like they like to do with new songs that everyone loves. He was thinking of how great Paradise would be but if it was truly paradise someone would be in that hammock in paradise with him. But when he saw Leslie for the first time, he knew exactly who he'd like to have in his hammock with him. Now Leslie was just "in town" and was going to head back home soon. In her time left in CA, they made the most of it and fell in love. 15 years into marriage, you know, you have the mortgage and kids running around soaking up money faster than you can make it. Cliff looked up the gift you are "supposed" to gift for your 15-year anniversary and Crystal just wasn't in the budget. Now Cliff is a musical guy so he decided to craft a song for Leslie. He made it special with fancy paper and created the sheet music...he even framed it. Raise of hands ladies...who would like that more than crystal? I definitely would!! You'll have to check out the episode for the lessons Cliff shared about supportive parents and the place you choose to work.
Full Show Notes
Everyone isn't always nice. The world likes to label people and put them in boxes. This world is full of toxic people and products. Joyce Wheeler refuses to accept any labels anyone tries to put on her. She also refuses to use toxic products. She runs her business the way she wants. She's a self-proclaimed rebel. LOL! Joyce explores all areas of natural health and is transparent with her customers. Joyce picked this song because it reiterates these points. And it encourages her to victory! When others doubt her...this song reminds Joyce that victory is hers, in her veins! It's just such a Victory anthem and that is why it's on Joyce's motivational playlist!
Full Show Notes
Where are my 80's hair band fans? Shelley is and shared memories of this song with me. The good ole days ya know? It's too bad we don't know it when we are living them. Shelley can remember watching MTV and guessing the videos on the countdown with her brother. They knew it was always going to be "Livin'On A Prayer" because it was number one for quite a while. Shelley, her brother, and her cousins made a music video to "Livin' On A Prayer." Back in that day her parents had to record them making their video - video only style! Ha! Fun to think back to simpler times but it was actually way more difficult to make the video in those "simpler times." At one time, before passing, her mom wanted to put the video on a DVD and now that she's gone...who knows where those reels of video are. Some day she'd like to locate them and get it to a point where they could all watch it and reminisce with her brother and family. Now Shelley's gotta have it on every playlist and for sure while she running. I mean it does have a good beat.
Full Show Notes
They don't call her "Mama Pistachio" for no reason! Angela Locashio is my guest, speaking about the song "Hero of the Day" by Metalica for SO many reasons!! Mama Pistachio is good at holding space for others and a safe space at that. Angela is a unique soul bursting with love for others and the desire for them to love themselves too! Angela has a son who headed off to the Marines only to have her husband do the same. Her husband, now, is not her son's biological father. She knows her son is looking for a hero in addition to him. Angela loved seeing her son mature and find his heros of the world and while she values others filling that role she thinks he is the hero of his story. Angela hopes he will realize that too. She was shocked by others' curiosity of how she and her family thought about the potential of death in the Marines role instead of pride and support. She shared interesting traditions of parents of children in basic, the trials parents and spouses face in this season of life, and how this song weaves into that season. Angela even started a support group for parents of Marines...community is so important for all parties involved. This is a FULL episode of emotion and introspection.
Full Show Notes
What an inspiring author Kevin Eastman is?!? I loved the story he shared about his supervisor in the Air Force who sat him down and explained how everything was not happening TO Kevin. Kevin reflected on that conversation and had to take a long hard look inside and decided to make some changes. Kevin had a lot of motivational topics he shared. He was so inspired to change his life and the lives of others that he wrote a book about it. Kevin went on in his service to change other young lives in the Air Force as drill instructor himself. He spoke to the power of our perception, the way we set goals, small adjustments we can all make, and our self-talk. Kevin has now settled in the Southern California area, after 20 years in the Air Force, and continues to motivate others through speaking engagements and of course the sales of his book.
Full Show Notes
Green Day, a great band from the 90's...or that's how my best friend from High School and I see them. Don't worry, we know they are current and are still producing great music. Amber Cummer shared the song "Good Riddance" or we knew it as "Time of Your Life." This was one of those overplayed songs on the radio during our High School years. this song floods Amber's mind with memories that include me! This was definitely a walk down memory lane. Amber reminded me of the car I used to drive and the car her parents let her drive. The time she lived with me for a minute and the boyfriends we had. Oh and she brought up us roaming the streets in the wee hours of the morning - great idea!! How dumb we are when we are young or so unaware of how demented this world is. Amber and I were each other's ride or die and didn't really belong to any clique. We joke that we are like the girls from the movie Romie and Michelle's High School Reunion. Now we're living the adult life but no matter how long it has been since we last spoke, she and I pick up like we talked just last week. I love this long-lasting friendship that started in 6th grade, in Urbandale, IA.
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Introducing Avery...you see Avery's name used to be Heather! Heather was working as an RN and was working loooong shifts. Christmas morning of 2018, the Charge Nurse, of the pediatric ICU, "commanded" her to go home saying she didn't look too well. Heather would find herself so sick that she was bedridden. Heather was newly married and "In sickness and in health" came a lot soon than either of them had expected! Heather officially had a chronic illness and disability overnight. Heather mourned the loss of who she used to be. She decided two years later to make a fresh start and changing her name felt right. After sifting through baby names, the one that stood out to her was Avery. Fast forward to current day Avery is going through the legal process to be Avery officially and feels as though she has truly found herself! Avery now helps highly sensitive people prevent and reverse the negative health effects of stress. Full Show Notes
Andrea really does her research on the music she loves. Andrea picked "Peg" by Steely Dan for multiple reasons. Andrea explained how some words in the song were not sung as one word however they were created by each letter or syllable. Peg is so interested in song creation because she is part of the music industry. Andrea's work history makes me jealous because of course in my mind it's so glamorous. She helps musicians find their way and not get taken advantage of. She loves the way this song reminds her of her clients. She wants to protect them, help them succeed, and rise to the top!
Full Show Notes
Bonnie is working on her rags to riches story. She is doing this by coaching others to be positive which is pretty easy for her since she is such a positive person! She was so inspired by this song that she uses it in business. Her coaching tagline is "The Wind Beneath Your Wings". Bonnie is no stranger to hard times and adults with no manners. Bonnie just stays positive and has a lot of fans on social media!! She is fan of Bette Midler and similar music by Jodee Mussina.
Full Show Notes
Speaking with an Aussie this time. Jenn stumbled upon HSP-Extroverts in her time of illness without a diagnosis. She was a thriving singer living her dream when she became very tired and unable to recover from these bouts of fatigue. Since that time Jenn has been utilizing her psychology degree and coaching others to "live their best life" and supporting Highly Sensitive People (Jenn focuses on women) that are extroverts. She's shedding light on what women are experiencing but are unable to label. She chose her two songs as anthems. One for her clients - Heart because of their caring personalities with halos on their hearts. The song Free she wanted to share because she is happy to live free as herself...take it or leave it but she's living authentically her! Full Show Notes
When did kindness become revolutionary? We are all human and words hurt more than sticks and stones most times. Word wounds take a lot longer to heal too!! Hope is familiar with this kind of wound and appreciates this song "Human" because of it! Hope is a coach and cautions others to only share wounds that are healed and that is why she was compelled to share her connection to this song. Her wounds are healed but like most...not forgotten!! Hope experienced the betrayal of a friend and co-worker. This song reminds the listener that we all bleed when we fall down, that others' words stick with us because after all, we are all human! Full Show Notes
What a genuinely kind, calm, zen person Lynne is! Lynne wanted to share music with no words... Y'all know I like my stories from each song. So, I thought we'd give it a try! Lynne connects with this music when she wants to be laser-focused and productive. She has spent a lot of time meditating as a Heartfulness Trainer. And I mean a lot of time. She is also a globe-trotter, who has traveled the world. When I asked Lynne about her favorite places she had traveled to she mentioned India! She loves to take part in a spiritual month-long Heartfulness Meditation retreat in India. Lynne has certainly perfected her craft and now helps others by being an Intuitive Life Coach and joyfully exploring her clients' Akashic Records! Full Show Notes
Got a KJ in the hot seat this time...Are you thinking what I was thinking when I heard "KJ"???? It's a karaoke jockey...Duh! They are the people who have come, set up, provided equipment for us to all live out our dream of singing on a stage. I love the meaning for this song for Tess though. Life is hard and we all know it. Tess was at a point where she was just waiting to get to heaven till she realized she could create and have heaven...here on Earth! She has used her multiple international moves from the Philippines to Canada to the U.S. She has two children but never did she think 6 mo after her second child was born that her husband would change and it would lead to her fending for her children and herself in a new country. Not to mention all the emotional turmoil that comes with divorce. She helps others to process what they are going through. She surrounds herself in gratitude and karaoke and is in Heaven right here on Earth. Full Show Notes
Having a colorful musical background Fred proposed to me to discuss the top 5 women that were kind of "Trail Blazers" of their time! You see when Fred first started to decide on a specific song he'd like to discuss, all these women sang songs came on in a row of him listening to music, research if you will. He asked if he could discuss multiple songs and 5 women. I loved the idea so much and we ran with it!
- Stevie Nicks - Edge of 17
- Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart
- Anne Wilson from Heart
- Tina Turner
- Three-Way Tie: Pat Benatar, Debbie Harry, Chrissie Hynde
It was so nice to spend this time with Fred as he shared his insights into the music and stories from these top 5 women trailblazers.
Full Show Notes
Marie Ellis Cook, A self-proclaimed Taylor Swift expert, was my guest for this episode. Marie used Taylor Swift music and the emotions she could feel from the music to get through a very tough childhood. Marie would pay attention to Taylor Swift's actions and imitate them because she was not taught basic human interaction etiquette. So she was basically learning from Taylor Swift. Marie could not believe it when she saw Taylor Swift in concert! She was overwhelmed with emotion and in the same town, she found her now-husband. Due to Marie's childhood and appearance, she didn't feel worthy of anyone's love. She wondered who would love her? Well she found her Prince Charming and he sang "Lover" by Taylor Swift to their son Sam when Marie was pregnant. It was also during this pregnancy that the pandemic started. Marie was left with so much uncertainty and chaos around her with the riots that she used this song to escape and feel safe like she had in the past. It's a story that started out sad but Marie is using her past trauma to heal others and provide a safe, quiet, conflict-free heaven for her family now. Full Show Notes
New World Normal...what is that? Debbie had just gone through a leave of absence at work and divorce. She learned how our bodies process trauma. Just as she was starting to think about starting a business and podcast helping others with their trauma... the pandemic hit!
She knew everyone was looking and thinking about what the new normal was going to be. But Debbie thought about the word normal and wanted to be more inclusive, not singling anyone out that was "normal." She has since interviewed guests that are using any of their trauma for good. New World Normal is the name of Debbie's Podcast!
She shares her song "No Hard Feelings" with anyone that will listen. She wants the message to be no hard feelings and we're all in this together. This song also reminds her of her cousin and mother that she lost too soon.
She just loves the way the Avett Brothers produce their music. She loves seeing them in concert and always knows the show is ending when they sing THIS song.
Full Show Notes
When I was drawn into Patient's reel by her smile and energy. I knew I wanted to see what kind of story was attached to the song making her so happy. Patient Modevi was dancing to Spanish Harlem and remembering lazy days dancing with her dad and having friends over and he thought he was invited to hang out too - he wasn't! Full Show Notes
I cannot express how much I love all the things that came out of this interview with Marie!! She has interviewed a lot of people and knows a lot of stuff!! Marie loves this song "Rise Up" because of her own trials in her life that she has overcome! She loves the message of getting up over and over again to conquer trials. And what a cool story about Andra Day playing the role of Billie Holiday in the movie The People vs. Billie Holiday. I already watched it on Hulu and I give it 5 stars and a strong recommendation as well! Full Show Notes
Ahh the 80's...still my favorite music. Who didn't love Madonna? I have to say she sure has aged well!! I was instantly transported to being in front of the tv trying to make a mixtape when this song came on in my car the other day. I HAD to share it with you! Full Show Notes
Lisa brought so much joy to the conversation about this song "Older and Wiser." She relates to it remembering her birthday party coming to an end and this song playing. She was unsure about her father's future as he was not doing well. I loved when she said, "To know me is to know him." I love that she knows that about herself and can appreciate that she gets it from him. Lisa shared a lot about music in her life and her parent's support. I love the power of music and the effect it has on us. Full Show Notes
Do you know the Fleetwood Mac version or The Chicks version of "Landslide"? Wes first heard The Chicks version and resonated with it. He appreciates the "struggle of emotion" the song evokes in him. When Wes finds himself wrestling with his feelings this is often a song he'll play.
Wes is very familiar with music, he has sung for much of his life and is operatically trained. He's currently an artist in residence for the Metropolitan Corral, in MA.. He plays the piano and thanks to Covid, he has dabbled in the Ukulele. Wes brought so much deep thinking to this conversation about "Landslide".
Full Show Notes
Who had a banana seat bike? I did, mine was green. And so did Bob Bland, my guest. Bob is immediately taken back to the summer before his twelfth birthday! He was a man on the town, his first summer his parents left him home alone, on his banana seat bike. No sunscreen. No water bottle.
"Baker Street" just seemed to be the soundtrack to that summer. When he was in the arcade or stores...he'd always hear Bakers Street. Isn't it funny as a kid how the lyrics go over your head? That's how it was for Bob that summer, he simply enjoyed that song. Looking back...what was he singing to?? All the radio stations were playing it because it was a cool song everyone, young and old, could appreciate and enjoy! Bob sure remembers that first summer of careless freedom.
Full Show Notes
Do you know the group Bony M? Haven't heard of that group in a while, eh? Don't ya know? I made a new Canadian friend, Tammy Johnston, who quickly replied to a FB post about holiday music. Turns out Tammy loves all things Christmas but does not believe in God. And that's ok...she shared "Mary's Boy Child" with us all. She fell in love with this song when she was a child. When she got a little older, she realized it was a "religious" song but the memories and feelings attached to it made her love it still. Her mom would always turn up the radio and they'd dance!! Funny to think we were all dependent on the radio to some extent "back then". She brought up a great point though...the radio, dictating what you will hear next, offers a certain element of surprise! I had never heard this song so it is new to me this year. Check out the playlist on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube to see if you remember it too or need to add it to your playlist this holiday season! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!
Full Show Notes
David Bowie and Bing Crosby have been singing this song to us for many years. And for many years, Kristin, her Aunt, and her cool older cousin Laura have made Christmas cookies while listening to this and many other Christmas songs. Kristin remembers being in her Aunt's kitchen, mixing the ingredients, baking the cookies and icing the cookies. She was so honored the day her Aunt trusted her to put names on the stocking cookies. To this day Kristin still does the stockings and will not let her kids touch 'em LOL!! Kristin and Laura (in TX) recently made their cookies remotely and shared pictures. Kristin used her Kitchen Aid stand mixer willed to her from her Aunt. And of course, SHE got the recipe cards too! She loves when the memories creep up on her and she gets to remember her Aunt. See the full show notes to download the recipes!
Full Show Notes
The most popular Christmas song of all times is the one my guest Maggie Olson picked..."All I Want for Christmas is You!" When Maggie hears this song she remembers being very pregnant and singing this to her baby. Four years ago, Maggie really prayed that on Christmas day she would NOT still be pregnant! Baby Maeda was born on the 14th and Maggie's wish came true. This song has a double meaning for Maggie. Christmas is not about the presents for Maggie, it's about being with the people she loves..."I don't need a lot for Christmas. There is just one thing I need. I don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree. I just want you for my own..." Did you sing along just now? Gotcha! Full Show Notes
This interview took me by surprise...this 80's song, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper has to be all things about careless fun with your girlfriends, right? Well, not in this episode. Isis loves this song just because of the joy she feels when the song comes on the radio. In fact, she had no TV to rot her brain out to MTV like the rest of us in the '80s. I learned there was a protest against the TV!! Did you know that? Isis has an appreciation for the actual music and loves the vibe of this song.
Full Show Notes
Who loves karaoke?? Ed Cunard sure does...before the pandemic he had a 13-year streak of going to karaoke once a week!!! Ed loves karaoke so much that he created a podcast and Facebook group for his podcast about karaoke!
Ed is a fan of lots of music but for this interview, he went with grunge folk-punk to discuss..."Get Better." Oddly enough this is not a karaoke song so he only gets to perform it in the shower, his car, or one of his playlists that he creates to perform. He just loves how the song points out that there's still time to do better because we aren't dead. Ed dreams of being 70 years old and still performing karaoke!
Full Show Notes
What do you do when a pandemic starts? Write a song of course. When Carly's sister told her she'd be getting a divorce, Carly wondered what her sister must be feeling. Right out of the back of her head this song flooded Carly's brain, she went to the piano, and onto paper, the song was written! What a talented singer Carly Lyon is!! Carly is multi-talented though because she was an Art Teacher, she creates jewelry, hanging air plants, and the best in my book, music! I was impressed with her the first day I met her, even more so when she explained how much she loves seeing a person's face change as she sings and they get into her song. Carly has many talents and I am excited to hear more music from her!
Full Show Notes
Do you remember playing pretend with your siblings? Michelle does as she first fell in love with "In My Own Little Corner" from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella.
As Michelle got a little older she fell even more in love with the song as she saw Brandy and Whitney's version of Cinderella. She loved how Brandy sang the song and honored the role of Cinderella.
Michelle found herself appreciating this song in a new way as she faced a lot of transitions that triggered anorexia. But when her green Beetle was "taken" from her, she changed her ways and got her car back as well as celebrating the holidays with family, that she jeopardized missing by being sick. She knows now her mom was acting in love and...
They went on to perform the song together when Michelle decided she wanted to compete in a pageant but needed a talent. Her loving mother rearranged the music for Michelle's voice and her mom played the piano for her!! She received second runner up for Miss Mandarin..not too bad for never having competed before!
Now as she sings this song to her two daughters almost nightly. This song has truly followed Michelle through her life. When she shared the Brandy version of Cinderella (now on Disney Plus) her girls said to her "Mommy, it's your song!"
Full Show Notes
Peter chose to take a "throw summer." He spent time alone and "finding himself" and living in Upstate NY. He called up a buddy and said "I need a job." "When can you start?" is the question he heard on the other end of the line. Peter became the manager of a coffee shop. He had early mornings hearing this song as the day began. "Band on the Run" is on his workout playlist. He is pumped up by this song or he can be transported to that coffee shop and sometimes even smell the beans roasting!
Peter Pessetto is another author of the book "Active Choices." Peter knows all about active choices then and active choices now. The first chapter has become so impactful to his readers he has started a program titled Choose You! Peter is a busy man, making active choices, and a fan of "Band on the Run."
Full Show Notes
Do you truly love yourself? Are you enough for YOU? JoJo LaRiccia is! She shared Barry White's "My Everything." It's like an anthem for her! When she hears it, it fires her up and reminds her that she is HER everything. It is so important in this world to love yourself so it flows into other areas of your life. JoJo has an impressive history with music and video and photography.
Full Show Notes
I am so impressed with Suzanne and her new book!! "Hang On Tight" (her book) is all about the life of entrepreneurs. Firework by Katy Perry is a song Suzanne often uses to raise her vibration and change her mood! You can't beat the musicality of the song on top of how it really pumps you up! As an entrepreneur, it's easy to feel alone in your struggles and victories. Suzanne wrote this book to let others know they are not alone and to come alongside them and show that there are good days and bad days. Suzanne is also a business coach! So if she's having an off day...she plays a lil "Firework" to change the mood and get her headed in the right direction again!!
Full Show Notes
Are you an only child? Have you heard your mother say "Come sit with me my only son (daughter)?" D'Tanyion's mother did say that to him often. She was a huge influence in his life. She made him a choir boy and from there his passion for music began. And when he hears "Simple Man" it's as if his mother is with him again! D'Tanyion is a singer and loves to perform this song in his set. Although this song is by Lynard Skynard, his favorite version is by Shine Down. When he gets ready to perform this song he cautions his audience that he sings with emotion so you never know what version you'll get. At the end of the day he doesn't want to "waste his time," the way his dad meant it. So he performs and is pursuing music as a simple man.
Full Show Notes
"Resilient little thing" just like the song "says and just like Stephanie. At a young age, she experienced a very traumatic event that she alone got herself through. She would see other parents patting their children on the back and even Stephanie's back at times, but where were her parents? As she grew up and has established a family of her own, she has set very clear boundaries and expectations. I think in general we're always trying to be just a little bit better than our parents. And learning from them what we do and do not want for our own families. This is the kind of dance in the kitchen song, get confirmation that you will make it through something, and celebrate where you are with a "I deserve congratulations!"
Full Show Notes
"It is the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight"...did you sing it?? Admit it, you did!! Brandon heard this in Elementary school and life changed! Brandon is the big brother to my best friend from middle and HS. Brandon had a moment of clarity, of identity, of assurance that everything was going to be ok! After selecting this song Brandon started exploring the opportunity for music in the workplace. He has started a new business and wants to incorporate more music for mood-boosting and encouraging connection/conversation. Music really does connect us all!
Full Show Notes
Debbi-Jo is one of the most positive people I know and I am happy to call her my friend! Leave it to her to have a positive spin on a song about dying. Debbi-Jo unfortunately has lost a lot of loved ones. BUT...she sees their lives as lessons. No one is promised tomorrow and we should all live like we are dying. Debbi-Jo surrounds herself with amazing people which became very obvious as her community stepped up while she cared for her husband, who eventually passed. Debbi-Jo strives to be 1% better today than she was yesterday. She is a strong woman that I like to call the "Queen of Silver Linings."
Full Show Notes
Garrett has been walking down memory lane ever since he was posed the question "What song would you like to talk about on the podcast?" He has always has a love for Adam Again's music. The fact that Gene, the songwriter and composer has passed, makes Garrett so sad to know he will never hear new music from Gene! Have you ever had a favorite singer pass or the band break up? He brought up the point that with this song, "Who Can Hold Us," he especially notices the instrumental aspect of this song. He really appreciates how the song expresses a thought and then the music offers you a moment to be thoughtful. Few words but a huge impact is how this song strikes the listener. Garrett is so impacted by this song that lots of times he finds himself tearful and reminiscent.
Full Show Notes
David has a serious appreciation for The Cure that started when he was just 13. His dad had a record store and that's where he fed his obsession. He can remember discovering them and being thrilled to find out there were already multiple record they had released. "But wait, what? They are still releasing new music?" He is a true fan now! He loves that The Cure offers it's listeners something to think about, to sink their teeth into, and digest slowly! David composes music for movies too and has 2 podcasts of his own. His music is influenced by the complex, deep, intense sound of The Cure. David likes to score for the same type of movies. If you are producing a romantic comedy movie - he's probably not the guy you want scoring it.
Full Show Notes
I am so impressed by individuals who can create music! Keana Mitchell chose to speak about her original song "Moving On." This is an inspirational song encouraging listeners to move on. Sometimes we are holding on so tightly to something that is not serving us like a job, a relationship, or dream that we cannot see the benefits of moving on. Let it go! You don't know what you are keeping yourself from!
Full Show Notes
HEY PAUL MCCARTNEY'S "PPL"- Check this out!!!
From dreaming in London to getting the surprise of her life in California...Emma's daughter is now named McCartney. Emma was introduced to The Beatles in 1994...talk about a late bloomer!! LOL!! Once that music shook her body she was in love! She shared 4 songs and the journey of Paul McCartney and The Beatles music that inspired her daughter's name, gave her inspiration when she thought she'd never become a mom, and of course, the song that brings her back to the delivery room every time she hears it. Of course McCartney was brought in the world properly with a song by the gent she'd be named after!
Full Show Notes
Where are my hot weather fans? Jennie Williams loves the hot weather and a great beach. She lives in IA so she relishes the hot weather when she can get it!! She picked a song that "takes her to the beach" as she put it, "Sunny and 75" by Joe Nichols. The way the lyrics go you can totally picture yourself on a beach with the person you love. Jennie is crazy about her husband after 23 years of marriage. This song reminds her of those carefree and uninterrupted moments with her husband.
Full Show Notes
Don't you just love the name Elizabeth? I sure do and good thing because it was the reason I sparked a conversation with my guest in this episode with Elizabeth Weinberg. She lives in small town IA and loves music. She chose "Who I Am" by Jessica Andrews because it reminds her that her parents are her biggest fans and her friends love her no matter what. Her mom is SUCH a big fan that she was the one pushing Elizabeth to audition for singing. And then both her parents strongly urging her to buy her first house! The were shouting their support in their actions of investing in her and her future! She is confident in who she is today and this song reinforces those feelings of her feet planted firmly on the ground!
Full Show Notes
Ever heard a voice that draws you in like a siren? My husband and I were out to dinner and went outside to enjoy the live music. There I see standing two mismatched men in style singing together. Between their voices and their "look" we were intrigued. Robby is one of the men that is Robby and Felix. They are so talented that in fact Robby shared an original song with me. This is song is chalked full of emotion, memories, and I love how the instrumental mirrors the emotion of the song! If you are in the Jacksonville, FL area...you HAVE to check them out!!
Full Show Notes
When the stars align, you meet amazing people! Lowry is one of those people. He has such a great soul with a fun mission of creating power songs for those going through transitions. These are powerful affirmations that "put you in your body!" These songs turn off your bullshit detector! The song Lowry fell in love with so much on the first listen was from one of his "idols" in his circle of fold music creators and performers. Craig Carothers wrote "Little Hercules" and stopped Lowry in his tracks. This song reminds him to keep going and stay in the blue zone!
Full Show Notes
Growing up as "Military brat," Christinna relates music to times and geographical places in her past. Christinna can remember her mother singing this song with so much emotion...this time in England. She loved the way her mother sang the word yonder and can still hear it every time this song, "Way Over Yonder," plays. Although Christinna grew up with a lot of music in her home, mostly Carole King, she raised her children in a quiet home. She shared her connection to music involves emotions and at some point she had emotionally shut down and that meant the music did too. She's had lots of positive changes and finds herself with the radio on in her car now. Baby steps to reintroducing music in her life!
Full Show Notes
One of the most recognizable riffs in history...those beginning notes to "My Girl." Justin is an accomplished singer and is part of a musically talented family. He's had some success in the music industry but has decided he wanted a life not dictated by his musical career. Check him out on popular music platforms.
His parents exposed him to "My Girl" on the way to grandma and grandpa's house. That day he found himself wanting to hear it again and learn more about that music from 1965 that he still loves so much today! He loves it so much it usually makes the "mixed tapes"...playlists he makes for his wife.
Full Show Notes
"Hello, how are you?" Do you ever struggle to answer this question? IF you are like me, I debate with being honest or just giving the canned answer of "Good!"
I once had a gentleman responded "Blessed beyond what I deserve!" I loved it and it made me happy all day as I remembered our interaction. This song by Matthew West reminds us to not compare ourselves, nothing can separate us from God's love, and church is for all...especially the imperfect.
Full Show Notes
Did you parent ever let you skip school just because? Kat's mom would pick her up and make her feel special by turning up "Believe" by Cher and taking her to the Mall of America. They'd get a little Chinese and hit up the Gap and Old Navy with her mom dressed head to toe in Big Dawn gear. Kat is my favorite DJ from St. Cloud MN. I listened to her for years and found her on Facebook. They post the funniest stuff and I just love her energy and voice. You'll have to check out to see if you can catch their show( her DJ partner JJ) in your area. Congrats to Kat and her partner, JJ, in crime for 15 years on the sound waves as well as going international in 2020! Full Show Notes
Laura Folkes uses this song to feel re-empowered. After a life long battle with her weight she finally had it somewhat under control but recognized there was an emotional piece not working. She now works with others to identify their emotional relationships with food. Additionally she encourages her clients to put together a 4 song playlist. The last song re-empowers her clients to be in control of their food journey!
Full Show Notes
Do you remember the end of your Senior year? Will does, he remembers this song, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World", as he made his way from the East Coast to the West Coast with all his cousins and Uncle. They stayed in his Uncle's camper and saw the beautiful country we get to call home.
This trip (that he was fortunate enough to make twice) helped him to make a decision about his future and the direction he wanted to go-music! Will has had a very impressive work history and is now composing music. Will even creates music for podcasts!
Everybody Wants to Rule The World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGCdLKXNF3w
Will's Social: Facebook
Will's Original Song "I Want To Come Home"
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Apple Music Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
YouTube Playlist (videos of the podcast's songs)
This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
The Legend from Jacksonville, FL...Mr. Al Pete...CEO of Mr. Peterson's Neighborhood Podcast Network, shared a song with me about life. "All in a Day" is a song that Al can relate to being a man that has experienced life as a young father, as a man with grown with his dreams, and has had his priorities change. He has put systems in place that allow him to look at the big picture but has managed to stay humble and realize the example he sets from far away onlookers. And this song happens to speak to all of that!
All in a Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyfA9GEKx7o
Al's Original Song: The Golden Life
Al's Social Instagram/Twitter: @mralpete @mpnmanagement
Websites: https://mralpete.com https://mpn-llc.com
Al's Podcasts: Clear Visions, The Groove Suite Podcast, and Flowers for the Culture Podcast
Fifine Mircrophone: https://fifinemircrophone.com?aff=553
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Apple Music Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
Paul was such a gem to stumble upon! He has spent his life in the music world and met lots of famous people! He's a true red Liverpool Football so it would be natural that he would pick "You'll never walk alone" by Gerry and the Pacemakers because it's the anthem of the Liverpool Football team! The song has such great lyrics though that he knew he had to have it in his wedding...ok and because of the die hards in the family he was marrying into, LOL! As well as in times of sorrow like a funeral. I can totally see all the fans singing this song as they cheer on their team!
"You'll Never Walk Alone": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV5_LQArLa0
Paul's Social: FB Paul Stephenson IG @vintagerockpod
Paul's Podcast; Vintage Rock Pod: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=1533773809
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This podcast produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
iTunes Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
Danni-Jo, fellow podcaster among many other titles, chose the song "Breathe." It is by an artist out of Germany that I had never heard of and now will never forget! A song that reminds you to take a deep breath in the midst of all that is going on, that you are beautiful, and you can always make something out of nothing.
“Breathe”: https://youtu.be/9TXyZAK9Rco
Danni-Jo's Social: FB: @Danni Jo IG: momme_timeout_podcast
Danni-Jo's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/momme-timeout/id1530591110
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This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
Apple Music Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
The Irish lad is no stranger to the music world with his impressive history with music bands, radio, and the industry in general. But of course because they are a great band and from Ireland he ended up picking a U2 song. The song "Beautiful Day" reminds him of his love that left this Earth too soon. Rather than feel sorry for himself, Pearse hears this song and reminisces about their time together and cherishes his memories of listening to this song on the way to their beach adventures!
6:48 "Music is medicine for modern living" -Pearse
8:05 "Beautiful Day": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co6WMzDOh1o
Current Favorite is "One Last Cigarette": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkLAzVwn2wY(And "Daphne Blue" by the same band)
9:04 "Don't get Notions" -How the Irish warn you not to get too proud
Pearse's Social: @PearseMcCarthy Insta: @4playmusicpodcast Twitter : @podcastfourplay Facebook: @4PlayMusicPodcast
Pearse's Podcast Ep. 14: https://open.spotify.com/episode/29M9BWDyJg5anS5AtBiJVt?si=5kWP1G57R0CDu4gA3nBdqA
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This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
Apple Music Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
Jason has memories all the way back to age 5, in Texas, with grandpa playing this song when they were at the Casitas. Jason was a music/guitar teacher and loved to teach this song to his students. He always knew who had a true passion for music when they took to this song. He has played this song all throughout his life and it connects to all facets of his life.
"Poncho and Lefty": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoKvUYbGu7A
Current Favorite: "Doll Skin" by Toadies https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDrSih2Xrts
Jason's Social: FB: @JasonJLatham & @HarmonyToanz
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This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
iTunes Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
Terra Vlach had very humble beginnings in Louisiana. She wanted better for herself. So when her husband had the idea to try You Tube, she said "Ok...I'm happy we can do this together and with our children!" They have become You Tube sensations with alot of hard work and dedication. She so clearly identifies with the song Fancy by Reba McEntire with her life mirroring Fancy's! No matter what her status is, I am happy to call her friend!
Terra's Family's You Tube Channel "Smelly Belly TV": https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_r3trI6eIaptK0zTdhAEqg
Fancy by Reba McEntire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zplc4Ienkws
Current Favorite Artist: Tyler Childers
Fifine Mircrophone: https://fifinemircrophone.com?aff=553
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Apple Music Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
Growing up in Texas, Gerald Davis was mentored by THE Kirk Franklin. Gerald connected early in life with the song "More Than I Can Bear." He was very surprised to find out that it was by Kirk Franklin, this man that he knew and looked up to! Gerald's life experiences have kept him coming back to this song. He is also a song writer and singer himself...big surprise given his mentor! I can't help but to mention how much I enjoyed this interview simply because of Gerald's humor he brought to the conversation!
"More Than I Can Bear": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDuvsUTpUWw
Current Favorite: "Can't Contain My Praise" by Gerald Davis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLlZQZY3aPQ
Gerald's Podcast: "Gospel Music Talk: Preaching to the Choir": https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gospel-music-talk-preaching-to-the-choir/id1541094081
The Everyday Dreamer You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/geralddavis1906
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This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
Apple Music Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
As a single father of his sweet daughter Lily, Jordan really connected with this song by Zac Brown Band. He soothes his soul with this song when the silence becomes too loud when she’s at her mom’s and prays that she’ll always remember he’s the man who loves her the most!
Jordan’s Social: @jordancoulter (FB)
The Man Who Loves You the Most: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KorPiVXO7_0
Jordan's Podcast - The J Bone Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-j-bone-show/id1477569183
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This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
Apple Music Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
Do you have that one song you play every time life is challenging you to move? THIS is Jen's song for that situation. She has sang it and ruminate over it at The Eiffel Tower to hanging on a cliff in Costa Rica to American Idol try outs. In fact, she is so passionate about this song that she will review it with her classes at the end of the school year to get them thinking "What do they want out of this life?" When the pain is too much to remain the same, we change.
Jen's Social: @JenAlgard (IG & FB)
25:35 "Leap and the net will appear"
11:00 This is Not An Exit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYSC4FaXudc
32:54 Current Favorite: The Business https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCg3ufihKyU
33:11 Also 21 Pilots and "Suit and Jacket" by Judah & the Lion
Fifine Mircrophone: https://fifinemircrophone.com?aff=553
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This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
Apple Music Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
Do you have a good one? Do they just love you no matter what and sometimes you feel like what did you do to get so lucky to have them in your life? Me too! This song by Gabby Barrett...it's like she knows my husband and wrote the song about him in my voice, LOL. Happy Valentine's Day Shawn! Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!!
Good Ones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV7GVjg3TV4
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Apple Music Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
Nothing better than your hubby sending you a random text with a song about how much he loves you while you are driving down the road. Luke Combs must have written this song for Shon, her husband, to send to Sarah because it fits her to a T and she still listens to it weekly!
Sarah's Social: https://www.facebook.com/shemmer2
Bee Social Solutions: https://www.facebook.com/BeeSocialSolutions and on IG bee_social_solutions
Sarah's Podcast: https://anchor.fm/sarah5696?fbclid=IwAR2jDikzvcvr0u6XbMv7n_o5C4jPHK5QMwj0MJxDUycgoG1mHj3c8AMpXYE
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iTunes Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
Steven Tyler sings "All these lines on my face getting clearer..." David Yas can really relate, however, how could Steven write like that at just seventeen years old? Once a DJ, to hard working in the financial scene, now turned CEO of the Boston Podcast Network, David shares his positive and sentimental memories with the song Dream On!
David's Social: @DavidYas (FB)
0:54 www.Pod617.com (Boston Podcast Network)
1:22 David's Podcast: "Past Tens" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/past-10s-a-top-10-time-machine/id1473696717
www.timemachinepod.com
4:40 Pump Up The Volume https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuhHPQxS2nQ
5:49 Dream On by Aerosmith https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89dGC8de0CA
15:58 ESPN Commercial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlmxHvOWKB0
17:30 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zthQPe41w24
27:49 Body Talks by Kesha https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcvBnhq0lFA
28:19 www.AdamYas.com
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This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
iTunes Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
“The days are long but the years go fast...” “they” say. This weekend I was reminded of this truth. My daughter needed me and it felt great! But I know it won’t be like this for long! I got this song stuck in my head by Darius Rucker.
”It Won’t Be Like This For Long”: https://youtu.be/wBLORvL7PhY
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This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
iTunes Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
"It was the encore song. We had finished out set. We were the last band. And it was the last day of the festival...and uh, as we began the second verse I heard what I thought were fire crackers..." Christian told me in this interview about the song he and his band were playing when a gunman opened fire at the Gilroy Garlic Festival.
6:46 "We're an American Band": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwsgznR_T-g
Christian Swain's Social: (FB) @Christian.Swain
& Twitter: @Swain_Christian
Gilroy Garlic Festival Shooting Interview: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fabc7news.com%2Fgilroy-garlic-festival-shooting-tinman-band-ca%2F5426550%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2g1KeesfEOgfvWuO2VlsN15-VMYXxeF-zpl_kmyu3yH_AIThZCmpSoq54&h=AT0Fm7_a9KLuTuK0QTyNM6U5CiXPg8Mey10SnwOdGjDMGpJ7wodB16UhiAIw706DVtx1xZhCiQopMPgATG2bb1WohhKe2nTSVBN0gy59wNRPlzFTPF1hWy7MI_uD9KsECakWOqjBKVB3
Christian's Podcasts: "Rock N Roll Archaeology" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-n-roll-archaeology/id1448931658
"Deeper Digs in Rock" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deeper-digs/id1450669102
Podcast Network "Pantheon" (FB) https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fpantheonpodcasts.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2AE0tPwAJbtrTQJ4bfcbPH8O3hntzKSeFyCt9k7EEuR6S4pmxowfQ7I3Y&h=AT0pvtPeheULzYmHwABatxzEvSuk2jJmHgKTnPdA5tJ5aJS-BpmR3rT9Mj48TtncCZjOedzDl2wDUYS-0pcSBDHfBW51k3wGAb8QYG8cjNHhkacZ8Hhf4GigY5K_oEqRIXb4a82RagHG
Podcast Produced by: VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuuallyyouva.com)
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This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
iTunes Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
When Claudia lost her father last year...she found herself being reminded of him by lots different songs due to her dad's indulgence of blaring her favorite songs in the car. She remembers lots of trips to the cabin in her dad's awesome, mid life crisis car while she and at the tops of her lungs. "Seasons in the Sun" by Terry Jacks was on the top of that list.
Seasons in the Sun by Terry Jacks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YG9otasNmxI
Claudia's Social: @claudiaschemitsch (FB) @claudia.schemitsch (IG)
Mind Reels by Claudia: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy2EdCNWzIdnDWZc0izpc5Q?fbclid=IwAR0S6D8lu8iqE7XQON4tdDaEDZCvIW97jWAE_ab3UrYGxAsyC0naPyzfKFw
www.manifestationreel.com
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This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
iTunes Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
In the midst of scavenging the grocery stores late at night for his daughter's specialty formula ... this song instantly caught Shaun O'loughlin's attention and turned a long line at the grocery store into a pleasant and successful trip!
Soul Meets Body by Death Cab for Cutie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uizQVriWp8M
Shaun's Social: (IG & FB) @sjoloughlin
Shaun's Podcast: "You're not Listening"
(IG & twitter) @YNLpodcast
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This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
iTunes Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
Meet my zanny, fun, positive friend Jena! Jena has relied on Jim Croce and his music to get her through her life. He was a great story teller with upbeat songs for the good times and songs with lots of emotion for the not-so-easy times.
@Jena.Jake (IG & FB)
I Am My Happy Place (Jena's FB Group) https://www.facebook.com/groups/224459228521595/?ref=share
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This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
iTunes Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
Who loves Christmas Music? Nicole loves Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas because she experienced a similar move as the little girl in this movie. She comforted herself, alone in FL, with this song as she worked through a lost relationship and moved on to new opportunities! Who knew she’d meet someone so special by staying in Florida in faith?
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: https://youtu.be/CreWsnhQwzY
Nicole: @nicolecrangle (FB) @ncrangle_ltd (IG)
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This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
iTunes Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
Let the River Run by Carly Simon is a classic 80’s movie song. Did you see “Working Girl”? Dana shares how River Run is more that just a song...it has so many memories attached to it including more to be made with her daughter’s upcoming ventures!
Dana on FB: @DanaDamianiDOrsi
Let the River Run: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv-0mmVnxPA&list=PLG5gOFlSr9fbu0nkizWLIujejkl-6zki-&index=145
Flashmob: https://www.facebook.com/dana.d.dorsi/videos/10216292399162415/
Covid Collaboration: https://www.facebook.com/dana.d.dorsi/posts/10223052230193966?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARA4MXgFkoIv4Dm1L5pL6nvmKPb_lqgaZGZVtKHS31eYwYLT4-8eG5GgozZs2a3aq0QnbpJI9ueLMNBi8MC9sGDT096coZR4rtUDdujT0MTqFhL1UozRmVBUj5grnKyOc-a1u4ioVKbo6CdUObQ6c5nwEuCFE2V6KtdbBudIkv5dJMt7juRY9l5MyCwtRaHS3YeK3GGBRLw4boAQJ52h8C14XQ839JB1p4F8xqzJCdGeRWkJ2NBa_pYqyrVkJ3pxntr3jcaQczTIvOK9WMQhbCatB744dbLDkNCZm_yRFdzPhB_dcKlOuzI2IUGoy-8pSL2fH-zrS6sGPbgRT5NMWQwy124&__tn__=-R
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This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
iTunes Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
Who knows the beautiful musical artist Maxwell? Tiffany shared a song released in 2002 called "Lifetime" about not giving up and shares how she graduated from college about the time her son did. She persisted through challenges of raising her son and working full time just to graduate as a nurse practitioner. Now has found solace from some of the sadness due to Covid, in her new podcast about music...a natural medicine!
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This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
iTunes Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
Happy Thanksgiving Y'all! Martina McBride takes the words out of my heart in her song Blessed. I hope you are feeling blessed and have a lot to be thankful today!
13:38 Blessed by Martina McBride:
https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tFP1zcsNjAtTis2MTJg9JJKykktLk5NUUiqVMhNLCrJzEtUyE1OKspMSQUAGMkOCw&q=blessed+by+martina+mcbride&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS903US903&oq=blessed+by+martina&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j46j0i22i30l5.7260j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Other Songs Mentioned
13:49 Alright by Darius Rucker
14:00 Sounds Like Life to Me by Darryl Worley
14:32 Just Another Day in Paradise by Phil Vassar
14:41 That's What I Love About Sunday by Craig Morgan
14:57 Something to Be Proud Of by Montgomery Gentry
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iTunes Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
Grace got you? Ever sang loud enough for the back row to hear you? Ever glided because dancing just wouldn't do? Laughed till your side hurt? Have you ever heard a song that just lifts your spirits and makes you get up a move? Because of the grace of God, this song does just that for me!
8:00 Matthew 6:34 "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has enough worries of it's own."
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iTunes Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/memories-with-a-beat/pl.u-leyl0kYfj6qJ8eP
Spotify Playlist (of the podcast's songs)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00oVv7l1z4oekZMoGtZVds?si=7p7Le2z6RKWPdfBB-r1iEQ
This podcast Produced by VirtuallyYou! (www.virtuallyyouva.com)
**Full Transcript
Intro I have a question. What is your favorite song, and how do you connect with it? Is it when you fell in love, or through something really difficult? I'm your host Tiffany Mason. now join me as I interview others, and we take a walk down memory lane with them. Let's get lost in why that music matters to them. Turn up your radio and let's explore memories with a beat.
Tiffany
Hello podcast land, thank you for joining me for another episode of Memories with a Beat. Today it's just you and I, again! But I have a really fun song for us to talk about. So it is by Mercy Me, and it's called "Grace Got You." I hope you know the song. But if you don't, the link will be in my show notes. I want you to click on that link. I want you to turn your radio up and get ready for a total mood change.
So let's dish about these lyrics. Okay. The first part says, Have you ever met those who keep humming when the songs through. It's like they're living life to a whole different tune. I love this line because this is Tiffany Mason.[Laughter]
I always have a song, in my mind. I'm always kind of b-bopping to something in my head. Sometimes it's something, usually it's something very upbeat and positive, but once in a while I get a ballad stuck in there or get a love song stuck in there. And I don't know if you guys know this but when you do get a song stuck in your head, the best way to get it, unstuck, is to listen to it. Your brain is constantly trying to figure out the next words of the line that you don't know. So that's why it gets stuck in your head. You keep listening to it but you can never complete it so it gets stuck in your head until your brain finds those next words. But when it doesn't find them, it keeps struggling. So if you listen to the song, you're like, "Oh yeah, those are the next words," and then usually it leaves you. Unless it's a, you know, clever little beat that gets stuck in your head.
Then it says have you ever met those that keep hoping when it's hopeless. It's like they figured out what the rest haven't yet. My husband always works fairly long hours. They've gotten better over time. And his job is very unpredictable so it's not really even his fault. And he has a management position. So when he gets ready to leave, you know, he would shoot me a text and be like 'Okay Tiff I'm going to be on my way." And then maybe an hour later he'd be home. And I'd be thinking like "What the heck dude?," and he would say "Well I was trying to leave but the server wanted to talk to me about that. And this person was talking about that. And somebody didn't know something about the schedule. And somebody needed something printed off for them." So he was really torn in multiple directions, you know, when he thought he was going to get ready to walk out the door. Then there's other times where... So I gave it away that he's a manager at a restaurant. And there were other times when he would think like "Okay I'm gonna get ready to go" and then they would just get a rush of people and he couldn't help it. And I remember one night getting pretty upset about it. And he said, "Tiff what do you want me to do? Somebody was choking. I had to call an ambulance and wait for the ambulance to come and fill out the report." And I felt like a heel. So I try really hard just to know that he does his best and he's coming home when he can come home. And he's not purposely trying to stay away from the house. Not that I ever really thought he was purposely trying to stay away from home, but, you know...So I would tell my friend you know "Oh yeah he's gonna be home at eight o'clock." And then she would be like, "Are you sure?", and then I'd call her 8:05 and be like "He's not home yet!" She's like, "I just don't understand why do you always believe him." But I'm just kind of like that. I want to believe in people. I'm hopeless in a good way. I just want to believe that what somebody says they're gonna do, they're gonna do. You know, and I don't want to question that necessarily.
The next lyrics are, the second you realize what you have inside it's only just a matter of time till you sing so the back row hears you. I love that. I always sing so the back row can hear me. At church, I love when the music gets really loud, and I can just belt out the tune and it doesn't matter because the instrumental is so loud and people themselves are singing, and then there's the lead singers. And I just don't have to worry about if I'm completely on tune or not. And now we have a row between all of us. So, it really doesn't matter if I'm perfect or not. And I love it because I get to sing at the top of my lungs. So the background can hear me.
And it says, why because walking just won't do. I love that too. I always think of like you know this really cool "Slick Rick" guy. And he's got, you know, dress slacks on but they stop at his ankles and he's got like the shiny black shoes on. And he slides over to the side because he's like so Joe Cool. That's the vision I always get with that one.
Dance, you don't have to know how to. And I love that. When you hear music just move. I cannot hear music, and not move. I have to dance. I hear a beat, I gotta move, I gotta dance, I can't help myself. So when he's talking about the dancing he says, ever since grace got you. So, just, you know, extend grace to others. Let them listen to the music. Let them sing loud. Let them whatever and that grace will be extended to you as well. And God gives us that grace every day. You know, just to be ourselves, enjoy life. You know sings so the back row hears you. Why? Because walking just won't do. Dance, even if you don't know how to.
And the next part is about a good belly laugh. So I knew that there were lots of benefits to just a good hearty laugh but I want to read a couple to you. So it enhances oxygen intake to stimulate the lungs, heart and your muscles, increases endorphins released in the brain, so some of those happy hormones. It will ease pain, decrease the body's stress response. And I have always used laughter for stress. When I met my husband's parents. I was just this little hick girl from Iowa. And I felt like they were like uber sophisticated, super conservative, you know, well mannered people. Which they are. But I think that I had them a little bit more pretentious in my mind than what they are. So we get there. And we're having dinner together. And his dad is asking me questions and I'm just laughing. Every time they asked me anything. And they're looking at Shawn like is your girlfriend okay orrrr 'cuz that's just how I deal with stress. I just laugh. I can't help myself. So, decreases the body's stress response, stimulates circulation and aid muscle relaxation, strengthens the immune system, and improves your mood. Which is funny because I was listening to somebody else's podcast, Shannon Pinkston, she was a guest on my podcast, a couple episodes ago if you remember her. And she was saying how she if she's in a bad mood, she just looks in the mirror, and she starts smiling like a crazy person. And before you know it, you can't help yourself you just have to start laughing. So I thought that was super funny. A good coping mechanism. But, you know, helping to deal with stress, and it really does improve your mood. So the words that go with all that belly laughing are laughter your whole sides hurting. Smile like you just got away with something. Why? 'cuz you just got away with something. You know we have that grace from God. So, when when things do happen wrong or we don't do the right thing, you know, we extend grace and hopefully others extend us a little bit of grace. And we do get away with those things.
Says so when you're standing in the rain, again. You might as well be dancing. Why, because there ain't no storm that can change how this ends. When you're stuck in the midst of life's valleys and you're in the storm, you might as well praise God for the storm. And you might as well just dance a little bit because there's really nothing else you can change. I have so many friends that get stressed out about stuff or worry about it. You know, they really worry about a lot of things. And I just have to remind them "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has enough worries of its own." And that is so true and that has gotten me through a lot of limbo land. So I don't know if you guys know that we've moved 13 times. When we got here that was three years ago so we would have been married 17 years so would have been 13 moves in 17 years. And no, we're not a military family.
We just had opportunities extended to us and thought that they were good opportunities so we took them. And then as the kids got a little bit older wanted to be close to family. And then one trip to Charleston and we were hooked. And we knew we wanted to go Southeast. You know, all that worrying doesn't change anything. So, even if you do worry about a whole bunch of things, it does nothing to stress you out. There's nothing, no way to change the way this ends. This is kind of our landing spot we don't really anticipate going anywhere else. We really enjoy Florida, and, you know, it's easy to to sing so the back row hears us, to glide because walking just won't do, and to dance, even though we don't necessarily know the perfect techniques or don't know how to. So the next time, when you feel blue, don't let that smile leave you. Why? 'Cuz you have every reason, just to sing, so the back row hears you. Glide, because walking just won't do. Dance, you don't have to know how to ever since, ever since grace got you.
I hope that you guys love this song as much as I do. I hope you add it to your playlist and share it with some friends. I'd love for you to comment on Facebook or Instagram, you know, how you feel about the song and just you know the impact maybe it's making on your life. Or how you are using it to help you change your daily attitude.
Outro
Weren't those great stories, I mean songs. I hope you could relate with my insights and feelings to connect with me, or to check me out on social media, see the show notes as always for details. Please leave a five star review. And I'd love if you left a memory of your own that. Can't wait to dive into my next guests memories with the beat! Hit subscribe now. You don't want to miss the next episode!
What if you were a vampire with your spouse and got to live eternity together? All joking aside, I think that would be awesome! I don't want a life without my husband! What a tender song Blake shared with me! Jason Isbell is certainly a new artist on my radar!
1:56 Ringr: for 25% off use this link http://ringr.com/tonemob
10:47 "If We Were Vampires": https://music.apple.com/us/album/if-we-were-vampires/1216344634?i=1216344997
16:10 Look forward to a Spotify Playlist per Blake's recommendation
18:23 Amanda Shires, Jason's wife and fiddle player on IG: @amandapearlshires
20:05 The Tone Mob Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tone-mob-podcast/id1032970775
Blake on IG:https://www.instagram.com/thetonemob/?hl=en
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From a young age I have just loved the song by Lee Greenwood "God Bless the USA." I hear that song and pride just beams out of me! It's important that we all remember what a truly great country we live in despite the recent election/results and the men and women who have made that a reality for American citizens.
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Have you ever met someone with magnetic energy? That's Lisa Robertson! She picked a great song about starting new a new adventure away from home to become her own person and write her own story!
To find Lisa Robertson on Social media...
@LisaRoberton (FB)
@lisasparklyclean (IG)
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**Full Transcript
Intro I have a question. What is your favorite song, and how do you connect with it? Is it when you fell in love, or through something really difficult? I'm your host Tiffany Mason. now join me as I interview others, and we take a walk down memory lane with them. Let's get lost in why that music matters to them. Turn up your radio and let's explore memories with a beat.
Tiffany
Hello podcast land, thank you for joining me for another episode. Today I have with me, Lisa Robertson. And I know Lisa from a networking group that I'm in. And she just has an amazing personality always bubbly. The minute she starts talking, you are drawn in. You want to know what she's talking about because of all her energy and excitement, which makes it very fun when she does share about her business. And then I was on Facebook, and she was playing the piano and singing and I was like, "Hello, this would be an obvious person to interview!" So I'm so excited to have you today, Lisa. Can you share a little bit about yourself with the audience?
Lisa
Yes, absolutely. Hey Tiffany, so glad to be on. So my name is Lisa and I originally grew up in Indiana. And loved it there. And then things happened later on in life and I moved to Missouri. So, I am here in Missouri with my husband of 13 years and we have two beautiful kids, Abby she's fixin to be nine and then Jack is seven. And they are so fun and they are in so many sports we just stay so busy, but we love it.
Tiffany
Well, two things... did you guys get snow the other day?
Lisa
Thankfully we did not. But girl, we have gotten so much rain and it's so cold. But we needed the rain so that has been wonderful.
Tiffany
So rain not wintry mix?
Lisa
No wintry mix, thank goodness!
Tiffany
Beautiful
Lisa
But I think it stayed west of us.
Tiffany
Yeah, I would either like rain or snow. But I hate when they were like "Okay we're calling for a wintry mix." You know, because I'm originally from Minnesota. Well, I'm really originally from Iowa. I feel like I've got to pay homage but a lot of my adult life I've spent in Minnesota. So, and then my second thing for you is your children are involved in a whole bunch of activities and sports. I mean, my older boys who are 20 and 16 did not do very many activities and Hanna does quite a few. And I was talking to somebody the other day I'm like, "She's so busy. I mean, I never had a kid do this many things." And then my friend sadly pointed out she's like, "Well, you're older too." So that made me a little bit sad. [Laughter] Okay, Lisa, will you please share with us what song you chose for today?
Lisa
Absolutely. I chose the song Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield. It is such a great catchy song. I love it. So that's why I chose it.
Tiffany
I think it's funny because when I pulled it up for some reason I thought her name was Betingfield with T's. So I was like, "Oh, Bedingfield!" Okay.
Lisa
Learned something...
Tiffany
yes yes yes...okay and you shared it came out in 2004. And when you said that you said, "And that plays a role in the story too," so how do you connect with the song or what kind of memories are sparked or, you know?
Lisa
Yeah! Yeah, absolutely! So, I told you that I grew up in the great state of Indiana. And it...After high school, I graduated and just went to cosmetology school. So, after cosmetology school... I was the last kid at home. I have three older brothers and I was just kind of like, "I need something new. I need a new adventure in life." So I was reaching out to a couple of my friends and I used to travel down to Georgia for the summer and thought maybe I'd go live in Georgia for a while. And then, Missouri kind of just came out. I had two older brothers that went to college out here so I had that connection. So God just kind of opened those doors. My parents were at peace about it. And in 2004, I moved down to Missouri with one of my brothers. And so this song, I just I love life. It just like is such a peppy song if you haven't heard like it's phenomenal it's just something you want to sing at the top of your lungs. And it's just so energetic. And I remember that I would stand in my apartment bedroom. And I would just blare this song. Like I love just the part where it's "Staring at the blank page before you." I'm like yes like this is a new season in life for me. I was, you know, away from my parents. A new adventure out in Missouri where I really didn't know a whole lot of people besides my brother, and maybe some mutual friends that you know I met through them.
Tiffany
Yep
Lisa
But it was just a new thing. So I just loved that like it's a blank page. Like, here Lisa Robertson is in Missouri. And I, you know, the sky's the limit. So it's just it was just a good song for that, you know, story that was being written at that time.
Tiffany
So you did cosmetology, you didn't go to school out there though, that's just kind of your next step?
Lisa
Yeah, exactly. I just never felt really like led to go or to study a specific thing. And Cosmetology just had always been on my heart. So I did that. And what's so funny is, I thought I would totally be doing that when I moved up to Missouri. But to get my license over like you just have to take an open book test. It was the same hours from what Indiana was. But for some reason when I moved out here, my license took forever to transfer. So it was like a couple of months I'm like, "I can't just live out here with no job."
Tiffany
Right?
Lisa
So I ended up pursuing that and I would call like Jefferson City and Indianapolis like "Hey what's going on with my license?" And they had no answer. So I ended up... Yeah, I ended up getting a job at a bank in the meantime. And then, one day, I believe this is totally God, like it just about put on my mind to call Indianapolis and say "Hey, what is the address that you're sending my license to?" And that was it. They were just writing the incorrect zip code. So it was never getting to Jefferson City. Isn't that crazy? I mean I think that all had to play out just for you know God to work what he needed to do.
Tiffany
So that's so funny that is Jefferson City. I have a girlfriend. Okay, even further back. I was in show choir. Okay, I was in Urbandale, Iowa show choir. And we would always come down to Jefferson City for this huge competition. And we would always get I think like top three. But Jefferson City was like our number one competition. And we look forward to that competition, every school year! Funny...that it's just a small world.
Lisa
Right.
Tiffany
Yeah. Uh huh. So are you in Jefferson City now?
LIsa
No, so I actually live around the Springfield area.
Tiffany
Okay
Lisa
Yeah. So, anyhow.
Tiffany
So you ever see yellow people walking around?
Lisa
Ha, ha, No [Laughter]
Tiffany
Is that the Simpsons? Is it Springfield, Missouri or Springfield, Illinois?
Lisa
[Still Laughing] Missouri. That's so funny.
Tiffany
So, I was looking at the lyrics too and just kind of going over what stood out to me or whatever. First of all, Natasha Bedingfield is BEA-U-TIFUL!
Lisa
Isn't she though? Yea...Woo!
Tiffany
Wow! I did not realize. I guess I never paid attention when the song was popular or whatever.
Lisa
Right!
Tiffany
But I liked "Today is where your book begins." Because it kind of made me feel like, you know, God's mercies are new every morning.
Lisa
Yeah.
Tiffany
And so it was like okay this is the beginning. You know, a fresh start fresh slate. What does the world have for me? What does the world want for me? You know, what do I want from the world? Just kind of a cool thing... just imagery... I guess of that blank paper and it's time to start that book.
Lisa
Right. Yes, I love it and like the chorus is just awesome just that
[Singing} "Feel no rain on your skin, no one else can feel it for you, only you can let it in, no one else, no one else will speak so words on your lips." I just like, I just want to like shout it! Like it's so good! Just like feeling good! Like no one else can feel that for you. You feel you know we just get emotions about different things and everyone gets affected in different ways and I'm just... I just love it!! It's great!!
Tiffany
Yes! I'm so thankful you sang it because you know the stupid laws, make it so I can't play the music on these episodes and it drives me insane.
Lisa
Sure sure...
Tiffany
I started trying to...
Lisa
I didn't know all those stipulations but yes yes, awful.
Tiffany
It drives me crazy and my girlfriend was asking me "Why don't you play the songs you talk about/" I'm like, "Because I legally can't."
Lisa
Right, you have a permit permission from Natasha Bedingfield or her like people...
Tiffany
Right, you have to get the you have to buy the license or have licensing permission. Which I asked and for like, you know, real famous songs, it's very expensive. And it's only like that song. So I'm like okay that stinks. And then I tried to think, "Okay, could I pull cover songs from YouTube? And then insert them?" And they said that even the lyrics are copyrighted. So, I'm like, "Oh my gosh this stinks so bad." I mean podcasts really could be that much more engaging I guess?
Lisa
Right
Tiffany
You know there's plenty of podcasts about songs. It'd be great to throw them in there. And I guess people used to do it like illegally and just, you know, hope to fly under the radar. But there must be new software, because in the last like quarter, more people have gotten their shows pulled down, and they haven't like the whole... Well, maybe not the whole history but in a decent chunk of history of podcasting in general. So there must be new technology where they're able to like you know run so many podcasts through, and be able to catch you know someone's using licensed music, so...
Lisa
Sure, I wouldn't be surprised. Yeah.
Tiffany
Yeah, that's really a big fat bummer because the songs, they do they evoke emotion. And I want people to feel those emotions you know and I just, I feel like my audience gets jipped a little bit.
Lisa
So So anyhow, so that song has just been just phenomenal. Like when you were asking me to pick a song, I was like, "I love so many" And you know at different times, you know they change like you're just...
Tiffany
Yes
Lisa
...effected... is like "Oh do I do something like right now?" But then this one just kept on popping back in my head. I thought this is it! Like and then I was reminded of when it came out. I was like, "Oh yeah, that's when it came up that's when life was just like a whole new chapter is beginning." And that's why it's just like so real and effective of song, of a song and lyrics to my life so that's just perfect.
Tiffany
So you wrote the chapter of moving to Jefferson City.
Lisa
MM Hmm
Tiffany
You wrote the chapter of getting married.
Lisa
MM Hmm
Tiffany
You wrote the chapter of having a daughter.
Lisa
Yeah
Tiffany
Wrote the chapter having your son.
Lisa
MM Hmm
Tiffany
What is next in this book of Lisa Robertson?
Lisa
Seriously I don't know. I mean you know this year has brought a lot of changes for a lot of different people. But I don't want to talk negative because I tried to be positive. But this year has brought actually some wonderful changes for our family. So I was working outside of the home. Now I stay home right now and work my, my business, my own hours. I get to spend more time with the kids and not feel rushed or just like, "I want to go home I want to sit at home because I've been, you know, working all day outside talking to people you know that gets tiring."
Tiffany
Yes, that's what I said to Hanna when I came on today I said "Mommy is so tired." I said "I'm not tired like I need to go to sleep." I said "I'm tired like I just need to sit."
Lisa
Yes. Yeah, exactly! And then my husband decided to switch careers during COVID. And so we're just really relying on God to provide and so anyhow so I'm not working. I'm at home, which is amazing and like I said, the kids are in so many sports, and I enjoy it. I don't feel like okay I just worked now we got to go to practices you know or games. I get to enjoy the day. And then I get to hang out with the kids afterwards. I'm not... I just get to do the mom stuff and the wife stuff which is phenomenal. So I am going to enjoy this chapter in my life as long as God gives it to me. But yeah so that's kind of what we're doing. I'm just reflecting back and just slowing down, as I know a lot of people will probably say during all this life is just slowing down. Priorities are definitely being shifted through all this but it's, it's great. So we're just enjoying life as a family together. Less anxiety, which is awesome, right?
Tiffany
Yes.
Lisa
And honestly just enjoying my husband. I have a lot more time with him so we get to enjoy that now so that's kinda...
Tiffany
That's awesome.
Lisa
Thank you
Tiffany
Yeah. Um, I was at a networking event today and I was talking to this gentleman. And he said you know halfway through COVID I just said to myself, "I hate my job." And he was like, I was talking to my wife and she was building, like she built websites. And so she was building that business. She just said "You know what, I'm at a good spot. I can carry us. You know, go ahead and do what you want to do, I'm here for this." And so he was able to do something different. People know a little bit about my story and it's kind of the same thing for myself. Where, at the beginning of COVID I was kind of trying to work from home/online-ish. And then that has kind of shifted since then where I'm doing podcasts, post production, management, that kind of stuff. And, yeah, I think COVID has been...
Oh my gosh, okay sorry I have a thought interrupting that... yeah so I hear you saying how like oh slowing down and all that you know? And it's it's funny because I never got that, you know? I'm so jealous of everybody. And I know it's like, you know, the grass is greener on the other side kind of idea, probably. But I hear all these people talking about how they're still in quarantine or how they still don't have, you know, all the opportunities that.. I mean, down in Florida, we have a lot of opportunities the restaurants are open. But, you know, hearing these other people speaking about how they're still, you know, kind of locked in...Like Jeepers, must be nice to like have all day to have your clear thoughts and completely think through. And I think that the issue with what I have going on is that I'm trying to come up with all these ideas. I'm trying to come up with all these programs and concepts and you know marketing material and all that kind of stuff. And I just, I have my, my other job, you know that I haven't transitioned from yet. And I didn't get to slow down at all.
Lisa
Yeah
Tiffany
You know, and our kids are in school so they didn't get a very long Spring Break though
Lisa
Yeah.
Tiffany
Spring break that just turned into the next school year. But, you know, my husband too. We are essential so you know it's funny that we all had a different experience kind of, like, you know with music you know? I had a different case of circumstances so I always feel so jealous. I almost feel like jipped, you know? Like everybody else got the time to be a family and everybody else got the time to think about their businesses and, you know, poor me.
Lisa
Sure. Yeah. And I'll tell you when I share. We got to slow down and joy... like there's a part of me that feels bad because of those who are essential. Like I am so thankful for those that were essential and out there. And I do, I feel sad for y'all that didn't get to experience that slow down. Because when we got into that, that was when we were able to reflect and really like what are our priorities in life, you know? Someone had even posted something about "You know we're not all, we want these material things, we're all desiring, like relationships, seeing people like that is a top priority on a lot of people's lists" and that used to not be. You know? So you're like, I'm too busy with life. Like I just need my family. And so I just have enjoyed seeing that shift change in different lives around me. I still understand that there's those that didn't continue to experience but i'd love to...my friends in our life...those shift changes are amazing!
Tiffany
Yeah
Lisa
We all just need that every once and a while.
Tiffany
Yeah, I mean I don't want to say it because it's not popular opinion but I think a little COVID situation, once every five years, would be great. [Laughter]
Lisa
Maybe milder.
Tiffany
Yes, not not as severe or not as serious. Don't the European countries do something like that? Like Summer, they just kind of shut down?
Lisa
Right? I think so like a long little um, what do they call it over there? Not a vacation.
Tiffany
Ha Ha USA? [Laughter]
Lisa
Holiday, their holiday.
Tiffany
Again, the grass is always greener on the other side. I think they also have a different healthcare system. I think they also have a different taxing structure, you know, so..
Lisa
Right Right
Tiffany
Who knows? Be happy with what you got, right?
Lisa
Amen, yes sister!
Tiffany
Well thank you so much for taking time out of your evening to speak with me and to share that song with me.
Lisa
Yes, well thanks so much for having me Tiffany!
Outro
Well that was a great walk down memory lane. I hope you enjoyed my guest's memories and experiences with the song or songs they chose. To connect with my guest's, I mean I know you are just going to stalk their social media, but check out the show notes as always for details. Please leave a 5 star review. And I'd love if you left a memory of your own that was sparked. Can't wait to dive into my next guest's memories with a beat. Hit subscribe now, you don't wanna miss the next episode.
Well hallelujah! The Airstream Oracle AKA Shannon Pinkston overcame some big challenges in the past few years because she was tired of being afraid and proved to herself that she can do tough stuff! She sang Hallelujah to a large group of ppl - basically a concert - but how? Why?
0:46 Airstream Oracle Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=1523463868
3:14 Episode 11 “The Envelope Please”
8:22/8:44 Hallelujah by K.D. Lang: youtube.com/watch?v=xPPH-rDQtVg
17:15 “Let It Go” by Idina Menzel
17:59 “Good Morning” by Mandisa
20:07 Breathing exercise to reset your autonomatic nervous system
20:36 “You don’t have to show up to every fight you are invited to”
22:01 “Bless you and release you”
23:57 You have to choose to Resolve and issue, Revise it, or Release it.
Shannon Pinkston on Social:
IG: @airstream_oracle
FB: @shannonPinkston
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Are you expecting? Have you had a miscarriage? Unfortunately I had two miscarriages of my own. Listen to songs I chose for my babies while I was still pregnant and how I sang them in anticipation of their arrival and then to calm my babies once they were born.
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**Full Transcript
Intro
I have a question. What is your favorite song, and how do you connect with it? Is it when you fell in love, or through something really difficult? I'm your host Tiffany Mason. now join me as I interview others, and we take a walk down memory lane with them. Let's get lost in why that music matters to them. Turn up your radio and let's explore memories with a beat.
Tiffany
Hello podcast land. Today it's just gonna be you and me, and I want to share some songs that remind me of my babies. I have three children. I have Preston, Parker, and Hanna. And I think that they all have such unique stories with how they entered into my life.
My first son is Preston Mason. And he is so much like me, literally, we always say the only difference is the anatomy. Because I can guess his next move before he makes it. I know exactly what he's thinking. Then Parker is all his daddy. And all the same mannerisms, same humor, same introverted-ness, just exactly like his dad. And then there's Hanna and she's probably just a little bit of both of us. They all bring so many different qualities or characteristics to the table that are so great in so many different ways. And I really appreciate everything that all three of them bring. I could never pick a favorite because you know "I like this one because they do that," or "like this one because it's more like that with this one," you know? So they're just unique in their own way and I love all three of them so much.
The first baby I had was Preston, like I mentioned. My husband was actually on a guy's trip in Cancun. I just thought something was up, and so I thought "I'm going to go buy a test." And sure enough, I could not believe the two lines showing up. So my girlfriend was over at the time and we're both freaking out. And I'm like "Oh my gosh, what do I do?" My girlfriend said you know what, "Let him live it up. Let it be his last, you know, hurrah, and you can let him know the good news when he gets home."
So, I flew to Minnesota, where he was flying to, and we met there and his mom and I went and picked him up from the airport. And the whole way home, I wanted to shout out "I'm pregnant." But I knew it wasn't obviously the right timing. So then, we got to his dad's house and he had his luggage with him. And I was like, you know, "Do you want to take your luggage downstairs? What do you think we probably should take your luggage downstairs, you know?" His dad and his step-mom, and him were like, "No, we're gonna go to dinner. Don't worry about the luggage, Tiffany." And all I could think like the entire dinner was "I'm pregnant." And I just kept wanting to say it over and over again.
So, finally we got home from dinner, and Shawn decided it was time for him to bring his luggage downstairs. When we got downstairs, he gave me a gift. And it was, you know, a couple pieces of jewelry he had picked up from me and Cancun, which was so sweet and I was so thankful. And then I said "I have a gift for you too." And he was like "Whadya get me?" And so he opens up the card. And I don't remember exactly what it said but something to the effect of, you know, just how much I loved him and all that good stuff. And then he opened the gift. And the gift was 1000 perfect names for your perfect baby. Or maybe it's 1000 names for your perfect baby something to that extent. And he looked at me. And I was tearing up, and he just leaned in so sweetly and caring, and he just said, "It's gonna be okay." And he gave me a kiss on the forehead.
So I have this little baby growing in me trying to figure out you, know how, I'm going to tell my family. And my sister had been trying to get pregnant for quite a while. We were actually meeting in Minnesota when I told Shawn, because we were going to drive south to my mother's wedding in Iowa. And in Iowa, I knew I would see my sister. And I knew I had to tell my sister before I told everybody else. I pulled her aside and told her, and of course she was completely devastated. And I don't blame her one bit. But she was she was sad and you know, she... that's what she wanted. She had gotten married. She went to school and she was ready to start her family and she has done everything in the right order. And she had gotten news that she would maybe never be able to have babies. Side note, she had three. She are pregnant on her own. I think she had to take Clomid. But she did end up getting pregnant on her own for the most part, and no IVF, no crazy fertility story, and no loss of multiple babies, so happy ending there. But it was just a little nerve racking nonetheless. And I remember once we had Preston that was even a little bit difficult for them as a couple. But you know once they had their own children. Life was good.
So I tell you all of that to tell you that the song that I picked. While I was pregnant with Preston was by Savage Garden. It came out in 1999. And it's, "I knew I loved you before I met you." You know you haven't met your baby, so you don't know them. Some of the lyrics that I appreciate is "I know it might sound more than a little crazy, but I believe I knew I loved you before I met you. I think I dreamed you into life. I knew I loved you before I met you. I've been waiting all my life."
When I was 18 and Shawn and I were just eating. He was saying, you know, I wish you were at home barefoot and pregnant. My mom was like "Whoa, hold the phone," you know. My mother was a teen mom, for her to hear those words, she knew she knows how difficult it is to have a child. And when you're 18, I think you just get wrapped up in the fantasy of having a child. So, she was good to caution me and just say, you know, "Hang on, wait till the timings right." We weren't necessarily trying for Preston, but we weren't really being that responsible either. So, I think we knew it was a good possibility that it could happen. So we had been waiting for Preston for a couple of years and just happy to be expecting, especially a boy! I think that that's just the best way to do it is to have a boy first. And of course there... it's not a choice, right? Like you just get what you get. But I was really pleased to find out that it was gonna be a little boy. I really appreciate the words "1000 angels dance around you. I'm complete now that I've found you." And I think that babies do get some kind of send off in Heaven. Right. I feel like the angels do dance around them and they bless them and God blesses their soul and sends them off to their parents. We'd gotten this blue rocking chair to, you know, feed the baby in the middle of the night and rock him to nap time and all that kind of stuff. Those things that you fantasize about before you have your first kid. And after you have your first child you realize it's a lot more than just that fantasy. I remember just so many times sitting in his room. He had this mobile that I don't know if you guys had babies around the year 2000 when Preston was born. But, there was Carter's baby set that was endorsed I guess by Elton John. And it had like a giraffe and an elephant and just some cute animals. And there was a... I think it's called a moonlight, where there's a light in the middle, and this film circles around the light and it ends up reflecting onto the wall. So I remember just turning that on, and turning on this song, and rubbing my belly dreaming of what that was going to be like to hold him in my arms. And be his mom and look into his eyes and, you know? I had imagined myself, so many times him in my belly and me picturing what he looked like scrunched up in my belly and how it was going to be so great to have him on the outside and scrunched up in my arms. And I just thought about that every time I heard that song. I guess I just keep thinking about that song. So if you guys have not listened to "I knew I loved you before I met you." It's just such a sweet song, and I just dream about those days when I was rubbing my belly and dreaming of meeting Preston.
Thennnnnn, I had Parker. But before I had Parker, I had a miscarriage, which was no fun at all. I found out fairly early on. And I wasn't necessarily devastated by the miscarriage. I was young, I knew I could have babies I already had Preston. I don't know as though I was devastated by the miscarriage, but it was very sad, of course. And so then, I got the news that I had had a partial molar pregnancy. Your cells are supposed to divide evenly by twos. My cells were dividing by threes. And at that point, I was told by the doctor that I would need to monitor my HCG levels, which is the same hormone that tells you if you're pregnant. So they said sorry you cannot get pregnant until we can confirm that those cells are not, you know, multiplying, and that hormone levels not going up. Because if the hormone level goes up we know those precancerous cells are multiplying. So, I did the first test and it came back, yes. The number went up. So I had to have my blood tested the next week. And yes, the numbers went up again. So at that point, once it gets to a certain level, they give you a shot of Methotrexate which is actually a cancer drug. But that's also what they use to stop these precancerous cells, I guess that kind of makes sense. Um, so I had that shot. And then they said because you had the shot. Now we have to monitor you every month for a year. And that just broke my heart because my sister and I are two years apart. And I thought that that was just perfect. And that's what I wanted for my babies. But God knew better. God knew what I needed. And I just always think of that Thomas Rhett song, "You make your plans and you hear God laughing." That just resonates with me almost on a daily basis. I'm sure you guys can all relate as well. But yeah, I just had to put my faith in God and know that it's his plan, and not my plan and His ways are higher than mine. I went in every month Preston my little sidekick would come with me and distract me from the blood draw. My levels of course went down to zero, we took care of everything. And now it was time to have a baby again. I remember saying, the first month we can get pregnant, I want to be pregnant. And we sure did. We were pregnant in May of 2003 and Parker joined our family in January of 2004. Now, I did not have a sweet song that I sang to him because you know we were busy, going to doctor's visits, and then going to the park. And I had Preston and my all my attention was focused on him. I was pretty heavy into scrapbooking at the same time. So most of my free time I would spend scrapbooking with my girlfriend Cherise. And we would put our two children down for naps and just enjoy time together. Once Parker was born, he did get a song. The only song Preston knew that he could sing in the seat next to Parker was the ABCs. So, sometimes we would sing them fast. Sometimes we'd sing them slow. Sometimes we'd sing them really loud and obnoxious. And he just loved it. He loved the music I think he loved hearing our voices, and it would always calm him down in the car. So, that was Parker song, unfortunately, middle kid gets jipped all the time and he got ABCs, because then sweet little Hanna came along and she got a great song too. I also miscarried before Hanna. I had Preston, when I was a month before I turned 21. I had Parker three years later, and I had Hanna, seven years later.
My husband had finally decided, yes, we could try for another baby. I was so thankful and I was so excited when I found out we were expecting again. And I was really hoping it was a little girl. Oh I was hoping! I wanted to play with her hair and pull it up and put it in braids and you know I wanted her to do daddy daughter dances and I just had plans...well, honestly... What kind of shifted my mindset on having a third child because I always wanted a little boy, was one Christmas, the boys were opening their gifts. And it was all stuff for Shawn to do with them. It was golfing. It was archery. It was fishing. You know? A lot of boy things, and I know everyone wants to say girls, girls can do that stuff too and girls absolutely can. But just in that moment in time, I was like, Who's gonna go shopping with me and who's gonna do all those fun things of me, and all the sudden I just knew I wanted to have my own little best friend.
So, we talked about you know fostering we talked about adopting you know we just ultimately decided on trying to whip up a batter of our own and praying for a little girl. We went to the first ultrasound and it was really good and that was always kind of what I needed was that first ultrasound to feel okay. So excited! My best friend at the time, she got pregnant. Oh, man. Oh no, she was trying to get pregnant I'm sorry she was trying to get pregnant. And I was thinking "We're gonna have babies at the same time. It's gonna be so much fun." I couldn't even believe it.
Then we went to the 11 week ultrasound. And there was no heartbeat. I was devastated. There was a show on at the time called Glee. And it was where like high school kids would sing songs in a remixed fashion or whatever. At the time they had "Smile." You know goes [Singing] "Smile, though, your heart is aching. Smile, fill your heart is aching." And I just play that song, over, and over, and over. And just cried and cried. And I remember sending my best friend a text and just said, "I don't want to talk about it, but there wasn't a heartbeat." And it was so hard because my family did not know that I was pregnant at the time. I was waiting to tell them. And it's odd because I didn't wait to tell them with any of my other babies. Like the second there were two pink lines on that pregnancy test, I was blabbing to the world. And for some reason this time I didn't. So we didn't really say anything to anybody. Actually my husband's mom came to visit. I was just kind of out of sorts. And it was so weird to like almost grieve alone. I did end up telling all of our family, you know like, I don't know, a month or two later. Maybe when I got pregnant with Hanna. You know, it was just so hard. I don't know I guess just the way that I am I'm an extrovert. I don't mind people knowing my business. I think it's the best thing in the world. You just tell people right away. And if you lose that baby, you have the most amazing support system. The miscarriage that I had between Preston and Parker, I had so much support and so much understanding and sympathy. People just trying to be there for me and be understanding. And it was a very difficult miscarriage. Right before Hanna because nobody knew about it. So it was really hard. Now of course my best friend knew about it but I just, I would never recommend waiting. That's just my personality type but I like people knowing. And then there's an explanation if I'm not you know my normal peppy self.
So then, I was really devastated because I thought, you know what, I don't think Shawn's gonna let us try again. It had taken... I think it only took him maybe four months to get pregnant with that baby. And I just thought that that was kind of our one chance. And I didn't know if he was gonna let us try again. I just didn't have a good feeling about it. So, we talked about it. And, you know, a couple months later he was ready to try again. And it's funny because I think that we forget miscarriage affects our husbands too. You know, they lost the baby too. They lost those expectations too. They lost the baby the hope the dreams and you know all those things that you think you're going to do with that baby. He must have, you know, had time to grieve. And we were ready to try to get pregnant again. It took about six months and I remember thinking like, if I'm not pregnant next month I think I maybe just need to be done. I don't know if I can keep doing this to myself. So sure enough, that next month pregnancy Test came back positive. I was so excited, went to the first ultrasound second ultrasound. Everything was great. We were on the road to having a little girl. And all I can say is that when I did have the DNC from that second miscarriage. I asked the staff, you know, could you tell was it a boy or girl, and they said "You know what honey... that it... just, No, there was no way to tell." The way I sleep better at night, the story I tell myself to feel better, is I just feel like maybe God looked down and he was like, "Wait a minute, why is Tiffany pregnant with a boy? I think I clearly told you guys, she needs to have a little girl. That's what she's dreaming about and that's what she's been waiting for. She needs to have a little girl." And I think that the angels were just like, "Oh yes, I'm so sorry God. I'm so sorry." I ended up having a miscarriage. I got pregnant again. And that was my sweet little Hanna.
Once I got pregnant with her. I just knew she was going to be perfect. I mean, do you ever think that you're going to have a not perfect baby? No. So I knew she was going to be perfect. And the song that I picked for her was "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars came out in 2010. So right around the time of Hanna being born because she was born in 2011. I had such an awesome pregnancy really all three times. We moved this last time with Hanna we had moved from Chicago to Minnesota to be close to family. It was just a great experience overall took pictures. You know felt great. When in for that 20 week ultrasound. And now we have a problem. You know you can just tell right the ultrasound tech she starts taking extra pictures, pictures you didn't remember getting with other babies. They get very quiet, and you're asking questions and they just keep telling you like, "Oh the radiologist will go over with you. You know, just, you just got to wait. Wait for them to read it." So I got news had to go in for the appointment. I got news that Hanna only had a two vessel umbilical cord. Now they're supposed to have three vessels. Two arteries, one vein. It has something to do with the return and exchange of blood and oxygen to the baby through the umbilical cord. And why it becomes a danger is because that umbilical cord can get very worn out, and almost kind of start to disintegrate towards the end of the pregnancy. So, I still had a good pregnancy. I was very very concerned about this two vessel umbilical cord. I actually was doing tech support for Mac software at Creative Memories, at the time. I remember I had lady calling in and she was talking about her child and I don't know they were like, you know, three, four or five six somewhere in there, I don't know. Younger but not a baby. Somehow we got on the topic of being pregnant and all that good stuff. She just assured me through her own story that it was gonna be okay. Hanna was gonna make it. Hanna's gonna grow up to be a perfectly fine little girl, and not to worry about it.
So I really did try to lean on that for the most part. And again just driving to work every day singing to her. You know how perfect she was going to be. So when I would sing the song, the lyrics that always resonated to me, were "Her eyes, her eyes make the stars look like they're not shining. Her hair, her hair falls perfectly without her trying. She's so beautiful and I tell her every day." I knew I was going to tell my baby every day how perfect she was and how beautiful she was. But if you've ever seen a picture of my daughter...Jeepers, her eyes, her eyes, They do make the stars look like they're not shining. Just these big beautiful blue eyes, and her hair her hair falls perfectly without her trying. Gosh, it's true. I mean, I remember being at the pool one day, we'd been swimming her hair had dried. The wind was tossing Her hair was so perfect. It was like out of a movie or something. Okay and then the next lyrics I just think are so great is "When I see your face. There's not a thing that I would change because you're amazing, just the way you are." She is so stinking amazing. She is polite. She's sweet. She's kind. She's funny. I just love everything about her She really did turn into my little best friend. I joke about that all the time when I post things on Facebook and stuff about her. I also love when he says "And when you smile the whole world stops and stares for a while." She just has a magnetic smile. I love posting pictures of her on Facebook with her little smile and her friends. She just has a great aura to her, I suppose. And then this one always kind of tripped me up but I still do think it. "Her lips her lips I could kiss them all day if she'd let me." She has great lips, so when she was born. Shawn, first thing he said "She's got your lips," and I'm not trying to pat myself on the back I'm just saying she has great lips. And a great smile. And great hair. And great eyes. And then to finish off the package, it says "Her laugh, her laugh, she hates but I think it's so sexy." When I sing this to Hanna I always say "Her laugh, her laugh, she hates but I think it's so funny." Or, it's so silly. You know I put something else in there because obviously I don't think my daughter's laugh is sexy. And I know this is a guy singing about his girlfriend or his wife. But this is me singing about my daughter and I just love her so much.
I've been so excited to, you know, share these three stories with you in those couple of songs. Because I don't know, like I've always said you know you just connect with music and it really means something to you. And when I hear those songs I just think about my babies and those days of anticipation and waiting for them to enter my life. I could not imagine my life without them even though they drive me absolutely crazy sometimes. I still wouldn't give them up for the world! And it's just fun to watch them grow and become the people they are. I hope you look the songs up and you hear them or, you know, if you sparked some kind of memory with you. I'd love if you shared that with me. Or if you have a song that you think your baby, or your baby that you weren't expecting at whatever point, and how that was for you. Hope you guys have a great rest of the day. And we'll talk soon.
Outro
Weren't those great stories, I mean songs. I hope you could relate with my insights and feelings to connect with me, or to check me out on social media, see the show notes as always for details. Please leave a five star review. And I'd love if you left a memory of your own that. Can't wait to dive into my next guests memories with the beat! Hit subscribe now. You don't want to miss the next episode!
Disney fanatic Jordana Izzo shares why Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts speaks to her life in all aspects from being a new home owner, a new Autistic diagnosis for her two year old and ramping up her travel business with Travelmation-best Disney travel team...all during covid!!!
Life is a Highway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh-ZUrc-aLI
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Jordana Izzo jordanaizzo@travelmation.net www.travelmation.net/jordanaizzo www.Facebook.com/jordanaizzotravel
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**Full Transcript
Intro
I have a question. What is your favorite song, and how do you connect with it? Is it when you fell in love, or through something really difficult? I'm your host Tiffany Mason. now join me as I interview others, and we take a walk down memory lane with them. Let's get lost in why that music matters to them. Turn up your radio and let's explore memories with a beat.
Tiffany
Hello podcast land. Thank you for joining me for another episode. I have my friend Jordana Izzo with me. And Jordana do you want to tell us a little bit about yourself?
Jordana
Yes, my name is Jordana and I live in Rhode Island. I have a two year old son. And I've been married for almost three years now. You know, it's pretty boring, like with COVID and everything. But I, last year started a career in travel. And I've been trying to pick up as Covid is going away.
Tiffany
Yeah, it's such tough time for that.
Jordana
It is but you know what? I think people have been stuck in their house for six months, they're just, they're ready to get out.
Tiffany
Itching' to go.
Jordana
Yes, exactly! So I'm ready to book it when everybody's ready.
Tiffany
Where's everybody booking right now.
Jordana
Right now, a lot of good cruise rates are out there. You know, Disney just reopened. And actually, my husband, my son, and I just came back from Disney about a month ago. And it was really awesome.
Tiffany
Oh Really?
Jordana
Yes, yeah, we went for 10 days for my son's second birthday, so, so much fun.
Tiffany
How fantastic were the crowds? They had to have come down.
Jordana
They were so low. They're starting to level out they're starting to get to typical Disney crowds now. Not high tide, but, because they're still limited capacity. But no, it was... everything was walk on. We were getting through the parks in half a day and then just go on and chillin at the resort. It was awesome.
Tiffany
Now were you a Disney fanatic before you got married?
Jordana
Yes, yes so I actually dragged my husband into the "Disney Life."
Tiffany
I was gonna ask.
Jordana
Yeah, so my mom always took us as kids me and my two sisters. We went probably one to two times a year, took a break while I was in college and stuff. And then I was dating my husband at the time and I was like "Hey, I think, I think like, I want to take myself to Disney." Like, I took out a loan, as people do with their student loans obviously.
Tiffany
Why would you not?
Jordana
And I paid for a trip for my graduation trip to Disney. That's actually when my husband proposed to me.
Tiffany
Awwww
Jordana
Amazing, then you know from there we had our honeymoon. We did our baby moon six months later because the the magic of Disney happened.
Tiffany
Yeah, that's right. [Laughter]
Jordana
And then we did ya know a baby free weekend once we needed a little break on my son was six months old. And then, we took him for his first birthday and second birthday. It was been a couple of weekend trips down. I just I love it I can't get enough.
Tiffany
Wow, so you guys just fly down for like three days and fly back.
Jordana
Yeah, yeah so...
Tiffany
When you were kids were you in Rhode Island as well?
Jordana
Yes, I've always lived here I actually just bought a house. The next street over from the house I grew up, my mom still lives there. So we live close to my mom.
Tiffany
OH, congratulations!
Jordana
Thank you. So, it was actually at the beginning of COVID. I was like, I bought a house, two weeks later I'm working from home, and I've been here ever since.
Tiffany
It couldn't have worked out better, right?
Jordana
Oh, I know.
Tiffany
Did you have extra time to unpack then?
Jordana
Yes. Sadly, I'm, I still have a few boxes downstairs that we're just ignoring unpacking and...
Tiffany
Yes. Outta sight. Outta mind.
Jordana
Yes
Tiffany
Now is it downstairs or is a basement because here in Florida, there's no basements.
Jordana
No it's basement. So we have basement here. We do, we don't have an attic we have like a crawlspace attic. No, we don't so everything is in the basement. There's no organization in the basement, but we don't show anybody the basement.
Tiffany
That's right, that's right that's only when you need to go down and get stuff out of the deep freezer when you come back up like, "Got it."
Jordana
No, I have my little path over there and that's it.
Tiffany
Is your laundry downstairs, too? I feel like my laundry, everybody's laundry is always downstairs.
Jordana
Yeah, yeah. Which kinda stinks but I mean, it is what it is.
Tiffany
It's so weird because we moved to Florida three years ago. And there are no basements here. And it is just the weirdest thing. So sometimes we do that joking thing where you you know pretend you're going downstairs if you're on the other side of the counter or whatever.[Laughter] There's no basements in Florida.
Jordana
"Let me go downstairs and grab that out real quick." I love that. I love that.
Tiffany
So I know you picked a song for us. Do you want to share what the song is?
Jordana
Yes. So, the song that I chose was Life Is a Highway by Rascal Flats.
Tiffany
Awesome okay and I did some research on my own. Did you know the song came out in the year 2000?
Jordana
Yes, so it's actually part of the Cars soundtrack.
Tiffany
Oh yes.
Jordana
The cars, I think it's a remake. I like the Rascal Flatts version, a lot better. And obviously it being a Disney song...it's just, that's that's my jam right there.
Tiffany
I know when I asked you, I didn't know what to expect. And honestly I really thought it was gonna be like Little Mermaid Under The Sea. Or maybe something from Beauty and the Beast. So I was pleasantly surprised when it was Life Is a Highway. And I thought, okay, that's actually super practical.
Jordana
I'll tell you, okay? So Life Is a Highway is my husband and I's song. So like anytime we were having a rough day, you know, where we're sitting here and we're mad at each other, that song would either come on the radio or like on our iTunes playlist or like it would just always randomly come on and I would just be like "That's Life Is a Highway." So, that was actually our song that we walked into at our wedding, when they announced us.
Tiffany
Oh, funnnnn.
Jordana
And everybody's like "Oh that's a weird song to walk in to," but we were like jamming out we loved it.
Tiffany
Yeah, it's got a great beat.
Jordana
Yes, it's something you scream along, you don't sing along to you scream along to it in the car. I just... like every time we hear it we're like "Oh yes, like our jams on, here we go!"
Tiffany
Did you guys see the movie together?
Jordana
No, no. Years later.
Tiffany
I suppose because you... you guys weren't together.
Jordana
Right, yeah so we just started dating we started dating in 2013. So, and then we got married in 2017. But it was between... the song I was picking for the show was between the Beauty And The Beast from Beauty And The Beast. Also, the last song that we danced to my wedding. I was about 27, Bud Lights deep. Everybody was buying me a shot. I thought I was Belle. I thought it was a nice castle, I was dancing spinning around in this huge poofy dress like. And then, like it rained on my wedding day. And I sat in mud. There's mud in the back of my dress, I am spinning around I didn't care, there's a video of it on Facebook somewhere. I will have to dig it up, but. So it was between these two songs obviously with a Disney song and yeah no we definitely... Life is a highway is the one that just felt right for me.
Tiffany
The Beauty and the Beast song is the only way that I love the sun rises in the East.
Jordana
I love that
[Laughter]
Tiffany
Every time I try to remember I'm like [Singing] "Surely as the sun rising in the East."
Jordana
I love it. That's awesome.
[Laughter]
Tiffany
I think it's super funny. Okay, so are there any lyrics that kind of stick out to you? Is there something about the song? Is there any connection with Rascal Flatts?
Jordana
I just personally love Rascal Flatts. I think and I just actually heard, they are ending, like they're no longer being a band anymore
Tiffany
Noooo
Jordana
The aren't touring anymore. Yeah and they were supposed to have their last tour. And then it all got canceled because of COVID
Tiffany
COVID
Jordana
I wanna go see them like, "I really want to go see them." And I would hope that they play our song and stuff and yeah. I know, COVID ruins everything, obviously. But yeah no, so I think I just I really like them. I'm a country music kind of fan. So I really like them as a band. Any lyrics? Cuz all I can think of is [Singing] "Life is a highway..."
Tiffany
Is there any specific line that when you hear it, you're just like, "Ah, that's totally how our marriage has been or that's totally how life is it's absolutely right."
Jordana
So the first two lines are life's like a road that you travel on when there's one day here and the next day go on. So, that is just say that, you know, life flies by, speeding down the highway, life's passes me by you got to kind of stop sit in the moment, you know, that's speaks to you right there. And that just opens up the song.
Tiffany
I like "Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand, sometimes you turn your back to the wind. "Because it's so true. You know? Sometimes you you know let the pressures of life get the better of you and other times, you know, you kind of turn your back and you're like I don't know I'm gonna weather the storm and when it's done. Everything's gonna be okay again. And I do love that they say "Life is a highway," because it's true I mean, you're it's an adventure it's a road that you're traveling down, nobody has the directions. You're just praying to God that he gets to your destiny.
Jordana
This is a song that everybody can relate to at some point in their life. It's not just one, you know, for, for adults or for kids or for one gender versus the next. It's something that everybody can kind of listen to and probably to at some point.
Tiffany
The next lyrics that I kind of thought were cool is "A road so rough this I know, I'll be there when the lights come in and tell them we're survivors," because again you know you're weathering that storm and you're like "I don't know but we made it." Here we are, we're still standing.
Jordana
Right. Right.
Tiffany
Whatever, you know, comes your way in the in the adventure of life, you know, you're still surviving.
Jordana
Yeah, no matter what you're gonna go through battles with life. So you have to overcome it and just become a survivor. There's everything anything out there you can you can relate this lyric to anything in your life, I think. That one where you tell them where survivors, you came out of it, you're you overcame it. Like, I just I love that.
Tiffany
I know you recently shared with me that your son just got an Autistic diagnosis. And would you say that that's kind of one of those twists or turns on this road of life? And how are you surviving that? How are you kind of overcoming that? What is your coping mechanism right now or how are you, you know, moving forward with that?
Jordana
One thing I can say for all Autism moms is and everybody that's in the Autism community there some sort of special needs community seems to know this is that you have to just advocate for your child. And a lot of it it's battles every single day with, whether it's health insurance or the therapies he's getting or the diagnosis itself. My son's only two so he's allowed to have bad toddler, two days you know? So it's every day kind of seems like a battle, a little bit more. With everything that's going on, I think... it's just, it's important to advocate, you know? Just to stay positive. I think that everything that I'm doing personally with, you know, we have weekly occupational therapy and speech therapy. And he's going to be starting ABA therapy soon. That all of this, I know, and getting it done so early, even though it seems so tough now, it's going to make a difference in the end. Right, so it's like we're kind of windy roads right now as it talks about but I know that it's going to have a better outcome for him so that's why, and you know when we look back at this it's going to seem like it went by so fast.
Tiffany
There's definitely some truth in how everybody says, "The days are long but the years are fast."
Jordana
Yes. Yeah, exactly. You know, yeah. Overall I think if I have any advice to any special needs moms it's just advocate for your child for their potential and...You know, just keep going keep pushing even when you don't think you have anything left you just got to keep going.
Tiffany
Do you know at this point, do can they decipher for between Autism and Asperger's.
Jordana
We don't know right now because the end they won't even give him a level as far as mild, moderate or severe because he's not at his full Early Education Development yet. Yeah, they don't actually say that until closer to four.
Tiffany
Oh, OK!
Jordana
Yeah. Right now we're just we're diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and you know, Asperger's as part of that spectrum. Yeah, no, I can't tell where he's going to be. Some days I look at him and I'm like "I really don't even think he's Autistic," and other days "I'm like, Oh my god, how am I gonna do this," you know? But no matter what the outcome is, you know, we're we're prepared for we're prepared to keep moving forward.
Tiffany
OHHHHH Yeah.
Jordana
That's what Walt Disney says.
Tiffany
Yeah, totally true. Yeah. How does he do at the parks? Do like the noises bother him, anything or do you almost feel like, you know, sometimes... like I did Make -A-Wish for a very short amount of time. Long story but I didn't get to do very many. But I know that that's one of the most popular destinations is Disney. And I just wonder are there accommodations that they have to make, or is it something where he can go and just completely enjoy himself and you just don't even know the difference?
Jordana
So, the thing with Disney and like this makes me so happy that this is our favorite vacation destination because it's going to be so easy. They have disability services, that if you are someone who cannot wait in line, whether it be like a mental diagnosis, or like a physical diagnosis, you can go up and ask for like a pass to come back at a certain time to just get to the front of the line. You do have to show like guest services that you are disabled and stuff like that. And the thing is like he does awesome at the parks. Like he isn't afraid of the noises, he's an Autistic child that is not afraid of loud noises. Okay. And he has our early intervention coordinator says he is very motor driven. So he loves to run he loves to climb He'll run down Main Street. And then he loves constant motion. So being on rides, he's perfectly fine now.
Tiffany
No Prolem
Jordana
This last trip we didn't interact with the characters as much obviously with not doing any character meet and greets. So that might have been something he would have had a little bit more trouble with. But if you like my husband and I love the ride so we don't want to wait in line for the characters.
Tiffany
What is your guys's favorite park?
Jordana
Magic Kingdom. Hands down I mean it's just you, that you get this feeling when you walk into Magic Kingdom and you...It's like it's a sensory overload. You smell the popcorn. You hear the music and you just start walking down Main Street. And you see the giant castle and it's just, it's magical, is the only...
Tiffany
Are you the one that posted on there, because you went on like back backstage tour, or whatever?
Jordana
Yeah. Yeah. So, a fun fact about Disney I guess real quick, is that the way that Magic Kingdom is designed, it's supposed to be designed like you're walking into a movie theater. So if you look on the windows there's credit, credits, I should say. Where it's like, yeah, people who worked on Magic Kingdom, or worked with Walt Disney, like Roy Disney, his name was up there. Their names are on the windows, a smell of popcorn is supposed to be like you're walking into a movie theater, and you smell that popcorn and the main event is supposed to be the castle at the end of the previews, from all the different shops and coffee and stuff like that.
Tiffany
I love that. That's so cool.
Jordana
That's my favorite Fun fact.
Tiffany
I think it's really cool, Jordanna that your passion has led to, you know, a side hustle right now. But maybe eventually a career for you. And then I also love that it's almost like a safe space that you can go to. You already love going there you've already made so many memories, and now you get to bring your son there. And it's almost like maybe it doesn't matter, whatever's going on with him right there.
Jordana
That's the thing like because we were like, "Oh, thank God we're not cruise people, or like we don't like to travel to China," because, you know... so we're very thankful that he can sit on the plane for three hours to get down her direct flight to Orlando and Disney is very accepting of all people so it's just it's perfect.
Tiffany
That's so awesome. And it sounds like you've been there a gajillion times so you're probably an expert. I'll put your links and show notes if anybody needs to do some booking to Disney. I know that you're the girl I know we're going to look into some kind of vacation for just my husband and I. So I know you'll be my girl for that too.
Jordana
Love adult only vacations, we are trying to figure out if we're going to make our February trip adult only. them so I love.
Tiffany
Yes. Hit the spa girl.
Jordana
I try to make those as easy as possible because you guys already dealing parenting, like let's make this possible, like let's making this possible.
Tiffany
That's so cool. Well, thank you so much for your time tonight Jordanna I really appreciate it.
Jordana
Thank you so much for having me on. I love talking Disney I love talking about my favorite song, and this has been awesome. Thank you for having me on.
Outro
Well that was a great walk down memory lane. I hope you enjoyed my guest's memories and experiences with the song or songs they chose. To connect with my guest's, I mean I know you are just going to stalk their social media, but check out the show notes as always for details. Please leave a 5 star review. And I'd love if you left a memory of your own that was sparked. Can't wait to dive into my next guest's memories with a beat. Hit subscribe now, you don't wanna miss the next episode.
You're doing what Debbi? Oh, tell. Me. More! Do you know who Joni Mitchell is? I do now because Debbi shared a very old song with the title of, The Circle Game, with me. Funny how there is still relevance to draw from it!
All things social for Debbi: @BehindtheGems
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/behindthegems
Pre-sell first week in October for subscription boxes!
Gonna stalk me on social? Let me help you...
@virtuallyyoupodcastva (FB & IG)
...heck, join me in my FB group
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**Full Transcript
Intro
I have a question. What is your favorite song, and how do you connect with it? Is it when you fell in love, or through something really difficult? I'm your host Tiffany Mason. now join me as I interview others, and we take a walk down memory lane with them. Let's get lost in why that music matters to them. Turn up your radio and let's explore memories with a beat.
Tiffany
Hello podcast land! Thank you for joining me for another episode. Today I have with me Debbi Pereira, and Debbie would you tell us just a little bit about yourself, please.
Debbi
Sure Tiffany. Um, My name is Debbi, I'm from Allentown, Pennsylvania where I live now. And originally grew up in New Jersey near New York City. I still identify with that area even though I'm out here.
Tiffany
You guys may be wondering like Tiffany's in Florida...Debbi's in Pennsylvania. And how do we know each other? We were part of this program called Made To Do This, listening to a podcast, by a lady with the name of Cathy Heller, and she has a book and a podcast called Don't Keep Your Day Job. And it led us to this exploration of doing something that you love. Debbi How did you find Cathy Heller?
Debbi
Oh, that's interesting because I started to listen to her podcasts first. And the second I heard her she just kind of pulled me in and then after that, when she offered her five day challenge I gladly joined that. And then I went, just like you right into her Made to Do This program.
Tiffany
And it was chocked full of information and challenges. One of my favorite thing was let's make this a to-done list, not a to-do list.
Debbi
Yes
Tiffany
It was encouraging to me that she wasn't just gonna throw all this information at us, and we were gonna have to figure it out and get super far behind and stressed out and everything. Instead, it was like okay, this is what I want you to do and a couple days later, she would walk us through how to actually do that.
Debbi
Right!
Tiffany
So I thought that was super cool and it's brought us to where we are now. I get to have this super cool job where I'm helping people with their podcasts, edit them, lots of post...mostly post production. But it's been so much fun for me and Debbi, what are you doing now, after the Made To Do This program?
Debbi
So I went into the Made To Do This program as a jewelry designer and maker. And I went in because I felt like I needed more. I just needed something to go along with that or just something more meaningful. And I came out with skills, like you said so many skills. Never, ever thought I was going to do a podcast. Never thought I was going to do..I'm starting a subscription box which I never expected. Yeah, and the podcast and Tiffany's assisting with that. I have friends that I made in this group that are so awesome and motivating. And one of the best decisions I think I've made in a long time.
Tiffany
Yeah, I think all of us going through that challenging process together really has formed a bond, because we know what that stress was like we know what that fun was like. We know what it was like to learn at that pace. And then just the implementation of all of it and all of us helping each other learn different skill sets. It was so amazing and it's been so fun to support everybody. And now you're supporting some local people or some people from the group. How are you doing that?
Debbi
So now what I'm doing and, I'm so excited, I have a subscription box coming out in October. It's going to have a theme of the month. That's going to relate to the gemstones that I'm using for the jewelry in the box. And what I'm doing is, besides my own piece of jewelry that will mean abundance, I have small business people with items in my box that I will be promoting as well. I'm very excited about that! And then I'm also going to do the podcast where I've been interviewing people actually a lot of people from our group, because they are all starting different things. And the interview will all be about the same word like What does abundance mean to you?
Tiffany
I love that I think that is so clever. I hope that everybody is following me on social media. And now you'll have to follow Debbi. I've already signed up for the subscription. I've already done the presale. And I think you're doing that the first week of October is that right?
Debbi
Right, so the first week of October, I am opening the pre-selling box for a week online Facebook group, it's called Behind The Gems. And if you request to be in that you'll be able to get in on the pre-selling, you'll be get able to get in on specials, and then the week after that I'm going to open it to the public. And then shipping will start around the third week of October. And I can't wait to have, because Tiffany doesn't really know what's in the box, nobody does no so I can't wait to have Tiffany unpack that live and it's going to be awesome.
Tiffany
Yes, so when I get my box. I'm going to open it up with all of you and we can all find out together what is in Debbi's box of Abundance. And I'm so excited for that I really can't wait. I'm so proud of all of us for the different ventures that we have. And it's so fun to watch everybody blooming and doing something that they really truly have a passion in. And so my passion is music and premise of my show is always to have somebody, pick a song and then kind of share how they relate to that. So, Debbi, what song did you choose?
Debbi
I chose a song by Joni Mitchell called The Circle Game.
Tiffany
Okay.
Debbi
It was written apparently back in the 1960's.
Tiffany
'66 to be specific. I always look it up.
Debbi
Of course you looked it up! And it brings me back to a time in my life when I was in high school.
Tiffany
Annnnnnnd...
Debbi
And so, what would happen is, during that time I was certified hippie and..And this kind of music was called folk music during that same time we had James Taylor...Bob Dylan...Carly Simon...
Tiffany
Some good, really some great music!
Unknown 6:17
...really good music, and what happened was, I guess the thing to do, back then, before the internet was to have a guitar and sit around and play music. Okay, so my memory of this song is sitting in circles of friends with guitars and learning. I taught myself how to play and then I would also learn from others.
Tiffany
Now where you guys at school? You guys are at each other's houses? It's on the weekend? It's after school?
Debbi
Yeah, usually houses weekend or cutting school, either one...
Tiffany
Uh! Debbi! Straight A student cuttings class. That's when you can cut, when you're straight A student like Debbi was. [Laughter]
Debbi
Oh right, thanks, and things were so different back then.
Tiffany
Totally different time.
Debbi
Yeah, yeah, it was always... we would just get together in groups. And it was a good feeling for me because high school was an extremely stressful time for me not just... in general, confusing, stressful, I felt like I was lost. And to have this group, because I didn't really have a lot of friends. But, this time in my life, to have these people that we could get together and just play guitar with it was just kind of like a very warm feeling for me.
Tiffany
Yeah, I can imagine that. Like, finally, maybe these people accept me. Maybe these people are going through some of the same struggles that I am. So it kind of felt nice to be around them as you all kind of sludge through and just figured it out.
Debbi
Right, exactly. And and I chose this song today because if you look at the lyrics it's very, it is very grounding. And even though back then it was so stressful. I don't think I realized that the words of the song probably we're grounding for me as well.
Tiffany
I think even the guitar music piece of it. I feel like that's just grounding. I feel like the guitar in general is grounding. But it also you know how they use music for music therapy, and I mean I use it to shake myself out of a funk. It's probably the same thing, just, it wasn't as identified, you know? Back then?
Debbi
Yeah
Tiffany
You know you were probably doing a ton of stress relieving. And it was probably very therapeutic for you to play and to sing and to be with those people, you know, a positive environment when you were so unsure of other things.
Debbi
Right, exactly, that's exactly it. And that's why music just, you know, like you said, music, brings people together. And it can change your mood, it can do a lot of things so yeah. The idea of this podcast is awesome because everybody has some memory with some song.
Tiffany
I was so surprised with my last interview. It was a song that I guess I almost feel empowered when the chorus comes on, Fast Car. And he's talking about [Singing} "I could be someone be someone be someone." And it just always felt very empowering to me. But she had gone through something so traumatic that for her what she focused on of that song was running away. And what that would be like that escape. And so she made such a profound statement that two people can listen to the exact same song and get something completely different out of it. Which we know that, but when she just said it, it was such a lightbulb moment for me.
Debbi
Totally, I totally agree with you. And also, you and I have had this conversation.. so now in my life, I really don't listen to the words of songs. I listen to the music.
Tiffany
Yeah.
Debbi
So and I found that there's people that listen to one or the other. It's like you zone into the words or you zone into the music. I'm always like into the museum trying to figure out how many instruments are in there. What instruments are in there. How they're using the instrumentation. And I'm not a professional musician. But I did have some musical background and, and my son is a professional jazz musician. I've been around music for a long time. And so now I don't really know the words of songs. But I know that music, so music it's different for everybody.
Tiffany
Well it's funny because lots of times I'll ask my husband like, "I love this song. Don't you just love this song?" And he'll be like, "I mean, it's okay." And I was always just like "I don't understand." You know? And then finally one day, he said he really liked a song and the words were like, just off... for him, and I was like "Really this is this is a song you really like?" And so it kind of dawned on me at that moment. Some people like music, or the instrumentation piece and some people like music, like myself for the words. I want to be taken on a journey, you know, and I just love that in three minutes you can go from being a baby, to get married to having kids to, you know, saying goodbye to your loved one.
Debbi
Yeah, that's great. Yeah, no, it's so true that yeah and everybody's ears are different.
Tiffany
Yeah, it's just crazy
Debbi
Yeah. And now with, you know, just being around my son and my ex husband was a musician. Like I can, I hear things differently than I normally would have to. So...
Tiffany
Oh Yeah.
Debbi
Very interesting. And music therapy, what a great thing.
Tiffany
Oh, I completely agree. I likened it to pet therapy. You know, in the hospitals? And it's just so true just, I don't know what it is but music just takes you somewhere else and it's awesome.
Debbi
Right, yeah. I don't know if you've ever heard of Joni Mitchell? Before this?
Tiffany
No. No...no.
Debbi
Well, I do recommend, if you like words, she's a she's a good one to listen to. Another one during that time was Cat Stevens, do you know him?
Tiffany
Nope. [Laughter]
Debbi
Tiffany I'm going to be sending music.
Tiffany
I'll tell you what, though, I love all music. And I did...when the song... when I played this song I was like okay, you had written in your message capital letters O-L-L-D-D-D. OLD, like okay, okay we got an oldie but a goodie coming my way. And I did know, "And the horses they go round and round." I knew that part. So I was like... Oh ponies...Yeah I only knew part.
Debbi
Interesting.
Tiffany
I didn't pay attention to anything else in the song when I was a kid. But, yes, I was like "Okay wait now, I do know those few words." I want to say something else about that song but really quick for my own notes, is it, Pat, Stevens or Cat Stevens?
Debbi
It's Cat C-A-T Stevens.
Tiffany
Okay, I'm going to write it down.
Debbi
And I do think you would really like his music.
Tiffany
Yeah because I love me a good James Taylor song.
Debbi
Oh, James Taylor's the best!
Tiffany
Yeah, so it's in that...
Debbi
Do you like Carole King?
Tiffany
I don't know, I always thought Carole King was jazz.
Debbi
Oh gosh, okay. Tiffany, You and I are gonna have some fun. [Laughter]
Tiffany
You gonna school me some new music.
Debbi
Old stuff, no Carole King, oh that Tapestry album. I almost picked her music, because at my life was based around her music. Yeah. So it's all good. Cat Stevens, oh, I'll get you I'll get you some music goin'.
Tiffany
Okay. That is good cleaning music. Ya, get your, you know your, grubby clothes on. You get a thing of water for in between cleaning. Set some really good music, just like that. I like a good soulful music, something that I can sing along to, or maybe hum to. And that is one of those songs I could totally see myself cleaning to that.
Debbi
There you go.
Tiffany
Yes I am in. Okay, so I wanted to bounce back really quick. Some of the lyrics. And she says, the circles are like seasons. And she talks about all I could think about was, you know, like the old. Um, oh, not viewfinders. I've seen them on American Pickers. Where you'd put money in and the cards would all flip and it would look like a movie.
Debbi
I love those.
Tiffany
Yes.
Debbi
What are they called?
Tiffany
I don't know. Maybe somebody in our audience knows. If you guys know, make sure you comment on social or in a review and tell us what those things are called when the cards flip and it looks like a movie.
Debbi
Gosh, I used to love that. Yeah, this is definetly like that.
Tiffany
Yeah, she says circles and the season and then she says the memories that go round and round. And then it says something about as he gets older, enjoy the ride until you get older, when you drag your feet too slow, the circles. And it's true as we get older, we're saying like no slow time down, slow down. And I do like that she was like you could only look back. You can't go back, you can only look back and see you know those things, but also Amen that you can't go back.
Debbi
Yeah. Yes.
Tiffany
And then she also talks about that he has these grand dreams but as they come true they're not as grand as he thought they were going to be.
Debbi
Right.
Tiffany
Then she talks about new dreams.
Debbi
Right, dreams, and really the carousel, it's just basically I pictured is just going through the seasons of one year, each time that goes around, right?
Tiffany
Yep!
Debbi
Yeah, absolutely.
Tiffany
Okay. It was such a simple song but I thought it was good. Um, the wheel analogy made me think of like the rat race or being on a hamster wheel. You know, like, a little bit you get caught in that. I actually really enjoyed the song.
Debbi
Well, good. I'm glad I didn't pick something that you wouldn't like, that's awesome.
Tiffany
But I did not think that she needed those backup singers and sometimes they didn't match her.
Debbi
Oh that's so funny. Yeah, it could have been James Taylor. I'll have to listen, I'm not sure which one I've sent you, but I know he sings on one of them.
Tiffany
It might be, but he should have said no to that. [Laughter]
Debbi
Well, they should have just known you back then Tiffany even though you weren't born.
Tiffany
They should have advised, my soul.
Debbi
And consulted you...
Tiffany
Oh Yeah, consulted. Yes consulted my soul, to see if that was a good choice or not. And I could have told him then, "When people talk to you in 60 years, it's not going to be a good choice."
Debbi
Right, right. You know she can't go back right?
Tiffany
That's right you can't, you can't look back. Or you can only look back, you can't go back.
Debbi
You can't go back, you only look back, I love that.
Tiffany
Oh, this has been so much fun Debbi.
Debbi
I know so happy to be here.
Tiffany
I am really looking forward to my subscription box next month. And I'm really looking forward to even being a guest on your show.
Debbi
Yeees.
Tiffany
...and I look forward to just our friendship.
Debbi
I do to Tiffany I'm so glad we met. And I just so excited to follow you and all the things you're doing to.
Outro
Well that was a great walk down memory lane. I hope you enjoyed my guest's memories and experiences with the song or songs they chose. To connect with my guest's, I mean I know you are just going to stalk their social media, but check out the show notes as always for details. Please leave a 5 star review. And I'd love if you left a memory of your own that was sparked. Can't wait to dive into my next guest's memories with a beat. Hit subscribe now, you don't wanna miss the next episode.
She wanted to run away after a very traumatic event. Listening to Fast Car Emily dreamed of leaving it all but didn't because she was mature enough to know as one of the oldest kids in her family, she needed to stay to help with her siblings. Unfortunately, she revisited those same feelings later in life after a boating accident.
But she fought to recover as a wife and mom and has since turned it into a beautiful music therapy journey with her violin and other's successful recovery stories! She has overcome the odds with the power of music!
This song means something very different for she and I! We all hear the same music but get a different experience from it.
Emily Champagne IG: @EmilyWild1
3:25 Lindsey Stirling IG: @lindseystirling
4:43 Emily shares her experience as a sexual abuse survivor
16:11 Emily shares her experience as a boat accident survivor
Gonna stalk me on social? Let me help you...
@virtuallyyoupodcastva (FB & IG)
...heck, join me in my FB group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1884183095057195
**Full Transcript
Intro
I have a question. What is your favorite song, and how do you connect with it? Is it when you fell in love, or through something really difficult? I'm your host Tiffany Mason. now join me as I interview others, and we take a walk down memory lane with them. Let's get lost in why that music matters to them. Turn up your radio and let's explore memories with a beat.
Tiffany
Hello podcast land! Thank you for joining me again. Today I have with me Emily Champagne, and she is going to share a song with us. Emily, would you like to share with my audience what the song is that you chose?
Emily
Sure. So it is Fast Car by Tracy Chapman.
Tiffany
Okay. And I looked it up that came out in 1988, which is why... I was born in 79. So, that's why I feel like I've listened to the song forever. When you told me that this was your song. I got so excited! I listened to it three times. I sang the lyrics at the top of my lungs. And seriously I'm gonna have the best day ever just from listening to the song and having it in my head. It's just a blast from the past I haven't listened to in a really long time, but I'll tell you what every time it comes on anywhere I am, "I'm like oh my god I love this song."
Emily
Yeah, that's how I feel especially...it's one of my favorite road trip songs because everyone just starts wailing and you know jamming out so I definitely have the same reaction to it.
Tiffany
Absolutely. Do you want to tell me you know how you connect to this song, if there's any memories, or any stories that kind of go with this?
Emily
Yeah. So I was born in '89. So this song was not something I listened to because I knew of it as a kid. It's because of my mother. I think it's so funny because as we get older, it's all the music that when we were younger, we didn't like it but now that, you know I'm an adult, I find myself listening to the same artists that my mother listened to. And, you know, enjoying all that music so as a kid it was just a song that I loved. And I played the violin competitively, and I sing, so it became a song that I decided I was going to do at a competition one year. And you know my obsession with it grew at the time, there wasn't really a meaning for me it was just I love the lyrics I love the melody but with no purpose, if that makes sense.
Tiffany
That does make that makes me want to look up like a YouTube video or something of someone just doing violin of that because I bet it's really good.
Emily
Yeah, it's actually something I do. I have an electric violin so something I really enjoy doing is taking either even classical songs but I do it with hip hop too and I just kind of convert the music into something that can be played on the violin.
Tiffany
Do you ever record it?
Emily
I don't. I never...I was always as an adult I became more bashful if that even makes sense. So, I stopped playing for a long time. And then I got pregnant with my daughter who's now four, and my whole family was like you need to start playing you know for the baby and you know music is so good for them and so, so I did. And now I'm pregnant again so I actually dusted off my violin a few weeks ago and took it to get the strings changed and a few things so I could start playing again.
Tiffany
Ah, that's so awesome. I always sang to my babies. But I think that that's awesome. I think music, in general, is so amazing. I would love if you recorded it and sent it to me.
Emily
Yeah, I could do that.
Tiffany
I would be so impressed. Yeah. And I'll tell you what, Emily, I do not normally like music without words, but I will take a violin every day of the week.
Emily
That... you know I, I myself don't really enjoy that much music without words, even though I play the violin. But I found an artist named Lindsey Stirling, a while ago. And she just plays the violin. And she just jams and it's it's incredible and she plays. She started out doing covers of, you know, different like top charts songs and stuff like that and that's kind of really where my interest piqued and doing the same thing. So I'll send you her information when we're done because she's actually really awesome and her music is just, it's like I clean to it, I relaxed to it you know, it's, it's awesome!
Tiffany
Yeah Yeah, super awesome! We were at a restaurant or something and it was all instrumental and I really do...I think if I know the words to the song well enough, I do enjoy just the instrumental piece of it. So, I don't remember where we were and I was telling. It's that, I don't know if you know that new song, Savage Love, I think it's by Jason Derulo. Okay. And so we were listening and I'm like, "Oh it's Savage Love and Hanna was like "No it's not." I'm like, "Yeah, listen," and then I started putting the words to the music and she was like, "Oh my gosh." So I appreciate when it's just the instrumental piece if I know the words, well enough.
Emily
Yeah, I can understand that I never was really much too classical for that reason. Again, being someone who also sings I like to be able to sing and harmonize and do stuff like that. But the song, I mean, really changed for me when I was 17. I am a sexual abuse survivor.
Tiffany
Oh Gosh I'm sorry!
Emily
...or assault. At the time, it was a very typical story classic story of, you know, it happens very, very often, especially with teenage girls. But it was someone I knew a friend. I wasn't where I was supposed to be, you know, accord... you know, from what I told my parents. And so I dealt with it on my own for a really long time before I actually kind of, you know, cried out for help and needed to deal with it. So, during that time, I remember so vividly like there was just one night I was laying in my room. And I was just you know having a breakdown or laying there crying. And I had my um, well it was, it was an iPod, like mp3 player back then. But in my ears, and the song came on. And I was about to skip it because I just, you know, I just I wasn't in the mood to listen to it and I didn't. And as I listened to the lyrics on like, "Oh my god," it just hit me so differently. It resonated so differently. And you know the song, I think everybody can always kind of have their own interpretation of a song or music which is another thing I love about music. You know, so in the song there's lyrics about her father being an alcoholic and her having to kind of, she had to quit school so that she could take care of her father. And the mother, you know, ended up leaving because she couldn't, you know, deal with that situation and she thought she deserved better so she kind of left the child with the Father. And so for some people, they're going to resonate with that message because they live that life. I didn't that's not my story but the song really is about change, wanting change, but kind of being stuck because of, you know, your family or for for someone that you love. And wanting to make a decision that you've really feel strongly about that's going to benefit you. But not making and kind of going back and forth because you're like well if I make it, you know I'm gonna leave you know this person behind or this person is going to be upset. And in her song, she goes back and forth about leaving and starting over but then goes back to her father needing to be taken care of.
Tiffany
Right!
Emily
And that message for me was really powerful because you know we go through things in life we all deal with different traumas. And we don't know how to process them right because inherently we're not programmed to deal with trauma, especially if you don't have any outside resources or someone helping you you kind of just process the best that you can. And I had so many nights where I just laid in my bed and I just wanted to pack up my stuff and go and start over. You know I wasn't on track to go away to college. I have a lot of siblings and my family did not have a lot of money. So I knew that I had to stay and go to college, and I had to put myself through college because we were a middle class family so you know I didn't really have any extra help. And I felt very stuck and I often wanted so badly to just run, but realized I couldn't because of my situation or my circumstances. And I had to face what I was dealing with.
Tiffany
Yeah, it makes me think of, you know, there's the saying, "Be nice to everyone, you never know what someone is going through."
Emily
Yeah.
Tiffany
And just,Yeah, you just never I mean your, your fellow classmen didn't know what you were going through, you know your family didn't know what you're going through. So sometimes even those closest to us still don't know what we're going through.
Emily
Most of the time they don't. You know I feel like, especially now that I'm a mother, I understand it differently as far as wanting to protect the ones closest to you. Because you feel like you're burdening them almost, you know? So sometimes we just suffer in silence and it is true, you can put a mask on. I mean I've mastered it at this point. And, you know, looking okay and on the outside it seems like things are okay but inside you're not.
Tiffany
Yeah, yeah, I know all about that. I think what I got, what I really picked up from the song was they were gonna run away and make everything better. And I think it was just so sweet how he's like, You know I love just being in your car, your arms around my shoulders, it felt so nice. We're gonna go you know take on the world.
Emily
Right.
Tiffany
We're gonna leave the burbs, we're going to go to the city. We're going to get jobs. And I think for them. It didn't mean that they had to be super successful.
Emily
Nope.
Tiffany
For them, it meant they just had to get there and be living there. And that was the dream. That was enough for them because they were kind of stuck in this other life that they didn't really want to be in. So really all they were looking for was just to go to the city and live there. And I think that's kind of nice that it's not like you know we're gonna conquer everything. But it's kind of like... I am a hopeless romantic where I think you can live on love and my husband constantly reminds me."No Tiffany you need money to live." [Laughter] So, that's why I always loved it because I always thought that they were gonna you know just run away live on love and, you know, live in some crappy little apartment but make the best of it. And, you know, have fun little dates that they were used to that they knew how to get by on the cheap or whatever.
Emily
Yeah and see that's, that's the beauty of music that it can hit you in such a different way. You know, two people can be sitting right next to each other with headphones and listening to the same exact song. And then we could say all right like let's talk about it. And both have two totally different takeaways from it, or maybe for you it cues that that warm fuzzy feeling of just being kind of like young and in love and wanting to like explore and change. Whereas for me, it was more of a you have to fight. You know, you have to fight. and sometimes running away isn't the answer and although it's it's dreamy, and you know what you envision for yourself and where you want to go. It's just not always the answer. And for me it kind of snapped me out of the...I want to say, I don't want to say the sadness, but the anger part of what I was feeling. And reminded me like I had to fight because I couldn't just get in the car and go away. I had responsibilities as being, you know, my brother's the oldest but he's substantially older so he wasn't in the house anymore. And I, I felt obligated to make sure that I could be there so that I could help with my sisters and I could help my mother and...So I decided, you know, what am I going to do? I'm going to stay angry, and be resentful? "Or, I'm gonna make the best of my situation and kind of just flip it into something different. And really, like that song, really just like I listened to that song, over and over and over. And I envisioned myself in somebody's car just driving and, you know, like, top down, looking at the stars not thinking about anything and just heading somewhere to just start over.
Tiffany
Yeah, I think, probably just reviewing this song was the first time I really paid attention to the ending of it. So they escape and then he ends up drinking too much, and she doesn't know if she wants to stay and be a part of it.
Emily
Right, so it talks about cycles.
Tiffany
Yeah.
Emily
For me
Tiffany
No, Yeah, for me too.
Emily
Again I, you know, all of us grow up very differently. And I didn't grow up in an ideal situation. And as I was coming into my own, I appreciated the things I had but I think as adults we can always identify things that we can do better. And part of that, you know, the end of the song is she realizes that she's living the cyclic life where she's literally now reliving her childhood.
Tiffany
Yep.
Emily
And she sees a lot of her mother in herself in the song. You know, leaving because the man is drinking. That's another huge part of life right like human beings inherently, we are creatures of habit. And, you know, we have options in life and we can kind of re-live what we what we know to be normal. Or we can say "Hey, that's not really that ideal," or "I don't really want to, you know, start a family and raise children the same. So I'm going to take the good stuff and keep it but the bad stuff I'm going to take, you know, take and put it somewhere else." And I know me personally and many other mothers I know we've all had those moments where we're repeating a behavior that we didn't like.
Tiffany
Oh Yeah.
Emily
So in, you know, in that moment in the song she's having that that moment that aha moment where she's like, Oh my god, I'm literally re-living the life that I wanted to run away from.
Tiffany
Do you think too, I know they're not real people, of course, they're people in a song. But do you think that she also had that realization that she understands why her mom went away now? You know cuz she was probably resentful that she had to quit school, take care of her dad, and now maybe she's thinking, "Hmm, I get it."
Emily
Yeah.
Tiffany
"I get why you left."
Emily
Right, I mean, if it were me? Yeah, I think that those moments come to us all the time because like anything like can you ever understand why the person made a decision if you weren't in this situation?
Tiffany
Right. You can try to empathize but until you've done it. Yeah.
Emily
You know, I became a mother and I found myself being much more empathetic and forgiving toward my mother for things that she did that I just was not happy about or things that I just was like, "How do you do that?" And now I'm a mom and I'm like "Wow, this is really hard. This is not, at all, a cakewalk. It's the hardest but most rewarding job in the world." But now I find myself sympathizing and empathizing because my god like how do we make the right decisions? If this really happens in real life and she, she woke up and she was like, "Oh, I get it, Mom like I get it I get why you left because now I'm leaving, for the same reason."
Tiffany
Yep. Yep. Completely agreed. I know that when we originally spoke you had said that you do... do you do music therapy or just kind of a song that's been therapeutic for you can you go into that a little bit then?
Emily
Yeah, sure! Um, So, 2018 so I didn't do music therapy before 2018. While I was still in New York, I did volunteer with a program which sadly no longer exists. It kind of diminished in I want to say my sophomore year of college. But it was a program for women or young ladies, I should say, and it was a group of other sexual assault and abuse victims. And we would actually go into high schools. and we would have assemblies but with, you know, female population. And just talk about it and you know talk about the warning signs and talk about the feelings afterwards and talk about the importance of asking for help. And, kind of, you know, share our stories with them so that they know they're not the only ones. And that this does happen, way, way, way too often, you know. And especially when it's with a person that you know yeah so I did that for a long time. Music therapy started 2018, I was involved in a near fatal boating accident, a drunk boater ran me over I was ejected off a boat that I was on. And he ran me over and he was on a pontoon boat. So I got like sucked under the boat and caught between the pontoon.
Tiffany
Nooooooo...
Emily
Yeah, but I'm still alive. Um, I somehow managed to like... I curled in a ball, I kicked off the bottom, because I didn't want my... like I just saw my head going toward the propeller and this obviously all happened within split seconds.
Tiffany
Oh my goodness.
Emily
The propeller ended up running over my right leg. So, and they left me in the water. So...
Tiffany
What? You, you said you jumped off a boat. So you had other people on kind of on your side that were watching all thing too.
Emily
Yes
Tiffany
Please tell me your mother was not on that boat.
Emily
No, no, it was actually a work event, crazy. It was a work event. I was in corporate sales at the time and we had won a boat day because of our sales for that quarter. So it was my whole team from work on the boat that I was on. Um, but yeah they were obviously they were all there. So, the harbor master actually got to me, the Fort Myers Beach harbor master, who I still talk to regularly, because he truly is a major reason that I'm still alive. And he pulled me out of the water drove me over to the Coast Guard Station right across Fort Myers Beach. And thankfully they perform successful CPR and revived me before the ambulance got there. So I was in the hospital for a month I was in the ICU for two weeks.
Tiffany
Oh my goodness.
Unknown 17:53
Yeah, it was it was it was wild. It was awful and wild. And I fell right back into that trauma victim recovery mode again. This time I just had different tools to do it because I had already started trauma therapy for what I had already been through. And found myself listening to Fast Car again, all the time. When I was, when hospital bed, I found myself feeling like I wanted to run away again because of course there was like, there was an investigation, it was you know a whole thing. So every day I had, I had, you know, investigators coming to talk to me. I had lawyers coming to talk to me. And in the first weeks of something like that you don't really want to talk to anybody...
Tiffany
Right, that's what I was just thinking. Like, Oh my gosh, all you want to do is recover and heal and kind of have a pity party but then these people keep coming in. It's like right after you have the baby and they keep pushing on your stomach. You're like, "Oh my gosh. Just leave me alone I'm trying to heal." It's the same thing Yes, you don't want to keep reliving it, it's a it's a nightmare. Can we please not keep talking about the details?
Emily
Yep and and but the thing is is that very common traumas, is that as time progresses, we forget details. And it's our brains way of protecting us. So, although it's trauma, it's more traumatizing, it's just it's a necessary evil I guess you can say. So, um, yeah so again I found myself listening to that same song on repeat over and over again. And I came out of the hospital. I was in a wheelchair for about six months. I needed more surgeries after that, and about six months ago, my therapist who I, she took me on as a patient while I was in the hospital. And I'm still with her now. Um, she runs a mentor program at The Memorial. Um, so in our area Lee Memorial is the closest trauma hospital. The next closest are up in Tampa, which is about two hours from us or down in Miami. So she talked to me about being a trauma mentor. And this is a program they've had for a really long time but they had nobody like me nobody. You know they had mentors for people that had strokes. They had mentors for people that got spinal injuries. Nobody like me who was young, a mother, and just like more of a general trauma. So I went through two months of training, so that I would be allowed to actually go up into the ICU and start working with patients at that level.
Tiffany
Cool.
Emily
And that's where the music therapy started my very first patient she got into an accident, actually a boating accident with very similar injuries. However, her injuries were higher on her body and her right arm was affected. And at the time they weren't sure about her mobility and she played the guitar.
Tiffany
Oh Gosh!
Emily
So, we had her mom came in brought her guitar. And we worked and we worked and, you know, she would get really frustrated. And at some point we brought up me playing the violin so she just asked me if I would bring my violin one day and play for her. And she's like, "I feel like it would just be soothing." And I was like, "Okay." So the next day that I went in, I brought it. You know, I went in and it kind of just stemmed from there. And people find solace in music you know. And I and I learned that. It was actually funny because her and I were having this conversation about CDs. So, you remember burning CDs?
Tiffany
Yes
Emily
And like I used to write the title to like every...you know I used to write like the whole playlist on the CD. And we were laughing hysterical cuz I was like, you know, like three years ago during a move I found a bunch of my CD books from high school. And I'm reading the see the CDs and I'm like, "Dude, you can totally tell what I was going through when I made these CDs like, Oh, this one I had just gotten broken up with and Oh this one I just fell in love and Oh this one I was never gonna date any boy ever again in my life like." It's so funny and, you know, we find commonalities in things especially when we're suffering. And going through a trauma, and being young she was young, like I was she also had a toddler. And having those uncertainties of your mobility and, you know, that was the hardest thing for me. I was like wait hold on a second like I'm not going to walk? Like, What do you mean? I have a toddler, how am I going to run around and play with my daughter? And, you know, how am I gonna be the fun mom at the playground and you know? So thankfully I, I did beat the odds!
Tiffany
WooHoo!
Emily
I have a little trouble walking and I need some devices to help me but I do walk. And yeah so that's how the therapy started. And I have now worked with 10 patients... over the last like eight or nine months
Tiffany
That has got to be so good for your soul.
Emily
It is. it actually put a lot of purpose to what happened to me.
Tiffany
Sure
Emily
You know we go through really bad things and everybody's like, "Well, it happened for a reason." And in those moments that's kind of like the last thing you want to hear.
Tiffany
Oh, seriously.
Emily
You know like, I'm laying up in a hospital bed with like, no way to walk and getting blood transfusions and, you know, whatever, just in an ICU attach all these different cables and things and people coming in every hour and poking you and taking blood. And, you know, my mom said it to me first and I remember looking at her like "Seriously, you know like, what meaning am I gonna put to this?" Or, you know, "Let's just be grateful you're alive." And in those moments you feel selfish because I wasn't. Like in those in those first couple of days I wasn't, I was not grateful I was like, just really, like. I was just angry. And then you heal, right? And it's... healing from a trauma is very similar to the grief process. So first you're sad and you're angry, then you're kind of in acceptance mode. And you have to go through all of those motions. And it's just, it's crazy. So finally, I finally, finally, finally found purpose to what happened to me. And you know I've very been very blessed and been very... Yeah, I think Blessed is probably the best word. I've just been very blessed to have helped these people. And now I have friendships with some of them some of them get better and go their own way and that's okay too.
Tiffany
Yeah.
Emily
But, it allowed me to say okay well I was put on this earth for a reason. And you know what happened really sucked! But here I am now and I'm making a difference in other people's lives. and it doesn't make what happened to me as painful it removed the anger and the, the sadness almost from it, if that makes sense.
Tiffany
Yep. Yep. I interviewed a lady before you about music therapy. And in my mind, I feel like it's probably similar to like pet therapy, you know what, like when they bring the dogs in for the people?
Emily
Oh absolutely!
Tiffany
Yeah, yeah I just probably think it's close to the same thing. But I am seriously so surprised by this conversation. I know you and I had kind of had a different relationship in the past. And so it's kind of interesting just to learn more about you and you know where you come from, and what makes Emily, Emily. So I will have all of your contact information in the show notes, as well as that Lindsey Stirling if anybody else wants to check her out. And is there anything else you wanted to add Emily?
Emily
No, this, this was awesome and I definitely appreciate it and I love talking about music.
Tiffany
Yeah. Awesome. Well thanks so much and I thank you for being a loyal listener as well.
Emily
Yeah, absolutely. I enjoy it. I look forward to it every week.
Tiffany
I'm glad that I'm making some form of a difference with my love for music to then
Emily
You most definitely are.
Outro
Well that was a great walk down memory lane. I hope you enjoyed my guest's memories and experiences with the song or songs they chose. To connect with my guest's, I mean I know you are just going to stalk their social media, but check out the show notes as always for details. Please leave a 5 star review. And I'd love if you left a memory of your own that was sparked. Can't wait to dive into my next guest's memories with a beat. Hit subscribe now, you don't wanna miss the next episode.
Alison Hughey shares techniques she uses to help herself and patients cope with stress and anxiety as a Music Therapist in Spartanburg, SC! Listen to hear her gentle accent and lots of insight into the song The Once and Future Carpenter by the Avett Brothers!
The song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmnVKc7JdUM
1:18 Carolina Music Therapy LLC
https://www.carolinamusictherapy.com/
16:06 Emily Neal who paints on her bible pages...you have GOT to see her art!
IG: @emily_neal_
17:28 Compose Your Self Care FB group (and she has a blog-same name)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/384068922313508/?ref=share
Check it out: Illustrating Bible NIV: Books of Psalms & Proverbs (Spiral Bound Journaling Bible) On Amazon
Gonna stalk me on social? Let me help you...
@virtuallyyoupodcastva (FB & IG)
...heck, join me in my FB group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1884183095057195
**Full Transcript
Intro
I have a question. What is your favorite song, and how do you connect with it? Is it when you fell in love, or through something really difficult? I'm your host Tiffany Mason now join me as I interview others, and we take a walk down memory lane with them. Let's get lost in why that music matters to them. Turn up your radio and let's explore memories with a beat.
Tiffany
Hello podcast land thank you for joining me for another episode. Today I have with me Alison Hughey, and she is with Carolina Music Therapy LLC. Thank you so much for joining me today. First of all, for taking time out of your schedule Alison.
Alison
Thank you for having me on Tiffany, I'm really excited to be a part of the show and love your focus of how music brings people together and how it brings about memories.
Tiffany
Yeah, I did not even realize that music therapy was an occupation. So, I found Alison, I was scrolling through Facebook and people were talking about music and podcasts and I don't even really know. And I was like wait a minute that would be so cool. So I just reached out to her out of the blue and I was like hey Alison you want to be on my podcast. She kindly accepted. And so we set up now to talk about music therapy and how it's affected everybodys lives. Can you tell us just a little bit about yourself Alison? You know where you live what you do. I would love to know how you came up with the name of your business as well.
Alison
Thank you. So I'm in Spartanburg, South Carolina, which is kind of in between, Charlotte and Atlanta.
Tiffany
Okay
Alison
And I've been a Board Certified Music therapist for going on 10 years now. And I came up with my private practice name, Carolina Music Therapy because I'm here in South Carolina, but also close to North Carolina. So there's some crossover there. And I also started a blog called Compose Your Self Care based around creative ways we can incorporate self-care practices such as using music, using art, using writing.
Tiffany
That is so cool! I love... I say in my podcast all the time I love when lyrics are clever. But I love when a business name is clever so that's very clever North Carolina, South Carolina, so you just met in the middle. Just went with Carolina, so that's awesome. I love your accent, by the way, anybody from Georgia, South Carolina, I love that accent.
Alison
Thank you.
Tiffany
I'm gonna enjoy talking to you.
Alison
Thank you.
Tiffany
Can you tell me Alison, I did not even realize that this was a career and occupation. What is music therapy exactly?
Alison
So, Music Therapy, in a nutshell, is using music based approaches to address non musical goals, in a clinical therapeutic relationship. And these goals are individual to the clients. They can vary depending on population needs and strengths. And these approaches are implemented within music therapy sessions. Whether it be individual or group documented and there's a treatment process that parallels other therapy modalities such as physical therapy or speech therapy. But the approaches that we use are music based.
Tiffany
Okay, so I think I understand what you're saying. But if you can, will you dumb it down just a little bit or give us an example of what those words mean exactly.
Alison
Sure thing, Music Therapists, use music based approaches to help clients achieve goals, whether they be goals of increased socialization, or increased participation in, in turn-taking or conversation. It's very dependent on the population as to the specific approaches and goals but. For instance, I primarily have been working with older adults with dementia for the past 10 years. And with those people, they often have difficulty speaking or engaging in conversation with their peers. They often have episodes where they can get frustrated or upset because they're confused. They're not sure where they are and music can help bring them back to themselves in a very magical way. It's scientific as well but it's just magical to me to, to see some people move from a place of frustration and agitation to hearing a song that brings them back to the young adult years. And reminiscing and sharing stories about their, their teenage years or their 20s, or people that love them. So that's one approach that I'm very familiar with and it's close to my heart.
Tiffany
Yeah that makes me think of course of the movie, The Notebook.
Alison
Yes!
Tiffany
Yeah, that's what I was envisioning the whole time because his writings you know he keeps reading her that book, and it's about their dating times, and then, you know, in the end, she kind of, she...well during that movie she keeps kind of coming back to him. But it's just through those stories. So that that's what that reminds me of alot. Okay, so you're a musical, Music Therapist and you said for 14 years?
Alison
10 years is my board certification, just renewed this summer.
Tiffany
Oh, congratulations!
Alison
Thank you.
Tiffany
Okay, so did any, did you say that you came to it through an event in your own life do you want to share any of that with us or is that kind of something, you know you just kind of alluded to, but don't really talk about so much?
Alison
Sure, I'm happy to share. I had a back injury. When I was in my mid 20s, made the mistake of twisting and lifting my piano keyboard, out of the trunk of my car. I was teaching preschool music lessons because I initially majored in flute performance music performance. So especially doing some teaching things and so I had this back injury. Went through many tests, they couldn't figure out why I was continuing to be in pain for several months later, and it was such a frustrating time. And a lot of anxiety, and, really anger that they couldn't figure out why I was in pain. And going through issues with that and the uncertainty factor and I found myself using music to cope with the pain by, you know, tapping out rhythms, or humming or singing to distract myself. And about that time I met a friend of a friend who was in the first incoming freshman class into the music therapy program at the college where I formally attended. That happened to be in my hometown and so we got to talking it was like this light bulb moment of, oh I should totally go back to school for this, this makes so much sense to learn how to use music to improve, so many different areas and and work with clients and different populations to, to help make their lives better.
Tiffany
Okay sorry I got a little off because I was thinking in my head, how to approach this next question for you. And it's, it's how do you help...how does music help you in your life and self care approaches? But you just mentioned, you know, tapping out a sound or whatever for anxiety. And I actually, I've always had mild anxiety, but we lived in New York for a short time and I don't know what it was about living there but my anxiety was through the roof, almost, you know where I couldn't function. I was so sick. I mean, just sick to my stomach just nauseous thinking about leaving the house. I don't really understand what had happened, but people were telling me to, you know, tap my finger to a common saying "I'm in control of me." I don't know if you've heard of that technique before. But again, tapping out just that rhythm to it and just keep saying it and you know, being aware of the five senses and what's going on around you, but probably, I don't know, maybe two months ago I had this whole light bulb moment and maybe you can speak to this, in combination with how you use music therapy in your own life and with self care. I know me personally when I get really upset about stuff. I'll just get rock bottom right and I'm just sitting there thinking like, I don't know how to pull myself out of it and I'm like, oh, I'll put some music on. And I got to thinking about how when you're having an anxiety attack you're supposed to bring yourself to the present. Then I was thinking about Have you ever heard of the book, The Five Second Rule?
Alison
No
Tiffany
So there's the Five Second Rule where you count down 54321 and you do whatever you tell yourself you're going to do. In that amount of time, because you're counting your brain is focusing on counting and it cannot talk yourself out of doing whatever it is. So if you're like I should go for a walk. You can't talk yourself out of it and be like, oh, but it's nighttime and I it's almost time to start dinner and I don't want to be sweaty when I'm serving dinner and you know you can talk yourself out of it, a million different ways. Well, the idea is that you're saying 54321, and you can't, you know, talk yourself out of not going for a run or whatever. And so I think music kind of does that because it brings you to the present. And I think that's why I connect with lyrics, so much is because I want to know the story and I want to sing along, of course, but it's also when I'm having a moment and I just can't seem to shake myself out of it and I have that light bulb moment to go to music. You know I'm thinking about the story, I don't have time to be in my pity party. I don't have time to be anxious about whatever the future may hold. I'm just in the present with that song and having a good time and my mood changes and, you know, you get out of it. So maybe your way of using in your personal life is something similar, but I would love for you to share how you use music therapy in your own life.
Alison
I love what you said about music bringing us to the present and, or we don't have as much space in our mind for all the other thoughts or negativity when we're focused on listening to a song. I think there's definitely layers of the ways that we use music and different approaches that we can use. Whether it be clinical music therapy, a more formal setting or if it's music on our own. And using music to benefit, different things in our lives like helping decrease anxiety. For me, I've really danced with anxiety and depression most of my life. I didn't realize what it was when I was younger. It's probably not until college that I realized what was going on but musics definitely been something that's helped me through those things, and continues to do so.
One way that I love to use music to change my mood is to make playlists. I'll start with a song that matches, where I'm at. So if I'm having a down period and I'm having trouble getting going in the morning and doing what I need to do. I'll start with a song that's a little slower, a little more laid back, and then gradually increase the tempo, pick a few songs after that they're a little bit faster. And then in with something that's going to get me super pumped up like, you know, Eye of the Tiger or something like that, like a hype song, you know, walk up song kind of thing...
Tiffany
...warriors song...
Alison
So, yeah, warrior song. [Singing] "This is my fight song!"
Tiffany
Yeah!
Alison
And really, gradually move it up. So, I think it's important that when we're using music or any approaches to help deal with what we're feeling, whether it be depression or anxiety or anger, that we allow ourselves to feel what we're feeling. Because if we don't do that, it's just going to get stuck somewhere. If we just try to glaze over it. It's like somebody's telling you to calm down when you're having an anxiety attack. It's not gonna work. Or simply putting on for reals happy when you're in a super low mood like that's not going to match. But if we start with, where we're at and then gradually move toward where we want to go with music, it can really impact our mood in a powerful way. And it's something that we all have access to we have access to billions of songs in the palm of our hand. Those of us with smartphones. And so I think there's so much potential for making playlists for different situations and transitions and moving through emotions.
Tiffany
Well, two things I want to touch on from what you just said. When my girlfriends will call me and they're like, you know, they'll be having first world problems right. They're like, I know I shouldn't be upset about it but I'm just upset and whatever. And I always tell them you know what you can be upset. You can even have a pity party over something completely irrational. totally fine, but you just don't get to stay there. You know that's always, my advice to them. You can be there you can feel it and I think that people should feel it, but then also, it's time to, you know, face the music being adult again, you know, and get back to business. The other thing is you saying that you like to make playlists. I laugh because sometimes when I'm in the car by myself. I call it Tiffany's all request hour. I just, you know, feel whatever I want to play and sing at the top of my lungs or whatever. But I kind of made me think of that little, I have a lot of little idiosyncrasies in my brain that, you know, it's very active in my brain. Okay, so you had mentioned that there are other forms of creativity that you guys can use to manage stress and anxiety even as a Music Therapist. So, what are those other avenues that you would be using?
Alison
In my own personal life, not necessarily as a Music Therapist, just as a creative person. I love using different creative approaches to kind of balance out my self care. So, I love music. I love listening to music and playing music. Singing in the car is very therapeutic for me. I've also realized in the past few years that having other creative outlets is important as well for me. So I started incorporating some things when I heard about the Miracle Morning Routine from a podcast. About two years ago I heard an interview with the author of Miracle Morning Routine on a podcast and decided to try incorporating some of those approaches. I was going through a lot of depression and some big transitions in my life. And I started reading every morning and writing a quote, taking time to listen to some music intentionally each morning. I went from simply writing a quote to doodling a quote working on some visual creativity with that. And then that gradually turned into drawing something. So these days, every morning I make something on procreate each morning. It's an app on an iPad. I do some lettering or I do some drawing or make a meme or something like that and it's kind of a fun way of visually journaling. I use that as well as writing. So, first thing in the morning, writing three pages of just stream of consciousness. All of The Artists Way of...read The Artists way earlier this year. Started doing that as well. So I feel like having a consistent practice of different forms of creative self expression is something that's very key to my mindset, and my ability to stay positive and be able to fill my cup and be able to be with others.
Tiffany
That's so important! So important to know what you personally need for that self care aspect. I have a friend that I follow on Facebook and she likes to do her devotionals every morning and a Bible and she's so creative! And she just decided to paint all of her Bible pages. And they came out, so beautiful. And then, I'm in a group with a lady and she does hand lettering herself and she was talking about journals... creating a journal with prompts in there and I said you know what you should do? You should have a page, you know every so often where people can just kind of doodle and color. And I sent her the pictures of the lady from her Bible, just to kind of give her an idea. But what a great outlet to be able to you know kind of combine the two things, you know that journaling aspect plus that creative aspect to kind of, you know, self care and take a minute for yourself.
Now you have a non clinical platform as well, right? Called Compare Your Self Care. And can you tell me a little bit about that how you got started with it? What's the premise of it?
Alison
Sure. So I started Composure Your Self Care last fall, roughly September/October of 2019, as a way to discuss and share creative approaches to self-care. I feel like there's so many ways that we all use music in our lives, that there's so much to be explored and shared. It's such a beautiful way of connection. So, even before COVID, we had such an epidemic of loneliness and disconnection in our world. Yeah, ironically with social media on the rise, it seemed like more and more. We weren't interacting as much on a deep level, for many reasons, but I hoped to foster some connections through music with the group. And also share and learn different ways that we can use creativity to manage stress and anxiety. So I started that and tried, sharing some different things via an online course last fall on music and self talk and mindset. And then got really busy with the clinical side of our work and my private practice. But then of course COVID came around this year and the more time to devote to Compose Your Self-Care with a non-clinical work. So I started offering some challenges in that group.And also kicked off a series on virtual creative self care last month. So, Last month I led a music and self care virtual retreat on zoom. I've got professionals lined up each month as co-facilitators to offer different creative ways that we can manage stress and anxiety.
Tiffany
Well, I think, you know, to your point, I think misery loves company. We like to be around others like us. So I think that that Facebook group is such a great outlet. I mean, I'm definitely going to be a part of it...
Alison
Awesome!
Tiffany
...because yeah I think that you know, as much as I wouldn't want to say, I think that I probably bounce between anxiety and depression myself a little bit. My husband works a lot and it kind of bums me out. I love him to death. And I think that that's a pretty awesome thing after 19 years but you know he's supporting our family and doing the right thing. And I just get so lonely for him sometimes and I have a pity party for myself. Sometimes those are the times where I need to put that music on and you know jolt myself out of it. But that'd be great to be on the group, and you know be talking to people about I did this today and that felt great or I did this today and that felt great. You know, just some other avenues, possibly to shake myself back to happiness. I appreciate you putting that out there and I, again in the course that I just took, that's what she said too, she was like, you know, ha, ha, "that's what she's said" [Laughter]
Huge fan of The Office!
Alsion
Yes.
Tiffany
I'd be letting down my true inner self had I not said it. But she alluded to that fact too, that everybody is so stinking lonely! And it was before, way before COVID. COVID just, you know, brought it into the open. But the reality is it was always there. I think that that's great. I think that's very honorable that you know you saw the need there and you're like, you know what, what can I do about this. I love that you did that. Would you say that COVID affected your business in any other ways have you had to pivot. Is there something different that you're doing these days that you were not doing pre-COVID?
Alison
Oh definitely. I think the word of the year for everybody this year is pivot. So, I had 14 Long Term Care communities that I was serving as a music therapist and also was doing work with St Francis Cancer Center nearby. All of those places closed to outside contractors and outside workers
Tiffany
Yes. I'm so sorry about that for you.
Alison
Thank you. So I've got several of those long term care communities that I've been able to continue serving through online platforms such as zoom and Skype. Those have shifted more to music enrichment groups, because I'm not really able to see their participation levels or be there to prompt them as much as I would, in person for music therapy groups. But we kept the music going for several communities and started right...
Tiffany
Are there nurses just helping them then?
Alison
Pretty much...
Tiffany
Like do you play it virtually they follow along, then their medical staff is encouraging them to complete it?
Alison
Yeah, with those music enrichment groups that I'm doing now, for long term care communities, they have staff members are there to assist and encourage them.
Tiffany
That's so cool.
Alison
Previously in groups, I would bring a cart full of instruments and pass around drums and shakers and get everybody goin' and use hand under hand assistance to help people play instruments, but, unfortunately that's just not in reality right now that we can't do that, at this moment. But I hope that we might be able to get back to that place someday.
Tiffany
Yeah hopefully relatively soon. Maybe after there's a vaccine for it. Okay so premise of my show is I always have somebody pick a song and break it down a little bit for me. So would you please share with us the song that you chose, and then just you know how you connect with it. The the word that makes sense to you that, you know, what do you use a song for does it change your mood does it make you reminisce it made me feel very nostalgic. So I would love to hear you know how the song affects you. And then of course if you'd give us the name.
Alison
So the song I chose to share is the Once and Future Carpenter by Avett Brothers, they're kind of Folk Alt-Americana band out of Concord, North Carolina.
Tiffany
I was certainly not expecting that I don't know what I was expecting but when I pulled it up... and I didn't know that, Spotify did this because I'm an Apple user but I thought it was cool that it linked it to other songs. Because I was trying to kind of put my finger on it and it linked it to the Lumineers and I was like, Yes! So maybe that's a good correlation for people who don't know Avett, is that right? The Avett Brothers.
Alison
Yep. Uh huh. Yeah, so they're kind of in the same vein, or if you like Mumfors and Sons a definitely checkout neighbor brothers, definitely in the same kind of wheelhouse. So I got to see The Avett Brothers for the first time at a music festival in Asheville, North Carolina, around 2007, or so. They were just unbelievable energy, jumping around up on the stage playing guitar, banjo, and bass. And fell in love with them and started listening at that point. Their music is definitely continue to change and evolve in different seasons. And they always share so much of their heart and their experience and their songs, not only in the lyrics but the musicality. And I just love how down to earth, they are genuinely kind people and their fan base is definitely the same like just the best community family of fans. I'm kind of biased by saying that but, I'll claim it.
So, the song Once and Future Carpenter was released in 2011. It really came into my life in a powerful way about 2014. I started going through a separation was in an abusive marriage, and was very scared. Taking the step of leaving and moving in with my mom and dad. Just feeling very lost and scared, in many ways, and uncertainty of the future and, really, fearing for my life at times. And one of the one says, If I live the life I'm given, I won't be scared to die. That was a tremendous line for me, and I'm just holding on to...I, I'd rather be able to live my life and not have that fear
Tiffany
Yeah.
Alison
So that when really stuck with me and, and helped me through some scary times.
Tiffany
It's amazing how music can do that. How you can hold on to some lyrics or, you know, kinda keep rethinking them through. It makes me think of my first real true blue awful panic attack was, we had gone to South Dakota for a family trip and we were going to go into a cave. And I thought, okay, we just walk down like some dirt road and we'll start you know we'll enter this cave they'll walk through or whatever. So we get there, And they said, you know, are you sure that your dress warm enough it's very cold down there. And I was like, oh, whatever you know I think I'd have tanked up on or something, I don't really know. And she's...we all got on this elevator and I still, it did not occur to me what was happening. And she said something to the effect of, okay, who's ready to go 863 feet below the Earth's surface. And I was like, what, what, what, what, what are we doing? I could not think straight. So the whole time I can barely breathe. I can barely catch my breath. I'm trying to act like it's fine. I get halfway through I see this sign for a defibrillator, and I'm thinking myself, I need that. I was like, I don't know if I'm gonna make it out of here alive. So I asked the lady, the tour guide I said, you know what do I do if I don't want to finish the tour? And she said well you wait here and another guy comes and get you and I said okay. I'm gonna do that. She goes well you are at the halfway mark, I said okay. And she goes, you're gonna have to wait here by yourself while he comes down here to get you. I said okay, and she said the lights might go out and I said okay, I did not care. Like, I could not take one step further. Our daughter was fairly young at the time and so I know we were carrying her through most of it. And so my husband asked if I wanted to keep her and I thought yeah I need that distraction Yes please. So I kept her, and we were walking out and all I could sing and this is so sad, but was the Miley Cyrus song, [Singing] "and We Can't Stop, and we won't stop." And I just kept saying it to myself and I was like [Singing] "la da di da di, we like to party", just kept trying to like, sing that song to get through that getting out of that case. So, it's amazing how we go into some of those verses and that's just, you know that repeat and it talks us through it.
Alison
Exactly. Another line in the song says, and when I lose my direction. I'll look up to the sky. So, again, going through such a time of uncertainty, drew me closer to my faith as well. And looking up to the sky is connecting with my faith again. And also being more present looking up you know, not only physically looking up and being more present of looking around looking up at the sky, but also holding my head high. The next line in the song says, and when the black cloak drags upon the ground, I'll be ready to surrender. And remember, we're all in this together. So that interconnectedness that I wasn't aware of, was very powerful for me.
Tiffany
I thought it was interesting in the song, whenever he starts to talk about discord, there's also discord in the notes. I don't know if you've ever noticed that or not? But it's like the notes are kind of fighting with each other for a minute and then they kind of resolve. Might have been that line that you were just speaking about, but I thought that was kind of interesting like you're talking about a hard time, you can feel the notes kind of fighting, and then they resolve again.
Alison
Definitely.
Tiffany
And that's really kind of a long song. It's like five minutes long.
Alison
Most of their songs are probably four or five minutes long. They do a really great job of both having beautiful lyrics, and very emotionally evocative lyrics paired with that's beautiful music. And like you said the notes reflect what's going on in the lyrics. So, you hear some discord and some of their songs that seems very intentionally connected to the lyrics somewhere the lyrics are going.
Tiffany
Yeah, that's really awesome.
Well thank you so much for joining us, for taking time out, I will of course have all of the information in the show notes. I hope that all of this audience will join us on Facebook, and just talk about some of those coping mechanisms with stress and how music really plays a role in that. I'm really looking forward to that Alison. I'll post the all of the links and everything for people to find you. If you guys have any further questions, again I always encourage you guys to share with me if this is a song you know how, you knew it, what you connect with on it. If you heard something from Alison and I that you know really resonated with you. Or if you have something to add to it we would of course be so open to any of those, you know emotions or feelings that you had towards the song and towards this interview.
Tiffany
Thank you, Alison.
Alison
Thanks so much for having me Tiffany.
Outro
Well that was a great walk down memory lane. I hope you enjoyed my guest's memories and experiences with the song or songs they chose. To connect with my guests, I mean, I know you're just going to stalk them on social media. But check out the show notes as always for details. Please leave a five star review, and I'd love if you left a memory of your own that was sparked. Can't wait to dive into my next guest's Memories With A Beat! Hit subscribe now, you don't want to miss the next episode.
Megan shares how she connects with the song Let Go by Frou Frou, as she broke up with her high school sweetheart. And even today, years later, Megan uses this song to remind her that done is better than perfect.
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**Full Transcript
Intro
I have a question. What is your favorite song and how do you connect with it? Is it when you fell in love or through something really difficult? I'm your host, Tiffany Mason now join me as I interview others, and we take a walk down memory lane with them. Let's get lost in why that music matters to them. Turn up your radio and let's explore memories with a beat.
Tiffany
Hello everyone out in podcast land. Thank you for joining me for another episode today I have with me Megan Meyer. Hello Megan.
Megan
Hiiii
Tiffany
Okay, and so Megan has picked a song for us again. Megan Do you want to share which song you chose?
Megan
Yes, that's a song called Let Go by Frou Frou.
Tiffany
By Frou Frou, and a side note, I just have to say. My mom when she puts on fragrance, perfume, she was calls it her Fufu. So using Frou-frou Frou Frou, is making me think of my mother and her fragrance.
Megan
Yeah, it's probably not a song that a lot of people have heard but it was in the movie Garden State and the soundtrack. So that's how I came about finding it.
Tiffany
Well, I was really taken aback because I looked up well, when you had text me your song pic. I saw Let It Go, and I was like okay that's good. And I was like, well, maybe it's got like this other meaning, you know? And so then I was looking at the words and trying to figure out like the day of the year was released. I'm like, Okay, let me just make sure because Garden State... I was like, I don't think the song existed before the Disney movie. [Laughter] So we went over the YouTube, the thumbnail of the YouTube video had not populated. So I just saw a blank square and I saw Let It Go, so I was like okay she doing Let It Go.
Megan
Yeah, I mean that's a popular song in my house because my kids are five and six. But it's not my favorite, personally. I'm a little tired of it.
Tiffany
Yeah, that makes sense that makes sense. Okay, so you said in the movie Garden State did you go see it with somebody, how did you see the movie?
Megan
Yeah, I mean I think it was.. so it came out my sophomore year in college. And I just feel like, those are such formative years, that for some reason that song stuck with me, and I really liked Indie music back then and finding new artists to follow. And that was also in the days of like Napster and,
Tiffany
Oh, sure...
Megan
Of course, I didn't download any music from Napster
Tiffany
No, none of us did
Megan
Or burn any CDs but, um...So I feel like, you know, that was just kind of a sign of the times of my life back then.
Tiffany
Where did you go to college? What year was-were you a sophomore? Were you seeing anybody or did your best friend go with you?
Megan
You know it's interesting that you bring that up because I hadn't made the connection. But in that movie. it is about a relationship which so many movies are. As a sophomore at Texas A&M and I was actually in the process of leaving a relationship with my kind of first love High School boyfriend and moving on and doing my own thing. And so I think that, you know, it's so interesting how movies also can kind of shape that time in your life. But I definitely was in a transition period of my own then and had been with him for 4 years, which is a really long time, especially when you've been on the planet like 20 years.
Tiffany
Well and you almost kind of..you know you really do mature from like the teenager to like almost adult. So it is really kind of a pivotal time. And then you're tied down with somebody. I had a boyfriend my whole high school career and I wish I would not have done that. I tell my kids all the time you have your whole life to be responsible to somebody. Don't do that. Don't get into a serious relationship, like, you know, you just have forever to be responsible to someone else once you do get married. So, enjoy your time and live it out so what did... so did you end up going with a friend of the movie?
Megan
Um, I think I watched it in my sorority house as a group. So, you know, it's also symbolic of like those times where, like I said just had kind of complete freedom for the first time, other than you know getting to your classes and making sure that you didn't flunk out. And spending time with friends and. And like you said just really moving from that teenager station of life to like being an adult. And learning what it is like to get hurt but also you know how you bounce back from that. And you know it wasn't until seven years later that I met my husband. It was quite a bit of time until I made the full commitment, but it was a fun time to just be with the girls and really appreciate that for what it was and not not be tied down to just always, you know, worrying about someone else.
Tiffany
Yeah. Yeah, it's true. It's true.
Megan
And don't get me wrong, I'm married now and worrying about someone else now is, is like wonderful and exactly what I wanted. But this was much earlier in life so
Tiffany
Yeah I think when you're ready for it you know it's not a bad thing at all. But when you're so young like just go live and just go have fun and hang out with your friends and experience life. And then, you know, figure it out and fall in love with someone to marry and then tell them how you spent 10 bucks at Walmart and $50 at Best Buy. [Laughter]
Unknown 5:33
Yeah, yeah. No, the kids, the kids keep things interesting as well. So my, my daughter's six, and there's a boy in the neighborhood that's quite popular with the ladies, that's seven. And I'm like, Lexi, you can't worry about boys you have the rest of your life to worry about boys go play with your friends. Ya knows.
Tiffany
Yep. Yep. Boy crazy at six?
Megan
I know I'm in trouble.
Tiffany
I'll say! My daughter's nine and I still don't think.. she, um, she told me one time that one of her classmates was very handsome. But then she later told me that her teacher said it. So I think that she was just saying what her teacher had said. I don't.
Megan
Yeah
Tiffany
I don't think it was really like. I mean, she just was noting like yes he's very good looking, but not so much, you know, I'm not going for him so much.
Megan
Isn't it funny how they test things out on it.
Tiffany
Yeah, very much so.
Megan
It's interesting because I just always go back to that song. I don't know. That artist has just kind of followed me through the years because that was quite a few years ago. We didn't have to say the number, but but you know and kind of that idea of letting go has also followed me so that's why I picked that song. Okay, well that's awesome.
Tiffany
I thought it was interesting that her voice sounds so much like The Cranberries.
Megan
So I love The Cranberries too.
Tiffany
I do too! I do too! And you know this online thing you have is [Singing]"In your head. Zombie" And at one point, she says in that song, "in your head, in your head." Or something like that and that's what I was hearing. And then I was like wait that's not what she's saying because I thought what the song is about right? So I was like wait a minute I must be mixed up but anyways.
Megan
I think they're both British. And actually, I think that one of the reasons I like the song is because I need to get out of my head more. So it's actually quite the opposite. But yeah, so I think that they do have a similar sound.
Tiffany
So Megan and I are in a networking group together and we're always all the women in our women inspired networking group W.I.N., are always you know encouraging each other and pushing each other to do more and, you know, whatever motivation we need for our businesses at the time. I thought was interesting in there she says 20 seconds to comply. Let go. What you waiting for, and it made me think of how it's so common right now for everyone to say you know 20 seconds of courage. So I thought that that was also kind of fitting just for, where I personally am in my own space, and then where our group is as far as just to be courageous, just 20 seconds, just do it.
Megan
Absolutely. I mean, 20 also makes me think of the year. And 2020 has definitely been a challenging one for so many of us. And I think that, you know, we've, a lot of us have been living in fear, and it's very hard to overcome that fear and really find your voice and find what's important to you and it's one of the reasons that I love the group that we're in is because it's really helped me to refocus, even during this crazy time.
Tiffany
Yeah, I agree, I agree completely. Okay, Did you also say that there was something about a coach training? How you kind of connect with this song?
Megan
Yeah. A lot of people don't know I, I sell Younique. But I also am a certified coach. When I was getting my coaching certificate, one of the activities that we did was to find a picture that was cut out of a magazine that meant something to us. And I just will never forget this image that I explained to my partner was a girl, holding a red balloon, and she was standing on like the edge of a cliff. And she was letting it go. And obviously, you know that those words are common to the song. But I think that I always wanted to be perfect and I always wanted to do things the right way. And was pretty hard on myself and so one of the things that I had to kind of come to terms with is that, you know, life isn't always perfect. Especially as an entrepreneur you have to kind of not just always try to control everything but let things come to you. And that's easier said than done, but that image just stuck with me. Yeah, so I'm hoping that as my business grows that I can get back into that coaching and add that to kind of my services that I offer. So I'm excited about that.
Tiffany
Is it business coaching?
Megan
I actually do individual coaching, so it can be leader coaching or life coaching. What I would really like to specialize in is women in transition because I feel like as women we're always in transition. We're always going through some sort of change. Whether it's a job change or becoming a mom or getting married, or even just dealing with, you know, a year like 2020. So I really like partnering with women who want to find their own way through whatever they're working through.
Tiffany
I see. Very good. That song by Frou Frou, does she have other songs as well?
Megan
Yeah, let me think here... There is another song, and it's escaping me right now that I...So I really like her album with her partner that they made Frou Frou but then there's also two other albums from Imogen Heap that I really enjoy that kind of remind me of my college times. And all the fun times that we had and the freedom that you had during that time. The song is not coming to me. You could definitely check it out and listen to her music because I really like the chill vibe that she has. But then also she has a really nice voice. Very calming.
Tiffany
Yes, I agree. My 19 year old, Preston, is in transition for sure and definitely trying to find himself. And you know he keeps coming to me trying to, you know, figure it out, figure it out. Like what am I supposed to do? What am I supposed to do? And I finally just had to say like Preston This world is not as black and white as it seems like you think that it is. This world is very gray and there's lots of unknowns. Whenever anybody talks about, you know, making plans and letting go those plans I always think of Thomas Rhett song. You make your plans and you hear God laughing, you know, life changes. I think that's all he says changes. Anyways, um, but yeah it's just so true that like no matter how much we plan, you know, it always kind of changes and so you got to kind of let it go and be messy and have those 20 seconds to comply, or not comply.
Megan
Yeah, I think it's great to have a plan. And I'm definitely a planner. But I find that the more flexible that I am, the happier I am, because you don't set yourself up to be disappointed. If things don't meet your expectations and, you know, just being willing to kind of let life come as it is and sometimes that really opens up doors and opportunities as well.
Tiffany
Yes it does. I agree, I was just a business course. And I thought for sure I was gonna go this one way and I was kind of, you know, set in stone in my mind. And I got to thinking about and I thought, let me just open my mind up to the actual like what are all the possibilities? Let me just free myself up, let me not put myself in a lane. Let me just, you know, be completely open and I ended up coming across this and doing podcast management. And having a podcast and it's brought so much more joy to me I think then the other avenue would have. It's exciting and you know exhilarating to think like, I don't know I get to talk about music and help people make their podcasts, which is about their passions or helping them, you know, to grow their business. And I think that that's just super amazing. You know, you got to always be open and try to hear what the universe or hear what God is trying to say to you.
Megan
Yeah, and I love the idea of your podcast because I feel like there's lots of senses that bring back memories for us. Like I know smells do that for me but music is just so powerful, and can get us through the hardest times and can be a symbol of the most joyous times. And so I'm really excited to see who else you bring on the podcast.
Tiffany
Okay, well, do you have anything else you want to share about your song or about what you're doing in life right now?
Megan
No, I just think that, you know, as I guess my parting comments about why this song means so much to me. Is that anytime that I've come across a situation where I was really trying to force things and I just was so stressed out because it wasn't working. When I have been able to let that go and and you know really just see what comes in life. It's been really helpful for me and don't get me wrong I'm an ambitious person so there's definitely been times where I've been able to push through as well but if I think about you know when I started my business with unique. It took me a long time to actually take the plunge and join because I was afraid to be known as the makeup girl.
Tiffany
Sure
Megan
you know, had I not joined Younique three and a half years ago, there's four vacations I wouldn't have been on there's so many friends that I have that I would ever met. It's really you know a huge part of my daily life now. And same thing with coaching like if I look back at when I found that red balloon picture. I was trying so hard to force that to come about because I really wasn't happy in my day job, and was able to kind of let that that sit for a little while and found a day job that I it's much more fulfilling and I'm enjoying. And now I feel like, you know, as we move forward. Hopefully I can take on a couple of clients and help them to get over the humps that are holding them back. So, it's exciting.
Tiffany
well you heard it here first folks, if you're looking for someone over the humps Megan's your girl.
Megan
Thank you, Tiffany.
Tiffany
I'll have all of your contact information in the show notes, of course, and I'll see you soon.
Megan
Okay, sounds good. Thanks so much
Tiffany
Thanks so much, Megan. You have a great night.
Megan
You too.
Outro
Well that was a great walk down memory lane. I hope you enjoyed my guest's memories and experiences with the song or songs they chose to connect with my guests... I mean, I know you're just going to stalk their social media, but check out the show notes as always for details. Please leave a five star review, and I'd love if you left a memory of your own that was sparked. Can't wait to dive into my next guest's memories with a beat, hit subscribe now. you don't want to miss the next episode.
This is a fun episode and you will want to listen to. Keri shares a song from the 50's that her grandmother sang to her and another song by Eva Cassidy that was shared to her by one of her mentors. They are two totally different songs and it was interesting to learn how she connected with each one. Join us...
1:53 Keri Brecht website designer and branding specialist. https://keribrecht.com/
FB: Face Your Dreams with Keri
IG: @FaceYourDreamsWithKeri
2:15 The Face Your Dreams Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-face-your-dreams-podcast/id1464387652
2:22 Ta-Da Digital Planner on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/faceyourdreams?fbclid=IwAR2iBe8gpTGn3Qj5K8enV6g6BFd2JNc630jJow5bCRRPfDwvpOsUMSm8hS0
5:23 Abundant Female Entrepreneurs https://www.facebook.com/groups/abundantfemaleentrepreneurs
25:56 He's Got the whole World in His Pants (book)
Gonna stalk me on social? Let me help you...
@virtuallyyoupodcastva (FB & IG)
...heck, join me in my FB group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1884183095057195
**Full transcript
Intro
I have a question. What is your favorite song, and how do you connect with it?Is it when you fell in love, or through something really difficult? I'm your host, Tiffany Mason. Now join me as I interview others, and we take a walk down memory lane with them. Let's get lost in why that music matters to them. Turn up your radio and let's explore memories with a beat.
Tiffany
Well, hello everyone, thank you so much for joining me for another episode of memories with a beat. Today I have Keri Brecht with me thank you for joining me today Keri.
Keri
You're welcome. Thanks for having me.
Tiffany
So first off, I'll tell you guys how we know each other. We're in a network marketing group together and really just support each other's businesses. And I started this new venture of being a podcast manager and, of course, having this podcast and Keri was so kind and she made me the best logo! You guys go check it out for VirtuallyYouPodcastVA, on both Facebook and Instagram and look at the logo. I have gotten so many compliments on it and I love it! It's green and green is my favorite color I don't know if you knew that or not.
Keri
I didn't know that. Yeah.
Tiffany
And so when I was thinking about I was like I'm gonna make it green. Then I was like I'm not gonna make a green. Everybody knows green is my favorite color and I'm not gonna make a green, and how would that even look good and like a limey green color. I'm not gonna do it. And then when you sent it to me it was like the heavens parted and the angels were singing. So, it just worked out perfectly so.
Keri
It was so much fun
Tiffany
Yeah, maybe is a little bit of a segue into what you do. If you would share with everybody what you do and how you keep yourself busy.
Keri
Yeah, so I am Keri Brecht. I am a website designer and a branding specialist. And so I do logos I do, but I don't. I usually don't just do the logo, you were an exception because you're just fun to work with. But yeah, normally I do the whole package. So we get the whole brand together. We create your website and it just becomes this beautiful experience. I also am the host of The Face Your Dreams podcast, that Tiffany is helping me roll those episodes out now. And I have a digital planner that I've created that we're going to be rolling out the new version for 2021 here in a couple of months. Lots of inserts that'll go help you plan your financial goals your, your weekly monthly daily. All of that jazz but in a really awesome positive focus on things like mindset and self care gratitude, your vision board, you know all of those things, everything that you could possibly think of is going to be included in that. So yeah we do a combination of things but the main goal is that we're helping entrepreneurs, specifically female entrepreneurs, really go toward their dream and bring it into life so...
Tiffany
Keri, do you have a link for that that I can put my show notes.
Keri
I do. Yeah I can have the link to the Etsy shop. Hopefully, you know, it will get some more products up there. So when people go to visit they can check out everything.
Tiffany
Okay, they'll be awesome so you guys look for that in the show notes. You said Face Your Dreams podcast, do you want to tell us a little bit about your podcast Keri?
Keri
Yes, so we focus specifically toward female entrepreneurs again. But we talk about all things related to business life, you name it. It's like you're sitting down and having a cup of coffee with your best friends. I mainly do interviews. However, I will be rolling out some more solo episodes in the coming weeks. In preparation for the planner you know talking about goal setting and all of the things mindset, comparison-itis, you know you name it, we're going to talk about it. And it's just, it's been a lot of fun I got to sit down with actually one of my best friends growing up. He was my best buddy he was from kindergarten on and we kind of, you know, lost touch for a while. I hadn't talked to him for you know a couple years. We got to reunite and do an episode together and that was that was just really surreal. I've met so many amazing people had some guests to talk about. Even some of the things you wouldn't necessarily think about in terms of entrepreneurship and just really gets the wheels going. So, a lot of fun.
Tiffany
Very Cool. I know I've enjoyed quite a few of your episodes and I really love your intro. It gets me like kind of fired up, like, ooo what are we learning about today?
Keri
Yes.
Tiffany
Yes, Good on ya!
Keri
Yeah, good, good one.
Tiffany
Okay and then I know that you invited me to a Women's Entrepreneur Facebook group, and you're doing some stuff with that. Do you want to talk a little bit about that as well Keri?
Keri
Sure. Yeah, so I started a group, back in the day. It was just my business name, it was Face Your Dreams with Keri. And it was mainly geared toward the life coaching mindset coaching spectrum there, and people who needed help with that. And then when I morphed back into... I've been doing website now, or websites for about eight years. And so I brought that area back into my business, and now it's geared specifically toward female entrepreneurs. So it's called Abundant Female Entrepreneurs, it's on Facebook. You can search and join as long as you're a female entrepreneur. We will talk a lot about, again, very similar topics to the podcast, anything having to do with business life things. You know, all of that, we do celebrations every week. We have have little motivators in there. We do a woowoo Wednesday. So we have, even if you're just a little bit woo or not quite woo, you'll have fun with it. We do a little like Oracle card draws and talk about things that are maybe a little bit more in the woowoo spectrum. And it's just, it's a lot of fun. We've helped people grow businesses in the group. We allow for promotions as long as they're, you know tasteful and it's it's a great community to be a part of.
Tiffany
I definitely get a very positive vibe from a very inspiring and supportive. Thanks for the invite.
Keri
Yes. You're welcome.
Tiffany
Okay, so let's get down to your songs that you've picked Keri.
Keri
Sure.
Tiffany
Now, I know that you picked one called Bushel and a Peck, and that was released actually in 1950. So I am dying to hear why you like a song from 1950 or how do you even got exposed to it.
Keri
Yeah, so I... Well, besides the fact that I have always been called an old soul. I always thought I was born in the wrong era, except until recently and I'm like okay yeah this this was my era. But I always thought I wanted to be born you know in the 30s 40s just that era with...
Tiffany
I could so see you ...
Keri
Swing dancing and yeah so, so much fun. And I, I always remember with my cousin, she was about a year younger than, is, she's still alive, you know so she's a year younger than I am. And we grew up every summer you know rural Iowa. We would
Tiffany
Yes girl!
Keri
Woot Woot! and go to my grandparents house. And we would spend you know a good week or two with my grandparents. We'd always go you know in between, of course too to spend the night maybe for a weekend or something. But this was different because we got to, you know, do the normal. I don't know, did you ever watch, Lawrence Welk at all.
Tiffany
No
Keri
Oh man, you are missing out.
Tiffany
The oldest show I can remember is McLaughin
Keri
yeah I don't know that one.
Tiffany
Okay
Keri
Awesome. So we would do you know every Saturday night 7pm, or depending on the time zone right? Um, we would watch Lawrence Welk with my grandparents. They had all the old classic, you know, big bands type music. And I call it the bubble music. So like you could sit and have your happy hour down in the basement and have your cocktails with your friends like what you would play for that back in the 50s. And we would sit and listen to that and we'd dance together and then my grandparents always had the radio on Glenn Miller, you know, all the old Tommy Dorsey, you know, all of that stuff so we fell in love with that music. And we...nobody else knew what we were talking about. And now it's becoming a little bit popular again I'm like, man, I liked that since I was little. Anyway, so that specific song, my grandma used to tuck us in at night, and every time that she would go to tuck us in... We shared the little you know trundle bed and then she would sing us a Bushel and a Peck. And I just thought that she had made this song up when I was little I was like, Oh, this is a pretty song. And so we'd sing it with her and she would only usually sing like one or two little verses. And then usually it was time to go to bed, right? Okay, kids time to go to bed. I just remember like those, those hot summer nights, your foot half out the bed but you want to be covered up still, you know, that type of thing. And hearing the trains go by, because it was a small town of like 100 people. And the train went right through and hearing the train go by and it was just like so soothing and calming and falling asleep. I'm hearing my grandma sing that song and us singing along with it it's just such a beautiful memory that I hope someday you know to bring to my grandchildren. You know, along with that, so my grandpa died in 2006, that spring. And after, I think it was after the funeral. People were, you know, saying goodbye and people were like okay oh I can't stay with mom because you know I got to go do this tomorrow, or I have to help so and so or, I don't have a car you know things like that. And I said, I'll stay with her. I would love to you know and I stayed with my grandma. And at that time I was 19, maybe still 18, but you know it's not even 20 years old. I was older though, and she... can't, I can't even remember the last time that I spent had spent the night there before that. It had been a while. It had been several years, we went to say good night. And I said, grandma, can you sing me?...And I would think I was wearing like an old pair of her pajamas because I wasn't planning on spending the night. And she was like here, take these like really old pajamas. I'm like, Okay, so here I am wearing her pajamas. And I said, Can you push on a Peck? And she said yes and so we sang it together and we dance and it was just a really beautiful memory. And after that I would call and stop by how she was, but it was really like the last really special moment we had together, she passed away. My grandpa passed away in February I believe and she passed away in June. And so it was very close.
Tiffany
Yeah
Keri
So, that's yeah one of my last memories of her singing that song.
Tiffany
Yeah, that's so awesome that that's how you get to keep her in your memory forever. That last night together.
Keri
Yeah, it was really beautiful. And like I think we talked about before. I plan on singing that same song to my kids and my grandkids and carrying that tradition on I think it's just, it's a beautiful message.
Tiffany
Yeah! Yeah, no, it definitely is. There were some other things that I picked up from that song. First of all, I felt like I was being transported to like the 1950s.
Keri
Oh yeah
Tiffany
I know just because of the strong vibrato and the big band sound in the background like the instrumental part of it. I could just see like the ladies you know with their little gloves and the little purses and their saddle shoe heels. And just walking through town with their long skirts but the puffy kind kind of still just kind of a fun, not memory it's a fun, you know vision that I get when I hear the song. I thought it was so funny too, when I was little, I thought that this was just like how much you love somebody I mean it is. You know I love you a bushel a peck, but I guess as I got older, like I realized like that's actually a thing. But then she also goes on to say though you make my life a mess. And I was like, wait, why... why is she... you know cuz now I'm analyzing a song so I'm really paying attention to the lyrics. Like, why is she talking about this person making a mess and I feel like all the songs from that time are so happy and like, you know, positive. And I'm like, wait, why, why are we talking about, you know, a certain sound like country song. Yes, but then she says, a mess of happiness. And I just thought that that was so cute. I love when lyrics are clever.
Keri
So, yes, it's, it's just a fun, upbeat song. I mean, you... the whole purpose of your podcasts, it's like the meaning behind songs and how they connect to everybody right, this is just a song, it's like, you cannot hear this song and not smile
Tiffany
Correct.
Keri
You know, it's just, it just puts a little grin on your face and makes you feel happy go lucky.
Tiffany
I feel like a little skip in your step too.
Keri
yeah yes you just instantly get a little like I just want to skip around the block, you know, just pretend like I have no cares in the world.
Tiffany
Yup, yup, I had a play it for Hanna after I listen to it, you know, because obviously I'm trying to figure out what this person song is and what it sounds like, and the words and everything. And she was, she just kept like kind of giggling you know like mommy, you're silly, as I was trying to be like cute with her or whatever cuz she's nine. So she's at that age you know where she wants to be treated like a young lady but she's still a little kid. It was just kind of a sweet moment of our own.
Keri
That's so awesome.
Tiffany
Yeah. Okay, and so you had another song too. First of all, I'll say it's Eva Cassidy and its Fields of Gold. It was actually released in 1996, but that was after our friend Sting had released it in 1993. So, what is your connection with Fields of Gold, and specifically Eva Cassidy? Lay it on me.
Keri
Yeah, so I mean don't get me wrong I like the Sting version too. I just- there's something about his voice that's just like, he never gets old right? Let's be honest.
Tiffany
No, timeless...
Keri
Um, it's, uh, you know like, the second he comes on the radio you know it's him.
Tiffany
Yes
Keri
He just.. has that voice.
Tiffany
A distinguishable voice.
Keri
Yeah, yes, you could just tell. So, that sorts... particular version though... I back in high school. So all this just you know goes back to my past. I had a mentor who is my eighth grade language arts teacher Hey Mrs. Nottger. I was her very first we called them service learner. Service learners. So she wanted somebody to come into her classroom help her grade papers, make copies, I made posters for her room, I kept things organized, or she had a huge classroom library. Like it was, I like drooled every time I would look at her bookshelves because they she had so many books, it was amazing. And so I kept inventory of all of that. You know, I did a lot of things for her and she really taught me what it really means to be a teacher. And it's not just the teaching aspect. It's you care about the students you are part of their lives. And you're helping to guide them and coach them and hopefully you know teach them all about life at the same time that you're teaching them content. And I walked into her classroom like terrified of eighth grade. And I had been picked on and bullied in the prior years leading up to that. And I was like, oh here we go a whole nother year, getting picked on and who knows what this will bring. And she, her class was like an escape for me. And it was, she, her husband also taught science and I loved his class as well. It was so much fun. They're both amazing teachers. And I just, we made an instant connection with her. She I worked with her in her classroom for for all four years of high school, and even during college would cut back. I would have a break, no afternoon classes or something and I had to rush home really quickly, help her out with something, go visit my mom, and then go all the way back up to the University. She was just amazing. She taught me so... not only so many things just about teaching, which is what I was going to college for, but also just about life in general. And how to treat people and how to be a really amazing human being. And so she I was thought of her as like a second mom. She was just incredible. She's a lot like my mom, and to have my mom, you know is amazing, of course, but then to have somebody outside of my home who is very similar is, it's nice to feel like you have that support no matter where you go.
Tiffany
Well, especially if you were in school. I mean it's nice to know that you had that reprieve like the rest of the day was rough, but I'm going to see my quote unquote mom and a little bit. And that just made you feel special, that saw you, that was interested in you and investing in you and nurturing you. And I just think that that's awesome I think everybody has a teacher like that. But yeah, I hear what you're saying how they just kind of changed things for you, for some reason,
Keri
I love it. And it was so surreal too because I... later I you know went down my own path. And graduated from college and did a whole bunch of different things. And actually went back to my hometown school and taught a couple of years as a substitute teacher. And I taught full time, English and Spanish for one year.
Tiffany
How weird was that?
Keri
And then I moved down here to Guatemala. Yeah and so we got to teach, I believe it was her last year of teaching like the that year, she decided to retire. And so we got to teach not necessarily together but in the same area and at the same time.
Tiffany
How coooooool.
Keri
It was just it was really neat to see that come full circle. But anyway, what I would help her in her classrooms, I would go in early. And help her out with whatever she needed before school started, just make sure I had my list for what I would need during the time that I would be with her, what, if there was anything that she had to talk to me about all of that. And she would always have her music playing. And one day she had this song Fields of Gold but the EVA Cassidy version, playing. And I heard it and I was instantly like, blown away. Oh my god.
Tiffany
Yeah that voice
Keri
Yeah and Eva Cassidy's, you know, somebody like Sting or, you know, T Swift or anyone that. Again, she has this voice you hear her and you know it's her. She sings with such passion and it's so raw. And it's just like, it's like somebody opening up your heart and just like laying it all out in front of everybody like you just feel so vulnerable. Yes. And it's, it's just incredible the emotions that arise when you hear her sing like she could seriously sing Mary Had a Little Lamb, and it would be the same, the same thing. And so I heard the song one day and I said, who is this? She told me and she told me the song and I was like this is the most beautiful song, I have and I've heard the song before but this is the most beautiful version of the song I've ever heard. And she actually ended up giving me the CD of it for Christmas, I think that year, or my birthday, something like that. Um, and so I just played it non stop. I was obsessed with it. Every time I'd go in the car, that the whole CD would go on and the whole CD is amazing, the whole album. But that song especially just has a lot of special meaning. And so it takes me back to that place of, you know, on the cusp of I think it was when I was about 18 or 17 when I first heard it, and it was on the cusp of leaving you know off to go to college to start my life and figure out who I am and what I want to do in my life and to have the support of her, and also my mother. Which I shared the song with my mother after I got it. I was like, Mom, you have to listen to the song she's like oh it's Eva Cassidy, oh my gosh, I love her so much. I was I ended up buying her the album as well. And so now we all three it really share that, that connection and that passion for the, for the song and for Eva Cassidy. And so it's just great to know I have such amazing women in my life. My grandma. My mom. Mrs. Notcher. You know, all of these amazing women who have helped guide me and lead me to where I am today. And I have these songs that now every time I hear them I can't help but go back to the places where I was when I first heard them.
Tiffany
I know I love that about music how it instantly transports you to that memory.
Keri
Yes
Tiffany
Yea, I would love to know which is stronger scent or sound, but both pretty powerful.
Keri
I think so. I mean scent also is, it's powerful too. Every once in a while and you're gonna maybe think that this is weird but every once in a while, I get a whiff of my grandma's perfume. And I don't know why. And I always I always take it as like, oh my guardian angel's trying might not the same Grandma, the other Grandma, but I'm like oh my guardian angels you know trying to tell me something. And, I better pay attention what might she be trying to tell me. Um, but I think definitely for me sound. I just have so many memories of songs, certain songs, even if it's a song I hate. You know? Like I'll hear it and be like oh my god that totally takes me back to this one time where blah blah blah. Yeah, it's just awesome.
Tiffany
So when it comes to music, do you try to learn the words? Are you like super interested in the words? Or are you just like the way the music sounds and so you're just kind of like, sing along, right or wrong, you don't really care?
Keri
Usually, the first time I hear a song, I just listen to the melody.
Tiffany
Yeah.
Keri
And if I like the melody and like, Oh yeah, this is a good song and then I'll try to learn the words. And I usually won't stop learning the words until I get them all the way down. And it's, I don't know if it's just like the perfectionist in me that type A like I gotta know all the words so that I can sing along with it. 100% correctly.
Tiffany
I remember getting a cassett. You could pull up the words and...
Keri
Yes!
Tiffany
...and see all of them, but the singles wouldn't have the lyrics.
Keri
Yes, that was the worst. When I would buy, I was in the, what was it? Columbia house like that CD club where every month, they would send you their selections and you could get a certain percentage off or like free CDs after you bought five or something. And so my friend Seth and I did that growing up. And so I have a ton of CDs that I don't even listen to anymore. But that was one of them that I think, trying to think, no Bushel and a Peck. I did buy the CD that had Bushel and a Peck on it.
Tiffany
My goodness.
Keri
Yeah. It's so crazy like your Doris Day, sweet! Sign me up! [Laughter]
Tiffany
Oh, I'm so in that membership!
Keri
Yes, I don't know if it exists anymore but it was so great. The best or the worst... The best part was when I would buy a CD and it would have the lyrics for every single song. And like the CD, the little booklet was like, it was like an actual book, it was fat and you were like, oh man, it doesn't even fit inside the case. And the worst was when it was just like that slip of paper that just told you the title and on the back like the all the producers stuff and you're like, What? Come on!
Tiffany
Where are the lyrics?
I'm sure much to your surprise and much to my surprise, as I get older, I keep learning some of the lyrics are incorrect. [Laughter]
Keri
Yeah, we think we hear what's that what we think we hear is not necessarily what it is yeah.
Tiffany
yes oh my gosh, I played the song back like I did with Bushel and a Peck. And he says, um, When we walk upon the fields of...and I thought it was water, but it's actually barley.
Keri
Yeah, I totally thought it was water. Yeah, I totally thought it was too and I was like that doesn't make sense fields of water?
Tiffany
Nope. And then I thought it was, you'll forget the sun, and his jealous smile, but that's not right either. And I don't have down what the correct answer was,
Keri
Oh, it is jealous sky believe.
Tiffany
Jealous sky, there we go. Yeah, that's right. Yep. And then I had, so she took her love for to stay a while, but it's not. It's talking about, um, for the gaze, a while.
Keri
Yeah, but I thought that too, same thing.
Tiffany
Sting you've got us all mixed up. Um, I had, I always said field of gold, not filled with barley. So sometimes I'd say water sometimes I'd say gold just probably however the wind was blowing that day was what I would choose. And then he said, or she says, I never make promises like these, but I thought, that's why I thought it was but I never make promises lightly.
Keri
Lightly. Yeah, I did the same thing.
Tiffany
I just had so I mean, like I was trying to take notes as I was listening you know so the song would go and I had to like stop it and be like, oh man I had that wrong. Let's do it again. Man, I had that wrong again. Just...
Keri
No...
Tiffany
I wonder how many songs I really don't know.
Keri
No. So, when I was growing up, our local library had where they would weed out books and you could buy a book for like a quarter.
Tiffany
Uh huh.
Keri
And so my friend Seth and I, again, we always hung out at the library. We'd go check out books and just kind of sit and hang out and play Pictionary on the chalkboard in the backroom and all of that stuff. And they had a book one day in the weeded out section. That was called I believe, He's got the whole world in His pants and other like misheard or misunderstood lyrics or something like that. And I was like this is the weirdest book title ever but I have to get this book. And so I bought it and I read through and I was like, Oh my gosh, I love these lyrics are what I totally thought these songs were and so I learned a lot about lyrics from that book. And now every time that I listen to a song, if I am not sure on a lyric I have to look it up immediately because there's nothing worse than like singing in the car with a friend. And you're singing the song and you're like, full force like blast in it and you get the words wrong and they're looking at you like, dude, that's not the word.
Tiffany
So my kids and I do that.
Keri
Oh, I love it.
Tiffany
No, and, and my daughter is finally starting to realize like it doesn't matter if you sing it wrong, who cares, just keep going, right? But every once and awhile we're like, Dude those words that's not what they said, That's not what they said.
Keri
Not close but no. Yeah, sometimes it close but... so it's it's so much fun to... It's funny how our brain works. We hear something and we think we hear a certain thing. And we're so like, there, there were songs I heard 20 years ago, let's say or 30 years ago, and thought it was this that word for that amount of time, and come to find out, just a couple years ago. Yeah, totally not.
Tiffany
Yeah, when I was listening to this song I had that that feeling like oh I was today years old when I figured out the Fields of Gold song.
Keri
I love it, it's amazing. This song too I really enjoy. It's like a...It's an experience that you... You look at each verse. And it makes you have a different emotion every time that you listen to it. And I feel like you connect with a different part of the song each time that you listen to it.
So when I was growing up, I would always connect with those first verses that were like the one you know Will you stay with me Will you be my love. Like whenever I heard that one the first time I heard the song. I thought I hope someday I'm going to be able to find the love of my life and, you know, be able to run around in fields of gold with him. And you know, just throw all caution to the wind and sit and have a picnic and watch the sun rise and the sun...
Tiffany
Starry eyed lovers...
Keri
Yeah and like watch the stars and do all those things. Now I listen to that I'm like, I found that. I have the love of my life and we do, we're, you know, cheesy romantics so like we do that type of stuff. We go watch the stars. We camp out in the tent and watch the sun set you know it's just, it's beautiful. We sit and enjoy nature and do all those things together and now you know reading through and reading that last verse where they're talking about many years have passed since the summer days, and see the children run as the sun goes down. It's, it just makes you think of this whole cycle of life and how everything must come to an end. Right? And we're getting older. And now it's time for us to pass that tradition on to our children. And to give them that hope, and to give them the vision of what their life is going to be like. And have them kind of pass through those same stages. So I that's I know maybe reading a little bit too much into it, but like that for me that song just is very much. One of those that takes you through a journey.
Tiffany
Yeah, I always love a song with a good story like that.
Keri
Yeah, she's so great,
Tiffany
Isn't it amazing and like three minutes she can take us from like being a teenager to like being retired? [Laughter]
Keri
Right? And before when I was younger and listening to it that last part I was like, oh that's sad, you know? Or like, Oh, that's a nice, that's a nice picture. And now that I'm getting closer to that part of my life, you resonate with it a lot more. A lot differently. It makes you think about makes me think about my own parents. You know when they were starting to have their family and even before that, what, what were they like? Like what were their hopes and dreams? And, yeah... Were they also imagining frolicking through these fields of gold and, you know? Passing things down to their children. It's just a really beautiful image.
Tiffany
I agree, I agree. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day and sharing with us you know those sweet stories of your grandmother and high school teacher. And then just of course, Eva Cassidy, and her beautiful voice. Oh man, you guys...
Keri
I know, I'm gonna go listen to her now. [Laughter]
We all know Fields of Gold, but she just takes it she seems a very slow. She really takes her time with the lyrics and with the notes. And just her soul just radiates out of that song. So I hope you all get a chance to listen to it of course I will have links in the show notes, go ahead and check it out. Keri, thank you again for your time.
Keri
You are very welcome.
Outro
Well that was a great walk down memory lane. I hope you enjoyed my guests memories and experiences with the song or songs they chose. To connect with my guests. I mean, I know you're just going to stalk, social media, but check out the show notes as always for details. Please leave a five star review, and I'd love if you left a memory of your own that was sparked. Can't wait to dive into my next guest's memories with a beat, hit subscribe now. you don't want to miss the next episode.
Sometimes the lyrics are so clever and this is a song chalked full of them! I truly enjoy the song Having a Record Year by Eric Church's voice and the imagery I get from this song. Join me, let's explore my memories with a beat!
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**Full Transcript
Tiffany
Hello Podcast land. Thank you for joining me for another episode. I know last week's was really long so if you did listen to the full episode, I really appreciate it. I just felt like Sarah had so many awesome things to contribute and explain and so I kept it all.
Today I'm gonna go over Eric Church’s song, from 2015 called Having a Record Year. And I don't know about you guys, but I am not having a record year. 2020 has been crazy. It has been full of challenges and triumphs and word of the year is probably pivot. I'm going to read the first set of lyrics and just kind of break it down, how I see it.
So it says since you turn the tables on me. I've been steady and learning lonely, keeping this turntable spinning, everything from Jones to Jennings. I just love that he references “the greats.” And that was kind of what I liked about the My Church song, is that she referenced some of “the greats” as well. You know, we all have great memories or you know certain songs from “the greats” spark certain memories. So I just love those references. He says, slowly planning my survival in a three-foot stack of vinyl and think about that. That's a yard. So a three-foot stack of vinyl. This guy's got a lot of music to listen to. And I'm sure he's got a lot of heartbreak to get over.
I know when I would have a heartache, I would pick a song and I would listen to it over and over and over again. My grandfather had made a bunk bed for me. And I remember sitting in that bunk listening to Jewel, two certain songs by her, You Were Meant for Me and Foolish Games. And when I broke up with my boyfriend, I just remember sitting up there, listen to those songs over and over again, just crying my heart out sometimes singing my heart out. And also listening to Fergie Big Girls Don't Cry. I love that song and I love her vibrato. And I just love her.
Anyway and then he says, I've been having a record year, and I'm sure he means that quite sarcastically. But also, realistically, as he really has this three foot stack of records in front of… And so he's having a record year as he's listening to all of them. And I'm sure all of the memories that come with all of those records. You know, maybe him and his wife or his girl danced to that song or maybe they fell in love to that song or you know maybe it was after a really awesome night out on the town. And that was just a highlight song for the evening. I just think about, you know, all those memories that must be flooding him and probably bumming him out too.
Next, he says I bet you thought before you left, I just sit in silence by myself and turn this house into a jail. And that's really what we do, isn't it? We get hurt by somebody, and we just kind of close off and we stay in our bed or set up permanent camp on the couch, just Netflix till our heart feels better. You know, wherever that safe space is for us we just kind of stay there and wallow in our feelings until we feel like we can face people, society again.
Okay dying slowly and a living hell. But loves got a funny way of keeping score. You're leaving lit up my scoreboard. I usually make it through side A sober. And it took me a long time to get those words “side A sober.” I had to look them up, but it really reminded me of when we used to go to my grandparent's house for the holidays. They had the Chipmunks 45 of Christmas Don't be Late. And we would always listen to that. But I remembered, Oh yeah, there was a side one and side two when it got to a certain point you had to flip that record over. So that was kind of a fun memory that came from listening to this song.
And then he says, having a record year again, all bets are off when I slipper over, one bourbon one scotch one beer. And I got to do it
[Singing]”a one bourbon, one scotch, a one beer.”
I'm not always in tune but I do love music. And again, it's just that reference. He flips it over. And now it's time to drink. You know he's in his feelings and he's gonna have a drink. But I also bet that that song, One Bourbon, One Scotch, One beer, by George Thorogood was on side two. I mean or on side, you know side B. How cool would that be if that was a reference to where that song actually was on the record? I don't have the record so I can't tell you. If you guys have the record, Hey, shoot me a DM all my social handles are in the show notes. So feel free to reach out to me and, and let me know if that song really is on the B side of that record.
And then he says he's having a record year. And that was probably one of the records that he was listening to. So he's having a record year sarcastically. He’s having a record year with all the records, and now he's having a record year with that record too.
Then the next verse says, quarter notes and Hanks halftime. And again, I would love to know if Hank's music was normally in halftime. That would make sense. And I again, just love how the lyrics fit in the rhyming sense but the lyrics fit as far as a record and music that Hank had. You'll have to let me know… are pounded in this heart of mine. Song to song I pass the time with the speakers on 10. And I love that because when I'm upset. And when I'm really happy. My music goes loud. And I am singing out those lyrics, at the top of my lungs.
Next To You says you're good and gone keeps me up all night, along with the Songs in The Key of Life. So I had to look that up. That's actually Stevie Wonder, and I was surprised because the songs are very upbeat. So I wouldn't expect that in the song about you know his girls left him and he's bummed out. But, I suppose if you have a three-foot stack of records they can't be all where they bum you out, right? Some of them have to be upbeat. And then also, you know, maybe he's trying to cheer himself up. Maybe he puts a couple of happy songs on after One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer. Probably not just one of each. But he's partying at home, you know all alone and he's got the records poor ol boys having kind of a little bit of a pity party, but rightfully so. She's left him, she's out there doing God knows what as he says in his lyrics. You're out there now doing God knows how, and I'm stuck here, having a record year he's kind of feeling sad for himself. He's got another reference to his crappy year. You know being a little bit sarcastic. I'm stuck here having a record year.
Okay, and this is probably my favorite, favorite verse of this song. You're leaving left me going crazy. I'm counting on a needle to save me. I drop it in the groove, and we go round and round and down in a spiral. When I first listened to this I was like oh my gosh this guy's doing drugs. But that's not the case, he's listening to songs on records. And he's, he's counting on that music to save them. So when I did that Marren Morris review of My Church, it's that religious experience that you have when you're listening to music and it just kind of makes everything else melt away. And you can navigate through whatever issues are kind of bumming you out at the time. And I would say, I've never counted on a needle to save me. Probably cuz I don't have a record player. I missed my calling as a comedian. Wouldn't you say? No, I mean, I've definitely like counted on music to get me through something. Because music does that it just heals our souls and makes us feel better, or makes us forget about the crud for a little while. Yeah, so he's talking about the needle on the record player he drops it in a groove. And how cool because records actually have grooves and it goes round and round, just like a record. But I think he's referencing how their relationship probably went round around in a downward spiral. And then obviously she ended up leaving.
He says I guess I really ought to call and thank you, I discovered Redheaded Stranger got down with old James Brown and found New Grass Revival. If you find your way back, I owe you a beer, for my record year. He's going through all these records and he ends up finding, you know, maybe a style of music that he likes or an artist that he likes. I'm embarrassed to say it, but I didn't know Redheaded Stranger, it’s Willie Nelson's album. So that was kind of fun I love doing some of these song reviews because I do get to learn about music in general, and other artists so that was really kind of cool.
And then he says, you know that he's having a record year again. And I just think it's kind of funny or applicable to texting, right? We have to be careful how we shoot that text to somebody because you never know how the other person is receiving it. He could mean he's having a record year like he's having the best year of his life. He could mean he's having a record year like he's listening to all the records in that three-foot stack of vinyl. Or he could mean, oh yeah, I'm really having a record year, like most of us in 2020. And again, I would just kind of like to know what you guys thought when you first heard it. Did you think he was having an awesome year? Did you think he was having a crappy year? You know we listen to those songs, the first time, and we think we know what the song is about until you hear for the fifth or sixth time and you go oh wait a minute, this guy's not having a very good year. So just kind of curious how you heard it the first time.
Thank you so much for joining me and I just really, this is one of those songs that has always kind of stuck with me. I love that I get this vibe, you know like that cowboy with his hat down. He's got a toothpick coming out of the side of his mouth, his old lady just left him, thinking about having a drink or, you know what, what the hell I'm gonna put a record on. So he puts a record on, he kind of gets into the groove of it. He stumbles over the counter to make another drink. He's flipping it over, or decide B or I guess he's already been on side B, going through those memories and thinking man, “Son of a gun. She's gone.” You know, light filtering through, dust being exposed for the light that's filtering through just a really cool. You know, sad ol boy and his low ball of whiskey and memories.
I hope you guys can kind of envision it the same way, and look forward to talking to you guys again next week. Thanks so much for joining me!
My guest, Sarah Bonham, has high hopes. There's no reason why YOU can't match her ambition and build your own 7 streams of income! Listen to hear how, with her husband, this power couple dreams big and is making wealth happen!
High Hopes by Panic at the Disco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPXIgEAGe4U
14:18 Sarah mentions her current company Zyia; https://www.myzyia.com/active
34:56 Sarah mentions our WIN group, check us out anytime; https://womeninspirednetworking.com
IG: sarahleebonham
FB: Sarah Paige Bonham
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**Full Transcript
Intro:
I have a question, what is your favorite song? And how do you connect with it? Is it when you fell in love or through something really difficult? I'm your host, Tiffany Mason. Now join me as I interview others, and we take a walk down memory lane with them. Let's get lost in why that music matters to them. Turn up your radio and let's explore memories with a beat.
Tiffany
Well, thank you everyone for joining me for another episode of Memories with a Beat. Today I have with me, Sarah Bonham. What is your job title with Zyia?
Sarah
Oh, man, I've promoted so many times it's hard to keep track. No I'm just kidding, I'm a Double Diamond executive in the company which probably doesn't mean much to anyone, but.
Tiffany
Okay, I just wanted to make sure I got your job title right I don't want to just say you're simply a rep, and I know that you are so much more more multifaceted than that. Well first of all I want to just talk about yourself, let us know who you are what you're doing what you're up to that kind of stuff.
Sarah
Yeah, so I'm a mom of three Navy wife, my husband I met. Gosh, when I was 18 we got married super young I was old still a senior in high school just so crazy. We had my son, a year and a half later not part of the plan, you know...
Tiffany
If I can interrupt you really quick. It's interesting so you know we have Preston and he's 19, and he is smitten with this girl right now. And he keeps saying you know you and mom did it. And so it's kind of funny that you did it early and I met Shawn jeepers, three months out of high school. So I can completely relate with what you're saying and then two years later we had him. I'm sorry. Please continue but I totally get what we're talking about.
Sarah
I did not know that about you, that's really cool. That's why I love these things, right? We get to, we get to learn. And so, we had a five year plan. But God had other plans for us. We had my son, year and a half into our marriage. And to be honest with you, our first. Gosh, three years of our marriage were tough I mean military family young new baby never I mean my husband was never home. We had moved I don't even know how many times within our first three years. You know, it was just really, really tough. But I also think those tough times made us, the entrepreneurs we are today. I think those tough times molded us into the couple that we are today. The power couple of the Leaning on each other for support. But it wasn't easy it was super hard, it was super hard like we had separation papers in hand multiple times. And I share that because I don't know, I mean so many of our friends are going through some really hard times. And I don't know if, but if you're going through a hard time with your spouse, there is light at the end of the tunnel. And I think out of all the things that I do, I hope that that's something that is remembered more than anything more than any amount of money that we make or different streams of income that we, you know, create that, you know, your life to completely turn around. No matter how dark that tunnel seems in that timeframe. So anyways that's a little bit about me. I'm married super young and...
Tiffany
I agree, I'm sorry if I can interject again. I just reviewed Marren Morris, the song "The bones," she's talking about just a strong foundation. And I think that's kind of what you're alluding to as well those hard times make that stronger foundation. It's weird that like everything you're saying I feel like I've just experienced the last like two days.
Sarah
And so, I, so I was a new mom young mom. My husband was never home. I had my son super young. I was 20 years, I mean I just turned 20 years old. My son is three days, his birthday is three days after mine. I just turned 20. And I remember having contractions, when I was 19 and I'm like, I just want to be 20. I just want to be 20.
Tiffany
Oh my gosh!
Sarah
Because I got so many looks and so much judgment for being a young mom. And the first thing people would do is look at my ring finger as soon as they saw me pregnant or saw me with a little boy. The first thing they did was see. And I don't even have my ring on right now but, they would look to see if I had my ring on. So I had this little boy. Three years goes by where I felt like I completely lost who I was. For three years, I was either Bonham's wife...
Tiffany
We give up so much to be a mom and a wife.
Sarah
We do! So much! It was especially, in a military like, you're pulled away from everyone you know. You're pulled away from your family. You're pulled away from your friends the start this. And so for three years I was Bonham's wife, because in the military, they always go by last name so that when like, right? So I was bottoms wife, and Jared's mom. Right. And for three years. No one called me by my name.
Tiffany
That's weird.
Sarah
Crazy! I didn't really realize it. Like I've always been this like disgustingly optimistic person like people like are so annoyed, they're like, "Why are you so happy?" Like, why not? like I'm not happy all the time, right?
Tiffany
I love that about you, Sarah!
Unknown 5:02
Oh, I do! Like, I think happiness is a choice, I truly do.
Tiffany
It is!
Sarah
No matter how hard life is. I'm not saying that your life is always gonna be rainbows and butterflies. And you can't control it right? But you can control how you handle it. You can control your outlook and you control your perspective. Umm, maybe not in that moment, but at least a day or two later,[Laughter] because we're all human right? Like I have bad days, where I'm screaming at the kids to be quiet or, you know, go do something so I can get work done. But at the end of the day, happiness is a choice. And so anyways I consider myself to be this really optimistic person, and I went through three years of, I don't want to say depression but, three years of not feeling like my normal bubbly optimistic Sarah. And that was really hard for me. I was really hard.
Tiffany
I believe it. I remember, Shawn and I having a struggle where he would work all day, and he would come home. And I had been with Preston all day and I just wanted him to take the baby. But he was tired from working all day so it's just that balance that you always have to kind of figure out. But, same thing I was a month away from turning 21, when I had Preston so I feel you girl.
Sarah
I know. And Blake would come home, he was like in the prime of his military life. Like young, he's doing all these really amazing things, like jumping out of helicopters and spy rigging, is that what it, spiral rigging or something like that, I don't know. Like working with the seals and doing these like amazing things. And like he would come home excited like talking about all these amazing opportunities he's been having these different places, he's going to be going. And I'm like, I wiped a dirty butt today. Yeah. That was my that was like my whole...and it. Looking back, I wish I would have enjoyed that moment more. But I was in such a place of like just feeling sorry for myself. Like I'm not doing these cool things. I didn't get to finish college. I didn't get to do you know work on my career, and I've always been a very driven person.
Tiffany
Hindsight is 2020.
Sarah
Yeah. And so, being a stay at home mom. Or "Just a stay at home mom," which today, I hate that phrase, right?
Tiffany
Yeah, yes!
Sarah
And that's how I felt. And that's how a lot of people looked at me like, "Oh, you're staying home because you can't do anything else," right? I didn't finish college. Mmmmm, I did. I got a lot of like, I got a lot of stuff from family members close friends even because I didn't finish college. You know I had started but I didn't get to finish. My husband I wanted to use the GI Bill and transfer it to my son, versus me utilizing it, right? Like we didn't want... I was like I can find a way. Like I'm home. Like I will figure it out. But if we can have college paid for for one of our kids. That's what we're going to do so I chose not to use it, my husband chose not to use his GI Bill, and my son...
Tiffany
I didn't know you could do that.
Sarah
Yeah. Yeah.
Tiffany
That's awesome
Sarah
I always joke with him I'm like "Hey if you shot at and you get to purple heart, that's another kids college. Come on Blake."
Tiffany
SARAH!!
[Laughter]
Sarah
No totally a joke! Bad joke! Bad joke! but...
Tiffany
I made a similar joke. My husband has a fairly decent life insurance policy, I'm like "Hey, your worth way more dead than alive and I was like, "Ooh, I don't mean that! I don't mean that! I would always rather have you."
Sarah
Well it's funny because like, I'm, I have a better one than my husband because the military only give you so much and other companies will not... they're like "No your jobs too high risk. We're not going to cover you."
Tiffany
Oh sure!
Sarah
So Blake so he's always like "Sarah, you do the dangerous job like you go. "So we play back and forth, you know, you gotta laugh in life, right?
Tiffany
Oh, for sure that's
Sarah
Otherwise it would be pretty boring!
Tiffany
That's right.
Sarah
So all of these, you know, things that have happened in my life. Nothing that I planned. Oh my gosh nothing that I planned! I wanted to go into like commercial. Like, when I was a little girl, I saw myself at a big corporate desk with tons of other people, doing advertising. Like, I wanted to be an advertisement I wanted to do marketing. I went to work for a huge firm I wanted, like that was, you know, is when with you. Didn't happen. I married young, my son. Yeah, didn't finish college. And so that led me to direct sales.
Tiffany
Okay.
Sarah
And if I'm super honest with you guys, and I'm super honest with you, Tiffany. When I first started direct sales. I would have never done it if I had a quote unquote real job.
Tiffany
Okay. Sure.
Sarah
Because I would have been too proud.
Tiffany
Okay.
Sarah
And because I felt like it wasn't considered a "real job," right? It was, it was, it was like, "Oh you're one of those pyramid scheme people. Gosh." Um, and so for the first, oh my goodness probably like two years into my business. I was what you would call a closet direct sale girl.
Tiffany
Yes!
Sarah
People would be like, "Oh, so, what do you do? I'm like, "Oh, I'm a stay at home mom and I kind of do this thing on the side." Like, I was very, like, oh, I don't wanna talk about it and you know these judgy things. But it led me to this, this opportunity which was a lot of self growth to wreck sales with so much more than just a business opportunity but it truly is a self development.
Tiffany
Amen, you have got to push yourself out of a lot of comfort zones.
Sarah
Oh, I just got goosebumps when you said, Yes! Yeah, you, I mean, that's the only way to survive is to be uncomfortable, you do not become successful in direct sales and stay comfortable. And so it challenged me on every level. I am who I am today because of direct sales. And, and I'm proud of that. I tell everybody like I am that girl, like I am a direct sales girl. I'm in multi level marketing company. This is why I love it. And this is what it led to. Which we'll talk about, you know, as we as we go on. But I have changed and grown so much, and so I look at my past. And I'm able to now, embrace the tough times in our marriage. Getting married young getting pregnant young. Giving up on, not giving up but I did I let college go, right? Gave up my career my goals and my vision, to raise this little boy. And for us in the military world it's a little different. My husband was never home, and we were in between homes so much. My husband and I felt like we truly needed someone to be a constant in our son's life.
Tiffany
Yeah.
Sarah
His life, wasn't it wasn't like we were in the same house and my husband was at work and I can do school while... there was no constant. We felt like I needed to be at first learn
Tiffany
That's so true because Shawn works so much, my husband. Yeah. And it's the same thing where I'm like you know I could get a job but I'm that constant for them. I can't believe how much our lives are mirroring right now.
Sarah
I know I've never really... That's so crazy because we've known each other for a long time.
Tiffany
Yeah, that's just, I don't know how we've never talked about this stuff before but my mind is constantly like [explosive sounds]
Sarah
It's, it is crazy and I think that, you know, sometimes as we get older, we kind of bury our past a little bit. We don't always bring it up front. And we don't talk about it. And we're talking about, you know... I think a lot of times, like even in our adult relationship, I don't want to say their service relationships. But it's hard, it's these conversations don't always happen, right? Like when, when you're first meeting someone and just having, you know, a glass of wine and laughing. I feel like you kind of just want that friend just laugh and get you know be silly with and... Which you guys oh my gosh, if you don't know Tiffany, she's the life of the party. She always makes everybody laugh. She's that girlfriend, but you know everyone needs that like... "A Tiffany" in their life, like you just if you're having a bad day, or if you need to laugh or let loose. Tiffany's your girl to go to, which is really awesome. Oh it's true like you can't be sad when you're around you because you're like here have a glass of wine. Let's drink it out let's have a good time, let's you know...Yes, and I think that that's important to have so anyway I'm kind of getting off topic but that's what girls do, right? So yeah, so everything kind of led me to direct sales. I've grown a ton. It was in a health and wellness company, and I was with them for gosh like over eight years.
Tiffany
Oh wow!
Sarah
Mm hmm. Actively growing, right, for eight years. And I'm still technically with the company because their products are just freakin awesome! And I love, you know...But it's not it's not where, where I get my income from. It's not part of my seven streams of income which we're kind of talking about that today.
Tiffany
Yeah, yeah, I did want to ask you about that so I don't know if you want to piggyback on that thought and kind of share your idea with the seven streams of income and maybe we'll branch off in that direction if that's okay.
Sarah
Yeah, yeah. So, is where I started direct sales. It kind of led me to again, this whole like rabbit hole. Like, I thought... I mean, I don't know if that's the right analogy, but kind of led me down this path of like, enlightenment. Like just being more open minded again, entrepreneurship, what time freedom truly look like, the self-development I got, the leadership opportunities I got, the sales opportunities, the skill sets I got to learn, and it all kind of led me down this entrepreneurial path. And as I started really diving deep, I came across this Forbes magazine which talked about how the average millionaire has seven different streams of income. And how the average person, who never really gets past like just, you know, living paycheck to paycheck. The average person in America has one stream of income and that comes from their job. And a job, and I know a lot of people have heard this right, stands for "Just over broke."
Tiffany
Oh, I have never heard that.
Sarah
Oh really. Yeah, so we we we used to say that all the time my other company. Like, we used to always say like you can work for yourself. And create your own life. And your own goals. And your own dreams. And have have a power and authority over yourself. And work hard to make your dreams come true. Or you can let someone hire you to work hard to make their dreams come true.
Tiffany
Yes, I have heard that
Sarah
Yes so like job, the word job like, getting a... having someone have total control, right? It's just enough that you're not going to leave. You can work your way up. There are some really good jobs, right? Like, you can work your way up, you can. But at the end of the day, you're trading time for money.
Tiffany
Yep.
Sarah
And someone is dictating your life and schedule. They're telling you when you can go home, how much time you can have with your family, when you can travel, and how often you can travel. And so there's a lot of limitations and unless you are using living on less income, that you're bringing from that one job and using it to create additional streams.
Tiffany
Right. Yeah.
Sarah
Yeah, don't really get past that, right? That's where most people start. This is your this is your first income. You work for somebody else. And that's okay.
Tiffany
Everyone has a different path.
Sarah
Yeah, but what do you do after that? Do you stay there? Is that your end all be all? I'm gonna work for this one thing for 40 years and then retire and get half of what I made before. That's cool. But I don't want to make less right? Like, I want to make more. I want to like be able to put my kids through college, I want to be able to travel the world, I want to be able to do these amazing things. Yeah. And so this magazine led me to like, what am I doing, how can I, you know, create other streams of income? And even before I read the magazine, so let me rewind a little bit, I was with my company for about eight years. Yep, and never thought I was going to leave, loved what I did, loved my love, my upline, loved my downline, love their products, loved the company, loved the culture. I mean nothing negative to say, Yeah, but a new opportunity came, right? And I did really well like I worked my way up. I was in a, like, a respected like rank at that company. I was like, one rank away from the company car. I mean it was like it was, ya know, we were doing really good. So why would I? I think sometimes in life, even when we're uncomfortable we can be comfortable.
Tiffany
Yep.
Sarah
And I also had to realize, it's not you know, in life, you're not... if you stop something and you start something new, it doesn't mean you quit. You just found a new vehicle. You upgraded your vehicle to get you to plan B, right? Like, your first vehicle was good. Like, it was a good ride for me I love everything about what I learned, so good. But that led me, I mean that that, that vehicle so to say, kind of like, there was nothing wrong with that vehicle. I just felt like I was worthy of an upgrade at that time in my life, right. So, I found this other opportunity.
Tiffany
If you're not gonna fight for yourself, who will
Sarah
And sometimes... it's I mean... so I found this other company. It was activewear. In the beginning I thought, "Gosh, activewear, nutritional products, wow, these really go hand in hand. I'm gonna grow these businesses side by side." That's my second stream of income, bam, right? I want to really work these. And then, as I started my first three months in my activewear business. I surpassed what took me six years to build my other company.
Tiffany
I know you blew up.
Sarah
Uuu, so when I... when that happen. I had to take a real step back and say, Okay, this is the product that my, my, my, my followers, my people, my customers, my circle of influence was really drawn to. They were excited.
Tiffany
Yeah.
Sarah
It was going really well. And so I decided that I was going to let go of my other business and really run with this one because of how quickly everything came together. And I did and I focused in and I ran hard. And I've been with the company for about two years.
Tiffany
Has it been two years already?
Sarah
I had been two years, February was two years, almost like two and a half years now.
Tiffany
Holy man!
Sarah
I know it goes by so fast. Two and a half years later I have surpassed my husband's military income.
Tiffany
That's crazy!
Sarah
Which is crazy, doing activewear, it's amazing! And so from there, we've been able to save. So when I was in my other company, I didn't quite make enough to start using that income to start creating streams, right? So I made, I made a decent amount but it wasn't it wasn't enough to really get me past living paycheck to paycheck even with my other company.
Tiffany
It was called a job.
Sarah
It was. I was, I was, I was trading time for money at the time. And you do like I'm not gonna lie, this company same thing in the beginning. You are, you're you're, you're working, you're hustling. It's not... you know, you are trading time for money, in a sense, and more often than time, you're trading more time and very little money. You know in direct sales, like you, you work really hard first, and then you get, and then you get the fruit. Doing my thing, and I'm working, I'm working I'm working and...
Tiffany
Sarah, can I interrupt you.
Sarah
Yes.
Tiffany
Have we said the name of the company, or you're not. You're not to that point yet.
Sarah
I wasn't really gonna say names I was gonna leave names out just for no bias so people just don't there's no...whatever...
Tiffany
Oh, we're gonna throw some stuff in the show notes for handles and stuff so...
Sarah
Ok! I'm with Zyia active. I'm a Zyia active rep. I mean, it's in my title so yeah
Tiffany
For anybody, if we're speaking too fast, it's Zyia, Z-Y-I-A. And again we're gonna throw that in the show notes so you guys can look it up and see how amazing and fantastic it is. And check out Sarah see how amazing and fantastic she is too.
Sarah
I mean, what are you wearing as you're listening to this right now. Take a look.
Tiffany
Yeah.
Sarah
Sports bra, activewear tank, leggings, short. And that was where I started my husband's like Sarah, you live in activewear. All the moms in your life, live in activewear. And now, I mean, gosh, 2020...
Tiffnay
pandemic...
Sarah
Pandemic. Who would have thought that online that activewear would have exploded like it did? Everybody is wearing activewear. And then not only that we have a business opportunity for people too, right? So now people can say "Gosh, like, I do love these clothes, why not launch an online activewear business myself? Let's do this.. But through this, I made, we've been able to take my income, you know, and start to create additional sources of income. That is the real journey I'm on. I tell people all the time, you don't have to join a direct sales company or network marketing company and say this is my end all be all. I want to be a direct sales superstar. You cannn...That can be your goal. That's an awesome goal. But for me, I want to use this opportunity because we would never be able to do this with just my husband's military income. There's no way, no there's no way
Tiffany
No, you guys have three kids now so, 5 of you.
Sarah
Yeah three kids... We can save, right? And we are like, saving, like life insurance policy, whole life... or like I'm doing... I'm saving for all three colleges saving towards our retirement, like we can do that off of his one income. But to really grow wealth and create other streams, there was no way we were really going to be able to do that, in a decent timeframe. And so, with Zyia, with my direct sales business. I've been able to in two and a half years, you guys, think what else could you do, right? Like we've been able to, first off, pay everything off, pay off debt. It's been amazing, debt free, start there before you invest, before you start making other streams of income. Pay everything off! Okay, like let's be smart, right, right. Yeah, then started saving big look for other opportunities. And so one of the things. Oh and by the way. And so I'll just go down the list number one, what started us, it was a job right when my husband's military career. Yeah, our service, our second stream like income journey is my husband and I's together.
Tiffany
I love that.
Sarah
So, number and I challenge you guys to do this. Right now you might have multiple streams and you don't even really realize it. You might be closer to seven than you think.
Tiffany
So I want you guys, listen to her, and if you decide "Wait a minute, I do have multiple streams of income." I would love to put have you put it in the review in a review for me, or you know, give me a shout out and let me know you know post it on social media, you know hey I actually have all these different streams of income that I never even thought of. So go ahead, Sarah.
Sarah
Do that you guys write it down, look at it on paper. All right. So first one started with the military, right, so my husband's military. We are four years away from retirement. So this... So military to me is, you're, you're trading time for money so that's a job, right? But in four years it's gonna turn into passive income, right? So that's so passive income number one. And that's the whole thing with the seven streams of income, not just seven streams of income, but seven passive streams of income. Where you're no longer trading time for money. Number two was my Zyia paycheck. In the beginning, trading time for money, really working my business. But today it's turned into passive income. If I did absolutely nothing next month, which I would never do because that's not a good leader and you always lead by example right?
Tiffany
That's just not you anyway Sarah
Sarah
It's just not me. Like I'm always working, but it has turned into passive. If God forbid something happened in my life, and I had to take a month off because someone got sick or worse, I had to take care of a family member, whatever might happen, right? Like life happens. That paycheck still comes. So that's number two, my Zyia business, and it has become passive. Zyia allowed us to pay for an RV.
Tiffany
I LOVE this!
Sarah
HOW is an RV passive income right? Okay, you guys.I don't know if you know this, you can rent your RV out. So when we bought it, I am not an RV girl, like I'm just gonna be really honest. I want to like fly to a resort. Stay there have someone else make my bed cook for me my idea.
Tiffany
I would rent that RV.
Sarah
It is a really nice one. I'm really excited about it.
Tiffany
It's a little bit of glamping.
Sarah
When we when we actually take it out we had the best time like.
Tiffany
Maybe never went with the right people before.
Sarah
I liked camp... I just like old school camping like to me camping is like outside on the ground with a tent.
Tiffany
No, no
Sarah
I feel like with the RV it's turned me into like kind of a camping snob. Now, I'm like I don't know if I could like...
Tiffany
You got a taste of the good life.
Sarah
I know it is. It is really convenient and you're like don't, you're not like laying on the floor and it's like cold or too hot or whichever.
Tiffany
The worst is when the sun comes in in the morning.
Sarah
Oh yeah.
Tiffany
That is the worst! Yeah, we camped a ton of kids. And we always wanted to sleep in the tent outside, really it was so we could stay out late and so our dad put it up for us, and we would wake up, like 6am, first thing, it was hot in there.
Sarah
Yes, yes. So great, so yeah. So anyways I thought about the whole RV thing, it wasn't like, "Oh, we love RV like let's buy an RV," it was more of a. What can we afford right now what can we buy, right now, that can start turning into cash flow? And we originally were saving for an Airbnb, but when COVID happened. And a lot of our friends who own Airbnb have said that you know like bookings have dropped, like they weren't getting as many people, they are getting kind of worried. We decided okay let's put a break on that for just a minute, but we wanted to do something. So this is where like you become like an opportunist right like you could sit there and be like, "Oh, like COVID happened I guess we're not gonna do, you know, do anything 2020." No, like, what's something else? You guys RV's are skyrocketing. We put ours up for four days, and had it booked out for almost two months. It was insane.
Tiffany
Wow, awesome Sarah.
Sarah
Thank you. Insane though, right? So do your homework, first off. When we are originally looking at RV's, we were like, "Let's get something super cheap like let's get something they can pull behind your car" We're really good we're gonna use this to make money. And that's the other thing you guys if this is about making income, you can't get too attached to the idea of so. You got to look at it from a business standpoint, not just a, "Oh this is easier or I want this or I can afford that, you know like, think about it well okay great if you can buy it, but no one's renting it out, you're still throwing that money away.
Tiffany
yep, Absolutely!
Sarah
Right? So we were looking at class C's and class A's which are good drivable ones, the ones that you can like actually pick up and drive. We're getting, we're gonna buy one of those, now that made my stomach sick. Oh my, I went home that night and I thought I was gonna throw up. I'm like, did we do the right thing? I'm like scared to death. I don't even like RV's like if we spend all this money on an RV. Like oh my gosh! I legit told my husband I thought I was gonna throw up. I know but we did it and it's been amazing you guys. And so, and you could say we got lucky, or this n that, but at the end of the day, like...
Tiffany
I wouldn't say you got lucky either because I've seen you work really hard.
Sarah
Well, so and we did we made it super homey we we didn't just put it up...
Tiffany
I mean in life in general, like the whole thing. I mean I've seen you guys work really hard both of you and hustle and make things happen. I mean yeah luck whatever. But I think the reality is you guys have worked really hard for what you have.
Sarah
I think it goes down to goal setting too, right? Blake and I have looked back and every five years in our lives, we've seen like big leaps in gains, but we've also set huge goals, right? And so it's really exciting now to look through and say okay where are we going to be in our next 5 years. And it's been super great for our marriage, on another note. It like it gives us something more to talk about than just how was your day?
Tiffany
Yes, right like a common goal together as a team.
Sarah
Yeah, it's like we get to dream together. We get to work together. We get to visualize and like just, it's awesome. It's awesome. So we rent an RV so that became passive income, that, I am already counting as passive income. Then the next. So that's number three right military, Zyia, RV share. So RV share is just like Airbnb but with an RV. You have a website they do it for you. It's awesome. It's simple. Anyone could do it.
Tiffany
Yeah.
Sarah
Okay, do some homework though don't listen to this podcast and just go buy an RV. Like, do some research.
Tiffany
Make sure it's in your area, make sure people are excited about it.
Sarah
Yes. See what's renting in your area, you live in in like a year, all year round type of place so that that definitely helps to live here in Florida. Some places are a little bit more seasonal, and you have to know that and be okay with that versus...
Tiffany
Know you downtime.
Sarah
Yep, yep. So, but, on average, most people in RV share make about $10,000 a season. So finding out.
Tiffany
Hey, that's $10,000 it you didn't have.
Sarah
Exactly. That's 10,000 you can save to create an additional stream of income. Right?
Tiffany
And $10,000, that you would probably spend $3000 on a family vacation or five or whatever. You're getting to make those memories, on top of the benefit of having that income on top of that income being able to provide for a different another stream so very multi-beneficial.
Sarah
Absolutely and all... like my husband I truly on a journey to creating seven streams of passive income, like that is the goal. So that's number three. Number four, we are saving up. Like, when the time is right we want to do our first vacation rental. Right now like that is something we don't want to do long term rentals. And we've done a lot of research, our heart and what works for us is the vacation site. Number one, we get to utilize it, right, I get to use it, because I love to travel right. Number two, we don't have to worry about evictions or dealing with someone in the house and not paying. You also get to... that you can make up to three times the amount on a vacation rental than you would a long term rental.
Tiffany
Oh, interesting
Sarah
You can charge more. What we really want to do is find cheap land up in the mountains and then put super nice, paid for in cash, tiny modern home. Super classy but small home kits, and then rent those out. And the thing is they're so trendy you can rent them out just as much as you rent for a big home. Yeah, you can charge $250 or $300 a night right people want that experience and so. So that's gonna be number four. Number five is a networking group.
Tiffany
Whaaaaaat?
Saray
Yes! So excited. So my girlfriend and I, Rachael. We met a year ago, on Instagram. Again through Zyia, right? By pushing me outside of my warm market or out of my comfort zone. And I was sending out cold messages, which I actually am not all about and I typically never do that for whatever reason I was just in the mood to message...
Tiffany
Fate had it for you.
Sarah
Fate did. And Rachael, usually ignores those types of messages. And she just happened to listen to it so. I say listen cuz I didn't actually I don't do text I do voice clips, right?
Tiffany
I like that.
Sarah
So just if you are in direct sales, voice clips, hands down have changed my business. People can hear that I'm a real mom, they can hear that my kids are screaming in the background, so I’m a real person. So they can tell that I'm being myself and authentic, which you don't always get in a copy and paste message.
Tiffany
Agreed.
Sarah
So anyways, Rachael and I, she's part of a nutritional company. I'm part of an activewear company. It was just true love at first sight. And for a year we started cross promoting each other, and we were like, let's do this on a bigger scale. We're like, how powerful would this be if we were getting business back and forth just doing that with just two people yeah how much business could we all gain and if we're doing it with 20 people, 30 people? And so we came up with a WIN. WIN stands for Women Inspired Networking. It’s a virtual networking group. And it's super affordable. One of the things that we wanted was we wanted a place for it to be all women. We really have a passion to like support other women, uplift other women, and encourage other women. And we also wanted it to be for people who had online businesses. So you didn't have to be in your local area we could…
Tiffany
Yes
Sarah
We could network, didn't matter where you live, as long as you’re, you have an online business, you can be part of WIN. Okay, for anyone who's listening if you're interested let Tiffany know she can get you more info because she's in the group too. Tiffany you talk about it though because you have, you have grown so much and you did not want to join in the beginning. I kind of…
Tiffany
Well I did want to, because I just love you, Sarah. I didn't want let you down you know like when your friend asks you to do something and you're like, Okay, I can do this for my friend right so I was like, “Eh whatever I'll check it out okay whatever.” And then it was every Tuesday night and my husband has Tuesdays and Sundays off. So I was like, “Oh man that's every Tuesday night that means if I want to have a date night, it has to be on Sunday.” And so I didn't know what to do with that right and then you were kind of like “You know, it's your choice ,” which I appreciate that. And in the nicest way ever because Sarah sprinkle sugar on everything but was kind of like “Poop get off the pot. Like you don't have to do this I'm not forcing you to do this but it's a great opportunity for you.” So, I keep saying, and you don't even know this but I keep saying behind your back. You know that I feel like Sarah had faith in me before I had faith in myself, so…
Sarah
that just gave me…I’m tearing up…
Tiffany
I know…
Sarah
…a little bit that means more to me than any anything else that… that…
Tiffany
So about the same time, I started doing like a business coaching course, and they were talking about this higher vibration. I'm like I don't know that's a little woowoo. But I'll tell you what that group has a high vibration. Those are motivated women. We are making things happen, supporting each other across promoting, it's just been really amazing. Kudos to you and Rachael for starting this amazing group.
Sarah
I love it and you know and it's that’s the thing where I think this WIN it didn't it didn't cost us a ton of money to get started. But there was money that had to come in to keep it going. So when Rachael and I started this we wanted a women's networking group that was structured, that was non compete, so there's only one person per category. If someone is like…if someone does Zyia “This is really cool that that sounds amazing. I'm gonna do that.” Well then we help you launch your own group. So we started just three months ago, we have four different tribes of women and…
Tiffany
Sarah, that’s amazing!
Sarah
I’m so excited! We have not paid ourselves yet. We’ve not made money on this yet, but as it's growing, we will be able to start paying ourselves for our time soon. So that then turns into something passive. The true benefit of being part of WIN, is it's growing and becoming a funnel for my Zyia business, which is my number one income source right now. It all…Do you see how I like it all comes back to like my first funnel, my Zyia business…
Tiffany
working smarter not harder.
Sarah
Yeah, right. So it's all it's all going back to that, and it's been amazing. I mean, last month I think 90% of my business came from WIN one way, shape or form, which is incredible.
Tiffany
Yeah! Wow!
Sarah
Then, and you're getting good business, like right, you're getting some good stuff right?
Tiffany
Yes Yep, yep, lots of podcasters need me.
Sarah
I love it, I love it. Yeah, so lots of new opportunities and so that's that's number five, right. So really number four doesn't really count cuz we haven't done it yet, but it's on the list, five is WIN it's women's networking group. Which again, you guys there’s so many different things you can do. Create a planner create a digital planner or start an Etsy shop, creating…anything that you're passionate about. Think about what, what you want to do and make that something. Turn it into something. Yeah, maybe, maybe, maybe you're great at something already start starting a class, teach other people how to do it, charge. You know come up with a program or a membership or whichever it may be there's so many different ways, and my biggest suggestion for that is it's okay to start messy Rachael I had no idea what we were doing. we just started, we were like hey we got at least 10 girls. We're meeting on this day. Let's go. And it's turned into something amazing. The new members that have joined are like wow I'm so impressed, you guys are so professional, and it's what a great group, and then Rachel they call each other later we laugh about it like a hot mess. That's reality, right, like if I'm being real like, don't worry about being perfect. Don't worry about having everything just right, just start!
Tiffany
Yes! Somebody that I know says the time is gonna pass anyway. So you can either start and be messy and do what you're gonna do…
Sarah
Learn as you earn.
Tiffany
Yes, yes. The time is gonna pass anyway, so just go ahead, get started.
Sarah
Learn as you earn, that’s something we say in Zyia a lot. So that’s number 5. Number 6, my husband is also a real estate agent. So he hustles too, right? He’s full-time Navy. Navy Diver, been in for 16 years now. And then also does real estate. This is not passive income yet. This is again very much like I started where, Zyia, in the beginning started very transactional. I made money when I sold a product. Right now as a real estate agent he makes money when he helps people buy a home, right. But the income that he’s making from that work is allowing us to also work towards saving for our Air B&B, helping us to save towards other opportunities.
Tiffany
Well I kinda like the fact more that you’re not to that point yet. You know, because all these interviews and everything with different people on different podcasts, it’s like someone’s already got the secret sauce. And I love that you guys are showing…we’re in the midst of it, we’re planning, we’re setting goals, we are seeing some of those goals be realized. I think that’s more beneficial than if you were on here saying “O, I already did it. It’s amazing and we’re just you know, sipping Mai Tai’s in Tahiti [Laughter]
Sarah
That’s the goal, right? Like, Just learning to say no to the right things and saying yes to the right things. Right, like having that balance. We’ve missed opportunities too you guys. We’ve been able to look back and say “We should’ve, we should’ve bought a house when we were located, uh, stationed in that area. We should’ve done this. We should have bought that stock when those prices were down. But, life happens and hind sight is 20/20, you know, right? But learn to just take a leap of faith. Every time we did not take a leap because we were scared, we very quickly realized that we missed out on a really cool opportunity.
You know, starting real estate wasn’t scary. That’s like again very transactional. But that money is turning into something that’s going to become residual. So and passive. He's got goals becoming a broker. So when you become a broker that turns into passive income, right? You can go to like teach train help other realtors succeed. And then that you're can get a percentage. That’s very much what I've done in Zyia. When I was growing my business is very transactional. I made money helping people buy activewear. As I grew a team, I became a broker right like I'm managing a team.
Tiffany
So real estate is multi level?
Sarah
Oh my gosh. So my husband…it totally is right? So a lot of insurance companies, financial companies are set up exactly the same and this is why I'm so proud to be like “Yeah, I'm I'm a direct sales girl. yes I'm in multi level marketing because it's genius.”
Tiffany
Yeah it is
Sarah
Genius. It gives you the opportunity to earn income, two different ways. Why would I only want to make money helping people buy, you know, buy active wear. When I can make money and manage a team at the same time.
Tiffany
Yeah
Sarah
And create a larger a larger income, right? My husband when he started real estate is so funny when he started going to all the trainings and he started doing all the things he's like “Oh my god!” he's like, “All the training is everything I hear you say to your team for years.” He’s like “It’s exactly the same.”
And so number 7 is again and that’s not, we’re not there yet. He’s got another year or so in real estate. And then he wants to work towards getting his license. And then the whole journey of becoming a broker. And that’s something I am helping him with. So we are already talking about what my role will be with that and what I am going to do to help. It’s so exciting! So that’s number 7.
And then right now, number 8, the real estate, again, the money that we make, also we wanna we wanna turn that into fill up the investments. So flipping homes. And then using that money that make flipping home to make more opportunity to flip more homes, right? So you see we just keep taking that money and rotating. We could take that money and spend it on stupid stuff, right? Like, “Oh my gosh we made all this money, like let’s go do this.”
Tiffany
Absolutely
Sarah
And it’s great. Yes! But take 90% of what you are making and roll it into a new investment, you guys. Do something with that money. Get that money to work for you instead of you work for the money, right?
So that’s number 8 and then number, so I have already passed that then right, because I’m doing a couple extra because maybe one of these don’t work out. So like let’s be smart right. So let’s plan for, back up plan right? So I actually have 9 on the list.
So again, number 1 Military/retirement that will turn into passive income, 4 years. Zyia already turned into passive in 21/2 years, RV share already passive, like a month. Air B&B not quite there yet but working on it. WIN, already passive after three months. My husband’s real estate, very transactional but using that money to do more real estate investments which that’ll kinda always be transactional even the flipping homes will kinda always be.
Tiffany
You can never have that be passive unless you have a whole team.
Sarah
Yeah Yeah, well and maybe that’s the goal, right? Like maybe that’s the goal. But that’ll be transactional for awhile. So 6 & 7, kinda right, those are transactional. But we wouldn’t be able to grow our wealth without it.
Tiffany
Right
Sarah
That’s the whole point right? And then number 8, broker’s office. And then number 9, and this is very transactional too, is I create content for small businesses. So, it’s not something I am trying to grow.It’s not something that I am actively promoting. But I do make money creating IG and FB posts for small local businesses and for owners who really have no desire to do that. They are too busy working on growing their business. They have no time for social media. Yet they know they need something. I love helping small owners. So that’s another way that I also create income.
Tiffany
I love that they are not all in the same area either. Like it’s diversified.
Sarah
Yeah, I don’t know about you. I never wanted to be…and that’s where the song comes from, like High Hopes, right? Like, that is why that song is like my freaking themes song. Like pick a song
Tiffany
Sarah’s talking about, so before I interview anybody of course I always say “Pick a song.” And so she picked “High Hopes” by “Panic at the Disco,” released 2018. And what would you say it is for genre? like…
Sarah
Pop? Rock? Punk? Punk Rock Pop, all together?
Tiffany
Yea. It also feels like a really good workout song.
Sarah
It…Well…because I mean, same thing like, do you wanna be the average Joe or do you wanna be the one in a million. And like the hot mom right? And when I'm thinking about like my goals and my success like when I'm working out there's nothing that kind of like motivates me more than to be like, “Yeah!”… like…[Laughter] Be that one in a million.
Tiffany
Yeah, that’s what I was gonna say. Are there specific you kind of relate to? You were saying the chorus maybe?
Sarah
I was gonna pick out a couple of like the key ones, but in all honesty I couldn't because the entire song, the entire song represents everything that I believe for myself, everything that I believe for my children. I sing this to my kids. You know, one thing that my kids are not allowed to say “I can’t" in my house. When they do they have to do five push ups. Because I want them to know, they’re allowed to say “I need some help.” They are allowed to say “This is difficult.” Or “This is hard.” Or “I don’t like this.” But they can’t say “I can’t do this,” because words are so powerful and the words in this song…are so powerful, you guys. You know, do you believe? So in direct sales, it’s a high fail rate. Not because it’s super hard or that it only works for some people. It’s just because most people don’t believe they can achieve it. They can’t visualize themselves…if you can only visualize yourself making an extra $500 in direct sales, guess what, that’s all you’re ever gonna make in direct sales
Tiffany
Right.
Sarah
Right
Tiffany
Your brain is so powerful.
Sarah
Oh my gosh, it’s unbelievable. So I‘ve always believed that I was going to do something amazing in direct sales. I did. I mean, and I told my husband. We got in a lot of fights too early on in my direct sales. Like,”Why are you wasting your time with this stupid in home party thing. Baaaah…I don’t want you doing this and..” You know? And I was like “One day you’re gonna regret that you tried to pull me down. Because I’m gonna be up on stage, speaking to women…” Which I have been able to do. Like, I love speaking that’s so amazing. And so I’m like “And you’re gonna look back and you’re gonna say ‘Gosh…’” And he does. He talks to husbands today and he’s like “Don’t pull them down. Don’t tell them they can’t.” He’s lucky I am so stubborn. I used his lack of belief in me to push myself even more. You know, I was like, “I’m gonna frickin’ show you. And I’m gonna make it to top. I want to make more money than you. I’m gonna be your sugar Mama. It’s gonna be awesome and you're gonna feel sorry you were so mean to me.
And I think, you know this song again just goes back to, like, what do you tell yourself every single day. I tell myself …I mean my mom worked full time. Starting in middle school. She’s from Korea, schools, not free there. Her mom had four… three, three kids, four kids sorry, four kids,. And they didn't have my mom, they didn't have enough money for my mom to go school so she had to work factory after school to pay for her school. And, yeah, and when she married my father she moved to the US, and she worked two jobs. So almost my entire childhood she worked seven days a week 12 hours a day.
Tiffany
Whoa.
Sarah
Yeah, almost my entire childhood. And I resented her for a long time and I wasn't grateful. And I couldn't see that that was her way of showing us that she loved us and cared for us. When I started direct sales… and that meant and she's my defining why if I can look back like yes like I have a goal of seven streams. Like I have three kids I want to save for. I want to give them the best life that I can, if I go all the way back to the beginning. And I think this is really important to know too. Why do you want to create seven streams of income?Why do you want to be successful in whatever it is that you are doing? And for me it was my mom.
I told you my mom worked super hard. She had mine and my brother’s college paid for in full.
Tiffany
Wow!
Sarah
She had saved all this money and then my father met another woman. And took it all. Left us, hasn’t talked to us since.
Tiffany
NOooooo…
Sarah
Yeah, and it’s crazy because he was such a good father. Like all of my memories of him are amazing. He was the life of the party. He was such a great guy. And then met this fake woman and took everything. Left my mom with debt. She had to file for bankruptcy, let the house go, I mean it was a mess. Along with that was her retirement. And so when I started direct sales and it's always good to be like super… But I told myself every month I wanted to quit because I did. Direct sales is not, I mean it's not all rainbows and butterflies you guys, it's tough. But it's possible right? But every month, and it only fails if you quit. That's something I've learned, and every month I wanted to quit. I told myself “If I quit. It's not my business and I'm quitting on it's my mom.” I want to make enough money where she doesn't have to worry about working the rest of her life. That when she's ready to stop working, like I can say "Hey you can move in with us. We can provide for you we can give you that space. We can pay the bills that you have like we can we can take care of you.” And so she doesn't feel like she has to work forever.
Tiffany
That's so awesome Sarah!
Sarah
Since then she's been remarried and stuff great husband and things are good but when all that was going on that wasn't the case. So that song like having high hopes like, do you have high hopes? Do you feel like you're going to be that one in a million? I scream that from the roof, I want to be the… I don't want to be the average Joe. Let's see it out Let’s, let's live big let's live bold. Make a letter… so these are a couple of the words, Mama says and this is why I really love this because my mom's always a hard worker. But mama said, fulfill the prophecy be something greater. Go make a legacy. Manifest Destiny. Back in the days when we wanted everything, oh wait, wanted everything. Mama said burn your biographies rewrite your history. Light up the world with your wildest dreams. How powerful? I want to read some of the other lyrics…
Tiffany
They are really powerful I didn't realize it until you had said the song as I looked it up and I was like “Oh gosh!”
Sarah
And then it says like life….uh, hand on…Promises, don’t give up. It's a little complicated all tied up no more love, and I'd hate to see you waiting. Where is the rest of the lyrics… hang on…
Tiffany
Isn’t that hard to read them and not seeing them?
Sarah
It's really hard I want to sing but you guys would like definitely stop listening.
Ok, so I love this part too. Like had to have high high hopes for living and that's that's such a true statement. Shooting for the stars when I couldn't make a killing. And that is so true when you're starting off in this journey where you're starting off in a business or you're creating something new, doing direct sales for the first time or you're on this path of creating seven streams of income, you're not making a killing yet. You’re feel like, I mean, but you still have that vision, right? Like you got to know where you're going, doesn't mean it's going to happen in a blink of eye but you have to shoot for the stars you have to have a goal.
Tiffany
Yep.
Sarah
Even when the money's not coming in.
Tiffany
Right
Sarah
Right?
Tiffany
Right.
Sarah
Oh, I love that line I also love when it says didn't have a dime but I always had a vision. And I’m like “Oh this is so my song.” Even in my last company when I wasn’t making a ton of money. I always… I still had a vision. A crystal clear vision of what I wanted to achieve, right, through my business. And I just got to upgrade to a new vehicle and make it happen. But…
Tiffany
Whoop Whoop
Sarah
Whoop Whoop! And so I love these lines. I think they are super powerful, being one in a million. Had to have high hopes for a living. Didn’t know how but I always had a feeling. What are you feeling? What are you thinking? What are you manifesting? What is the legacy that you are gonna leave behind?
Tiffany
Good challenging questions just in life in general.
Sarah
Yeah, I mean, I thin sometimes we go through our whole lives and we don’t ever ask ourselves these questions. Like what are you gonna leave behind? Like what are people gonna say about you, when you are gone, you’re not here anymore? You know, like our lives are never promised. And that’s the other thing to all of this is, it’s not just about right now, it’s not just for me and my husband’s life. But we want to be able to buy our kids, a house each. Not for them to live in but as their first investment. To teach them and to be able to pass on everything that we have worked for, for them. The other beautiful thing about Zyia, is it’s willable. God forbid something happens to me, my family continues to get my paycheck.
Tiffany
Oh Wow!
Sarah
And so…right, like, so powerful, like, and that I think is important too. Where are you spending your time? It might not start off passive. That’s ok. But can it be passive? Can you turn it into something passive? Um, is it willable? Can you pass this on to your family and your loved ones? Because life is never promised, right? So anyways I don’t wanna talk forever. I could talk about this topic.
Tiffany
You have such good things to say though and so positive and motivational, and inspirational and all those good words. Good song. I love the pick. Um, I had not really been exposed to the words. I’m not really sure how I didn’t. But it just didn’t stand out to me. But it definitely will now.
Sarah
Yeah, right? Like it’s so powerful. So…
Tiffany
Everybody add it to your playlist.
Sarah
I know, seriously! Add it, believe it, manifest. Like what is life gonna look like? What is your vision? What are your seven streams of income? Um, Tiffany, I can’t thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to share. I’m sorry, I think we went kinda long. Did we go long?
Tiffany
We went a little long, that’s ok though. No problem. I didn’t want to stop you because honestly you just had such good nuggets for everybody that I felt like it was valuable. If I felt like you were talking in circles or ya know, like it was kinda fluff, maybe I’d find a way to cut you off. But no it was really good. And I think that there’s a lot we can all glean from what you said. Um, and maybe it just get people thinking on their car ride or wherever they are listening to us. But thank you so much for your time tonight Sarah. And I look forward to seeing you in our WIN group. Thank you so much, you have a good night Sarah.
Sarah
Thanks Tiffany, you too! Bye girl…
Outro
Well that was a great walk down memory lane. I hope you enjoyed my guest's memories and experiences with the song or songs they chose. To connect with my guest's, I mean I know you are just going to stalk their social media, but check out the show notes as always for details. Please leave a 5 star review. And I'd love if you left a memory of your own that was sparked. Can't wait to dive into my next guest's memories with a beat. Hit subscribe now, you don't wanna miss the next episode.
Let's dive into some Marren Morris song lyrics. I'm talking about how music makes you feel like you just had a religious experience AND another song about relationship foundations. Join Me!
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** Full Transcript
Thank you for joining me for another episode of memories with a beat. Today it's just going to be you and I. And I want to talk about Marrenn Morris, and some of her songs. Now you may not you're trying to go through your memory like who is Marren Morris? Well she came out with "My Church" in 2016, followed by "The Middle" in 2018, "I could use a love song," "Girl", and "The Bones" in 2019. So those are some songs that may kind of make you go oh yeah I know who that is. I'm going to go over "My Church" and "The Bones."
I just love that song. "My Church," that's how I feel about music in general. I just feel like it's an escape. It's almost like a spiritual experience. When the day is not going right, I remember when the boys were really little and I would just be struggling. I had changed all the diapers, I had given them snacks, you know, whatever it was and they were either still arguing or they were still crabby or whatever. And I was like you know what? We're going to put some music on. We're going to shake out the grumpies. And so I still continued to do that. Now even though my kids are quite a bit older, and just enjoy music and let it really change the mood of whatever is going on. So much to the point, even when I'm really stressed out and I just don't know what to do with life, you know I know that's my cue to put on some Christian music and just start counting my blessings and it really does uplift my spirit and put me in a better mood. And let me face the day a little bit differently.
So, some of the lyrics from "My church," she starts out saying that you know she's not this amazing perfect person. "I've cussed on a Sunday. I've cheated and I've lied. I've fallen down from grace, a few too many times, but I find my holy redemption, when I put this car in drive. Roll the windows down and turn up the dial." And man, if that doesn't just express like some kind of freedom, or just an awesome release. You know you put down those windows, turn the radio up, and you know you just find holy redemption singin along those songs on the radio. It's just such a feel good experience. Then she goes on to say, "Can I get a Hallelujah? Can I get an Amen? Feels like the Holy Ghost running through Ya, when I play that highway FM. I find soul revival, singing every single verse. Yeah, I guess that's my church." So, I mean I relate to that 100%, I do feel like the Holy Ghost is running through me. And it doesn't matter if I'm listening to Christian music or if I'm listening to country music or a couple feel good songs from just like you know adult boring radio. I just really love music and I love how clever those lyrics are. That's another thing I really enjoy about music just how clever people can put things down into words and make sense of things. Okay, so then she goes on to say "When Hank brings the sermon and Cash leads the choir." And that part always kind of makes me laugh and I always, when I sing Cash leads the choir, I always sing it in a different tonality with my voice just because I can think of Johnny Cash and his guitar and some of his other songs. So I can't help myself but I have to sing it a different way. But I can just imagine those two with their guitars, and she's singing along with them. Really she's got the radio turned up you know and they're singing those songs. So I think that that's just super cool. and then she says gets my cold cold heart burning hotter than a ring of fire. So how cool is that that those verses. She then goes back and kind of reference or honors those artists with some of their lyrics so I think that's pretty cool. And then she says "When this world gets heavy, and I need to find my escape. I just keep the wheels rolling radio scroll until my sins wash away. And again, I just love how she puts the words together and it's totally true. When this world gets heavy and you need to find an escape. Man, nothing's better than getting in your car, turn on the ignition, putting on that song. Nothing is better for me than a Friday morning. I love to put on Flo Rida. Cheers to the Week..., or no not Cheers to the Weekend. "Hello Friday," sorry, and just get really going... [Singing]"Hello Friday." And I just think it's awesome and you just, you know, you're ready for the weekend, you're ready for the last day of work, it feels so good. I have a sensor in my work car that doesn't let me go very fast. So I remember one day I had the radio just a little bit too loud. And I don't know how long the sensor had been going off but I was like, Oh shoot, so I had to turn the radio down a little bit. Keep myself out of trouble. But I do love a good song that gets you just in the perfect mood that just fits you know what you're getting ready to go do and get you pumped up and writing. Okay, so then she says, "Can I get a hallelujah. Can I get an Amen." And when she says that I feel like she digs deep. [Singing] "Can I get hallelujah? Can I get an Amen?" I just love that grittiness almost of her voice or it's not really gritty but it is a little bit. But I just love when she digs deep like that and she always does on "Can I get a Holly Can I get an amen." And then let's see. "Singing every single verse yes I guess that's my church." And then she just repeat the words again. And really I mean I just loved at the end. "Yeah, I guess that's my church, yeah I guess that's my church." [Singing} "Yeah, I guess that's my church." And that is just how I feel about it. I feel like when I'm in my car, I've got the radio up, and I'm singing along with a song, man, I am going to church, I'm in a good mood I'm feeling thankful. I just, it's a great song for me.
And then the other one by Maren Morris, is "The Bones." So, I heard this song before it really became super popular. I had already put it on my playlist when we're, you know, going to the pool or going to the grocery store in the golf car, you know definitely had it pumpin! And I was trying to learn the words. And lots of times I kind of like the challenge of learning the words without looking up the words. So that's what I do most times is I just play it a whole bunch until I get the words. And then the ones I really can't figure out, then I cheat. I go and try to figure out what the words are on the internet.
She starts out talking about you know her and her husband. And she says, "We're in the homestretch of the hard times. We took a hard left but we're all right. Yeah life sure can put love through it, but we built this right so nothing's ever going to move it. So just kind of you know we all know that a solid foundation is what you know helps us weather the storms. So I love that she's just kind of putting that picture in your mind, you know? "The storms have come but we built this thing right" you know our, our relationship is solid, so we don't have to worry about those storms when they come, and that "They're in the homestretch of hard times," just, you know, they're coming on the other side. It's it's valleys and mountains, and apparently they were getting ready to go up the mountain. So I think that's pretty cool. Okay, let's see, "When the bones are good, the rest don't matter. Yeah the paint could peel, the glass could shatter. Let it rain, because you and I remain the same. When there ain't a crack in the foundation, baby, I know any storm we're facing will blow right over while we stay put. House don't fall when the bones are good." And just again she's saying, you know, doesn't really matter what it looks like to others. It doesn't matter if a little piece of it breaks or there's a small crack, you know, or when there's not a crack sorry in the foundation, it doesn't really matter the storm we're facing. You know it can it can, it'll blow over it so we're gonna make it through it. We're gonna, you know, be a united front and face the storm together and get over it. She says, "Call it dumb luck. But baby you and I, can't even mess this up, though we both tried. No life don't always go the way we planned it, but the wolf came, and went and we're still standing." So, again, just all marriages, they're tough. You know you face stuff you don't think you're going to face. You go into it you know wide eyed and naive. And thinking you know what it is to be married and then you get in the thick of it and the wolves do come. And you both do try to mess it up, you know, either you're fighting and you've got to come to see the other person's point of view where you do something stupid and you need to, you know, apologize and repent. And show that you're not going to do that anymore. But it's just hard just being married is hard. And I will argue anybody who says it's a cakewalk. You know some people make it look like a cakewalk. But it's just like they say, you know, you never be nice to everybody because you never know what they're going through. And it's true it's the same thing in a marriage, it can look completely perfect. I remember thinking my neighbors had a perfect marriage. And then one day I went to go take the garbage out and they were in their backyard, you know, sharing their feelings with each other. Kind of loud. They weren't they weren't arguing, they were just expressing their feelings and I was thinking like, Oh my gosh, I thought they had it all together. So you just never know what a marriage is facing either. But, you know, the wolves come and you're still standing. So then she goes, and says the course again, where you know that doesn't matter if there's a crack in the foundation of paints peeling if they're, you know, the glass could shatter but you know they're still gonna let it rain because they remain the same. So let that storm come, you're gonna weather it and you're gonna make it out on the other side. And that's just kind of how I feel about my husband and I, you know, I mean it's not always easy for us and we definitely don't see eye to eye on enough things. But at the end of the day we both know we're not going to do anything to damage the marriage, and we're not going to do anything.Well hopefully we don't do anything we can't come back from like something that we say to each other. But I think that there's just a lot of security in knowing, you know, our bones we built this right so our bones are good, the bones in this relationship are good. And I just love that security that I get from that. And I love being married to him, and I love that really he taught me a lot of those aspects or expectations of marriage or being in a relationship. And I'm just happy I get to face those storms with Mr. Mason by my side. I'd like to call him Mr Mason cuz I think he's a little bit more mature and grown up than I am. I don't know if I ever will grow up. But I'm glad he's by my side and, you know, we got a strong foundation and we'll weather the storms.
I appreciate you guys listening to my take on that. I would love to hear how you guys feel about these two songs. Aand possibly, you know, memories or the way that you connect with these songs would be awesome.
Outro
Weren't those great stories, I mean songs. I hope you could relate with my insights and feelings to connect with me, or to check me out on social media, see the show notes as always for details. Please leave a five star review. And I'd love if you left a memory of your own that. Can't wait to dive into my next guests memories with the beat! Hit subscribe now. You don't want to miss the next episode!
What is a better guest for your first podcast but YOUR MOM! My mom shares her thoughts about the song Summer Breeze by Seals and Croft. This is song is innocently about summer days. She reminisces about being a child on the farm in IA and hanging with the adults. She shares about her childhood crush too. We even get to hear Kathy sing a song she was fond of at the time by Bread!
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