Frances Drost: Recent Episodes
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Last week, my piano went in for reconditioning—and for the first time in 12 years, I found myself without it. What began as a reflection about missing my piano became something deeper: a story about my father, the lessons he left behind, and what remains even when something essential feels missing.
A quiet question at a Tea Party—“Are we supposed to applaud?”—led me on a journey that reshaped how I think about music, connection, and what it means to receive.
I woke up early Sunday morning on my 60th birthday… in a hotel room in Nashville, TN. Appropriate, really. I’ve always loved the town. Leading up to the day, I felt ready for this milestone. It’s been an incredible month—our London trip, the recording of the London Symphony Orchestra… truly more than I could have […]
These days, I seem to live in two main places: the piano bench and the phone. I practice for our upcoming album, then pause to make phone calls — fundraising calls, planning calls, follow-up calls, and all the little conversations that seem to keep a large project moving forward. So lately I’ve been thinking about […]
I sat down on the wooden pew at the back of the sanctuary. I had only one purpose for being there: To audition them. For the third time in one year, I had turned down a request to step in as Music Director at their church. After saying no three separate times, I finally thought […]
By Frances Drost Not everyone has a teacher who changes the trajectory of their life. I did. Her name was Donna Houser — my piano teacher from seventh to twelfth grade — and if you’ve ever attended one of my concerts, heard one of my recordings, or watched Double Keyed take a stage, you’ve seen […]
Last week, I wrote about things that feel too big to put into words. The kind of experiences that sit heavy in your chest — not because they’re unclear, but because they matter so much. Writing them down can feel like living them twice. And sometimes, once is enough. But this week, something shifted. We […]
Some things are simply too big to write down. Cancer.Toddlerhood.A creative project that’s still becoming. When you’re in the middle of something big, writing it down can feel overwhelming. Once we begin to open up our inner world, it’s hard to know where to stop. It can feel like an all-or-nothing endeavor—and if we can’t […]
During the holidays, I finally did something that had been long overdue — I cleaned off my desk in my studio office. To be honest, it had reached the point where I needed emergency help. So I asked ChatGPT if it would help me organize my life… starting with my office. A plan appeared on […]
A Tribute to My Friend, Carol “No crying, unless there’s blood or broken bones.” That line made me smile as Troy, the son of my dear friend, began his tribute to his mother. “That’s been our family motto as we’ve raised our four children,” he continued. “But today is an exception.”Spoken more as a disclaimer […]
From “what’s on your shelf” to what’s on the stage—here’s a glimpse of what October holds. This weekend I’ll be speaking at a women’s retreat around a theme I’ve been calling Inside Things: What’s on Your Self Shelf? It’s a question that has a way of following me around. What am I carrying? What am […]
Introducing: The London Conversation in Song It started with a dream—one that is carrying us from small-town stages toward the crosswalk in front of Abbey Road Studios in London. This fall, that dream takes another step forward with two special fundraising concerts in Lancaster and Carlisle, PA. We’re calling it The London Conversation in Song, […]
What do frying donuts, a dream about a crosswalk, and the London Symphony Orchestra have in common?More than I ever expected—and it’s why I’m getting ready for a green light I can’t yet see. Over a year ago, I walked into my hometown grocery store one morning and noticed the sign on the door: Donut […]
There are moments as an artist that catch you off guard—not because they’re flashy or loud, but because they’re so deeply human. One of those happened to me recently, and I’ve been carrying it in my heart ever since. I was a guest musician at a conference in the beautiful city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. […]
The Quiet Work Before the Sound If you like a peek inside the rehearsal room—or the storyboards before the actual movie—this is for you. Back in January 2025, I created a detailed practice plan to prepare for Double Keyed’s upcoming recording with the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road. As of now, I’m working on […]
Not long ago, I crossed a milestone I never expected when I first started my music career: I reached 5,000 followers on Facebook. For some, that number might not seem particularly impressive. In a world of influencers and viral videos, 5,000 can feel small. But for me, it’s a deeply meaningful marker—and it represents far […]
“Identify the loudest voice of fear in the room—and do that.” The advice came from my virtual personal growth coach. After years of intentionally working on inside things, I was surprised to realize how quiet the room had become. The once-crowded space—filled with self-doubt, worry, and anxiety—now held only a few lingering voices. The ones […]
Kirstin and I are wearing a lot of hats these days. We juggle the behind-the-scenes work for our next album—fundraising, planning, practicing—all on top of performing. But on Sunday, it was a gift to simply wear our music hats again. We’ve been working on a new arrangement of Gabriel’s Oboe, and I have to say… […]
In the mid-1970s, when my mother was very ill, I stayed with my Aunt Norma, who lived about 40 minutes from our rural home. Her little town had something our farm didn’t: concrete sidewalks. As a farm kid, I thought they were magical—straight lines, no rocks, no cow pies. I’d ride my bike for hours […]
The Story Behind the Song: “God Is Faithful” Sometimes a song is born not from my own story, but from the heart of someone who loves another deeply. A dear woman approached me with a unique request: she wanted to give her friend—a young mother facing the daily challenges of raising a special needs child—something […]
One year ago, on April 27, 2024, I set up a table at a local book fair—an opportunity that came thanks to my Portraits of White book. Having never attended a book fair as an author, I thought, Why not? So, on a dreary morning, I arrived at the venue, laid out my CDs, T-shirts, […]
Do you like my boots? I couldn’t resist them when I found them last December for 50% off. As someone who’s had her fair share of struggles with feet and shoes (don’t even get me started on the comments I’ve received after concerts 😅), I’ve learned how to prioritize comfort over style when performing. When […]
My workplace was closing due to a Weis takeover. I had a choice to make. In the quiet moments, I felt an undeniable pull to let go of the job. Although we were invited to interview for positions with the new store, I had that feeling—you know, the one in the pit of your stomach […]
Just as I suspected, after a torturous afternoon trying to make truffles, I decided to give up. I went from dreaming about gifting little packages of these supposedly easy-to-make treats to my friends, to wondering which local farmer I could offer them to for their barnyard. After an animated Facebook LIVE session about my experience, […]
Ever found yourself in a moment so beautiful it’s bittersweet? That was me, sitting in a cozy photo booth surrounded by laughter and Christmas cheer, battling a subtle yet familiar emotion—resentment. I’ve made tremendous emotional progress over the years, but every now and then, a negative seed takes root. Fed by frustration or disappointment, it […]
“Story is what connects us as human beings, and Frances Drost draws you into speculating about your own life stories. How does one dream up a song, a piece of art, a cure for disease? What is the story behind an event, a moment of joy or grief? Frances has a gift for story that […]
Going Back to Work at 57: A Musician’s Journey Back to the Marketplace Two little girls stood in front of the glass doors that protected the freshly fried donuts. One of them seemed to be having a meltdown, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. Amidst her frustration, the older girl dramatically exclaimed, “Trust the process!!” […]
As part of the Center Stage Arts in Health program at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Hospital, I play the grand piano in the lobby once a month. Since the piano is stationed near a Starbucks, I get to observe a lot of people waiting for their drink orders. One afternoon, while playing the ‘Blue […]
I Guess It’s Just Me: The Unexpected Power of Music at a Wedding Regretting my small purse choice, I had no tissues to catch my tears. The ceremony was more than a wedding; it was like a concert intertwined with vows. The choir’s rendition of “There Will I Be” by Craig Courtney, accompanied by piano, […]
Recently, I discovered PodMatch.com, a fantastic platform that connects podcast guests with hosts. As a new author gearing up for my book launch this October, I heeded my publisher’s advice and signed up for the service. In just a few weeks, not only did I have a curated list of podcasts to explore, but I […]
I still can’t seem to get my story down to 30 seconds. And actually, since I’m climbing Mt. Everest with another musical colleague, it’s not really my story anyway. It’s ‘our’ story. Yesterday was our last day of the three-day seminar and just when I thought I couldn’t process any more information, I did. Last […]
If you had to tell your story in just 30 seconds, what would you say? That was my dilemma yesterday when all participants at the Sponsor Secrets Seminar (a three day event I’ve been attending) were invited to pitch their story and vision in just 30 seconds. I’ve been trying to narrow mine down to […]
This is a letter I’ve been wanting to write to the late Dan Miller of 48 Days Eagles. I miss him since his sudden passing in January of 2024. On his weekly podcast, he would answer questions that listeners submitted to his “ask Dan” email address. Instead of asking Dan, I’m starting my blog with […]
How do you feel about planning your own birthday party? At 25, the familiar comfort of my birthday celebrations shattered. The anticipation of my favorite meal, the elegance of the china setting, the delicate scent of lilacs—symbols of tradition and love—vanished with one simple phrase from my mother: ‘I’m not feeling well.’ It wasn’t just […]
Joining a Mastermind group with other authors has been a dream of mine, and now, every two weeks, I have the privilege of spending an hour with the CEO of Morgan James Publishing in his Mastermind group for authors. Morgan James Publishing was founded by CEO, David Hancock, and while the journey is a long […]
Recently, my husband and I were engrossed in the movie “Genius,” a captivating biographical drama released in 2016. Directed by Michael Grandage and written by John Logan, the film draws inspiration from the compelling biography “Max Perkins: Editor of Genius” by A. Scott Berg, which earned the National Book Award in 1978. Set against the […]
Yesterday, with two concerts lined up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania—one at 2:00 pm and another at 7:00 pm—I found myself with a bit of free time, just enough to pop into a bookstore. Being a budding author with my book already on pre-order, my publishing team has nudged me to check out local bookstores whenever I’m […]
Yesterday I took another big step in the book launch process: I contacted a videographer about creating a series of very short videos. Part of the training I received recently from my publisher suggested making 20 – 30 videos (each about 55 seconds in length) that focus on engaging people who have never heard of […]
This morning I was up at 3:45 AM. Although this is my normal wakeup time, I don’t always get up quite so early. But these days I have a lot to do and I’ll be away from my studio all day today so I decided I better get an early start. I’ve been listening to […]
This morning, I decided to take a stroll along the local trail, despite the rain. I must confess, I made a poor choice in footwear – opting for my beloved sneakers with tiny holes in the front. Oh, how I adore those shoes for their comfort! Little did I anticipate that I’d return home with […]
In December 2023, as part of the joy and celebration of my 10th-year Portraits of White Celebration Concerts, I had the privilege of sharing some incredibly exciting news with all of you. If you were there, you might remember that I announced not one, but two significant endeavors. I am SO excited to announce the […]
With their generous support, Martin’s Potato Rolls and Bread played a significant role in making the 2023 Portraits of White tenth year milestone celebration a reality. Their commitment to excellence and community continues to shine through, and we are incredibly grateful for their partnership over the years. We extend our deepest gratitude to Martin’s for […]
Fashion Designer Charlie May has escaped city life and gone back to her roots as a West Country farmer. Join her each week as she learns the basics of living sustainably, grows her own fruit, veg and wine, delves into her family’s history and comes up with alarmingly ambitious plans to modernise the farm and ensure its survival. From fashion to farming; there's got to be some transferable skills, right?
Subscribe to Back to Earth on acast, apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts from. Follow us on Twitter @BacktoEarthPod and @HumanDefinitely, on Instagram @backtoearthpodcast and on TikTok @backtoearthcharlie and for bonus material subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/definitelyhuman
In the finale of Pax Fortuna Season One, our heroes confront the sinister forces in conflict at Hasselbach Castle, and serve justice as best they can.
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
Our heroes sit down to a dinner of awkward conversation and cold meat. And as they investigate the odd chill that has enveloped the castle, the truth about the de Montfault family emerges...
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
Abstinence de Montfault returns to her family home in the feudal kingdom of Morthyme to confront her parents about their family secret. But with Almira Q Appleby and Sir Victor Bartelemi in tow, the more intense confrontation comes from their odd new guest, Nikolaus Flyte.
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
With the help of the wizard Pavel, our heroes confront Lord Jasper at the site of an ancient shrine. And as Jasper tries to execute his violent revolution with a summoned interplanar creature, they will have to risk their lives to stop him.
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
The mysterious Lord Jasper’s scheme is revealed as Abstinence, Alfonso and Sir Victor attempt to rescue Selwyn from his clutches. But to turn the tide against the revolutionary magistrate, they will have to recruit a powerful ally.
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
Our heroes salvage the remains of their dinner party while Lord Jasper gives them a gift. But the discussion in the dining room gets a little heated as the guests reckon with the truth of Abstinence’s condition and their clash of ideologies...
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
The mysterious and reclusive Magistrate of the Marina district, Lord Jasper, invites special guests to dinner for the Carnival. But when Abstinence de Montfault, Alfonso Boyo, Selwyn Bloodstorm and Sir Victor Bartelemi arrive, a fifth guest discovers a surprising truth.
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
The true villain of this misadventure has been identified, and our heroes now pursue him back to the abandoned house to prevent further harm. But his diabolical powers extend beyond the mundane, and defeating him will be no easy task!
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
The abandoned house continues to divulge secrets, and our heroes are confronted by the foul abomination at its centre. And as they discover the circumstances of the crime they have fallen victim to, they will have to use all their skills to avoid violence.
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
In a spooky, abandoned house in the Marina district, our heroes are on the trail of their robber. Now they must find some way to extricate themselves from the glue-trap they’ve walked into, before they deal with whatever foul creatures are hiding in wait…
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
It’s Carnival time in Fortuna, and the streets are thronging with revellers! But when Almira Q Appleby, Father Theobold Brandlebury, and their new acquaintances Joanie Formantelli and Luca are robbed, they must take to the backstreets to bring the culprit to justice.
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
Our heroes have made contact with Harley and started a fire in the kitchen, so now they’re ready to get their thinking caps on. With all the ambassador’s staff out searching for them, they’ll have to come up with a clever ruse if they’re going to get their quarry out safely.
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
Disguises and persuasion have yielded unsatisfactory results, so our heroes decide to resort to more drastic measures to rescue young Harley. While Abstinence and Tony attempt to make contact with him, Selwyn and Sir Victor try to make themselves useful in other ways.
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
Our heroes have infiltrated the ambassador’s party, and now all they have to do is find the elf they’re here to rescue and sneak him out! But security is a little tighter than they’d imagined, and first they’ll have to baffle their way past the suspicious staff.
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
A love affair between a human and elf has been thwarted by the elf’s father, and Abstinence and her friends are hired to reunite the young couple. But since the elf’s father is also an ambassador keeping him under lock and key, our heroes are going to have to infiltrate the embassy first!
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
Our heroes have got more than they bargained for as Captain Crane’s cruise leads them to a chest of gold. But as they begin to suspect they have been set up, the appearance of some unexpected wildlife threatens to turn their holiday into a disaster.
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
At last, the final island of The Philidor’s cruise is on the horizon, and our heroes take a break from their investigation into the crew’s intrigue to join Captain Crane on land. There is treasure to be had, and he is determined to ensure our heroes get their money’s worth on this adventure holiday!
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
The first island is now behind them, and our heroes are becoming more suspicious of Captain Crane and his intentions. There is a bubbling sedition on this cruise, and our heroes find that they might be the accidental catalysts of a dangerous encounter.
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
Captain Crane is eager to make land at the first island on this holiday cruise, where a rare and beautiful turtle is rumoured to live. But not all our heroes are so keen. While Alfonso and Tony are off helping the captain with his unusual obsession, Abstinence and Sir Victor try to kill some time.
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
Our heroes have got to know each other a little better over dinner, and now Captain Crane brings out the entertainments that Fortuna’s cruise ships are known for. But while our heroes relax for their first evening on the open water, the first mate Chubbins indicates that there might be some discontent in the crew…
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
The Philidor is ready to set sail, and its passengers are looking forward to an exciting package cruise. Among them, Abstinence de Montfault and Alfonso Boyo find company in the rakish cabin boy Tony the Shrimp, and the mysterious knight Sir Victor Bartelemi!
Support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman, and follow us on Twitter @VisitFortuna!
Theobold, Almira, Selwyn and Abstinence have overcome a monstrous adversary and discovered its true identity, and now they are on their way to their final stop. If they can just manage to get to the home of Bartholomew Spinks with the box intact, they will have made the nights’ trials worthwhile.
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
A creature hiding in the tunnels of Fortuna has revealed itself, shocking our heroes with its horrifying appearance. This flesh-spider blocks the passage, and it seems that our heroes will have to deal with it one way or another in order to safely courier their box to its destination. But with so little knowledge of this creature, how can they be sure they are making the right decisions?
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
After surviving an altercation with unknown assailants, our heroes must chase their panicked employer into the historic tunnels of Fortuna. Devin has taken the box with him, and so Theobold, Almira, Selwyn and Abstinence will have to catch up in order to complete their mission. And further in the tunnels, a strange and terrifying encounter awaits them...
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
Our heroes have secured a mysterious box from the docklands at the instruction of their employer, Devin Gifford. Now they must carry it through the streets and canals of the sleeping city of Fortuna to its destination. But there are dangers in the night, and soon our heroes will have to choose whether to fight or flee!
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
Welcome to the prosperous island city of Fortuna! It’s closing time in Dewberry, and young Devin Gifford is desperately seeking couriers to ferry a mysterious box across town. He is fortunate enough to meet Theobold Brandlebury, Almira Q Appleby, Selwyn Bloodstorm and Abstinence de Montfault, four strangers who are destined to become fast friends!
Pax Fortuna! is a Definitely Human production. Visit http://definitelyhuman.co.uk to see full credits and check out our other shows. You can follow us on Twitter @HumanDefinitely, and support us at https://www.patreon.com/definitelyhuman.
‘BRAND NEW ME’ CD RELEASE PARTY CELEBRATES HOPE Musician Frances Drost had never had a figure skating lesson in her life when in 2014, at age 47, a serious case of debilitating depression landed her on the ice. Drost’s latest CD, Brand New Me, is a celebration of overcoming obstacles, learning to fly when life […]
The new CD called “Brand New Me” is here! Inspired by learning how to figure skate in my 40’s – you’ll love this new project containing inspiration for growing and changing into a stronger person in spite of all the “falls” we take in the midst of life. Order here!
The new amazing album by Frances Drost is now available on iTunes and Spotify. You can buy it here. Musician Frances Drost had never had a figure skating lesson in her life when in 2014, at age 47, a serious case of debilitating depression landed her on the ice. Drost’s latest CD, Brand New Me, is […]
While “Portraits of White” includes all the trappings of an elegant Christmas concert–great music, a live orchestra, a beautiful and evocative venue–you will soon discover that it is much more than just another concert. Find out more at http://www.PortraitsofWhite.com
Portraits of White 2015 was a success! Here are a few pics to give you a sense of the evening.
“As a songwriter, I set my life to music . . . I paint songs like portraits.” While “Portraits of White” includes all the trappings of an elegant Christmas concert–great music, a live orchestra, a beautiful and evocative venue–you will soon discover that it is much more than just another concert… In “Portraits of White” […]