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Song of the Soul
Song of the Soul invites you to a soul-level encounter. Music has the ability to proclaim the soul's language beyond what mere words can speak. That's what we seek as we invite our guests to share their Song of the Soul. You will hear the music that has charted the steps of their spiritual journey, that has provided a touchstone in the soul's dark night, and sung the hearts awe and joy when come to the Light. As you listen to Song of the Soul, you are both witness and companion to our guest's spiritual path and sacred testimony. Song of the Soul guests provide about 25 minutes of the music that speaks of their spiritual path, beliefs or journey, and Mark Helpsmeet explores with them the relevance and meaning of this music to their experience. Some guests are musicians, perhaps sharing their own music, but most guests are simply sharing music they've been impacted by, written and performed by others.
Song of the Soul invites you to a soul-level encounter. Music has the ability to proclaim the soul's language beyond what mere words can speak. That's what we seek as we invite our guests to share their Song of the Soul. You will hear the music that has charted the steps of their spiritual journey, that has provided a touchstone in the soul's dark night, and sung the hearts awe and joy when come to the Light. As you listen to Song of the Soul, you are both witness and companion to our guest's spiritual path and sacred testimony. Song of the Soul guests provide about 25 minutes of the music that speaks of their spiritual path, beliefs or journey, and Mark Helpsmeet explores with them the relevance and meaning of this music to their experience. Some guests are musicians, perhaps sharing their own music, but most guests are simply sharing music they've been impacted by, written and performed by others.
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Duration
Release Date
Singing Freedom, Joy, & Jesus in Drag: Flamy Grant
Flamy Grant and their music is amazing & fun & deep & did I mention wonderful? You see, Flamy is such an unexpected combination of usually adversarial things like a drag queen singing Christian songs. In fact, Flamy's album Bible Belt Baby even made it to #1 on the iTunes Christian & Gospel chart. And in 2023 Flamy was a winner of the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition.
12 Dec 2024
55 MINS
55:00
12 Dec 2024
Dark Horse With Sparrow's Wings
[Leslie Smith] (https://lesliesmith.bandcamp.com/) has shined as part of all the great folk locales, the Newport, Kerrville, and South By Southwest music festivals, and her songs have been done by many folk-greats, like Lucy Kaplansky and Dar Williams, although I think they are best out of Leslie's own mouth and guitar. Along the way to now she did a stint as part of a New York bluegrass band called Arabesque, but then she headed back to Pittsburgh, back to her center.
05 Dec 2024
55 MINS
55:00
05 Dec 2024
The Ghosts, Trees, Highways, & Hearts of West Virginia & Chris Haddox
[Chris Haddox] (https://www.chrishaddoxmusic.com/) has played so many instruments, hiked & paddled so many hills & rivers, and worked in so many fields that it's hard to wrap your mind around it. And even though Chris wrote his first song in 2nd grade and played an astounding variety of instruments all through school and beyond, this past year, at 62, is the first time he's recorded his songs for the world.
28 Nov 2024
55 MINS
55:00
28 Nov 2024
Fruits of the Chrysalis – Rich Morey
[Rich Morey] (https://richmorey.com/) grew up immersed in music and performed for years with the [Chris Collat Band] (https://www.chriscollat.com/) , yet he has only just begun to release his own music. The death of his mother and the pandemic ended up producing a chrysalis-like transition for Rich, the fruits of which today's listeners will witness. With an artist's hands on his guitar and a poet's tongue to create his lyrics, Rich will deepen and uplift at the same time.
22 Nov 2024
55 MINS
55:00
22 Nov 2024
The Songful, World-healing Soul of Emma's Revolution
Pat Humphries & Sandy O are the members of [Emma's Revolution] (https://emmasrevolution.com/) , an entity with its own soul & mission, beautiful music to call forth the deepest of emotions, both grief and joy, always with the aim of steering the world toward justice & healing. If only we could unite the world like Pat & Sandy blend & weave their voices & instruments, peace and justice would already be the norm.
14 Nov 2024
55 MINS
55:00
14 Nov 2024
Introspective & Nature-spective Music from Sigrid Christiansen
Some people just shine with heart and soul in their music, and [Sigrid Christiansen] (https://www.sigridchristiansen.com/) is a perfect example. In the 5 years since I first interviewed Sigrid, she produced two new recordings, full of introspective and nature-spective music, leading us to know our coyote, fox, swans, geese, and tree neighbors much better and closer, From Detroit, Michigan, comes the blessings of arms-wide-open love and a pathway to a deep centeredness.
08 Nov 2024
55 MINS
55:00
08 Nov 2024
Channeling Scotch-Irish Folk Music, Spirituals, and More
[Andrew Calhoun] (https://andrewcalhoun.com/) is the real deal, applying all the skill & integrity needed to faithfully channel folk songs & folk culture through his dancing, delightful guitar, but also his deep & evocative voice. With loads of recordings over the decades, he's distinguished himself through Scotch-Irish songs and his African-American spirituals. He lives just outside of Chicago, IL.
31 Oct 2024
55 MINS
55:00
31 Oct 2024
The Smiling & Healing 12-string of Ann Reed
[Ann Reed] (https://www.annreed.com/) is a rich & wonderful source of music, stories, and even a book now - check out [Citizens of Campbell] (https://www.annreed.com/books-1/citizens-of-campell) . She's been a mainstay of the women's and folk music scene in the Twin Cities of MN area for 40 years now, having produced some 24 albums.
25 Oct 2024
55 MINS
55:00
25 Oct 2024
A Bus, Guitars, & Music Above the Flood
I was introduced to [Michael Lille] (https://michaellillemusic.com/) in the course of my tribute interview for [Tom Prasada-Rao] (https://www.facebook.com/TPR.Namaste/) , a member of [The Sherpas] (https://tomkimmel.com/the-sherpas) along with Michael and [Tom Kimmel] (https://tomkimmel.com/) .
18 Oct 2024
55 MINS
55:00
18 Oct 2024
Neale Eckstein's Big Shining Circle of Song
Since his early teens, [Neale Eckstein] (https://nealeeckstein.com/) has been in a love affair with the guitar, music, and the dream of the singer/songwriter, though he allowed that passion to take a backseat for many years to his work as a pediatric dentist.
11 Oct 2024
55 MINS
55:00
11 Oct 2024
Ballads, Blessings, & Bessie: Will Fudeman Returns
[Will Fudeman] (http://www.willfudeman.com/) (also [on Bandcamp] (https://willfudeman.bandcamp.com/album/what-it-takes) ) joins us to share his second Song of the Soul, most of it based on music from his newly released album, [What It Takes] (https://willfudeman.bandcamp.com/album/what-it-takes) .
04 Oct 2024
55 MINS
55:00
04 Oct 2024
Tom Prasada-Rao Tribute, Part 3: Patty, Cary, & Annette Remember
Part 3 of our tribute to [Tom Prasada-Rao] (https://tomprasadarao.com/) , this time through the stories and songs selected by 3 of the women in Tom's life: his sister, [Patty Prasada-Rao] (https://www.facebook.com/patty.prasadarao/) , his ex-wife and musical partner in the [Dreamsicles] (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kueMXR6IDTdmvwblXbncyL29aS6uluMqs) ,
27 Sep 2024
55 MINS
55:00
27 Sep 2024
Tom Prasada-Rao Tribute, Part 2: The Sherpas
Part 2 of a tribute to [Tom Prasada-Rao] (https://tomprasadarao.com/) , who passed on 6/19/24. Today's stories & music are shared by the other members of [The Sherpas,] (https://tomkimmel.com/the-sherpas) [Michael Lille] (https://michaellillemusic.com/) & [Tom Kimmel] (https://tomkimmel.com/) .
20 Sep 2024
55 MINS
55:00
20 Sep 2024
Tom Prasada-Rao Tribute, Part 1: Buddha & the Fox Run Five
Part 1 of a tribute to Tom Prasada-Rao, who passed on 6/19/24. Today's stories & music are shared by the other members of the [Fox Run Five] (https://foxrunfive.com/) : [Neale Eckstein] (https://nealeeckstein.com/) , [Matt Nakoa] (https://mattnakoa.com/) , [Eric Schwartz] (https://www.ericschwartz.com/) , & Jagoda.
13 Sep 2024
55 MINS
55:00
13 Sep 2024
Singing Reconnection to Earth & Iran with Lydia Violet
Lydia Violet is an amazing musician, songwriter, educator, & community activist, combining fiddle, clawhammer banjo, & voice to change & heal the Earth. Mentored by Joanna Macy, Lydia got her degree in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and weaves her music & Earthcare studies together in her Music Medicine program at her School for the Great Turning.
06 Sep 2024
55 MINS
55:00
06 Sep 2024
A Great Wild Mercy Through Carrie Newcomer
[Carrie Newcomer] (https://www.carrienewcomer.com/) joins us for a Song of the Soul drawn from her latest album, A Great Wild Mercy, including some songs co-written with [John McCutcheon] (https://www.folkmusic.com/) and with [Siri Undlin/Humbird] (https://www.humbirdmusic.com/) .
30 Aug 2024
55 MINS
55:00
30 Aug 2024
Saxophone's Pied Piper: Sue Orfield
[Sue Orfield] (https://www.sueorfield.com/) wields her saxophone in the way that the pied piper played his pipe, mesmerizing all people, great & small, and leading them on a joyful, haunting, dancing, enthralling journey to the center. A part of dozens of groups of performers of numerous genres of music, Sue magically brings out the best in the artists and the audiences she showers her abundant gifts upon.
23 Aug 2024
55 MINS
55:00
23 Aug 2024
A Wild Ride with James Spartz & Dogtown Hollow
While [James Spartz] (https://www.facebook.com/jtspartz) currently makes music with [Dogtown Hollow] (https://www.facebook.com/DogtownHollow/) , he has sometimes been onstage as part of [Jim James & The Damn Shames] (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kNz7YALIX-p_OlOrTaQ4uq1UF-YSrp8lM) and under other names.
16 Aug 2024
55 MINS
55:00
16 Aug 2024
Love of Music, Partner, & Bike from Gretta Stone
[Gretta Stone] (mailto:gsfrombucks@gmail.com) became a musician because she loved being part of all the folk music that many Quakers shared together when she became part of [Doylestown Friends Meeting] (https://doylestownquakers.org/) , and at one point was part of a band called Faith and Practice. Gretta's path led to various travels, including her evolution into instrumental music and sacred harp singing.
09 Aug 2024
55 MINS
55:00
09 Aug 2024
Even Cowburls Get the Bluegrass (and Much More)
[ISMAY] (https://www.ismaymusic.com/) is a musical experience wrapped around Avery Hellman. Without trying to limit [ISMAY] (https://www.ismaymusic.com/) by any of the boxes we often put musicians in, their music is bluegrass, or country, or Americana, or folk, or something completely new.
02 Aug 2024
55 MINS
55:00
02 Aug 2024
North Country Humbird
[Humbird] (https://www.humbirdmusic.com/) is a musical experience with Siri Undlin at its center. Her music has been described with terms like contemplative folk musings and resigned tenacity, but I would simply call it heart and soul stirring combined with instrumental genius. Siri lives in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, while the rotating band membership of [Humbird] (https://www.humbirdmusic.com/) reaches further afield.
26 Jul 2024
55 MINS
55:00
26 Jul 2024
Darryl Purpose is a Sure Bet
[Darryl Purpose] (https://darrylpurpose.com/) says he's never had a real job, earning his living either from blackjack or making music, but he's worth every cent and more. Determined to live outside the box, Darryl's music regales the listener with beauty, inspiration, & free-flowing spirituality.
19 Jul 2024
55 MINS
55:00
19 Jul 2024
Leaping Music, Heart, & Animals
The music of [Ben Bedford] (https://www.benbedford.com/) talks on on a trip through a wider lens to life, not only that of humans, but of the vibrant world around us, with all our relations. While Ben's words dance lyrically through images and poetry, his tunes dance magically through guitar strings and vibrations.
11 Jul 2024
55 MINS
55:00
11 Jul 2024
Song-Farmer of Wood-Songs & Pete Seeger's Neighbor – Michael Johnathon
[Michael Johnathon] (https://www.michaeljohnathon.com/) is a farmer - a songfarmer - and he cultivates folk music from his log cabin just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, by his personal writing, playing and touring, through his 20 albums, but also via the radio and video show called [WoodSongs] (https://www.woodsongs.com/) that he's been broadcasting on hundreds of stations for the past 18 years.
04 Jul 2024
55 MINS
55:00
04 Jul 2024
Southerner by Heart, Midwestern by Choice: Emily White
[Emily White] (https://emily-white.com/) is Memphis-raised, but Chicagoan as adult, self-describing as Southerner by heart, Midwestern by choice. While Emily's voice and music are beautiful and compelling, her lyrics elevate her to the top ranks of performers, touching the deep places and raising it all to golden heights. Her newest album is called Songs You Didn't Know I Wrote About You, and that's likely the truth you'll experience in Emily's music.
28 Jun 2024
55 MINS
55:00
28 Jun 2024
People's Convergence - Warming Up the Winter
A sampling of the full [3-plus-hour collaborative concert] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGAUamS_GRg) held on February 11th, 2023 as part of the [People's Music Network (PMN)] (https://peoplesmusic.org/) Winter Convergence hosted at [The People's Forum] (https://peoplesforum.org/) in New York City. Activism, humor, inspiration, justice, and more by 10 of the 25-plus performers at the concert.
21 Jun 2024
55 MINS
55:00
21 Jun 2024
Singing the Healing & Health of Earth's Creatures - Earth Mama
This is our 2nd visit with Earth Mama/Joyce Rouse and her rich assortment of musical influences, combined with great lyrics and a truly beautiful voice, all in service of the people and creatures of this planet. Joyce's 15 albums of fun, deep, joyful, and thought-provoking songs make Earth more stunning and hopeful.
Past/present religious/spiritual influences: Lutheran, Catholic, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish, Quaker
14 Jun 2024
55 MINS
55:00
14 Jun 2024