This was A SHOW. There may need to be a part two in fact. Kirk chats with long-time friend and warm hugger (you have to listen in to get it) Robyn Crawford, on the heels of the release of her memoir, A Song For You - My Life with Whitney Houston. It was a beautiful energy exchange with a palpable openness, honesty and authenticity that you have to hear for yourself. 

Kirk sits down with the inimitable Nnenna Freelon! She is a legendary Grammy-nominated jazz singer in her own right with a career that spans 2 decades.  In addition to her own award-winning bodu of work, she's collaborated with many other greats like Ellis Marsalis, Diana Krall,  Herbie Hancock and Anita Baker.  She discusses her podcast Great Grief with Kirk as well as the music and the joys of life.

Kirk has a fantastic sit-down with the multi-hyphenate (radio personality, TV personality, comedian, singer, community activist) Willie Moore Jr.  As men of faith and family, the conversation took a natural turn in that direction as they talked about walking the walk in the entertainment business and instilling core values in their children. But that's not it. There's so much more. Touch your neighbor and say, Pull up!

In the extra special edition of Humans Being Kirk talks to Kortland Whalum, Kevin Whalum, Chantae Cann and Grammy Award winning super group Take 6. Each of these artists make guest appearances on his newly released Christmas album,  How Does Christmas Sound?  Need we say more? (A: No) Have a listen!

Bishop Yvette Flunder joins the show for a fantastic conversation about radical inclusivity in the church, what's beautiful and where the church can do better. She is the Senior Pastor of City of Refuge Church of Christ in Oakland, which was Walter Hawkins' church until his passing. She is also the voice  - yes THAT voice - behind the classic gospel song, Thank You. She and Kirk dig a little deeper to talk about being fully human (within the church body), synergizing our secular and spiritual selves and the invisibility of same gender loving people in the church. Whew!  And there's MORE. This is a must hear show.   

Those that know Kirk, know that he has a way with people. His talk with singer Tiffany Bynoe was no different and was, in fact, inspirational at times. It is a very honest and open conversation about music, life and love. She talks about her hiatus and return to her music career, her love affair with her husband, her daughter's illness and how her spirituality has carried her through it all. And, naturally, they talk about her new jazz album and the heavy hitters behind it.     

 "You may have weeded out some good but the great was your calling." "Staying centered is where the magic is". "What you seek is seeking you." These are but a few of the truths shared by renowned bass player/producer/composer/music director Rickey Minor. And there were many more "amen corner" moments throughout his chat with Kirk. But first understand who this man is. Bandleader for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Musical Director for mega tours with Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera and Whitney Houston (among others!). Musical Director for The Grammys, NAACP Awards, the Super Bowl.  Two-time Primetime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Musical Direction. Now that you're enlightened, pull up a seat and soak up this light and wisdom. Phenomenal conversation!

You know how some people radiate beauty from within? Well that is singer-songwriter-actress Sheléa - a very lovely person inside and out with an even lovelier powerful voice. You may not know her but you do in fact know her. Have you seen her tribute to Whitney? Have you seen her as Dorinda Clark Cole? Have you heard her on any Stevie Wonder tracks? Or heard the theme song for the sitcom All of Us? Or the song I'll Never Let You Go from the movie Jumping the Broom? If not, check out Kirk's conversation with her then rush to get up to speed. 

In this episode, Kirk and Pastor Davis discover their shared lived experiences as they talk about the importance of their grandmothers in their personal and spiritual development. But they also talk about how their respective sensibilities have evolved beyond merely emulating their elders and reflexive religion to a broader acceptance and understanding of Jesus, Christianity and, yes, humanity. AND of course they talk about music as Pastor Davis is a fan of the old school mainstays like Willie Hutch and Bobby Womack. You absolutely must hear him unpack the melody of Stevie Wonder's Isn't She Lovely. Tune in and treat yourself! 

On this episode of Humans Being, Kirk talks music, life and world views with his Summer Horns tour mates - Dave Koz, Mindy Abair and Vincent Ingala.  They will be touring into September so be sure to check Kirk's website and social media for dates!