Being present.  Honoring the opportunity to be alive.Cortisol and the communion with nature.Photo Walks and Family. Breaking down walls-sometimes with the beauty of a hug. Knowing and stepping INTO our triggers. Ryan Guldemond of MOTHER MOTHER sits with us in a very personal interview to breakdown his solo album-GLDMTH. A unique blending of senses and expression, this album is a MUST.  Every track is like a journey into MINDFULNESS.Lean in. Listen carefully. Allow yourself to be moved by the presence of this truly brilliant human.  Thank you Ryan…https://www.gldmth.com

Big Sam Williams of Big Sam’s Funky Nation embodies pure energy as he sits down with us to share his journey as a musician.  There is a natural ease and eagerness to pull in his audience and motivate others to move! If you haven’t seen Big Sam’s Funky Nation live-you are missing out on a true musical HEALING! Listen as we speak to a New Orleans legend who has shared his talent with the world-and is still making music that reminds us of why we all need this  music! Check him out!Www.bigsamsfunkynation.com

A mathematician and a musician.We had the pleasure of sitting in studio with Mr. Roberto Matthews. His “moment” which launched  his career as a musician was as vivid a calling as is his faith. Listen in…this Jesuit grad will both educate and inspire you! His voice and talent on multiple instruments is simply beautiful. His purpose and passion for his “why”is beyond moving…Check Roberto out at a service near you, his website and here with Luis and I on Mixtape Hope Podcast. https://robertomusic.org/

SEASON 3!Rarely do stories come through with as much passion and charm as in this interview! What an amazing couple we share time with-Sandy and Dave Furano open up about their life in music and the business of musical healing.From the legendary Winterland venue  in San Francisco, the stories of the early days on the road with bands, the advent of the concert “merch” industry and SO much more, with every step..there was Dave Furano.They speak of LOVE, HOPE, dedication to each other and our responsibility as humans to cultivate PEACE. What better way than to unpack one the most powerful tools we have to disarm division-MUSIC! Check them out HERE as our first and amazing guests of Season 3!Also look out for them at a Rock & Brews near you!!www.rockandbrews.com 

Big Freedia!Synonymous  with charm, creativity, energy and BOUNCE.Big Freedia shared with us her journey beginning in gospel music. Like a mustard seed growing beyond limitations, she fueled her passion for growth with family, faith and community!Singer-song writer, producer, entrepreneur, activist, entertainer, creator, influencer, chef and much more, it’s difficult to imagine how she does it all. She explains that HOPE and RESILIENCE motivates her. The same hope that anyone from here can feel…as if it’s part of our soul. And anyone visiting New Orleans can only try to put into words. Sit down with us as she unfolds the beautiful tapestry that is BIG FREEDIA. www.bigfreedia.com 

Paul Rogers has captured our hearts in this episode as he reflects on his contributions to our beloved Jazzfest! More than that, he brings us down memory lane so gracefully recalling the ART behind the music. Look around your home or place of work, you likely own one of these cherished pieces…and if you don’t, you should. Check him out but first sit back and listen to the jazzy music history he drops on us.Https://www.paulrogersstudio.com

Bill Rayner, Friends call him “Billy Rock” and his students call him professor! We have the privilege of speaking to someone who has TRULY made music his life! Teaching, composing, playing and performing music embodies all that he loves.So relatable and wise, NYU students look forward to his classes! We find out why! Check him out! Gallatin.nyu.edu

We sit down with Warren Zeiders as he takes us to the open field. His explosion onto the music scene has truly been like LIGHTNING!Listen to what anchors him, what motivates him and how he overcame the unforeseen  transition from athlete to artist. As he prepares for his tour “”717 Tapes” Tour, he reflects on being REAL and RELATABLE-and enjoying the ride! 

Gratitude and Joy… sentiments that reflect the the emotions of lyrics, melodies and magic of a band coming together to create beautiful music and memories. The Walters’ revival has been a journey of looking back but being so grateful for the NOW. We speak with Luke Olson of The Walters. He takes us through where he has been personally and the unbelievable new journey of this incredible band!WE are grateful for their music. Check them out, follow and feel the magic  of their talent, energy, passion and JOY. 

Life and Music.Where we start and those we find along this journey matter.  Leaning on each other as we walk this path, the lyrics, the melody and the rhythm bring us together.The Better Together Band is in studio listening to each other and sharing our journey with YOU.We open up about OUR HEALING and OUR WHY in being vulnerable putting in the time, having fun, coming together and sharing our talents for a greater purpose.Coming at you from OUR HOME, New Orleans and forged out of the Covid pandemic- WE ARE better together!Band members: Luis Espinoza (vocalist, guitar), Noelle Young (vocalist),  David Vasquez (drummer) Sedrick Hawkins (saxophone, vocals and keys), Scott Schlegel (guitar, vocals), Kevin McCormack (vocals, guitar and keys) and Andrea Espinoza (bassist).HOPE (if you listen) IS all around us.