What’s the secret formula for parent-performers? With Chicago-based box player John Williams and Boston guitarist Matt Heaton share two unique approaches to keeping the music and the insight factory going strong, while still tucking in to family. (Hint: it works for non-parents, too.) Host Shannon Heaton’s conversations with these wildly inventive musicians might inspire you to hustle, to do your best, to keep learning, and to avoid drinking unsavory water.

Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.

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Special thanks to Michael Wilson, Aubrey Atwater, Adrian Glover, Billie Neal, and Brian Benscoter for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!

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Music Heard on IMS Episode 22 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: Tap Room,” from Session in the KitchenArtists: Dan Gurney (accordion), Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “John’s Theme” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Meaning of Life” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Cuckoo Waltz” from Plays Polka HitsArtist: Frankie Yankovic

Tune: “Midnight Sojourn Waltz intro” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “McGreevy's Favorite/Hold The Reins,” from John WilliamsArtist: John Williams

Song: “Ni Na La,” (AKA Nil Na La) from SolasArtist: Solas

Tune: “After Hours Theme” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Triumph Theme” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Twins' Dance Party / Sylvia's & Mikey's Reels” from Raven Artists: John Williams & Dean Magraw

Tune: “My Love is in America,” from Dearga Artists: Matt Heaton (guitar), Shannon Heaton (flute)

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “Don’t Drink the Water (That Your Butt’s Been In)” from Toddlerbilly RiotArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Slip Jig Dreams,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Jackson’s Jig,” from Kitchen Session Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Shoe the Donkey,” from Kitchen SessionArtist: Matt Heaton (banjo)

Tune: “Travel Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “Lover’s Lament,” from Lovers’ WellArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton with Nic Gareiss (feet)

Song: “Happy Holidays,” from Snow Day!Artist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Road to Garrison,” from Dearga Artist: Matt & Shanon Heaton with George Keith (fiddle) 

Tunes: “The Big Reel Of Ballynacally/The High Hill/Flash Away The Pressing Gang,” from Sunny Spells and Scattered ShowersArtist: Solas

Tune: “Spoon Breaker Jam,” from Live from the Living RoomArtist: Nigel Heaton