On this week's episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast, we're delighted to explore a heartfelt new collaboration between Phillip Keveren and Steve Siler: Candle & Compass: Songs for Sanctuary.

Phillip and Steve delve into the inspiration and purpose behind this deeply prayerful collection, their influences in getting started in their music careers, and how the project evolved organically rather than being something they originally set out to plan.

Phillip also contextualizes his creative journey, outlining the musical, emotional, and spiritual influences that shaped arrangements like Sanctuary and Great is Thy Faithfulness. He evokes how the emotional power of classical compositions, combined with passionate vocal interpretations, can be especially transformative within a spiritual musical context.   We are incredibly excited to share this project with you and encourage you to listen to all 11 songs on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube.   Who is Phillip Keveren?

A multi-talented keyboard artist and composer, Phillip Keveren displays a tremendous versatility in both his original works and concert performances. He composes in a variety of genres, and is widely acclaimed for his piano publications.

Mr. Keveren is a prolific arranger, orchestrator and producer. His work is featured in numerous instrumental recordings, church choral, educational piano and Christian artist releases (Steve Green, Travis Cottrell, Larnelle Harris, Sandi Patty, Mandisa, Jeremy Camp, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir).

Phillip is co-author, major composer and orchestrator of the internationally acclaimed Hal Leonard Student Piano Library, a complete method of study for young students. His unique piano arrangements are also featured in The Phillip Keveren Series (Hal Leonard Publishing).

Resources:

Our listeners can listen to all the songs in the Candle and Compass album at the link here: https://music.apple.com/us/album/candle-compass-songs-for-sanctuary/1825394939 

You can also purchase our songbook, Candle & Compass: Songs for Sanctuary, at the link here: https://www.amazon.com/Candle-Compass-Sanctuary-Phillip-Keveren/dp/B0FGFQ4G91?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER 

 

 

Being a single parent creates unique challenges and struggles that are invisible to most people. So how do you walk through life as a single parent, especially if the relationship with the former spouse is strained?   We are so blessed to welcome Singer/ Songwriter Andra Moran to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast. Andra shares her story of walking through a difficult divorce while performing as a singer across the country and how she used music as a catalyst to help her walk through the emotional and physical struggles of raising a child as a single mom. From there, she collaborated with us on the song, I Only Need One, which aims to encourage single parents in their walk to raise their children.   Andra also shares her love for creating and performing music and how God often uses us in situations where we feel the least prepared to create the greatest impact in others' lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with the journey of being a single parent, we highly encourage you to listen to this episode!   Who is Andra Moran?

Andra Moran lives  in Nashville, Tennessee where she works as a songwriter, singer, author, worship designer and freelance touring musician in a variety of settings. 

Andra has released seven full length albums and three EPs, in addition to a bilingual album titled Chant Spontané which was released by the Reform Church of France. Andra’s songs have been published in contemporary song and hymnal collections and are sung in liturgical gatherings across the United States, Canada and Europe.

Andra’s book, Brim: Creative Overflow in Worship Design, co-authored with Rev. Dr. Suzanne Castle, was released in 2013 by Chalice Press. Brim is the recipient of the Editor’s Choice Award by Worship Leader Magazine and was chosen as a favorite resource of the Wild Goose Festival.  Through BrimProject.com, Andra and her coauthor Suzanne offer artist renewal retreats and congregational resources for art-oriented worship.

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Andra on her website: http://www.andramoran.com/home

Listen to I Only Needed One on our website at the link here: https://www.musicforthesoul.org/resources/i-only-needed-one/

 

“What started out as a simple trip home from the beach ended in a five-car pileup started by an uninsured, inattentive driver while we sat waiting at a red light." This is the start of a story of brokeness, healing, and restoration from our guest, author Carmen Leal. On today's episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast, Carmen shares with us how she healed from the emotional heartbreak and physical pain of a traumatic brain injury by adopting a dog, which she named Coconut.    Carmen explains just how deeply dogs can impact survivors of PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and heartbreak through their companionship and bonding, and how important it can be to just have another creature there walking alongside you through harder days. After discovering this restorational gift that dogs can bestow on peoples' lives, Carmen began working with us on a song we titled Love is Just a Wag Away. Through this project we aim to show that dogs are at their best when we are at our worst.    Who is Carmen Leal?

Carmen Leal is a storyteller and the author of multiple books, articles, devotionals, and human-interest stories. Carmen relocated from Hawaii to Oshkosh, yes, there is a story behind the move, and has now become an awesome dog mom. Carmen and her husband have become reluctant gardeners and know a crazy amount about Wisconsin weeds. She is the mother of two sons, two incredible grandsons, and Coconut, the best imperfectly perfect rescue dog in the world.

Resources:

Our listeners can find both of Carmen's books on amazon at the link here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BGQQTFNH

Listen to Love is Just a Wag Away and watch the video on our website at the link here: https://www.musicforthesoul.org/resources/love-is-just-a-wag-away/

 

We have spoken before on Music for the Soul the amount of physical, emotional, and spiritual trauma abortion can inflict. Today we are so blessed to welcome Founder and President of SaveOne, Sheila Harper, to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast.    Sheila shares her story of having an abortion when she was just 19 years old and how traumatic the decision was for her. Over the course of 7 years, she describes her decent into addiction, isolation, and even attempted suicide. However, she began finding hope through her now husband Jack and soon after began attending classes offered for women who had experienced abortion.   Through these classes, she discovered the healing power of community, music, and communion with God. Sheila then decided to found SaveOne in 2000 as a ministry that offers resources and community for those looking to recover and heal from abortion. Sheila shares excellent resources for both women and men who have walked through the decision to have an abortion and also discusses how music can play a key part in unlocking their emotions to allow them to heal.   Who is Sheila Harper?

Sheila Harper is the Founder and President of SaveOne, an international outreach ministry for men, women, and families suffering in silence after an abortion. She holds a Master’s degree in biblical counseling and is the author of 10 books. SaveOne-A Guide to Emotional Healing after Abortion her first book has been translated and distributed in 20 languages. 

SaveOne, founded in 2000, currently has more than 300 chapters in 25 countries. Sheila has traveled the world speaking on the topic of abortion recovery as well as training abortion recovery leaders. 

She has been featured in many magazines and articles about her work in the abortion recovery field and has appeared on The 700 Club, and most recently had the great honor of being named one of “Huck’s Heroes” on The Mike Huckabee Show. 

Sheila and her husband Jack planted Crossroads Church and pastored there for 11 years before working together at SaveOne. 

Resources:

Our listeners can learn more about Sheila's ministry, SaveOne, and purchase her books, find resources, and more at her website: https://www.saveone.org

On this week's episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast, we are starting a new series where we want to hear from you! We are looking for listeners who have been deeply impacted by music in their lives and would like to come on the show to share those stories with out listeners.   Steve Siler shares his story of how music transformed his life and how a piece he originally wrote for a friend about the AIDs epidemic, We're All In This Together, helped kickstart his journey of what would eventually become Music for the Soul. Steve speaks about how music is truly a tool for transformation and that we all have the ability to create ripples in the pond when it comes to interacting with others.    If you or someone you know has a story to share on the impact music has made on their life, whether through creating music or listening to it, please reach out to us! We would love to feature you on a future episode on the Music for the Soul Podcast!

Resources:

If you have a story about how music has impacted your life or created transformational change, please reach out to Steve at his email: [email protected]

Miscarriage is a tragedy that strikes many expecting mother's every year. However, one area that can often times go overlooked is the impact it has on the fathers. That is why we are so blessed to welcome singer-songwriter Brian Parker to this heartfelt episode of Music for the Soul.     Brian opens up about his personal journey through grief after experiencing a miscarriage as a husband. He shares how music helped him walk through the grief of loss and how a black and white dragonfly became his inspiration to write a song about both loss and rebirth called Dragonfly. Throughout the whole experience of walking through this period of grief, Brian reminds men that it's important for them to seek support during that period of loss and explains different ways they can be there to support their wives in a compassionate way without having the "fix it" mindset.    Today's episode is an inspiring conversation about resilience, the true depths of God's love, and the transformative power of music that allows us to walk through even the darkest moments like miscarriage with a message of new life and rebirth.   Who is Brian Parker?   From fireside acoustic guitar, to dynamic/dramatic rock pop songs, this singer/songwriter is known for catchy, honest, authentic, chill & Spirit led music. Parker draws inspiration from other great singer/songwriters such as Ben Gibbard, Paul Simon, Billy Corgan, Glen Hansard, Nick Drake & John Mayer. This song craft enthusiast explores themes like a modern day Psalmist; topics such as anxiety, identity, authenticity, relationships & faith in God. From lyric to melody, everything Brian pens is intentionally created with the listener in mind. He’s lived & performed in New York, California & now Nashville.

Resources:

Our listeners can hear Dragonfly and see the music video Come Away featuring his daughter on his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@brianparkervevo4531

 

God hides a teasure inside every affliction. These powerful words come from a guest we are honored to have on this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast.    Susan Piper joins us to share her story of how, guitar in hand, she walked into the Cleveland bars at 15 years old in pursuit of stardom. A couple of decades later, Jesus decided that was long enough and pulled her out again with His mighty outstretched arm.   Listen in as Susan tells warm-hearted and self-deprecating stories of the people who brought her to Christ, how she overcame trauma and PTSD instilled in her during childhood, and how she found true joy and transformation in helping those living in nursing homes. Join her at the bedside of those who have been forgotten and hear how God uses the lonely, broken people she serves to bless her and heal her own brokenness.   Who is Susan Piper?   Susan Piper is a Christian singer, song and story writer who spends her days in nursing homes, wielding a guitar with her right hand and pushing her Havanese pup in a stroller with her left, continually being ministered to by the ones she seeks to serve: I visit them but they open their hearts to me. I ask them about their lives and they tell me their stories; sometimes it’s the same story again, but it is so important it bears retelling. I knock and they are glad to see me. I offer myself as a stranger and they welcome me in without question. If the hymn is worthy of tears they cry; it was their mother’s favorite, it was played at their daughter’s funeral. They don’t or can’t hide their feelings, they are who they are. They follow me down the hall; they say they were sad before I came and please come again because I’ve made their day. They have done more than that for me. They’ve changed my life. Excerpt from "He Leadeth Me," A Blessing Is In It. By Susan Piper

Resources:

Our listeners can purchase Susan's Book, A Blessing Is In It, at the link here: https://www.amazon.com/Blessing-Alcoholic-Fame-Seeking-Songwriter-Ministry/dp/B0DP9D97BC

You can also learn more about Susan on her website: https://www.susanpiper.com

We encourage you to listen to a song we produced for the Song to Help With Anxiety Project that deeply resonated with Susan, Tell Yourself The Truth, at the link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE-EzaJ0CzU

 

We have discussed trauma on many episodes of the Music for the Soul Podcast. However, today's discussion really digs down to the root of trauma and what recovery, support and healing look like for victims struggling with big T and little t trauma.    Our guest on today's episode is licensed professional counselor, EMDR trauma Therapist and author Lisa Saruga, as she speaks on different points from her debut book, The Trauma Tree. Lisa shares the story of recovering from her own trauma at 18 years old when she was assaulted by a masked assailant and what that journey of recovery looked like. She also talks about the benefits of different therapies like EMDR and how every person's journey through trauma will have similar steps but ultimately different paths.   Lisa offers a message of hope, compassion, and healing for those experiencing trauma and creates a grounded framework based in God's love that inspires and encourages. We are so excited to share this message with you today to start out 2025!   Who is Lisa Saruga?   Lisa Saruga is a licensed professional counselor, EMDR trauma therapist, speaker, and author. She's certified as a legal and ethical specialist by the American School Counselor Association. Saruga's advocacy extends to legislative efforts for survivor justice and her impactful contributions as a writer, notably in Carolyn Stone's School Counseling Principles: Ethics and Law. Her debut book, The Trauma Tree, signifies a new chapter in her commitment to empowering others, marking her as a prominent voice in the field. Find her at lisasaruga.com.

Resources:

Our listeners can pre-purchase Lisa's book, The Trauma Tree, launching February 11th at the link here or wherever you purchase fine books: https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Tree-Survival-Growing-Wholeness/dp/0825448743

 

As we close out 2024, Music for the Soul reflects on the extraordinary guests who’ve graced our podcast this year. In this week’s special episode, we revisit some of our most memorable moments with living legends of the music industry—Gloria Gaither, Larnell Harris, and Bob Farrell.

Steve and Becky share what made these conversations truly special, as they explore the heartfelt stories and life-changing insights these icons shared about their careers, personal journeys, and the transformative power of Christ in music.

Pull up a chair and join us as we celebrate the impactful words and music that defined this year on the Music for the Soul Podcast.

Resources:

Our listeners can hear the song "The Lord Sent a Child" and find additional Christmas songs on our website: https://www.musicforthesoul.org/resources/the-lord-sent-a-child/

You can also hear each of the full episodes with Gloria Gaither, Larnell Harris, and Bob Farrell at the links here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-65-how-a-song-can-rescue-a-hurting/id1654054877?i=1000643625773 , https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-84-legendary-gospel-singer-larnelle-harris/id1654054877?i=1000669903041 , https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-30-christian-music-icon-bob-farrell-shares/id1654054877?i=1000615088110 

The holidays are often a time spent with family, friends, and festive traditions. Yet for many, this season can also bring feelings of stress, sadness, or loneliness.

In this episode, we are honored to welcome Sue Foster, a licensed marriage and family therapist, to help us navigate these complex emotions. Sue dives into common challenges people face during the holidays—whether it's tension within families, financial or medical hardships, or struggles with depression and anxiety.

Sue shares practical strategies for overcoming these difficulties and offers valuable insights on how to reclaim joy and hope during the holiday season. From the healing power of music to the benefits of spending time in nature, Sue reminds us of the importance of self-care and cultivating a positive mindset. Tune in for an uplifting conversation that will leave you feeling supported and encouraged this holiday season.

  Who is Sue Foster?   As a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, Sue Foster has over 20 years experience in the area of grief and loss, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, women's issues, adolescent issues, and other life challenges. Sue also specializes in suicide loss and have published a book for survivors of suicide, "Finding Your Way After the Suicide of Someone You Love."

Resources:

Our listeners can hear the song "It Doesn't Feel Like Christmas This Year" and find additional resources on our website: https://www.musicforthesoul.org/resources/it-doesnt-feel-like-christmas/