Quirks, Bumps, and Bruises

Join us, Melody and Candi, as we take a stroll down memory lane, celebrating our shared love for Southern Gospel music. With 17 years of concerts, events, and countless memories, we reflect on the times we followed artists like Signature Sound and Michael English, and attended massive gatherings like the National Quartet Convention and Singing in the Sun. Listen in as we recount the hilarious moment we unwittingly found ourselves on the red carpet at Dollywood, decked out in our finest—save for the Crocs and sandals on our feet.

In this heartfelt conversation, we also explore the unique atmosphere of Southern Gospel events and how they serve as the ultimate setting for people-watching, surpassing even the likes of Walmart for entertainment value. Plus, we touch on Aaron Wilburn's humorous take on Southern Gospel fandom in his book, "You Might Be a Southern Gospel Music Fan If." Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for a laugh, our anecdotes are sure to bring a smile to your face and maybe even a bit of nostalgia for the sights and sounds of Southern Gospel music.

Listen in as we explore the quirkiest, and most annoying, things people do during church services on our latest podcast episode. Melody and Candi, discuss the odd and sometimes humorous actions we've noticed – and we're not just talking about the typical whispering or fidgeting. From the surprising sound of fingernail clippings echoing off the pews to the distracting jingle of change in someone's pocket, we've got a collection of stories that will have you chuckling and perhaps nodding in recognition. Candi even gets caught red-handed during the recording!

Our conversation is not just a recount of these amusing anecdotes; it's also a heartwarming tribute to the individuals who, unknowingly, left a lasting impression on us with their church service quirks. We fondly remember characters like Betty, who, despite her many contributions to the church, is remembered for her in-service manicure, and we pay homage to Melody's mother, whose pre-exit ritual and 'whispering' were so distinct they were shared at her funeral. So grab your earbuds and get ready for some laughter and sweet reminiscences – and maybe next time you're in church, you'll notice the quirks that make each service uniquely memorable.

Join us for a nostalgic trip down memory lane as we chat with Wendy about the retro fashion trends and fads that we would love to bring back. Wendy shares her fond memories of the grand stereo systems from the 1970s, complete with turntables and cassette players, while we explore the evolution of music formats from records to digital. Candi reminisces about her love for jelly shoes and crimped hair from the 80s and early 90s, and we laugh about the quirky joy of picking rocks out of the bottoms of jelly shoes. We also reflect on the evolving fashion trends through the decades, including denim skirts and Wallabies shoes, sharing personal anecdotes and lighthearted banter throughout.

Join us for an entertaining and heartwarming episode of Quirks, Bumps, and Bruises as we chat with Troy Peach from Peach Goldman. We kick things off with a lively debate about pumpkin spice flavors, discovering a humorous gender divide in its popularity. Troy shares the quirky story behind his last name and how it inspired the name of his group. We also get into the festive spirit as Troy recounts his extravagant Christmas decorations and the hilarious city-wide prank involving his stolen nativity scene and Santa.

We relive a nerve-wracking experience involving a bus accident that left Andrew injured and totaled the Perry's bus, along with the financial strain of leasing a half-million-dollar bus. We discuss bizarre sleep habits, including a tornado that didn't wake us up, and celebrate 17 years of the Morning Joyride. Don't miss this episode filled with laughter, stories, and the importance of encouragement and friendship.

Join us on this insightful episode of Quirks, Bumps, and Bruises as Melody and Candi, and special guests Parker Webb and Ben Webb discuss the evolving landscape of church attendance in the wake of the pandemic. With church attendance averaging at 85% of pre-pandemic levels, our guests share personal stories and statistics to highlight the varied impacts on different congregations. We emphasize the importance of blending worship styles to cater to diverse preferences and stress the need for spiritual maturity in understanding that worship is an act of serving God.

We also explore the challenges and opportunities brought by live streaming church services. While this technology has made services accessible to those who are homebound, it has also led some to forego in-person gatherings. Listen in as we discuss the balance churches are striving to achieve by limiting live streaming to certain services and encouraging physical attendance to maintain a strong sense of community. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation about the shifting dynamics of church life in the pandemic era.

Join us for part two of this heartfelt discussion on the complexities of church life, where we explore the duality of church experiences. While church can be a place of immense beauty and fellowship, it can also be a source of deep hurt and challenges. We shed light on the imperfections within the church, filled with imperfect, sinful humans, yet underscore its beauty as a body of believers. It's a place where sinners stand as equals, and a refuge for broken hearts. We share personal insights on the importance of feeling like family within a church and discuss the transformative power of redemption and restoration that can occur within its walls.

In this conversation, we highlight how church is not just a building but a community designed by God, meant for fellowship and mutual support. From being a holy ground where sin is confronted and hearts are invited to seek restoration, to serving as a training ground for warriors and a bearer of burdens, church is a lesson in faith and trust. Listen in as we emphasize the beauty of shared burdens, given hope, and the sense of family that makes church a vital part of our spiritual journey.

What happens when the sanctuary feels more like a spotlight? In this heartfelt episode of Quirks, Bumps, and Bruises, Melody and Candi pull back the curtain on church life, sharing personal stories that reveal the unspoken challenges many face within the community. From the anxiety of being judged to the unique pressures on pastor's families, we shine a light on the silent struggles of single mothers, prodigal sons, and those who seem perfect on the outside but are hurting within. This episode underscores the importance of empathy and understanding, offering a fresh perspective on the human experience behind the Sunday bests.

Join us on this special episode of Quirks, Bumps, and Bruises as we rewind and share some of our favorite moments that are sure to bring a smile to your face. Melody puts Candy's picky eating habits to the test with a fun and fast-paced game where Candy reveals her likes and dislikes of various foods. It's a hilarious segment that will have you playing along and maybe even shaking your head in amusement. We also share a heartwarming moment featuring Melody's grandson, Benson, singing "Jesus Loves Me" and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" from his car seat—a clip guaranteed to warm your heart.

But that's not all! We sprinkle in some fun and quirky trivia. Plus, we share a classic joke that will make you chuckle—ever heard of Cole's Law? It's not what you think! So sit back, relax, and enjoy a joyride filled with laughter, love, and a bit of light-hearted trivia.

This episode of Quirks, Bumps, and Bruises brings you the heartbreaking story of the Nelons' plane crash en route to a Gaither Homecoming cruise to Alaska. Listen to the raw, emotional reactions of Bill and Gloria Gaither alongside their homecoming friends as they process this profound loss. We explore the deep bonds within the Southern Gospel world, showcasing the power of faith and the belief that even in the darkest times, God's plans are ultimately good.

We also pay tribute to the Nelons, celebrating their remarkable contributions to gospel music and their community. The chapter dedicated to their youngest member sheds light on the courage required to continue the family's legacy amidst overwhelming grief. Through heartfelt memories and reflections, we emphasize the importance of cherishing our loved ones and finding strength in faith. Tune in for an episode filled with poignant moments, powerful testimonies, and a reminder of the resilience found in unity and prayer.

What happened to the days of kicking off the school year in September? Join Melody and Candi in this episode of Quirks, Bumps, and Bruises as we chat about how the back-to-school season has shifted from post-Labor Day to early August, stirring up a wave of nostalgia for our childhood school days. We open up about the surprising changes we've noticed over the years, from the brief summer vacations to the endless days off during the school year. 

Laugh along with us as we read a hilarious and heartfelt note from a seasoned mom who's fed up with the relentless demands of school activities, from baking cupcakes to assembling fall festival baskets. We're getting real about the overwhelming and costly back-to-school supply lists, questioning what schools actually provide these days. Plus, we have a heart-felt time of prayer for school kids and teachers as they return to the daily gind this year. Tune in for a mix of humor, nostalgia, and practical advice that will resonate with parents everywhere.