Song & Story

War is always a defeat for humanity. On the 76th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, singer-songwriter Kevin Heider takes us on a sonic trip through history as he reflects on the morality of nuclear war.

Pain is unavoidable in this life. For those who experience it more than others, is freedom possible? Hong Kong-based singer-songwriter, Count the Leaves, ponders this question in her hopeful tune "Elephant."

Some people leave lasting impressions. Why some stick with us while others fade remains a mystery. Singer-songwriter Chris Cole dives into the romance of it all in his song "Mercedes."

It's a beautiful thing when art goes to work for the common good, to keep the flame of our collective conscience burning. Jenny & Tyler's anthemic "Waters Roll" is powerful cry for justice.

Making the most of the time we’re given. Overcoming the fears that keep us from trying. Staying true to who we are. These themes are at the heart of Merlot Embargo’s infectious pop anthem "One Day."

Reflecting on our most formative experiences is an essential part of the growth process. Denison Witmer's "San Francisco" is a moving tribute to the passage of time and the places that remain in our memory long after we've left them.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to have an honest conversation with Michael Vanderburgh (executive director of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Dayton, Ohio) about the struggles of serving the homeless during a global health crisis.

Every relationship has highs and lows. Sometimes love feels like a dream — sometimes it's a storm. Sarah Kroger's beautiful song "I Choose You" lends an honest and hopeful voice to the ups, the downs, and the daily choices we make to stand in love.

Someday all we have known will come to an end. As sobering as this reality may be, it hasn't stamped out man's search for meaning or our desire to love and be loved. In the midst of all the uncertainty, Tyler Hook's "Let's Go" is an invitation to hope.

There’s a lot of hurt in this world. How do we navigate the pain and uncertainty wrought by the impermanence of all things? In this flipped episode, Marie Miller interviews our host, Kevin Heider, about his song “Down by the Sycamore Tree,” a moving narrative about grief and loss.