Thursday, June 27, 2019
Collective Soul
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18398218" data-resource="episode_id=18398218" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "E Roland from Collective Soul Releases New Album Blood" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
From stem to stern, BLOOD delivers in full. Witness the hard-charging skitter of “Over Me,” the optimistic declaration of “Right as Rain,” the hopeful uplift of a man “Changed,” and the tender promise of “Big Sky.” The album’s final track — the reflective, poignant acoustified coda “Porch Swing” — features background vocals and tasteful dobro licks from none other than Styx guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw, who was beyond thrilled to contribute to the cause. “I’ve always been a fan of Ed Roland and Collective Soul’s recordings,” Shaw says. “I thought about adding more parts than what Ed asked me to do, but as someone wiser than me once said, ‘Don’t paint over the masterpiece!’”
BLOOD is the culmination of a quarter-century of COLLECTIVE SOUL--Ed Roland (vocals/guitar), Dean Roland (rhythm guitar), Jesse Triplett (lead guitar/background vocals), Will Turpin (bass/background vocals), Johnny Rabb (drums/background vocals)-- assessing not only where they’ve come from, but also where they’re going. “I think BLOOD expresses where we’ve been on this life journey,” observes Ed Roland. “And we’ve done so with songs featuring piano and strings to those with a lot of guitar riffs. BLOOD is an accumulation of all the different styles we’ve used over the years, but it’s still COLLECTIVE SOUL. I think it’s the best we’ve ever done. I know you should think that, but I really do think it’s the best. It’s a good, consistent record. We’re just so proud of it.”
Ever since the barnburning rock band from Stockbridge, GA burst onto the national scene with the runaway success of their multi-Platinum 1993 debut, HINTS ALLEGATIONS AND THINGS LEFT UNSAID, and its ensuing mega-smash hits like “Shine” and “Breathe,” they’ve been on an upward trajectory that’s seen them play to sold-out audiences across the globe while concurrently amassing a most impressive catalog of beloved songs instantly recognizable by their titles alone.
That 25-year touring tradition kicked off April 12 in Clearwater, FL, as the band headed out on their U.S. tour which should last through the end of the year. Later this summer, they’ll embark on their “Now’s The Time Tour” with Gin Blossoms starting May 25 in Atlantic City, NJ.
Holes In The Soul
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18400507" data-resource="episode_id=18400507" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "Holes In The Soul" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
If you had holes in the soles of your shoes you'd do something about it. But to have holes in your soul? Those mood swings, sudden emptiness, lack of energy, a feel of less and not more. Holes in the soul. You're barreling down the highway at 200 mph enjoying the good times then suddenly you've got engine problems or a flat tire. On this podcast I jump into such a moment. Learning how to listen to the holes without letting friends and family get inside them to continue the act of breaking things apart.
Monday, June 24, 2019
From The Root Of A Tree
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18360807" data-resource="episode_id=18360807" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "From The Roots Of A Tree" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
I'm a connections type of guy. I love following the continuation. There can't be a point A without a point B, C, D and E. In getting there what was the expected process? What was named a failure versus a solid step in the right direction? On this podcast I dive into the subject of how we truly don't the roots of a tree. You can't take out a shovel and start digging. That's putting the life of the tree on the line. If you sit flat on the ground and stare outward you can almost see some of it's feelers stretching long and far. We still don't know the real extent and or continuation of the seed. So often we speak of our own roots we put the attention on where we've been and not where we're growing. Refocusing your energy on such a journey teaches you awareness and how much expected ability can be invested. Personally I've always believed the most beautiful part of a tree has to be the roots! To be so loving in the way of courageously stretching for water and other nutrients only to share it all with the trunk, limbs, leaves and you and me. Without those roots would we have air to breathe? What about your roots are they keeping things outside your mind body and soul growing in forward emotion? Get your heart out of the past and feed your moments of Now. Your roots need to be healthy.
I'm a connections type of guy. I love following the continuation. There can't be a point A without a point B, C, D and E. In getting there what was the expected process? What was named a failure versus a solid step in the right direction? On this podcast I dive into the subject of how we truly don't the roots of a tree. You can't take out a shovel and start digging. That's putting the life of the tree on the line. If you sit flat on the ground and stare outward you can almost see some of it's feelers stretching long and far. We still don't know the real extent and or continuation of the seed. So often we speak of our own roots we put the attention on where we've been and not where we're growing. Refocusing your energy on such a journey teaches you awareness and how much expected ability can be invested. Personally I've always believed the most beautiful part of a tree has to be the roots! To be so loving in the way of courageously stretching for water and other nutrients only to share it all with the trunk, limbs, leaves and you and me. Without those roots would we have air to breathe? What about your roots are they keeping things outside your mind body and soul growing in forward emotion? Get your heart out of the past and feed your moments of Now. Your roots need to be healthy.
Friday, June 21, 2019
Rebuilding Confidence
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18336782" data-resource="episode_id=18336782" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "Rebuilding Confidence" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
We all share a personal language with the selves we stand with. How we talk with others doesn't usually match how we communicate with ourselves. To gain our wandering attention. To inspire and influence the inner self. To listen while that invisible feeling fights to be seen on the outside. How we share thoughts with ourselves is often a very private time and rarely does it become part of your outside walk. On this podcast we dive into those moments where your life feels like its being hit by storm after storm. The idea of finding freedom from stress is the furthest shape of reality. Learning how to communicate with yourself is a chore. It needs to work all the time not just when you're in the mood. I do a thing called Hidden Speak. I put words together that aren't supposed to be figured out by a passerby. If you were to page through my daily writing it comes across as uneven pavement on a path so thin the earth has planted new rows of weeds. Hidden Speak. It's a safe way to allow every emotion you're burdened with to have an outside voice on a page that nobody not even your future self will be able to figure out. But the good news is... You got it out.
We all share a personal language with the selves we stand with. How we talk with others doesn't usually match how we communicate with ourselves. To gain our wandering attention. To inspire and influence the inner self. To listen while that invisible feeling fights to be seen on the outside. How we share thoughts with ourselves is often a very private time and rarely does it become part of your outside walk. On this podcast we dive into those moments where your life feels like its being hit by storm after storm. The idea of finding freedom from stress is the furthest shape of reality. Learning how to communicate with yourself is a chore. It needs to work all the time not just when you're in the mood. I do a thing called Hidden Speak. I put words together that aren't supposed to be figured out by a passerby. If you were to page through my daily writing it comes across as uneven pavement on a path so thin the earth has planted new rows of weeds. Hidden Speak. It's a safe way to allow every emotion you're burdened with to have an outside voice on a page that nobody not even your future self will be able to figure out. But the good news is... You got it out.
Thursday, June 20, 2019
By Way Of The Shadows New Day
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18327143" data-resource="episode_id=18327143" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "By Way Of A Shadows New Day" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
If you're ever searching for a place of fun, near safety and or adventure then pick up a writing instrument and word doodle. We draw circles all the time and attach faces, flowers, butterflies or things we can't describe. Do it with words next time. Put thoughts and expressions together that don't belong next to each other. You're exercising your imagination. It doesn't have to make sense. Just give yourself permission to say anything without there being judgement. On this podcast I come across a page of my daily writing from August 26, 2016. Nearly three years ago. It made me laugh out loud. Not because its funny. I had no idea what the writer was trying to say. Even more fun was the next page where the collected thoughts of the person writing couldn't believe it either. Nor did the writer at the time want to go back and try and explain what was put down on paper. Writing isn't supposed to be so business like. It's a tool that communicates with others but are you talking to yourself? Learning more about those days when life seemed to be more fun and less stress filled. I've always believed there'd be more writers in the world if teachers would put more energy into helping children draw pictures with their words instead of stuffing their noses in books. If you don't know the impact of words what kind of mental gallery are you sending the little minds? Words! Grab a dictionary and see if you're using the right words in the right place and then play with them. Mark Twain was always fascinated with the accents people had in their writing. He didn't want to hear your physical voice. He wanted to read your words.
If you're ever searching for a place of fun, near safety and or adventure then pick up a writing instrument and word doodle. We draw circles all the time and attach faces, flowers, butterflies or things we can't describe. Do it with words next time. Put thoughts and expressions together that don't belong next to each other. You're exercising your imagination. It doesn't have to make sense. Just give yourself permission to say anything without there being judgement. On this podcast I come across a page of my daily writing from August 26, 2016. Nearly three years ago. It made me laugh out loud. Not because its funny. I had no idea what the writer was trying to say. Even more fun was the next page where the collected thoughts of the person writing couldn't believe it either. Nor did the writer at the time want to go back and try and explain what was put down on paper. Writing isn't supposed to be so business like. It's a tool that communicates with others but are you talking to yourself? Learning more about those days when life seemed to be more fun and less stress filled. I've always believed there'd be more writers in the world if teachers would put more energy into helping children draw pictures with their words instead of stuffing their noses in books. If you don't know the impact of words what kind of mental gallery are you sending the little minds? Words! Grab a dictionary and see if you're using the right words in the right place and then play with them. Mark Twain was always fascinated with the accents people had in their writing. He didn't want to hear your physical voice. He wanted to read your words.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Breaking Through
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18316722" data-resource="episode_id=18316722" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "Breaking Through" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
In all things I do there needs to be a purpose. First the plan. Then a reason for the season. I'm sure I drove my parents crazy. Who? Why? When? How? Trust me when I say a long list of decision makers at the workplace closed me out because I always wanted to figure out newer and better ways to reach those we were trying to touch. Every business has an expectation. If you aren't sharing the mantra or activating the mission what becomes of the product? On this podcast I step into a layer of experiences that take the words we use and finally see that what's being shared could actually be breaking people in two. As a martial artist we were trained to break bricks. Moving energy from a valuable source and pushing it outward. Most stand above the bricks like Gods then shove their weight into the purpose. I chose to showcase the incredible amount of energy that builds up in each of us while meditating. I was going to break four bricks from a push up position. Building that energy to the point of moving elements from the universe. In the moments before my second degree black belt test I was having an extremely difficult time seeing my vision come true. I sat with my Master. He spoke of gaining access to permission. Had I asked the bricks if I could break them in two? Once we break something it's not going to be the same again. Which opened my heart to the moments that we walk through an everyday world. Do we ask the people we are with if we can break them? I've had my share of bosses who never brought that question forward. It makes you aware of the words you share. It clears your heart of the ideas of trying to climb invisible ladders. We are all on the same page. Problem is... Do you truly know what's written on it or is it just another object you have to learn? The bricks I broke on test day are still with me. They are part of my forest. I guaranteed them a place of peace. They would never be in two by becoming one with the trees and all things connected. It makes me wonder about the pieces that so many in the workplace create. If your job is like mine once there's separation those that once busted tail to bring the product to the client no longer share. Life moved on. Maybe it's time to take note of the energy we push through the air and become aware of the damage by activating the unseen amounts of peace that still exist. Bosses always remind us of how our jobs are our family. Funny how Oprah Winfrey never tries to reunite that unspoken dysfunction.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
The Lyrics From Billy's Forest Chapter 158
<a class="spreaker-player" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/18309866" data-resource="episode_id=18309866" data-width="100%" data-height="350px" data-theme="dark" data-playlist="show" data-playlist-continuous="true" data-autoplay="false" data-live-autoplay="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="false" data-hide-comments="false" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="false" >Listen to "The Lyrics From Billys Forest Chapter 158" on Spreaker.</a><script async src="https://widget.spreaker.com/widgets.js"></script>
I received a letter from my sister. She was deeply feeling the presence of our brother who had passed away a year and a week earlier. I very peacefully replied, "He has risen." Within seconds a little boom boom pow hit my social media. Her reaction was anger, "I don't want to think of him as a spirit. I need him in flesh." I'm no expert here. But it was obvious that we were seeing this life and death thing a little differently. What I wasn't going to do was step freely away from what meditation and prayer has mindfully shaped in the growing heart. We've all been in this place with loved ones and it always feels like there's never a right answer. I did begin a new way of communicating. I now ask her during troubled times, "How would you like me to answer your email or text?" On this podcast I allow the reality of the moment to still have a voice while continuing to learn what the best way is to keep the family together and not watch it tumble apart like I've seen so many. The loss of anyone or anything is tragic. A huge hole sits in this place you thought you had control of. What are we going to put into it? I don't know if it's because I'm a daily writer or that I trust God but the physical act of loss in my heart has actually taught me to embrace the journey. To be present with where family friends are and allow them to have a voice or a memory within the paragraphs I pen. I actually started a very special journal dedicated to my brother but stopped putting things in it. I was injured not by the loss of his everyday place but by how much I didn't really remember about growing up together. We all deal with things differently. Being patient is a brilliant decision. Try not to shove your side of the belief onto others. Before my brothers passing my sister and I hadn't talked in nearly two years. We'll never get that time back which is why it's so important to support each others without judgement.
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