Gregory Byerline

#018 – Bonus: Thank You Notes…Audio Time Capsules of Gratitude

November 19, 2018 Gregory Byerline Philosophy, Relationships, Time Capsules 0 Comments

In this bonus episode of Collected Clan, we kick off the holiday season right here at the start of Thanksgiving week with some audio thank you notes from previous guests and a few additional people for whom I’m grateful. Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing while you listen, kick back and soak it in.

 

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT

 

RELATED INFO

Here’s a special Thanksgiving/Gratitude themed playlist to contribute to your daily soundtrack, curated specifically for Collected Clan listeners by your host and by show guest Bradley Ford (from Episode 11 and Episode 13) who makes playlists for a living by serving his wedding and event clients through this DJ and emcee company Snyder Entertainment.

 

FOLLOW ALONG

For more conversations in this series, follow Collected Clan at these online destinations:

 

FEEDBACK

Your thoughts, comments, and questions are welcome. Here’s how:

 

SUPPORT

A recording of the full Ode To Joy poem read by your host is available for your listening pleasure…really great words and theme that’s appropriate for any season…is available in our Producers Circle on Patreon. If you find value with what we’re doing on this show, your financial support creates even more gratitude. So thank you. You’ll find other bonus segments there too.
  • PATREON to learn how you can financially support this show for as little as $5 a month, or
  • PAYPAL to make a donation, either one-time or monthly

#017 – Lauren Phelps: On Creativity, Pursuing Dreams, and Motherhood

November 12, 2018 Gregory Byerline Art, Fashion, Relationships 0 Comments

Lauren Phelps is an accomplished creative entrepreneur. I first knew Lauren as she achieved great success with her clothing line LEONA then as a client when I had the opportunity to photograph several seasonal lookbooks of her fashion designs.

“But for me the art is like my sacred place, and I don’t want it to ever not be because that’s when it becomes something I don’t want it to be in my life.”

~Lauren Phelps

She has continued her creative endeavors since then and now lives in New York where she continued her work in fashion then turned into an even deeper creative direction, which, of course, we talk about here.

And as always, we feature a Non-Profit Spotlight selected by our guest. Kick back and enjoy this conversation with Lauren Phelps.

 

 

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT

  • 0:02:20 Nashville Fashion Week “Nashville Fashion Forward Fund” award
  • 0:08:58 Where Lauren’s creativity comes from
  • 0:13:03 CEO as a title
  • 0:20:20 Closing LEONA
  • 0:23:14 Sweet home Alabama
  • 0:28:28 Alabama to Nashville to New York
  • 0:31:10 Why Paris
  • 0:31:34 COO of Brandon Maxwell
  • 0:34:37 Non-Profit Spotlight: Samual Waxman Cancer Research Foundation
  • 0:36:59 Lauren’s mother
  • 0:43:32 How motherhood has impacted Lauren’s work and world
  • 0:47:17 “Each baby brings its own loaf of bread”
  • 0:49:26 Motherhood and mothering without a mother
  • 0:54:16 Moving to visual arts
  • 0:58:21 Choosing materials for mixed media pieces
  • 0:59:40 Lauren’s creative process
  • 1:02:37 Monochromania
  • 1:05:37 My creative envy
  • 1:08:03 Conversation as an audio portrait
  • 1:11:03 “If you could have one more conversation with your Mom…”
  • 1:12:44 Closing remarks

GUEST SOCIALS

Learn more about Lauren Phelps at these links
Official Website | Instagram | Facebook

RELATED INFO

Here’s a small sampling of pieces from Lauren’s clothing line LEONA, discussed in this episode from 0:02:20 – 0:23:14. Over a two-year period, Lauren created 350+ pieces.

 

 

 

Lauren Phelps photographed in her art studio. Photo courtesy of Lauren Phelps.

 

“Origin” mixed media by Lauren Phelps

 

“Interface” mixed media by Lauren Phelps

 

Finally, toward the end of our conversation (at 1:09:13), the topic turns to the give-and-take exchange that makes a good conversation as described in the give-and-take exchange of a photographic portrait session. Here are two film clips from Somewhere In Time with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. First clip below sets the scene…

…and this clip delivers the magic. Enjoy.

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

This episode’s Non-Profit Spotlight supports Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation. The mission of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) is to eradicate cancer by funding collaborative cross-institutional research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer. This research is the basis for developing minimally toxic treatments for patients, which is particularly crucial for children and seniors battling cancer.

Learn more about Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation at www.waxmancancer.org.

FOLLOW ALONG

For more conversations in this series, follow Collected Clan at these online destinations:

FEEDBACK

Your thoughts, comments, and questions are welcome. Here’s how:

#016 – Tony Caldwell: On Hair Dressing, Entrepreneurship, and the Ability To Choose

October 12, 2018 Gregory Byerline Entrepreneurship, Fashion, Philosophy 0 Comments

My guest today is Tony Caldwell. Tony is a renowned hair dresser, entrepreneur, and fantastic conversationalist, as one would expect to experience when sitting in his salon chair.

We talk about his first-hand experience behind the scenes at many New York Fashion Weeks, his path to owning his own salon, how he approaches each individual client who comes to him to look their best, plus the fragility of the human body, the #MeToo movement, and several other unexpected twists.

“You just have to get personal with people, and you have to tell them the truth.”

~Tony Caldwell

And as always, we feature a Non-Profit Spotlight selected by our guest. Kick back and eavesdrop on this conversation as if you were sitting in a salon chair. Just like his work, this one is a unique one.

And finally, in every conversation we have, I encourage my guests to be real and raw if they so choose. Authenticity is essential. Sometimes that includes certain words or expressions that may not be suitable for young or sensitive ears. This is one of those episodes.

 

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT

  • 0:01:56 What Fashion Weeks are like
  • 0:10:30 How Tony entered hair dressing career
  • 0:12:00 Depression ended football career
  • 0:14:31 The Viking gene
  • 0:16:23 Fashion Week’s creative inspiration
  • 0:21:29 How a hair dresser determines hair style direction
  • 0:23:54 The client challenge
  • 0:30:11 Tony‘s worst client
  • 0:31:58 Non-Profit Spotlight: Circle Recovery Meditation Group
  • 0:33:48 Martial arts & self-defense
  • 0:41:48 Knowing when NOT to do something
  • 0:43:01 Fragility of the human body
  • 0:43:33 Controlling adrenaline
  • 0:46:29 OSHO Collective & entrepreneurship
  • 0:55:25 Teaching and sharing knowledge
  • 0:59:16 Twisting a good thing
  • 1:03:12 #MeToo Movement by generation
  • 1:10:50 The Science of Getting Rich
  • 1:11:55 Getting info from the source
  • 1:18:27 Power to the people
  • 1:20:40 Closing remarks

GUEST SOCIALS

Learn more about Tony Caldwell at these links and savor the decadent deliciousness
Official Website | Instagram | Facebook

RELATED INFO

Photo of Osho Collective Salon

Interior of Osho Collective, Tony Caldwell’s salon in Nashville, TN

Here’s a collection of Tony Caldwell hair styles from shoots we’ve worked on together. Make-up by Katrina Brooks. Wardrobe by Makahla Ross. Photos by your host Gregory Byerline.

 

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

This episode’s Non-Profit Spotlight supports Tammy Roth, a traditionally trained psychotherapist specializing in a feminine model of recovery for women alcoholics who has spent 20 years finding many alternative methods to clear the energy, the subconscious, cellular memory and ancestral trauma that goes along with addiction.

The Her Circle Recovery™ model walks women through how they came into the world with a heightened sensitivity and explains the development of a dysregulated nervous system.  The sensitive person then absorbs environmental factors such as a dysfunctional family, disrupted attachment with the primary caregiver, generational trauma, etc. and ultimately becomes even more sensitive.

Tony also mentioned his support for Thistle Farms, offering women hope and healing through a holistic residential program, employment with one of our social enterprises, and a growing national and global network dedicated to changing a culture that allows human beings to be bought and sold.

FOLLOW ALONG

For more conversations in this series, follow Collected Clan at these online destinations:

FEEDBACK

Your thoughts, comments, and questions are welcome. Here’s how:

#015 – Abby Stahlschmidt: On Modeling, Objectification, and A Little Bit of Music

August 6, 2018 Gregory Byerline Fashion, Music, Philosophy 0 Comments

Welcome to another edition of Collected Clan … the podcast featuring conversational biographies of relatable people with real stories of triumph and tragedy plus successes and setbacks. I’m your host Gregory Byerline. People often come and go, but these people are the company you keep. Everyday people making their mark.

My guest today is Abby Stahlschmidt. Abby is a professional model with whom I’ve worked several times, and she’s also an accomplished violinist playing across the US and Europe. We talk about her music career so far and take a deep dive into the fashion and modeling world as we’ve both seen it, including a look at female objectification and how our work impacts people who see it. Abby also shares about a special organization she supports in this episode’s Non-Profit Spotlight. We end our conversation with an elevating celebration of femininity plus the mention of another playlist related to our conversation.

If you enjoyed this, subscribe and share with your friends, go to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, search for Collected Clan and subscribe. Ratings and reviews also help with spreading the word about these conversations.

 

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT

  • 0:01:26 Introduction
  • 0:01:44 Abby the Violinist
  • 0:02:19 Abby describes her music
  • 0:03:29 Electric violin vs Acoustic violin
  • 0:08:14 Musical career highlights
  • 0:11:54 “Purple Rain” tribute cover
  • 0:16:22 Designing a custom tuxedo
  • 0:19:09 Non-Profit Spotlight: Camp Penuel
  • 0:20:42 Modeling segment introduction
  • 0:22:25 Photographing pageantland
  • 0:25:47 How Abby started modeling career
  • 0:28:56 Early along in modeling career
  • 0:30:26 Parental guidance for modeling career
  • 0:34:29 How Abby felt about her first photo shoot experience as a 12-year-old
  • 0:36:49 A shady experience with another photographer and how her agency responded
  • 0:39:27 Models are independent contractors
  • 0:43:05 Modeling and female objectification
  • 0:51:34 On retouching and superficiality
  • 0:55:10 Intimate portraits and intent
  • 0:58:31 Pre-sunrise photoshoot
  • 1:01:48 Celebrating feminity
  • 1:04:35 Songs that celebrate women
  • 1:08:15 Closing remarks

FOLLOW ALONG

For more conversations in this series, follow Collected Clan at these online destinations:

FEEDBACK

Your thoughts, comments, and questions are welcome. Here’s how:

GUEST SOCIALS

Learn more about Abby Stahlschmidt at these links and savor the decadent deliciousness
Official Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

RELATED INFO

As promised in this episode, here’s a collection of photos and videos of topics discussed so you have the full experience of this conversational biography.

We start with a collection of photos Abby and your host Gregory have made together over the years.

Next is a collection of photos, videos, and Instagram posts of Abby for various projects she’s done. Starting off, Abby is currently performing throughout Europe withe Vivaldi Metal Project. See her play in this video of an unplugged arrangement. Hear more about Vivaldi Metal Project at 09:28 in this episode.

 

Abby stars in and sings “Turntable” in this video below. Here the full story at 10:08 of this episode.

 

After Prince’s passing, Abby recorded an instrumental version of “Purple Rain” which led to performing live for a St. Louis area dancer who is now paralyzed from a random drive-by shooting. Here here tell the story at 11:53 in this episode.

 

Here’s a sampling of favorites from Abby’s Instagram feed. Abby discusses her professional modeling career as our main topic at 20:41.

 

Toward the end of our conversation, around the 0:54:55 mark, I mention a line of intimate portraiture that I have created. The line is called Bellíntima, and you’re invited to learn more by visiting the official website for this photographic experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy this 40-song playlist of songs celebrating how wonderful woman are. Here the backstory of this playlist at 1:04:19 and be sure you listen to these great songs after the show.

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Camp Penuel, chartered in 1973, is a non-denominational charity focusing on inner-city and “at risk” children.

Camp Penuel’s headquarters and main location is Ironton, Missouri on Lake Killarney. This camp welcomes children from the St. Louis Metro Area, all Missouri, Illinois, Kensas, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.

Begun in 1994, our East Camp in Eldred, Pennsylvania reaches their local area and includes Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Ohio and Washington D.C. Jeremy and Jena Walter lead this camp.

In January 2003, Penuel dedicated land in Esparaza, Costa Rica. Paul and Thelma Bernhagen, who worked at our main camp for over five years, lead the new operation. Not only Costa Rican children benefit from the camp, it will reach out to other countries in Central America.

Abby shares her affections about Camp Penuel at the 19:14 mark in this episode.

 

 

#014 – Tiffany Montero: On Autism, Adoption, and Running To Heal

July 30, 2018 Gregory Byerline Adoption, Relationships, Running 0 Comments

In this episode, we hear from Tiffany Montero and how she’s navigating life through the lens of high-functioning autism and the redemptive power of adoption and how she made a conscious connection with her own birth mom as birth mom herself. This is real life in some honest, candid storytelling and conversation. Plus a special Non-Profit Spotlight that’ll shed some light on how easy it is to help someone else on their journey.

If you enjoyed this, subscribe and share with your friends, go to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, search for Collected Clan and subscribe. Ratings and reviews also help with spreading the word about these conversations.

 

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT

  • 0:01:11 How we met
  • 0:01:32 Ragnar Relay experience
  • 0:03:32 High functioning autism & running (Last Ragnar leg).”
  • 0:05:06 Last Ragnar leg and running with Peter
  • 0:08:53 The mental aspect of running
  • 0:10:59 Sidelined by fear of failure and outside overload.1
  • 0:17:03 Trail running vs road running
  • 0:19:49 Trying to fit into Junior High
  • 0:22:59 Tiffany‘s first 50K
  • 0:33:38 Pushing outside your comfort zone
  • 0:36:04 The importance of a tiny village
  • 0:38:52 Getting real with running
  • 0:40:57 The Run Home
  • 0:50:38 Seeing your son again
  • 1:03:20 Adoption and medical DNA
  • 1:08:31 The Run Home and the road to her girls
  • 1:10:16 Writing about her healing
  • 1:13:05 Non-Profit Spotlight: “Sunday Sandwiches”

FOLLOW ALONG

For more conversations in this series, follow Collected Clan at these online destinations:

FEEDBACK

Your thoughts, comments, and questions are welcome. Here’s how:

GUEST SOCIALS

Learn more about Tiffany at these links and savor the decadent deliciousness
Official Website | Instagram

RELATED INFO

Tiffany has recently launched a blog called Trail Healing where she writes about her journey to healing through trail running.

Additional links to a few of our discussion topics:
The Katy Trail
High-Functioning Autism
Asperger Syndrome

 

Tiffany Montero during the Shawnee Hills 100 mile trail race. Photo provided.

 

The Montero Family. Photo provided.

Tiffany is pictured here with her husband Jose (blue shirt), son Adam (black shirt), and cousin David (green shirt). Photo courtesy of Tiffany Montero.

 

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

This month’s Non-Profit Spotight is something near and dear to Tiffany Montero. Listen along at 1:13:05 to hear how Tiffany’s family supports others on their journey this unique and simple process.

 

 

#013 – Bradley Ford: Guitarist, DJ, Music Man (Part 2)

June 25, 2018 Gregory Byerline Education, Music, Relationships 0 Comments

In this episode, we have the second half of the conversation with my friend Bradley Ford about his career in music, our love of music and musicals, the impact of music on society through education and so much more, including what it’s like to have experienced a school shooting first hand. This conversation took many twists and turns and returns upon itself into a woven storyline that created the longest episode so far.

“We’ve gotta give our kids something to be happy about. You take the arts away…the arts is joy, the arts are happy, the arts are the way you get the demons out.” ~Bradley Ford

Be sure you listen to Part 1 (aka Episode #11) which delivered the hilarity of two Scotch and Bourbon fueled friends spinning a yarn that continues into Part 2. As you listen to each episode, you’ll hear that thread come through which is the power of empathy and how that is formed through music. So this is Part 2 of the two-part conversational biography.

If you enjoyed this, subscribe and share with your friends, go to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, search for Collected Clan and subscribe. Ratings and reviews also help with spreading the word about these conversations.

 

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT

  • 0:01:23 Turning the tide of separation and racism
  • 0:03:57 “Colored People” by dc Talk
  • 0:06:40 Rediscovery with the Shuffle button
  • 0:14:51 Non-Profit Spotlight: Waves of Grace
  • 0:18:04 Living through a school shooting
  • 0:37:07 Required reading: Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • 0:40:30 The state of American education

FOLLOW ALONG

For more conversations in this series, follow Collected Clan at these online destinations:

FEEDBACK

Your thoughts, comments, and questions are welcome. Here’s how:

GUEST SOCIALS

Learn more about Bradley Ford at these links and dive into his humor-filled world of music.
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

RELATED INFO

We talked about many a song in this episode, so it’s only fair that you have a chance to have those at your fingertips for your listening pleasure.

Click the image below to link to the history of school shootings in America that Bradley mentioned.

Any discussion I have about music education includes a mention of the film Mr. Holland’s Opus, and specifically these scenes that speak to the importance of music education as part of a sound education.

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Bradley’s selection for this episode’s Non-Profit Spotlight is Waves of Grace. Hear Bradley’s own words about this gracious organization that provides beach vacations for cancer patients and their families.

#012: Father’s Day Memos…Saying It Forward

June 11, 2018 Gregory Byerline Family, Relationships, Time Capsules 0 Comments

In this episode, I have a special treat for you as Father’s Day approaches. This episode is a collection of unreleased material from previous episodes with guests who are fathers, an extension of Episode #9 featuring mothers. This podcast series is all about conversation, which is much more than an interview. They’re two-sided; not just one-sided Q&A. To that end, I don’t keep a list of questions to ask every guest.

Except in this case.

“Now that you’ve got a little life under your belt, figure out what that means. Figure out what you need to let go. Figure about what you need to anchor to. And use that to guide you through the rest of your life.” ~Bradley Ford

There’s one question I asked each guest. One topic that I covered with each guest. And that’s what I have in store for you here.

I asked each guest to say something to and for each of their children, so that when their children come across this recording years from now – however they find it – because once it’s online it’s online forever – a time capsule of tributes, encouragements, and affirmations from these fathers’ hearts to their children.

And this is so needed today, and this is one of the reasons this podcast exists. Given the recent high profile suicides that occupy the social conversation, despair and depression and confusion and isolation are becoming more and more of an issue sothis is my way of adding another raindrop to the ocean and trying to create a ripple of change. Planting seeds now that will grow into something of greater value later.

We all want to know we’re valued, and these fathers share that with us about their own children. My hope is that you also find an encouraging word here.

FATHERS FEATURED

Father’s Day memos…Saying it forward. Thank you, gentlemen, for sharing your heart here … for your kids AND for us to hear.

If you enjoyed this, subscribe and share with your friends, go to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, search for Collected Clan and subscribe. Ratings and reviews also help with spreading the word about these conversations.

Thank you again for listening.

Now go be you.

 

FOLLOW ALONG

For more conversations in this series, follow Collected Clan at these online destinations:

SPONSOR

This episode is brought to you by Molliepop Studios, specializing in lifestyle portraiture of children and families. At Molliepop Studios, we capture that special smile, a mischievous smirk, a quick kiss for Daddy, or a special secret or snuggle with Mommy…like the cover image for this episode which was made by Molliepop Studios. And sometimes even the furry, barking kind of child. Please visit Molliepop Studios official website or on Facebook and book your session today to make your own photographic time capsules.

 

 

 

#011 – Bradley Ford: Guitarist, DJ, Music Man (Part 1)

May 30, 2018 Gregory Byerline Education, Music, Relationships 0 Comments

In this episode, I talk with my friend Bradley Ford about his career in music, our love of music and musicals, the impact of music on society through education and so much more, including what it’s like to have experienced a school shooting first hand. This conversation took many twists and turns and returns upon itself into a woven storyline that created the longest episode so far. So this is Part 1 of the two-part conversational biography.

If you enjoyed this, subscribe and share with your friends, go to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, search for Collected Clan and subscribe. Ratings and reviews also help with spreading the word about these conversations.

 

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT

  • 0:02:17 Grown men gushing over Celine Dion
  • 0:05:23 Celine Dion is the female Meat Loaf
  • 0:08:23 Jafar lipsyncs Eric Carmen
  • 09:55 Shared deep love of music
  • 0:12:27 From Muffin to Bleach with Bradley on guitar
  • 0:22:37 Impact of music on the creator and the listener
  • 0:31:15 One of the most underrated rock records of all time
  • 0:33:36 Hearing in technicolor
  • 0:39:47 Phantom of the Opera
  • 0:46:28 Life and humanity through the lens of The Greatest Showman
  • 0:57:39 “A beautiful crap shoot of life”

FOLLOW ALONG

For more conversations in this series, follow Collected Clan at these online destinations:

GUEST SOCIALS

Learn more about Bradley Ford at these links and dive into his humor-filled world of music.
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

RELATED INFO

We talked about many a song in this episode, so it’s only fair that you have a chance to have those at your fingertips for your listening pleasure.

The infamous Muffin ringer tee

Static album cover by Bleach

Bradley created this Bleach playlist so you can hear that part of his world.

Dove Award for Alternative/Modern Rock Recorded Song of the Year for “Epidermis Girl”

Commemorating the #1 single “Super Good Feeling” written by our guest Bradley Ford

Commemorating the #1 single “Super Good Feeling” … written by our guest Bradley Ford

If you haven’t heard the 25th anniversary cast performance of Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber featuring Ramin Karimloo (Phantom) and Sierra Boggess (Christine), here’s your chance. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.

And of course, we also recommend that you give some listens to The Greatest Showman

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Bradley’s selection for this episode’s Non-Profit Spotlight will be presented in Part 2 of this conversation. Stay tuned.

#010 – John J. Thompson: Musician, Author, Troubadour

May 14, 2018 Gregory Byerline Leadership, Music, Relationships 0 Comments

Though we met less than 10 years ago, John J. Thompson and I share a rather parallel life that was exciting to explore in this conversation about our shared Central Illinois roots and about signing his own adoption papers, how forgiveness is actually connected to understanding, the unique community that was Cornerstone Festival, his book called Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate: Crafting a Handmade Faith in a Mass Market World, and so much more.

If you enjoyed this, subscribe and share with your friends, go to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, search for Collected Clan and subscribe. Ratings and reviews also help with spreading the word about these conversations. Cheers.

 

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT

  • 0:02:02 Our parallel life
  • 0:12:10 Living in and out of hiding with a con-man father
  • 0:15:28 The making of a con-man father
  • 0:17:59 The forgiveness process
  • 0:21:52 Counting native Nashvillians
  • 0:22:43 Moving to Music City
  • 0:23:48 The beginnings of a music library
  • 0:26:35 Tales from the late great Cornerstone Festival
  • 0:31:43 The rise and fall of True Tunes
  • 0:35:54 “I’m cool with Africa, just don’t send me to Nashville”
  • 0:44:42 Grand ideals dashed upon the rocks
  • 0:53:43 About Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate book
  • 1:07:38 John‘s upcoming projects
  • 1:08:17 Deep admiration for Phil Keaggy
  • 1:10:03 Non-Profit Spotlight: Compassion International
  • 01:10:18 How to connect with John online

FOLLOW ALONG

For more conversations in this series, follow Collected Clan at these online destinations:

GUEST SOCIALS

Learn more about John at these links to read his thought-provoking writings
Official Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

RELATED INFO

Hear his original music recorded as The Wayside, with his wife and musical partner Michelle Thompason, at ReverbNation.

Download a free chapter of John J. Thompson’s book called Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate: Crafting a Handmade Faith in a Mass Market World at this link or by clicking the cover below.

Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate book by John J. Thompson book cover

Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate book by John J. Thompson

 

 

 

 

 

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

John selected Compassion International for this episode’s Non-Profit Spotlight. John and his wife Michelle have sponsored several children around the world over years, helping provide an opportunity to attend or stay in school, access to medical care which often saves lives, nourishing food, mentoring and a safe environment through a local church, and opportunities to hear the good news that John writes about.

Please watch this video to learn more about the great work done by Compassion International and consider sponsoring a child today. Give a child hope for the future and for all eternity.

 

 

#009 – Bonus: Mother’s Day Memos…Saying It Forward

May 7, 2018 Gregory Byerline Family, Relationships, Time Capsules 0 Comments

In this bonus episode, I have a special treat for you.

This episode is a collection of unreleased material from previous episodes with guests who are mothers. This podcast series is all about conversation, which is much more than an interview. They’re two-sided; not just one-sided Q&A. To that end, I don’t keep a list of questions to ask every guest.

Except in this case.

There’s one question I asked each guest. One topic, rather, that I covered with each guest. And that’s what I have in store for you today.

“Making the decision to have a child – it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” ~Elizabeth Stone

I asked each guest to say something to and for each of their children so that, when their children come across this recording years from now – however they find it – because once it’s online it’s online forever – a time capsule of love notes, encouragements, and affirmations from these mothers’ hearts to their children.

And this is so needed today, which is one of the reasons this podcast exists. As a society in recent years, we’ve done a lot of talking AT each other instead of talking WITH each other … or in this case using words FOR another. This is missing in our society, and this is my way of adding a raindrop to the ocean and trying to create a ripple of change. Planting seeds now that will grow into something of greater value later.

Think about the loved ones we’ve all lost whose voices we’d love to hear. If only through this single method, here’s a way for these children to hear their mothers’ voices forever and ever.

MOTHERS FEATURED

Mother’s Day memos…Saying it forward. Thank you, ladies, for sharing your heart here … for your kids AND for us to hear. You speak and have something worthwhile to say,  and you say it kindly.

If you enjoyed this, subscribe and share with your friends, go to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, search for Collected Clan and subscribe. Ratings and reviews also help with spreading the word about these conversations.

Thank you again for listening.

Now go be you.

FOLLOW ALONG

For more conversations in this series, follow Collected Clan at these online destinations:

RELATED INFO

Since this bonus episode contains verbal love notes from mothers to their children, it only apt that we present those mothers with their children. 8)

Daughter and mother

(left) Amanda Eldridge and (right ) Ginger Eldridge from Episode 8. Photo courtesy of Ginger Eldridge.

Elizabeth Foster from Episode 6 with her mini-me Eloise. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Foster.

mother and children

Levi & Lucy with their mother Jenny Baker from Episode 7. Photo courtesy of Jenny Baker.

The Willis gals with Tanya Willis from Episode 5. Photo courtesy of Tanya Willis.

SPONSOR

This episode is brought to you by Molliepop Studios, specializing in lifestyle portraiture of children and families. At Molliepop Studios, we capture that special smile, a mischievous smirk, a quick kiss for Daddy, or a special secret or snuggle with Mommy…like the cover image for this episode which was made by Molliepop Studios. And sometimes even the furry, barking kind of child. Please visit Molliepop Studios official website or on Facebook and book your session today to make your own photographic time capsules.