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.
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.
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.
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.
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, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts, search for Collected Clan and subscribe. Ratings and reviews also help with spreading the word about these conversations.
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.
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.
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.
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, SoundCloud, 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.
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.
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, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts, search for Collected Clan and subscribe. Ratings and reviews also help with spreading the word about these conversations.
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.
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, SoundCloud, 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.
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.
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.
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, SoundCloud, 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.
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)
(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.
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.
In this episode, I reconnect with Ginger Eldridge, someone I’ve known for nearly the entire 26 years I’ve lived in Nashville. To date, she and I have the longest history together of any guest.
We talk about …
music business life in Nashville
the impact we both experienced knowing the late great Landy Gardner
getting to second base with Dolly Parton
doing life with an out ex-spouse
and so much more
She’s a Mother. She’s a Survivor. And she’s an Honorer. Listen, you’ll see.
Big thank you to everyone who has subscribed and left a rating/review like this one about episode #6 with painter/songwriter Elizabeth Foster … “Loved this conversation! Was like I was sitting on the porch swing with you two.”
“Loved this conversation! Was like I was sitting on the porch swing with you two.”
That much sums up with this show is all about. Everyday people having a conversation, telling stories of their lives, and learning new things about each other. More than an interview … it’s a conversation. Two sided; not just one. And in the social media age when most people have resorted to talking AT each other, this is an opportunity to talk WITH each other.
Like this episode with Ginger Eldridge … we go light we go deep then we go light then we go deep again then light again as we cover a lot of memory ground in this conversation.
For more conversations in this series, go to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts, search for Collected Clan and subscribe. Ratings and reviews also help with spreading the word about these conversations.
Let’s get social at official Collected Clan profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter too. Thank you.
GUEST SOCIALS
Connect with Ginger directly on Twitter. All others are set to private.
RELATED INFO
Photos and videos of topics we discussed are shown here for your viewing pleasure. Additional info and time stamps from the episode are listed in the captions.
Ginger Eldridge and her daughter Amanda, photographed at a special moment described at XXXXX
Ginger Eldridge singing with Christ Church Choir. Photo courtesy of Ginger Eldridge.
Ginger Eldridge (on Left in camouflage) singing “Eagle When She Flies” with Dolly Parton on 1991 CMA Awards show mentioned at 0:16:04. Photo courtesy of Ginger Eldridge.
This magical music moment with Dolly Parton singing “He’s Alive” backed by Christ Church Choir that Ginger mentioned at 0:12:58.
A few favorite photos with the CD wall mentioned at 0:25:21. Photos by Gregory Byerline.
“Gotta Go Through” by Christine Dente discussed at 0:29:57 and 1:38:35
Ginger Eldridge with music celebrities she’s met over the years. Top…Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton. Middle Left…Billy Ray Cyrus. Middle Right…Don Henley. Lower Left…Mary Chapin Carpenter. Lower Right…Neil Diamond. Photos courtesy of Ginger Eldridge.
Landy Gardner Memorial Service. Video starts midway through the memorial service when his daughters Dionne & Lauren share their eulogies as discussed in this episode at 0:31:33. The entire memorial service is also worth watching and hearing.
Because it’s hard to *only* talk about this epic performance, mentioned at 0:55:47, one really needs to see and hear it too. Enjoy.
And because a conversation with me that includes music will likely include allusions to songs or lyrics because, in fact, the song remembers when indeed. Hear at 1:39:02.
An essential play for Tom Petty fans, or those of us who have yet to jump on the Petty train (as I mentioned at 1:42:46).
NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT
Through her direct experience in the final days of her brother’s life, Ginger Eldridge has selected Alive Hospice for this episode’s Non-Profit Spotlight.
Alive Hospice provides compassionate end-of-life care, palliative care, bereavement support and community education while serving more than 3,600 patients and their families annually (more than 430 daily) and provides grief support services for nearly 600 adults and children in Middle Tennessee in addition to training for tomorrow’s caregivers and education for the community at large.
As the only not-for-profit, community-based hospice in Middle Tennessee, Alive Hospice never turns anyone away, regardless of ability to pay, insurance status, race, religion, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, or disability.
Learn more about Alive Hospice by visiting their official website, follow this great organization on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, and consider how you can donate or volunteer to support this great organization.
Jenny & Franklin Baker have covered more ground (literally) than your average couple, whether on the road or trail running or turning their life’s boat upstream by moving to the woods and simplifying their life to amplify the impact they have on others lives. Listen in as we talk about ultra running (any distance longer than a 26.2-mile marathon…yeah, it’s a thing), homeschooling, living intentionally, female empowerment, and so much more. Another good’n for you.
For more conversations in this series, go to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, 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.
In this episode, we talked about the trail race Team Baker directs called Georgia Jewel. I had the privilege of running part of the Georgia Jewel course, both of which were quite the adventure. First was a preview run, and the second was actual race day. If you’d like to run this great event, register here and also visit the official site.
Learn more about SheVentures, the outdoor opportunity for women to “explore the earth, conquer the adventure (and pee in the woods)”
Jenny & Franklin Baker have selected Run4Water for their episode’s Non-Profit Spotlight.
Run4Water strives to raise awareness and provide solutions for the worldwide water crisis. They are not the typical nonprofit organization: while they operate on donations and want to make a big impact in the world, Run4Water also wants to inspire others to use their talents and abilities to make a change in the world around you. Run4Water holds events and races that encourage others to get involved. They offer resources and experience to help others make a difference in the world. The organization consists of individuals from all backgrounds coming together to perform a monumental task.
Here’s a list of products mentioned in our conversation. These are affiliate links from which Collected Clan receives a small commission at no additional cost to you that offsets costs of producing these episodes.
Elizabeth Foster is a beyond-talented artist whose work you really need to see and hear. We talk about her early music career, world travels, uber-fantastic paintings she creates that are must-see (truly), how she makes a living as a full-time artist, and how much I really want an Elizabeth Foster tattoo. Definitely visit the show notes to see her work.
For more conversations in this series, go to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, SoundCloud, 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.
GUEST SOCIALS
Learn more about Elizabeth at these links and treat your eyes and ears to the creative mind of Elizabeth Foster. Official Website | Etsy | Instagram | Spotify
RELATED INFO
Follow Elizabeth to learn about new art openings, including her new solo show at Lark & Key Gallery & Boutique in Charlotte, NC from April 6, 2018 through May 26, 2018.
Info about Yalta Conference mentioned in segment about touring Ukraine.
See below for photos of items and artworks discussed in this episode.
Hand tattoo designs mentioned early in the episode.
“The Writer” 30×40 acrylic on canvas by Elizabeth Foster
“This Little Light of Mine” 8×10 acrylic on canvas board by Elizabeth Foster
“Scrimshaw, Sailor of the Deep” 36×60 acrylic on canvas by Elizabeth Foster
“The Bear and The Bass” by Elizabeth Foster
“The Beauty of a Rare Find” 36×60 acrylic on canvas by Elizabeth Foster
“The Meeting in the Middle” 36×60 acrylic on canvas by Elizabeth Foster
“The Incredible Race” 48×60 acrylic on canvas by Elizabeth Foster
Julie Lee, Sarah Siskind, and Elizabeth Foster pictured backstage while on tour together. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Foster.
NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT
Elizabeth has selected Safe Haven as her episode’s Non-Profit Spotlight. Safe Haven is the only shelter-to-housing program of its kind in Middle Tennessee that accepts the entire homeless family. They keep the family together and provide comprehensive services that empower them to achieve lasting self-sufficiency.
RELATED PRODUCTS
Here’s a list of products mentioned in our conversation. These are affiliate links from which Collected Clan receives a small commission at no additional cost to you that offsets costs of producing these episodes.
Tanya and I talk about a mutually favorite subject…DOGS! Beyond their puppy dog eyes and waggly tails, she shares how Agape Animal Rescue came to be, what it’s like to raid a dog fighting operation, and how inspiring it is when she’s able to find forever homes for rescues who simply want to be someone’s everything. What happened to dogs affected by Hurricane Harvey? What about Michael Vick? Did Gypsy find a home? All that and more.
For more conversations in this series, go to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, 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.
We mentioned several photographs in this episode. See below.
Tanya Willis, founder of Agape Animal Rescue, with Mack…the golden lab who inspired it all
Tanya Willis, founder of Agape Animal Rescue, with her three dogs…(L) Mack, the Golden Lab who started it all, (C) William Wallace, and (R) Robert The Bruce
Tanya Willis cutting chains off pit bull during an Animal Rescue Corp (ARC) raid of an illegal dog fighting operation.
Our first family photo with Sundae in front of Nashville Humane Association sign in 2001.
Portrait of Sundae Delaney, O.S.P., our first rescue dog.
The day I met our second rescue dog…Dar Lynn Clementine
Clementine relaxing in repose like the darlin’ that she is.
Agape rescue Gypsy with her new family Elizabeth & Bart at puppy school graduation.
How Clementine passed the time during my conversation with Tanya
NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT
This episode’s Non-Profit Spotlight is, naturally, Agape Animal Rescue. You’ve heard Tanya tell about stories about the organization in this episode, and here’s some further info about their mission.
RELATED PRODUCTS
Here’s a list of products mentioned in our conversation plus a few additional favorites Tanya and I highly recommend for fellow dog lovers. These are affiliate links from which Collected Clan receives a small commission at no additional cost to you that offsets costs of producing these episodes.
