Here’s a between-season update about what I’ve been up to, plans for Collected Clan Season Two, and a special song for the season that I hope hits you like it hit me.
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.
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.
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:
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 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:
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, 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”
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 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.
WHAT WE TALK ABOUT
0:02:14 College survival and Nashville arrival
0:09:16 Experiences in Christ Church Choir
0:13:10 Getting to 2nd base with Dolly Parton
0:21:14 Career on Music Row
0:27:10 Discarding stuff and heavy memories
0:31:30 The legacy of Landy Gardner
0:39:52 Coffee the Italian way
0:44:28 The legacy of Landy Gardner, part two
0:48:02 Adulting with an out ex-spouse
0:54:54 Stairway To Heaven
:59:48 Non-Profit Spotlight: Alive Hospice
1:01:04 Celebrity bucket list introductions
1:08:40 Importance of divorced parents staying close by for the kids
1:13:16 Doing life with an out ex-spouse
1:39:24 My shocking musical confession
FOLLOW ALONG
For more conversations in this series, follow Collected Clan at these online destinations:
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.
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, 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.
WHAT WE TALK ABOUT
0:01:48 Early music career
0:03:52 Touring Ukraine
0:08:20 Hannah & Elizabeth and solo music
0:13:12 Collecting Elizabeth Fosters
0:17:23 Tattoos
0:22:35 Origin of her style
0:33:18 Animals as muses
0:40:22 Current projects
0:42:49 Even more Elizabeth Fosters
0:44:36 Personal work vs Commissions
0:51:01 Non-Profit Spotlight
0:52:50 What Elizabeth sees in her dreams
0:57:54 The NeverEnding Story and storm chasing
1:02:47 Life in a creative household
1:04:44 First-time parent later in life
FOLLOW ALONG
For more conversations in this series, follow Collected Clan at these online destinations:
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.
David and I talked extensively his music career, songwriting, love & marriage, human interaction, social ills and solutions to those ills, and the ideology and philosophy that fuels his world.
For more conversations in this series, 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.
FOLLOW ALONG
For more conversations in this series, follow Collected Clan at these online destinations:
Since music is a large part of his story, it’s only fitting to include this a playlist of David’s favorite tracks (plus a couple of my personal favorites added at the end) from his albums with Old Man Shattered and the solo EP he mentioned, plus a link to his EP download at BandCamp plus a video of the band in action. Rock on.
NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT
The New Mexico Dream Center is an Organization who exists to restore the dreams of the Hopeless, the Helpless, the Hurting, and the Broken. They are committed to identifying gaps in services in New Mexico and since there are not any current services that address Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) in the entire state NMDC is taking on this issue! Click screenshot below to see the video David mentioned then scroll below the video to donate if you’re able to help.
#015 – Abby Stahlschmidt: On Modeling, Objectification, and A Little Bit of Music
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
FOLLOW ALONG
For more conversations in this series, follow Collected Clan at these online destinations:
FEEDBACK
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.