Journey of an Artist

"Clarity is important." Do you feel like there is a story inside of you that desperately needs to be told? Have you always wanted to publish a book, but felt discouraged by the difficulties of the publishing industry? In this episode, Emmeline sits down with independent author and anthologist Adam D. Jones to talk about developing one's creative career as an adult, exploring the world of independent publishing, and why storytelling and writing are not always the same thing. Adam shares his passion for storytelling and talks about how he used that passion to become a better and more effective writer. He also discusses the beauty of the independent publishing industry and the plethora of intensely talented writers who are making it on their own. To learn more about Adam, or to follow his creative journey, visit his official website. You can also celebrate Adam's birthday by downloading his new anthology, The Lost Legends: Book of Monsters--which features a story from Journey of a Song alumna Christine Hand! For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"It is my responsibility to be in control of the narrative of my own life." Calling all women in entertainment! We all need the reminder that we're not alone in the messiness and imperfections of our creative pursuits. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with writer, dramaturg, and librettist Amy Andrews for a heartfelt, honest, candid interview about the twists and turns of Amy's creative journey--and why community among women is SO important when building a life for yourself as an artist. They also share a few funny college stories and talk about the journey from conservatory to the stage. To learn more about Amy Andrews, visit her official website. To learn more about the Women and Theatre Project, co-founded by Amy and Haley Goldenberg, visit their official website. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage or visit Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"I just felt this itch..." Jacob Niemeier had a great, stable life. He had a job in his field that earned him a comfortable wage, a satisfying living situation, and lots of friends with whom he could hang out on the weekends. Deep down, though, something was calling him to do more. To do something scary. To take a risk. Jacob was positive that God was calling him to start his own nonprofit and spend his days creating sustainable water solutions for underprivileged communities. Jacob was NOT immediately positive he wanted to answer that call. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with the Founder and CEO of Vera Aqua Vera Vita, Jacob Niemeier, to talk about his path to nonprofit entrepreneurship. Jacob shares the risks he took, the faith he had, and the challenge of answering a call once we feel it. He also has tips for searching for and seizing opportunities! The two also discuss the importance of purpose and community--and lament the limitations of the social definition of "creativity." To learn more about Vera Aqua Vera Vita and how you can get involved in helping to bring clean water to as many people as possible, visit the official website or donate today. For more about Vera Aqua Vera Vita's 2023 Concert Jam Fundraiser, click here. You can also listen to music by the featured artists--Emmeline, Zuriel Merek, and Travelin' Jed--on Spotify. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

How do you make a living doing what you love in the creative arts? Can music really make full-time money? Brad Thompson has the answer. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with professional musician Brad Thompson of Brad Thompson and the Undulating Band to talk about their reunion show on January 12th, 2023 at The Bartonville Store, how life impacts the process of songwriting, and how Brad has learned to shift from folk-inspired singer-songwriter to party band and back again. They also make some solid John Cage references, discuss their obsessive agonizing over set lists, and talk about the realities of life on tour. At the end, Brad shares "A Moment," the moving song he wrote for his late father. To learn more about Brad Thompson, or to follow his musical journey, visit his official website. For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of an Artist, visit Emmeline on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"People really just need to be heard." - Lauren O'Connor. It's been a rough few years for mental health. The pandemic, the fear, the feelings of isolation, the political unrest--all of these have contributed to what sometimes feels like a Herculean fight. But if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, or struggling to find purpose and community, there IS hope. Foundation 45 is that hope. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Lauren O'Connor, the President and Executive Director of Foundation 45 in Deep Ellum. A drummer by trade and an audio engineer by training, Lauren didn't initially see herself working in nonprofit--but seeing her friends in the industry suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues drove her to make a difference. Lauren and Emmeline talk about witnessing the healing power of music during their time as volunteers at Girls Rock Dallas. Then, Lauren shares how her passion for mental health and arts advocacy led her to work more permanently in nonprofit. She discusses the amazing resources Foundation 45 provides for those in recovery, those struggling with depression or anxiety, and those in the LGBTQIA+ community who feel marginalized or voiceless. She highlights the incredible work done by Foundation 45's counselors, and the communities the organization has built in its support groups. To learn more about the incredible work Foundation 45 is doing, or to benefit from its services, please visit their official website. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"Lord, thank you for taking me through this journey. Grant me strength as I go through each day. Grant me a cheerful spirit and give me courage to do whatever needs to be done." - Angela Mendoza. Tony Mendoza was a CFO. His wife, Angela, was an accountant. They were, by self definition, not "creative" people. Yet they created a beautiful life together by choosing to love each other through life's complicated curve balls, honoring the wild journey God had given them, and welcoming three compassionate children into the world. Tony took up the guitar at Angela's suggestion, but he didn't necessarily consider himself a creative person--and certainly not a musician! Then Angela was diagnosed with cancer, and everything changed. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Tony Mendoza to talk about his and Angela's moving love story--from the moment they met to how their love has changed in the wake of Angela's death. Tony shares how Angela's cheerful spirit, persistent grace, and unyielding determination inspired her to share her cancer journey with friends and family through CaringBridge. He also talks about how she survived three incredible years in spite of the doctors' predictions that cancer would take her in six months. He vulnerably explains how Angela's death has challenged him to step more deeply into his creative side, how Angela co-wrote a book with him from beyond, and how their story has become a beautiful song. To learn more about Angela's journey, please check out her phenomenally touching book, Dear Friends and Family. To help Angela's legacy live on through the students she impacts, you can donate to the scholarship in her name here. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"We live in hope." Have you ever wondered how you can contribute to the arts if you don't feel like a traditional creative? Can you still make an impact if you're not the one drawing, or painting, or making music? Dr. Diane Miles says yes. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with arts advocate Dr. Diane Miles to discuss her career in education, her experience in human resources, and how she's used her skills to uplift and empower artists to step more deeply into their creative truth. They talk in depth about Diane's historical neighborhood in Dallas, the inspiration she drew from her parents, and her personal and managerial relationship with the late, legendary artist, Johnice Ingram Parker. In Johnice's memory, Diane is now helping to manage the artist's remaining works, using the sales of those works to fund a financial award for up-and-coming artists who need support and encouragement. To learn more about Johnice Ingram Parker, to purchase her artwork, or to donate to the scholarship fund in her name, please visit her official website. You can also see her work in person at Chocolate Secrets in Dallas through September 2022. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"Authenticity is key." What do you do when you have so much creative energy that you can't possibly focus on just one project at a time? How do you balance all of your passion with your desire to stay sane? Joseph Fisher-Schramm knows. Joseph is a musician, a producer, an arranger, and the CEO and founder of the independent record label, A Study in Expression. In this episode, he sits down with Emmeline to talk about the myriad ways in which his passion for music manifests, how he collaborates with other artists, what inspires him, and why he felt the need to create a video game and accompanying board game called Gunpowder Tea. They also talk about the benefits and drawbacks of formal music education and why authenticity is such an important part of being a prolific creative professional. To learn more about Joseph, or to follow his creative journey, visit his official website. You can also find him on Instagram at @joefacethefirst. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"How you do anything is how you do everything." Have you ever wanted to learn an instrument? Did you start learning? Did you immediately start to wonder why playing an instrument is so hard? This is your episode! In this episode of Journey of an Artist, Emmeline sits down with YouTube star and fellow pianist, Marina from The Piano Keys, to talk about why it matters not just that you practice your instrument, but how you practice your instrument. They talk about traditional music education versus effective music education, the importance of music theory, and why music should be fun! Marina also shares some of the tips from her new book, Practice Makes Permanent: The Busy Pianist's Guide to Getting the Best Results in the Shortest Time. Music doesn't have to be a chore--but it certainly can be. Give this episode a listen to find out how you can bring the joy back to your practicing sessions. Plus, find out how Marina built a business with her musical knowledge--and how she continues to expand her empire. To learn more about Marina from The Piano Keys, or to access her online courses, visit her official website. You can also check out her new book, her YouTube page, and her sheet music. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

If you're struggling with your artistic identity or contemplating a shift in a new direction, look no further. Blue Capricorn is here to empathize with you! In this episode of Journey of an Artist, Emmeline sits down with alternative pop artist Blue Capricorn to talk about the nonlinear nature of the musician's journey. From his early days in school band to his search for the right producer, Blue Capricorn gets candid about the ups and downs of the artistic process--and shares how beautiful it feels to finally be stepping more and more into their own. The start can be a rocky one; you just have to keep going. To learn more about Blue Capricorn, or to follow their musical journey, find Blue Capricorn on Spotify or visit the official website. For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of an Artist, follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic. You can also visit the official Journey of Series official webpage! For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

“It’s normal to have ups and downs. That comes with the world. It’s how you handle those ups and downs.” - Lamar Strait Do you ever feel like you can't focus on just one thing? Do you ever feel like you have too many ideas and too little time? Are you fighting negative voices in your head that say that you can't do it all? This episode is for you! In this episode of Journey of an Artist, Emmeline sits down with the multi-passionate entrepreneur Lamar Strait to talk about bringing ideas to life--from music to TV to fashion. Lamar discusses the ups and downs of his artistic journey and shares the ways he stays motivated to keep growing, maturing, and deepening his understanding of himself and his art. He also gives a sneak peek into his plans for his clothing brand, Mind Control; his new album, The Transition; and his upcoming film, Triple D. You can even hear some of his music! To learn more about Lamar Strait, or to follow his artistic journey, visit him on Instagram at @iamlamarstrait. For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of an Artist, follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

How to you fight for your dream in spite of the challenges? How do you use the obstacles as motivation? How can you turn roadblocks into new paths to success? In this episode, Emmeline and Dr. Mona Jhaveri tackle these questions and more. Mona is a research scientist with a degree in biochemistry who began her career in science by working on a cure for cancer. Her discoveries led her to start Foligo Therapeutics, Inc.--a biotech start-up designed to bring cancer treatments to the masses. After challenges in funding made it difficult for her to bring treatments to patients in need, Mona started Music Beats Cancer, an organization designed to help crowdfund products introduced by new biochemical research. Here, she shares how obstacles inspired her to change paths, how her desire for positive change has deepened over time, and how she's more motivated now than ever. To learn more about Music Beats Cancer and how you can get involved, please visit their official website. You can also follow the organization on Twitter and Instagram. To learn more about Mona Jhaveri, or to follow her journey, you can join her on Twitter or Instagram. For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of an Artist, follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Are you seeking proof that God has a plan for you? Have setbacks or traumatic experiences discouraged you? Are you looking for ways to get back into your art? If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, Cryste DeShields has a story you need to hear. As celebrity photojournalist and co-founder of Dallas Music Network, Cryste has found multiple ways for her artistic passion to manifest. However, she's also faced setbacks that could've ended her career. Exposure to toxins left her with medical complications, and she was present as a photographer for the Las Vegas shooting in 2017. Yet those medical complications inspired her to pursue painting and photography, and her experience with PTSD inspired her to co-found Dallas Music Network. In this episode, Emmeline and Cryste talk about purpose, passion, and how something good can come from something bad. They also discuss their mutual work with Dallas Music Network and how Cryste is hoping to use the organization to change the world for musicians and their fans. To learn more about Cryste or to follow her artistic journey, find her on Instagram at @crystedeshields. To learn more about Dallas Music Network and how you can get involved, please visit their official website. For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of an Artist, follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Did your artistic journey take you in a different direction than you'd initially anticipated? Do you struggle between satisfaction with your current path and doubt about whether you should've stuck to your initial direction? This episode is for you! Here, Emmeline sits down with singer-songwriter and music instructor Rebekah Prim to talk about the call to perform, the desire for connection through music, and the ways in which our paths as creative professionals can deviate from our initial plan. Rebekah shares the unconventional path she took toward teaching and the joy she gets from sharing music with students. She also discusses the importance of continuing education, how production complications can stall a project, and how she stays inspired to create. To learn more about Rebekah Prim, visit her official website or inquire about lessons. You can also find her on Spotify and Instagram. To learn more about Melody of Hope, visit their official website. For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of an Artist, follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"Never discount any of your talents or that you can make use of them.” - Linda Lerner. Want to learn more about broadcast media? This episode is for you! From television to radio, comedy to drama, writing to production, CBS to ABC, and NPR to Disney, Al and Linda Lerner have done it all! In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Al and Linda to discuss the decades they've collectively spend in broadcasting. Linda talks about her time as a journalist, and Al shares some stories about how he scored a job as a sports anchor. They offer their best advice to anyone seeking a career in entertainment--plus, hear what keeps them busy on the side! Al and Linda now run Movies and Shakers, a website dedicated to film reviews and interviews. To learn more about Al and Linda Lerner, read their movie reviews, or watch the interviews they've conducted with some of your favorite stars, visit their official Movies and Shakers webpage. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"God did not create you to create by yourself." - Charlie Wendell. Do you have a heart for service? Do you feel called to make a difference? Are you letting the fear of mistakes or inadequacy keep you from doing what you love? This episode of Journey of an Artist is for you! University of North Texas and Full Sail University alumna Charlie Wendell started out with good friends and a dream to unite her three passions: Jesus, people, and music. Now, she serves as Executive Director of the non-profit she founded, Melody of Hope--which seeks to bring hope through music. In this episode, Emmeline and Charlie talk about the challenges and joys of creating a business, allowing that business to adapt, and pushing past the mistakes to pursue your purpose. Charlie talks about the experiences that inspired her to create Melody of Hope, the way the organization has evolved, and the lessons she's learned along the way. To learn more about how you can help support Melody of Hope, or to submit a musician who might be a good fit for the organization, visit Melody of Hope's official website. For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of an Artist, follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"If someone has to tell you to give them more, something is wrong." - Jim Greene Calling all fans of broadcast media and aspiring sports broadcasters! In this episode, Emmeline sits down with the tireless hustler Jim Greene. Graphics Coordinator for the American Airlines Center and AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX, Jim is a veteran of sports broadcasting and live events who has also worked for ABC Radio Networks and Radio Disney. Jim shares the importance of perseverance in creative fields, discusses saying "yes" to opportunity whenever and however it knocks, and chats about his favorite moments in setting the scene for the Dallas Mavericks. To learn more about Jim Greene, or to follow his creative journey, find him on Twitter at @FJGreene. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"[Writing] helped keep me grounded and connected and able to keep on emotionally." - Rachael Warecki. Are you an aspiring writer? A professional writer? Do you have a deep desire to share your stories with the world? This episode is for you! Emmeline sits down with award-winning, published author Rachael Warecki to talk about the practices that help a writer go from aspiring to achieving. Rachael shares the practices that helped her land Ragdale and MacDowell residencies, discusses her habit of writing every day, and emphasizes the importance of community as a creative professional. Rachael also dives deep into her beliefs about the importance of perseverance as a creator and gives a sneak peek at her upcoming novel, tentatively titled The Split Decision. She also introduces the invaluable resource for women and non-binary writers, Women Who Submit. To learn more about Rachael Warecki, to read her fiction, or to follow her artistic journey, visit her official website. You can also find her on Instagram at @rachaellawriter. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"There are no menial jobs if you can learn from them." - Tigrilla Gardenia. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with nature-inspired mentor and leadership coach, Tigrilla Gardenia. A veteran of Microsoft, Real Networks, and Cirque du Soleil, Tigrilla talks about how her passion for engineering and her love for music have led her down a winding, fruitful creative path that has spanned years, fields, and continents. Tigrilla also shares how her interest in spirituality and nature have led her to develop a coaching business in which she inspires others to follow their own winding creative paths toward personal fulfillment. Emmeline and Tigrilla also discuss the difference between fear of new experiences and the deeply unsettling feeling that a pursuit is not right. To learn more about Tigrilla's journey and her coaching, or to join her Naturally Conscious Community for free inspiration online, visit her official website. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"You can always reinvent yourself." - Veronica Young In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Deep Ellum Community Association board member and Dallas/Fort Worth radio veteran Veronica Young to talk about Veronica's unconventional path to success as an emcee and radio personality. Veronica shares her lifelong passion for local music, her enthusiasm for live music, her conviction that all of the best talent resides in the DFW area, and how her extroverted nature creates opportunities for her to promote the art about which she cares so deeply. They also talk about the gifts to be found in the pandemic, the challenges of a career in entertainment, and Veronica's journey from party-going host of Hungover with V to sober host of The Veronica Young Show. To learn more about Veronica Young, or to follow her journey, follow @theveronicayoungshow on Instagram. You can also listen to her new show, The Veronica Young Show, live on Deep Ellum Radio every Thursday night at 8 PM Central, right after Journey of a Song. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.