The Stay Amazing Show

This is Part two of our conversation with Kari Kirkland. Part one, where she talks about her new album can be heard on Episode 80. After the release of her remarkable first album 'Wild Is The Wind' in 2021, Kari discovered that a musician friend of hers was in need of a kidney transplant. She discussed it with her husband and decided to get tested to see if she would be a good match. After a series of tests, it was determined that she would be a perfect match for her friend Robert. So in October of 2021, after recording her new album "If (hen You Go)", Kari traveled to Seattle to donate her left kidney. Thankfully, the procedure went well and both Kari and Robert are doing amazing. Kari is now involved with the Living Donor Adventures organization spreading awareness to the issue of organ donations. They will climb Mt. Kilimanjaro on March 9th to give visibility to the importance of living donation. In this episode Kari talks about how donating has changed her perspective on life and music, the importance of organ donation and what lies ahead. Learn more about Kari at KariKirkland.com Stay Amazing!

Kari Kirkland is back with a new album 'If (When You Go)". It is her follow up to "Wild Is The Wind" released in 2021. Kari again collaborates with the genius of musical arranger and producer Shelly Berg who helps Kari's musical vision come to life. The giant leap that this new album takes production and song selection wise over the first album is incredible. Again Kari and Shelly choose the best musicians for this project. Muscians who have collectively played on over 2,000 recordings. Kari gives these songs new meaning considering Kari's life over the last two years. Besides working on her music, Kari decided to donate a kidney to a fellow musician friend saving his life. This shows the passion for life and music that Kari has. And it shows in her music. We recorded this session at Kari's home in Palm Desert California in her back yard sanctuary. It was also a day before she played live at the Catalina Jazz Club in Los Angeles. A show I was fortunate enough to witness. It was Amazing! In this conversation Kari: **This episode is part one of our conversation. Part two (Episode 81) will go live tomorrow (02.10.23). Kari will discuss her life before and after donating her kidney and what lies ahead for her personally and musically. Don't miss it! KariKirkland.com

Suicide is a subject people find difficult to discuss. Jennifer Scott tried twice to take her life due to years of trauma. She survived and has now turned her story into an important film - "Eyes Upon Waking". The film takes you from her second suicide attempt to her stay at a facility and how that experience changed her life. It's a film that shows the reality of mental health through the eyes of the main character, Taren Foley. The film sends a powerful message to those who know someone who has taken their life, those with depression, anxiety. It brings awareness to those who know nothing or very little about the seriousness of mental health and recovery. "Eyes Upon Waking" has been nominated for several awards at over 40 different film festival, winning in over 20 categories. Jennifer has become a role model for other filmmakers and says the mission of this film is to save lives. Some of what Jennifer discusses in this episode: Visit the films website for more on this extraordinary film: https://www.eyesuponwaking.com/ If you feel you have a problem with mental wellness or have thoughts of suicide, please seek help. We have created a page with resources here: https://thestayamazingmovement.com/wellness/ Stay Amazing!

Vanessa Rusk, known as The Girl On A Bike, is passionate about living life to the fullest. A self described adrenaline junkie, Vanessa has always been active, into sports and fitness. She works hard and she plays hard. But it was in Match of 2014, that her life changed. She was riding her bike when it collided with a car that ran a red light. At the hospital, she was misdiagnosed with just bruises. When in reality she had injuries to her shoulder and hip that required seven surgeries to reconstruct the damage. Throughout her therapy and recovery, she had the mental attitude and mindfulness to accept her situation in order to move forward with her life. It was during this time that Vanessa decided that riding motorcycles was something she would like to pursue. She took it one step at a time setting goals and has battled back physically and mentally to continue to live a fulfilling and active lifestyle. Vanessa now races her bike in some of the most demanding and grueling off road courses in the world. In this episode she shares her harrowing experience racing in the Tunisia Desert Challenge. Vanessa shares her inspirational story of courage and never giving up through her Because I Can series in schools and as a keynote speaker, She has the respect of her racing peers and a large social media following. Vanessa's outlook on life is to make the most of each day and to help others do the same. Learn more about Vanessa on her site: https://thegirlonabike.com/ Stay Amazing!

Kimi Donahue is multi talented and knows no limits. Besides being a very successful businesswoman, she also is an abstract artist, singer in various bands and does it all with a "All In" attitude. Being busy with all her various interests and careers gives her happiness and purpose in her life. We discuss where Kimi finds the energy to do all the things he is involved with. We also discuss having the right environment and people around you, the importance of having coaches for all aspects of your life, how art and especially music are her passions, inner strength, perspective, building your network, her Tourette's syndrome story, discipline and much more. Kimi is energetic, positive and inspiring. Visit Kimi's art website here: https://www.artsykimiko.com/ Stay Amazing!

With a distinguished career in classical music and Opera as a singer and vocal coach, Ruth Hartt has witnessed the struggles those organizations face to retain and grow their audiences. Ruth is also the the Chief of Staff for the Christensen Institute, a non profit, non partisan think tank. Ruth has used this knowledge to help classical music businesses grow through the Jobs To Be Done methodology. "People don't buy because of who they are. People buy because of who they want to become." In classical music especially, much of the marketing data doesn't address what causes people to purchase tickets to an event. The data can be confusing. Jobs to Be Done focuses on their motivation, the experience, clients want to have. It's a fascinating universal theory that any organization, non profit, small business can utilize. Ruth calls it "Space To Breathe" marketing. Find out more about Ruth on her blog: https://www.cultureforhire.com/ . A huge resource for all arts administrators, artists and all businesses. Stay Amazing!

Sarah Hicks is a multi faceted, influential and versatile conductor who is always exploring new ways to bring a unique concert experience to both the musicians and the audience. She not only has lead orchestras all over the world but has also crossed classical music with different music genres to create a third art form. Sarah also enjoys conducting the 'Live to Film' concert events. These are challenging major production events where an orchestra plays live to a film. Some past events include performing live to films such as Harry Potter, Return Of The Jedi, Toy Story, Coco and more. Sarah was also chosen to conduct the orchestra for Sting's "Symphonicities" tour and has worked with a variety of other non classical musicians. She also gives back to the music community by helping young musicians expand their musical knowledge and for all lovers of music through 'Edutainment'. Above all Sarah is committed to bringing joy and inspiration by connecting humanity though her music. Sarah Hicks is truly one of the most "Amazing Women In Music"! Learn more about Sarah on her site: https://www.sarahhicksconductor.com/ and her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SarahHicksConductor/videos Stay Amazing!

In this mini-episode, Ricardo gives his thoughts on the importance of sharing your life story with the world. There is much to be learned by everyone once you realize that your life experiences and knowledge can impact someone you've never met or dreamed of knowing. The Stay Amazing Show is about giving great storytellers the platform to share those stories and for the listener to be inspired by them. Words are powerful and storytelling has a purpose. We need more human connection now more than ever. And the value in one's story can create change and grow self confidence. We all have the ability and the responsibility to inspire others with our words. Your voice, your story are your weapons of choice. Use them wisely and never ever let them be taken away. So...What's your story?? Dare To and Stay Amazing!

Musicians for The World is a non-profit organization that provides music lessons to music students in vulnerable communities around the world. The organization was founded by classical musicians Jesus Saenz and Kelly McGarry in May 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic! Through their connections with other musicians, many of whom were out of work during that time, they were able to begin virtual classes in Africa, South and Central America, Asia and the Caribbean. Now they have partnered with teachers throughout those areas for live interactive classes. They provide weekly classes on performing, composition and a bi-weekly masterclass series. The results have been nothing short of Amazing, with over 300 students and teachers taking part in the program. And the program is expanding due to it's success. Musicians For The World just started a GoFundMe program to send 24 music teachers to Peru for live classes. They will also perform in communities where there is no access to music learning resources. To contribute to this cause visit their GoFundMe page: https://bit.ly/3tZvHPl Music is the universal language and with the vision of Musicians For The World, they are creating the next generation of musicians. Learn more about their mission on their site: https://www.musiciansfortheworld.org/ Stay Amazing!

Keyboardist and composer Joey Navarro has been a musical force not only in Arizona but in Los Angeles as well. He stated getting into music art age six when he received his first toy organ. Joey grew up with music all around him and soon was learning how to play organ by listening to his families records. One of his early influences was the group El Chicano. He was drawn to the way organist Bobby Espinoza played. He continued his studies and soon started playing in various bands around the Phoenix area. By his early 20's, he secured a record deal and released his first album, "On The Rocks". Later, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue better opportunities and immediately stared working with some of the best musical talent around. Including El Chicano! The band that first started his interest in music back home in Tolleson. Joey continues to front his own group, Navarro, still performs live and in recording sessions, composes, arranges and teaches at Los Angeles College of Music. In 2021 he released a film about his life, "iRide - A Musical Journey". And on March 10th of this year, Joey received a Legislative Proclamation from the State of Arizona for his contribution to music! In this episode, Joey shares stories of the people in his life who recognized his talent and have helped him throughout his career. He also shares his knowledge for younger musicians to learn from. Learn more about Joey on his website: https://joeynavarromusic.com/ Stay Amazing!

At just 22 years of age, drummer Gina Osmar has become a much sought after artist for recordings and live performances. Her parents discovered her talents at age three as Gina banged away on coffee cans in a make believe drum set. They noticed her ability to create rhythms and not just noise. By age seven, she was performing with her church band and by age eleven she was in Nashville recording drum tracks for a country artist. It was then that Gina realized that being a musician was what she wanted to do as a career. She recorded videos of her playing that went viral on YouTube and soon she received endorsement deals from various musical instrument companies as well as being featured in drum magazines. She has also performed on the main stage at the annual NAMM show in front of thousands of music industry professionals and recently at the SXSW convention. Gina is self taught and has an outstanding ear for creating the perfect drum pattern for whatever song she is asked to perform. Gina also plays bass, guitar and piano which help her expand her creativity as a musician. She also teaches drums and is the music director for her church worship services. Throughout this conversation you'll hear her passion and enthusiasm for playing music and the devotion to her faith as she continues her musical journey. Yes, she's still young, but first impressions can be deceiving. This young lady is talented, experienced and rocks with the best of them. Find out more on her site: https://ginagdrums.com/ Stay Amazing!

JV Collier and Rene Camacho are two of the most respected, in demand bassists on the music scene today. While JV was already established in Los Angeles, he met Rene more than 25 years ago in Tucson, Arizona and soon after moving to Los Angeles began working non-stop. They have performed and recorded with a who's who of musical talent. Everyone from Bruce Hornsby, Gladys Knight, Celia Cruz, WAR, The Funk Brothers, Kevin Eubanks, the Pointer Sisters, Draco Rosa, Herbie Hancock, Juan Gabriel, Oscar Hernandez as well as various television shows and soundtrack recordings. This conversation is like a master class to what the present day musician needs to know to survive the industry. If you're just starting your music career you'll find the insights that JV and Rene offer to be extremely valuable. They share details on how to work with producers, different bands, constantly improving as a musician, networking and some amazing road stories. We had a blast recording this episode. It's a rather long episode, but stick with us. It's well worth the knowledge and the laughs from two of the best. Stay Amazing!

Felicia Farerre's talent for singing was first noticed by her father at a very young age. With his encouragement, she began to study voice, She discovered her talent for writing lyrics, poetry at a young age also. Her growth as a musician continued by working in bands like the Taliesin Orchestra, learning to 'copy' the style of other vocalists that lead to her finding her own voice. Felicia's journey to "finding her voice" lead to her writing the book, "Real Singers Don't Sing"; a no-nonsense approach to effectively improve the sound and performance of your voice. Felicia is passionate about teaching singers how to discover their true voice and master it. She has received awards for best female vocalist, written lyrics and melodies for a multitude of projects, collaborated with incredible composers and producers and has released her own music. Her last solo project was 2020's "In The Company Of Angels". An album based on the book, "The Female Archangels" Her newest project is an ambitious album, "Epic Women - A Sheros Journey." A sonic journey based on the twelve steps of 'The Hero's Journey" by Joseph Campbell. Felicia brought together many of epic music's best female composers and performers to bring awareness to female musicians and to appreciate their contribution to music. It will also help the Children of Ethiopia Education Fund, COEEF, as some of the proceeds from the album will go toward that cause. Felicia is passionate about music and how it affects the human heart and spirit. Stay Amazing!

We always like to feature guests with expertise that focuses on mindset, clarity, energy, purpose, human connection and bringing our the Amazingness in us all. Selena Reames speaks and coaches at the intersection of human potential, consciousness, mindset,neuroscience, creativity and leadership. She is dedicated to supporting emerging leaders, change makers and innovators into their fullest expression of human potential and expression. Selena uses her own life experiences to help her clients achieve their fullest potential. In this episode Selena shares how we as humans can have a deeper more impactful human connection with ourselves and the world we live in. We discuss the power of gratitude, how to shift your mindset, "Unlearning", the future of the workplace, how life's disruptions bring clarity to our lives, healing through sound frequency and her goal of transforming the lives of ten million people. It's a conversation we can all learn from to continue to Stay Amazing! Learn more about Selena's work and her free mini training on "3 Keys To Master Your Mindset" here: https://linktr.ee/selenareames

With a background as a musician and high school athlete, Ed Vargas has been able to use those experiences in business to communicate, collaborate and make positive changes with the organizations he works with. Ed is a visionary leader who shares his strategies for success such as having credibility, building trust and giving respect. In this episode, Ed talks about a trip to Japan to meet with business leaders and how a simple conversation lead to a major collaboration. Simply by being able to relate and respect the other person. He has shared his knowledge with the AT&T Hacemos program and created a Career Planning Strategy Tool to help people visualize their goals one step at a time. He created the IDEAL leadership program for CTR Factor Inc. and is the head of their Latinx and ERG practice. We also discuss how imposter syndrome affects Latinos from becoming leaders. Ed gives his views on Latinx vs Latino and why corporate America needs to recognize both to move forward. We talk about the importance of leadership, mentoring, family, diversity, setting goals and Carlos Santana. As Ed says, "The strength of music is in how you reach people. You have to bring your own music." Those same principles can be applied to business and life. Stay Amazing!

Our latest conversation in our "Amazing Women In Music" series, features the immensely talented bassist and vocalist, Katie Thiroux. Katie has performed with many of the most influential jazz artists as well as leading her own groups. Katie has also released three albums. She began at playing a very early age and through the encouragement of her parents discovered her passion for music playing in school bands and later in orchestra settings. It was listening to bass legend Ray Brown that convinced Katie to make jazz bass her instrument. And by listening to vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald, she developed her singing style. Miles Davis has also been a huge musical influence. Katie attended Berklee College of Music and later was hired as a instructor for them at their campus in Ecuador. She has a passion for teaching and says that teaching her students has helped her with her own playing. In this episode Katie talks about how jazz is making a comeback, the role John Clayton has had in her career, the satisfying opportunity to teach young women through the Monterey Jazz Festival, her podcast - The Hump with Katie, her thoughts on some iconic bassists in jazz and much more. Learn more about this outstanding musician on her site: https://www.katiethiroux.com/ Stay Amazing!

As a musician, teacher and entrepreneur, Eric Branner knows the importance of what music can do to inspire a community. When you engage with a community, you build trust and caring. By sharing his love of music, his students realize the value they give through their playing. A message that is carried on to the other musicians they associate with. Eric has been teaching guitar for over twenty years, through one on one and group classes. When the virus hit, Eric went to online classes with amazing results. He also founded Camp Branner, where he takes his students out in nature for an intensive collaborative music experience. Eric is also the CEO and co-founder of FONS. FONS is an online solution that automates client schedules and payments for businesses such as music instructors, trainers and teachers. The service is convenient so that both the student and the instructor can concentrate on their studies, saving time and stress. Eric has helped assemble a great team committed to a common goal. Just like a band... Throughout our conversation you can hear Eric's passion of teaching musicians their true value, developing talented human beings, how important being involved in a community is and how FONS is the future. Learn more about Eric on his site: https://www.ericbranner.com/#intro Learn about FONS here: https://fons.com/ Stay Amazing!

Kristina Marinova is an expressive, passionate, stunning classical pianist who devotes herself to finding the soul of the composer and the meaning of their music in every performance. She understands the power music has in it's emotion and expression. Kristina's efforts in researching the music and artist make her interpretation of the pieces that much more enjoyable. Her three points of reference that play into her music are Purpose, Listening and Balance. Her latest album is a solo piano project called "4 Rhapsodies". A collection of music that is challenging for piano since they are usually performed by full orchestras. Kristina delivers strong performances throughout which were a catalyst for her emotional experiences at the start of the pandemic. Kristina will be performing "4 Rhapsodies" live this month including a performance at Carnegie Hall on January 31st! During this conversation you'll learn about Kristina's upbringing in her native Bulgaria, her passion for teaching gifted students which lead to her forming the Marinova Music Institute, why she chose performing over teaching as her calling, her future projects including showcasing women composers and more. Learn more about Kristina and purchase her music on her website: https://www.kristinamarinova.com/ Purchase tickets to her Carnegie Hall performance here: https://bit.ly/3I5QUuT Stay Amazing!

We are all products of our upbringing where we're taught values and learn from our experiences. Dr. Francisco Jimenez learned from his parents the values of hard work, respect, faith and hope. Throughout his career, Dr. Jimenez, an educator and advocate for better educational systems, has used those examples and values to raise the standards for both students and teachers Francisco migrated with his family to the United States at a very young age. His parents worked hard in the fields to give their children a better life. And even though he didn't speak english in school, Francisco soon developed a love for learning. Although difficult, he continued his studies and eventually graduated from Santa Clara University and then received his PhD from Columbia University. That along with attending a speech by Cesar Chavez set him on his mission of providing a better understanding that diversity is needed in every education system. Francisco has written four autobiographical books telling his story to inspire others who face the same challenges as he did. He has also won awards, grants and recognized for all his accomplishments in education. He is a true role model, great story teller and mentor to generations of educators and those seeking a better life. Stay Amazing!

When you bring together four accomplished, passionate musicians from different cultural and musical backgrounds, typically, a new style of music is born. The Red Quartet features classically trained musicians who fuse classical, chamber music with Latin Jazz and Brazilian music. Each musician adds their own coloring to the music to give it a fresh sound. In this episode we speak with three of the four members who share their musical history, their influences, how the ensemble came together, what has been the response from fans and the industry and what the future holds. Each member has performed, recorded with some of the biggest names in music. They recorded their first album, "The Red Quartet", last year and released it early in 2021. The recording was done rather quickly as they rehearsed quite a bit plus having performed the music in concert. With much of today's music being 'safe' and sometimes monotonous, The Red Quartet exposes you to a new genre of music worth listening to and enjoying. Listen to them on Spotify, Apple music, YouTube and on their website: https://theredquartet.com/ Stay Amazing!