Voices In My Head (The Official Podcast of Rick Lee James)

Voices In My Head Podcast Episode #301: Thomas Jay Oord     Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. He is an award-winning author, and he has written or edited more than twenty books. Oord has won the Outstanding Faculty Award twelve times as professor at Northwest Nazarene University, Nampa, Idaho. Oord is known for his contributions to research on love, relational theology, science and religion, and Wesleyan/Holiness/Church of the Nazarene thought. Oord is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene. He serves in various consulting and administrative roles for academic institutions, scholarly projects, and research teams. His newest book, God Can’t: How to Believe in God and Love after Tragedy, Abuse, and Other Evils will be released in January. Visit Thomas Jay Oord on his web site at http://thomasjayoord.com     ----more---- Your Host: Rick Lee James  RickLeeJames.com  Blessings, Rick Lee James www.RickLeeJames.com  

Voices In My Head Podcast Episode #300: 300th Episode Retrospective with guest host Matt Anderson This week Matt Anderson of the Sci-Fi Christian Podcast join Voices In My Head once again as honorary guest host to interview Rick Lee James about 300 episodes of Voices In My Head. This is a celebration of the good things that God has done over the years as well as an uplifting conversation between two old friends who met as a result of the show. Matt and Rick talk about Music, Movies, Superheroes, Mister Rogers on Twitter, Thunder, and many more topics as they look back over 300 episodes of Voices In My Head. Sit back and enjoy the 300th episode of Voices In My Head. ----more---- About Your Host: Rick Lee James  Rick Lee James Web Site: RickLeeJames.com PRE-ORDER RICK LEE JAMES NEW ALBUM -THUNDER ON VINYL OR CD - THEN INSTANTLY DOWNLOAD THE WHOLE ALBUM TODAY. THUNDER RELEASES ON FEBRUARY 8TH, 2019    Rick Lee James proudly plays a Breedlove Guitar, and is glad to be endorsed as a Breedlove artist.   Blessings, Rick Lee James www.RickLeeJames.com  

Voices In My Head Podcast Episode #299: Russ Taff   Hailed by Billboard magazine as “the single most electrifying voice in Christian music,” Russ Taff has garnered six GRAMMY® Awards and 18 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. Inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame an unprecedented three times—as a soloist, as well as a member of The Imperials and the Gaither Vocal Band—Taff is also a member of the Christian Music Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Walk of Fame. He has recorded 11 solo albums to date, including industry benchmarks Medals (1985), Russ Taff (1987) and Under Their Influence (1991). From rock giants Kings of Leon to Millard, Tait and many others, Taff’s influence is felt throughout the music world. Today, we hear his story, which has just been released in the new theatrical documentary release, "I Still Believe". Find out more at http://russtaffmovie.com/ Also, Russ has an amazing new album called Believe which also recently released. It's a really beautiful mix of Russ Taff standards reimagined, Modern Worship Songs, Hymns, and songs of Testimony. Stay tuned at the end of the show to hear one of the tracks from the album, "Your Love Never Fails".  Believe iTunes Album link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/believe/1438159673  ----more---- About Your Host: Rick Lee James  Rick Lee James Web Site: RickLeeJames.com PRE-ORDER RICK LEE JAMES NEW ALBUM -THUNDER ON VINYL OR CD - THEN INSTANTLY DOWNLOAD THE WHOLE ALBUM TODAY. THUNDER RELEASES ON FEBRUARY 8TH, 2019    Rick Lee James proudly plays a Breedlove Guitar, and is glad to be endorsed as a Breedlove artist.   Blessings, Rick Lee James www.RickLeeJames.com  

Voices In My Head Podcast Episode #298: Mark Schultz Christmas     My guest today on Voices In My Head is Singer, Songwriter, Platinum Selling, Dove Award winning artist Mark Schultz. On October 26th, Mark released his first ever Christmas album which is available on CD exclusively in Lifeway Christian Stores. The album simply titled, Mark Schultz Christmas is also available on iTunes and all other major digital and streaming outlets internationally. Following the release of Christmas, Mark Schultz has been tapped to perform live Dec. 1 on the 2018 Nashville Christmas Parade. Benefitting the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt and featuring additional, world-renowned musical guests, the event will again be televised. Last year’s parade was seen on TV in over 100 markets. For all the latest Mark Schultz, Christmas news, tour dates and more, go towww.markschultzmusic.com,  www.facebook.com/markschultz,www.twitter.com/mschultzmusic and www.instagram.com/mschultzmusic.   About Mark Schultz:With more than two million records sold, 10 No. 1 singles, a Dove Award, R.I.A.A. Platinum certification for Live: A Night of Stories & Songs (2005), national television appearances on "48 Hours," "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," CNN, CBN and more, Schultz has also landed the top spot on Billboard’s Christian Adult Contemporary Songwriter list and authored the novella, Letters From War. While many artists talk about chasing their dreams, for Schultz it’s about following God’s call. That calling shines through on his first full-length studio album in six years, Follow, released Aug. 17 and featuring the title track and more new songs along with fan-favorites. Mark and his wife Kate live just outside Nashville, TN with their three children: Ryan, Gus and Maia Mae.         ----more---- Your Host: Rick Lee James  RickLeeJames.com  Blessings, Rick Lee James www.RickLeeJames.com  

Voices In My Head Podcast Episode #297: Folk Hymnal with Tim Briggs     My guest today on Voices In My Head is Tim Briggs. Tim is the writer and producer of the a new series of musical projects being released under the name, Folk Hymnal. Folk Hymnal is a revolving community of artists who sing theologically rich songs in an accessible and attractive way. Tim is the writer and producer on Folk Hymnal’s latest album, “Incarnation Songs”,which released released on November 22nd, 2018. A follow up EP will be released in the Spring of 2019. Find out more at https://folkhymnal.com/ ----more---- Your Host: Rick Lee James  RickLeeJames.com  Blessings, Rick Lee James www.RickLeeJames.com  

Voices In My Head Podcast Episode #296: Still Slaves - The West African Slave Trade Then and Now   https://www.stillslavesfilm.com THROUGH THE LENS OF ANCIENT SLAVERY IN WEST AFRICA, The New Documentary, STILL SLAVES EXPLORES THE RAMPANT SLAVERY, KNOWN TO MOST AS HUMAN TRAFFICKING, THAT CONTINUES TO THRIVE ALONG THIS NOTORIOUS COASTLINE. THE FILM JOURNEYS FROM THE VIBRANT CITY OF LAGOS IN NIGERIA ON NORTH TO THE DESERTS OF MAURITANIA AND UNEARTHS THE SLAVERY THAT CONTINUES TO HAUNT SEVEN COUNTRIES IN-BETWEEN. Ann Margret Nielsen, who directed the film, is our guest this week. ----more---- Your Host: Rick Lee James  RickLeeJames.com  Blessings, Rick Lee James www.RickLeeJames.com  

Voices In My Head Podcast Episode #295: Todd H. Green - Presumed Guilty (Why We Shouldn't Ask Muslims To Condemn Terrorism)   Todd Green is Associate Professor of Religion at Luther College. A nationally recognized expert on Islamophobia, Green served as a Franklin Fellow at the U.S. State Department in 2016-17, where he analyzed and assessed the impact of anti-Muslim prejudice in Europe on countering violent extremism initiatives, refugee and migrant policies, and human rights. He has also given lectures on Islamophobia to other federal agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. Green's most recent book is Presumed Guilty: Why We Shouldn't Ask Muslims to Condemn Terrorism (Fortress Press, 2018). This book argues that asking Muslims to condemn terrorist attacks is a distraction that prevents majority populations in the US and Europe both from facing their own violent histories and from asking critical questions about how their countries' national security initiatives and foreign policies contribute to a violent world order. The book proposes healthier ways for majority populations to engage Muslim communities other than through the prisms of violence and counter-terrorism. More about Todd Green Here: https://www.luther.edu/greeto02/  Buy a copy of  Presumed Guilty Here: https://www.amazon.com/Presumed-Guilty-Shouldnt-Muslims-Terrorism/dp/1506420591/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8 ----more---- Your Host: Rick Lee James  RickLeeJames.com  Blessings, Rick Lee James www.RickLeeJames.com  

Voices In My Head Podcast Episode #294: Mike Harland and his new book Worship Essentials My guest this week on Voices In My Head is Mike Harland. For most of his life, Mike has led churches in worship leadership roles. Since 2005, Mike has served as the Director of Worship at LifeWay Christian Resources. He is a published author, Dove Award winning songwriter, and a worship leader who sings and speaks nationally and internationally. His blog and podcast, "WorshipLife" is followed by pastors, worship leaders, and church musicians around the world.   Mike Harland's latest book, Worship Essentials, released on November 1st. ----more---- Your Host: Rick Lee James  RickLeeJames.com  Blessings, Rick Lee James www.RickLeeJames.com  

Voices In My Head Podcast Episode #293: 'Courage, Dear Heart' Author, Rebecca K. Reynolds Rebecca Reynolds is a humanities instructor in a classical Christian school. Rebecca is the lyricist for Ron Block of Alison Krauss and Union Station. She also writes for award-winning music artist Andrew Peterson's website, The Rabbit Room and sister website Story Warren. She has been a featured speaker at their annual national gatherings Hutchmoot and Inkwell. Her new book is "Courage, Dear Heart: Letters To A Weary World". ----more---- Your Host: Rick Lee James  RickLeeJames.com  Blessings, Rick Lee James www.RickLeeJames.com  

Voices In My Head Podcast Episode #292: A Purposed Heart with Dr. Craig Gilbert   Craig Gilbert is a life-long Christian and musician. He first sang in church at the age of 4 with his family and has been playing music in church ever since. He also benefits from a prolific career singing and playing outside of the church in classical music ensembles and choirs as well as singing, arranging, and playing multiple instruments in bands of a variety of styles. Craig is passionate about bringing the arts before God in worship in a way that allows congregations to not only participate, but to also engage with God in worship through the arts. Craig is not a musician who happens to play in church but a true worship pastor who uses the arts to reach others for Christ.  Dr. Gilbert is an expert in worship design and in leading worship in multi style churches of all sizes. He specializes in teaching congregations about worship and training leaders how to design and lead worship that is congregation friendly. After serving in worship and arts leadership in five churches of different congregational sizes with over seven different senior pastors, eight associate pastors (including a time as an assistant pastor himself), various worship styles and formats, time constraints, etc. Dr. Gilbert is well versed in the problems and issues with worship in today’s church.  His professional training includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, a Master’s Degree in Conducting, and a Doctorate in Worship Studies. He has provided professional consulting services in music team development, worship design, and congregational participation for several churches and conferences.   To find out more about Craig Gilbert and the services he can offer your local church visit these links: www.purposedheartministries.com   www.theworshipdoctor.com ----more---- Your Host: Rick Lee James  RickLeeJames.com  Blessings, Rick Lee James www.RickLeeJames.com  

Voices In My Head Podcast Episode #291: Greg LaFollette and Songs of Common Prayer Greg Lafollette has been involved in over 100 records in his career. Between the studio and touring, he has worked with Andrew Peterson, Audrey Assad, Waterdeep, Sara Groves, Matthew Perryman Jones, Erin McCarley, Katie Herzig, Andrew Belle and many others. He has had multiple placements in international advertising campaigns with his band Trouvere, and has written and co-written many songs that have appeared on others’ records. His latest project, Songs of Common Prayer, an album whose lyrics are taken from (or inspired by) the Book of Common Prayer. Greg LaFollette's Web Site: https://greglafollette.com/music Greg LaFollette on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0QqdRkCRdePCFggzWYvCuT ----more---- Your Host: Rick Lee James  RickLeeJames.com  Blessings, Rick Lee James www.RickLeeJames.com  

Voices In My Head Podcast Episode #290: Tripp Fuller and the Road To Edmond This week we welcome guest Tripp Fuller to Voices In My Head. Tripp the founder and host of the #1 theology podcast, Homebrewed Christianity. As an author, speaker, podcaster, and professional theologian he is committed to bringing the best resources from the academy to the church so we can brew a more robust faith today. Tripp is also the star and co-writer of the new film, The Road To Edmond. (http://theroadtoedmond.com/)   The following is a Synopsis of The Road To Edmond from IMDB.com Cleo loves his life as a youth pastor in suburban Denver, but his genuine support for a teenage girl has put his job in jeopardy. When the church's Elder Board becomes aware of the situation, he's asked to take two weeks off to consider his actions and the impact on his role in ministry. Distraught by the arrival of this news via email, Cleo grabs a backpack and bike to hit the road and figure out what's really true. His journey takes a turn toward Edmond, Oklahoma, when he hitches a ride from a mysterious traveler named Larry and his dead father. Larry's intense skepticism along with a string of peculiar signs causes Cleo to question more than his relationship with the teen...he questions the very existence of Love. ----more---- Your Host: Rick Lee James  RickLeeJames.com  Blessings, Rick Lee James www.RickLeeJames.com  

Voices In My Head Podcast Episode #289: The Gospel According To Superman with Rev. John T. Galloway   My guest on this episode of Voices In My Head is Reverend John T. Galloway. 45 years ago this year, Reverend Galloway published a book called The Gospel According to Superman, a book which brings the true message of Christ back into focus by contrasting the humanity and vulnerability of Jesus with the invulnerable embodiment of our own fantasies and man-made gods, embodied in the book by the character of Superman. The Gospel According to Superman is more theology that Comic Book and having recently read it myself and I can attest, like all good theology, that it holds up very well. ----more---- Your Host: Rick Lee James  RickLeeJames.com  Blessings, Rick Lee James www.RickLeeJames.com  

Voices In My Head Podcast Episode #288: Jessica Crawford - Honestly   Jessica was born into a family of deep faith and of rich musical history. Every Sunday morning, this great granddaughter of a fiery Pentecostal minister would watch from the pews as her mother would direct the church choir. In addition to church music, she also grew up inspired by her Granddaddy's play-by-ear instrumental talents and his Southern Gospel vocals that echoed the sound of her mother's childhood.  On her father's side, her paternal grandmother and great-grandmother were classically trained pianists and vocalists.  Despite her family's encouragement, Jessica struggled to see that the musical legacy from both sides of her family was establishing a future for her in music.   After a painful relationship left her seeking true purpose, Jessica finally surrendered to what can only be described as a persistent "call" to music. After a year well spent in seminary she stepped out in faith and left the comfort of her small hometown, Bridgewater, VA, in 2011 and hit the road to Nashville.  Her years in Music City were formative for both in ministry and in songwriting.  A new dependence on God,  involvement with an inner city missions base, and growing favor with songwriters and accomplished producers would all help Jessica find her voice as an artist and worship leader. In 2017, Jessica would leave Nashville with a 5 song independently released EP under her belt, multiple regional tours and invaluable industry and ministry experiences to become the Worship Arts Director for Fountain of Life Church in Burlington, NJ where she currently lives and serves. On September 14 Jessica will release "Honestly", a four song EP she describes as “a collection of vulnerable songs that do not shy away from the reality of my hardest life experiences while celebrating the hope I found in Jesus through it all.”   The “Honestly” EP was written with the group the Brothers McClurg during a writing retreat in early 2017.  It was produced by Chris Hoisington and recorded at Old Bear Studios in Batavia, NY. https://jessicacrawfordmusic.org/   RickLeeJames.com  Blessings, Rick Lee James www.RickLeeJames.com  

Voices In My Head Podcast Episode #287: Guest Francois Clemmons (Officer Clemmons) from Mister Rogers Neighborhood     On this episode of Voices In My Head we welcome Dr. Francois Clemmons.   Dr. François Scarborough Clemmons is an Afro-American singer, actor, playwright and university lecturer. He is perhaps best known for his appearances as Officer Clemmons on the PBS television series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood from 1968 to 1993. In 1968, Clemmons won the Metropolitan Opera auditions in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He went on to Cleveland, Ohio, where he won a position in the Metropolitan Opera Studio. He sang there professionally for seven seasons, performing over 70 roles with companies including The New York City Opera, Los Angeles Civic Light Opera, and Washington Civic Opera. Clemmons sang with numerous orchestras, including the Cleveland Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. In 1973, he won a Grammy Award for a recording of Porgy and Bess; he performed the role of "Sportin' Life" in that musical over 100 times. For 25 years, Clemmons performed the role of Officer Clemmons, a friendly neighborhood policeman, in the "Neighborhood of Make-Believe" on the children's television show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. In the neighborhood itself, Clemmons ran a singing and dance studio located in the building diagonally across from Mr. Rogers' house. As "Officer Clemmons", he became one of the first African Americans to have a recurring role on a kids' TV series.  Clemmons actively writes across genres for a variety of age groups. Currently, he is writing his autobiography entitled DivaMan: My Life in Song, a children's story entitled ButterCup and the Majic Cane, and a volume of poetry entitled A Place Of My Own. Some of his published works include a volume of spirituals named Songs for Today and a stage musical called My Name Is Hayes based on the life of Roland Hayes. He also commissioned a choral work composed of spirituals entitled Changed My Name, arranged by Linda Twine. From 1997 until his retirement in 2013, Clemmons was the Alexander Twilight Artist in Residence and director of the Martin Luther King Spiritual Choir at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont. He “played the role of professor, choirmaster, resident vocal soloist, advisor, confidant, and community cheerleader”. He is also well known in the Middlebury community for his superb rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner", which he sings at the Middlebury College men's basketball games. Clemmons lives and works in Middlebury, Vermont, where he is the Emeritus Artist in Residence of Middlebury College. He is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the national fraternity for men in music.       Blessings, Rick Lee James www.RickLeeJames.com