Introduction:

• Welcome back to the podcast! I'm your host, Jared Easley. Today's episode is unique as we reconnect with Michael Wright, a man who significantly influenced my life during middle and high school. Michael is multifaceted – a musician, artist, concert manager, talent broker, businessman, and family man.

Key Discussion Points:

God's Love and Mission:

• Michael reflects on the profound love of God and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
• Encourages listeners to embrace God's love, share it with others, and intentionally love the people around them.

Michael Wright's Musical Journey:

• Michael shares his favorite concert experiences, including seeing Blackberry Smoke and Yacht Rock Revue.
• Discusses what makes a band stand out, highlighting nostalgia and memorable experiences associated with music.
• Michael's humble beginnings with his first band, Calico Road, and progression through various bands, including Soft Rocking Cow, Slow Rolling Cow, and the cover band Coconut Cowboys.
• Transitioning to Suns of March, his original music project, and the success it brought.

Influence and Memories:

• Jared reminisces about Michael's impact on his musical development, including guitar lessons and songwriting inspiration.
• Michael's experiences in boxing, his pivot to music, and the influence of his faith on his songwriting.

Transition to Music Management:

• Michael's shift from a touring musician to a talent broker and concert manager.
• Insights into the music industry, working with big names like Blake Shelton and Eric Church, and managing significant festivals and events.
• The challenges and rewards of balancing family life with his professional responsibilities.

Family and Priorities:

• Michael's dedication to his family and the importance of setting priorities.
• I am balancing professional aspirations with being a devoted husband and father.
• The dynamics of a blended family and the emphasis on supporting their children's activities and interests.

Final Thoughts:

• Michael emphasizes the importance of making disciples and living a life of obedience to God's commandments.
• The inspiration was drawn from Kyle Lance Martin's Project 52, focusing on discipleship and intentionality in daily interactions.

Closing:

• Michael's final thought: "God is love. He loved us enough to go to the cross, send his son to the cross for us, and die for us so that he could come and possess us when we finally realized we needed him. He wants us to love, he wants us to receive his love, and he wants us to share his love. Let's go out tonight and tomorrow, and let's look at people and intentionally make a point in our mind to say, Hey, I'm going to love that person."
• Jared expresses gratitude for Michael's influence and friendship and teases a future episode featuring Michael performing on acoustic guitar.

Call to Action:

• Check out Michael's music project, Suns of March, at

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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In this episode, host Jared Easley talks with guests Jerry Dugan, Matt Gibson, and Russell Lolacher about their experiences at Podcast Movement Evolutions in LA. They discuss the networking opportunities, sessions attended, and overall positive experiences at the conference.

Each guest shares a few of their favorite podcasts:

• Jerry recommends LeVar Burton Reads, Based on a True Story with Dan Levesque, and Say More with Dr. Sheila
• Matt enjoys music industry shows like The Gig Gab Podcast, CD Baby's DIY Musician Podcast, The Lex Fridman Podcast, and The All-In Podcast.
• Russell likes movie industry shows such as KCRW's The Business and The Rewatchable.

In a humorous role-playing segment, the guests give each other advice. Russell advises Matt on planning the ultimate Canadian vacation, Matt counsels Jerry on modern dating, and Jerry guides Russell through the process of writing and publishing a book.

The guests also joke about what new podcast each would hypothetically launch based on their interactions that week. The episode concludes with the guests sharing where listeners can find them and their work online.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Jared Easley interviewed Eric McCain, an accomplished musician, percussionist, and studio musician on the Starve the Doubts podcast.

Some key points from the discussion:

- Eric shared his background, growing up related to the Pointer Sisters, getting his start in music through marching band, and being mentored by influential music teacher Reggie Andrews. This exposed him to jazz and inspired him to learn percussion.

- He has traveled the world performing at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House. Eric has also worked with many famous artists, such as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Denzel Washington, though often in the studio rather than directly.

- Eric performed percussion on the original Lion King animated film and the Broadway musical for many years.

- He emphasized the importance of constantly reinventing yourself and being open to learning new things at any age. This motivated his interest in podcasting and attending this podcast conference.

- When asked for recommendations on experiencing the real LA music scene, Eric suggested checking out smaller clubs in the arts district downtown, referenced in the LA Weekly.

- He discussed how much the music industry and recording technology have evolved over his career, from 4-track tapes to digital. While it is easier now, he feels the abundance of music has reduced some modern music's overall quality and artistry.

- Eric advised aspiring musicians to learn piano fundamentals and music theory as a foundation. Success takes hard work and homework, not overnight stardom.

- He is launching his podcast, Eric McCain Live, in late April 2024, interviewing musicians.

- Eric closed by encouraging listeners to prioritize their health above all else.

The interview painted Eric as a passionate, accomplished musician eager to share his experience and wisdom with others through his upcoming podcast. Let me know if you want me to elaborate on or clarify any summary part.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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