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:

• Discusses each song on the album and why it was chosen
• What it was like recording at the legendary Capital Studios with this group of talented musicians
• How the music industry is short sighted
• Why touring is difficult
• How deeply she is involved in the creative and promotion process of her career
• How the thought of her donating a kidney played into this album

**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:

• What it was like in the facility and what she learned during her stay
• What drove her to attempt suicide, twice
• How she went from "I'm not dying fast enough" to " "I love being alive".
• Creating the film that took over 10 years to produce
• How impactful the film has been to audiences at premieres
• Choosing the music for the film
• Her loyal crew
• How she feels about all the recognition and awards

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!