Voices In My Head is the Official Podcast of Singer/ Songwriter/ & Speaker/ and Rick Lee James. You can listen to on iTunes, Facebook, Stitcher, Podbean.com, The Blackberry Podcast App, and on the links below.
Don’t forget to answer the question of the week every week on the Voices In My Head Facebook Page. You can also answer the “Question of the Week“ and leave an audio message to be played on the Podcast by calling (937) 505-0162.
Episode #70: Where Is God When Evil Happens?
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During the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013, two pressure cooker bombs exploded at 2:49 p.m. EDT , killing 3 people and injuring 264. Once again the American people were asking the question, where is God in the midst of this. On Sunday night April 21st at Calvary Church of the Nazarene in Lexington Kentucky, Matthew Cole, Chad Cook, and Rick Lee James led a discussion based on the question, Where is God when evil happens? A recording of that discussion is presented to you this week’s episode of Voices In My Head.
Episode #69: All Sons and Daughters
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My guests today are David Leonard and Leslie Jordan, better known to most of us by their stage name, All Sons and Daughters. Their new live album is absolutely amazing. It’s filled with worship songs that have a classic feel without being derivative of other popular worship music. In addition to being worship leaders at Journey Church in Franklin Tennessee, they are also sought after performing artists, even joining Chris Tomlin recently on the Burning Lights Tour. It’s my pleasure to welcome Integrity Music Recording Artists, All Sons and Daughters to Voices In My Head today.
Episode #68: Allan Scott
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Allan Scott’s new radio single “God in Me” is available on iTunes May 4th! A former drug addict, dropout, thief and loser Allan Scott found hope in his jail cell, calling on God to heal the broken pieces of his life. Twelve years later, this redeemed singer, songwriter and worship leader shares his experience in song, declaring the prayer of his life in the redemptive, hopeful “God In Me” single, produced by award winning producer Ed Cash. Hear Allan’s amazing story of redemption on today’s episode.
Episode #67: Brennan Manning Tribute with Author Matt Litton
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This week one of my favorite authors, Matt Litton, joins me in a tribute to one of my other favorite author’s, Brennan Manning. Richard Francis Xavier Manning, better known to legions of faithful readers as author, speaker, and contemplative Brennan Manning, for whom grace was irresistible, completed his earthly journey on Friday, April 12 at 12:10AM. He is now resting safely in the arms of his Abba.
Matt Litton is a writer, educator, and speaker. He completed his undergraduate work in English and Religious Studiesand holds a Master of Arts in Education from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee. He has written about faith and culture for numerous national publications including Christianity Today, The Dallas Morning News, The Huffington Post, CNN.com Religion Blog, Relevant.comand is author of The Mockingbird Parables: Transforming Lives Through the Power of Story and Holy Nomad: The Rugged Road to Joy (Sept 12 Release).
Episode #66: Keith Mohr and IndieHeaven.com
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My guest this week on Voices In My Head is IndieHeaven.com creator and president, Keith Mohr. Keith has done a wonderful job creating something beneficial to independent artists and fans alike and helping them connect both online and in person. Indieheaven, is the leading independent Christian musician/artist resource agency serving thousands of indie artists non-stop since 1997. Indieheaven provides a comprehensive set of tools for bands, singers, songwriters, musicians to promote, market and distribute their music and display their content on a safe, professional, and established website.
Episode #65: The Dead Sea Scrolls
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This week on the Voices In My Head Podcast I’m joined by three pastors from Kentucky: Justin Hayes, Matthew Cole, and Chad Cook. Together we descended to the depths of the Cincinnati Museum Center to witness the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls. After we finished up at the Museum we shared a meal together at Sunny Deli and Asian Cuisine Restaurant and discussed the exhibit, ministry, and life together in Christ.
Episode #64: The Lost World of Genesis One with Dr. John H. Walton
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This week on the Voices In My Head Podcast I am joined by Dr. John H. Walton, author of “The Lost World of Genesis One”. John’s research and his energized presentations are rooted in his passion for drawing people into a better understanding of God’s self-revelation in Scripture. He is currently a professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School and he focuses his research on the literature and cultures of the ancient Near East and the Old Testament, with a particular interest in Genesis. In addition to teaching for 20 years at Moody Bible Institute, John has authored many articles and books, including The Lost World of Genesis One, Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology, and Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament all available from Inter-varsity Press.
Episode #63: Jim “Big Chap” Chapman
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My guest this week on the Voices In My Head Podcast is none other that youth evangelist, Jim “Big Chap” Chapman. I spent 4 days with Jim in Middletown Indiana this past week leading a revival and what a fantastic ministry he has. I encourage you to check out his web site at www.BigChap.org and consider booking him for your next event. He doe a great job helping churches to think outside of the ministry box and will challenge your people to follow after God with all their heart.
Rick Lee James’ live concert DVD and CD, Basement Psalms released on March 1st. You can buy it today at RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com, CDBaby.com, iTunes, Amazon, MoPix, and many other places. We hope you’ll enjoy today’s Podcast and help spread the word about Basement Psalms LIVE.
Episode #62: Why St. Patrick Matters
On this week’s Podcast, Rick’s talks about why St. Patrick is important not only for Christianity, but also why he is a huge reason for the existence of civilization in the Western world. He also shares a new song that was co-written by Rick lee James and Eddie Kirkland based on st. Patrick’s famous prayer.
Episode #61: How To Be A Parent
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On this week’s Podcast, Rick’s son Alexander Grayson briefly joins him. Pulling from 9 weeks of experience as a dad, Rick talks about “How To Be A Parent”. Plus Rick shares a new song that he wrote for his son, “Love Drawn Near (Song For My Son)“.
Rick Lee James’ live concert DVD and CD, Basement Psalms released on March 1st. You can buy it today at RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com, CDBaby.com, iTunes, Amazon, MoPix, and many other places. We hope you’ll enjoy today’s Podcast and help spread the word about Basement Psalms LIVE.
Episode #60: Matt Anderson Interviews Rick Lee James about Basement Psalms LIVE
There’s a new host in town and his name is Matt Anderson. Today Matt interviews Rick Lee James about his newly released DVD and album Basement Psalms live. Matt also hosts the Sci-Fi Christian Podcast when he isn’t hosting this one.
Rick Lee James’ live concert DVD and CD, Basement Psalms will release on March 1st. You buy it today at RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com, CDBaby.com, iTunes, Amazon, MoPix, and many other places. We hope you’ll enjoy today’s Podcast and help spread the word about Basement Psalms LIVE.
Episode # 59: Infant Baptism
- Rick, Jenn, & Alexander Grayson James
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This week on Voices In My Head I am talking about Infant Baptism and why we are having our son baptized this weekend. While this week is kind of a short podcast I think there is a lot of food for thought. I rely heavily on the book of common prayer for this one so for all you theology hounds, check this one out.
And just a reminder that Rick Lee James’ live concert DVD and CD, Basement Psalms will release on March 1st. You can pre-order it at RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com. We hope you’ll enjoy today’s Podcast and help spread the word about Basement Psalms LIVE.
Episode #58: Randy Cox
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Not many people can say that they have been involved in the careers of people as diverse as Bill Gaither, Rich Mullins, Michael W. Smith, Scotty McCreary, Alabama, and Barbara Streisand, but Randy Cox is not most people and has done just that. With 35 years of experience in developing songwriters and songs, he has a wealth of wisdom to share. It’s my pleasure to welcome publisher Randy Cox to Voices In My Head this week.
And just a reminder that Rick Lee James’ live concert DVD and CD, Basement Psalms will release on March 1st. You can pre-order it at RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com. We hope you’ll enjoy today’s Podcast and help spread the word about Basement Psalms LIVE.
Episode # 57: Basement Psalms Live DVD and CD
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It’s just a little under one month until the release of Rick Lee James’ live concert DVD and CD, Basement Psalms. This week’s Podcast is a preview show of what you will find on Rick’s latest project. You can pre-order the the DVD, the CD, and the digital download right now at RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com, and we’re even throwing in a free download of the first single. We hope you’ll enjoy today’s Podcast and help spread the word about Basement Psalms release on March 1, 2013.
Episode #56: Matt Scott – Poets & Saints
LISTEN HERE Matt Scott’s new album, Poets & Saints, was recorded live at Mad Oak Studios in Allston, MA. Repurposing hymns from as far back as the 1700s, Matt Scott retells the Redemptive Narrative of the world’s creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Engineered by Benny Grotto (Aerosmith, Ben Folds), the album is sure to find favor amongst fans of Dylan, Wilco, Ray Lamontagne, and Ryan Adams. With its back porch, Southern-soaked, folk-country twist, this album will cause you to re-imagine the way you experience hymns. Poets & Saints is Matt Scott’s first full-length studio album and is available on iTUNES. Also, be sure to check out the featured documentary for studio footage and the story behind the album. For more information, visit www.the2654project.com.
Episode #55: Spider-Man, Matthew Cole, and Do We Have A Soul?
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Pastor Matthew Cole joins us once again on Voices In My Head for a theological discussion of the soul. In light of certain events that were played out recently in the Amazing Spider-Man #700 which resulted in a mind/body exchange, we’re Spider-Man fans on the Podcast, we felt like this week would be a good time to have a discussion about the soul. Matthew and Rick deal with questions like:
“What is the soul in the Biblical sense?”
“Do most Christians know what the Bible actually says?”
“Is Spider-Man a Jedi?
All this and more on this week’s Voices In My Head Podcast with Rick Lee James.
Episode #54: Stacy Lantz
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My guest this week on Voices In My Head is Nashville Singer and Songwriter Stacy Lantz. Stacy is one of the best kept secrets in Nashville. With a voice as piercing & powerful as her predecessors, Lantz pulls influence from such greats as Patty Griffin, Eva Cassidy, & Bonnie Raitt. She covers the human experience through a lens of hope, the inevitability of change, and the occasional well-timed brush of quirkiness. She also has one of the most unique and awesome voices this Podcast host has ever heard. Find out more about her at StacyLantz.com.
I also do a little improvisational Pickin’ and Grinnin’ on my acoustic guitar to start out today’s episode. It’s a great show today folks, but don’t take my word for it, listen to it right now.
Episode #53: Nick Flora, Sand Art, and A New Son
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It’s the first show of 2013 and this episode is loaded with great stuff. My guest today is Nick Flora, a one man Rock and Roll show. He’s an incredible singer, songwriter, Podcaster (Who Writes This Stuff), and just a really cool guy. Working with some of the top musicians in the business, Nick is carving a name for himself on the Nashville music scene. On this episode you will hear some of his incredible music, get to know Nick more, and find out how to help make his next album a reality by going to Kickstarter.com and making a donation.
Also, I tell you about how my New Year’s Eve Concert went, the birth of my son Alexander, and this really cool video of one of my songs that was performed live using Sand Art.
Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing) with Sand Art by Laura Tappen from Rick Lee James on Vimeo.
Episode #52: How To Read The Bible with Dr. Steven L. McKenzie
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This week on Voices In My Head we look at How To Read The Bible with Hebrew and Old testament Professor, Dr. Steven L. McKenzie. Dr. McKenzie holds a B.A. (summa cum laude) and an M.Div. from Abilene Christian University and the Th.D. from Harvard University. His research and teaching interests include: the history of ancient Israel, the literature of the Hebrew Bible, the Hebrew language, the Dead Sea Scrolls, methods of biblical interpretation, and archaeology. He is a past president of the board of governors of the Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology at the University of Memphis. He is also a co-leader of the Middle East Travel Seminar, which tours Syria, Jordan, the Sinai, Israel, and Greece each Spring. I can’t recommend his book, How To Read The Bible, highly enough.
Episode # 51: Eric Peters
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This week on Voices In My Head we welcome a fantastic singer, songwriter, and artist: Eric Peters. We can’t recommend Eric’s music enough here at the Voices In My Head Podcast. His music is challenging, honest, and courageous and aside from that, he is a really great guy. Here’s some of the buzz about Eric and his music.
“Peters is a standout among the overcrowded scene of singer/songwriter folk-pop.” - RELEVANT Magazine
“It’s clear that Eric Peters has a love for literature and an ear for a great pop hook. Peters has the skills of a seasoned artist.” – Christianity Today
We also have Rick Lee James and Brannon Hancock’s duet, Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), Question of the Week, and a hilarious voice mail: Old Ladies Attack.
Episode #50: LIVE Listener Call-IN Celebration! (50 Episodes…Woo Hoo!)
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We’re celebrating 50 episodes this week by having a live call-in Podcast with lots of different guests. Family, friends, and past guests stop by to help us celebrate 50 wonderful episodes. Comments and questions are welcomed by Rick at RLJames29@yahoo.com.
Episode #49: Rick Lee James on Prayer (Part Four of Four)
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On November 9th, 10th, and 11th Rick Lee James spoke a series of four messages on prayer at a retreat in Northwestern Ohio. The Voices In My Head Podcast will be featuring these talks in four parts, just as they were presented. Hopefully we will begin to listen together for the voice in our head that is God. Comments and questions are welcomed by Rick at RLJames29@yahoo.com.
This week features auto-tune question of the week and a special original song by Rick Lee James.
Episode #48: Rick Lee James on Prayer (Part Three of Four)
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On November 9th, 10th, and 11th Rick Lee James spoke a series of four messages on prayer at a retreat in Northwestern Ohio. The Voices In My Head Podcast will be featuring these talks in four parts, just as they were presented. Hopefully we will begin to listen together for the voice in our head that is God. Comments and questions are welcomed by Rick at RLJames29@yahoo.com.
Episode #47: Rick Lee James on Prayer (Part Two of Four)
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On November 9th, 10th, and 11th Rick Lee James spoke a series of four messages on prayer at a retreat in Northwestern Ohio. The Voices In My Head Podcast will be featuring these talks in four parts, just as they were presented. Hopefully we will begin to listen together for the voice in our head that is God. Comments and questions are welcomed by Rick at RLJames29@yahoo.com.
Episode #46: Rick Lee James on Prayer (Part One of Four)
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On November 9th, 10th, and 11th Rick Lee James spoke a series of four messages on prayer at a retreat in Northwestern Ohio. The Voices In My Head Podcast will be featuring these talks in four parts, just as they were presented. Hopefully we will begin to listen together for the voice in our head that is God. Comments and questions are welcomed by Rick at RLJames29@yahoo.com.
Episode#45: Stephen Mansfield
- Stephen Mansfield
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Stephen Mansfield is a writer and speaker best known for his groundbreaking books about the influence of religion in history, leadership and politics. He first came to international attention with The Faith of George W. Bush, the New York Times bestseller that influenced Oliver Stone’s film W. His book The Faith of Barack Obama was another international bestseller as well as The Mormonizing of America. He has written celebrated biographies of Booker T. Washington, George Whitefield, Winston Churchill, and Abraham Lincoln, among others. Known for aggressively researching his books, Mansfield worked in a brewery while writing The Search for God and Guinness and was embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq to capture the stories that became The Faith of the American Soldier.
Episode #44: Matt Litton
- Matt Litton: Author of Holy Nomad: The Rugged Road to Joy
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My guest this week on Voices In My Head is Matt Litton. Matt Litton is a writer, educator, and speaker. He completed his undergraduate work in English and Religious Studies and holds a Master of Arts in Education from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee. He has written about faith and culture for numerous national publications including Christianity Today, The Dallas Morning News, The Huffington Post, CNN.com Religion Blog, Relevant.com and is author of The Mockingbird Parables: Transforming Lives Through the Power of Story and Holy Nomad: The Rugged Road to Joy (Sept 12 Release).
Episode #43: Roger O’Neel
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This year when Worship Leader Magazine published their best of 2012 issue, the Worship track at Cedarville University was on the list. Behind much of the growth of Cedarville’s program is a humble, kind, and very talented man named Roger O’Neel. Dr. O’Neel serves as the Director of the worship program. He has served the local church for over 20 years, including full-time worship pastorates in Texas, California, and Oklahoma. Dr. O’Neel has published articles on church music and leadership, blogs on worshipblogger.com, and is active as a worship leader, conference presenter, and worship consultant. Today we discuss the most important things that are missing from Modern Worship, we hear thoughts on worship from the next generation, and just have a great conversation in general.
Episode #42: Sermon Rick Lee James
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On October 7th, Rick was honored to be the speaker at the Homecoming service at The First Church of the Nazarene in North Vernon Indiana. On today’s Podcast you get to hear his message, answer the question of the week, find out more about Rick’s New Year’s Eve concert, and Voices In My Head’s Nominations for a Podcast award.
Episode #41: Going Catholic With Ben DeBono (Part 2)
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This is part two of my Podcast conversation with Ben Debono on “Going Catholic”.
Ben Debono is the co-creator and co-host of the Sci-Fi Christian Podcast. Until recently he was an associate pastor at Epic Life church in Anoka Minnesota. After a careful study of church history and much prayer, Ben and his wife felt led to leave the protestant tradition and convert to the ancient faith of Catholicism. We discuss his faith journey and some common misconceptions about the Catholic church on today’s two-part episode of Voices In My Head.
Episode #40: Going Catholic with Ben DeBono
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Ben Debono is the co-creator and co-host of the Sci-Fi Christian Podcast. Until recently he was an associate pastor at Epic Life church in Anoka Minnesota. After a careful study of church history and much prayer, Ben and his wife felt led to leave the protestant tradition and convert to the ancient faith of Catholicism. We discuss his faith journey and some common misconceptions about the Catholic church on today’s two-part episode of Voices In My Head.
I also play a demo for you of a new song that is featured on my soon to be released Basement Psalms live concert album.
And as always we have the ever popular, Question Of The Week!
Episode # 39: Brian Zahnd (Beauty Will Save The World)
- Brian Zahnd, author of Beauty Will Save The World: Rediscovering the Allure and Mystery of Christianity
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I’m pleased to welcome Pastor, author, and mountaineer, Brian Zahnd back to the Podcast this week to discuss his latest book, “Beauty Will Save The World”. Here’s a synopsis of the book from Brian’s web site:
“Brian Zahnd issues a challenge to Christians to discover new vitality through reenvisioning, reimagining and reforming the church according to the pattern of the cruciform.For thousands of years artists, sages, philosophers, and theologians have connected the beautiful and the sacred and identified art with our longing for God. Now we live in a day when pragmatism and utilitarian “morals” have largely displaced beauty as a value. The church is no exception–even salvation is commonly viewed in a scientific and mechanistic manner and presented as a plan, system, or formula. We have technology, convenience, security, and a measure of prosperity, but where is the beauty?In “Beauty Will Save the World,” Brian Zahnd presents the argument that this loss of beauty as a principal value has been disastrous for Western culture–and especially for the church. The full message of the beauty of the gospel has been replaced by our desires to satisfy our material needs, to empirically prove our faith, and to establish a Caesar-style kingdom in our world. Exactly those things that Christ was tempted with–and rejected–in the wilderness.Zahnd shows that by following the teachings of the Beatitudes, the church can become a viable alternative to current-day political, commercial, and religious power and can actually achieve what these powers promise to provide but fail to deliver. Using stories from the lives of St. Francis of Assisi and from his own life, he teaches us to stay on the journey to discover the kingdom of God in a fuller, richer way.” You can order Beauty Will Save The World at Amazon.com and at Barnes&Noble.com.
Episode #38: Guest Jeff Pinkleton & The Gathering
- The Gathering of Greater Springfield director Jeff
Pinkleton (right) with former basketball star and
now broadcaster Clark Kellogg at an event
with The Gathering.
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Jeff Pinkleton is a long time friend of mine who lives in Springfield Ohio. He knows everyone in this city, and everyone knows him. I’m only exaggerating a little bit. He’s one of the most outgoing ministry heads in our city and has a passion for connecting people and helping them build solid godly relationships. This suits him perfectly for his jab as the executive director for the Gathering of Miami Valley. The Gathering is a special spiritual movement among men in the US. Removed from any denominational setting, The Gathering has been a point of connection for many spiritually flat or disinterested men caught in the pressures of contemporary life. It’s a vital, much needed ministry to men, challenging them to step up as spiritual leaders. Your going to love hearing what Jeff has to say on today’s episode of the Voices In My Head Podcast.
Episode #37: Guest- Eddie Kirkland
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I was really blessed to have a conversation with Eddie Kirkland for this week’s Podcast. Eddie is a talented songwriter and worship leader who has a great story to tell. He is featured in featured the current issue of Worship Leader Magazine for his amazing new album titled, “Kings and Queens”. It’s one of the best Christian albums I’ve heard in a very long time, and that’s saying a lot considering that I’ve just heard friend of the show, Andrew Peterson‘s new album. I found Eddie Kirkland not only to be one of the most talented songwriters and singers on the scene today, but he is also a genuinely kind and engaging person who after only a few minutes together makes you feel like you’ve known him for years. It’s my honor to feature Eddie on today’s episode of Voices In My Head Podcast.
Also, this week only, you can get a free download of the Voices IN My Head Podcast theme song, “If You Hear His Voice Today” from my friends over at itickets.com and Christianhappenings.com. Plus, on today’s show I will tell you about my experience last week recording my first every LIVE album, Basement Psalms. Basement Psalms will be released in the near future as a CD and DVD and I can’t wait to share the details with you on today’s episode.
Episode #36: Rick Lee James on 100.7FM WEEC
Rick on the air at 100.7FM WEEC
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Since this week is when I record my first ever LIVE album I wanted to play a radio promo special I did the last day of August at Christian Radio 100.7FM WEEC in Springfield Ohio. I share several of the songs from the upcoming album on this special and I hope it will whet your whistle for the upcoming concert. WEEC is a great station run by wonderful people in Springifield Ohio. You can hear them live anytime of the day online at WEEC.org. My thanks to Ruth Book for asking me on the program and to station manager Chris Grindrod for stepping in and joining us for a few minutes during his hectic day.
Episode #35: Paul Darilek & Living Water International
- Paul Darilek
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My guest this week is Paul Darilek (Pronounced Dar-shi-lek), the Senior Director of Communications for Living Water International. Paul is also an author, a runner, and is now a year older (Happy Birthday Paul)! Paul spends some tme on this week’s Podcast sharing about the ministry of giving water to people who desperately need it around the world. You will hear amazing stories of what God is doing and learn of ways that you can help, even by doing small things.
Also, the podcast has a new Twitter handle: #VoicesInMyHeadP. Come follow us here!!!
Plus there’s a new Question Of The Week:
“If you had the option of being a king or going on tour with Queen, which would you do? Why?
Episode #34: Daniel Dye and the Madden Road Music Festival!!!
- Madden Road Music Festival 2012
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Prolific songwriter, musician, and friend of the show Daniel Dye stopped by the studio for some coffee, some guitar pickin’ and a great podcast conversation. Daniel Dye and the Miller Road Band are sponsoring the 2nd annual Madden Road Music Festival on September 1st in Mutual Ohio. As you can see from the promotional poster above, the lineup for this festival is amazing and I’m honored to be on the list. Daniel and I play some music together, shoot the breeze, and talk about Pete Seeger on this week’s episode of Voices In MY Head. You can pre-order your festival tickets at this link: http://maddenroadmusic.com/
I also share some more music from my upcoming LIVE album, Basement Psalms, which I’ll be recording on September 7th at the Clifton Opera House. Come out and join us if you can.
Also, the podcast has a new Twitter handle: #VoicesInMyHeadP. Come follow us here!!!
Episode #33: Like A Child
- Like A Child
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Like A Child began as two members in the spring of 2007. Now they are five. They began with reverberating electric guitars. Now they play banjos. They began with personal ambition. Now they are worshippers. They chose their band name without realizing its implications. Like A Child. It was just a name: short, catchy and full of “meaning,” meaning they knew then only in a cerebral way. But as the Lord brings them deeper and deeper into joy, into childlike bliss and frolicking, they have come to embrace the name with relish. Now they act like children, even as they grow older by the day. Their new EP, “Springfield, Ohio”, is a unique blend of folk rock energy mixed with spiritual sensitivity and heart. I caught up with them after a show in Springfield Ohio. You can hear it all on today’s episode of Voices In My Head.
I also unveil a new song that I’ll be introducing on “Basement Psalms,” my live album which will be recorded at the Clifton Opera House on September 7th.
Episode #32: Ben Debono (Sci-Fi Christian Podcast Co-Host), The Dark Knight Rises, and Dickens
Ben Debono of the Sci-Fi Christian Podcast
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Ben Debono is the co-creater and co-host of the Sci-Fi Christian Podcast. Who better to chat about Batman with than another fan of the character who is also quite a brilliant theologian. Aside from being an acclaimed pod host, Ben is also the executive pastor at Epic Life church in Anoka Minnesota. He has a bachelor’s degree in literature and a Masters in Theology from Northwestern College.
Today we our topic is the latest Christopher Nolan film, “The Dark Knight Rises“. The movie, while Dickensian in it’s structure, is actually more of a character study of the choices we make and their consequences than it is a super-hero movie. There are spoilers on this show so if you haven’t seen the movie yet, you may want to save this until after you see it.
I’m also unveiling another song to promote my live Album on September 7th. Hear the song on the Podcast and see me playing it by video on my YouTube page. www.Youtube.com/RLJames29
Episode #31: Adam W. Powers
- Adam Powers
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Adam W. Powers currently resides in Stevensville, Maryland where he is the Assistant Pastor at Safe Harbor Presbyterian Church (PCA). He is a Teaching Elder in the PCA and has completed his MDiv at Reformed Theological Seminary (Atlanta campus) in 2011, and is looking forward to further graduate studies sometime in the near future. He is a talented preacher, theologian, and writer whose work can be found at http://adampowers.wordpress.com/.
Episode # 30: Scott Roley
- Scott Roley
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My guest today is musician, pastor, author, husband, and father Scott Roley. Scott is a founding member of Christ Community Church in Franklin Tennessee where he served in various roles over a span of 25 years. In the fall of 2011 he resigned his position to pursue his call to racial reconciliation full-time. He can also be seen frequently on tour with his good friend and fellow musician Michael Card.
Episode #29: Chaplain Rich Young
- Army Chaplain Rich Young
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My guest today is Chaplain Rich Young. Rich Young, originally from Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1970 immediately after high school. He became a Christian while in the Marines and felt God leading him into the ministry. College and seminary followed his discharge as a Sergeant in 1974. Rich entered the Army as a Chaplain in 1981, retiring as a Colonel in 2006. Rich serves as the Executive Director of the International Association of Evangelical Chaplains. He and Sandy have been married thirty-nine years, are Ambassadors for the Alliance Defending Freedom, have two children and two grandchildren, and live in Helotes, Texas.
Episode #28 Mark Thompson
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My guest this week is Mark Thompson, the Senior Project Administrator over the Mission to the World (MTW) ministry in Fairmont West Virginia. MTW is the mission sending agency of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Mark has a great story to tell not only of what God is doing through missions in the PCA Church but also of what God has done in his own life. He is a minister of the gospel, a husband, father, and brain tumor survivor. I am thrilled to have Mark Thompson as my guest this week.
Also this week, I share an article I wrote that appears in the July/August 2012 issue of Worship Leader Magazine titled, “Billy Joel Taught Me How To Pray”.
Episode #27: Jon Finney of Out Of Truth Records
- Jon Finney, Owner of Out Of Truth Records
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Out of Truth Records was founded in June 2011 by Jon Finney. Jon believes the Lord is birthing new art and talent, not only in Nashville and L. A., but in the smaller cities and towns in the United States. Out of Truth Records seeks to provide a place where Indie musicians can record a professional sounding album with industry standard equipment at a lower cost to them. Jon and his staff are always thinking of new ways to create music in ways that wouldn’t fit into the normal way of doing things. His strong belief is that the Lord has given talents and we don’t want to give him any less of our efforts to just be mediocre. Excellence can be achieved while still having fun, they actually usually go hand in hand with one another when you are in one his studio. You are going to really enjoy hearing about all that Out Of Truth records has to offer Indie artists. It’s my great pleasure to welcome Jon Finney to the show today.
Episode #26: Cindy Wilt Colville (With Music by Robert Hussong and Jerry Andrews)
- Cindy Wilt Colville
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Cindy Wilt Colville is a 25 year veteran of the Christian music industry. Her passion is developing creative and skilled songwriters. Cindy started her music career with award-winning producer and songwriter Greg Nelson where she was production manager on five gold and two platinum records. She was also the production manager for Steven Curtis Chapman’s first four records, was a music publisher for 15 years with both Benson and Word Music Publishing. While Vice President at Word, Cindy signed and developed top songwriters like Matthew West, Jason Ingram, and Cindy Morgan just to name a few.
Cindy has also directed the 2009 and 2011 ASCAP Foundation’s Christian Songwriters Workshop and has also been a speaker for songwriter groups in Colorado, Texas, California, Pennsylvania, and Nashville. There’s much more to say about Cindy but one of the most important things is that for twelve years she has volunteered her time ministering at the Tennessee Prison for Women.
It’s my honor to welcome music publisher Cindy Wilt Colville to Voices In My Head today. Cindy Welcome.
On today’s episode Cindy critiques songs by these independent writers. Voices In My Head thanks all the writers for their participation in this show and allowing us to use their music. You can hear their entire songs below.
Jerry Andrews: Seed So Precious
Robert Hussong: There Is Hope
Rick Lee James: Christ Has Died, Christ Is Risen
Episode #25: Dr. David G. Myers
- Dr. David G. Myers
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My guest this week is social psychologist David G. Myers. Dr. Myers is an internationally renowned scientist, author, and teacher whose research and writing have covered a wide range of topics, including group behavior, prejudice, personality, religion, intuition, hearing loss, and personal well-being. Over the past 35 years he has published 18 books—several of which are best-selling textbooks in their 8th, 9th, or 10th edition—and dozens of scientific articles in leading journals such as Science, Psychological Bulletin, Psychological Science, and the American Psychologist. He has also served as consulting editor to the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, and the Journal of Positive Psychology, and he is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, the American Association of Applied and Preventive Psychology, and Divisions 1, 2, 8, 9, and 36 of the American Psychological Association.
- Randy L. James (Author of Unraveling the Revelation)
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I couldn’t be happier to be joined by my Father, Randy L. James, on this Father’s Day release of Voices In My Head (The Official Podcast of Rick Lee James). Dad is not just a great father, and he’s not just another pretty face. He is also a great preacher, a teacher, a basketball referee, a guitar picker, a bass player, a golfer, a chaplain, a former missionary to Africa, and the author of “Unraveling The Revelation”. We discuss dad’s book and it’s topic, the book of Revelation, at length on today’s Podcast.
Here’s the book synopsis:
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This week’s guest is Pastor Dave Black from Soma Community Church in Springfield Ohio. Here’s a few facts you might want to know about Dave.
Responsibilities: Teaching & Administration [full time staff]
Family: Lauren & Dave were married in 2007 and are expecting their first child in April 212
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga
Education : B.A. in Communications from Cedarville University, M. Div. from Luther Rice Seminary
Favorite book other than the Bible: Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton
Favorite music/bands: Ray Lamontagne, David Crowder, All Sons & Daughters, Alison Krause, This Will Destroy You, Keith Green, Michael Card, and Glad.
Hobbies/interests: Crosswords, outdoors, reading, cooking with my wife, & anything with my dogs.
Guest: Gareth Higgins (Executive Director of the Wild Goose Festival)
Wild Goose is community creating a festival at the intersection of justice, spirituality and art. The first festival took place in June 2011; the next one is June 21-24 2012. We take inspiration from many places, such as Greenbelt, Burning Man, the Iona Community, SXSW, and others. The festival is open to everyone; we don’t censor what can be said; we invite respectful – but fearless – conversation and action for the common good.
Gareth Higgins is the Wild Goose Festival Executive Director is a writer and activist from Northern Ireland, now living in North Carolina. Having been involved in Greenbelt, the inspiration for Wild Goose, for several years, he’s excited to be part of the team nurturing into being this new gathering of music, art and conversation at the intersection of justice and spirituality. He blogs at www.godisnotelsewhere.wordpress.com, and co-presents the award winning movie podcast www.thefilmtalk.com.
- Matthew Cole
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With the release of Marvel’s Avengers Motion picture, Rick has assembled a couple of his Theologian friends to discuss the movie, it’s effect on pop-culture, and premises from the movie that go hand in hand with the work of a Theologian. Rick dives into part two of this topic with Matthew Cole. Matthew is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Church of the Nazarene in Lexington Kentucky. He is also the proud husband of Kara, and father to Maebri and Matilyn. In his words, “I am blessed. The grace of God is seen so clearly everyday in the family that I love so dearly, in the ministry which I am privileged to participate, in those who call me friend or pastor, & in the gracious reality, I do not deserve any of it.”
Greg Voiles
With the release of Marvel’s Avengers Motion picture, Rick has assembled a couple of his Theologian friends to discuss the movie, it’s effect on pop-culture, and premises from the movie that go hand in hand with the work of a Theologian. Rick starts off his discussion by welcoming comic book fan Gregory Voiles.
Greg is a Pastor of Spiritual Formation, an urbanized hillbilly from middle TN and a PhD candidate in theology at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC, focusing in Christian Spirituality and Historical Theology. He holds a BA in Religion with a minor in music from Trevecca Nazarene University as well as the degree of Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary. He has served in various urban ministries, including four years as Pastor of Spiritual Formation and The Arts at Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Kansas City and Assistant Chaplain at The Kansas City Rescue Mission. Greg thinks that a healthy urban neighborhood is a lot like a small town and that a life without dance, laughter, beauty, and Green tea is not likely to deserve to be called “life.”
Episode #20: Brett Mccracken (Author of Hipster Christianity)
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My guest this week is author Brett McCracken. Brett is a Los Angeles-based writer and journalist. He is the author of Hipster Christianity: When Church & Cool Collide (Baker, 2010) and has written for The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, CNN.com, The Princeton Theological Review, Mediascape, Books & Culture, Christianity Today, Relevant, IMAGE Journal, Q Ideas and Conversantlife.com. He speaks and lectures frequently at universities, churches & conferences.
A graduate of Wheaton College and UCLA (M.A. in Cinema & Media Studies), Brett currently works as managing editor for Biola University’s Biola Magazine and is pursuing a Master’s in Theology at Talbot School of Theology.
Like anyone else, Brett spends his free time indulging in the finer things in life: church, family, friends, cinema, literature, music, poetry, sports, traveling, good food and drink, being outside, etc… He probably indulges in some of this a little too much (as it is his job to do so).
His blog, The Search was birthed in July 2007 out of a fascination with search engines (as the increasingly dominant metaphor of the 21st century experience) and a general affection for the existential notion of “the search” as coined in Walker Percy’s The Moviegoer. The Search exists for any and every one of us who—in seeking truth, dialogue, epiphany, and connection—feels the spiritual pull toward that state of “being on to something” bigger and brighter than ourselves.
For speaking engagement requests or general comments/questions, contact Brett at: brett.mccracken @ gmail.com
Andrew Osenga
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Andrew Osenga, aside from being a truly amazing solo artist has also been a Producer, Musician, SongWriter, or Engineer for the likes of Chris Tomlin, Andrew Peterson, Caedmon’s Call, Jars of Clay, Jason Gray, J. J. Heller, Eric Vinson, and many, many more. His latest solo project, Leonard The Lonely Astronaut, is one of the most inventive albums that this podcast host has seen or heard in a long time. Teh album drops in September, but we get to hear about it today on Voices In My Head.
Episode #18: Ian Morgan Cron, David L. Ward, Jeff Bourque, and Craig Adams
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This week Voices In My Head went on the road to Nashville Tennessee for the Song DISCovery Creative Conference. My guests today include author Ian Morgan Cron (Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me, Chasing Francis), songwriters Jeff Bourque and David L. Ward, and Lifeway Worship Creative Director Craig Adams. You won’t want to miss what these tremendously creative people people have to say about writing, prayer, and making music for the church.
Episode #17: Guest Jason Gray
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Jason Gray is my guest today on Voices In My Head. Jason’s song, “More Like Falling In Love” was the #4 most played song in the nation last year. You might think that would go to a person’s head but Jason is a humble servant of Christ and it was my pleasure to talk to him about making music, Lord of the Rings, spreading the gospel, and his new album: A Way To See In The Dark. I think you’re really going to enjoy today’s podcast. On a side note for those in the Springfield Ohio area, Jason will be playing a Mother’s Day concert at Southgate Baptist Church on May 13th. Come and see Jason Gray with Downhere, Aaron Schust. It’s going to be a great night.
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This week I am excited to bring you an interview with Phil Sillas. Phil is the A&R Director of Worship Leader Magazine’s SongDiscovery service. His role with Song DISCovery and experience as a songwriter give him a unique place among the songs and songwriters that are driving modern worship music today. Phil is one of the people running theSong DISCovery Creative conference in Nashville Tennessee on April 26th and 27th which will feature internationally known worship leaders, songwriters, and pioneers in the media field. Phil also shares about what it’s like to listen to over 1000 songs every month and how those songs get narrowed down to the 12 on Song DISCovery’s monthly release. You are going to love hearing what Phil has to say on Voices In My Head this week.
Also on this episode, learn how to sponsor a show, answer the question of the week, and learn the Twilight Zone theme on the practically useless guitar lesson.
Episode 15: Sara Groves
Sara Groves
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My guest this week on Voices In My Head is acclaimed singer songwriter Sara Groves. I recorded this interview with Sara exactly one week after she was a guest at the White House as the worship leader for President Obama’s Easter prayer breakfast. We talk about that experience, her new album titled Invisible Empires, her transition from a school teacher to singer, and her first tour as an artist with the brilliant Michael Card. There’s lots more on this episode as well, including a Holy Saturday address from President Obama.
Also on this episode: An invitation to be on my upcoming LIVE concert album, Question of the week, and listener feed back.
Brian Zahnd
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Brian Zahnd is a full-time pastor, an erstwhile author, and a would-be mountaineer. He is the lead pastor of Word of Life Church in Saint Joseph, Missouri. He is also the author of several books, most recently “Beauty Will Save the World”, “Unconditional”, and “What To Do On The Worst Day Of Your Life”. We discuss his book Unconditional at length as well has Brian’s love for mountain climbing and Bob Dylan music. Below is a description of his book: Unconditional?
Unconditional?: The Call of Jesus to Radical Forgiveness
By Brian Zahnd, Foreward By Miroslav Volf
In a world where the ugliness of rage and retaliation are driving the story line, Unconditional? offers the beauty, reconciliation, and total restoration of forgiveness the way Jesus taught us to live it.
More than just another biblical exposition, this book begins with the horror of the Holocaust as it explores what forgiveness means — and how far it should go — in the real world of murder, rape, child abuse, genocide, and other atrocities.
With unusual honesty, compassion, and depth, Zahnd incorporates some of the most compelling and difficult thoughts on the subject from history’s writers, philosophers, and theologians — always returning to the example Jesus gave us with his life and his death.
First Church of the Nazarene In Springfield Ohio
Episode #13: The Worship Team Episode
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My special guests this week are several members of the worship band from my home church at First Church of the Nazarene in Springfield Ohio. We are taking a hard look at ourselves and asking questions that worship teams need to ask themselves on a regular basis. Featuring Andy Fiorita, Christie Phillips, Greg Womacks, and Todd Nance.
Podcast #12: Eric Vinson
Eric Vinson at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville
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This week Rick welcome’s singer/songwriter Eric Vinson to tell us more about his music, playing famous venues, and getting music on TV. Learn more about the uber talented Eric Vinson at http://ericvinsonmusic.com
Podcast #11: Fred Heumann
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Fred Heumann is an ordained minister who also has served 7 very different churches as part-time, full-time or volunteer worship leader, and has taught and planned Hispanic worship seminars both in the US and in Latin America. He’s an internationally-respected worship leader, speaker and teacher with four decades of diverse experience—from the Australian outback to European cathedrals, from leading small group worship to producing major international events in over 50 nations.
Fred has worked alongside the music industry for many years and has been a trusted music consultant for major publishing companies like Worship Together, Integrity Music, Word Music, and Thankyou Music/Kingsway Worship just to name a few.
He helped develop the MORE SONGS FOR PRAISE AND WORSHIP worship planner series, the materials for wordmusicnow.com at Word, and was a content curator for the new LifeWay Hymnal / lifewayworship.com, assisting them in choosing today’s worship songs for the digital online and print hymnals.
He also played a significant role in introducing the current wave of British worship music in the U. S., bringing the first WorshipTogether conference to the US alongside Kingsway/Thankyou Music in 1997.
Episode #10: Andrew Peterson
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My Guest this week is highly acclaimed singer/songwriter, Andrew Peterson. Andrew called the Podcast from the recording studio where he is recording a brand new album. This new project is the follow-up to his best-selling album, Counting Stars, which debuted at #1 on iTunes and #6 on the Billboard chart. Besides receiving stellar reviews for the project, the single Dancing In The Minefields reached Top 20 on the AC charts and the accompanying video garnered over 750,000 views online.
Andrew just finished the Songs & Stories Tour with Steven Curtis Chapman , which also features Josh Wilson. The fall leg of the tour was such a success with sold-out dates and enthusiastic audiences that Chapman booked the spring 2012 dates that launched February 2nd in Tulsa (Broken Arrow), OK and concluded March 11th in Ocala, FL.
We talk about what a Hutchmoot is, hanging out with Paul Simon, and getting picked on by Michael Card for playing a Ganjo.
Episode #9: Brannon Hancock
Dr. Brannon HancockListen Here
Today’s guest is Dr. Brannon Hancock of www.BrannonHancock.com. We talk about life, Brannon’s record label days, his musical influences, what led him to study in Scotland, his new book, and life as a music pastor. We even play a couple of songs together live and unrehearsed on the show. He’s an insightful guy with many good things to say.
Episode #8: Michael Card
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On Episode #8 Rick welcomes Christian musician and author Michael Card. In a career that has spanned 30 years, Michael has recorded over 31 albums and authored or co-authored over 21 books, hosted a radio program, and written for a wide range of magazines. While he has penned such favorites as “El Shaddai”, “Love Crucified Arose”, and “Emmanuel,” He never imagined selling more than 4 million albums or writing over 19 #1 hits. The popularity of his work seemed a stark contrast to his goal in life, to simply and quietly teach the Bible.Michael is releasing a new book and companion CD on the Gospel of Mark. We talk about it on today’s episode of “Voices In My Head”. You can find out more about Michael Card at www.MichaelCard.com and by visiting the Biblical Imagination with Michael Card Facebook page.
Episode #7: Brandon Sipes
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On Episode #7 Rick Welcomes good friend Brandon Sipes, the President of RE-Frame, LLC and a Senior Consultant to The ARIA Group (ariagroup.com). During his career, Brandon has engaged with identity conflicts in the United States and around the world, leading to an understanding of the ways in which identity can be utilized for both division and unity. Research and practice in identity (and specifically religiously motivated) conflict has taken him to Northern Ireland, Croatia, Bosnia, France, Germany, Israel and the West Bank. His work has included organizational visioning, conflict mediation and workshop facilitation, and facilitator training and development. Brandon is a member of the Nazarene denomination and is currently writing a book exploring his decision to remain committed to a community that he values but from which he holds somewhat divergent views.
Episode #6: Kyle Northrop (3 Pasty Nerds Podcast)
Kyle Northrop
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On Episode #6 Rick Welcome’s “Pasty Nerd” Kyle Northrop of the “Three Pasty Nerds Podcast”. Meet the man that made Rick start the Podcast Throw-down with the Pasty Nerds. You can also learn how to play the Batman theme song on “The Practically Useless Guitar Lesson.” Plus the Podcast debut of the song, “All Creatures of Our God and King…Well Some of Them”
Episode #5: Tripp York
Tripp York
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On Episode #5 Rick Welcome’s Tripp York, author of “The Devil Wears Nada”. Tripp made a deal with the devil to pay his student loans (the devil hasn’t held up his end), he sings punk music, teaches philosophy & theology on a university level, does theater (acting and directing), skateboards, surfs, reads comics and is a really nice guy. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss. Also, the question of the Week sparks a feud between the “Voices In My Head” podcast and the “3 Pasty Nerds” podcast. You can also learn how to play something completely useless with the new segment, “The Practically Useless Guitar Lesson.”
Episode #4: Matthew Cole
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I’m pleased to announce that “Voices In My Head” Podcast #4 is on the air. This week features the brilliant Matthew Cole as we discuss Superman, Patriotism, and what place they should or shouldn’t have in the church. There are also a couple of new segments on the show like the “Practically Useless Guitar Lesson” and “To the People of the Future”.
Also, I’ve added a new page to this web site called “Rick’s Favorite CDBaby Artists”. CDBaby is an online distribution company that I have been a part of for several years. There are some wonderful and unique artists there that are doing things no one else is. I have posted links to some of my favorites and you can buy their music from the links on my page. Please support Independent musicians. They are usually just as good as the people you hear on the radio, just not as well-known. I know they would appreciate your support and you will love their music. They work hard to make good music for people to enjoy and rarely are compensated for it.
One last thing, If you are reading this then you are probably a friend who has been a support to me and my ministry. I’m really trying to build a strong base of listeners through the free podcast that I’m offering in various places on the web. It would mean the world to me if some of you who have listened could “LIKE” the Facebook page, leave a review on iTunes, and most importantly tell some friends about it.
That’s about it for now. I hope you all have a terrific week.
God Bless,
Rick Lee James
Episode #3: Daniel Dye
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Voices In My Head Episode 3, with special guest Daniel Dye is now available on iTunes, Podbean, and the Voices In My Head Facebook Fan Page. Listen to win a free copy of Daniel Dye’s CD.
Voices In My Head
Episode #2: Rick Lee James
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Rick Lee James
Episode #1: Pilot
Lisen Here
- Josh Carpenter, iTunes Review ★★★★★ (Apr 09, 2012)
“Customer Review: Voices In My Head (Official Rick Lee James Podcast): Being honest, I am not a big listener of podcasts and usually only go to this route when someone suggests a quote or a particular episode. However, there is a rare occasion when listening that there is enough in the referred section that I finish the whole podcast. Even rarer still is the time when what I hear in the one prompts me to listen to another and Rick Lee James is only the second podcast to keep my attention (Mars Hill – Rob Bell being the other). Not too serious and just good fun conversation on topics that need to be voiced via the vehicle of pop cultural venues of comics, movies, and music. Worth the time for the download and a good listen for a jog on the treadmill or a drive down the road… I recommend it… “
- Matthew Cole, iTunes Review ★★★★★ (Jan 12, 2012)
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I have a question for the future Jason Gray podcast:
What does he think if the most effective way to spread the Gospel? Some use fear as motivation and some use love. However, the people who use fear claim that those who only use love will cause people to become lukewarm and tell the Gospel in a fearful way. I’m not sure if that was clear or not.
Thanks Laura,
I will make sure and ask Jason your question.
Blessings,
Rick
I will make sure and ask him Laura.
Blessings,
Rick