Voices In My Head (the Official Podcast Of Rick Lee James)

Dr. Claire Annelise Smith Author - Help! I Want Out: What To Do When You Are Stressed Out From Keeping It All Together   Our topic this week on Voices in My Head is STRESS! Dr. Claire Annelise Smith is a recovering stressaholic. She knows what it is to push herself to the limit and then crash – repeatedly. Now, as an author, speaker, spiritual mentor and coach she works with busy professional leaders who have forgotten how to hit the pause button. Whether you are at the stage where you are ready to tear your hair out, feeling stuck, or on the verge of overdoing it, Dr. Claire would love to talk with you and explore options for freeing yourself from a stressed-out lifestyle.  Dr. Claire's new book is called Help! I Want Out: What to do when you are stressed out from keeping it all together. She's stopped by for a visit on the podcast today.   Links: Web Site: https://claireannsmith.com/ More From Dr. Claire: https://livingstressedout.com/shop/ The direct link for the book: https://livingstr

Jack Huber - Becoming Catholic Our topic this week on Voices in My Head is becoming Catholic. My guest this week is my new friend, Jack Huber. Jack lives in Seattle, Washington. He’s a father and a husband. By trade he’s a social scientist who has worked in the public education and now healthcare industries helping people use data to make better decisions. Jack loves movies, cooking, wine, whiskey and is an avid road cyclist. He also loves reading and listening to podcasts (especially You Have Permission with host Dan Koch, the podcast where I first discovered him.) Jack has had a lifelong Christian journey and is a convert to the Catholic faith and is actively involved at his local Parish. He’s always eager to share his faith and learn from others and he’s here today to share some of his story with us.   Upcoming Release Rick Lee James You Are My Salvation - New Music Release Jun 25th, 2021   More Info Here   Thank you for listening to Voices In My Head! Blessings, Rick Lee James Want some exclusives l

Michael T. Jahosky - The Good News of the Return of the King: The Gospel in Middle Earth   Although many people today reject Christianity for intellectual reasons, greater numbers of people are rejecting Christianity because it does not engage their imagination. Christians must not only demonstrate that the Christian worldview is true, but that it is also good, beautiful, and relevant. The Good News of the Return of the King: The Gospel in Middle-earth is a book that endeavors to show the truth, goodness, and beauty of Jesus Christ, the gospel, and the biblical metanarrative by engaging the imagination through J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, as well as The Hobbit and The Silmarillion. In this book, Michael T. Jahosky proposes that J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is a story about what Jesus' parables are about: the good news about the return of the king. As a work of imaginative fiction similar to Jesus' parables, The Lord of the Rings can bypass both intellectual and imaginative objectio

Shawn Congleton - Never Settled: a memoir of a boy on the road to manhood Shawn D. Congleton has lived a life on the move; moving nearly 80 times before he graduated and living in almost 20 states. Since that time, he has spent most of it in Ohio with his wife, Heidi and three girls, Morgan, Jordan, and Brooklyn. He has been an admin clerk for the United States Marine Corps, secretary for Wright State University, youth and young adult pastor at High Street Church of the Nazarene, church planter with Life House Community, secretary with Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center, school counselor for Dunbar High School and Springfield High School, and co-principal with his wife, Heidi at the Eagle & Dove Academy.  Shawn’s new book, Never Settled: A Memoir of a Boy on the Road to Manhood, is An emotional and brutally honest story that focuses in a large part on Shawn’s relationship with his father. Shawn shares about his fears, his sense of despair and the losses that impacted his formative years as he e

Christy Staats - Midwest Mobilizer for the National Immigration Forum Since April 2020, the number of people apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) near the Southwest border has been rising steadily. In early 2021, these increases have become a touchpoint in the public debate, with growing concerns voiced about the public health and humanitarian ramifications of increasing migrant arrivals. Should we treat the situation at our border as something to stoke our fears, or as Christians should we treat it as a humanitarian crisis, an opportunity to care for least of these, as Jesus has called us to do?   My guest today is Christy Staats. Christy has worked with Cru for 15 years, 11 of which were in the UK and is now affiliate staff. She created Crossings in 2015 for her church in Northeast Ohio to encourage Americans to welcome and come alongside newly arrived refugees in partnership with resettlement and community development organizations and led a similar work with Cru nationally. She was

Parafonic Recordings - Brandon Shattuck https://www.instagram.com/parafonicrecordings/   Brandon Shattuck is a recording/mixing engineer living in Orlando, FL with his wife Elissa and their two kids. Brandon graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2009 with a degree in music business. From 2009 - 2013 Brandon worked as a freelance recording engineer in Nashville, TN, working in many different recording studios across many different genres. In 2013, he and his wife moved to Orlando where in 2014 Brandon opened his own recording studio, Parafonic Recording Studio. There he worked on projects with a vast array of independent bands and artists until closing the studio in 2019. After pursuing alternate career options, Brandon has resumed working on music projects from his home studio since the end of 2020. Brandon is here with us today to talk with us about recording techniques and to answer some questions for artists about going into the recording studio. Music heard on today’s podcast can all be found

The Erwins There is something captivating about the blending and swelling of sibling harmony. When that is combined with pure talent and a servant’s heart for people, you have the incomparable ministry of THE ERWINS. The Erwins started singing as soon as they were each able to talk. Appearing over 270 dates a year with their mother and father, who have been in full-time evangelism for 44 years, they have been traveling full-time their entire life singing in concerts, revivals, and conferences all across the country. With their highly anticipated eighth career recording, This Is Love, now available, GRAMMY®-nominated, Dove Award-winning StowTown recording artist The Erwins are also celebrating the launch of the album’s debut single, “The God I Know.” Impacting radio right now, the inspirational ballad heralds the One who still moves mountains and calms the raging sea, carrying the project’s central message of Christ’s unwavering sustainment.    Two of the four Erwin siblings, Keith and Katie, have stopped by

Dr. Brannon Hancock Brannon Hancock, aside from being one of my oldest friends, was one of the first guests that we I had on Voices In My Head way back on Episode 9. By some weird accident I lost the audio file of that episode in our show archives and it wasn't available anywhere online for years.   Well, I am happy to say that after a lot of searching I was finally able to recover this long sought and requested episode and I am so pleased to rerelease it this week. It's a lot of fun to hear what my show was like in the the early days when I was recording it in my basement studio, bringing friends over and making music in my basement. I hope you enjoy listening to this classic episode of Voices In My Head.  About Brannon: https://seminary.indwes.edu/academics/faculty/brannon-hancock Brannon's Book: The Scandal of Sacramentality   Thank you for listening to Voices In My Head! Blessings, Rick Lee James Want some exclusives like early music videos, singles, and private podcast episodes? Become a pai

Episode 415: Holy Week Special - Selected Reading from Thank God It's Friday by William Willimon  It's Holy Week 2021 and I can think of no better way to spend it than by reflecting on the words of Jesus from the cross. Dr. William Willimon has been a friend of this show over the years and I thought it would be fitting to read a selection from his book, Thank God It's Friday: Encountering The Seven Last Words from the Cross on the show this week.   I also would encourage listeners to click the link below, get a copy of the book, and read through it yourself during this holy week. It truly is an insightful companion on the journey of Holy Week or really any time of the year.  Buy The Book: Thank God It's Friday: Encountering The Seven Last Words From The Cross by William Willimon Thank you for listening to Voices In My Head! Blessings, Rick Lee James Want some exclusives like early music videos, singles, and private podcast episodes? Become a paid subscriber on Substack: Subscribe now Listen to Rick L

My guest today on Voices In My Head is Erskin Anavitarte. Erskin is a Nashville-based singer/songwriter who has garnered loyal fans around the world with his unique blend of pop, jazz, R&B and hip-hop styles. Following his 2014 EP, Let’s Ride, Erskin released Look Up in 2015, which featured the watershed single “Black & White,” a thought-provoking, action-inspiring narrative on race and religion in America. Love Moves, Erskin’s sixth recording, bowed in 2019.  Recently, Erskin has partnered with Nik Ripken Ministries (NRM) for the release of his latest music video, “Is He Worth It?” Spotlighting the plight of Believers in persecution, the video was directed by Jonathan Barker and produced by Luke Harvey and features scenes from the 2016 NRM and LifeWay Films documentary The Insanity of God. Based on the bestselling title of the same name by Nik Ripken—a veteran missionary and leading expert on Believers in persecution—the film powerfully depicts accounts of Christians around the world serving a livin

This week is all about the real life Saint Patrick, who quite possibly saved Western civilization.  Books Used On This Week's Podcast: Out of the Depths: A Songwriter's Journey Through The Psalms by Rick Lee James How The Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill Music used this week: Christ Is Lord (Christ Before Me) by Rick Lee James  From the album Hymns, Prayers, and Invitations   Thanks for listening to Voices In My Head! Blessings, Rick Lee James Want some exclusives like early music videos, singles, and private podcast episodes? Become a paid subscriber on Substack: Subscribe now Listen to Rick Lee James Music One of the best ways to support independent artists during Covid-19 is to stream our music on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and Pandora. Click below to find out all the ways you can listen. Music From RICK LEE JAMES https://linktr.ee/rickleejames Spotify: Link to Rick Lee James Also Find Rick Lee James Music on Bandcamp:  Rick on Bandcamp or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ab

What is the true source of wisdom? Today’s world has more and more information readily available, but less and less wisdom. Many people seek to acquire wisdom from easily accessible sources such as social media and popular culture but are often misled. How should Christians acquire wisdom in today’s media-saturated culture? Inspired by the concept of the food pyramid, Brett McCracken presents a biblical paradigm for wisdom in today’s distracted age, illustrating his argument through a “wisdom pyramid.” McCracken suggests a balanced, healthy diet of information from sources ranked in order of importance—the Bible, the church, nature, books, beauty, and lastly, the Internet and social media. By focusing on lasting and reliable sources of wisdom and by being more discerning about the information they consume, Christians will become wiser—not for their own glorification, but ultimately for God’s. Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3v8qcwc Brett McCracken's Web Site: https://www.brettmccracken.com   About Bre

Business Leader, Athlete, & Best Selling Author Jack O’Donnell Jack O’ Donnell is a successful businessman, a best-selling author, and an athlete. He has been the CEO, President or Chief operating officer for some of America’s most recognizable entrepreneurs, including Steve Wynn, Steve Case, Merv Griffin and Donald Trump. (Yes, the former President, Donald Trump).  To say that he has worked with some of the best and some of the worst leaders would be an understatement. Jack has been featured in America’s most prominent media outlets. From CNN and MSNBC, regularly featured on Out Front with Erin Burnett, The Beat with Ari Melber, Anderson Cooper and others. He has been widely quoted by leading columnists from the New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, and Politico. He has written numerous Op-Eds, being published in Politico and local newspapers across the country. He has also been prominently featured in documentaries on CNN, Netflix and PBS. Jack O’Donnell’s Web Site: http://www.jackodonnell

With the battle against a worldwide pandemic, divisions over race and equality, and a country that teeters on the political edge, the current culture can feel overwhelming. How do we let go of fear, rediscover hope, and find the courage to believe in better things? Throughout her life as an intrepid world traveler, Kristina Hurrell has been exploring the globe on a quest to discover extraordinary scenic destinations and ancient cultures that offer both adventure and renewal. In her new memoir, CAPTIVATED: An Adventure in Faith, former high fashion model, and actress Kristina Hurrell, takes readers on her harrowing journey through the harsh and isolated wilderness of the Sahara Desert. A story of adventure and resilience, faith, and miracles, and ultimately of revelation and transformation, CAPTIVATED encourages readers to release their fear and live with strength, courage, and confidence.     More about Kristina Kristina Hurrell is the founder and CEO of SpaFari, an eco-adventure vacation company. Spa

Fighting Human Trafficking with Remedy Drive's David Zach - Episode 409 Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) For nearly a decade, David Zach has worked undercover alongside operatives from The Exodus Road to identify perpetrators and fight slavery in Southeast Asia and Latin America. His 13 deployments with the international anti-trafficking organization have inspired the music and mission of Remedy Drive and have given Zach a platform to speak at colleges and festivals across the country. He has been a guest speaker at the University of Minnesota; University of Wisconsin – Green Bay; Drake University; Vanderbilt University; and the University of Arkansas, among other institutions. To date, Remedy Drive’s fanbase has contributed more than $350,000 towards rescue efforts, technology, vehicles and expenses for frontline operatives.   Remedy Drive has garnered 12 Top 20 singles and released 12 critically acclaimed recordings since their inception in 1998. The band’s music has been heard on NBC, Speed

Chuck Masek At War With The Big Dogs- Episode 408 - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Chuck Masek is a perennial entrepreneur who has grown and sold several businesses. Chuck has extensive experience in the health care industry and holds a Master of Science in clinical microbiology. He is the founder and former President / CEO of Vanguard Medical Concepts, Inc. At Vanguard, he innovated and developed the reprocessing of medical devices labeled single use industry.   He has spent his career striving to make positive and meaningful changes in healthcare.   Chuck’s new book, At War With The Big Dogs, is true story reminiscent of David versus Goliath story. In the book Chuck tells of how he and small group of hardworking, focused, and determined entrepreneurs forever changed the medical device industry. In the face of betrayal and overwhelming odds, this band of brothers fought with courage, commitment, and enduring faith and came together to disrupt the cash flow and business models of mul

Caste by Isabel Wilkerson - Episode 407 - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)   I recently finished reading this extraordinary book by Isabel Wilkerson and I really hope that as many people will read it as possible. So, even though I would love to have Miss Wilkerson on my show, I haven't been able to work that out yet, so I though the next best thing might be to my listeners a taste of her writing and some links where you can get a copy of her book. Please listen and please get a copy for yourself. It' such an important book and you will hear why on today's episode. --Rick Lee James   BUY THE BOOK NAMED THE #1 NONFICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR BY TIME MAGAZINE AND ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY People • The Washington Post • Publishers Weekly AND ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The New York Times Book Review • O: The Oprah Magazine • NPR • Bloomberg • Christian Science Monitor • New York Post • The New York Public Library • Fortune • Smithsonian Magazine • Marie Claire • Town &

Spotlight on Matt K. Lewis - Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 406 Called a “first-rate talent” in The Washington Post and “super-smart” by John Heilemann, Matt K. Lewis is a center-right critic of American politics and pop culture. As a journalist, Lewis has earned a reputation as an “independently minded” (Columbia Journalism Review) and “intellectually honest” commentator (Ben Adler, Newsweek). He is a senior columnist for The Daily Beast, and his work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, GQ, The Washington Post, The Week, Roll Call, Politico, The Telegraph, The Independent, and The Guardian. He previously served as senior contributor for The Daily Caller, and before that, as a columnist for AOL’s Politics Daily. Lewis dissects the day’s issues in conversation with other thinkers, authors, and newsmakers on his podcast Matt Lewis and the News, and co-hosts The DMZ Show with liberal pundit Bill Scher. He is a political commentator for CNN, has appeared on C-SPAN, PBS NewsHour, A

Episode 405 - Postcards From Babylon with Brian Zahnd, David & Kathi Peters Postcards From Babylon is a long-form documentary featuring author and pastor, Brian Zahnd, as he investigates possibly the most important question for the church in North America today:   How does the church stay faithful to the beautiful way of Jesus while situated in one of the most divisive political climates in our nation's history? ​ The film explores how Christians seeking proximity to power has led to a hyperpartisan Nationalistic posture that is demonstrably hindering the witness of Christ. ​ As exiled citizens of a superpower nation, Christians' deepest allegiance must be to the peaceful Kingdom of God, and from that posture they must always speak truth to power...no matter the cost.   Our Guests This Week   DAVID PETERS CO-DIRECTOR David, a career filmmaker, earned Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Cinema Communications.  He has created award-winning films that tell stories of people from all over the worl

Episode 404 - Sow and Tether - This Is The Day!  Band Website ( http://sowandtether.com ).   Band Bio Sow and Tether exists to enrich and excite souls with the grace and truth of Christ through song.  We are part of the worship teams at Redeemer Baptist Church and Getwell Road Church in the Northwest Mississippi / Memphis, Tennessee area, and we lead and write songs that speak the truth of the gospel of Jesus to encourage and edify the Church.  We lead worship for conferences, camps, D-Nows, retreats, and various other events as our schedules allow.   Born out of Redeemer Baptist Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi, our desire for those we have the opportunity to minister to is the same as our desire for our own congregations:  to sing songs with deep gospel roots that help people to see the glory of the risen Christ.  Every opportunity to lead others is met with this calling, and we would love to partner with your church or organization in ministry.    Hunter Bobo is the lead vocalist and primary songw