A Sober Cafe Podcast Interview with Rachel Resnick, author of Love Junkie. (Running Time: 26 min. 29 sec.)

Rachel Resnick is the author of Love Junkie, a new and  critically acclaimed memoir.  She also wrote the Los Angeles Times bestseller, Go West Young F*cked-Up Chick, a novel.

Her essays, articles and fiction have  appeared in nearly a dozen anthologies, most recently What Was I Thinking? 58 Bad Boyfriend Stories, and many magazines (including Marie Claire and Women’s Health), newspapers and literary journals.

Resnick has taught in major writing programs, among them UCLA Extension Writers Program, USC Professional Writing Program, Cal Arts, and Stanford, and she runs her own Writers On Fire writing workshops in Hawaii, France and Los Angeles.

Sponsored by Sunlight of the Spirit Music and InTheRooms.com.

A “Three Cups of Coffee and the Truth Interview” with Robin Richardson, musician and psychotherapist.  (Running Time: 23 min. 42 sec.)

As an incest survivor, healing from an eating disorder, and a recovering alcoholic, these are her truths and yet Robin Richardson is so much more than these labels.

Robin is now singing her truth as an inspirational source for girls and women. She recorded her CD, “Wild Bird” in the spring of 2008 and uses the songs in her performances at schools and conferences across the United States and Canada.

The songs on Wild Bird chronicle Robin’s journey: from victim to thriver, from addiction to recovery, from self-hatred to self-honoring, and from hopelessness to embracing life. Each song represents a stage of growth, a new learning or a discovery along the path.

Robin also collaborated with Tom Wasinger and created Soul Comfort, an instrumental CD that was initially created as the musical backdrop for an eating meditation and designed to be a relaxing, nurturing aid to those struggling with compulsive eating. This hour-long continuous piece of music is recommended to all who seek universal connection and relief from stress and compulsivity.

Sponsored by Sunlight of the Spirit Music

A “Three Cups of Coffee and the Truth Interview” with Patrick Haggerson, musician and Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.  (Running Time: 15 min. 59 sec.)

Patrick uses music in his work in the field of recovery for meditation, exploring feelings, inspiration and joy. He has been playing music and using it as an expression of recovery for over twenty-one years.  He has two CDs available on Sunlight of the Spirit Music’s website.

Desert Spirit – Peaceful Sounds For Meditation uses a unique blend of acoustic guitar, Native American flute, and Inca pan flute to express peaceful, relaxing melodies, which flow like a soft desert breeze.  The songs on (Recovery Spirit)2 are offered as musical expressions which explore and celebrate the changes experienced in the working of each of the 12 steps.

Sponsored by Sunlight of the Spirit Music

A “Three Cups of Coffee and the Truth Interview” with Tommy Holmes during the 12 Step Music Fest in the Florida Keys.  (Running Time: 16 min. 28 sec.)

Tommy is a natural talent that shines from the L.A. backdrop. Known for strong melodies and thoughtful lyrics, Tommy works hard to tell the truth in his songs on his self-titled CD, Tommy Holmes.

Recently, he was asked to write and record songs for the film 39 Pounds of Love. Tommy has also had several songs featured on national TV shows such as ABC’s The Nine, The WB’s Dawson’s Creek and UPN’s Jake 2.0.

In this episode of the Sober Cafe Podcast, Tommy shares about his musical background and some insights about his spiritual journey in recovery.
Sponsored by Sunlight of the Spirit Music

A Sober Cafe Podcast Interview with Benoit Denizet-Lewis, author of America Anonymous: Eight Addicts in Search of a Life. (Running Time: 27 min. 07 sec.)

America Anonymous is the unforgettable story of eight men and women from around the country — including a grandmother, a college student, a bodybuilder, and a housewife — struggling with addictions.

For nearly three years, acclaimed journalist Benoit Denizet-Lewis immersed himself in their lives as they battled drug and alcohol abuse, overeating, and compulsive gambling and sexuality. Alternating with their stories is Denizet-Lewis’s candid account of his own recovery from sexual addiction and his compelling examination of our culture of addiction, where we obsessively search for new and innovative ways to escape the reality of the present moment and make ourselves feel “better.”

Are Americans more addicted than people in other countries, or does it just seem that way? Can food or sex be as addictive as alcohol and drugs? And will we ever be able to treat addiction with a pill? These are just a few of the questions Denizet-Lewis explores during his remarkable journey inside the lives of men and women struggling to become, or stay, sober.

As the addicts in this book stumble, fall, and try again to make a different and better life, Denizet-Lewis records their struggles — and his own — with honesty and empathy.

Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music and In The Rooms

A “Three Cups of Coffee and the Truth Interview” with Lauren Adams during the 12 Step Music Fest in the Florida Keys.  (Running Time: 16 min. 42 sec.)

Adams’ music is a fusion of rock, folk, country, and blues – aka Americana. With stellar musicianship on her third CD, “Secret Heart,” and production by guitar veteran Nicholas Newell Kirgo (David Lynch, Vonda Shepard), “Secret Heart,” is a virtual who’s who of the L.A. music scene.

As host of the long running Americana Music Circle (Kulak’s Woodshed, Hollywood), she has shared the stage with some of the greatest talent from every corner of the globe.

More importantly, Lauren has been actively involved with local charitable events, including Hep C Aware (Hepatitis C awareness group), the House of Hope (shelter for women & families), Children of the Night (rescues runaway teens in Hollywood), along with benefit shows for musicians in need of health care.
Sponsored by Sunlight of the Spirit Music

A “Three Cups of Coffee and the Truth Interview” with Richie Supa.  (Running Time: 15 min. 03 sec.)

Richie Supa is a New York singer/songwriter with over 200 cuts and 5 solo albums to his name. With over 50 million records sold, artists who have recorded Supa’s songs include Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Ozzy Osborne, Mika, Pink and legendary artists such as Johnny Winter, Tom Jones, Air Supply, Glen Campbell, Willie Nelson, to name a few.

Supa has been a behind-the-scenes voice in the legendary rock band Aerosmith for years, including being a touring member. He co-wrote several of their number one rock hits including “Chip Away The Stone,” “Lightning Strikes,” ”Pink” and “Amazing.” Richie co-wrote with Richie Sambora on his most recent solo album and tours with Sambora on his solo project. The Sober Cafe Podcast interviewed Richie before going on stage at the 12 Step Music Fest in Florida.

Here’s a helpful link to purchase and download a copy of In The Rooms by Richie Supa.

Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music and In The Rooms

(Running Time: 16 min. 53 sec.)

Andrew Jerome Pace is best known for his work as the drummer “Babe” Pace for C&C Music Factory, the 1990’s sensation that gave us the hit song, “Gonna Make You Sweat / Everybody Dance Now,” which went multi-platinum and sold over 8 million copies.

Andy Pace, a Certified Addictions Counselor, set out to create a type of music that would allow addicts and alcoholics in recovery to experience a healthy message that is progressive and powerful, resulting in Out of Darkness Into Light.

This Urban / R&B CD is self-help with bittersweet lyrics in spoken word, that reminds us of the pain of drug and alcohol addiction and the joy of recovery.
Sponsored by:  Sunlight of the Spirit Music

(Running Time: 17 min. 45 sec.)

Greg Tamblyn, NCW (No Credentials Whatsoever), has been a successful singer, songwriter, speaker, and humorist for over twenty years. He has an irreverent sense of humor, and has a special interest in the relationship of music, laughter, and lifestyle to physical and emotional well-being.

The first six songs on The Shootout At The I’m OK, You’re OK Corral are clever, with inspired lyrics about pop psychology and self-awareness. The next five are rockers and ballads about the power of love, emotional and spiritual growth.
Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music

(Running Time: 15 min. 27 sec.)

Each of the songs on Blake Addison’s Contemporary Christian CD, The Unreachable, reflects his beliefs and convictions in dealing with life and what it means to be a Christian. All proceeds from the sale of this CD go to The Lottie Moon Missionary Fund.
Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music

(Running Time: 19 min. 10 sec.)

In addition to being regarded worldwide as a virtuoso guitarist, Sharp is an accomplished writer. His songs have been recorded by artists as diverse as Jeff Healey, Rick Braun, Billy Burnette, Juice Newton and Mick Fleetwood – cracking the Top 40 three times including Christine McVie’s Top 10 smash hit Got a Hold On Me.  Enjoy getting to know more about Todd Sharp and songs from his CD, Walking All The Way.
Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music

(Running Time: 16 min. 21 sec.)

Singer, songwriter and sometimes yodeler, Patience Moore is an artist who embraces country music’s classic past while keeping one cowgirl-booted foot in the present.

That combination shines brightest in her most recent release, Buckaroos Sleep Too!, a 2-CD collection of award-winning music for families, country in nature (from western swing and boogies to acoustic ballads and lullabies) with G-rated lyrics, A-list Nashville musicians, and fresh arrangements, all highlighting Patience’s singing and songwriting.
Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music

A “Three Cups of Coffee and the Truth Interview” with Lee Domann and music from his CD, Songs For Ebby T. (Running Time: 36 min. 27 sec.)

Lee Domann, an award-winning songwriter, has songs recorded by a variety of artists including Kathy Mattea, The Bishops, and Riders In the Sky. Lee’s style is reminiscent of Garrison Keillor, of NPR’s The Prairie Home Companion. His music will make you laugh, cry, cheer, remember, and know.

The message in these 10 songs will be familiar to many persons within the rich variety of 12-Step programs currently available.
Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music

(Running Time: 18 min. 59 sec.)

Jubal Lee Young is a young rocker who has experienced life’s darker sides, yet transcends them in his songs on Not Another Beautiful Day.

Don’t think that tamed him down; he just chose a different road. Along the way, he came up with a unique sound that could be an unexpected rebirth of Southern Rock.
Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music

(Running Time: 17 min. 32 sec.)

How Much is Free is the debut album from multi-instrumentalist Johnny Freeman. This is a work of uncompromising, funky pop and eclectic R&B that touches on acoustic, jazz, blues and hip-hop. Lyrically steeped in introspection, the project contains therapeutic as well as entertainment benefits.
Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music

A “Three Cups of Coffee and the Truth Interview” with Jim W. and music from his CD, One Man’s Walk. (Running Time: 24 min. 13 sec.)

Jim W.’s journey out of his own personal hell and into a community of recovery has become the substance of “One Man’s Walk,” 12 songs chronicling the amazing changes the Twelve Step Recovery Program has brought into his life.

Each song is dedicated to one of the twelve steps. Exploring the simple spiritual tools that have helped Jim and countless others to break the chains of addiction, these songs – these stories, shed light on one man’s walk – out of despair.
Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music

A “Three Cups of Coffee and the Truth Interview” with Mary Lyn B.  and music from her CD, Twelve Songs (Running Time: 28 min. 46 sec.)

Twelve Songs is a compilation of songs that have been inspired through the 12 steps of recovery. Each song uniquely relates to a corresponding step. Mary Lyn’s journey of recovery is reflected in songs that will bring strength and encouragement to anyone at any stage of recovery. Mary Lyn has performed at recovery festivals, conventions, and private fundraising events across the United States.
Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music

(Running Time: 16 min. 16 sec.)

Kim Parent’s been called The Singer’s Singer. She was listed in Music Row Magazine’s Top Ten Award for singing on the most country hits of 2001.

Her vocals can be heard on CDs by Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Jo Dee Messina, Reba Mc Entire, Joe Diffie, Sherrie Austin, Jessica Andrews, Aaron Tippin, Billy Rae Cyrus, Kenny Rogers, Don Williams, Phil Vasser, and many other artists.  When Love Was Just A Word showcases Parent’s beautiful voice on her self-penned songs.
Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music

(Running Time: 16 min. 23 sec.)

Sonia Lee, a 2006 and 2008 Kerrville New Folk Finalist, has soothing and authentic Americana style vocals that are finally in the limelight, after performing for years in bands and as a background vocalist from New York to Nashville.

Her style is reminiscent of early Emmy Lou Harris and Alison Krause. Lee’s latest gem, True, is a collection of deeply personal and passionate songs produced by Dove Award-winning writer, Kim McLean.
Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music

(Running Time: 15 min. 11 sec.)

Grammy award-winning songwriter Jon Vezner is a tunesmith of rare sensitivity and dry wit. His catalogue of recorded songs, topped by the poignant Where’ve You Been, reflects his straight-to-the heart sensibility and sensitivity.

In his CD, Vezner & Songs, Vezner weaves the particulars of his own feelings with the lives of people he has known into universal themes that deeply touch listeners’ emotions.
Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music

(Running Time: 12 min. 17 sec.)

Funky As a Diaper is a collection of twelve original humorous and joyful children’s tunes written and performed by Jim Mayer (voted Best New XM Kids Artist).

It’s engineered by two-time Grammy award winner and Hall of Fame Engineer, Alan Shulman, with guest performers such as Grammy award-winning saxophonist Jeff Coffin, former Arrested Development singer Nadirah Shakoor and Larry Byram of Steppenwolf fame.
Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music

(Running Time: 20 min. 51 sec.)

Mary Gauthier’s Mercy Now scored #12 on Harp’s 50 Greatest Albums of 2005, #3 on NY Daily News’ Best Albums of 2005, and made the Chicago Sun-Times’ Top 2005 Albums List.

“Gauthier continues to write provocative songs that have a weary wise edge that’s perfect for her rich smoky vocals. Due to the darkly noirish lyrics, these aren’t pretty songs. Instead, they have a soulful, aching grace that pulls no punches.”
Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music

(Running Time: 13 min. 13 sec.)

For over twenty years, Ray W. crafted songs for various Nashville publishers, accumulating sixty-four cuts and three top ten singles with such artists as Brooks and Dunn and Lonestar.

In 2000, Ray returned to his hometown in Georgia to regroup after getting into recovery, realizing he not only had to change playgrounds and playmates, but the type of music he wrote as well.

He’s always written songs about life as he sees it and now that includes life in recovery, as heard on Learning To Live Again.
Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music

(Running Time: 16 min. 26 sec.)

Jack Sundrud may be best known as a member of the group Poco. As a songwriter, he had a #1 by Ty Herndon in ‘99, as well as cuts by several artists including Poco, The Judds, Kenny Rogers, Ricochet, Jenai, 4Runner, The Persuasions, Michael Johnson, Helen Darling, Venice, and The Forrester Sisters.  Sundrud co-producer David Llewellyn’s recent self-titled CD and also produced Paul Cotton’s CD, When The Coast Is Clear.

These days he’s working with the seminal country-rock band Poco – - and loves it. Great guys, great music.  Enjoy listening to By My Own Hand.
Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music

(Running Time: 16 min. 44 sec.)

Former Virgin Recording Artist Danny Tate is back on the scene with a full-length recording that outdoes all of his previous releases combined.

In Destination X, Tate succeeds at his quest to send out a clear message of gritty truth about the struggles between spirit and flesh.
Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music

(Running Time: 15 min. 14 sec.)

The songs on Slowbriety range from soft southern classic rock (ala the Allman Bros.) to Bob Dylan with a country flavor, to high-powered (well, more like higher powered) rock ‘n roll reminiscent of Dire Straits.

Drawing from his 20 years of experience in recovery, Bill Z. wrote or co-wrote many of these songs. If you’re trying to kick caffeine, this CD is the perfect fix to jump-start your day. (Warning: With just one listening, you’ll be hooked!)
Sponsored by: Sunlight of the Spirit Music