Foot In The Door

What do you do when you're used to spending every waking - and sleeping - hour on the road? How do you go from a fast-paced, planned-out schedule to... not? How do you adjust to that? It has to be weird going from radio tours, live performances, and craft services to being at home with just your thoughts; aspirations you assumed were long-gone yet begin to whisper into your ear from beyond the Dream Grave. That's where Emily was on the day we chatted. With their final farewell performance just a few weeks away, she's on the verge of change and she knows it. What kind of change will it be? Considering the butt-kicking she's gotten so far in 2016, it's understandable why she's trusting for a good one.

I had a conversation with Dan Cummins, a comedian whose work I've really admired for a few years now, and I walked away with an even greater admiration for the guy. He's a super-hard worker who has more than one pot cooking on the stovetop. Dan has a new album out this weekend, Don't Wake the Bear, and I fully expected our conversation to mostly cover comedy and the aforementioned project. Although we do get treated to a few behind-the-bits anecdotes (I'm still shocked at how much of his material is actually true and not just generated for the laugh), I had no idea what else Dan had going (perhaps a result of my minimal research). Dan pulls back the curtain and lets us know what it's like to work as a host for a show on the Playboy Channel, being a writer (yes, a writer) for reality TV, and his comedian-bingo confession at a now-defunct Indiana comedy club. It's a great conversation with a really good guy that I think you'll enjoy. .     

As talented as they are genial, Cissy and Gavin have each amassed quite an impressive resume and I was genuinely humbled to be able to chat with them about their lives, their craft, and how they juggle the two. If you've played a video game in the last few years, you're probably familiar with their work. They've both given impressive performances in such acclaimed projects as The Walking Dead series, Firewatch, Oxenfree, Life is Strange, and so much more.

Joel Quinones has been through a lot and I'd totally understand if he was a mean, bitter, angry guy. After hearing what he's experienced, I'd give him a free pass if that was the case. But that's what makes Joel's story so inspiring. He's not mean. He's not bitter. He's not angry. He's encouraging, understanding, and just wants people to be nice. His experience in the world of music and coffee - oh you knew I'd return to coffee again soon, didn't you? - has given him a solid foundation in business, yet the other hemisphere of his brain also gets to express itself through his love of the art of both worlds. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy this conversation.  

There are so many adjectives that describe Roger Okewole and his story: Inspiring, Motivating, and Encouraging are some of the first ones that spring to mind. He's a man who has walked through the darkness (AKA had his nuts kicked) and came out the other side stronger. Born in Scotland, raised in Nigeria, and currently living in - wait for it - New Jersey, Roger's story is one that you won't soon forget and the lessons he's learned are ones we can - and should - all carry with us.  

To be totally honest with you, I'm not 100% convinced that Mike Bauer isn't a super hero. He's a Los Angeles District Attorney by day with a genuine heart for justice and doing what's right. With a moral code firmly rooted in being honest and standing up for those who may not be able to defend themselves, it's people like Mike who restore your faith in the legal system. After hours, Mike is one of the most talented singer/songwriters I've had the pleasure to stumble upon. It was at a Storyteller Night at the iO West on Hollywood Boulevard in late 2014 when I first encountered Mike's talent and I haven't taken his music out of rotation since (Yep. I immediately came home and bought all of his stuff I could get my hands on over at Amazon). His story sounds like the description of the latest Netflix superhero series, but this is real life and that's what makes it all even better. Knowing there are still good guys like Mike in real life, fighting the fight and making music that transcends a bad day...the citizens

Ten years ago, if you would have asked someone who knew anything about the CCM Industry if they'd heard of Milam Byers, their answer would probably have been something along the lines of, "Yeah. He's in the band Bleach." And they would have been correct. But something has shifted in the last ten years and I love what's happened. As people would ask me who I have coming up on the podcast and I would tell them that Milam's episode is on the way, I would see their faces light up. "I love that guy!" "He's so nice!" and "He's great to be around!" were all responses I got on more than one occasion. Stop and think about that. In a time when everyone is identified by their career or what they do (John? He's a painter. Mary? She's a bank teller. Steve? Oh yeah, the guy at the hardware store), Milam is identified by who he is. That's pretty incredible, if you ask me. Listen to this conversation with Milam and you'll start to understand why his rep is something we should all strive to have.

I have a sentiment about good things happening to good people, and that sentiment is: I like when that happens. Such is the case with my latest guest, John Tibbs. I sat down at the offices of Fair Trade Services in Nashville with John a couple of months ago and to say he was excited about his future would be putting it lightly. He was excited about his new upcoming music and was really eager for people to hear it. I can't blame him. I was given a sneak peek at his new single, "Dead Man Walking" (available now!) and I knew he had accomplished exactly what he set out to do. But what brought him to that point? Where did this guy come from? And did he really get to hold Punxsutawney Phil? Found out in this episode!

David Dunn is the kind of musician who writes songs that punch you in the gut. Not in a bad way where you walk away with bruises, mumbling about an assault charge, but in the kind of way you want songs to hit you. His lyrics are honest and transparent and are written from the point of view of someone who doesn't have all of the answers all of the time, but knows there's no shame in admitting it.   

It's been a while since Ed's had the chance to sit down and interview someone and you couldn't ask for a better way to break the silence than to sit down and catch up with Among the Thirsty's Ryan Daniels. 

Yes, Ben Kristijanto is the frontman for the band Bread of Stone, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Born in America, raised in Indonesia for the first nine years of his life, and then transplanted back to the States, Ben's unique upbringing has given him an infectious passion for life, helping others, and serving God.

Earlier this year Ed was in a production of "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" directed by the extremely talented Tim Riggs. After a few months of coordinating schedules (understandably difficult as Tim is both a new husband and a new father), Tim and Ed were finally able to sit down and talk about acting, directing, the craft, and John Denver.

I'm very pleased to have Maria Walton as my guest on this episode. Maria isn't just a runner...and not just a marathon runner. She's an ultra marathon runner with a story that is at times heartbreaking, at times triumphant, but always inspirational.If you're into the running world, then the name Micah True may be familiar to you (his story is the basis of the book "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall). You'll hear the story of how Maria and Micah met, learn about their work together on the Ultra Caballo Blanco Ultra Marathon (a 50+ mile race up and down the hills of Urique, Mexico of which Maria is still co-race director), and find out how Mariah faced True's unexpected passing.   This is an episode not just for marathon runners but for anyone looking to be inspired by the beautiful mariposa.

Ed is pleased to join comedian Lachlan Patterson in his garage to discuss the life of being a stand-up comedian. From growing up in Vancouver to his move to California - and then back...and back again - to appearing on the latest season of "Last Comic Standing," Lachlan covers it all. A genuine guy with an eye for garbage, Lachlan makes this episode one that you won't wanna miss!

One doesn't begin playing Telltale's "The Walking Dead" video game and expect to be moved by a song, but that's exactly what happened to Ed. In this episode he tracks down the band behind the music and chats with J.T. Bailey, Andrew Arcadi, and Keri Bailey of Anadel (and is treated to a surprise appearance by Steven Bailey at the end!). Not only does Ed find out how they went from a small band in Napa, CA to appearing on one of the most talked about video games series in recent history, but he also finds some inspiration along the way. Visit them online at anadelband.com

It's been over ten years since Ed has spoken to Sammy Ward but the guys don't have a problem picking up right where they left off. Ed not only gets Sammy to re-tell one of his favorite stories (it has to do with a sack o' ham, that's all you need to know), but he also gets to hear a bunch of new tales as he finds out what Sammy's been up to in the last decade or so.

Ed is super-excited to sit down with Tobin Hyman and becomes even more excited when he finds out Tobin lives on a boat. When they first met, Tobin was working as TobyMac's PA. A few years have passed and now Tobin is working as a talent scout for NBC's "The Voice." The conversation is encouraging and inspiring as Tobin shares his thoughts on the music industry. Not only is he a super-cool guy, but it's also nice to find someone who is aware of - and thankful for - how truly blessed he is to be where he is, and where he came from.

Ed is pleased to welcome radio guru Mike Couchman to the Foot in the Door podcast. From Detroit to Las Vegas, hip hop to country, Mike's not only done it all, but he's done it all well.

It's late, he just got home and hasn't even had his dinner yet, and still he's game for a little conversation. That's just how accomodating Paul Valenti is. Ed catches up with the Italian half of The Chris & Paul Show - and his eggplant - for a conversation on improv, sketch, and The Stooges.

Yes, it's true, Jack Wolfe is the pastor at Epic Faith in Duluth GA. But really, he's so much more than that. To begin with, he isn't what you think of when you think of a pastor, and that is meant in the best way possible. Ed re-connects with his high school youth leader in a compelling conversation that mixes deep thought with deep laughs.