Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)

Episode 554: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast)
Episode 554
 
 
Good Day Everyone,
I wonder if the time has passed for this particular outlet because I cannot keep up a regular release schedule with the podcast. Let me know what you think.
 
Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com
Blessings,
Rick Lee James
Get the new song - Whatever You Do
Up on the Mountain
Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can’t wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th.
Blessings,
Rick Lee James
 
 
 
 

Episode 553: Kenny & Claire

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast)
Episode 553: Kenny & Claire
 
Pointing listeners to the Hope of Christ amidst life’s troubles, critically acclaimed husband/wife folk duo Kenny & Claire are set to bow their full-length debut, Upon the Storm, July 19. Produced by GRAMMY Award-winner Mitch Dane (Brandon Heath, JJ Heller), the 12-track set showcases four freshly penned originals and eight modern renditions of enduring hymns. 
 
The album’s title-cut, a stirring take on William Cowper’s 18th century hymn “God Moves in a Mysterious Way,” features updated verses and a new arrangement by Kenny & Claireand Mitch Dane. "God Moves (Upon the Storm)" carries deep meaning for the couple following Kenny’s struggle with a brain tumor as well as a life-altering chronic illness diagnosis.
Hallmarked by thoughtful, organic arrangements firmly anchored in a folk/Americana soundscape, Upon the Storm also offers Kenny & Claire’s signature take on such classic hymns as “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” and “Come Thou Fount,” among others, along with a uniquely emotive rendition of the popular Keith Getty and Stuart Townend-penned hymn, “In Christ Alone.” New selections including “Surely His Goodness,” “Have Mercy on Us” and “We Believe”—all written by Kenny & Claire and Mitch Dane—bridge the past and present with thematic consistency. 
 
ABOUT KENNY & CLAIRE
Beginning their musical journey together in 2005—writing songs, performing and leading worship throughout the Carolinas—Kenny & Claire Hilliard were married in 2008 but paused their creative pursuits while Kenny attended seminary and the couple started a family. In 2015, during Kenny’s tenure as a senior pastor and worship leader in Asheville, North Carolina, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Shortly after successful surgery to remove the tumor, Kenny received a second diagnosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome—a degenerative genetic disease that left him temporarily impaired. The couple embraced a return to music during Kenny’s recovery, founding a music teaching studio and further honing their songwriting craft by penning modern hymns for their home congregation.   
 
Known for their emotive acoustic/folk originals and organic revivals of theologically rich hymns of yesteryear, Kenny & Claire’s critically acclaimed debut EP, Are You Weary, released in 2021. In addition to participating in Getty Music’s prestigious International Hymn Writing Collective, the couple’s music has been highlighted by Under The Radar (UTR) and in The Rabbit Room’s New Music Roundup, and Claire was also named among “Ones to Watch” by the Nashville Songwriters Association (NSAI) in 2021. Kenny & Clairenow reside in the Nashville area with their three children, and they maintain an active touring ministry, leading worship and performing in numerous churches around the country each year. 
 
 
 
 
 
For further information or to request an interview with Kenny & Claire: 
Brian Smith  •  brian@turningpointpr.com
Emily Kohl  •  emily@turningpointpr.com
 

Episode 552: Whatever You Do To The Least of These

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast)
Sermons Week 3 - Whatever You Do to the Least of These
 
 
Good Day Everyone,
This week’s episode of the podcast is actually a sermon that I preached in August 2024. This is sermon one of three that I will be presenting here on Voices In My Head. This third week dives into the parable of the Sheep and the Goats from Matthew 25.
 
Blessings,
Rick Lee James
Get the new song - Whatever You Do
Up on the Mountain
Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can’t wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th.
Blessings,
Rick Lee James
 
 
 
 

Episode 551: What Are You Doing Here?

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast)
Sermons Week 2 - What Are You Doing Here?
 
 
Good Day Everyone,
This week’s episode of the podcast is actually a video of a sermon that I preached in July. This is sermon one of three that I will be presenting here on Voices In My Head. This second week asks the question, what are you doing here?
 
Blessings,
Rick Lee James
 
Get the new song - Whatever You Do
Get the new song - Whatever You Do
Up on the Mountain
Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can’t wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th.
Blessings,
Rick Lee James
 
 
 
 

Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 550- Sermons Week 1

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast)
Sermons Week 1 - Know Your S.T.U.F.
 
 
Good Day Everyone,
This week’s episode of the podcast is actually a video of a sermon that I preached in July. This is sermon one of three that I will be presenting here on Voices In My Head. This first week may sound a little bit familiar if you have listened to the podcast for a while. It is all about knowing your S.T.U.F (Sensations, Thoughts, Urges, Feelings). I hope it is a help to you.
 
Also, I have a brand new song that I wrote, recorded, and released in less than a week. It comes out on Friday and is called, “Whatever You Do (to the Least of These).
Make sure to watch for it wherever you stream music.
Blessings,
Rick Lee James
 
Get the new song - Whatever You Do
Up on the Mountain
Also, Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can’t wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th.
Blessings,
Rick Lee James
 
 
 
 

Episode 549: Up on the Mountain

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast)
Coming June 12, 2024
New Single and Music Video
 
Up on the Mountain
 
Pre-Save The Song
Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can’t wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th.
Blessings,
Rick Lee James
 
 
 
 

Episode 548: Know Your S.T.U.F.

 
Episode 548: Know Your S.T.U.F.
Voices In My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast)
PLUS SOME MUSIC NEWS
On July 12th, I'll release a brand new track titled "Up on the Mountain."
It would help me out a lot if you could follow this link and Pre-Save it on Spotify.
Spotify Pre-Save · https://show.co/V1WCBm6
We will be filming a music video for the song this weekend. The world premiere will air exclusively on the Catholic Faith Network on July 11th.
Get ready to join me on this journey Up on the Mountain!
Don't forget to swing by Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform and hit those follow buttons! By hitting the follow button, you'll stay updated on my latest releases and show your support for my music! I can’t wait to meet you Up on the Mountain on July 12th.
Blessings,
Rick Lee James

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 547: A Life of John the Baptist with James F. McGrath

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast)
 
 
Christmaker: A Life of John the Baptist with Author James F. McGrath
Coming June 11, 2024
 
Book Description:
For many, John the Baptist is a footnote in the gospels—Jesus’s unkempt forerunner. But if we look closer, John emerges as a fascinating and influential religious leader in his own right. 
 
Esteemed New Testament scholar James F. McGrath turns his critical eye to overlooked details in Scripture and long-neglected sources to discover who John the Baptist really was. McGrath covers the well-known events of John’s life, from his miraculous conception to his execution at the hands of Herod Antipas. Along the way, he introduces key context about John’s social and religious world that fleshes out John’s character. John becomes a rebel son of a priest. An innovator of ritual. A mentor of Jesus.  
 
McGrath also explores John’s far-reaching impact on the history of religion. Aside from his influence on Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, John is also revered by the Mandaeans, the last extant gnostic sect, who consider themselves John’s faithful disciples. This fresh look at the life of John the Baptist will fascinate any reader interested in John, Jesus, and their dynamic world. 
 
​​Editorial Reviews 
Review
“Essential reading for all interested in Jesus’s spiritual formation as well as the later ‘parting of the ways’ between John’s teachings and Jesus’s, this highly accessible work walks us through a little-known story of a relationship that no one previously has brought to light with such clarity and insight.”
—Nicola Denzey Lewis, Claremont Graduate University 
 
“Thanks to a fresh approach and many hypotheses for ancient questions, this book, which is readable like a novel, will create large—and lasting—ripples in scholarship as well as in the thinking and lives of its readers.”
—Edmondo Lupieri, Loyola University
 
“This is a creative, wide-ranging exploration that weaves together the Gospels and later writings to present a fresh view of John the Baptist. McGrath takes the reader on a journey to re-imagine a man who was not only the ‘Christmaker’ but also an influential prophet in his own right.”
—Joan Taylor, professor of Christian origins and Second Temple Judaism, King’s College, London
 
About the Author
James F. McGrath is Clarence L. Goodwin Chair in New Testament Language and Literature at Butler University.
 
 
Get the Book: https://amzn.to/44Rotxp
 
 

Episode 546: Plan Toys VP Rudy Valenta

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast)
Episode 546: Plan Toys VP Rudy Valenta
 
 
About PLAN TOYS:
 
 
Plan Toys Is More ThanJust A Toys Manufacturer.
Back in 1981, seven university graduates came together with a shared mission of infusing the world with positivity. Vitool Viraponsavan , one of the strongest voices of the group, went on to establish PlanToys and has been inspiring children and families worldwide ever since. Today, PlanToys has branched out to Asia, America, Europe and Australia – bringing optimism, creativity and a passion for sustainability to communities all over. The fusion of these three things is also known as our “Sustainable Way,” which further includes our use of sustainable materials, manufacturing methods and mindset.
Child Development is Our Focus.
Enhance development for children.
At PlanToys, sustainability and child development are our top priorities. By focusing on child safety and age milestones during design and production, our wooden toys enhance both physical and cognitive development.
 
Green BusinessPractices areOur Forte.
" We use leftover sawdust tocreate a new materialcalled PlanWood ”
 
Sustainable world
With a strong mission to create a sustainable world, PlanToys intentionally considers every single step of production in order to minimize environmental impact. This mission is implemented through the three pillars of PlanToys business, also known as our “Sustainable Way.” This includes Sustainable Material, Sustainable Manufacturing and Sustainable Mind.
We are Passionate About Bettering Our Communities and Children.
Nearly four decades of mindful business practices and close attention to product design makes PlanToys an unrivaled manufacturer of developmental toys. It is our hope that your little one not only grows in their ability to imagine and create with our wooden toys, but that they also grow closer to nature, better understand the importance of a green lifestyle and successfully develop along the way.
 
Learn more at https://www.plantoys.com
 
 

Episode 545: Mark D. Conklin

Voices In My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast)
Episode 545: Mark D. Conklin
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK BRINGSSCRIPTURE TO LIFE WITH MUSIC’S TOP NAMESGloria Gaynor, Rita Wilson, The Fisk Jubilee Singers, Rhonda Vincent and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound Among Star-Studded Guests
 Uniting a veritable who’s who of Gospel, soul and country music luminaries for a uniquely inspired collection of song and spoken word, The Gospel According to Mark is set for release May 17 from StowTown Records. Created by and featuring acclaimed singer/songwriter Mark D. Conklin, the project’s 12 standout musical collaborations are interwoven with 12 Scripture vignettes voiced by iconic songstress Gloria Gaynor.   Produced by Conklin who also wrote or co-penned each musical selection and GRAMMY winner Mark Prentice, the project offers fresh perspective on the New Testament book of Mark, chronologically conveying the account of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. With Gaynor’s narrations anchoring every song, The Gospel According to Mark showcases musical contributions from renowned actress and singer Rita Wilson; internationally revered collegiate ensemble The Fisk Jubilee Singers; Gospel trailblazers The Fairfield Four; the “Queen of Bluegrass” Rhonda Vincent; Southern Gospel leaders Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; GRAMMY-winning recording artist John Berry; and ‘80s country hitmaker T. Graham Brown, among many others.   “While serving as the director of the GRAMMY Museum Experience at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, I had the privilege of sitting down with the legendary recording artist Gloria Gaynor in 2020,” Conklin recalls. “After spending time with her album and speaking with her about her unwavering dedication to the Lord, an awakening occurred within me. It ignited a long-dormant desire to embark on my own worship project dream I had put off for years.” “Later, as I edited the audio of my interview with Gloria for a podcast, it hit me like a bolt of lightning,” he adds. “I knew THAT voice, HER voice, was the one! To my great delight and surprise, she graciously agreed to join me on my musical journey, and I will be forever grateful.”  “I’m so honored to have been asked to narrate The Gospel According to Mark and lend my voice to such an uplifting project that Mark D. Conklin has brought to life,” Gaynor shares. “To be part of such an amazing gathering of talent to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is truly a blessing for me.” The Gospel According to Mark is highlighted by lead single “The Greatest is Love,” which is now available on digital platforms. Featuring acclaimed recording artist Wendy Moten, a runner-up on NBC’s “The Voice," the retro rock 'n soul track embodies the nostalgic sounds of Memphis and Muscle Shoals.  Additional album standouts include the Rita Wilson spotlight “Through the Storm”; “Oh, Lonely Day,” a stirring Good Friday anthem with vocal contributions from John Berry and Rhonda Vincent; and the soulful “Take This Cup” with The Fairfield Four, an emotive musical rendering of Jesus’ struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane. Conklin has also authored an exclusive devotional companion for The Gospel According to Mark. Unpacking scripturally-rooted insight behind each of the album’s 12 songs, the devotions present encouragement for daily living, reflective questions and directed prayers.  ABOUT MARK D. CONKLINA genre-spanning music executive, recording artist, songwriter and producer, Mark D. Conklin’s music has appeared on Billboard’s country, blues and bluegrass charts, as well as on such hit TV shows as “Grey’s Anatomy” and in various national advertising campaigns. He served as host of the GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center's three online conversation series: "Off the Record,” “Behind the Songs” and “Mini Masterclass." In this role, Conklin interviewed more than 200 artists, including Mary Wilson of the Supremes; Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey; DJ Khaled; BTS; Ellie Goulding; Luke Combs; and Kane Brown. Returning to his first love as a singer/songwriter, the New Jersey native released his roots-country EP, Starting Over, in 2020. ABOUT STOWTOWN RECORDSStowTown Records was founded in 2011 by Ernie Haase and Wayne Haun and welcomed partners Landon Beene and Nate Goble in 2014. A powerhouse independent Gospel music label, StowTown is home to renowned pop/Inspirational artists David Phelps, Charles Billingsley, Cana's Voice, TaRanda Greene, Jody McBrayer and Tiffany Coburn, as well as acclaimed comedian Tim Lovelace, and some of Southern Gospel's biggest names, including Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Booth Brothers, Triumphant Quartet, Doug Anderson, The Browns, The Erwins, Legacy Five, The Kramers, Sunday Drive, The Perrys, The Steeles, The Taylors, and Zane & Donna King. Distributed worldwide via Provident/Sony Distribution, StowTown Records artists have garnered GRAMMY® nominations, multiple GMA Dove Awards and chart-topping releases. A burgeoning leader in multi-genre entertainment, the company’s StowTown Worship imprint serves the Church with a diverse range of music and resources and features renowned genre pioneer The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir as its flagship artist. For further information visit: markdconklin.com, stowtownrecords.com, turningpointpr.com.Follow Conklin on Instagram and Facebook.