Mixtape Hope

From Cleveland to the Crescent City...Conner McCready brings a unique vision, style and talent to his music and art!His energy in performing, love of learning, and tenacity in teaching music is inspiring!It is rare to sit someone who can navigate the SCIENCE and the WHY of music so eloquently. His depth of musical knowledge makes it easy to see what continues to motivate his passion and gift of music. A multi instrumentalist AND producer,  Conner McCready is ready and able to take his creativity to any stage...Check him out and listen in as we are educated by this brilliant artist. https://www.connermccready.com

It was “just a feeling” that brought this Pennsylvania native to New Orleans and this city is blessed to have kept her!On the  heels of her latest album “Fever Dreams”  (2023), Shawan Rice is on fire! Her calm exudes wisdom  and musically she  is talented well beyond her years. Her music will hold you, inspire you and teach you. She is a poet, a scholar, a producer, vocalist and all around genuinely beautiful soul. She shares what brought her here, why she stayed and even delivers powerful messages on life, literature and more!!We are so honored to sit with Ms. Shawan Rice on this episode! Check her out not only locally in New Orleans but worldwide! https://shawanmusic.com/

Believe.Believe in something and you will often find your purpose. Chuck Credo IV does just that. The legendary musician, songwriter, producer, entertainer, podcaster, manager and community leader believes in MUSIC and the city that raised him. We sit down with Mr. Credo IV and enjoy the stories and the fuel that has sparked his passion for supporting other artists and entertainers even as he keeps a very solid schedule as the lead of the band we all know and love- The Mixed Nuts.As well, listen in as he shares his NEW SOLO project with us.A true honor to connect with him in studio! https://www.wcaentertainment.comhttp://www.chuckcredo.com

When Veronica and Victoria Corcoran hit the sand, the ACE they delivery is the strength of will and  determination in "doing the work" it takes to become champions.The AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) lit up the sand here in New Orleans this past April. We were able to catch up with The Corcoran twins as they shared stories of times during their phenomenal college career here at UNO, the community that still welcomes them and the LOVE of each other and family who played a huge role in their journey. Moving to a playlist that both grounds them and motivates them, they echo the mantra that MUSIC IS HEALING-even through injuries!Get closer to the net as we sit down with these amazing athletes and humans. Their fierce talent is only paralleled by their genuine and beautiful authenticity. Let's Geaux!Special THANK YOU to the AVP, Coaches Lauren Levy and  Robert Reichert Jr and the entire OCSM Sports Performance Team

SEASON 4!"LOCAL LOVE"GRATITUDE as we welcome another season of storytellers and artists being REAL. As we  continue to learn, music truly unites us all! It inspires HOPE in ways that no other prescription can.We say "thank you" to those who have sat with us, those who have given their time and love as we look forward to sharing more with YOU!Turn up the volume and adjust the speakers as we bring you another season of MIXTAPE HOPE! We are looking forward to highlighting guests with ties to New Orleans and who move to the beat that only a local can know. Prescribing VIBES-Drs. Dre & Luis Espinoza

We had the opportunity to interview internacional award winning musician Sol Pereyra. An accomplished musician, artist, and director, Sol brings her passion for life and laughter to our Mixtape Hope episode while in Argentina preparing for the launch of her sixth album entitled 'La Pelicula'.She splits her time living between Argentina and Mexico City, Mexico and is always on the move spreading her message of hope and love.  Since the age of ten, Sol started singing and playing music.  Her goal is for her music to bring joy and energy that unites us all.  Sol has a deep appreciation for folk music, classic rock, jazz and latin rhythms.  While in studio, she is able to blend ALL these influences to produce her “World Beat” music that beats strong and fast like her energetic heart. Come join us as we discover the sound and talents of a beautiful star called ‘Sol’!

David Shaw takes some time out of the busy life of music, songwriting, producing, performing, preparing for a tour and much more to just BE in the NOW. His career with The Revivalists  as well as a solo album released in 2020-2021 has been a journey which continues to inspire and motivate! Making New Orleans his home, David continues to plant seeds reflecting his passion for music, creativity, self care, family, friendships and most of all-giving back to his community. Seeing The Revivalists live is epic -and truly unforgettable! Thank you David for your time, teaching and energy! You are a gift of art and soul to the world! https://www.davidshaw.comhttps://www.therevivalists.com Facebook.com/bigrivergetdown

From his days of having a “hall pass” to play with Dr. Lorraine Wilson as a child to bringing LIFE and MUSIC to Preservation Hall, Mr. Louis Ford embodies so much of “What it Means to Love New Orleans”. He shares with us what it meant to sit next to THE legendary Mr. Clarence Ford (his father) and play and record music-while realizing his genetic calling to serve this profession. Mr. Ford teaches, and performs with such passion.Listen in and learn about “The 3rd floor of Charity Hospital” and what that still conjures in his soul.Hear how his proximity to the “Greats” of Jazz Music like Fats Domino, Mr. Charlie Gabriel and many more propelled him to remain here-in New Orleans--while still traveling and sharing this gift of music all over the world. We thank Mr. Louis Ford, Preservation Hall and ALL the musicians for their fostering of this LOVE OF JAZZ in the next generation with the “Kids in the Hall” program. He also, along with Jazz Foundation of America, helps our older community and family members remember the life that music can evoke.We are NEVER TOO OLD to fall in love with music, our city and each other-one note at a time… https://lessons.preshallfoundation.orghttps://fordmusicproductions.comhttps://www.preshallfoundation.orghttps://jazzfoundation.org

As the lyrics go…“Joy will come in the morning, listen y’all”… There is a longing for both peace and understanding when we step into the diagnosis of dementia. We are joined by Ms. Veronica  Calliet as she so candidly does what she does best…teaches. She shares with us her experience as a caregiver for someone suffering with dementia. She has focused her light throughout her life personally and professionally on HEALING. She speaks of “cracking the code” of this diagnosis.  She shares a unique approach  in  how music, touch and visual healing come together to reignite life and purpose in those with dementia. She finds JOY in her role as a mother, nurse, daughter, caregiver, friend and healer. Listen y’all!

If you closed your eyes as you listened to one of your favorite songs, what would you see? A memory?  The dance of shadow, light and color? Melissa McCracken can not only tell you-she SHOWS the world her gift. In discovering her gift of SYNESTHESIA, she has been on a personal journey beautifully documenting HOW she hears sound. She is an accomplished, truly unique, brilliant artist who will leave an impression on your eyes and heart. Join us as we speak to Melissa about her passion and how music has truly come alive in her work.Such a treasure to this world.As well, please check her out at:https://www.melissasmccracken.comYou can find AND purchase her work at shop.bluegalleryonline.com

Being present.  Honoring the opportunity to be alive.Cortisol and the communion with nature.Photo Walks and Family. Breaking down walls-sometimes with the beauty of a hug. Knowing and stepping INTO our triggers. Ryan Guldemond of MOTHER MOTHER sits with us in a very personal interview to breakdown his solo album-GLDMTH. A unique blending of senses and expression, this album is a MUST.  Every track is like a journey into MINDFULNESS.Lean in. Listen carefully. Allow yourself to be moved by the presence of this truly brilliant human.  Thank you Ryan…https://www.gldmth.com

Big Sam Williams of Big Sam’s Funky Nation embodies pure energy as he sits down with us to share his journey as a musician.  There is a natural ease and eagerness to pull in his audience and motivate others to move! If you haven’t seen Big Sam’s Funky Nation live-you are missing out on a true musical HEALING! Listen as we speak to a New Orleans legend who has shared his talent with the world-and is still making music that reminds us of why we all need this  music! Check him out!Www.bigsamsfunkynation.com

A mathematician and a musician.We had the pleasure of sitting in studio with Mr. Roberto Matthews. His “moment” which launched  his career as a musician was as vivid a calling as is his faith. Listen in…this Jesuit grad will both educate and inspire you! His voice and talent on multiple instruments is simply beautiful. His purpose and passion for his “why”is beyond moving…Check Roberto out at a service near you, his website and here with Luis and I on Mixtape Hope Podcast. https://robertomusic.org/

SEASON 3!Rarely do stories come through with as much passion and charm as in this interview! What an amazing couple we share time with-Sandy and Dave Furano open up about their life in music and the business of musical healing.From the legendary Winterland venue  in San Francisco, the stories of the early days on the road with bands, the advent of the concert “merch” industry and SO much more, with every step..there was Dave Furano.They speak of LOVE, HOPE, dedication to each other and our responsibility as humans to cultivate PEACE. What better way than to unpack one the most powerful tools we have to disarm division-MUSIC! Check them out HERE as our first and amazing guests of Season 3!Also look out for them at a Rock & Brews near you!!www.rockandbrews.com

Big Freedia!Synonymous  with charm, creativity, energy and BOUNCE.Big Freedia shared with us her journey beginning in gospel music. Like a mustard seed growing beyond limitations, she fueled her passion for growth with family, faith and community!Singer-song writer, producer, entrepreneur, activist, entertainer, creator, influencer, chef and much more, it’s difficult to imagine how she does it all. She explains that HOPE and RESILIENCE motivates her. The same hope that anyone from here can feel…as if it’s part of our soul. And anyone visiting New Orleans can only try to put into words. Sit down with us as she unfolds the beautiful tapestry that is BIG FREEDIA. www.bigfreedia.com

Paul Rogers has captured our hearts in this episode as he reflects on his contributions to our beloved Jazzfest! More than that, he brings us down memory lane so gracefully recalling the ART behind the music. Look around your home or place of work, you likely own one of these cherished pieces…and if you don’t, you should. Check him out but first sit back and listen to the jazzy music history he drops on us.Https://www.paulrogersstudio.com

Bill Rayner, Friends call him “Billy Rock” and his students call him professor! We have the privilege of speaking to someone who has TRULY made music his life! Teaching, composing, playing and performing music embodies all that he loves.So relatable and wise, NYU students look forward to his classes! We find out why! Check him out! Gallatin.nyu.edu

We sit down with Warren Zeiders as he takes us to the open field. His explosion onto the music scene has truly been like LIGHTNING!Listen to what anchors him, what motivates him and how he overcame the unforeseen  transition from athlete to artist. As he prepares for his tour “”717 Tapes” Tour, he reflects on being REAL and RELATABLE-and enjoying the ride!

Gratitude and Joy… sentiments that reflect the the emotions of lyrics, melodies and magic of a band coming together to create beautiful music and memories. The Walters’ revival has been a journey of looking back but being so grateful for the NOW. We speak with Luke Olson of The Walters. He takes us through where he has been personally and the unbelievable new journey of this incredible band!WE are grateful for their music. Check them out, follow and feel the magic  of their talent, energy, passion and JOY.

Life and Music.Where we start and those we find along this journey matter.  Leaning on each other as we walk this path, the lyrics, the melody and the rhythm bring us together.The Better Together Band is in studio listening to each other and sharing our journey with YOU.We open up about OUR HEALING and OUR WHY in being vulnerable putting in the time, having fun, coming together and sharing our talents for a greater purpose.Coming at you from OUR HOME, New Orleans and forged out of the Covid pandemic- WE ARE better together!Band members: Luis Espinoza (vocalist, guitar), Noelle Young (vocalist),  David Vasquez (drummer) Sedrick Hawkins (saxophone, vocals and keys), Scott Schlegel (guitar, vocals), Kevin McCormack (vocals, guitar and keys) and Andrea Espinoza (bassist).HOPE (if you listen) IS all around us.