93. Ashley Ray (Recording Artist)

Tune in for a personal update from Michael. The Stay Human podcast will be taking a short production break over the holidays. Michael will be back with more episodes in 2023 and is wishing you a joyful holiday season with your family, friends, and loved ones! - TEAM MFCONNECT FURTHER WITH MICHAEL:NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.comPODCAST EPISODE CREDITS:Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for BPOSITIIVArtist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists ManagementManagement Coordinator: Bryce Matthews for Activist Artists ManagementSocial Media Manager: Kaitlyn Parmenter for Alchemy Artist ServicesPresenting Sponsor: Pact (https://www.wearpact.com)Instrumental from: “The Christmas” by INPLUSMUSIC (Learn more: https://audiojungle.net/user/inplusmusic) Editing by: Angie Griffith for BPOSITIIV

Founded in 2002, Conscious Alliance is a national nonprofit, bringing healthy food into underserved communities and fusing music with opportunities to make a positive impact. Through their Art That Feeds food drives at concerts and festivals nationwide, partnerships with graphic designers to create fundraising posters and merchandise, fan donations, and large-scale grocery donations from various food brands, Conscious Alliance is now delivering over 2 MILLION meals annually, to the families who need it most.Justin Levy has served as Executive Director of Conscious Alliance since 2012. His focus on expanding the organization's distribution capabilities resulted in the acquisition of a national distribution center and headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado in 2020, as well as the launch of new and innovative programs to accelerate delivery and impact. Levy has made food quality a priority, improving the health and nutrition standards of donated foods. Levy’s focus lies heavily on serving the Native American and youth communities through seeking donations, as well as implementing gardening programs that align with community culture. Find Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamsameteamENTER TO WIN: Join Conscious Alliance in the fight against hunger! Complete 3 actions to be entered for a chance to win 2 Tickets to any 2023 Live Nation show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (contest ends 3/31/23): https://consciousalliance.org/pages/take-actionLEARN MORE ABOUT CONSCIOUS ALLIANCE: Website: https://consciousalliance.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciousallianceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConsciousAllianceTwitter: https://twitter.com/ArtThatFeedsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/consciousallianceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/consciousallianceCONNECT FURTHER WITH MICHAEL:NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.comPODCAST EPISODE CREDITS:Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for BPOSITIIVArtist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists ManagementManagement Coordinator: Bryce Matthews for Activist Artists ManagementSocial Media Manager: Kaitlyn Parmenter for Alchemy Artist ServicesPresenting Sponsor: Pact (https://www.wearpact.com)Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Roger Gowdy for Page Turners Studio

Jay Blakesberg is a San Francisco-based photographer, filmmaker and public speaker whose work has been featured in Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, Relix and countless other publications. Since first starting to document life with a camera in 1978 at age 16, he has worked with countless musical artists, including Neil Young, Radiohead, Phish, Joni Mitchell, The Flaming Lips, Tom Waits, the Rolling Stones, Carlos Santana, the Grateful Dead, and of course... Michael Franti, to name just a few. This past summer, Jay released his 16th coffee table book called RetroBlakesberg, and in the fall of 2022, his photography will be exhibited over four galleries at the Morris Museum, New Jersey’s only Smithsonian Affiliate. CONNECT FURTHER WITH GUEST:https://www.blakesberg.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/jayblakesberg CONNECT FURTHER WITH MICHAEL:NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.comPODCAST EPISODE CREDITS:Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for BPOSITIIVArtist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists ManagementManagement Coordinator: Bryce Matthews for Activist Artists ManagementSocial Media Manager: Kaitlyn Parmenter for Alchemy Artist ServicesPresenting Sponsor: Pact (https://www.wearpact.com)Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Roger Gowdy for Page Turners Studio

In just about five years, Michael Ray has built an impressive foundation for his musical career, including four #1 singles, five Gold-certified singles, one billion global streams, over 100 million YouTube views, and he has performed at the Grand Ole Opry 65 times. You probably recognize him by his hit songs like, "Think A Little Less," "One That Got Away," and "Whiskey and Rain," – and his latest single “Holy Water” has been climbing the charts at Country radio. CONNECT FURTHER WITH GUEST:https://www.michaelraymusic.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/michaelraymusic Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ghiFYcwn2Vzl6K50U0UPz CONNECT FURTHER WITH MICHAEL:NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.comPODCAST EPISODE CREDITS:Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for BPOSITIIVArtist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists ManagementManagement Coordinator: Bryce Matthews for Activist Artists ManagementSocial Media Manager: Kaitlyn Parmenter for Alchemy Artist ServicesPresenting Sponsor: Pact (https://www.wearpact.com)Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Roger Gowdy for Page Turners Studio

Blanco Brown’s viral hit “The Git Up” (certified 11x PLATINUM across three countries) took the world by storm, claiming the top spot in charts across the globe and spawning nearly 4 billion views across social platforms. It claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for 12 weeks and was the top-selling digital Country song in the US for 13 weeks, resulting in Billboard naming him as their Top New Country Artist for 2019. His multi-national Platinum-certified collaboration “Just the Way” with Parmalee has garnered more than 300 million on-demand streams, earning him his first No. 1 hit on Country radio (in the US and Canada). No stranger to collaborations, Blanco has worked alongside artists like Fergie, Childish Gambino, Kane Brown and Chris Brown – and he recently collaborated with Nelly and BRELAND for their funky fun “High Horse,” and “Never Gonna Tame You (Original Song from The Mustangs: America’s Wild Horses),” written by Diane Warren. In September 2020, Brown was in a life-threatening accident and has been recovering, leaning on creating music to heal — the first taste of that is “Nobody’s More Country,” available now. CONNECT FURTHER:https://www.blancobrown.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/blancobrown Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3yzRiNMZdTsSUgplcyYZ4iNEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS:Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for BPOSITIIVArtist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists ManagementManagement Coordinator: Bryce Matthews for Activist Artists ManagementSocial Media Manager: Kaitlyn Parmenter for Alchemy Artist ServicesPresenting Sponsor: Pact (https://www.wearpact.com)Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Roger Gowdy for Page Turners Studio

Raised on a farm in Lawrence, Kansas, Ashley Ray has established herself as one of Nashville's most nuanced voices, chasing down critical acclaim not only as a solo artist, but also as an in-demand songwriter for Little Big Town, Lori McKenna, Lady A's Charles Kelley, and others. Her unique approach to melody and storytelling has resulted in partnerships with publishing companies like SonyATV Tree and BMG Nashville. Meanwhile, her albums have earned her shows with Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, and other country trailblazers who, like Ashley, create a modern sound without chasing after modern trends. Ashley Ray shines a light on her midwestern roots with her third album Pauline, whose autobiographical songs tell true stories of love, loss, and life in Middle America. The album finds her teaming up once again with songwriter/producer Sean McConnell, with whom she co-wrote Little Big Town's GRAMMY-nominated Top 40 hit, "The Daughters." CONNECT FURTHER:https://www.ashleyray.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyraymusic Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1QAhUwf00n5kEnLN7cADG8NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS:Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for BPOSITIIVArtist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists ManagementManagement Coordinator: Bryce Matthews for Activist Artists ManagementSocial Media Manager: Kaitlyn Parmenter for Alchemy Artist ServicesPresenting Sponsor: Pact (https://www.wearpact.com)Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Roger Gowdy for Page Turners Studio

Founded in Isla Vista, CA, Rebelution has followed their instincts since the release of their breakout 2007 debut, Courage To Grow. In 2009, the band topped the Billboard Reggae Chart for the first of what would be five consecutive #1 records; and in 2017, they garnered a GRAMMY nomination for Best Reggae Album. Rebelution’s transcendent live performances, meanwhile, have earned the group sell-out headline shows everywhere from Red Rocks to The Greek Theatre along with festival slots at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, ACL, Glastonbury, and more. Their new album In The Moment is deliberate and wide-ranging, infusing the quartet’s soulful, exhilarating brand of modern reggae with addictive pop hooks, alt-rock grit, and hip-hop grooves. The performances here are bold and self-assured, and the production is equally ambitious, drawing on swirling reverb and trippy delay to create an immersive sonic universe that’s both futuristic and vintage. CONNECT FURTHER:https://rebelutionmusic.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/rebelutionmusic Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2WjvvwAX0mdWwq3aFuUdtc NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS:Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for BPOSITIIVArtist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists ManagementManagement Coordinator: Bryce Matthews for Activist Artists ManagementSocial Media Manager: Kaitlyn Parmenter for Alchemy Artist ServicesPresenting Sponsor: Pact (https://www.wearpact.com)Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Roger Gowdy for Page Turners Studio

Yes… the iconic frontwoman for Sixpence None The Richer! For more than a quarter century, Leigh Nash’s instantly recognizable voice has been a fixture in modern pop, from her days as frontwoman for Sixpence None The Richer to her more recent output as an Americana solo artist. Rooted in the southern sounds that previously underscored albums like 2015's The State I'm In (her first Top 40 hit on Billboard's country chart), The Tide, Vol. 1 finds Nash working alongside other mainstays of modern music. Featuring collaborations with country icons like Vince Gill and Tanya Tucker, gospel singer CeCe Winans, and the GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Ruby Amafu, the EP features a range of duets that highlight the full span of Nash's artistic interests. The record also earned Leigh Nash her first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry, marking another milestone for a lifelong musician who recorded platinum-certified hits like "Kiss Me" while in her early twenties. CONNECT FURTHER:https://www.leighnash.net IG: https://www.instagram.com/leighbirdnash Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0KaOODqnbHxMIZ3qUH5F5n NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS:Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for BPOSITIIVArtist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists ManagementManagement Coordinator: Bryce Matthews for Activist Artists ManagementSocial Media Manager: Kaitlyn Parmenter for Alchemy Artist ServicesPresenting Sponsor: Pact (https://www.wearpact.com)Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Roger Gowdy for Page Turners Studio

O.N.E The Duo is a mother/daughter duo — Tekitha (mother) and Prana Supreme (daughter) — and their story is rooted in Hip-Hop royalty. Tekitha is the female lead on the Wu-Tang Clan albums, and Prana is the daughter of RZA, the founder and de facto leader of Wu-Tang Clan. Together they are pioneers, becoming the first artists to journey from Hip-Hop to Country. From a backdrop of diverse experience, influence, and their immersive Nashville journey, O.N.E The Duo has created a musical style that’s all their own. “O.N.E” stands for Observant, Noetic, and Effervescent — there's intentionally no period after the "E" because effervescence goes on and on... CONNECT FURTHER:https://www.onetheduo.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/onetheduo Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sIPNUYiz7FcZBx1oHuMHe NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS:Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for BPOSITIIVArtist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists ManagementManagement Coordinator: Bryce Matthews for Activist Artists ManagementSocial Media Manager: Kaitlyn Parmenter for Alchemy Artist ServicesPresenting Sponsor: Pact (https://www.wearpact.com)Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Roger Gowdy for Page Turners Studio

Throughout her extensive career, Jewel has sold 30M+ albums worldwide and has earned countless Music Award nominations and wins from the GRAMMYs, the American Music Awards, the MTV Awards, the VH1 Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, and the Country Music Awards. She has graced the cover of TIME Magazine and Rolling Stone, she's performed on Saturday Night Live, at the Super Bowl, at the NBA Finals, for The Pope and for the President Of The United States — and she is one of the few singer-songwriters to top the chart in every genre she's written in, including Folk, Pop, Club, Country, Standards, Children's, and even Holiday Music. CONNECT FURTHER:https://jeweljk.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/jewel Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6FbDoZnMBTdhhhLuJBOOqP Songlines by Jewel: https://songlinesbyjewel.com New album Freewheelin’ Woman is OUT NOW: https://open.spotify.com/album/2evFHBABBhgV5OtDqHPomo Throughout her extensive career, Jewel has sold 30M+ albums worldwide and has earned countless Music Award nominations and wins from the GRAMMYs, the American Music Awards, the MTV Awards, the VH1 Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, and the Country Music Awards. She has graced the cover of TIME Magazine and Rolling Stone, she's performed on Saturday Night Live, at the Super Bowl, at the NBA Finals, for The Pope and for the President Of The United States — and she is one of the few singer-songwriters to top the chart in every genre she's written in, including Folk, Pop, Club, Country, Standards, Children's, and even Holiday Music. CONNECT FURTHER:https://jeweljk.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/jewel Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6FbDoZnMBTdhhhLuJBOOqP Songlines by Jewel: https://songlinesbyjewel.com New album Freewheelin’ Woman is OUT NOW: https://open.spotify.com/album/2evFHBABBhgV5OtDqHPomo