FMM 207 - The Creative Calling Part 1: The Numinous

This week on the Finish More Music podcast, I’m joined by Kedrick Jeffries—CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas and a lifelong musician and community leader.   Kedrick has spent over two decades pouring into the lives of young people, helping them reach their potential through the power of music and mentorship.    In this episode, we explore the profound impact that a single individual can have on a young person’s life—and how the act of showing up for others will radically transform our own.   In this episode, we explore: ✅ How mentorship transforms both mentor and mentee ✅ How music opens doors and uplifts entire communities ✅ Why mentorship builds empathy, resilience, and purpose ✅ Why contribution through creativity is a calling—and how to follow yours   Kedrick also shares how music has shaped his journey, from his personal practice to directing large ensembles in service of community uplift.   Through his work in education, leadership and music, Kedrick exemplifies what it means to lead with heart and give back through art.  

In this powerful conversation, I sat down with Mark Turk, founder of the Austin-based nonprofit Beat 4 Beat.    Mark’s organization brings music education to underserved youths by hiring local musicians to teach in after-school programs—using creativity, performance, and songwriting as tools to transform young lives.   In this show, we explore:
   ✅ How teaching is a superpower for creatives  ✅ How music builds trust, confidence and community  ✅ How music and generosity are a life-line to underserved youth
 ✅ How YOU can get started impacting the world with your music ✅ How teaching fuels personal and professional growth for artists   We also dive into the surprising challenges of running a nonprofit—that quite frankly blew my mind! I thought everyone would be wholly supportive of organisations and people that empower young people… as you’ll hear, that isn’t so!   Mark’s story is one of incredible resilience, challenges, kindness and impact that left me inspired and driven to contribute more with my creativity.    Let me know how this episode impacts you!  

What does it truly mean to give everything for your art?   In this powerful episode, drum & bass legend Tony Colman aka London Elektricity shares his deep philosophy on music, contribution, and living a life of service.   From founding Hospital Records to performing in war-torn Ukraine for free, Tony’s career is a testament to the power of giving without expectation—and the unexpected rewards that come from it.   We explore: ✅ Why giving selflessly benefits both the artist and the world ✅ How Tony overcame fear, ego, and self-doubt to focus on service ✅ The battle to save small club culture from corporate dominance ✅ How to build real connections in the industry through trust & generosity ✅ Why music is about lighting people up, not just playing tracks   This episode is a masterclass in artistic generosity—one that might just change the way you approach your music career.  

Welcome to our first-ever Finish More Music podcast series!   This podcast series, "The Creative Calling," explores how pursuing one's passions, particularly in creative fields, leads to a more fulfilling life for you and for others.    In the series I use research and personal stories to illustrate the profound positive impacts of creative pursuits on mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and also address how to balance your personal creative goals with other life commitments.   Fear isn’t the only thing stopping us from pursuing our creative calling—there’s another silent threat: lethargy.    That feeling of being “too tired,” “too drained,” or “just not in the mood” can quietly steal more days from our lives than we realize.    In this episode, we break down what lethargy really is, why motivation isn’t something you wait for, and how small shifts in mindset and action will help you overcome resistance.    Using insights from elite performers, psychological research, and personal experience, we unpack how to reclaim your energy and move forward…   …even when you don’t feel like it.  

Welcome to our first-ever Finish More Music podcast series!   This podcast series, "The Creative Calling," explores how pursuing one's passions, particularly in creative fields, leads to a more fulfilling life for you and for others.    In the series I use research and personal stories to illustrate the profound positive impacts of creative pursuits on mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and also address how to balance your personal creative goals with other life commitments.   In this episode we discover one of the biggest threats to following your creative calling: Fear.    Fear disguises itself as perfectionism, self-doubt, and procrastination, keeping us stuck.    In this episode, we explore how fear manifests in creativity, why it’s a response to a perceived (not real) threat, and how to overcome it.    Drawing from powerful insights by Jung and James Hollis, we uncover the secret to pushing past fear and learn how taking small steps, dismantling limiting beliefs, and reframing fears help you move forward with confidence on your creative journey.   Listen Now!   

Welcome to our first-ever Finish More Music podcast series!   This podcast series, "The Creative Calling," explores how pursuing one's passions, particularly in creative fields, leads to a more fulfilling life for you and for others.    In the series I use research and personal stories to illustrate the profound positive impacts of creative pursuits on mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and also address how to balance your personal creative goals with other life commitments.   In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest questions creatives face: When we follow our calling, are we being selfish? How do we balance personal creative pursuits with our responsibilities to others?   We explore the friction that can arise when making meaningful changes, the pushback we might receive from those around us, and how to navigate these challenges with integrity.   Through personal stories and deep reflection, I unpack why honoring your creative calling isn’t self-indulgent—it’s essential for growth, contribution, and authentic living.   Tune in now!  

Welcome to our first-ever Finish More Music podcast series!   This podcast series, "The Creative Calling," explores how pursuing one's passions, particularly in creative fields, leads to a more fulfilling life for you and for others.    In the series I use research and personal stories to illustrate the profound positive impacts of creative pursuits on mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and also address how to balance your personal creative goals with other life commitments.   In this episode, we continue exploring the power of following your creative calling. We discuss how embracing what you're truly drawn to leads to a more engaged and fulfilling life. From overcoming societal expectations to tapping into research-backed benefits of creative pursuits, we break down why honoring your callings isn’t just personal—it’s transformative.    Plus, I share my journey in supporting underprivileged youth through creative projects and how your music can change lives.   Dive in!

Welcome to our first-ever Finish More Music podcast series!   This five-part series concludes the story I shared last year about my instantaneous and permanent recovery from depression—and how I simultaneously regained my hearing, despite multiple medical professionals telling me it was lost forever.   I thought I fully understood what had led me into the darkest time of my life and the reason for my recovery.   However, it turned out I had only discovered the tip of the iceberg.   The real breakthrough was something much bigger. And, in keeping with the strange twists and turns of this story, it was something mysterious—something that has been discussed since ancient times...   In this series, I share this mystery with you, why I am confident it has permanently closed the door on my depression, and how it has led me to live a more expansive, fulfilling, energized, and creative life.

So we are deep into a story together…   A story of the darkest must tumultuous time in my life.    A time that almost ended me.   And now things are about to get very, very weird,   It starts with an event that spiralled me into panic followed by multiple appointments with the UK’s top specialists.   And then there was a flash of intuition from my mentor that turned my entire world upside down.   And of course, because I was at rock bottom, turning my entire world upside down sent me soaring amongst the stars!   A new me. A new beginning. A new life.    You will of course make your own conclusions about what happened.   Was it a message from the Universe? Was it nature intervening? Was it a ‘million in one’ pure coincidence? Or did God have a hand in my fate?   I know what I believe.    In fact I know what I know…   Now I’m curious to hear how you put the pieces of the puzzle together in your mind.   Reach out and let me know!