Talking the Coda: Rich Mullins with Laura & Bernie Franc

Welcome to the second episode of Talking the Coda, a podcast that examines musical artists whose careers were cut short, either by a death, break-up, retirement, or any other circumstance. When a prominent musician stops making music suddenly, their fan base often experiences a mix of heightened joy over the music they did create, yet dejection that the artist could not do more, and perhaps even a need for some closure. Each month, Luke Martin (co-host of last year’s Pod on the Rooftops mini-series on the band Genesis) will dive into the work of one musician or band with such an ending to their career. For this episode, Luke discusses the contemporary Christian musician Rich Mullins. Luke is joined by Laura and Bernie Franc, two volunteer music ministers who have served in churches across the country for over 30 years. In addition to discussing Mullins’ career, Laura, Bernie, and Luke ponder the role religion can play in one’s personal life and in the world, the uncertainty of faith, and what religious music may be able to offer even secular audiences. The theme song that bookends the episode is entitled “Stand in the Morning”, and was composed and performed by Martin as well. You can follow Luke Martin on Youtube and Instagram. His debut single, “Stuck In My Room”, is available on all streaming platforms, and his band, Socially Distanced, can also be found on Facebook, YouTube, and their website. Be sure to check back next month for a discussion of a new musical artist with a new guest!