Compassionate Measures Podcast

Pull up a chair for a message of hope and truth from Crys Matthews. Her profound message might just enable us to hang in there, and continue the good fight. Crys describes her invitation and the experience of opening the Artists United for Our Freedoms Rally. She discusses the beginning of her songwriting career with one inspirational night and a well-deserved award in Boone, North Carolina. The first lyric she wrote – amazing! She goes on to offer a few awesome tourism suggestions for the city. Crys eloquently provides her definition of a social justice music maker and later, a community. She takes us through her catalogue from 2025’s Reclamation album to April’s release of two songs – Citizen and Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream. We’re gifted with an intimate look at Crys’ intentionality and songwriting process. She offers insightful truths when asked about the importance of hope in today’s world. Crys shares, “When we hope for better, we fight for better” and reminds us that today’s social justice heroes were ordinary people who were concerned about what was happening in their communities. We all have the power to be ordinary people doing extraordinary things. And, you guys… as Crys’ mom teaches us, “all things work together for good”. Crys supports The Remix Way who is doing heroic work for Nashville residents' immigrant neighbors.    Visit Crys’ website at crysmatthews.com and check out her amazing Patreon offerings. Learn more about The Remix Way at theremixway.org. Please consider making a small donation to support their hard work. Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Crys Matthews for being a musician who is changing the world and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories of Eric Hirshberg’s amazing music (and, perhaps, a few life lessons to consider). Our conversation with Eric begins as we learn about his service to nonprofits through his own organization, Will Work for Change. Later, we get to hear about his support for the XPRIZE Foundation and the impressive work that they are doing. Eric explains the interesting stories behind three of his incredible songs, It’s Hard to Be a Human Being, For Real, and More Is Not the Answer. That third song, More Is Not the Answer, came out the day after we spoke! The lyrics were inspired by the mere minutes that Eric and his family had to evacuate their home during last year’s fires in Los Angeles. Eric shares the story of meeting Aloe Blacc, developing their songwriting collaboration that brought us For Real, then performing it on Live with Kelly and Mark. Yes, Kelly Ripa did proclaim that their song “sounds like an anthem”! Eric describes how his family responded to the long days of Covid19 and recouped some power and a bit of positivity during the experience. There’s a lot of great information about shifting one’s mind throughout our talk. Eric mentions Viktor Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning. Finally, we get to hear just how good Activision’s former CEO is at Guitar Hero. Yea, it’s here! We end our conversation with a trip down Memory Lane to discuss Eric’s favorite adolescent albums. YOU remember… vinyl, album design and liner notes were the best!   Visit Eric’s website at erichirshbergmusic.com And learn more about the XPrize Foundation at xprize.org. Please consider making a small donation to support their world-changing work. Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Eric Hirshberg for being a musician who is changing the world and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for an amazing story that will leave you feeling inspired and hopeful. A few short years ago, at the age of 34, Miist unearthed her own extraordinary musical gift. In a very short time, she became the first native Chinese artist to break into Billboard’s Top 25 Adult Contemporary chart. Her 2024 debut album, The Songs from the Living Room, was executive produced by legendary hitmaker Narada Michael Walden (who suggested that they work together)! Miist has also collaborated with Andrea Bocelli’s creative partner, Mauro Malavasi. Amazing, right? Miist’s anthem, “Could You Lend Me a Smile,” was recorded in 15 languages across five continents, featuring artists with a combined 60 Grammy wins and nominations—a feat that earned a world record for most languages used in individual music videos released simultaneously. Miist's global nonprofit, the World Smile Initiative, is built on the belief that music, storytelling, and community can help combat loneliness and disconnection. Founded to support her vision, its mission is simple: to bring smiles back into everyday life. In our conversation, Miist explains the genesis of the initiative and details its current project. We hear Miist describe her professional journey of the last three years in only one word. She discusses believing in oneself and the importance of being of service in our world. She helps us to understand how her musical career and her journey of self-discovery align. Miist not only raises important issues in her music but also offers solutions that each person can do. You’ve GOT to check out what she tells us about the mind blowing Compound Effect, and how each one of us can change the world in just over 33 days! Keep your eyes and ears open for Miist’s newest release, Love Will Show Us Our Way, on March 13th. We cannot wait to see what is next for this talented artist! You can visit Miist’s website at miistthesinger.com And learn more about the World Smile Initiative at worldsmileinitiative.org. Please consider making a small donation to support their incredible work. Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Miist for being a musician who is changing the world and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for an exciting conversation with Marc Broussard on the day before he releases his fifth charity album! Marc explains the process of releasing SOS V– Songs of the 50s from its earliest beginnings to some pretty big changes mere days before its recording. He describes what he’s feeling at this moment of the project. He offers a wonderful explanation regarding how Love of People, the benefactor of this project, supports others. Marc goes on to detail how his collection of five charity albums came to exist. And he describes his own feelings of being blessed by the release of his charitable recordings. Marc gives us a glimpse into the differences between recording a record for charity and recording his original projects. Hear how his upcoming album of original material (currently due on April 18th) was created and the record number of songs that Marc wrote for it in three days! He enthusiastically tells us about his upcoming tour in Europe and the United States, and how the set list is developed. Marc speaks with great love about his parents, his wife and his community (and lets us in on a little fact about a local grocery store). He might just be the first Compassionate Measures guest to offer a hometown restaurant recommendation! Finally, Marc explains how that music-making legacy continues in the Broussard family. You can visit Marc’s website  at marcbroussard.com Spread the word about Mark’s 2026 projects (two records and the tour)! You can learn more about Save Our Soul Foundation at marcbroussard.com/charity-1. Please consider making a small donation to support their amazing work. Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Marc Broussard for being a musician who is changing the world and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for the handbook on guiding top-notch organizations that will change the world! The daughter of Noel "Paul" Stookey (of Peter, Paul & Mary), Liz Stookey Sunde is the CEO of the national nonprofit Music to Life, which she co-founded with her father. Music to Life empowers artists across genres and geographies to become sustainable social entrepreneurs. Through leadership and entrepreneurial training, Liz helps musicians strategically connect with communities facing persistent economic, environmental, or racial injustice. Alastair Moock co-founded The Opening Doors Project – an organization that amplifies voices of color and advances interracial conversations about race through the arts. Through live concerts, storytelling, and education programs, they bring communities together to explore race, identity, and history in a way that only music can. From classrooms to concert halls, their artists create spaces where tough conversations turn into meaningful connections. Alastair recounts the concert that changed his life as a young person and identifies the legendary folk musician who ultimately became his North Star. Liz describes a particularly memorable and humorous Peter, Paul and Mary concert from her own youth. Alastair informs us how bias and racism are perpetuated unknowingly without malice and why he respectfully declined his second Grammy nomination. His insights about examining bias and teaching it to youth of all ages is by far one of 2025’s greatest lessons. Following Alastair’s comments – and even before describing Music to Life’s incredible work – Liz reminds us that her organization carries out its mission to support world-changing artists like Alastair. Music to Life has a network of 400 artists in 42 states and 300 communities who cover 39 music genres. They come to Music to Life with a burning interest to facilitate change. The organization supports artists to recognize and own their worth in today's social change marketplace. Both Alastair and Liz consider The Opening Doors Project and Music to Life as their life’s work. You will be blown away by their shared wisdom, dedication, passion and heart! You can visit Music to Life at musictolife.org and sign up for their mailing list. Visit The Opening Doors Project at openingdoorsproject.org and please consider making a small donation to their groundbreaking efforts. Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Liz Sunde and Alastair Moock for their transformational work and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair because Dr. Don Carleton is here to tell us how the Tom Campbell/ Guacamole Fund archives will forever have a home and serve as a part of our nation’s history. Tom Campbell (1939-2024) is considered by many to be the “grandfather of the benefit concert,” virtually inventing the idea of bringing together musicians and activists to create memorable and often historical events. For over 50 years, Tom and his team organized and produced over 1200 benefit concerts, rallies and receptions for a wide range of issues. Bonnie Raitt has proclaimed that “no one has done more to raise funds and awareness than Tom.” Dr. Carleton is the founding Executive Director of the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas-Austin. The Briscoe Center recently acquired the Guacamole Fund’s archives (correspondence, photographs, press releases, benefit concert posters, t-shirts and items unique to Tom’s work) for the Tom Campbell and Guacamole Fund Collection. We learn how the immense collection was acquired, how the amazing display was created and how documents can be utilized by scholars at the Center. The public is invited to view the collection, with details available on the Center’s website (briscoecenter.org)! Dr. Carleton explains to us why the benefit concerts of the late 1970s through 90’s might be impossible to replicate today. He further describes other incredible items at the Dolph Briscoe Center. We’re talking about 18 linear miles of rare items in all! You might not have been a history buff before you pulled up a chair… but you’ll appreciate history by the time our conversation with Dr. Carleton is complete. Please consider a small donation to the Guacamole Fund (guacfund.org) to support Tom’s vision. They do such good and important work.  Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Dr. Don Carleton for preserving our history of music inspired activism, and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair to hear from Ellis Paul, a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves, and losses of those he observes, turning their stories into luminous pieces of music that get under your skin and into your bloodstream. He is the founder and co-host of the New England Songwriter’s Retreat which supports songwriters with all levels of experience through a variety of workshops, concerts and 1-on-1 coaching. We learn how the David Glaser Songwriting scholarships offer financial support to several of the students who apply. Ellis identifies the song for us that he is most proud of writing. Then, he does smashingly well during a lightning round of Traveling Songwriter Geography. Ellis mentions the book, Woody Guthrie, A Life (by Joe Klein) before recounting his own feelings about Woody and first visit to Okemah, OK through his relationships with the Guthrie family. He fills us in on all the amazing facets of the ninth annual New England Songwriters Retreat (newenglandsongwritersretreat.com) which offers instruction, inspiration and community. He provides strategies for singer-songwriters and, I promise you…, his advice for tackling performance nerves will further explain why Ellis Paul is a veteran artist held in such high regard. Ellis describes working with Caffe Lena’s TrueSongs program (https://spac.org/events/truesongs-2024-lyrics-of-life) and his experience this year partnering with veteran, Troy Huggard, who received support from Alliance 180 (alliance180.org). Finally, Ellis explains why he enjoys performing at benefit shows. Check out Ellis’ website (ellispaul.com) where you can find everything you need like his Patreon page, tour dates and recordings, Retreat information and the vacation trips that he leads. Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Ellis Paul who’s out there changing the world and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair to learn JUST what it takes to host a highly successful music festival! Kim Ansin (President) and Tom Donaruma (Vice President) of RallySound are here to discuss The Ramble in Ashburnham, MA and their amazing community of volunteers. We get to hear how music fans are working together to literally change the world during this day of music, fun, food, art, and information. Last year, Ramble 15 got 151 of our veteran heroes into safe and dignified housing when it raised $151 thousand for the New England Center and Home for Veterans! Kim and Tom fill us in about music bringing people to the festival while the feeling of community, empowerment and wanting to do a little good turns them into Ramble volunteers. How would it feel to hear that you’ve just raised $151 thousand with your community of music friends and are changing veterans’ lives? It’s all here in our incredibly inspiring conversation with Kim and Tom. Please consider a small donation to RallySound (rallysound.org) or the New England Center and Home for Veterans (nechv.org).   Get your Ramble ticket at getrambled.com The festival will be held this year on Saturday, August 23rd. It’s held every year on the weekend before Labor Day and I’ll smile your way when we’re both volunteers. Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Kim Ansin and Tom Donaruma for their amazing work with RallySound and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for a warm remembrance of the legendary Ken Kragen with the two women who were closest to him. Ken’s wife, Cathy Worthington, shares how she met Ken and that they were married for 43 years. She describes her firsthand memories of the We Are the World recording session, attending the American Music Awards earlier that evening, and standing in Battery Park at the beginning of the line for Ken’s other charitable project, Hands Across America. The women generously recount Ken’s several passions other than his family, charitable projects and the entertainment industry. Ken’s daughter, Emma Kragen, describes lessons that she learned from her dad. Emma discusses how making a childhood behind-the-scenes documentary (of her book being made into a motion picture) began a natural progression to the producer and cinematographer that she is today! She helps us to understand how cinema might just change the world!   Finally, Cathy and Emma explain how WhyHunger became an important part of the family’s life and how supporting its work today is a perfect fit for the Ken Kragen Memorial Foundation. Please consider a small donation to the organization honoring Ken Kragen’s immense contributions to the world as you are able (kenkragen.org/donate).    Visit Emma’s website (zemma.co) and Cathy’s podcast website (Late Boomers podcast on your favorite platform). And, please read more about the achievements of Ken Kragen at kenkragen.org Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Cathy Worthington and Emma Kragen who made this such a special conversation and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for an inspirational and redemptive conversation with Jim Sonefeld! Jim tells us how, even in Hootie and the Blowfish’s early days, the band has always had a heart for giving. In 2000, the Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation was established and 25 years later, the Monday After the Masters event is still going strong to raise money for charities. He spoke about the importance of giving back and being in a community of like-minded musicians. Please visit the Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation and make a small donation if you feel led to do so (https://www.hootie.com/foundation). We look back at the band’s immensely popular Cracked Rear View recording, Hold My Hand getting radio play, and being invited perform on David Letterman in front of 5 million viewers. Jim even fills us in on his favorite Hootie song. He describes his 20-year history of sobriety – the wake-up message from his daughter, accepting that he needed help and attending his first 12-Step meeting. He discusses his favorite aspect of being part of a recovery community as well as the spiritual truths that he’s reached back to find and how they support him today. Jim currently shares his important inspirational message by speaking to recovery and corporate groups. Check out Jim’s solo work on your favorite streaming platform and listen to his current favorite composition (the popular, Unafraid). Jim and I sat down on February 13th and we get to hear about his plans for Valentine’s Day. Visit Jim’s website (jimsonefeld.com) and BUY HIS BOOK, Swimming With the Blowfish: Hootie, Healing and One Hell of a Ride. Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Jim Sonefeld who’s out there changing the world and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for an honest and open conversation with Amy Speace! Amy is committed to helping people uncover their truth – those who cross her path in songwriting programs with veterans and their families, her students, and audience members who connect with Amy’s lyrics. She speaks boldly and with great experience about the healing power of writing one’s life story. We learn about some of the amazing and deserving people with whom she has worked. Amy shares memories of crafting songs – line by line – during retreats with soldiers and how that practice has supported her own songwriting. She talks about how writing her album, Tucson, saved her life and her own therapeutic journey. Amy discusses her support to Planned Parenthood, how they once worked together and how we might see more to come in the future. Amy lets us in on why two professors wouldn’t sign her application to graduate school. Finally, we talk about the world she dreams of for her young son.   Amy supports Songwriting With Soldiers (songwritingwithsoldiers.org) and Planned Parenthood (plannedparenthood.org). Please visit both incredible organizations and make a small donation if you feel led to do so. Visit Amy’s website (amyspeace.com) for more information, tour dates and her Patreon account (where you can find behind-the-scenes nuggets all the way back to 2016). Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Amy Speace who’s out there changing the world and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for a sweet and gracious conversation with Caroline Aiken – the “godmother of Atlanta’s folk scene.” Caroline begins by describing the early days working in Atlanta clubs and her introductions to the Indigo Girls, Shawn Mullins and other songwriters. She tells us about the amazing crowds that follow Bonnie Raitt, John Prine and the numerous other bands that she’s recorded with and for whom she has opened shows. Caroline started to make music at 14 and has earned her living as a musician in California, Georgia, New York, and Seattle. She shares great stories – along with some of her own unique family history. Caroline explains the importance of the projects that she supports. She helped to found Guitars Not Guns (guitarsnotguns.org) in the Athens, Georgia area and has witnessed first-hand how the program positively impacts children. She is the proud mother of Page Dukes who, along with Luci Harrell, has founded the Atlanta Community Support Project (atlcommunitysupport.org) to empower individuals in incarceration and transitioning to lives outside of prison. Please visit both incredible organizations and make a small donation if you feel led to do so. Caroline offers some excellent advice about the importance of relationships and having something to look forward to in the future. And, to close our conversation, she lists those people and experiences that make her most happy. Visit Caroline’s website (carolineaiken.com) for more information and tour dates. She’s around Atlanta through March before taking her tour to the west coast!

Pull up a chair for an amazing conversation with Benj Gershman - founding member and bassist for the multi-platinum selling rock band, O.A.R.! Benj begins by sharing what he believes are the underlying motivations behind O.A.R.’s long-standing commitment to charitable endeavors. He explains the birth of the band’s organization, Heard The World, and describes his own life-changing history with Operation Smile. Benj’s podcast, What Could Be Bad launches its second season on October 10th, UN Mental Health Day! He speaks enthusiastically about Season 2, lets us in on a lesson he learned during his inaugural season, and even considers who might be a dream guest for a future episode. Benj talks about his daily wellness practices on tour and lets us in on what’s coming up for O.A.R. (it involves new music and a big anniversary). Finally, Benj describes how he’d like to change the world for his son and advice he might offer to him about helping others. Visit Benj’s podcast page (What Could Be Bad) at whatcouldbebad.com and O.A.R.’s official website at liveoar.com. Please visit Heard The World Fund (events.liveoar.com/heardtheworld) to learn more about their work, and to make a small donation. During our conversation, Benj mentioned Ryan Holiday’s book, The Obstacle Is On the Way, and podcast, The Daily Stoic. To quote Benj -  “Be good to yourself. Be good to others.” Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Benj Gershman who’s out there changing the world and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for a lively conversation with Sean Kelly! Sean is the author of White Noise & Lightning: The Continental Drifters Story which will be published THIS week by Cool Dog Sound. Sean speaks about his days as a young member of A Fragile Tomorrow and shares what he learned about activism while touring with Indigo Girls. Sean describes the process of writing his authorized biography of the Continental Drifters beginning from Day One – garnering approval, the hours spent interviewing, the book's cover art by yet another acclaimed musician and several highlights from his work. He details similar thoughts about We Are All Drifters, the Continental Drifters tribute album he produced with David Jenkins for Cool Dog Sound (also releasing on September 27th). Sean recounts key memories about how artists selected their songs and assembled their submissions. He played on one track and we learn about that special time in the studio. Want to know the first musician who “called dibs” on their track for the tribute album? And the highly- respected recording artist / producer who suggested that Sean do what HE thought was best in the studio? It’s all here! Sean also talks about the new White Noise & Lightning: Best of the Continental Drifters album. Finally, Sean perfectly summarizes the loving, respectful and in-awe way that many artists feel about the Wild Honey Foundation. Wild Honey will receive proceeds from the tribute album. You can order Sean’s authorized biography and tribute album at continentaldriftersbook.com. There’s also a link there to order the Best of The Continental Drifters album. You can learn more about the Continental Drifters at continentaldrifters.com. And, please visit Wild Honey Foundation (wildhoneyfoundation.com) to learn more about their work to benefit autism treatment and research, and to make a small donation. Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Sean Kelly for a great conversation and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for a captivating conversation with Adam Ezra! Adam explains just how his activism took root and the critical role it plays in his music and career. He describes what he sees as the two most important missions of his hugely popular summer music festival, The Ramble (now in its’ 15th year). And what an AMAZING army of volunteers The Ramble has witnessed! Want to know Adam’s nickname for himself? And perhaps the career path he would have chosen if he hadn’t become an outstanding musician and community organizer? It’s here! We get to hear Adam describe the thoughts and emotions behind his latest song. He identifies his heroes (off the top of his head and in no particular order). Adam offers an update on the latest activities of The Adam Ezra Band (his “bandies”) and we get to hear his thoughts on fans streaming his music (DO IT!).   Visit the Adam Ezra Band website at adamezra.com And, please visit RallySound (rallysound.org) to learn more about their work to end veteran homelessness and to make a small donation. Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Adam Ezra who is out there changing the world, and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for a high-energy visit with singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Peter Holsapple, and Wild Honey Founder, Paul Rock. We can hear their shared passion for music and supporting autism treatment and research throughout the conversation. We get behind-the-scenes details about how the upcoming dBs shows (November 16-17, 2024) were coordinated and booked. Peter enthusiastically recounts his memories of previous Wild Honey events… as well as an early visit to Los Angeles when the streets were filled with ghosts and goblins. Peter also remembers other early dBs benefit shows. Paul fills us in on his most memorable Wild Honey tribute show – the time that Brian Wilson’s limousine pulled up to the venue (which inspired Alex Chilton to play, too). Paul shares the incredible story of his son, Jacob’s, symphony, Unforgettable Sunrise. Both men speak about their early, shared record store days and their roles today in trying to affect change for others. It’s a busy time for both of our guests and we loved spending time with them! Visit the dBs website at dbs.com and Peter’s blog at halfpearblog.blogspot.com. And remember… Peter releases an album, The Face of 68, on January 17, 2025. Please visit Wild Honey Foundation (wildhoneyfoundation.com) to learn more about their work and to make a donation. Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Peter Holsapple and Paul Rock who are out there changing the world, and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for a visit with singer-songwriter, producer and activist, Seth Glier. I’m willing to bet that you’ll at least consider some time outdoors by the end of our conversation – and that would be just fine with Seth. We learn about Seth’s nine-year-old experiences with activism and recognize very quickly that the stage was a natural transition point for the advocacy work he was already accomplishing in his youth. Seth tells us about a rare and fascinating exchange when a Mongolian vocalist became his teacher. We discuss some key environmental issues that Seth has learned which helped to inform his stellar 2024 album, Everything.  Today, through his music, daily practices, citizen science and regular explorations this talented multi-instrumentalist is uncovering new worlds and taking us along. He’s got an exciting late summer/fall and continues to approach these possibilities with gratitude, curiosity and empathy. Visit Seth’s website at sethglier.com (check out his SOLUTIONS page and PATREON for excellent information). Please visit Soul Fire Farm (soulfirefarm.org) to learn more about their work and to make a donation. During our conversation, Seth mentioned the Sunrise Movement (sunrisemovement.org), Operation Respect (operationrespect.org), Trout Unlimited (tu.org) and the How to Save a Planet Podcast with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Seth Glier who is out there changing the world, and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for a rare look back at the professional and humanitarian life of Harry Chapin! His son, Jason, joins us for a fascinating examination of his father’s life and how it impacts our world today. Jason recounts his dad’s early career in making films, Harry’s career in music, his partnership with Bill Ayres, his role on the Presidential Committee on World Hunger and his history of philanthropy. Interspersed are Jason’s memories of playing sports with his dad. Jason identifies what might be the defining moment in Harry’s career – not only to propel his dad toward million-selling record sales but allowed him to focus on helping others. We discuss what recent anti-hunger development might have pleased Harry. Finally, Jason takes us from the beginnings of the Harry Chapin Foundation to its impact today in awarding over four hundred grants to small organizations around the country. Please visit the Harry Chapin Foundation at harrychapinfoundation.org to learn more, to listen to Harry Chapin Radio and to make a donation. Jason mentions how Diet for a Small Planet (Frances Moore Lappe) influenced Harry’s work. Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Jason Chapin whose family is still out there changing the world, and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for a wisdom-filled conversation with Martyn Joseph! With a career spanning over 40 years, Martyn (sometimes referred to as The Welsh Springsteen) has 27 studio albums, over half a million record sales and has given thousands of concerts. Martyn takes us back to his earliest recollections of hearing protest songs - long before he started to craft excellent ones of his own. He chronicles a history of life-changing philanthropic experiences and charitable work before forming Let Yourself Trust, with his wife, Justine. Martyn describes Let Yourself Trust’s (letyourself.net) unique model and excellent mission – filled with heart and commitment - for funding small charities that are often underfunded. Martyn’s fans are very much involved in supporting the charities selected by Let Yourself Trust and even offer suggestions of other deserving organizations to Martyn as he tours. He details the power of his group volunteer trips and is filled with pride by the travelers’ determination to go back to offer additional support in their own ways. One of the biggest take-aways from this conversation is hearing Martyn’s insights about today’s world, his gratitude for a place in it and his appreciation for his audience. Martyn released his "masterful and career defining" (Fatea UK) album, This Is What I Want to Say, earlier this year. Visit Martyn’s website at martynjoseph.net to check out his music, videos, tour schedule and Patreon. Please consider a small donation to Let Yourself Trust to support their work. Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Martyn Joseph who is out there changing the world, and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for an enlightening conversation with Jake Thistle! Jake chronicles his musical career which indeed began with Tom Petty’s half time performance at Super Bowl 42 and continues with Jake supporting Mike Campbell’s animal rescue organization, The Tazzy Fund – Rock the Dogs (tazzyfund.org). Along the way, Mike has even gifted Jake a beautiful 1964 guitar! We hear Jake’s behind-the-scenes story about the hottest ticket in New Jersey, The American Music Honors. Jake discusses his other affiliations with the American Cancer Society (another long philanthropic history) and WhyHunger. He talks about his favorite songs of activism and social justice. Finally, we get the run down on two very interesting sounding courses at Rutgers University from this very busy college student. In 2023, Jake released The Half Left Out and keep your eyes open for his live album coming out this summer! Jake is hitting the east coast so be sure to check out his website (jakethistle.com) for all of the dates. Please consider making a small donation to The Tazzy Fund (tazzyfund.org) and WhyHunger (whyhunger.org).   Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Jake Thistle who is out there changing the world, and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for a dynamic conversation with Mark Erelli! Mark supports the Foundation Fighting Blindness and explains the organization’s importance in relation to his own diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Then, Mark takes us through the creation of his incredible 2023 album, Lay Your Darkness Down. Mark received one of the best reviews we’ve read for his previous album, Blindsided (and it’s in his introduction). We’re fortunate to hear a full behind-the-scenes account about the writing, recording and gifting (to Giffords: Courage to Fight Gun Violence) of Mark’s moving song, By Degrees. The song was nominated as Song of the Year at the 2019 Americana Honors and Awards. This host believes the song deserves new attention to make it into the universal anthem it's meant to be. Visit Mark’s website (markerelli.com) for music, tour dates and especially his amazing Patreon. Please consider making a small donation to Foundation Fighting Blindness (fightingblindness.org) or Giffords: Courage to Fight Gun Violence (giffords.org).   Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Mark Erelli who is out there changing the world, and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for a heartfelt conversation with Antje Duvekot - one of the most honest and sincere first conversations I believe I’ve ever experienced. Through her beautifully detailed descriptions, Antje transports us to Guatemala and to the Project Somos Children’s Village. She shares what it’s like to volunteer with her there and how visitors experience rewards equal to (or greater than) those provided to the residents. Antje offers a vision of her life as an active singer-songwriter. And she shares her values... which align remarkably and perfectly with years of stellar reviews. If you’re lucky, you can see Antje on tour and do check out her Patreon (antjeduvekot.com). Please consider making a small donation to Project Somos Children’s Village (projectsomos.org).   Hear more rare conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Antje Duvekot who is out there changing the world, and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for a fascinating conversation with Eileen Chapman – Director of The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University (springsteenarchives.org). This episode will leave you ready to jump in the car and head for the Jersey shore. Eileen has a rich history in arts management, volunteerism and getting the job done. Eileen tells us how she got the Bruce Springsteen collection (now 15,000 pieces and includes Bruce’s personal papers) to Monmouth University. She shares Bruce’s philosophy that he is but one chapter in the story of American music and many more artists should be recognized through the Center for American Music (opening in Spring 2026). Eileen fills us in on an incredible exhibit that will be in Bruce’s portion of the Center – and you heard about it here! Finally, we are given a detailed account of the 2024 American Music Honors from one of its organizers! On April 24th, the sold-out (in less than three minutes) ceremony honored John Mellencamp, Jackson Browne, Mavis Staples and Dion DiMucci for their careers, activism and promoting opportunities for change. Each honoree performed a song during their portion of the ceremony before everyone took the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime finale. Please consider making a small donation to The Bruce Springsteen Archives and the Center for American Music’s building fund or day-to-day archive expenses. You will see the GIVE tab at the top of the website. Hear more conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to YOU for listening, to Eileen Chapman for preserving and providing these musical treasures, and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for a truly inspiring conversation with vocal instrumentalist and philanthropist, Chavonne Stewart. Chavonne chronicles her journey from high school student to becoming a featured background singer on stages across the world to an amplifier of young girls’ dreams and aspirations. Listen in as she details all of the ways her nonprofit organization, Exposher, supports young women in underserved communities. Chavonne explains, with great passion, what she has learned from her own heroes and through her faith. With the voice of an angel, a heart of gold and the energy of a fireball Chavonne Stewart is going places… and you’re going to want to follow her! Please consider making a small donation to Exposher (exposherinc.org).   Hear more conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to you for listening, to Chavonne Stewart who’s out there changing the world, and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for an insightful conversation with Antigone Rising (antigonerising.com). You will hear pauses as Nini, Cathy and Kristen determine who will respond to questions and their spot-on answers leave us so much better informed. They describe how their roles as US Cultural Ambassadors (with hints of Beatlemania) led to their own nonprofit, Girls Rising. (Girls Rising (Official Trailer) Antigone Rising Nonprofit Gender Equality (youtube.com)) We learn how Girls Rising is very present and intertwined with the direction of the band today. We receive an education about the harsh realities for female bands and the differences in promotion between them and male counterparts. Finally, I asked the members one question – perhaps, related to activism - and was gifted with three amazing life lessons. By the end of our conversation, you will be amazed by the impact Nini, Cathy and Kristen are making for girls, LGBTQ youth and all of us. Please consider making a small donation to Girls Rising (girlsrising.org). Hear more conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to you for listening, to Antigone Rising who are out there changing the world, and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Pull up a chair for an intimate conversation with singer-songwriter, Stephen Kellogg (www.stephenkellogg.com) as he discusses his regular support for pediatric cancer charities. Listen in as Stephen presents four ideas that encourage us to understand ourselves, to act for what is important and to maintain a hopeful outlook. Stephen mentions how he’s passing along the importance of charitable giving to his own family. Finally, we’ll hear what’s coming up next for this wordsmith, TedX speaker, family man and troubadour. Please consider making a small donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org). Hear more conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to you for listening, to the incredible Stephen Kellogg who’s out there changing the world, and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.

Welcome to The Compassionate Measures Podcast! Join us at the intersection of music and charitable giving for an intimate conversation with philanthropic singer-songwriters. We share a deeper look at the person behind the music, what moves them to take action, and opportunities for you to get involved too! Hear all of our conversations at Compassionate Measures dot org and invite another music friend to pull up a chair. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks always to you for listening, to all of our guests who are out there changing the world, and to Chris Downey for putting it all together.