Living Real Radio

Send a textIn this final episode of Living Real Radio, we (John and Greg) reflect on our journey over eight seasons in light of the Gospel for the Second Sunday of Lent: the Transfiguration of Jesus. Our professional responsibilities at St. Philip in Franklin, TN—the parish where Living Real began as a ministry—have expanded to the point that we can no longer maintain the production of a weekly radio show and podcast.We are incredibly grateful to you, our listeners, for tuning in to our 335 unique broadcasts on Nashville’s Hippie Radio 94.5. Immeasurable thanks go to St. Philip: Hippie Radio; our long-term sponsor, Nashville Closets by Design; our first-year sponsor, World Library Publications; our founding co-hosts, Robert Feduccia and Julianne Staley; the Diocese of Nashville; and all of our guests. You are all incredible gifts who made this media adventure possible.Go out and smile at somebody.

Send a textLiving Real Radio host, John Angotti, breaks open the First Sunday of Lent with reflections and songs around the the Temptation of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel. Only on our Nashville Hippie Radio 94.5 broadcast: Hold Us Together - Matt Maher.

Send a textLeon Mello is the Diocesan Coordinator of Campus Ministries for University Catholic, serving Nashville-area college students. We discuss her journey to Catholicism which includes the extraordinary opportunity of working on the set of The Chosen. Songs featured only on our Nashville Hippie Radio 94.5 broadcast: The Joy - Belonging Co | The Cross Has the Final Word - Belonging Co | No Longer Slaves - Bethel.

Send a text"You are the light of the world." It’s a bold claim from Jesus, but how do we actually keep that light from flickering out?In this episode, we explore the "blueprints" for a radiant life found in this week's readings with reflections and songs. From the prophetic challenge of Isaiah, who reminds us that our light breaks forth only when we share our bread with the hungry, to St. Paul’s raw admission that true power comes through weakness rather than eloquence, we find a common thread: Faith is a verb. We dive into the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus calls us to be the world’s "salt" and "city on a hill." We discuss what it means to live in a way that directs the spotlight away from ourselves and toward the "Glory of the Father." If you’ve been feeling like a lamp under a bushel basket, this episode is your invitation to step back onto the lampstand.

Send a textWe contemplate Jesus's words to Peter and Andrew in the readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Matthew 4:19, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." Featured only on our Nashville Hippie Radio broadcast: "I Will Choose Christ" Kathy Triccoli.

Send a textAnne Goetzy shares her journey as a mixed-media artist and her project 'Pray to Love,' which ties into her personal connection to the Visitation Order, particularly through her aunt, a nun who lived a contemplative life in France. Anne's art project has developed a documentary about the lives of these nuns, blending photography, painting, and storytelling to capture their spirituality and the beauty of their way of life.

Send a textA reflection on the personal and metaphorical significance of the Epiphany story in the Gospel of Matthew.

Send a textThe Gospel for the 4th Sunday of Advent is from Matthew's Gospel where Joseph grapples with Mary's pregnancy. We discuss the Gospel in light of the difficulties we are grappling with in the World as we prepare our hearts for Emmanuel, God with is us. Songs only on our Nashville Hippie Radio Broadcast: Joseph’s Lullaby - Mercy Me | Joseph's Song - Michael Card | Joy To the World - Massimo DiStefano (arr. B. E. Taylor) | White Christmas - The Drifters.

Send a textDr. Ansel Augustine discusses the significance of Black Catholic History Month, his personal journey within the church, and the challenges faced by Black Catholics in America. Dr. Augustine is the Assistant Director of the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. In this capacity, he staffs the Bishops’ Subcommitee on African American Affairs and assists the Secretariat’s efforts to promote intercultural competence in ministryand the pastoral care of many diverse Catholic communities. Featured only on our Nashville Hippie Radio Broadcast: Trust in God - Elevation Worship | Line Em Up - Trombone Shorty and New Breed Brass Band | Soon and Very Soon - Andraé Crouch.

Send a textWe chat about the Sunday Gospel with Lindy Wynne before featuring her Mama's in Spirit episode with Caleb Templeton, All Conversions Are Possible With God. Caleb was not walking the straight and narrow. As an adolescent, he was drinking and using drugs. While he had a job mowing lawns, Caleb realized he could make a lot more money dealing drugs. So he did. Until “his boy” set him up to be jumped. The attack could have ended Caleb’s life. This Mama's in Spirit “mini retreat in a podcast” explores how God showed up for Caleb through a truck driver, a friend, and his future mother-in-law. Featured only on our Nashville Hippie Radio Broadcast: New Wine - Hillsong Worship.

Send a textWe celebrate Black Catholic History Month with acclaimed singer, songwriter and story teller, Dr. ValLimar Jansen, and legendary saxophonist, Kirk Whalum. Our conversation centers around Sister Thea Bowman, a pioneering figure in the African American Catholic community, and her legacy of faith, cultural identity, and social justice. Kirk is related to Sr. Thea, while ValLimar has written and produced an upcoming musical 'I Will Live Until I Die,' highlighting Sister Thea's life and contributions. Only featured on our Nashville Hippie Radio 94.5 broadcast: I Will Always Love Your - Whitney Houston.

Send a textWe reflect on Jesus's words, "whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted," Luke 18:14, words from the Gospel for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary time. Only Featured on our Nashville Hippie Radio broadcast: Empty & Beautiful - Matt Maher.

Send a textThis week's Living Real reflects on Jesus's answer to the Apostles plea, "Increase our Faith," and feature's Lindy Wynne's Mamas in Spirit episode "You are Beloved" with Melissa Vincent of Behold Catholic Ministries, Inc.

Send a textIn this episode of Living Real Radio we discuss pets, prayer, authority, compassion, wealth, and community. Jesus tells us in the Sunday, Sept 21 Gospel, "You cannot serve both God and mammon [money]. How can we serve God as bearers of hope in a divided world with the challenges of wealth? Songs featured only on our Nashville Hippie Radio broadcast: Can't Buy Me Love - The Beatles | How Sweet It Is - James Taylor

Send a textJohn Angotti and Dion Clay report in from the road, live on I-24.

Send a textJohn interviews Josh Lackey from the Nashville Fire Department about some upcoming initiatives followed by a taste of Lindy Wynne''s Mamas in Spirit podcast episode, "The Virtuous Life with Sr. John Dominic Rasmussen, OP, the inaugural episode of the Mamas in Spirit “Women of Wisdom” series.

Send a textInspired Psalm 117, the Psalm for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, John Angotti reflects on celebrating the Good News along with good tunes. Only featured on our Nashville Hippie Radio 94.5 broadcast: I Can Only Imagine - John Angotti.

Send a textLiving Real welcomes Anthony Bouquet, a full-time author and community leader. We discuss his journey to becoming an author, his insights on King Solomon's wisdom in his book, "The Bloodline of Wisdom," and the concept of being a 'solutionary.' Only featured on our Nashville Hippie Radio 94.5 broadcast: I Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley

Send a textWe "step into the beautiful place" of Javier Mendoza (a.k.a. Hobo Kane) for an engaging discussion about his 25 year journey as an independent artist, the changing landscape of the music industry and the country.

Send a textWe check in the Brian Connelly, the latest Concerts in the Courtyard artist for St. Philip's 2025 summer series. Connelly shares his latest endeavors between stints touring as guitarist for Matthew West and Francesca Battistelli.

Send a textWe turned Greg Walton's Concert in the Courtyard into the week's episode of Living Real Radio. Co-host John Angotti is on keys along with Melany Joy Alvey on Fiddle, Tracey Ramsay on vocals, Brett Frey on Bass and Tony Morra on drums. Enjoy!

Send a textWe talk to Chris Estes about OCP Music's newest endeavor, Echo Harbor Worship, the next wave in contemporary Catholic music. Echo Harbor a faith-based, worship-centered bridge, fostering unity for all people through the love of God. Its label team, songwriters and artists come from different faith communities, but all seek the “unity in community” that Jesus calls us to.

Send a textWe reflect on Independence Day and the readings for the 14th Sunday in ordinary time while playing some tunes.

Send a textThis episode airs on Father Ed Steiner's last day as pastor of St. Philip Catholic Church in Franklin, Tennessee of which Living Real Radio is a production. We talk to Father Ed about his 43 years as a priest while featuring some special moments from his June 21 retirement dinner. Thank you Father Ed for your loving service to the Nashville Catholic community.

Send a textCatholic composer and speaker, Mark Haas, shares some of his compositions and insights on how JRR Tolkien's Catholic faith informed his epic high fantasy novel, The Lord of the Rings.

Send a textGuests Peter Kolar and Sarah Wolf from GIA Publications discuss the purpose of the Summer Music Institute, July 9-11 in Naperville, IL, a diverse program for both sacred and secular choral music makers in English and Spanish. More info and registration at Institute.GiaMusic.com. Special discount for Living Real listeners: friend50.

Send a textIn this episode of Living Real Radio, John and Greg explore the themes of love and community in the context of Jesus's words in the Sunday Gospel, "This is how all will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Music only featured on our Nashville Hippie Radio 94.5 broadcast: What the World Needs Now Is Love - Jackie DeShannon | Hold Us Together - Matt Maher | Christ Is Risen - Matt Maher | They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love - Justin Unger.

Send a textWe explore the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, delving into his background, the Order of Augustinians and the historical context of his name to the Catholic Church.

Send a textWe delve into the intricate process of the papal conclave with Fr. Ed Steiner, exploring its historical roots, the role of cardinals, the voting procedure, and the significance of secrecy during the election. We also reflect on the impact of Pope Francis and the future direction of the Catholic Church. Featured only on our Nashville Hippie Radio 94.5 broadcast: Litany of Saints - The Cathedral Singers | Veni Creator -  Sisters of Aquinas.

Send a textAfter his passing on Easter Monday, April 21, we reflect on the life and papacy of Pope Francis with music and some of his memorable quotes. Only featured on our Nashville Hippie Radio Broadcast: There Is A God - Lee Ann Womack.

Send a textWe discuss the significance of Easter and Holy Week with inspiring music by Catholic musicians.

Send a textJohn and Greg discuss Palm Sunday, Holy Week and play some tunes.

Send a textHaving just wrapped up Women's History Month, we interview two women with interests in both music and history: Victoria Reed, Director of the Williamson County Performing Arts Center in Franklin, TN and Nashville-based Singer Songwriter Rae Radick. Music featured only on our Nashville Hippie Radio 94.5 broadcast: I Can't Stop Loving You - Ray Charles | ABC - Jackson 5.

Send a textChristian musician, Tony Melendez, and his brother, Jose, share their story and talk about their latest Parish Mission titled Carry Your Cross. Tony is an accomplished guitar player, composer, singer, and songwriter born without arms whose mission began through an encounter playing for Pope Saint John Paul II who told him, "My wish to you, is to continue of giving [sic] this hope to all, all the people." Only on our Nashville Hippie Radio 94.5 broadcast: Always Here With Me | Bed By the Window.

Send a textJohn Angotti reflects on the Third Sunday of Lent in word and with songs. Only on our Nashville Hippie Radio 94.5 broadcast: Hold Us Together - Matt Maher | Falling in Love With Jesus - Kirk Whalum & Jonathan Butler | Screen Door - Rich Mullins | I Turn to You - Richie McDonald.

Send a textTim Forbes, Executive Director of the Judge Dinkins Educational Center, talks to us about the center's mission to provide vocational training for adolescents who might be at risk or engaged with the juvenile or criminal justice system. Only featured on Nashville's Hippie Radio 94.5: Fire and Flood - Vance Joy | I’m Not Okay - Jelly Roll | Mess - Noah Khan | Scarlet Begonias - Grateful Dead.

Send a textShenita “Nita” Bolton talks to Living Real about her first book, “Unveiled: Overcoming Trauma to Walk in Your Divine Purpose” about the transformative power of faith, resilience, and self-reflection. Shenita’s desire is to uplift and empower individuals to overcome adversity, embrace their inner strength, and pursue their dreams with unwavering belief. Songs featured only on our Nashville Hippie Radio 94.5 broadcast: Break Every Chain - Tasha Cobbs | Way Maker - Leeland | I Trust in God - Elevation | Goodness of God - CeCe Winans.

Send a textWe interview Lindy Wynn, podcaster and founder of Mamas in Spirit Catholic Ministry for Women. Songs featured only on our Nashville Hippie Radio 94.5 broadcast: All Who Are Thirsty - Sarah Kroger | The Kingdom is Yours - Common Hymnal.

Send a textIn the Sunday Readings for February 9, 2025, we have Isaiah, Paul and the disciples all responding to God's call. Isaiah replies, "Here I am," I said; "send me!" John and Greg reflect on all this featuring a relevant playlist of Catholic music.

Send a textLiving Real welcomes Sacramento based Catholic musician Aaron Thompson, a composer with World Library Publications, a division of GIA. An accomplished vocalist proficient on guitar, piano and trumpet, Thompson draws from his childhood soundtrack of soul, classical, R & B, calypso, Broadway, rock and Jazz. We discuss the latest projects born from his passion for music, mission, faith and life.

Send a textIn our readings from the third Sunday in Ordinary Time, we have both Ezra and Jesus reading the word of God to the people. Ezra reaffirms the law of Moses. Jesus proclaims that he fulfills the words he reads from the prophet Isaiah. Paul reminds that we are many and one. We ponder all this while playing relevant music.

Send a textClaudia Margarita Schmitt shares her extensive background in education, particularly focusing on the Montessori method and its application in religious education through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Featured only on our Nashville Hippie Radio 94.5 broadcast: Teach Your Children Well - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Send a textAttorney, executive, speaker, podcaster, professor,  athlete, and now author, Yaffett Powell shares his personal journey of overcoming adversity and discusses his mission to empower young boys, especially those with absent fathers, to recognize their worth and potential through his book, "Founded by Faith." Only featured on our Nashville Hippie Radio 94.5 broadcast: 10K (KB) | Praise the Lord (Micah Tyler) | God is Good (Forrest Frank + Caleb Gordon) | Who I Am (Ben Fuller).

Send a textWe reflect on Christmas with music by various Catholic composers.

Send a textWe talk to Rachel Hester, Executive Director of Nashville's Room In The Inn, about serving the unhoused, the legacy of Father Charles Strobel, and his book, The Kingdom of the Poor. Only featured on our Nashville Hippie Radio 94.5 broadcast: Shower the People - James Taylor | Home Sweet Home - Emmylou Harris | Godspeed – Dave Pomeroy.

Send a textThe artist Shen creates bold, vibrant art that blends faith with urban expression. As the OG West Coast graffiti female of the '80s, she broke barriers, turning streets into realms of wonder. Now bringing that edge to gallery art, Shen's work celebrates icons and spiritual themes, weaving God's love, hope, and transformation into every piece. Only featured on our Nasvhille Hippie 94.5 broadcast: Miracle of Love - Chris Tomlin | How Sweet it Is - James Taylor | The Goodness - Toby Mac.

Send a textWith John Angotti on the road, Living Real cohost, Greg Walton, reflects on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, the last Sunday in Ordinary Time, with some tunes and the Sunday Readings. Only featured on our Nashville Hippie Radio 94.5 broadcast: The Kingdom is Yours - Common Hymnal | Jubilee - Common Hymnal.

Send a textWe catch up with composer, singer, songwriter, Sarah Hart, about life and her latest release, "All the Earth Alive Rejoicing," celebrating the Advent and Christmas seasons.

Send a textNovember is National Adoption Month. Christie Erwin, Executive Director of Project Zero, and singer/songwriter, Jennifer Hastings, talk about the Arkansas program's goal to deliberately and purposefully pursue out-of-the-box ways to find forever families for kids in foster care who are waiting. You Will Be Found - Serenity Erwin could only be featured on our Nashville Hippie Radio Broadcast.

Send a textGreg Walton shares songs and reflections around All Saints, All Souls and the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time.