The Heather Petero Show

What does it really mean to be present — not just busy, polished, productive, or professionally “fine”?In this episode of The Heather Petero Show, Heather sits down with Reverend James Williams, Senior Pastor of Grace Resurrection Methodist Church and author of The Present Pastor: Step Off the Stage and Learn to Lead Like Jesus.They talk about presence over performance, servant leadership, church culture, burnout, and why people need more than polished programs — they need relationship. They also get into koi ponds, 70s TV commercials, Captain and Tennille, and James’s bold claim that no good music happened after 1989. Heather has questions.This episode is for pastors, leaders, teachers, parents, creatives, and anyone who needs the reminder that the people in front of us are not interruptions to the mission.Very often, they are the mission.Connect with James Williams: Facebook & Instagram: @rev.jamesiv Book: The Present Pastor Church: Grace Resurrection Methodist ChurchWe would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

What happens when a seriously stressed-out high school English teacher burns out and ends up building an extraordinary life teaching guitar?In this episode, Heather talks with Rob Hampton — teacher, entrepreneur, and all-around delight — about how he went from burnout to building something truly special in music education. Rob has taught everyone from four-year-olds to Fortune 500 CEOs, helped over 29 million guitarists, and built a career rooted in joy, grit, and real intention. They talk about building something amazing, helping everyday people have extraordinary experiences making music, student breakthroughs, AI, chronic pain, creativity, and one very specific grammatical hill Rob is fully prepared to die on. It’s smart, funny, thoughtful, and full of heart.We would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

What do you do when life changes in a second? In this episode, Heather sits down with Carter Viss — marine biologist, founder of the Carter Viss Foundation, co-author of Found in the Wake, and one-handed pianist — for a conversation about survival, recovery, advocacy, music, and meaning. They talk about the accident that changed his life, the people who helped save him, the work he’s doing to make waters safer, and the creativity and purpose that kept unfolding after everything changed. We would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

What happens when people choose to show up in places most of the world would rather avoid?In this episode, Heather talks with Walter Straham and Rosa Fossett-Gilbert of Kairos Prison Ministry about prison ministry, Kairos Outside, and the quiet weight carried by families and loved ones on the outside. This conversation goes beyond labels and assumptions into something much more human: dignity, compassion, second chances, and the power of simply being there.Walter shares how one phrase — adding value — shaped his path into ministry with incarcerated men and youth. Rosa opens up about attending a Kairos Outside weekend as a guest before returning to serve women whose lives have been impacted by incarceration.This is a conversation about grace in hard places, hope for people who feel forgotten, and why no one should have to carry pain alone.We would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

In this rich and personal conversation, Heather sits down with award-winning artist, songwriter, author, speaker, and mentor Babbie Mason to talk about calling, staying power, and the songs that live far beyond the moment they were written.From her early years as a preacher’s kid and teacher, to writing songs the church still sings, Babbie shares what it means to stay rooted while the world keeps changing the packaging. Heather and Babbie talk about legacy, songwriting, grief, hospitality, mentoring, public ministry, private faith, and the kind of life that is built over time—with truth, faithfulness, and an open door.Heather also shares a deeply personal connection: how a songwriting class with Babbie became part of her own grieving journey after the loss of her mother.This is a conversation about more than music. It’s about healing. It’s about calling. It’s about creating from a place that reaches people. And it’s about what happens when a life of faith becomes a life of fruit.We would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

Born into one of America’s most recognizable legacy families, Lisa Popeil went on to build an extraordinary career all her own — as a singer, performer, researcher, author, and highly respected celebrity vocal coach.This week on The Heather Petero Show, Heather welcomes Lisa Popeil, creator of the Voiceworks Method, for a rich conversation about voice, artistry, legacy, and impact. They explore Lisa’s unique family background, her years working at a high level in the music world, including time with Frank Zappa and “Weird Al” Yankovic, and the teaching philosophy that has shaped singers for decades.It’s a thoughtful and engaging episode about excellence, expression, personal growth, and the ripple effect of a life poured into helping others find their voice.Don’t miss this conversation with a woman whose influence reaches far beyond the spotlight.We would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

What happens when people stop skimming, stop reacting, and actually listen?My guest is Bunni Pounds, and we’re talking about America Reads the Bible—a major public event in Washington, D.C. happening April 18–25, 2026, with an opening celebration on April 18 and a full week of public Bible reading at the Museum of the Bible from April 19 through 25. The event’s official materials describe nearly 500 readers and more than 475 leaders, with the reading livestreamed nationally on Great American Pure Flix.But this conversation is about more than one event.We talk about why reading great books still matters, why ancient texts still shape modern lives, and what happens to a culture when people lose the habit of reading deeply. We talk about the Bible not only as sacred Scripture for millions, but also as one of the most historically influential texts in the world—one that has shaped language, literature, art, ethics, and public imagination for generations.We also talk about the importance of honoring the Hebrew Scriptures—not as a mere prelude, but as ancient, sacred writings treasured in Jewish tradition for millennia, carrying memory, poetry, lament, covenant, wisdom, and hope. This is a conversation about history, heritage, reverence, and why reading foundational texts out loud still matters in a distracted age.And yes, this is a big event. Public materials for the opening celebration name Patricia Heaton, Candace Cameron Bure, and Cameron and BJ Arnett, while broader event coverage also names readers and participants such as Danny Gokey, Meredith Andrews, Chonda Pierce, Kathy Ireland, Jen Lilley, Kevin Sorbo, Colton Dixon, John Cooper, Kim Walker-Smith, Leeland Mooring, Jennie Lee Riddle, Dallas Jenkins, and Andy Erwin.It’s thoughtful, rich, historically grounded, and deeply timely.We would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

This week on The Heather Petero Show, Heather sits down with her dear friend Cathy Semeria for a conversation that is honest, strong, and deeply encouraging—especially for parents who have lost a child.Cathy shares the story of her daughter, Christina “Tini” Semeria, who died in a tragic auto accident in 2016—an event that became national news at the time. But this episode isn’t about headlines. It’s about a daughter’s life, a family’s lived experience, and the kind of faith that can hold both grief and joy.We talk about: Who Tini was (the real her—full of personality, faith, and creativity)  How a parent survives the unthinkable  Why joy isn’t the same as happiness—and how joy can still exist in sorrow  Tini’s original song “Be Still” and why her voice is still speaking Warrior Moms: community for grieving mothers, plus the book Grieve Like a Mother, Survive Like a Warrior What’s next: Tini’s 7th Annual Spark in the Dark 5K and how you can show up, donate, go virtual, or volunteer If you’ve ever loved someone through grief and felt helpless… this episode is your “do-something” moment.Get involved / learn more: Tini’s music + blog + legacy: https://christinasemeria.org/ Warrior Moms: https://warriormoms.me/ Spark in the Dark 5K registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Athens/TiniSemeriaSparkintheDark5kWalkRun Instagram: @cathysemeria | @tinisparkinthedarkUntil next time—stay creative and live on purpose.We would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

In this episode of The Heather Petero Show, Heather sits down with Hall of Fame, multi-platinum Nashville Row songwriter Bernie Nelson for a conversation that pulls back the curtain on the songs we love—and the lives, moments, and unexpected turns that shaped them.They talk about what it really takes to write something that lasts, why so many people misunderstand who actually writes the songs, and how originality survives in a world that constantly rewards imitation.Bernie also shares from his book Honky Tonk Angels, giving a glimpse into the unseen side of country music—the writers, the rooms, and the stories that don’t always make it into the spotlight.It’s honest, thoughtful, and full of the kind of perspective you only get from someone who’s lived it.We would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

What happens when you mix twenty years of friendship, two decades of marriage, music that feels like a Georgia backroad? You get Matt + Abi.In this episode, I sit down with the duo to talk about the messy middle—the real-life space where faith, family, and the artist hustle collide. We peel back the curtain on what it takes to build something honest together, keep showing up for the people you love, and make music that feels like a conversation you didn’t know you needed.And yes… we also address the important issues: Abi’s Disney obsession and Matt’s highly questionable stance on exercise.We would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

This week on The Heather Petero Show, Heather is joined by Shaunee Brannan — author, singer, and founder of The SB Fashion Brand.In this honest and engaging conversation, they talk about the intersection of faith and fashion, the journey of building confidence, and what it really means to stop shrinking and start showing up fully as yourself.With humor, real-life perspective, and a refreshing take on identity, Shaunee shares how embracing your individuality can change the way you live, create, and connect.If you’ve ever struggled with confidence, comparison, or finding your place, this episode will remind you that who you are is not something to fix — it’s something to own.We would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

This week, Heather sits down with Dr. Adam Klein of the Emory Voice Center — the physician who has taken care of celebrity singers and the one she trusts with her own students when something doesn’t sound right.They dive into the truth behind common vocal myths (whispering, dairy, hydration, screaming at football games… yes, all of it), what’s actually happening inside the voice when things go wrong, and why diagnoses like nodules are not the end of the story.Whether you’re a singer, teacher, speaker, or just someone who uses your voice every day, this conversation brings clarity, confidence, and a little peace of mind.We would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

Heather sits down with her friend of nearly 40 years, Mark Ware — signed country artist and singer-songwriter, retired Fire Chief, and veteran firefighter/EMT whose music is rooted in real life. From High School memories to the hard chapters, Mark shares the kind of story you don’t forget.Together, they talk about grief, faith, recovery, and what it looks like to keep going after the unthinkable — including the loss of a child — and how music can become a lifeline for people who are hurting.You’ll leave reminded that healing is possible and you’re not alone.Connect with Mark: officialmarkware.com | @mwaremusicWe would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

This week on The Heather Petero Show, Heather sits down with Michael Johnson—business consultant, founder of Johnson & Associates, leadership strategist, doctoral candidate, and yes… a man who plays 17 instruments.They talk about what strategy actually means in real life, why so many business owners stay stuck in “busy,” how implementation is where the real magic happens, and what it takes to lead well without doing absolutely everything yourself. They also dive into faith, staying grounded under pressure, and how Mike turns chaos into systems that actually work.It’s smart, practical, funny, and full of takeaways for anyone building something and trying not to lose their mind in the process.We would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

From the Georgia Band Room to the Coast of Ecuador: A Musical Journey with David HenryWhat does it look like to retire after 34 years of shaping young musicians, only to start a whole new chapter as a songwriter and producer in a different country?Today, I’m sitting down with David Henry, a man whose résumé reads like a roadmap of the music industry. From three decades as a legendary instrumental music director in Georgia to his work with Drum Corps International, David has spent a lifetime mastering the craft of performance and education. But he didn’t stop there. Throughout his career, he was a fixture in the Atlanta music scene—working in live sound, audio engineering, and as a studio musician at the iconic Real 2 Reel Studios.In this episode, we dive into:The Legacy of the Band Room: Reflections on 34 years of teaching and why the band room remains a vital "safe space" for students.The Leap to Ecuador: The "why" and "how" behind David’s 2021 relocation to Machalilla, Manabí, and what it was like settling his family (including two young girls) into a new culture.The Future of Sound: How David is using virtual instruments and AI production tools to write and record his upcoming album from his home studio in paradise.Full-Circle Moments: David’s current songwriting partnership with Mark Ware (a former student and classmate of mine!) and the launch of his new publishing company, 1° South – Paradise Productions.Whether you're a former "band kid," a gear head interested in studio history, or someone dreaming of a major life pivot, David’s story is a masterclass in staying creative at any age.We would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

In this episode of The Heather Petero Show, we talk about what it really looks like to pursue a dream with intention—while holding down a full career, staying grounded, and doing the actual work of the craft. John shares his Alabama roots, his journey into independent country music, the value of staying teachable, and why growth doesn’t stop just because life gets busy.We also dig into:Balancing leadership and creativityWhy training isn’t just for kids or beginnersThe reality of being an independent artist todayAI music vs. human storytellingAnd whether mastering a vocal run is harder than Black Friday at Dillard’s 😄If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe it’s too late” or “I should’ve started sooner,” this conversation is for you.🎶 New music is coming.🎯 The dream is still alive.🎧 Press play.We would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

What if education didn’t feel like pressure, panic, or performance?In this episode of The Heather Petero Show, Heather sits down with Lisa Renea Shaw—educator, author, language-lover, and founder of My Other Tongue—for a grounded, honest conversation about raising whole humans in a very loud world.Lisa brings calm, clarity, and conviction to topics many parents feel overwhelmed by: bilingual education, confidence, faith, and the “soft skills” that turn out to be anything but soft—empathy, resilience, self-control, and belonging.Together, they talk about:Why bilingualism is an asset—not a problem to fixThe myth that kids get “confused” by multiple languagesHow storytelling opens doors that lectures never willWhy hustle culture is stealing our kids’ confidenceAnd how building simple systems can bring more peace to family lifeThis episode is thoughtful, funny, and refreshingly pressure-free—no PowerPoints, no shame, no panic spirals.🎧 If you’re a parent, educator, or creative who wants education to feel more human and less frantic, this one’s for you.Find Lisa at myothertongue.com and on Instagram @myothertongue.Stay creative. Live on purpose.We would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

In this episode of The Heather Petero Show, Heather hands the mic to someone she’s known since literally day one — her son, filmmaker and creative mind behind Petero Productions, Seth Petero.Seth is proving you don’t need a massive Hollywood budget to tell a meaningful story. From film and digital storytelling to songwriting, vintage tech, and a deep love of the creative process, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how a young creator builds work with intention, discipline, and heart.They talk about:Seth’s journey into filmmaking and mediaHow music and songwriting shape his storytellingWorking across film, editing, and AV productionWhy analog tools still matter in a digital worldCreative taste, gear obsessions, food opinions, and real-life preferencesWhat it actually takes to grow as an artist without losing your voiceIt’s thoughtful, funny, and honest — with just enough mother-son banter to keep things interesting.Whether you’re a filmmaker, musician, creative, or someone figuring out your next step, this episode is a reminder that great work starts with curiosity, patience, and a clear sense of purpose.🎧 Listen in, and learn more about Seth’s work at peteroprod.com.We would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

In this episode, Heather talks with voice expert and Berklee professor Linda Balliro about the neuroscience behind singing. They break down how the brain learns pitch, coordination, and expression—and why so many singers get stuck chasing sensations instead of building reliable skill.Smart, practical, and refreshingly clear, this conversation is for singers, teachers, and curious creatives who want real understanding—not vocal myths.We would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow

In this opening episode of The Heather Petero Show, Heather invites listeners to embrace Creativity with a capital C—not as a talent reserved for a few, but as a God-given part of who we are. This episode is about permission: to create, to explore, and to stop waiting for approval before stepping into what you were made to do.We would love to hear from you! Support the showwww.heatherpetero.comFacebook: @theheatherpeteroshow