Music for the Soul Podcast

Steve Siler
  • 5.0 (7)
  • MUSIC
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Music for the Soul Podcast, where we talk honestly about difficult things, sharing the stories of guests from around the globe about the incredible hope and healing music provides. Inspired by human experience and the compassion of Christ, our episodes aim to bring light into the dark places.

  1. FEB 18

    Episode 105: Intruder or Guest with Caregiver Richard Peterson

    In this episode of Music for the Soul, we welcome writer and caregiver Richard Peterson to share his experience walking alongside his wife Elizabeth through her journey with multiple sclerosis. Together, they explore the emotional and spiritual tension that often accompanies long-term caregiving — the sense that illness can feel like an unwelcome intruder that suddenly rewrites the rules of everyday life. Richard reflects on the shift from seeing a diagnosis as an intrusion to learning, over time, to accept it as an unexpected guest. Through stories of faith, humor, music, and perseverance, this conversation offers an honest look at what it means to love someone through suffering when there are no easy fixes. It's a thoughtful reminder that caregiving is not only about managing physical needs, but about navigating grief, acceptance, and hope in the midst of profound change. Who is Richard Peterson? Richard Peterson is a retired journalist and military veteran whose life has been marked by faith, service, and devotion to family. After briefly attending the Moody Bible Institute, Richard enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era — a decision that would ultimately shape both his career and personal life. While stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, he met his wife Elizabeth at church. Married for more than 55 years, the couple share two children, eight grandchildren, and a deep commitment to their faith. Richard has worked as a newspaper reporter, feature writer, and freelance journalist, while also serving in both the Navy and Air Force Reserve. Since Elizabeth's multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 1995, he has served as her full-time caregiver — a role that has become central to their shared journey. Resources: Learn more about Richard's blog on the website here: https://www.walkwithusblog.com Listen to the song from today's episode at the link here: https://www.musicforthesoul.org/resources/dignity/

    48 min

  2. JAN 21

    Episode 104: Speaking and Ministering to Others in Times of Need with Rev. Russell Mauldin

    In this episode of Music for the Soul, Becky and Steve welcome Reverend Dr. Russell Mauldin — a songwriter, pastor, counselor, and longtime creative whose life bridges music, ministry, and deep pastoral care. Russell shares his journey from decades in Nashville songwriting and producing to stepping into a new calling as a shepherd for creatives, counselors, and the weary. Through stories of silence, obedience, and learning to make space for God's still voice, this episode explores how creativity, vulnerability, and encouragement intersect. Russell reflects on what it means to listen deeply to others, to ourselves, and most importantly to God. He also describes how true ministry often looks less like having the right words and more like simply being present. Russell's conversation is a thoughtful reminder that God often prepares us for future callings long before we realize it. Who is Rev. Russell Mauldin? For 37 years, Rev. Russell Mauldin has sustained his music career in Nashville as one of the most prolific and best-selling composers in church music with millions of choral books sold and confirmed performances on six continents. Working also with major artists and orchestrating for Inspirational film compositions, he is a Grammy nominated record producer and five-time GMA Dove Award winner. He has also owned and lead several music industry businesses through the years. On his 17th international mission trip in early 2014, Russell answered God's call to additional ministry through pastoral shepherding. He was ordained in 2015 and completed a Master's degree in Religion in 2018. In 2017, he helped plant a new church and became Associate Pastor and Trustee at Seeds Church, a growing and flourishing interdenominational church in Middle Tennessee.  In early 2024, Russell was certified through the NCCA as a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor and has recently earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Christian Counseling. He is also a certified Life Coach through the AACC. While deeply respecting and integrating techniques from social science, his approach to counseling leads from a biblical worldview. Resources: Our listeners can learn more about Russell's work in music at the link here: https://brentwoodbenson.com/ready-to-sing.html You can also reach out to Russell through the website https://www.threetreescounseling.com, through his email rm72@comcast.net, or on his social media pages on Facebook or Instagram.

    45 min

  3. 12/17/2025

    Episode 103: Celebrating Christmas through Song with Dove Award Winning Songwriter Tony Wood

    In this episode of Music for the Soul, we welcome back Dove Award winning songwriterTony Wood to discuss his latest book, Manger Throne, a Christmas devotional shaped by 28 original songs written over the span of his career. Tony shares how music, prayer, and storytelling can open the door to hope—especially during a season that often holds both celebration and sorrow side by side. Tony's conversation touches on everything from writing joy-filled songs to wrestling with themes of suffering, incarnation, and redemption. Through reflections on collaboration, creative vulnerability, and the power of stillness, Tony invites listeners to experience Christmas not as something to manage or perfect, but as a reminder that peace, light, and hope meet us right where we are. Who is Tony Wood? Tony Wood is a Dove Award nominee for "Songwriter of the Year" and is a five time Dove Award winner. He is the writer of 30 #1 songs at Christian radio. He began writing songs in high school for friends to sing at various churches in the community. He continued writing for the local church while a student at Averett College. After graduation, Tony and his wife Terri moved to Nashville in order to pursue songwriting professionally. In 1991, he signed his first publishing deal with Michael Puryear at Lorenz Creative Services/BMG Music Publishing. He has since written for Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing and Essential Music Publishing. To date, over 800 of Tony's songs have been recorded and released in the Contemporary Christian Music Market.  Some of the artists who have given life to his lyrics include: Michael W. Smith, Francesca Battistelli, Matt Redman, Zach Williams, Mandisa, We Are Messengers, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Crabb, Sandi Patty, Gaither Vocal Band, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs and many more.  Tony is currently a staff writer for Curb Word Music Publishing. Resources: Our listeners can purchase Manger Throne through the link here: https://www.amazon.com/Manger-Throne-Celebrating-Christmas-through/dp/1646071972 You can also learn more about Tony's works, including his projects and collaborations with Music for the Soul, on his website: https://tonywoodonline.com

    45 min

  4. 11/19/2025

    Episode 102: Fundraising for Christian Non-Profits with Vic Pooler

    On this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast, Becky and Steve welcome nonprofit fundraising expert Vic Pooler to discuss the heart and practice of giving. As we enter the holiday season, Vic, Becky and Steve explore why generosity is so essential—both for the healing work of ministries and for the donors who want their resources to make a meaningful impact. Vic shares wisdom from over 35 years of nonprofit leadership, unpacking the role of relationship-building, storytelling, and listening in effective fundraising. He reminds us that giving is deeply personal, often rooted in connection, gratitude, and a desire to help others experience healing. Whether you're part of a nonprofit seeking guidance or someone curious about how generosity transforms lives, this conversation offers encouragement, clarity, and practical insight about fundraising for initiatives that impact countless people every day.   Who is Vic Pooler? Vic has worked for the Boy Scouts for over 30 years with roles in Springfield, Ohio, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Cincinnati and Findlay Ohio and since December 2013 in his current position in Detroit. Vic is an Eagle Scout, a Rotarian for over 20 years, a past-President of the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor North, was honored by Rotary with the Cliff Dochterman award in 2011, holds multiple Paul Harris fellows and has been actively involved in numerous club service roles and projects. He is a graduate of Ohio University with a Bachelor's Degree in Zoology (Pre-Med) and minors in Psychology and English.  During his personal time, he enjoys golf, bicycling, weight lifting, classic cars, gardening and home restoration. Resources: If this episode encouraged you and you'd like to help Music for the Soul continue offering hope and healing, you can make a tax-deductible donation through our website at the link here: https://www.musicforthesoul.org/donate

    52 min

  5. 10/15/2025

    Episode 101: Julie Reuschel Explores Healing and Hope After the Loss of a Child

    In this episode of Music for the Soul Podcast, we are so excited to welcome Julie Reuschel, founder of Faith45, a ministry dedicated to supporting families through miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss. Julie shares her personal journey of faith, grief, and resilience, including the loss of her daughter Faith, who lived for just 45 minutes before passing. Julie explains how these experiences inspired her to create Faith45, a ministry focused on walking alongside families through their grief. She discusses the development of the Faith Box—a carefully curated package filled with books, journals, music, candles, bracelets, and other meaningful items to offer comfort and hope during the most difficult days. She also talks about Faith45's mentoring ministry, which connects families with trained mentors who have themselves experienced loss. Julie emphasizes the power of shared experience and the importance of safe spaces where grief can be expressed without judgment. Julie then highlights practical ways to support grieving families, from thoughtful check-ins and prayers to acts of service, while also underscoring the healing power of journaling, music, and community. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of grief, hope, and the ways God uses even the most painful experiences to bring comfort and connection.   Who is Julie Reuschel? Julie Reuschel's most important title will always be Mom. She thanks God every day for the gift of being Faith and Esther's mother and for the joy of being called "mama" by her three children. A graduate of Hope College—where she met her husband, Chris—Julie has built a career in accounting, with a passion for spreadsheets and numbers. Her professional experience includes roles as a public accountant, an accountant for a builder, and most recently, a business controller. Julie recently made the faithful decision to leave a rewarding career to follow God's calling and dedicate her time to Faith45, with the mission of helping as many families suffering the loss of a child as possible. She is excited to see where God continues to lead this ministry and deeply values the prayers and support along the journey. Resources: Our listeners can listen Before We Said Hello at the link here: https://www.musicforthesoul.org/resources/before-we-said-hello-3 You can also check out Julie's ministry, Faith45, on her website at the link provided: https://faith-45.com

    40 min

  6. 09/17/2025

    Episode 100: Dr. Ron Nydam Unpacks the Complicated Emotions Involved with Adoption

    Adoption is one of the most selfless and loving acts a parent can do for a foster child. However, there are a lot of complicated emotions that surround children who are adopted that can be difficult to navigate. That is why we are so blessed to welcome Dr. Ron Nydam to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast. Dr. Nydam is a Christian counselor and seminary professor who has served as a pastoral psychotherapist for over 30 years. He discusses his journey into studying relinquishment and adoption and shares how unresolved grieving from relinquishment impacted marriage counseling and led to his extensive research.   Dr. Nydam emphasizes the importance of addressing the emotional complexities of adoption, including identity formation, sustaining intimacy, and fantasy resolution. He highlights the significance of open adoption and the role of both adoptive and birth parents in the healing process. Dr. Nydam also discusses the psychological impact of relinquishment on adoptees and the need for therapists to understand these dynamics.    Who is Ron Nydam? Dr. Ron Nydam (PhD, LPC) has served as a pastoral psychotherapist for over 30 years. He has developed a keen interest in the dynamics of Relinquishment and Adoption. He has written two books on the subject. He enjoys working with young adults and married couples very much.  His primary method of counseling is insight-oriented exploration that facilitates healthy changes in life. Ron loves the great outdoors, fly fishing with his grandson, and playing gold with his granddaughter! Resources: Our listeners can listen Under My Skin, a song to encourage adoptive parents or people considering adoption, at the link here: https://www.musicforthesoul.org/resources/under-my-skin You can also purchase Ron's book, Adoptees Come of Age: Living within Two Families, at the link here: https://www.amazon.com/Adoptees-Come-Age-Families-Counseling/dp/0664256716

    53 min

  7. 08/20/2025

    Episode 99: The Candle & Compass Project with Phillip Keveren And Steve Siler

    On this week's episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast, we're delighted to explore a heartfelt new collaboration between Phillip Keveren and Steve Siler: Candle & Compass: Songs for Sanctuary. Phillip and Steve delve into the inspiration and purpose behind this deeply prayerful collection, their influences in getting started in their music careers, and how the project evolved organically rather than being something they originally set out to plan. Phillip also contextualizes his creative journey, outlining the musical, emotional, and spiritual influences that shaped arrangements like Sanctuary and Great is Thy Faithfulness. He evokes how the emotional power of classical compositions, combined with passionate vocal interpretations, can be especially transformative within a spiritual musical context.   We are incredibly excited to share this project with you and encourage you to listen to all 11 songs on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube.   Who is Phillip Keveren? A multi-talented keyboard artist and composer, Phillip Keveren displays a tremendous versatility in both his original works and concert performances. He composes in a variety of genres, and is widely acclaimed for his piano publications. Mr. Keveren is a prolific arranger, orchestrator and producer. His work is featured in numerous instrumental recordings, church choral, educational piano and Christian artist releases (Steve Green, Travis Cottrell, Larnelle Harris, Sandi Patty, Mandisa, Jeremy Camp, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir). Phillip is co-author, major composer and orchestrator of the internationally acclaimed Hal Leonard Student Piano Library, a complete method of study for young students. His unique piano arrangements are also featured in The Phillip Keveren Series (Hal Leonard Publishing). Resources: Our listeners can listen to all the songs in the Candle and Compass album at the link here: https://music.apple.com/us/album/candle-compass-songs-for-sanctuary/1825394939  You can also purchase our songbook, Candle & Compass: Songs for Sanctuary, at the link here: https://www.amazon.com/Candle-Compass-Sanctuary-Phillip-Keveren/dp/B0FGFQ4G91?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

    46 min

  8. 07/16/2025

    Episode 98: The Challenges of Being a Single Parent with Singer/Songwriter Andra Moran

    Being a single parent creates unique challenges and struggles that are invisible to most people. So how do you walk through life as a single parent, especially if the relationship with the former spouse is strained?   We are so blessed to welcome Singer/ Songwriter Andra Moran to this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast. Andra shares her story of walking through a difficult divorce while performing as a singer across the country and how she used music as a catalyst to help her walk through the emotional and physical struggles of raising a child as a single mom. From there, she collaborated with us on the song, I Only Need One, which aims to encourage single parents in their walk to raise their children.   Andra also shares her love for creating and performing music and how God often uses us in situations where we feel the least prepared to create the greatest impact in others' lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with the journey of being a single parent, we highly encourage you to listen to this episode!   Who is Andra Moran? Andra Moran lives  in Nashville, Tennessee where she works as a songwriter, singer, author, worship designer and freelance touring musician in a variety of settings.  Andra has released seven full length albums and three EPs, in addition to a bilingual album titled Chant Spontané which was released by the Reform Church of France. Andra's songs have been published in contemporary song and hymnal collections and are sung in liturgical gatherings across the United States, Canada and Europe. Andra's book, Brim: Creative Overflow in Worship Design, co-authored with Rev. Dr. Suzanne Castle, was released in 2013 by Chalice Press. Brim is the recipient of the Editor's Choice Award by Worship Leader Magazine and was chosen as a favorite resource of the Wild Goose Festival.  Through BrimProject.com, Andra and her coauthor Suzanne offer artist renewal retreats and congregational resources for art-oriented worship. Resources: Our listeners can learn more about Andra on her website: http://www.andramoran.com/home Listen to I Only Needed One on our website at the link here: https://www.musicforthesoul.org/resources/i-only-needed-one/

    39 min
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About

Welcome to The Music for the Soul Podcast, where we talk honestly about difficult things, sharing the stories of guests from around the globe about the incredible hope and healing music provides. Inspired by human experience and the compassion of Christ, our episodes aim to bring light into the dark places.

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