Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier

Bryan Frazier

Conversations with musical Icons and Indies. Across genres. Across styles. Across eras. Journey to the Stage explores the winding pathways traveled by musicians, artists, composers, and songwriters. We highlight current projects by our guests, but always start our journey at the beginning.

  1. Ep. 88: The Afters vocalist, Josh Havens

    2D AGO

    Ep. 88: The Afters vocalist, Josh Havens

    And we're BACK! After a bit of a break I am extatic to be back hosting the podcast that I love! I cannot imagine a better interview to kick things off with again than with this really great chat that I had with Josh Havens, vocalist and songwriter for The Afters.  Two friends met while working as baristas in a Starbucks. They soon discovered some great commonalities- faith, a love for music, and a desire to make music. Soon thereafter, The Afters were born. Since that time, the band has written some of the most popular, anthemic and stirring in all of Christiandom; they have played to packed arenas aroyudn the world sharing the message of God's love and hope. In this wonderful conversation with Josh Havens, we trace the steps of the band's formation, and also his own journey of faith, from his childhood to what keeps him grounded today while spending time on an elevated stage. Josh and I cover a lot of ground and I am deeply grateful to Josh for being generous with is time. And as mentioned in the recording, I am thankful to Buckeye Dan Michaels for reaching out to Josh on my behalf and making this happen. For those returning to Journey to the Stage, thank you for sticking with me through my break.    I hope you enjoy this conversation. If you do, please consider helping me by giving a rating or kind review, and sharing this episode with your friends or on your socials. I do not make money podcasting, nor is it my goal. My purpose is to capture and share the stories of artists. Your ratings, reviews, and shares help that dream become a reality. Thank you from my heart for listening. Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw Omnis Gloria Christo

    57 min
  2. 05/12/2025

    Ep. 87: Sean McConnell- Singer, songwriter, producer

    Sean McConnell is a wonderfully gifted artist. His songs have been sung by artists like Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Christina Aguilera, Buddy Miller, Rascal Flatts, Plain White T's, Brad Paisley, and others. Behind the songs recorded by these artists, is an songcrafter who is deeply thoughtful and introspective. Combined with his talents, these traits create songs that resonate to the heart and soul, and bring about great interviews.    Sean and I discuss his brilliant new album, "Skin," and so much more. If you are a fan of Sean's music, I believe you will love this interview. If you don't know Sean's music, my guess is that you will once you've listened to this.  To get Sean's tour dates, buy merch, get news updates, click here: https://www.seanmcconnell.com/   I hope you enjoy this conversation. If you do, please consider helping me by giving a rating or kind review, and sharing this episode with your friends or on your socials. I do not make money podcasting, nor is it my goal. My purpose is to capture and share the stories of artists. Your ratings, reviews, and shares help that dream become a reality.  Thank you from my heart for listening.  Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/  Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast  Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw Omnis Gloria Christo

    53 min
  3. 04/29/2025

    Ep. 86: The Rick Florian Interview. Part 2

    In this second and final segment of my interview with White Heart vocalist, Rick, Ric, Rikk, Riq, Ricke, Rhic, Rikcq, Ricque Florian we dig into how the band would painstakingly polish their songs before heading to the studio, and the time Rick didn't want to sing a line from a huge White Heart song. Rick and I talked about how he went from driving a truck for a Michael W. Smith tour to trying out for the band, aided by his friendship with his college buddy, Geoff Moore. We covered other topics and by playing a game to test Rick's recall of White Heart lyrics. Rick was a wonderful and humble guest that is so easy to talk to. I could not be more grateful for the impact of White Heart's music in my life. The band set a high bar musically which I love, but it's the lyrics that touched my heart- so talking to Rick was particularly meaningful to me.  I hope you enjoy this conversation. If you do, please consider helping me by giving a rating or kind review, and sharing this episode with your friends or on your socials. I do not make money podcasting, nor is it my goal. My purpose is to capture and share the stories of artists. Your ratings, reviews, and shares help that dream become a reality.  Thank you from my heart for listening.  Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/  Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast  Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw Omnis Gloria Christo

    43 min
  4. 04/14/2025

    Ep. 85: White Heart singer Rick Florian (Mark Gersmehl surprise appearance!) Part 1

    I began listening to White Heart in about 1986, nearly 40 years ago. There is much to love about them. As a fan of well written songs, White Heart has always been in the upper echelon for me. Add top notch musicianship, arranging and production, lyrics that truly touched my soul—add the voice of my guest today, and it’s easy to see why this band meant and means so much to me and so many others. Rick Florian was the lead vocalist for White Heart for 12 years, 8 albums, helped the band reach their pinnacle with his powerful, clean and sincere voice, HIGH energy performance and a heart that loves his Savior. This interview, in some ways, did not go as planned- and I LOVE it. With White Heart keyboardist and vocalist, Mark Gersmehl (or Gersh as his friends call him) making a surprise appearance, I just let the conversation run its course. This was a fun and insightful conversation, that I split into 2 parts. You won’t want to miss part 2 where we play a game to see how well Rick can remember White Heart song lyrics. Part 2 will be released 2 weeks after part 1. - With over 3 million podcasts in existence, being an independent podcaster is VERY challenging, especially for a non-celebrity like me. If you would like to support Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier, please consider supporting on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JourneytotheStage - Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/  Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast  Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw Omnis Gloria Christo

    1h 9m
  5. 03/17/2025

    Ep. 84: The Fernando Ortega Interview

    For decades Fernando Ortega has written and recorded songs and hymns that are filled with profound spiritual truths, great doctrine, that are arranged in beauty and sung with authenticity. I had the pleasure of chatting with Fernando on a Spring afternoon to talk about his latest EP, "For All the Saints," which is a collection of wonderful songs that are congregational in composition and arrangement.  What I most loved about my time in conversation with Fernando, was getting to know him. I found Fernando to be genuine and open. We discuss his upbringing and how the experiences of his childhood have become colors he can paint with today in his music, his journey as a musician, songwriter and singer, and so much more. If you love Fernando's music, I believe you will enjoy this meaningful conversation.  Please share this episode with the Fernando Ortega music lover in your life! A special thank you to Fernando for his time and authenticity.    COPYRIGHT INFORMATION "How Can I Keep From Singing" written by Robert Lowry (music) and Pauline T (lyrics). Arranged and performed by Fernando Ortega. Recording used by exclusive permission.  With over 3 million podcasts in existence, being an independent podcaster is VERY challenging, especially for a non-celebrity like me. If you would like to support Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier, please consider supporting on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JourneytotheStage - Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/  Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast  Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw Omnis Gloria Christo

    1h 2m
  6. 03/03/2025

    Ep. 83: Pure Prairie League's Mike Reilly

    Pure Prairie League, along with bands like The Eagles, helped create the Country/Rock blend that launched in the early 1970s. Along with the genre defining hit, "Aimee," Pure Prairie League has cemented its legacy by creating a catalogue of music that has stood the test of time and has built an immensely loyal fan base. PPL is back with its first new album in 20 years with "Back on Track," and it is one heck of an album.  It was a real pleasure to sit down with Pure Prairie League's, Mike Reilly, to talk about the new album, the bands legacy, and the lasting power of a song about a girl named Aimee. If you're a fan of PPL, you will love the new album and this conversation. To get the latest news, check tour dates, and buy the new album, go to https://pureprairieleague.com/   COPYRIGHT INFORMATION "Picture Perfect Life" written Jeff Zona. Used by exclusive permission.  With over 3 million podcasts in existence, being an independent podcaster is VERY challenging, especially for a non-celebrity like me. If you would like to support Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier, please consider supporting on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JourneytotheStage - Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/  Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast  Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw Omnis Gloria Christo

    42 min
  7. Ep. 82: Jesse Terry- singer/songwriter

    02/17/2025

    Ep. 82: Jesse Terry- singer/songwriter

    Jesse Terry is one of those artists that stopped me in my tracks. From the first time I played his new album, "Arcadia," I knew I had stumbled upon a very special artist. Jesse's songwriting is simply incredible- both melodically and lyrically. Add to those things a voice that is beautiful, and you have truly found something special. It was a pleasure to chat one lovely afternoon with Jesse as we talked about his journey as an artist and family man. During our chat we play a wonderful song from "Arcadia" titled "Burn the Boats." It is a standout song on an album full of standouts.  You can listen to "Arcadia" on all streaming platforms. To access Jesse's store, get updates and tour dates, visit https://www.jesseterrymusic.com/ Please consider supporting Jesse on Patreon for as little as $5 a month and getting some GREAT perks at https://www.patreon.com/jesseterry COPYRIGHT INFORMATION "Burn the Boats" written Jesse Terry. Used by exclusive permission.  With over 3 million podcasts in existence, being an independent podcaster is VERY challenging, especially for a non-celebrity like me. If you would like to support Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier, please consider supporting on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JourneytotheStage - Journey to the Stage Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/  Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast  Twitter/X: https://x.com/Journey2Stage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw Omnis Gloria Christo

    45 min
4.9
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

Conversations with musical Icons and Indies. Across genres. Across styles. Across eras. Journey to the Stage explores the winding pathways traveled by musicians, artists, composers, and songwriters. We highlight current projects by our guests, but always start our journey at the beginning.