More Than Musicians

Sarah Davies
  • 5.0 (30)
  • Music
  • Updated Weekly

On this show we will deep dive the life stories of our favorite musicians and explore the amazing ability music has to connect us to a higher power, to worship and bring us peace and hope in our life. I look forward to the inspiring, faith-filled conversations with musicians, experts and friends as we unpack the life lessons only music can teach us!

  1. Lost His Daughter. Here’s What He Found | Jon Schmidt

    1d ago

    Lost His Daughter. Here’s What He Found | Jon Schmidt

    Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/more_than_musicians/ S1 E18 | Lost His Daughter. Here’s What He Found | Jon Schmidt What do you do when life turns upside down? In this episode, Sarah sits down with Jon Schmidt — pianist, composer, and founding member of The Piano Guys — for a deeply personal conversation about faith, loss, and finding hope in the hardest seasons of life. Jon shares the story behind iconic pieces like "All of Me," the miracle-filled and setback-riddled path to Piano Guys fame, the tragic loss of his daughter Annie, and how he and his wife Michelle have continued to trust God through each new trial, including the difficult health season Michelle is currently walking through. His message is practical, personal, and powerful: make a prayer list, turn quickly to God in the small things and the big ones, and trust that tribulation leads to hope. Jon Schmidt is a pianist, composer, and co-founder of The Piano Guys, whose music has reached billions across the globe. He is a husband, father, and man of deep faith whose life story is a testament to the power of partnership, humility, and choosing contentment over fame. 0:00 - Jon's Family and Faith 9:04 - Turning His Life Over to God 15:22 - Praying Through Writer's Block 24:32 - The Power of Prayer Lists 29:50 - Trusting God in Small Things 31:15 - Finding Strength in Christ 37:00 - How the Piano Guys Began 50:06 - Piano Place Ad 55:55 - Music's Power to Heal 58:04 - Annie's Song Moment 1:03:48 - The Promise of Resurrection 1:07:21 - Michelle's Role in His Music 1:12:45 - Why Learning Piano Matters CONNECT WITH JON: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepianoguysjonschmidt/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonschmidtmusic Website: thepianoguys.com CONNECT WITH SARAH DAVIES Instagram: @more_than_musicians and @sarah.t.davies TikTok: @more_than_musicians Facebook: @more_than_musicians LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-musicians/id1584874236 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4EYojMS3Ns9cHXVLE6IhVc?si=43cc8fc8c86542ca YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@More_Than_Musicians PRODUCTION CREDITS This show is made possible byThe Piano Place: https://thepianoplaceutah.com/One Music Schools: https://onemusicschools.com/ Production by Talmage Thayne with FilmLaab Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talmagethayne/ Website: https://www.filmlaab.com/ HAVE A GREAT GUEST IN MIND? TELL US HEREhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfG_Zp-4MoxFijfgAHuGmsXHEso-9v1-hg6n8CbghelJ2zelA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=106212904550005997752 If this episode moved you, please share it. Thank you for listening and we will see you next time for another episode of More Than Musicians.

    1h 22m
  2. Lexi Walbeck | Come Back to Who You Are

    May 6

    Lexi Walbeck | Come Back to Who You Are

    A Message for Every Woman - “Come In” What does it mean to truly know who you are — not who the world says you are, but who you were created to be?  In this episode, Sarah sits down with her lifelong friend Lexi Ogden Walbeck for a deeply personal conversation about identity, comparison, and the quiet crisis that so many women carry alone. Together they walk through the three stages of womanhood — maiden, mother, and matriarch, a framework drawn from the work of Elle Rowley — and explore why each transition can feel so disorienting, and how returning to your divine identity is always the way back. Whether you are a young woman still discovering yourself, a mother in the thick of it, or a grandmother carrying decades of hard-won wisdom, this episode was made for you. Lexi Ogden Walbeck is a wife, mother of four, and co-creator of the True Millennial platform alongside her husband Parker. Known for her gift of encouragement and her deep faith, Lexi brings warmth, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom to every conversation she enters. Her original poem "Come In" — which opens this episode — serves as an anthem and an invitation for women everywhere to remember who they are, link arms with the women around them, and step fully into the life they were foreordained to live. Musicians: Lauryn Judd, Mia Judd, Sydney Strong

    1h 30m
  3. From Encanto to Real Life: Adassa’s Story of Faith and Resilience

    Apr 22

    From Encanto to Real Life: Adassa’s Story of Faith and Resilience

    Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/more_than_musicians/ S1 E16 | From Encanto to Real Life: Adassa’s Story of Faith and Resilience In this episode, we sit down with Adassa—best known as the voice of Dolores in Disney’s Encanto—to talk about faith, identity, and what it really takes to stay true to your values in a world that often pressures you to compromise. Adassa shares powerful moments from her journey, including hitting rock bottom, learning to trust God through uncertainty, and discovering that our hardest seasons may actually be the turning points in our story. This conversation explores resilience, motherhood, listening for guidance, and why success doesn’t have to come at the cost of who you are. Adassa is a Billboard-charting, Grammy-nominated artist and actress, widely recognized for her role in Encanto and the global hit “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” Beyond her music career, she is a mother of seven and a passionate advocate for faith-centered living, using her story to inspire others to find purpose, healing, and strength through life’s challenges. Soul Filled Music Foundation: https://soulfillmusic.org/ CONNECT WITH ADASSA Instagram: @adassaoficial TikTok: @adassaoficial X: @adassaoficial Facebook: @adassa  Website: https://www.adassa-official.com/ CONNECT WITH SARAH DAVIES Instagram: @more_than_musicians and @sarah.t.davies TikTok: @more_than_musicians Facebook: @more_than_musicians LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-musicians/id1584874236 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4EYojMS3Ns9cHXVLE6IhVc?si=43cc8fc8c86542ca YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@More_Than_Musicians PRODUCTION CREDITS This show is made possible by The Piano Place: https://thepianoplaceutah.com/ One Music Schools: https://onemusicschools.com/ Production by Talmage Thayne with Film Laab Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talmagethayne/ Website: https://www.filmlaab.com/ HAVE A GREAT GUEST IN MIND? TELL US HERE https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfG_Zp-4MoxFijfgAHuGmsXHEso-9v1-hg6n8CbghelJ2zelA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=106212904550005997752 If this episode moved you, please share it. Thank you for listening and we will see you next time for another episode of More Than Musicians.

    1h 17m
  4. A Journey of Motherhood, Music, and Faith | Jenny Oaks Baker

    Apr 2

    A Journey of Motherhood, Music, and Faith | Jenny Oaks Baker

    Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/more_than_musicians/ S1 E15 | A Journey of Motherhood, Music, and Faith Jenny Oaks Baker has built a world-class music career—but her mission has always been bigger than music. In this episode, she shares how faith, family, and a commitment to excellence have shaped her journey as a violinist, mother, and creator. From raising musical children to using performance as a form of ministry, Jenny offers a powerful perspective on what it really means to live a meaningful musical life. SoulFill Music Foundation: https://soulfillmusic.org/ CONNECT WITH JENNY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyoaksbaker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennyoaksbaker Website: https://www.jennyoaksbaker.com/ CONNECT WITH SARAH DAVIES Instagram: @more_than_musicians and @sarah.t.davies TikTok: @more_than_musicians Facebook: @more_than_musicians LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-musicians/id1584874236 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4EYojMS3Ns9cHXVLE6IhVc?si=43cc8fc8c86542ca YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@More_Than_Musicians PRODUCTION CREDITS This show is made possible by The Piano Place: https://thepianoplaceutah.com/ One Music Schools: https://onemusicschools.com/ Production by Talmage Thayne with FilmLaab Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talmagethayne/ Website: https://www.filmlaab.com/ HAVE A GREAT GUEST IN MIND? TELL US HERE https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfG_Zp-4MoxFijfgAHuGmsXHEso-9v1-hg6n8CbghelJ2zelA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=106212904550005997752 If you enjoyed this episode, please share it. It helps us grow! Thank you for listening and we will see you next time for another episode of More Than Musicians.

    1h 37m
  5. The Art of Playing, Not Perfecting Music | Kurt Bestor

    Mar 19

    The Art of Playing, Not Perfecting Music | Kurt Bestor

    Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/more_than_musicians/ The Art of Playing, Not Perfecting Music “Music to me isn't just notes. It's emotions. It's deep feelings. It's the space between the words. Music is not what I do for a living. It's who I am.” In this episode of More Than Musicians, Sarah sits down with Emmy Award-winning and Grammy-nominated composer Kurt Bestor. He is the creative force behind some of the most beloved music in film, television, and holiday traditions. From a childhood moment where his mother asked him to “play a sunrise,” to conducting at the Olympic Games, Kurt shares the journey that shaped not just his career, but his identity as an artist. This conversation goes far beyond music. We talk about: Why music is meant to be felt, not perfected The difference between the craft and the art of music Taking leaps before you feel ready How collaboration, failure, and fear shape true creativity Why “playing” music might be the most important thing we’ve lost Kurt’s perspective is a powerful reminder that music isn’t just something we do—it’s something that connects us at the deepest human level. If you’ve ever felt pressure to be perfect… this episode will change the way you think about music—and maybe even yourself. Listen to "Belle La Vie" https://open.spotify.com/track/6GnGyYfFF9urSHz7mGgo64?si=4f27459953d64334 CONNECT WITH KURT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbestor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KurtBestor2/ Website: https://www.kurtbestor.com/bio CONNECT WITH SARAH DAVIES Instagram: @more_than_musicians and @sarah.t.davies TikTok: @more_than_musicians Facebook: @more_than_musicians LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-musicians/id1584874236 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4EYojMS3Ns9cHXVLE6IhVc?si=43cc8fc8c86542ca YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@More_Than_Musicians PRODUCTION CREDITS This show is made possible by The Piano Place: https://thepianoplaceutah.com/ One Music Schools: https://onemusicschools.com/ Production by Talmage Thayne with FilmLaab Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talmagethayne/ Website: https://www.filmlaab.com/ HAVE A GREAT GUEST IN MIND? TELL US HERE https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfG_Zp-4MoxFijfgAHuGmsXHEso-9v1-hg6n8CbghelJ2zelA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=106212904550005997752 If this episode moved you, please share it. Thank you for listening and we will see you next time for another episode of More Than Musicians.

    1h 33m
  6. Sophie’s Story: Healing Through Music w/ Kent & Anne-Marie Barton

    Feb 26

    Sophie’s Story: Healing Through Music w/ Kent & Anne-Marie Barton

    In this heartfelt episode of More Than Musicians, Sarah sits down with Kent and Anne-Marie Barton, parents of a deeply musical family, to reflect on raising children in a home built on creativity, faith, and sacrifice, and the legacy that continues after the sudden loss of their daughter, Sophie Rose Barton. They share how music shaped their family, not just as a passion but as a language of connection, and how, after Sophie’s passing, it became a way to process grief. Through playing together as a family band and sharing music with others, they have kept her spirit alive. Kent and Anne-Marie, who run a high-end home design company, brought their eye for detail and beauty into every Sophie’s Place location. When Steve and Barb Young of the Forever Young Foundation approached them, they created Sophie's Place, a music therapy center in Sophie’s honor with themes like “Music Changes Everything” and “Shine On.” Every detail reflects Sophie’s personality and her lasting impact on the world. They also speak candidly about grief, the temptation to turn away from the hardest moments, and how true healing comes from facing it, leaning on each other, and finding beauty in the midst of sorrow. Stay tuned until the end to hear a song from Sophie herself, a beautiful reminder that her music and spirit continue to shine through her legacy. This conversation is a moving testament to the power of music to heal our souls and carry love through even the hardest times. If you feel touched by this episode, please consider sharing. Our hope is to spread awareness about the resources made available through Sophie's Place and music therapy. CONNECT WITH SOPHIE’S PLACEInstagram: @sophiesplacemusicWebsite: https://foreveryoung.org/pages/initiatives/sophies-place CONNECT WITH THE BARTONSInstagram: @annemariebarton CONNECT WITH SARAH DAVIES Instagram: @more_than_musicians and @sarah.t.davies TikTok: @more_than_musicians Facebook: @more_than_musicians LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-musicians/id1584874236 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4EYojMS3Ns9cHXVLE6IhVc?si=43cc8fc8c86542ca YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@More_Than_Musicians PRODUCTION CREDITS This show is made possible by: The Piano Place: https://thepianoplaceutah.com/ One Music Schools: https://onemusicschools.com/ Production by Talmage Thayne with Film Laab: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talmagethayne/ Website: https://www.filmlaab.com/ HAVE A GREAT GUEST IN MIND? TELL US HEREhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfG_Zp-4MoxFijfgAHuGmsXHEso-9v1-hg6n8CbghelJ2zelA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=106212904550005997752If this episode moved you, please share it. Thank you for listening and we will see you next time for another episode of More Than Musicians.

    1h 4m
  7. Reminiscin' with Emma Nissen (Pt.2) | Being a Light by Meeting People Where They Are

    Feb 10

    Reminiscin' with Emma Nissen (Pt.2) | Being a Light by Meeting People Where They Are

    In part two of this conversation, Sarah and singer-songwriter Emma Nissen dive into the ways we show up for one another, love without assumptions, and let our light guide others along their journey. From playful moments of improvisation—where Emma scats using random words—to deeply reflective conversations about life, Emma shares her philosophy of "Live and Let Live" and the beauty of meeting people exactly where they are. The conversation culminates in a heartfelt performance of her song, Walking Each Other Home, a touching anthem about love, guidance, and the power of simply being present for one another. This episode isn’t just for music lovers—it’s for anyone seeking inspiration, encouragement, and a reminder that the way we show up in the world (especially online) can make a profound difference. 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing! CONNECT w/ EMMA: Instagram: @emsnissen Website: https://www.emmanissen.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugTYWzLAuOwh1lE_ttySvQ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1DnRR6YVHXOJJ960ZKUzGS?si=BtVX_YmpRWqKbhaXxW1AzQ CONNECT w/ SARAH DAVIES: Instagram: @more_than_musicians and @sarah.t.davies TikTok: @more_than_musicians Facebook: @more_than_musicians LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-musicians/id1584874236 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4EYojMS3Ns9cHXVLE6IhVc?si=43cc8fc8c86542ca YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@More_Than_Musicians PRODUCTION CREDITS: This show is made possible by: The Piano Place: https://thepianoplaceutah.com/ & One Music Schools: https://onemusicschools.com/ Production: Talmage Thayne w/ Film Laabhttps://www.instagram.com/talmagethayne/https://www.filmlaab.com/ HAVE A GREAT GUEST IN MIND? TELL US HERE! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfG_Zp-4MoxFijfgAHuGmsXHEso-9v1-hg6n8CbghelJ2zelA/viewform?usp=sharing If you enjoyed this episode, please share—it means the world to us! Thanks for listening!

    45 min
  8. Reminiscin' with Emma Nissen | Faith, Detours & Finding Her Voice (Pt. 1)

    Feb 3

    Reminiscin' with Emma Nissen | Faith, Detours & Finding Her Voice (Pt. 1)

    In part one of this two-part conversation, Sarah sits down with singer-songwriter Emma Nissen to explore the stories that have shaped her up to this point in her life. From her earliest musical experiences to the moment an unexpected vocal cord injury redirected her path from opera to (later) discovering jazz, Emma reflects on how detours can become divine redirections. That redirection ultimately led her to serve a church mission, where she began writing music for the first time. Emma performs her first ever song, “Gotta Have Faith.” She goes on to share the sacred story behind a mission anthem inspired by her late grandfather - living proof of the angels she believes are among us guiding us every step of the way. As promised, Emma also announces the name of her brand new album and offers a thoughtful perspective on faith journeys—likening them to building a home. This conversation isn’t just for fans of Emma’s music. It’s for anyone navigating a faith journey, unexpected change, and the realization that we have far more similar than we are different. 🎧 Part two will drop 2/10 -- don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss a thing! CONNECT w/ EMMA: - Instagram: @emsnissen - Website: https://www.emmanissen.com/ - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugTYWzLAuOwh1lE_ttySvQ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1DnRR6YVHXOJJ960ZKUzGS?si=BtVX_YmpRWqKbhaXxW1AzQ CONNECT w/ SARAH: - Instagram: @more_than_musicians and @sarah.t.davies - Tik Tok: @more_than_musicians Facebook: @more_than_musicians LISTEN/ SUBSCRIBE: - Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-musicians/id1584874236 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4EYojMS3Ns9cHXVLE6IhVc?si=43cc8fc8c86542ca Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ @More_Than_Musicians PRODUCTION CREDITS: This show is made possible by: The Piano Place: https://thepianoplaceutah.com/ & One Music Schools: https://onemusicschools.com/ Production: Talmage Thayne w/ Film Laabhttps://www.instagram.com/talmagethayne/https://www.filmlaab.com/ HAVE A GREAT GUEST IN MIND? TELL US HERE!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfG_Zp-4MoxFijfgAHuGmsXHEso-9v1-hg6n8CbghelJ2zelA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=106212904550005997752 If you enjoyed this episode please share, it means the world to us! Thanks for listening! See you next time for another episode!

    1h 15m
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5
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

On this show we will deep dive the life stories of our favorite musicians and explore the amazing ability music has to connect us to a higher power, to worship and bring us peace and hope in our life. I look forward to the inspiring, faith-filled conversations with musicians, experts and friends as we unpack the life lessons only music can teach us!

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Davies
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sarah Davies
  • Show Website
    More Than Musicians

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