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. 17h ago

    Episode 110: Five Hats: Different Creative Roles on the Innocent Child Project with Becky Nordquist

    On this special episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast, we turn the microphone toward co-host Becky Nordquist as she shares the deeply personal story that inspired the Innocent Child project. Through an honest and vulnerable conversation, Becky reflects on her own journey as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and how God has redeemed her story into a message of hope for others. She also offers a look at her "five hats" of helping to create the project's songs, documentary, devotional, and leader guide, all designed to walk alongside survivors as they pursue healing. Becky shares how creativity, music, and faith became powerful tools in her healing journey, while also acknowledging the courage it takes to tell a story that was hidden for so many years. Together, Becky and Steve discuss the importance of creating space for lament, finding trusted community, and allowing God to gently restore the places trauma has shattered. They also explore how healing is not a destination reached overnight, but a lifelong journey marked by grace, honesty, and hope. With tenderness and authenticity, Becky reminds survivors that they are never alone, that what happened to them was not their fault, and that freedom is possible. This conversation is an invitation to take the next step toward healing, trusting that redemption and restoration are available even after life's deepest wounds.

  2. Jun 17

    Episode 109: Healing & Prevention of Childhood Sexual Abuse with Advocate/Survivor Angela Williams

    In this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast, we are very blessed to sit down with author, advocate, and survivor Angela Williams for an honest conversation about childhood sexual abuse, survivor advocacy, and the urgent need to protect vulnerable children. Drawing from her own experiences as a survivor, Angela shares how finding her voice became a catalyst for helping others find theirs, offering hope, resources, and practical tools for healing. Angela discusses the challenges survivors often face when seeking support, the importance of equipping churches to respond compassionately to trauma, and the realities of online grooming and child exploitation in today's world. She also shares about her work through Angela's Voice, including educational resources for parents, children's prevention curriculum, and her ongoing efforts to advocate for legislative reforms that better protect children and hold offenders accountable. Angela reminds us that healing begins when survivors are heard, believed, and supported. This conversation offers encouragement for survivors, practical guidance for parents and caregivers, and a powerful call for all of us to become advocates for the safety, dignity, and restoration of children. Who is Angela Williams? Angela Williams is a survivor-turned-advocate who shares a powerful message of triumph over tragedy by sharing her vulnerable and candid voice about her abuse trauma, her pain, her struggles, and her journey to healing, in hopes that it may help other survivors expedite their healing journey. She holds a master's in forensic psychology with a concentration in child abuse. Williams is a powerful messenger, appearing in national and international news and documentaries. She has been successful in state legislative reform and national policy work and served on the National Committee of the National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. Resources: To learn more about Angela's books, resources for sexual abuse victims, her own podcast and more, visit her website: www.angelasvoice.com

  3. May 19

    Episode 108: Healing through the Arts with Artist Pamela Alderman

    In this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast, we welcome Pamela Alderman, founder of Healing in Arts, to share how art became both a lifeline in her own healing journey and a ministry to survivors of trauma around the world. Pamela opens up about the loneliness and pain she experienced as a child after her parents' divorce, the eating disorder she developed while trying to cope, and how returning to painting years later became part of God's restoration in her life. Pamela also shares the heart behind her Red Jeans Redemption Project, an interactive art installation that allows survivors of sexual abuse and trafficking to anonymously express their stories through painted and altered red jeans. Through these workshops, survivors discover something many have never experienced before: the realization that they are not alone. Together, Becky, Steve, and Pamela explore the connection between creativity, community, and healing, and the incredible ways artistic expression can help survivors reclaim their voice and identity. If you have ever felt alone in your story, this episode is a reminder that your voice matters, your story matters, and healing is possible. Who is Pamela Alderman? Pamela Alderman is a veteran wife, military mom, and social practice artist who founded Healing in Arts, a nonprofit that uses participatory art to foster healing, empathy, and community transformation. For nearly two decades, she has created large-scale, public installations that amplify the voices of marginalized communities—veterans, refugees, survivors of sex trafficking, and youth experiencing homelessness—and turn art into a language of restoration and connection. Her work invites participants and viewers into a cultural dialogue that bridges personal stories with collective identity. Rooted in West Michigan, Alderman has engaged with more than 400,000 ArtPrize visitors and led two projects supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. Whether helping veterans reclaim their stories or collaborating with trauma survivors, her art serves as an invitation to restore dignity and activate lasting cultural change. Resources: Our listeners can learn more about Pamela, all of her projects through Healing in Arts, resources and more on her website: https://pamelaalderman.com

  4. Apr 15

    Episode 107: When You Don't Like Your Story with Author Sharon Jaynes

    In this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast, Author Sharon Jaynes joins us to share how God can transform even the most painful chapters of our story into something meaningful. Drawing from her own upbringing in a home filled with conflict, fear, and brokenness, Sharon offers both personal insight and practical tools for moving forward even in moments where the story of our life seems so grim. She discusses what tends to keep many people stuck in their current story and how to break free. Sharon explains why forgiveness is essential for healing (and what happens if we resist it), how shame keeps us trapped, and how to step out of it. As she walks through her own story of brokenness to restoration, Sharon also discovered that sharing her story disarmed her shame.  Sharon reminds us that healing is not about erasing the past, but instead transforming how we see it as God uses us for His glory. Who is Sharon Jaynes?   Sharon Jaynes is an international conference speaker and best-selling author of 25 books, with close to a million sold. For ten years, she served as vice-president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and co-host for their daily radio program. Sharon is the co-founder of Girlfriends in God, Inc.,a ministry that touches nearly 500,000 women daily through internet devotions. Sharon is also a popular guest on radio and television programs such as Focus on the Family and Family Life. Besides her own books, she has also been a contributing author in many books such as Chicken Soup for the Sports Fan's Soul, Stories for the Teens Heart, Stories for the Man's Heart, and the Women's Devotional Bible. Resources: Learn more about Sharon's books, resources and more on her website: https://www.sharonjaynes.com Listen to today's featured song, Tell Yourself the Truth, on our website at the link here: https://www.musicforthesoul.org/resources/tell-yourself-the-truth/

  5. Mar 18

    Episode 106: "I Chased My Healing" with Author Dawn Damon

    In this episode of the Music for the Soul Podcast, we are so blessed to sit down with author, speaker, and mentor Dawn Damon for a deeply honest conversation about healing after childhood sexual abuse. Dawn shares parts of her personal story and the journey that led her from silence and trauma to a life of encouragement, leadership, and ministry. Dawn explains how healing often requires actively pursuing wholeness through seeking truth, confronting shame, and allowing God to restore the deepest places of the heart. She also reflects on the physical, spiritual and neurological impacts of trauma, the importance of speaking truth over shame, and the courage it takes to share one's story. With compassion and wisdom, this conversation offers hope to those of you who may still be navigating the hidden wounds of the past. Dawn reminds us that abuse does not define a person's identity and that healing, while often a long and difficult journey, is possible through truth, faith, and community. You are not defined by what happened to you and you can chase your healing just as Dawn chased hers. Who is Dawn Damon? Dawn Damon is an Influencer, Global Communicator, Podcaster, High Performance Coach, and Best-Selling Author Her 5 award-winning books, include When a Woman You Love Was Abused, published by Kregel Publications, When the Woman Abused Was Me, The Freedom Challenge: 60 Days to Untie the Cords that Bind You, Redemption Press, and most recently the Amazon Best-Selling Book The Freedom Challenge for Men: 60 Days to Untie the Cords that Bind You. Dawn is the founder and CEO of New Dawn Rising and the BraveHearted Woman, an enterprise and a non-profit designed to cultivate the vision of women dreamers, and equip them to live their best life. Resources: Learn more about Dawn, her books, and more on her website here: https://www.dawndamon.com

  6. 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/

  7. 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.

  8. 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

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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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