More Than Musicians

Sarah Davies

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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Why The Process Matters More Than Praise | Marshall McDonald

    JAN 20

    Why The Process Matters More Than Praise | Marshall McDonald

    In this episode of More Than Musicians I sit down with accomplished composer and arranger, Marshall McDonald to unpack his story. Marshall opens up about how he navigates the creative process, the fears he’s faced along the way and some important life advice from his mom that we all need to hear. We discussed how Marshall has learned to let God guide his work and how he sees creativity as an act of faith that has allowed him to be an instrument in the Lord's hands. Marshall tells a captivating story about his arrangement of Come O Come Emmanuel that he did for The Piano Guys and we discuss how important it is to remove ego from your creative work. I was so grateful for an opportunity to share with Marshall a special experience I had while playing one of his arrangements. This was truly a treat to sit down with someone so influential in my life personally. If you’ve ever felt stuck, hesitant to start, or caught up in the need for worldly praise or recognition, this conversation will inspire you to create with courage, purpose, humility and faith. CONNECT w/ MARSHALL: Instagram: @marshallmcdmusic Website: https://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com/Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCgm1yeqZnI6xpFkTvpFBLMA?si=PPtKpLzhaC0D0hTz CONNECT w/ SARAH DAVIES: Instagram: @more_than_musicians and @sarah.t.davies Tik Tok: @more_than_musicians Facebook: @more_than_musiciansLISTEN/ 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: Show brought to you by: Talmage Thayne w/ Film Laabhttps://www.instagram.com/talmagethayne/https://www.filmlaab.com/ ARE YOU OUR NEXT GUEST? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfG_Zp-4MoxFijfgAHuGmsXHEso-9v1-hg6n8CbghelJ2zelA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=106212904550005997752 Thanks for listening! See you next time for another episode!

    1h 23m
5
out of 5
29 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!

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