Michael In The Middle

Episode 8 features Michael for a time of reflection on the power of a moment, especially in light of the passing of his mother in 2021. For all the times we take time and people for granted, Michael encourages us to be mindful of the opportunity we have each day, in each relationship, to leave a good word - a deposit of blessing instead of a curse. One of these days, it will be the last time we sp...

For a woman born in Bakersfield, California, and later returned to that famous town for a time before landing in Nashville, Dr. Shawna Songer Gaines has learned how to "act naturally," even when circumstances might suggest otherwise. Episode 7 explores what it's like to grow up drawn to a calling some believe is reserved only for the male of the species. Gaines tells her story with her typical wit...

Episode 6 features one the most versatile and talented persons I know, Dr. Terry Toler. Our conversation covered a challenging childhood, working with Dr. Melvin Maxwell (and Melvin's somewhat famous son, John), writing songs heard by millions, a distinguished career as a minister and university administrator. While working together in the 1990s, Terry referred to me as his "resident musicologist,...

Dr. Harold Ivan Smith is a renowned thanotologist, master storyteller, and author. The conversation captured in this episode is just a small sample of the fascinating life he has lived while helping untold numbers of people walk through some of the most difficult moments known to the human experience. You're likely to laugh and maybe cry, but you will certainly enjoy the observations of this inter...

"Don't know how else to say it  Don't wanna see my parents go  One generation's length away  From fighting life out on my own  Stop this train"    John Mayer's words echo as I think about being in the middle of my father and my sons. This conversation with my dad tells a bit of his life story, but it also tells of the journey we're all on. His life has been spent as a...

We all need a "Reason to Believe" these days. When leaders disappoint us or people we know make mistakes that hurt, we still need to have something to hang our hat on to believe for a better day. Episode 3 is fairly short but runs deep in the hope that things will get better because we can be better. The road to redemption has to run through our hearts. Perhaps this brief episode will help you get...

Dr. Ron Jackson is not only a treasured friend of over 40 years, he is also a highly-esteemed thought leader and speaker in the field of youth ministry. A veteran of almost three decades of youth and college ministry in large churches, Ron has also more recently distinguished himself as a professional in higher education administration and classroom teaching. Jackson has two bachelor's degrees as...

In this episode, Michael is interviewed by long time friend, Greg Ruff.