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The hidden musical gems in your own backyard might just be the best-kept secret in entertainment. Utah Burgess, founder of Shady Lady Studio and the American rock/alt country band Noble Hops, joins us to reveal how local music scenes thrive beneath the mainstream radar.

Utah's musical journey began with his mother's guitar playing, introducing him to country and bluegrass before he found his own path through saxophone, drums, and eventually guitar. After founding Noble Hops in 2010 as a bar band duo, personal tragedy sparked a creative awakening when he lost fellow musician Mo Nelson in 2020. "He left behind a great catalog of music," Utah reflects, "and it just let me know that I've done nothing with my music. Time is short, life has no guarantees." This pivotal moment transformed his band into a vehicle for original expression rather than cover songs.

Beyond his own musical endeavors, Utah has become a passionate advocate for local talent. His radio show on 97.7 FM has produced over 670 episodes spotlighting regional musicians since 2012. "The talent in this area is incredible," he explains. "People get lucky and get noticed and become superstars, and other people work a job while playing music at night like I do—that doesn't mean the music isn't as good as anything you hear on a national scene." This philosophy extends to his three-day music festival at Cooper's Lake Campground, which draws fans from eight different states to enjoy fishing, camping, and exceptional local performances.

When asked about his influences, Utah cites Led Zeppelin and Neil Diamond, but quickly returns to praising the musicians in his immediate community. "I'm always in awe of the people right here in my neighborhood—they blow me away with their talent and songwriting." His closing message resonates with genuine conviction: "The best value for your entertainment dollar is local music. I don't know why you're dropping two, three hundred bucks on tickets and paying for fifteen-dollar beers when you can see great music right in your own backyard."

Visit noblehopsmusic.com or thebandjam.com to connect with Utah's musical world and discover the thriving scene he champions. Support the artists creating extraordinary music just around the corner from where you live—they might just surprise you with their world-class talent.

Want to be a guest on Living the Dream with Curveball? Send Curtis Jackson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628631536976x919760049303001600

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Vulnerability becomes a superpower in this raw, emotional conversation with author Terrell Latchinson, who transforms personal tragedy into purpose through writing and advocacy. After losing his brother to PTSD-related complications a decade ago, Latchinson found himself turning to writing as a therapeutic outlet – eventually launching a career crafting fiction that tackles mental health issues within minority communities.

The power of Latchinson's story lies in its authenticity. He doesn't claim expertise as a mental health professional but rather speaks from lived experience, creating fictional narratives that spark essential conversations about conditions like narcissism, depression, and PTSD. His debut novel, "Nehemiah the Narcissist," subtly explores how environmental factors might shape narcissistic tendencies without explicitly pathologizing its characters. This approach makes difficult mental health concepts accessible while honoring the cultural nuances often overlooked in mainstream mental health discussions.

What makes this conversation truly remarkable is Latchinson's courageous transparency about his own current battle with depression and suicidal thoughts. Despite his success as an author, supportive family, and growing platform, he reminds us that mental illness doesn't discriminate based on achievements, education, or social status. This powerful testimony shatters stigmas that prevent many, especially within communities of color, from seeking help. Whether you're struggling with mental health challenges yourself or supporting someone who is, Latchinson's message is clear: show up authentically, listen without judgment, and recognize that healing often begins with honest conversation. Subscribe now to join our community of dreamers committed to mental wellness, authentic connection, and living life without limitations.

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What would compel a successful executive to walk away from his career to build beds for children? For Luke Mickelson, it was the shocking discovery that kids in his community were sleeping on the floor. That realization sparked a mission that has since transformed into Sleep in Heavenly Peace, now the world's largest bed-building charity with 400+ chapters across four countries.

Luke's journey began in 2012 when he learned about a family whose children had no beds. What started as a simple project with his Boy Scout troop quickly revealed a widespread, silent epidemic. More than 7 million American children don't have proper beds, affecting their health, education, and self-esteem. "I tell people it's kind of shocking that child bedlessness is even a thing," Luke shares, "but it represents greater than 3% of the total population."

The emotional heart of Luke's mission crystallized when he delivered a bed to a little girl named Haley, who had been sleeping on a pile of clothes in an empty house. "She started hugging us and hugging the bed and kissing the bed," Luke recalls. Watching her mother's tears of relief cemented his determination: "No kid's gonna sleep on the floor in my town if I have anything to do with it."

What makes Sleep in Heavenly Peace remarkable isn't just the number of beds they've built—over 300,000 since 2018—but their community-based approach. Each chapter operates locally, with 90% of donations staying in the community where they're received. Volunteers experience profound satisfaction from both building beds (what Luke calls "the happiest volunteer is the sweatiest and dustiest") and delivering them to children whose lives are transformed by this simple necessity.

The ripple effects extend beyond better sleep. Children gain confidence, improve academically, and feel worthy of friendship and connection. "These kids don't have blankets sometimes to put over their heads to hide from the monster in the closet," Luke explains, highlighting how a bed represents security that many take for granted.

Ready to make a difference? Visit shpbeds.org to find your local chapter, volunteer, donate, or even start a chapter in your community. As Luke learned firsthand, "True joy is found in serving others. When you stop looking at yourself and start seeing how you can help other people, your problems don't go away, but they just don't seem as heavy."

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Few people have witnessed global security challenges from as many perspectives as Chris Brewer. In this riveting conversation, the veteran Ranger Battalion NCO and Special Forces Officer pulls back the curtain on covert operations and international security work spanning decades and continents.

Brewer's extraordinary career trajectory took him from the elite Ranger Battalion formed in 1974 to the Department of State's Office of Security Assistance, then into the most dangerous regions of Afghanistan, the UAE, and Nigeria. With remarkable candor, he shares experiences that shaped modern security practices while revealing the human side of high-stakes operations.

The heart of this episode lies in Brewer's previously classified stories, now cleared for public discussion through his books. His encounter with Pablo Escobar's forces while protecting a radar installation in Colombia reads like a thriller but happened in real life. Equally compelling is his account of Operation Promote Liberty in Panama, where his team served as a "tripwire" against Noriega loyalists planning a coup—a mission that never made headlines.

Brewer's perspective on the Afghanistan withdrawal provides powerful insights into the personal impact on veterans who worked closely with Afghan partners. His description of frantically helping colleagues escape Taliban forces reveals the ongoing commitment many veterans feel toward those left behind.

For anyone interested in military history, international affairs, or security operations, Brewer's books "Old Scroll Ranger" and "In the Shadows Between Wars" offer rare firsthand accounts of operations that shaped global security. These aren't just war stories—they're lessons in adaptability, quick thinking, and cross-cultural understanding from places few Americans will ever see.

Have you read accounts from operators who worked in the shadows between major conflicts? Share your thoughts on how these untold stories shape our understanding of global security challenges.

Want to be a guest on Living the Dream with Curveball? Send Curtis Jackson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628631536976x919760049303001600

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Pete Price's musical journey began in a church choir where elderly parishioners would compliment his singing after service. That early encouragement sparked a lifetime devoted to music that's taken him from singing an octave too high in his first band at age 12 to performing with the Fry's Band for crowds of 5,000 people thirty years later.

As Pete reveals in this intimate conversation, his path wasn't always straightforward. Recognizing his shyer temperament didn't suit the frontman role, he taught himself guitar and found his true calling in harmonies and instrumental work. The Fry's Band evolved from an acoustic trio specializing in vocal harmonies during the "unplugged era" of the 90s to a versatile five-piece electric outfit that maintains those signature harmonic elements while expanding their sonic palette.

A turning point came when Pete sent a song to a friend who had Nashville connections. Watching professional musicians transform his composition in a Nashville studio "lit a fire" under him, resulting in an explosion of creativity that produced two acclaimed albums: "Department of the Interior" and "Pictures in Time." Pete's thoughtful approach to songwriting—crafting lyrics that offer genuine insights from his life experiences—demonstrates his belief that music should create meaningful connections. His newest single "Better Angels" tells an unresolved story of post-breakup courage that showcases his storytelling abilities.

Drawing inspiration from Bob Dylan ("you don't have to have the greatest voice but you need something to say"), Jackson Browne, and the Allman Brothers, Pete has crafted an Americana sound that moves fluidly between folk, rock, blues and light jazz. Whether performing with the Fry's Band, his duo 39 North, or in solo appearances featuring his original music, Pete embodies the joy of authentic musical expression. As he puts it: "Music is super important to me... it gets me up every morning to go down and work on my music." Listen to his story and discover the hidden treasures in his songs at petepricemusic.com.

Want to be a guest on Living the Dream with Curveball? Send Curtis Jackson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628631536976x919760049303001600

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Ever wondered how scribbling in a journal could transform your mental health? In this captivating conversation, Susan Hensley shares her remarkable journey from bullied TV journalist to transformational coach and author of "Art for Your Sanity: How to Manage Chaos and Unleash Joy."

Susan's story begins with anonymous notes left on her desk criticizing her on-air performance—a painful experience that could have derailed her dream career but instead taught her profound lessons about resilience. Through subsequent pivots including corporate HR leadership, living abroad in Hong Kong, and eventually discovering art journaling, Susan developed unique insights into navigating life's transitions with creativity and joy.

The heart of our discussion centers on how art journaling provides powerful mental health benefits without requiring artistic talent. "It's not about creating art to show anyone," Susan explains, "it's about using art to process our lives." When we engage in creative play—even for just minutes a day—our brains shift from analytical left-brain thinking to intuitive right-brain flow, increasing dopamine and serotonin while providing a safe space to process complex emotions.

What makes Susan's approach particularly valuable is its accessibility. Using inexpensive supplies and just 10 minutes daily, anyone can tap into this powerful practice. She explains how art helps us embrace duality—holding contradictory emotions simultaneously—and breaks down the brain science explaining why creative expression significantly reduces stress and anxiety.

Whether you're facing a major life transition, struggling with perfectionism, or simply seeking more joy in your daily routine, Susan's insights offer a refreshing perspective on using creativity as a path to wellness. Her challenge to listeners? Spend just three minutes today doing something playful—dance, sing off-key, scribble, or collect leaves—and notice how it changes your emotional state.

Ready to unleash your creativity and transform your mental wellbeing? Listen now and discover how art journaling might be the unexpected solution you've been seeking.

www.susan-hensley.com

Want to be a guest on Living the Dream with Curveball? Send Curtis Jackson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628631536976x919760049303001600

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Extraordinary talent meets unwavering determination in this captivating conversation with Miss Freddye, Pittsburgh's Lady of the Blues. From her roots singing in church to becoming a celebrated blues vocalist with two bands, Miss Freddye shares her remarkable journey with the authenticity that defines both her music and her approach to life.

Behind the powerful voice that graces stages across Pennsylvania lies an equally powerful story of resilience. Miss Freddye wears many hats with grace—full-time oncology nurse, two-time breast cancer survivor, mother, grandmother, bandleader, and soon-to-be barber. Her musical origin story captivates as she recounts her first band audition, performed from a bathroom with running water to mask her nervousness after her bass-player boyfriend discovered her singing talent.

The conversation delves into the evolution of her musical career, from winning a West Virginia Blues competition to her current projects including a Blues and Roots album titled "The Know How," a country single dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and an upcoming gospel album featuring her first self-written song. Listeners are treated to a stunning acapella performance of "Wade in the Water" that showcases the soulful voice that has earned her recognition as Pittsburgh's premier blues vocalist.

What resonates most throughout this episode is Miss Freddye's philosophy on authenticity and perseverance. "Be true to yourself. Don't sell your soul, because it really ain't worth it in the long run," she advises, emphasizing the importance of having multiple plans when facing life's inevitable obstacles. Her wisdom, drawn from real-life experiences balancing multiple careers and overcoming health challenges, offers inspiration for anyone pursuing their passions.

Whether you're a blues enthusiast, an aspiring musician, or someone seeking motivation to follow your dreams at any age, Miss Freddye's story will move you. Follow her journey on social media and discover her music on all major streaming platforms. As she says, "Keep it moving forward. Don't never take no two steps back, just go three steps forward and you'll be all right."

www.missfreddye.com

Want to be a guest on Living the Dream with Curveball? Send Curtis Jackson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628631536976x919760049303001600

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What happens when life suddenly changes course and everything you know disappears? Laura Bratton's world transformed between second and third grade when a routine eye appointment revealed she would lose her sight due to a degenerative eye disease. While the full impact didn't hit immediately, by age fourteen, Laura found herself staring at indecipherable black blobs on her classroom board instead of letters—a moment that launched her into a profound journey through grief, anxiety, and ultimately, transformation.

The path from "I can't" to "I can" wasn't straightforward or quick. Laura shares how the steadfast support of her family, especially her brother who refused to treat her differently, created a foundation of grit that eventually became her own. Meanwhile, a mentor's challenge to write down three things she was grateful for each day—initially met with skepticism—gradually revealed the power of noticing what helps us navigate difficult transitions rather than fixating on what we've lost.

These twin principles of grit and gratitude now form the core of Laura's work through UB Global, where she helps others facing major life transitions. Her book "Harnessing Courage" (named after both the physical harness she uses with her guide dog and the emotional process of gathering strength) offers these same strategies to readers worldwide. Laura's most powerful insight? The importance of balancing grief with forward movement—giving yourself permission to acknowledge difficulty while taking life one moment at a time rather than trying to solve everything at once. For anyone facing change, challenge, or unexpected loss, Laura's message offers both compassion and a practical roadmap toward resilience.

Looking to transform your own approach to life's curveballs? Visit LauraBratton.com to explore her speaking, coaching, and writing—and discover how you might harness your own courage to move forward through whatever changes you face.

https://www.laurabratton.com/

Want to be a guest on Living the Dream with Curveball? Send Curtis Jackson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628631536976x919760049303001600