Writing Our Own Song with Singer/Songwriter Bill Abernathy

we had the pleasure of hosting Bill Abernathy, a seasoned musician whose life journey has been as compelling as his music. Abernathy, a former corporate professional, took a leap of faith, returning to his first love—music—and in the process, illustrated the timeless connection between storytelling and song.

The episode begins with a delightful story of a marriage certificate mix-up, setting the stage for an exploration of personal anecdotes and the authenticity that is at the heart of storytelling. Abernathy's musical career, which blossomed with the album "Find A Way," serves as a backdrop for his profound insights into the craft of music-making. The discussion swiftly moves to the importance of storytelling, a practice deeply rooted in cultures like the Native Americans, who relied on oral traditions to pass down their history and wisdom.

Throughout the conversation, the transformative power of music is a recurring theme. Abernathy's track "Call Their Name" exemplifies his ability to capture life's poignant interactions through melody. The song recounts a moving encounter with the homeless community in Kansas City's City Market area, demonstrating how a simple act of recognition can leave an indelible impact on an individual's sense of worth.

The podcast also delves into the social implications of art, using Abernathy's work as a lens to view the broader canvas of cultural narrative and empathy. We're taken through the ripple effects of his songs, which inspire personal action and catalyze grassroots movements toward social reform. Abernathy likens the spread of ideas and movements to the natural processes of pollination and the dispersion of seeds, illustrating the organic power of music to foster change.

An enlightening discussion ensues on the enduring influence of singer-songwriters who have used their platforms to make social statements. Icons like Jackson Browne and Neil Young are mentioned, prompting a reflection on the role of music in both reflecting and shaping societal values. The conversation touches upon the shift in music consumption with the advent of digital downloads and streaming platforms, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities this presents for artists today.

As the episode progresses, the dialogue turns to the intimate relationship between songwriting and personal experiences. It explores how artists like ABBA have channeled their personal lives into their music, producing songs that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth. This brings to light the balance between commercial music production and the genuine creativity that emerges from lived experiences.

The episode culminates in a discussion of personal growth and wisdom. Abernathy shares his philosophy on the importance of continuous self-improvement and the joy of progress. This resonates with the podcast's core message of empowerment, urging listeners to actively participate in scripting their life stories and to believe in the potential for more.

In conclusion, Bill Abernathy's episode is not merely a chronicle of his musical endeavors but a profound reminder of the symphony that is life. Each narrative, each melody, is a thread in the tapestry of our shared human experience, reminding us that our stories, when set to the rhythm of our hearts, have the power to connect, heal, and transform.

Download the episode at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2267353/episodes/14930460

OWNING: Only One of You

Martha Graham, a famous dancer and choreographer in the early 20th century, wrote in a letter to one of her students: "There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open." Graham's words ring true. There is only one of you in the world: The way you think, the way you see things, the way you respond, the way you nurture yourself and other people, the way you go about doing mundane things. The way you love, the way you express, the way you tell a story, the way you write. The world will know of and witness only one you . The totality of you -- talents, nuances, thought proc...

Unmasking Narcissism: Lessons on Healing, Boundaries, and the Human Condition

When I first sat down with Dominick to interview Stuart Wood, neuroscientist and author of Escaping the Void: How to Support Victims Out of Emotionally Abusive Relationships , I thought I knew what to expect. I’ve been a victim advocate for years. I’ve sat with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and I’ve seen the way emotional abuse erodes someone from the inside out. But there was something about this conversation—something about tying narcissism not just to relationships, but to culture at large—that resonated with me on a personal and professional level. Stuart came to the topic of narcissism the way so many of us do—not through clinical theory at first, but through experience. He supported a friend through four years of leaving and healing after an abusive narcissistic marriage. And from there, he wrote a book that demystifies the confusing behaviors and manipulations so often minimized or dismissed, even by victims themselves. Why Narcissism Hits Home I come ...

The Comeback of 2D Animation: Why We’re Craving Realness Again

There’s something happening in animation right now that’s worth paying attention to—not because it’s simply nostalgic, but because it’s deeply human. As someone who works in the mental health and creative storytelling space, I can’t help but see these conversations about art, AI, and hand-drawn storytelling as part of a bigger theme: our collective hunger for authenticity. We live in a time where AI-generated content is everywhere—convenient, efficient, and often soulless. It’s not surprising that artists and audiences alike are looking back toward something that feels more tactile, more imperfect, more human. That brings us to 2D animation, an art form that has shaped generations and now, it seems, might just be making a comeback. Here’s what Language of the Soul podcast host, Dominick Domingo, had to say on this trend: There’s been a lot of industry talk lately speculating about 2D/traditional ANIMATION making a comeback. Recent articles confirm that although Disney has not greenlit...

VS Grenier ~ Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Podcaster

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