“for the LOVE of Music” with Sara Troy and her guest Gene-O, on air from November 21st.
Gearing up for the release of “Time for Change,” the infectious, insightful and timely debut single from Classic Twist – the fresh, grooving and innovative, multi-genre duo he’s formed with veteran writer/producer Kevin Flournoy – renowned R&B/jazz singer/songwriter Gene-O played the track for some industry movers and shakers in their home base of Southern California. Their response was auspicious – it reminded them of a modern version of “We Are the World.” If ever the planet needed a hopeful and uplifting new anthem to inspire us to look past our differences and come together in a spirit of love, the time is now.
Written by Gene-O and produced by Flournoy, “Time for Change” is an emphatic call to action that pointedly reflects on everything we need to do to come together and achieve a better world. Over a unique musical vibe that, true to the fusion-driven spirit of Classic Twist, incorporates elements of pop, R&B, country and rock, Gene-O passionately sings, “It’s time we leave our comfort zone/It’s time for you and I to rearrange things/Cause everybody knows it’s time for changes/It’s time we see the light/It’s time to do what’s right. . .So much love/That’s what we all should be thinking of…”
“We recorded this song and are releasing it as our first Classic Twist single because globally we desperately need to effect major change,” says Gene-O, whose most recent solo albums were the back-to-back releases of Born to Love and Christmas with Gene-O. Having spent years performing around the world (China, Japan and the EU) and the U.S., the singer started his career recording and performing with such artists as Baby Bash, N2Deep, The Jets, Maserati, and Sheila E to name a few. Once designated as Best New Artist of the Month by Talking Smooth Jazz Radio – more recently he has shared the stage with the likes of Brian O’Neal (The Bus Boys), Howard Hewitt, Eric Darius, Dru Hill, Lenny Williams (Tower of Power), Joe, and his mentors, Phil Perry and the late great Ricky Lawson.
“Our world is so crazy right now on so many levels,” he adds. “I had the message in my mind and I felt it was something we needed to do together. Kevin and I talk about these issues all the time. Every time we turn on the TV or listen to the radio, they’re talking about more division. The song, like all of the music we’re making together as Classic Twist, reflects the way we live, just loving people. Love and unity form the concept of everything we’re going to do on this project.”
“As veteran musicians and live performers, we know the joy that’s possible when thousands of people from all different backgrounds and beliefs come together to hear music and experience an elevation of positivity,” adds Flournoy, who has written, performed or recorded over the years with Chaka Khan, Babyface, Donny Osmond, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, Teena Marie, Jeffrey Osborne, The Pointer Sisters, Jennifer Hudson, Howard Hewitt, Jamie Foxx, The Jazz Crusaders and contemporary jazz greats Boney James, Norman Brown, Kirk Whalum and Harvey Mason.
The duo plans to follow “Time for Change” with several other original singles before releasing an EP or full-length album comprised of new compositions and explosive re-imaginings of classic rock tunes. One of these is the whimsical, high-energy country-soul-rocker “Things are Changing,” a lighthearted song along a similar theme about going out and having some fun. The other is “You’re My Hero,” an inspiring, R&B/gospel flavored tribute to the love of hard- working, self-sacrificing women everywhere that was picked up by an international women’s foundation as their new anthem; Gene-O and Flournoy will be shooting a video for this song this fall. As for the covers, down the road, Classic Twist is excited about presenting their dynamic versions of Simply Red’s “Holding Back the Years,” Journey’s “Faithfully” and Kansas’ “Dust in the Wind.”
The concept of Classic Twist is rooted in the longtime friendship and musical camaraderie of Gene-O and Flournoy, who first played together informally at jam sessions hosted by smooth jazz bassist Darryl Williams at Simply Sharon’s restaurant in Temecula, CA. Sometime later, when Gene-O was at one of Flournoy’s gigs at Felix’s Barbecue with Soul in San Diego, the two got to talking about their mutual musical passions, became fast friends and began gigging together.
Over the years, while perfecting their chemistry doing regular gigs at San Diego area hotspots like Covo and countless high-end parties, the two began talking about developing a unique hybrid style that incorporated two of Gene-O’s all-time favorite genres – country and classic rock – that he never had a chance to record or perform because of his success in jazz and R&B and the popular demand for him to continue in that vein. Flournoy, a veteran arranger and producer who loves those styles as well, helped develop and bring to life some of Gene-O’s new songs in a way that incorporated such elements as banjo and steel and electric guitar. They plan to bring in some of the top musicians in the business to cut each song live like an old school ensemble, leading to a transcendent, one-of-a-kind sonic aesthetic that will inevitably be Classic Twist.
Having sung at church from the age of seven, Gene-O began his professional career at seventeen with a Bay Area band called Sho-fur. He has written, produced and collaborated with mega- producers Felton Pilate, Preston Glass, and Tank as well as contemporary jazz greats Adam Hawley, Blake Aaron, Darryl Williams, Cal Harris, Jr. and Will Donato. Flournoy, who earned a B.A. from the UCSD in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Music Science and Technology, is the owner and CEO of Kay-Flow Productions, LLC, a division of Flournoy Entertainment, Inc. His first major label success as a producer was Big Mountain’s international hit “Sweet Sensual Love.” As an artist/producer, this past year he released two versions of a cover of the Jam/Lewis SOS Band Top 5 R&B hit “Tell Me If You Still Care” – the first featuring Phil Perry on vocals, the second with saxophonist Richard Elliott.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book into production.
Your Health is Your Choice with Sara Troy and her guest Douglas Slakey, MD MPH, on air from November 21st.
In The Process Manifesto, author Douglas Slakey, MD MPH, advocates for process improvement that empowers teams to optimize patient care.
Each of us will be both a patient and caregiver at some point in our lives. We all want a healthcare system that supports everyone. In The Process Manifesto, Dr. Doug Slakey guides caregivers, patients, and healthcare organizations to obtain the best clinical outcomes with respect and compassion.
Despite remarkable medical advances, knowledge, and training, patient care remains fragmented, frustrating, and expensive, especially from the patient’s perspective. Solutions for caregivers, especially those on the frontlines, remain elusive. This book helps to demystify the complex reality of our healthcare system. It provides the tools to empower people and teams to provide the most effective, safe, and reliable care.
Dr. Slakey’s ten core principles for complex system process management will:
Guide the creation of processes that ensure patient-centric care and outcomes are the ultimate measures of success.
Empower people and teams by implementing processes that optimize human performance.
Show how highly reliable processes effectively align resources with individual patient needs.
Create value by increasing efficiency and effectiveness and reducing error and waste.
Increase patient and staff satisfaction.
We need compassionate healthcare systems that work well for all. Doug inspires readers to advocate for improved processes to drive meaningful, patient-centric care.
In an interview, Doug can talk about:
Managing complexity, the complex world of healthcare.
Empowering teams to provide the most reliable, high-value patient care.
Empowering patients to advocate for patient-centric healthcare.
Using education and training to improve the performance of healthcare teams.
Aligning resources to meet individual patient needs: improving access and reducing disparities.
Driving change with respect and compassion for the provider and the patient.
Dr. Douglas Slakey is an internationally recognized transplant surgeon, educator, healthcare professional, and administrator. Doug is currently a professor of surgery at the University of Illinois, Chicago, and the president of Process Health Consulting, a healthcare consultancy focused on enhancing and optimizing operations and process flow, emphasizing complex system management strategies that optimize patient outcomes. He is a global educator and speaker who inspires healthcare teams to provide effective, compassionate patient care.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book into production.
“for the LOVE of Music” with Sara Troy and her guest Connor Nelson, on air from November 21st
I wish to share music because it is something I am insanely passionate about, singing writing and producing music is creatively and mentally liberating. I believe music is a universal language, and my wish is for my music to be an emotional outlet for everybody to pour themselves into. The journey would be singing and learning piano since I was in third grade, which evolved into writing music when I was sixteen, receiving a diploma in Electronic Music Production for my musical studies, and learning guitar during quarantine. All of these factors have accumulated into creating the artist I am today.
Connor Nelson is the captivating force behind the enchanting realm of midnight pop. A dedicated full-time musician, Connor possesses a rare trifecta of talent as a singer, songwriter, and producer. His music effortlessly blends the intoxicating vocals of R&B with the polished sheen of mainstream pop, resulting in a truly mesmerizing sonic experience. It comes as no surprise that Connor’s exceptional vocal abilities have garnered attention from notable figures in the music industry, including Conan Gray, Jessie J, and Tate Mcrae. Their recognition serves as a testament to his extraordinary talent and undeniable potential. In addition, Connor’s exceptional achievements include being named the “Alternative/Indie Artist of the year” and winning an award for “Excellence by a Queer Artist” at the 2023 Fraser Valley Music Awards, as well as being honoured as an Ovation Award Winner, a prestigious accolade bestowed upon a single musician from among thousands of singers across Canada and the United States.
As he embarks on his musical journey, Connor’s dedication to his craft and unwavering commitment to excellence shine through in every aspect of his work. With a professional yet personable approach, he invites listeners to immerse themselves in his captivating world of midnight pop, where his voice, lyrics, and melodies intertwine to create an unforgettable captivating experience.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book into production.
Ignite Your Heart and Soul with Sara Troy and her guest Areyh Ben David, on air form November 14th
The Secret of Love: A Glimpse into the Mystical Wisdom of Rav Kook It’s obviously intended for a Jewish audience, but the principles and wisdom of Rav Kook really applies to everyone. It’s about how to become a more loving human being.
This is a book about love, about how to become a more loving human being. It has been inspired by the writings of the contemporary mystic, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook (1865-1935). Author Aryeh Ben David says, “Though this may not be what we learned in school or synagogue, becoming a more loving human being is really what Judaism is all about.
And even more than becoming more loving human beings in our personal relationships—don’t we sense that the larger world today is in desperate need of more love? The brokenness and anger present in Jewish life seems irreparable. Jews from different religious denominations and ideological views cannot sit together, much less respect each other’s positions and love each other. Our political arena has become toxic and awash with animosity.”
In our interview, Areyh Ben David can talk about some of the more surprising and insightful things he has learned:
Why Aryeh says that loving does not come to him naturally; the ways his life has changed since embracing Rav Kook’s approach to living a Jewish life
Why love as a purely emotional experience is restrictive. It is limited to the people we want to be with and can sometimes be selfish and self-serving
Our pleasure almost always derives from the achievement of a goal, and rarely on the process necessary to achieve that goal. What would our daily to-do list look like if we loved not only the product but also the process? Maybe it would look like this: Find God’s light while getting dressed; while preparing food; while waiting in line; while driving to work; while cleaning up. Find God’s light now.
Loving all of humanity — how we can shift our perspective, to come from a place of humility with regard to other people’s opinions and ideologies
Obstacles to loving: Is there such a thing as “too much love?” Isn’t that contradictory to everything we’re talking about?
Why too much love cannot sustain a relationship for a long period of time – for relationships to stand the test of time, we need to periodically put boundaries in place
“All of the Torah — ethics, mitzvot, learning, and practice — come to remove the obstacles that prevent an all-encompassing love from expanding and spreading to every corner of life, everywhere.” —Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A world-renowned educator, Aryeh Ben David is committed to “plucking the soul strings” of teachers and students alike in order to transform how we learn and grow. He is the founder of Ayeka: Center for Soulful Education, which trains educators of all denominations, including campus professionals, and staff of middle and high schools, on how to teach Jewish subjects with more soulfulness, personal meaning and impact on life. Aryeh has taught at the Pardes Institute in Jerusalem since 1987, where he was a member of the Senior Faculty and Director of Spiritual Education. He also served as the Rabbinical Educational Consultant for Hillel International from 2004 to 2007, and spearheaded their spiritual initiative throughout the United States. Previously Aryeh served as the Educational Director of Livnot U’Lehibanot from 1991- 96.He has been involved in the training of staff of countless organizations and lectures internationally. He is the author of
Around the Shabbat Table, a Guide to Meaningful Shabbat Conversations (2000) and
The Godfile, Ten Approaches To Personalizing Prayer (2007),
Becoming a Soulful Educator: How to Bring Jewish Learning from Our Minds, to Our Hearts, to Our Souls and Into Our Lives (2016), and
Hearing Your Own Voice: A Family Haggadah (2017) . Aryeh grew up outside of NYC and studied psychology at Vassar College. He came to Israel in 1978, studied at the Meretz yeshiva in Mevasseret Zion and received Rabbinic ordination from the Israeli Rabbinate. He served in the Israeli army and now lives in Efrat, Gush Etzion, with his wife Sandra and their six children.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book into production.
Choose Positive Livingwith Sara Troy and her guest Jackie Heller MD, on air from November 7th
The Big Idea: Deeply hidden fears, hurts, and longings may lead to symptoms and eventually maladaptive behaviors. Such unhealed wounds may become acute or chronic triggers if our defenses against the reservoir of pain are failing. They can be triggered by a person, object, smell, sound, dream, illness, or more. Our buried memories and emotions surface in ways that may sabotage us.
The So-What: Knowing our emotions and the shifts in the here and now is crucial since our feelings are rooted in past events that may have no obvious context today, yet control our attitudes and behaviors in ways we don’t understand. An effective way to confront our inner life, including an inner saboteur, is to get in touch with shifts in our body that can help us label our emotions and interpret and understand our feelings. Mindful self-reflection enables us to become aware of buried events from our past. Such reflection is a two-part process of focused self-exploration that involves going inward and upward — identifying our physical sensations and labeling our emotions, and then thinking about what they mean. It involves introspectating, combining introspective (looking inward) with spectate (looking on as a spectator).
Key Messages: Heller reveals the mental pursuit needed to understand negative behavior patterns, and addresses:
· Why it’s necessary to improve our connection to our unconscious mind in order to have fulfilling adult relationships
· How our minds bury events from our past, and why we must pay attention to emotional triggers and physical sensations
· What healthy and unhealthy attachment styles look like and how we develop them
· Why we should be concerned about the dangers of disconnection that come with our reliance on social media
· How to use self-reflection and mindful meditation to better understand uncomfortable thoughts and feelings
The Source: Jackie Heller, MD, a psychoanalyst, is board certified in psychiatry and neurology. Her professional experience as a practicing clinician has allowed her extensive insight into the vast range of human experiences. Her new book, Yesterday Never Sleeps (Greenleaf Book Group Press, August 1, 2023), delves into her personal experience with family trauma and helping others work through their own. Learn more at jackieheller.com
Jackie Heller, MD, a psychoanalyst, is board certified in psychiatry and neurology. Her professional experience as a practicing clinician has allowed her extensive insight into the vast range of human experiences.
Her new book, Yesterday Never Sleeps (Greenleaf Book Group Press, August 1, 2023), delves into her personal experience with family trauma and helping others work through their own.
You must be logged in to post a comment.