Formed in 1978 and naming themselves after the unemployment benefit form, UB40 released their debut album 'Signing Off' in August 1980 - which is considered by many to be one of the greatest reggae albums ever released by a British band. They’ve seen forty UK Top 40 hit singles, have sold over 100M records, and are one of the most successful British groups of ALL TIME. Franti discusses with guitarist Robin Campbell and drummer Jimmy Brown their diverse and influential upbringing in the cultural ...
Feb 02, 2021•57 min
Mike Henry is one of the architects of the legendary animated TV series 'Family Guy', for which he created and has voiced many of the show’s most popular characters. Mike later co-created and starred in 'The Cleveland Show'. His other acting credits include the movie 'Ted' and TV's 'The Orville', 'Robot Chicken', 'American Dad', 'Gilmore Girls', 'Inside the Actors Studio', 'Scrubs' and the hidden-camera parody series, 'Kicked in the Nuts', which he created with brother Patrick. Franti and Mike d...
Jan 26, 2021•33 min
Dyana Williams is a revered entertainment powerhouse and music activist. Whether showcasing her talents in broadcasting, print journalism, television producing and reporting, inspiring others through community activism and lecturing, or shaping the careers of major label artists through media coaching and artists development, she’s remained a constant force in the entertainment industry for over four decades. Franti and Dyana discuss what she learned from her childhood in Puerto Rico and Harlem,...
Jan 19, 2021•56 min
Andy Frasco blends soul, blues, jazz, and rock influences as the lead vocalist and keyboardist of Andy Frasco & The U.N. They’re all about good times and positive energy, taken to another level with their interactive live performances. Andy dreamed of being in the music business starting at age 12 and even faked his resume to get his first music job as a teenager. After going on his first music tour, he gained the confidence to take up music and market himself. Franti and Andy discuss what i...
Jan 12, 2021•44 min
Owner/Founder of Whole Foods Market John Mackey speaks with Michael about the hardships of starting and maintaining a business. Mackey talks about his upbringing, the role his father played in supporting his dreams, and how he had to go against the grain to achieve his goals. Listen in to hear about how Mackey’s choice to drop out of school at the age of nineteen led him to create America's largest multi-million-dollar supermarket chain. CONNECT FURTHER: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com IG: https...
Dec 15, 2020•46 min
Since the tragic loss of his 7-year-old son Daniel, one of 20 first-graders and six educators murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012, Mark has dedicated himself to bringing people together to find sensible solutions that will prevent future tragedies and spare other families the pain of losing a child to gun violence. As Managing Director of Sandy Hook Promise, Mark leads and manages the organization with Nicole Hockley, mother of Dylan who was killed that day. Franti and ...
Dec 08, 2020•42 min
Dr. Oz addresses current events, including holiday safety in the time of COVID, vaccines, and how important it is to maintain our mental health - which includes getting good, quality sleep - something he has studied for years. Dr. Oz gives us a glimpse into his dual upbringing in Turkey and the US, giving insight into the challenges he faced growing up with immigrant parents in a town where there were no other Turkish people. He shares with Michael how and why he became a doctor and how he inten...
Nov 24, 2020•35 min
James “JC” Curleigh is the President and CEO of Gibson Brands, responsible for leading the major comeback of their iconic music portfolio after the company filed for bankruptcy in 2018. He’s one of the world’s true visionaries and has led game-changing initiatives at Levi’s, KEEN, Salomon, and Mars. As a triple citizen of Canada, the US, and the UK, JC grew up with one of the most unique childhoods you’ll hear about and was taught to embrace new environments and tackle challenges from Day 1. Fra...
Nov 17, 2020•48 min
Brandon Chrostowski joins Michael to talk about his fascinating life story, including how at just 18 years old, he was staring at a potential prison sentence. Chrostowski speaks on how these events led him to become a successful chef, restaurateur, and politician. During the conversation, they discuss incarceration, the “turn around” stories Chrostowski witnessed first-hand, what it means to have a plan in life, Chrostowski’s business, Edwins Leadership and Restaurant, and the importance of serv...
Nov 10, 2020•35 min
Ziggy talks with Michael about going from listening to music as a kid to becoming a globally-recognized artist. Ziggy shares his journey with music and how his music has not only impacted himself, but many others. He shares that the goal of his music is to bring everyone together in love by writing values into his songs, as seen in his song “Love is My Religion”. Ziggy’s new album ‘More Family Time’ strives to use music as a tool to fight for the joy and hope in the world. CONNECT FURTHER: Websi...
Nov 01, 2020•36 min
Patty and Manny Oliver speak on the tragic death of their son Joaquin, who was killed in the shooting that occurred on February 14th, 2018 at MSD High School in Parkland, Florida. Ever since Joaquin’s passing, they have turned to art and activism to ensure their son’s voice stays in the forefront of the gun violence prevention movement. Patty and Manny discuss how to remember the beautiful moments and how to live on in this midst of tragedy. Through their foundation Change The Ref, their ultimat...
Oct 27, 2020•43 min
Bert Jacobs is the Co-Founder of the $100M lifestyle brand Life Is Good. When Bert and his brother John started the company in 1994, they had $78 in their pockets, lived out of their van, and sold t-shirts on the streets of Boston. Was this their way of avoiding the “real world”? You betcha. Did it turn into something much bigger? Absolutely. Bert tells Franti of his childhood and the impact his mother made on his life and the company. Bert speaks on the power of one's disposition in life and em...
Oct 20, 2020•1 hr 2 min
HeadCount’s Co-Founder and Executive Director Andy Bernstein has led the organization in registering over 650,000 voters to date. Michael discusses with Andy his forged alliances with hundreds of musicians and entertainers, and his production of dozens of highly-successful events and initiatives. They talk about Bernstein’s childhood, how it has shaped him, and what inspired him to create HeadCount. Of course, with the forthcoming presidential election, they dive into the importance of voting, i...
Oct 13, 2020•58 min
Actor, comedian, and writer Celeste Barber speaks with Micheal about her career, life struggles, and just about everything in between. Celeste Barber is most known for her Instagram parodies, and in this podcast she elaborates on her reasoning behind her posts and what she wants people to take away from them. Franti and Barber explore the hardships of growing up differently, the struggles they have faced during the pandemic, and finding the bright side amidst the chaos that 2020 has thrown at th...
Oct 06, 2020•1 hr
The band Hot Buttered Rum speaks about how they were introduced to music and what sparked their passions. They highlight how their travels have shaped them into the people they are today, and they touch on the humbling experiences throughout their journeys. Franti and the band members of Hot Buttered Rum explore how to manage relationships and keep them thriving, while also pursuing a career in the music industry. CONNECT FURTHER: Website: https://www.hotbutteredrum.net Instagram: https://www.in...
Sep 29, 2020•32 min
Artist Keller Williams talks with Michael about growing up in Virginia in the 80s and how that contributed his current sound. In a fun conversation, Keller thanks The Grateful Dead for inspiration and gives a shout out to his high school football team. Tune in to hear more about his technique of using a loop pedal, how he came to be known as the one man jam-band, as well as (of course) what helps him stay human. CONNECT FURTHER: https://kellerwilliams.net Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kel...
Sep 22, 2020•30 min
Trevor and Michael discuss touring together, how they both taught themselves to play guitar, and the beauty of the desert. Trevor opens up about growing up in Huntington Beach and how family turmoil led him to music. Michael asks about Trevor’s performance style, and they chat about their songwriting processes. Listen in to get to know Trevor Green and how music has shaped his life. CONNECT FURTHER: https://trevorgreenmusic.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trevorgreenmusic Spotify: https...
Sep 15, 2020•25 min
Trevor Hall shares with Michael his musical evolution, how music allowed him to connect to something greater than himself, and the biggest influences along his path. In this funny and intimate conversation, Trevor shares his challenging journey to becoming the musical warrior for peace and social justice that he is — and how he and his incredible photographer wife Emory Hall balance work and their relationship on the road. Recorded: July 2017 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO CONNECT FUR...
Sep 08, 2020•55 min
Michael speaks with Xiuhtezcatl, indigenous climate activist, hip-hop artist, and powerful voice on the front lines of a global youth-led environmental movement. Listen in as they discuss Earth Guardians, the interconnectedness of life, our responsibility as humans to protect the sacred and what gives us life, and balancing a normal life as a kid who has already found his voice and life purpose. Check out Xiuhtezcatl’s book ‘We Rise: The Earth Guardian’s Guide to Building a Movement that Restore...
Sep 01, 2020•27 min
Venezuelan singer Betsayda Machado speaks to Michael with the help of a translator. She talks about growing up as one of fifteen siblings, and she discusses the political turmoil occurring today in Venezuela. Michael asks how music gives a voice to the Venezuelan people, which leads her to discuss the importance of tradition and painting her culture through her songs. Betsayda also plays one of her songs directly from her hometown. Recorded: California WorldFest in Grass Valley, CA CONNECT FURTH...
Aug 25, 2020•18 min
Jamaican reggae singer Etana joins Michael for a discussion about starting her music industry career in Florida and the sexism she experienced. Michael compliments her live performance, and she discusses her favorite part of being an artist on the stage - and as always, she reminds us how to stay human. Recorded: California WorldFest in Grass Valley, CA CONNECT FURTHER: https://www.etanathestrongone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etanastrongone Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/...
Aug 18, 2020•16 min
Chicanx band Las Cafeteras talk with Michael about bringing their culture into their music and spreading positivity. In this fun and real conversation, band members Denise and Hector discuss growing up with immigrant parents, as well as taking this time of political unrest to build a just society. We learn about how they stay human by using music and dance to heal and stay centered. Recorded: Whale Rock Festival in Templeton, CA CONNECT FURTHER: https://lascafeteras.com Instagram: https://www.in...
Aug 11, 2020•30 min
Phillip Blanchett speaks about how his Indigenous roots influence his music and what it was like to be raised in rural Alaska. Phillip shares with Michael how his band Pamyua honors the Yupik traditions and encourages native youth to grasp their identity through music, art, and culture. Listen in as they discuss sharing a positive message and representing their communities with music, as well as what makes Phillip human. Recorded at California WorldFest in Nevada County Fairgrounds, CA CONNECT F...
Aug 04, 2020•22 min
Michael speaks with two Winnemem Wintu Natives about their activism and bringing the native salmon back to McLeod River. In an educational conversation, we learn more about the fight to keep the Winnemem culture alive and the importance of the salmon coming home. CONNECT FURTHER: https://www.gofundme.com/f/salmonwillrun Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/run4salmon NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay...
Jul 28, 2020•16 min
After being blown away by Rebekah Todd & The Odyssey’s performance at FloydFest, Michael invites Rebekah and some fans onto his tour bus to get to know her and her music better. In this fun and impromptu discussion between Michael and Rebekah, you learn how much of a musical influence church was for Rebekah, the title of the first song she wrote at 11 years old, and of course, all of the little things she does to ‘Stay Human’. As an added bonus, Rebekah shares a beautiful acoustic performanc...
Jul 21, 2020•31 min
Michael and Taimane share stories from their teenage years and talk about moments in their lives that have impacted their music. Whether delicately finger-picking through Bach or radically ripping through Led Zeppelin, Taimane has the ability to morph genres – from classical to rock to flamenco – and stretch her instrument far beyond the familiar melodies of Hawaii, where she grew up and began playing the ukulele at age five. Recorded: July 2017 at The Gorge in George, WA CONNECT FURTHER: https:...
Jul 14, 2020•26 min
Michael chats with Natasha Bedingfield about her upbringing in a diverse London community and the creative and musical haven her family provided for her. From overcoming shyness, to being put in a box, to learning how to trust people, Natasha discusses how her life and struggles have influenced her songwriting. She has discovered that the themes in her music have proven to be incredibly universal, many times in ways she didn’t expect. Recorded: July 2017 at The Gorge in George, WA CONNECT FURTHE...
Jul 07, 2020•22 min
Listen in as Michael Franti speaks with HIRIE before her first ever Red Rocks performance in 2017. HIRIE shares her powerful story of how music and positivity helped her escape a cycle of addiction and depression. A timeless conversation, HIRIE and Michael talk about several noteworthy topics, including teenage bullying, being a female artist, how to enact positivity, the difficulties of being an empath, and how music is a powerful tool for healing. Perhaps most importantly, HIRIE and her band m...
Jun 30, 2020•26 min
Professional yoga and meditation teacher Gina Caputo talks with Michael about yoga and how it can be translated into everyday life as a tool of awareness. In all the work she does, what is most important to Gina is seeing you in your wholeness to be the best guide she can be. Accessibility, authenticity, inclusivity and integrity are what Gina stands for. She embraces a “sincere, not serious” approach to her work, because the evolutionary journey of being human is tough... and if we don’t leaven...
Jun 23, 2020•16 min
Sara Agah Franti joins Michael for a fan Q&A talking through their relationship, how they met, and how they keep their relationship alive. They tell the amazing story of how their charity Do It For The Love came about, from one man dancing on the stage to making endless wishes come true. Michael discusses his life on the road, and Sara shares how they stay motivated and healthy while traveling. The Frantis share two incredibly impactful stories that have shaped them and helped craft their ou...
Jun 16, 2020•1 hr 13 min
