By: Ken Boone I just finished an editing session for the second episode of Angel’s podcast, “Can I Say Something?” when it occurred to me how honored I am to have a front row seat to watch a fellow human being’s transformation. Let me take you back a year. I was driving north on Harris Boulevard in the University area of Charlotte, NC, having just left a Guitar Center. I hadn’t gone there to make a purchase. I hoped visiting the store would cure a mild case of G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). It is a malady that frequently strikes many of us who fancy ourselves as musicians and recording engineers. We convince ourselves that if we can have that one extra piece of equipment, it will get us over the top. For me, it’s usually something that I can’t afford. I successfully navigated my way through the store, messed around with a couple of guitars and basses, and left without purchasing anything. Needless to say I was proud of myself. But my inner “wanter” was still on overdrive. This is why I mentioned Harris Boulevard earlier in this post. About three lights ahead was a big beautiful church that held a daily 12-step meeting. Although my problem wasn’t with the bottle, those nice people unknowingly helped me kick my nicotine habit. I was late. The meeting was about to end! Sometimes, if you’re merely in the presence of positive people, their good will rub off on you. Just walking through the door confirmed that for me. They had just finished saying the Lord’s Prayer when I walked in. I was immediately greeted by smiles and hugs. I knew I was in the right place. Not to intrude, I typically stand off to the side and wait for people to acknowledge me. After all, it’s their meeting, their sobriety, and their joy. I’m just grateful that they let me get a taste. However, today felt different. I heard a voice that I’d never heard before, accompanied by an unfamiliar face. I noticed her because although she was “working the room,” she kept making her way back to the person who initially brought me to these meetings, who I’ll call “My Girl”. Eventually the newcomer made her way to the corner of the room where I was camped out. With the biggest smile and coolest Southern accent, she introduced herself, “Hi, I’m Angel”. I thought to myself that if she were running for office, I‘d vote for her. Over the next few months, my case of G.A.S. only seemed to get worse. The frustration wasn’t that I couldn’t afford the gear, because Celia and I “do frugal” very well. In fact, it has become a game for us. I thought my issue was that I was obsessed over a certain piece of gear I was sure that I needed. The real issue, though, was fear: Fear that I wasn’t good enough to do what I believe I was called to do. So I went back to those meetings, and they did wonders for my spirit, my confidence, my will to succeed. It felt like the energy level in that room had gone up a notch, and the producer in me wanted to find out where the razzle-dazzle was coming from. Wouldn’t you know, it was Angel! She always shared and brought a new perspective to the journey to sobriety. She usually said at least one thing that made the attendees bust out laughing. And she always cried. I remember during one meeting, Angel stated that she was “militant” about her sobriety. That line stuck with me to this day. Angel became a sponsee of “My Girl.” She and Celia met, and bonded outside the rooms. In fact, Angel started calling Celia “Mom,” and was gracious enough to call me “Dad.” We promised her that we would support and be there for her. As parents, it is our duty help our kids find their true calling and supply them with the tools to achieve it. I noticed Angel’s natural flair for the dramatic, which went well beyond drama queen. The girl has some serious chops! She’s shown great potential as a public speaker. And I happen to have a podcast network with the ability to produce an almost unlimited number of shows. After talking it over with Celia, who though it was a great idea, we asked Angel if she wanted to be interviewed on Celia’s podcast, “ISO Peace & Healing.” She agreed and promptly hit it out of the park! Five minutes into the interview, I was already creating a show for her in my head. As I finished editing and scheduling her second episode, I scanned our studio and took a moment to count my blessings. I didn’t buy that thing piece of gear with which I’d been obsessed. I have produced over 30 podcast episodes since the day I walked into that meeting. And the case of G.A.S. is gone, hopefully never to return. I could go on and on about our daughter, Angel, but as a producer, I’ll let her tell you the rest. She now has her own show, titled “Can I Say Something?” and she’s a much better storyteller than I am. She got that ability from her mom, Celia, and I’m deeply grateful to be her dad! But wait... there's more!
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About the AuthorAs owner of the Descant Music & Media Group, Ken is a creator and producer of several podcast shows. He is also a music producer, as well as a writer and an accountant for small businesses and nonprofits. Archives
June 2020
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