Join us for an uplifting and inspiring journey with the exceptional Nicole C. Mullen on this episode of theLive2Create Podcast. Nicole, a two-time Grammy-nominated and eight-time Dove Award-winning artist, shares her path from dance and choreography, including her pivotal role in Amy Grant's Heart in Motion tour, to her solo career. Weexplore her collaborations with renowned Christian artists like Michael W. Smith, the Newsboys, and CeCe Winans and discover how she has remained grounded through prayerful learning.

Nicole mesmerizes us with stories from her musical journey, reflecting on the rigorous rehearsal schedules, her influential idols such as Andre Crouch and Amy Grant, and the surreal experience of performing with her heroes. Overcoming shyness and stage fright, she reveals how a deep sense of love and support empowered her to handle the unexpected and embrace her early singing experiences in church andwith family. As a listener, you'll gain insight into her passion for songwriting, which she discovered in her teenage years, and her recognition as a two-time female vocalist of the year.

In a heartfelt and introspective discussion, Nicole delves into her songwriting process, balancing solo writing with collaboration, and shares the pride she feels in her diverse body of work. She also gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming album, celebrating life and joy after overcoming storms, and engages in a fun rapid-fire round ofquestions. Concluding the episode, Nicole expresses her gratitude to her supporters and leaves us eagerly anticipating her new music, which promises to blend familiar elements with fresh inspiration to enrich our spiritual journeys.

BIO

Nicole C. Mullen is an award-winning Gospel Recording Artist, songwriter, and dancer/choreographer. She's won 8 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards including 2 Female Vocalist of the Year honors, and received 2 Grammy nominations as well. Mullen is the only African American artist to win the Dove Award for Song of the Year ("Redeemer"), and in 2011 was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame.

In addition to her solo career, Nicole has also toured as a backup singer for Christian artists like Michael W. Smith, the Newsboys, CeCe Winans, and Amy Grant. Nicole has established an international mentor group for girls called "The Baby Girls Club," where she mentors girls worldwide through the arts.

We cover a lot of great topics in this episode including:

• Singing back up for Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, CeCe Winans, The Newsboys, and many more
• Doing dance choreography for Amy Grant
• Learning the daily habits it takes to be a professional singer
• The role her personal faith plays in the creative process
• The importance of learning the basics before improvising in the studio or on stage
• The ultimate advice for aspiring singers and songwriters
• The importance of taking your time in the songwriting process (don't be afraid to spend a year if that's what it takes!), and so much more!

Ever wondered what it's like to capture the evolution of music and film through the lens of a seasoned journalist? Neil Pond, the managing editor ofParadeMagazine,joins us to share his storied career in entertainment journalism, from a memorable first assignment with country legends Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn to candid interviews with icons like Garth Brooks. We delve into the art of storytelling and Neil's humorous anecdotes, offering a rare glimpse into the rich tapestry of entertainment history that has unfolded over the decades.

Our conversation transitions from Neil’s early misadventures to the complexities of writing with authenticity, where the personal meets the professional. Neil and I discuss the intricacies of interviewing, the humbling nature of country music's biggest stars, and how dabbling in drumming complements his writing life. The harmonious balance Neil has struck between his creative passions and a fulfilling career in journalism is not just inspiring but also laden with practical wisdom for those yearning to follow their own dreams without compromising their nature.

Rounding off this captivating episode, Neil imparts sage advice to aspiring writers and reflects on the profound influence of literature on his craft. We also explore the myth of following your passion to success and the importance of empathy in professional pursuits. With Neil's reflections on receiving top accolades and his musings on life, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the heartbeat of entertainment journalism or looking for that spark to ignite their own creative journey.

In this episode, we cover a ton of interesting topics including:

• Interviewing Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn as his first professional assignment

• Why there was pushback about doing music videos for some Country music artists

• The Oak Ridge Boys’ unique choices in swimming attire on the French Riviera

• How journalism has changed over the years, and the rise of Entertainment Journalism

• Visiting with Hank Williams Jr. in Montana

• The types of questions that are important to flesh out in an interview

• Garth Brooks instructing on the proper way to tuck in a shirt

• Being offered your very first joint from Willie Nelson, and Tammy Wynette making biscuits for you

• Unusual sightings of Chuck Norris in Randy Travis’ driveway, and SO much more!

BIO

Neil Pond is an award-winning entertainment journalist, film critic, and the managing editor of ParadeMagazine. He previously served as editor in chief of American Profile magazine and as editorial director of the nation’s two leading country music publications:Country Weekly andCountry Music.

Neil has been an on-air commentator for CNN, the BBC, VH-1 and CMT, and is a recipient of the Media Honors Award, the highest journalistic decoration bestowed by the Country Music Association. Neil is a voting member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, and his weekly movie reviews appear in national newspaper syndication, on Rotten Tomatoes and on his websiteNeilsEntertainmentPicks.com.

When he's not wearing his magazine ormovie hats, he plays drums in the Blondie tribute band Blonde Me.

Ever wondered what it takes to bewitch an audience with nothing but a deck of cards and a captivating story? In an episode that's nothing short of magical, we delve into Karl's captivating journey through the global magic scene, his tours, and the rich tapestry of magic communities he's experienced. From the intimate sleights of hand in close-up magic to the dazzling grandiosity of television magicians, Karl shares the secrets behind crafting moments of pure wonder, the kind that leave you questioning reality. He’s not just pulling a rabbit out of his hat; he's revealing the road map to mastering close-up magic and the essence of creating those gasp-worthy moments. And yes, he even gives us a taste of his mind-bending abilities right on the show!

With Karl, we traverse the intricate pathways that lead to magic mastery and discuss the delicate art of sourcing magical wisdom. He enlightens us on the significance of personal style over mimicry, while considering the psychological allure of the unknown that magic uniquely wields. Our exchange is not just about tricks and illusions; it's about the creative fire that drives magicians to push beyond the known into realms of innovation, all while respecting a heritage woven with well-guarded secrets.

Wrapping up an episode that's sure to leave you spellbound, we peek behind the curtain at the creative process that gives birth to new magic, acknowledging the fine line between tradition and innovation. Karl and I share a laugh over the simple yet ingenious routines that resonate within the magic community, leaving both audiences and magicians alike in awe. Whether you're a lifelong fan of magic or just curious about the life of a modern-day wizard, this episode with Karl Koppertop is your ticket to an enthralling experience. Join us for an unforgettable foray into the world of magic on Live2Create, and you might just find that the real magic lies in the stories we create.

"It's not about having facts. It's about having ALL the facts." – Karl Hein

Karl Hein, a.k.a. Karl Koppertop is an international performing magician, lecturer, and creator of illusions. He has appeared on The Pete Holmes Show and Penn & Teller's Fool Us, and his ideas have been featured on America's Got Talent. He has authored numerous instructional DVDs and done seminars for elite magic organizations in dozens of countries including the world-famous Magic Castle.

We cover a lot of fascinating topics in this episode including:

• The differences between closeup magic, stage magic, and tv magic
• The many different ways to go about creating the same illusion
• The many skills and components beyond sleight of hand that go into crafting an effective illusion, including choreography, music, lighting, script writing, joke writing, and interpersonal interaction
• When magicians play pranks on each other....
• Karl's ideas about Penn & Teller's Fool Us
• Performing on The Pete Holmes Show
• The problem with revealing the secrets behind how tricks are done
• The differences between just performing magic and actually creating it
• On being torn between the desire to understand how everyone's tricks work and retaining the awe and wonder of a viewer
• The secrets and essentials for being a successful creative professional, and so much more!