The Gritty Musician

Just a short update for any listeners out there, to let you know that I haven't forgotten about you, and have some thoughts about how to make this a more sustainable project moving forward. 

Take 10 minutes and escape from everything going on around you. You may not be able to afford a vacation at the moment, but this can help you get away and find your center. This is bonus content for those of you who are on the podcast feed - I want you to have access to this first, before I post it on social media for everyone else. Big thanks to Kevin MacLeod for the background music:  Garden Music by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3796-garden-music License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

What a crazy time! I haven't posted anything here in a long, long time, and this short reminder serves two purposes - to give a gentle reminder to all of us and to see if anyone is listening out there. Wanna help me out? Send me a quick note to grittymusician@gmail.com and let me know you're still listening. More content to come, starting real soon!

Well, you asked for it, and here it is! Thanks so much for the support of the short little "podlet" I uploaded this past weekend. I spent most of the ride home from Texarkana deep in thought, and the results are this episode today. As always, thanks for your support and interest. If you know someone who needs to hear this, please share! -Bruce

I'm curious...do you miss me?  I have been doing other kinds of media as of late, like YouTube and Facebook Live streaming, but I miss podcasting!  I'm willing to bring back the show if you'd like me to!  Please let me know if you'd like more episodes!

Welcome back! It's the first episode of 2018, and the first episode in about 10 months. Once again, real life has gotten in the way of my best intentions.  A career in music isn't always clean, neat, and direct. You will have to do without some things in order for other things to happen, but that doesn't mean you have to be miserable. If your heart is in your work, and you are convinced you should do this, the things you will sacrifice will pale in comparison to the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I hope you enjoy today's episode. I would love to hear from you! Send an email to grittymusician@gmail.com.

This week's episode is pretty straightforward and to the point. I am about to enter my busiest season of professional work thus far this school year, and I have a few points of perspective to help handle the potential overwhelm and some rituals and lifelines that get me through each day. 

Well, what can I say? It seems like a summer can't go by without a significant podcast hiatus. I had a lot of real life happen since my last episode, and it's given me enough distance and perspective to make this the show you deserve. If you take the 10 minutes to listen, I think you'll appreciate what I have to say today.

In today's episode, "A Profile in Grit," I want to tell you about someone who has taught me more about grit than anyone I've ever known. I hope you enjoy this week's episode, which was recorded only on my digital recorder - I apologize for the occasional pop or bump - I've tried to edit them out as best I can! Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. You all have my admiration and respect! ---   On the web: www.grittymusician.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/grittymusician Twitter: www.twitter.com/grittymusician Host Twitter: www.twitter.com/faskemusic Like the show? Tell a friend! Love the show and want to help? Send Bruce an email to grittymusician@gmail.com. There are lots of ways to help!

Hey Gritty Musicians! This week's episode was inspired by another person's podcast episode. Check out the show here:   https://www.aaronmchugh.com/protect-the-asset-episode-123/   Aaron is rapidly becoming one of my heroes. Here is the top line of his bio:    "I want to help you restore balance and discover your path to a well-lived life. I write and speak on how to make adjustments to your thinking, your beliefs and your habits. The rewards are experiencing more joy, adventure and connection.”   I like it. I like it a lot. And his story can serve as a lesson for those of us out there who are struggling in this area. He is a writer, podcaster, adventurer, and author of the best selling book, Fire Your Boss: A Manifesto to Rethink How You Think About Work.   Now don't get me wrong, I don't want to fire my boss. I like my boss! But I DO want to rethink how I do my work so that I can be better at all aspects of my life. I work hard at my job year round. I'm not saying that because I want an award or pity from you. I say it because I think you work hard at your job too, and I bet that neither of us take the kind of time off we need to take.  It's not about “deserving” the time off. It is about creating the sort of sustainability in our lives that give us long term effectiveness, and more importantly, long term health.   Look, I may get hit by a bus crossing the street tomorrow.  I may be diagnosed with an incurable terminal disease next year.  But what is the point of living if we can't consistently take time to pause? I believe that mastering the concepts presented in this week's episode to be the single biggest indicator of long term success in life. More on this to come in the future, as I unpack a new approach to life throughout the year!

I'm in a nostalgic mood today, friends. Today's episode was recorded on the 20th anniversary of my high school graduation, and I have several thoughts knocking around in my head about the past 20 years.   This episode is centered around three lists: the goal sheet that I completed around graduation; the reality of what these past 20 years looks like, and how my current life, though very different from my plan, is better than I could imagine. I wrap things up with the list I would like to take back in time and share with myself.   I WANT YOUR QUESTIONS! Whether you are at the center of your own journey, or helping someone else along the way, I am happy to answer as best I can!   --- On the web: www.grittymusician.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/grittymusician Twitter: www.twitter.com/grittymusician Host Twitter: www.twitter.com/faskemusic Like the show? Tell a friend! Love the show and want to help? Send Bruce an email to grittymusician@gmail.com. There are lots of ways to help!

"Cold brew, a new start, and a story." It seems like a pretty clear title for the first episode of Bruce's relaunched podcast, The Gritty Musician! Today's episode starts with super-concentrated coffee drinks, an explanation for the change in show branding, and a story to help college students trying to explain to mom and dad why their grades weren't as good this spring as they were back in the fall! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the reboot. We're glad you're here! --- www.grittymusician.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/grittymusician Twitter: www.twitter.com/grittymusician Host Twitter: www.twitter.com/faskemusic Like the show? Tell a friend! Love the show and want to help? Send Bruce an email to grittymusician@gmail.com. There are lots of ways to help!

Sometimes in life, it is important to stop and take stock of what really matters. Right now, my wife really matters. My family, career, and faith matter. This podcast matters, but right now, I need to take some time to figure out how to deliver great content worthy of your time and attention.  I only ask one thing of you - please stay subscribed - it takes very little space on your device, and when I DO come back with new content, you'll be the first to hear it! Thank you for all of your support, friends! 

Our mind is our most powerful tool, but one that we have to handle responsibly! Make sure that the same creative forces that push you to regularly improve and evolve as a musician don't turn into the dark creative enemy that starts writing chapters of your story to discourage you!                                      Get Some Grit! is available in on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIN, iHeartRadio, and at www.getsomegrit.com. You can find us on Twitter and Facebook @getsomegrit so reach out today! Enjoying the show? Tell a friend! Want to do more? SUBSCRIBE in iTunes! Want to do even more? Leave a review in iTunes!   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the use of his music!

Hey everybody! Today's episode is a short one, but I think the message is still solid. When was the last time you took a break? Working hard is super important, but when you start to see diminishing returns, it's important to take a break, if only for a few minutes. We'll be back next week with a much longer episode, I promise! ___                                              Get Some Grit! is available in on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIN, iHeartRadio, and at www.getsomegrit.com. You can find us on Twitter and Facebook @getsomegrit so reach out today!   Enjoying the show? Tell a friend! Want to do more? SUBSCRIBE in iTunes! Want to do even more? Leave a review in iTunes!   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the use of his music!

I love technology!  I am surrounded by iDevices and can't imagine my life without their benefit - but sometimes, it's nice to have alternatives. This week, I take a few minutes to talk about the benefit of keeping an actual paper notebook and pen in addition to my technology - and five reasons why I believe it can be of benefit to you, too. 1. It makes me slow down! 2. Hundreds of color options. 3. It can be more convenient when used in conjunction with tech. 4. People appreciate and handwritten note! 5. If for not other reason...it brings me joy. Please visit www.getsomegrit.com/writingtools for my suggestions (and links) to materials that will get you started.                                                     Get Some Grit! is available in on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIN, iHeartRadio, and at www.getsomegrit.com. You can find us on Twitter and Facebook @getsomegrit so reach out today!   Enjoying the show? Tell a friend! Want to do more? SUBSCRIBE in iTunes! Want to do even more? Leave a review in iTunes!   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the use of his music!

This episode's topic outlines my return to reading after years of not being much of a reader, how reading has really helped me with some struggles that I thought I might never overcome, and how I believe reading is the best thing you can do right now to "break the logjam" in the creative part of your mind.   My list of ten books that have really made a difference include:   "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield "Fully Alive: Lighten Up and Live by Ken Davis "Psycho-Cybernetics" by Dr. Maxwell Maltz "The Talent Code" by Daniel Coyle "The Little Book of Talent" by Daniel Coyle "The Dip" by Seth Godin "Effortless Mastery" by Kenny Werner "Daring Greatly" by Brene Brown "The Art of Happiness" by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Holy Bible :)   If you're having any trouble getting back into reading, maybe I can help! Shoot me an email at getsomegritpodcast@gmail.com. Get Some Grit! is available in on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIN, iHeartRadio, and at www.getsomegrit.com. You can find us on Twitter and Facebook @getsomegrit so reach out today!   Enjoying the show? Tell a friend! Want to do more? SUBSCRIBE in iTunes! Want to do even more? Leave a review in iTunes!   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the use of his music!    

This week's topic is near and dear to me, and I hope that if this episode speaks to you, that you'll keep this in mind as you go through the week. You probably know the word margin as a part of your word processing software.  If you look on a page in a book, the margins are the blank spaces around the text.  The narrower the margin, the more words you can fit on the page.   Margins exist in many facets of life: financial, emotional, etc. The more margin you have, the better! It's easy to justify giving up ground when you call it “working hard” or “not settling for average.”  It's hard to stand your ground, be confident in the work you do, and let the world know when you've reached your limit. You have to learn how to say no! Remember, “Each time you say yes to something, you're saying no to something else.”   The things on your calendar should fall pretty squarely into three categories:   1. something that is directly tied to our job description   2. something we simply do because we want to do it in our free time   3. something we do because when we don't do it, others make us feel guilty about not doing it   The first two are healthy, but the third is not! Want to learn how to trip the guilt trippers? Tune in next week!   Get Some Grit! is available in on iTunes, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIN, iHeartRadio, and at www.getsomegrit.com. You can find us on Twitter and Facebook @getsomegrit so reach out today!   Enjoying the show? Tell a friend! Want to do more? SUBSCRIBE in iTunes! Want to do even more? Leave a review in iTunes!   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the use of his music!

Folks, there is A LOT of anxiety in the world right now. Whether it is justified or not justified is up to your politics and personal opinions, but I think we can agree that 2017 is starting to feel more like an extension of 2016 than a separate, bright and shiny new year. In this episode (the first episode of 2017, I know, I know...) I take a few minutes to talk about the sadness, frustration and general anxiety I feel from so many people around me these days, and an idea for how to counter those feelings with something good.   If you love the show, let someone know!  There are lots of ways to reach us.  If you want to help, tell someone who could benefit from listening.  If you want to do more, SUBSCRIBE, and if you are an overachiever, leave us an iTunes review!  If you aren't tech savvy and want some help with subscribing or leaving a review, email me at getsomegritpodcast@gmail.com and I will walk you through it. :)     Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the use of "Eyes Gone Wrong" and "Memory Lane."

Get Some Grit Podcast Episode #31 - 2016 Reflections   Welcome back to Get Some Grit, the show where we learn the many ways that grit can serve artists as they press towards their goals. You can find us on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, TuneIn, and iHeartRadio! No matter what you're going through, GRIT is the armor that will protect you from the barrage of attacks that can stifle creativity and output!   This week's show is built in two parts:   Part One, reflections on past holiday seasons when I had the choice between giving up and persevering, and Part Two, how a late night "mind dump" into the microphone changed my perspective on the show, and helped me define what the show means to me, and how to move forward.   I will be at Baylor University for a week long residency January 9-12 to do all sorts of trombone related things and record my first “on location” remote episode of Get Some Grit!  Should be lots of fun.   If you love the show, let someone know!  Lots of ways to reach us.  If you want to help, tell someone who could benefit from the content.  If you want to do more, SUBSCRIBE!  If you are Santa's biggest helper and want to do even MORE, leave us an iTunes review!  If you aren't tech savvy and want some help with subscribing or leaving a review, email me at getsomegritpodcast@gmail.com and I will walk you through it.   Take care of each other this holiday season.  There will always be someone more fortunate, and someone less fortunate.  Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the use of "Thinking Music."

Get Some Grit Podcast Episode #30 - To Grad School or Not to Grad School?  That is the question.   Welcome back to Get Some Grit, the show where we learn the many ways that grit can serve artists as they press towards their goals. You can find us on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, TuneIn, and iHeartRadio! No matter what you're going through, GRIT is the armor that will protect you from the barrage of attacks that can stifle creativity and output!   "Work or Grad School Next?” was the clear winner with 58% of the vote, so that is our topic for this week.   I will be at Baylor University for a week long residency January 9-12 to do all sorts of trombone related things and record my first “on location” remote episode of Get Some Grit!  Should be lots of fun.   Tip for the week/tip for the season: Reach out to those further down the path than you for guidance. Buy them lunch or coffee, soak up what they have to say like a sponge.  Then take someone who is behind you on the path out for lunch or coffee, too.  Both visits will do you a ton of good for different reasons.  Never underestimate the power of kindness.   Things to remember about the “work or grad school' conundrum:   If you have a mentor teacher, reach out to them and get their honest opinion.  Professionally, they should know you better than anyone at this point. Each person's path is unique.  What worked for me was the opposite of what worked for my wife. Revisit the decision regularly and consider as many angles as possible.  If you think it through, it's hard to get wrong. Some consider grad school another hoop.  Others cherish life long learning. If you are the hoop jumper, consider going straight to work, use what you have learned right away, and see if the allure of grad school comes to you later. If you are a “natural” learner, you can go right ahead, but remember that the benefit of working first is that you can really gain a laser focus on what you want to learn more about.   If you love the show, let someone know!  Lots of ways to reach us.  If you want to help, tell someone who could benefit from the content.  If you want to do more, SUBSCRIBE!  If you are Santa's biggest helper and want to do even MORE, leave us an iTunes review!  If you aren't tech savvy and want some help with subscribing or leaving a review, email me at getsomegritpodcast@gmail.com and I will walk you through it.   Take care of each other this holiday season.  There will always be someone more fortunate, and someone less fortunate.  Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.   Credits to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com and the good people at freesound.org for the use of their music!

Welcome back!  Episode 29, "Failing Forward" is a bit of a mixed bag of a show.  Follow along as best you can! First and foremost, GSG is now on iHeartRadio! We are expanding our reach to serve you, the listener, better each week.  Check out the weekly Twitter poll for your vote on future episode topics! @getsomegrit On my most recent Indiana road trip, I listened to the entirety of Steven Pressfield's The War of Art, and consider it one of the finest books I've read in recent memory. Three big "take aways" include: Pressfield struggled with early professional failures, and his biggest commercial success only came about because he didn't listen to those who told him it would be a failure. Don't fall victim to comparison! Resistance to our work is very real, and evil! You can learn more about Mr. Pressfield at his website, www.stevenpressfield.com This is followed by a discussion on how to "fail forward" in all that you do, and the dangers of diminished grit once you reach your goals.   I believe that this is one of my better recent episodes, so please don't wait to check it out! --- Enjoying the show?  Let me know and tell a friend!  I would love to hear from you, whether it be an encouraging word, your questions, or ideas for future shows!  Our listeners are our lifeblood and why we do this show!  "Eyes Gone Wrong" and "Jingle Bells" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Tomorrow marks the last day of classes on my college campus, and final exams begin on Wednesday.  When I was a student, I felt like I had a pretty good plan to get through exam week each semester, but now when I look back on it, I wonder how I made it through.  Here are five tips that can help you get through finals relatively unscathed and ready to enjoy the holiday season: When you have the choice, do something selfish each day for 20 minutes. When you have the choice, don't wait on deadlines. When you have the choice, spread out your studying. When you have the choice, drink water and eat a balanced diet. When you have the choice, choose sleep. f.lux is available for download at justgetflux.com --- Enjoying the show?  Let me know and tell a friend!  I would love to hear from you, whether it be an encouraging word, your questions, or ideas for future shows!  Our listeners are our lifeblood and why we do this show!  "Eyes Gone Wrong" and "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Episode 27 is a call to action episode!  This week, I take a few minutes to talk about why growth of the show is important to me, and why my original plan for this week's episode fell through.  :( Like the show? Tell a friend and spread the word on social media, using the links below!   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for “Eyes Gone Wrong" and "Acid Jazz."

Just a short message during Thanksgiving week! Frustrated because your "recipe" for life doesn't seem to be working?  It's OK!!! Have a great holiday, everyone!  We all have lots to be thankful for. Like the show? Tell a friend and spread the word on social media, using the links below!   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for “Eyes Gone Wrong.”

After more than a year, we've finally reached the milestone of 25 episodes.  Rather than celebrate, of course, I dig into why things happened this way, and what I can do to learn from my experience. :)   I spend lots of time analyzing my behaviors, and trying to find patterns, to break the bad ones and nurture the good ones.  This spawns a talk on the role of “should be” in our lives and how it paralyses us from massive action.   Thanks for listening and sticking with me through everything!  This episode, like all others, is for you!!!   Like the show? Tell a friend and spread the word on social media, using the links below!   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for “Eyes Gone Wrong.”

Hey friends!  This week's episode is about the worth of the product you create, and how the pursuit of perfection shouldn't stifle you from sharing your art with the world!  Whether you make music, paintings, sculpture, write books, etc, it is important to remember that there is merit in your creation, even if it isn't yet everything you want it to be.  Here is a link to the Ira Glass video I mention:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ResTHKVxf4   Like the show?  Tell a friend and spread the word on social media, using the links below. Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for "Eyes Gone Wrong."

Don't worry, despite the title of this week's show, your host isn't going anywhere!   In this week's (late) episode, Bruce answer's a listener's email which asks the question, "Should I stick with it, or is it time to go do something else?"  This is a question everyone eventually faces, and Bruce's answer, of course, is nowhere as simple as "yes" or "no," because complex questions require thoughtful answers! Enjoy the show?  Tell a friend.  Want to help?  Subscribe on iTunes.  Already subscribed?  Leave an iTunes review if you find that the show adds value to your week.  Shoot an email to getsomegritpodcast@gmail.com if you aren't sure how to leave a review.  :) Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the cool "A Current Affair" styled bumper music at the beginning of the episode.

This week's episode is a gentle reminder that there may be forces at work in the world around you that cause the funk so many of us feel this time of year.  Hang in there, my friends! Like the show? Tell a friend and spread the word on social media, using the links below! Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for “Eyes Gone Wrong” and “Memory Lane” music.

Hey friends!  This week's episode is centered around a list I found on a faculty member's door several years ago during grad school that really convicted me.  I felt like he had written it specifically for me!  The list comes from David Gordon, Oregon based musician and teacher. You can learn more about David Gordon at his website, www.spiritsound.com, which contains over 600 pages!!!  The specific list can be found at http://www.spiritsound.com/stressed.html Like the show? Tell a friend and spread the word on social media, using the links below!   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for “Eyes Gone Wrong” and “Memory Lane” music.

I love technology! Don't you? If you're a musician, you use it for all sorts of things.  Practicing, listening, networking… At home and abroad, I Instagram pictures of my food and bad misspellings on signs. I tweet inspirational quotes and random musings. I create podcast artwork and record my episodes on my Macbook. At work, I record student lessons and my own practicing, dig through a mountain of email, and use Finale notation software regularly. I use my iPhone and iMac so much that they seem to have made all of my older gear obsolete. Why carry around all of those gadgets when everything is on the iPhone or iPad?  I've bought into tech in a major way, just like many others seen to have. Hopefully, this episode will help you shake up your practicing by digging some old tools from bottom drawer of your desk or your “old tech” drawer (admit it, we all have them!) to practice like it's 1999. This “unplugged practicing” has really helped me freshen things up! Remember that tech is here to help you improve efficiently.  Tech is only a tool, and does NOT take the place of the hard work.  Enjoy the episode! Like the show? Tell a friend and spread the word on social media! I'd love to hear from you!!!

In this episode, Bruce talks about the role of the past in our current lives, and how anger and pain can be a direct result of dwelling on a past that we can no longer change. Crucial to "living in the present moment" are the teachings of Eckart Tolle, who's book "The Power Of Now" is known world over for changing the lives of countless people. Tolls quotes from this episode include: "The past has no power over the present moment." "The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation, but your thoughts about it." "What a liberation to realize that the "voice in my head" is not who I am. Who am I then? The one who sees that." "Where there is anger, there is always pain underneath." Like the show? Tell a friend and spread the word on social media! getsomegritpodcast@gmail.com www.facebook.com/getsomegrit www.twitter.com/getsomegrit Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for "Eyes Gone Wrong" and "Memory Lane" music.

Come along for 18 minutes of my opinions about a topic that has helped my grit tremendously, but one that is very much outside of my public speaking comfort zone - my faith. This isn't an episode that evangelizes to anyone - it's more of a rant on some of my fellow Christians out there. We have to do better! Hope you enjoy it. Opening and closing music by Kevin MacLeod at www.incompetech.com. Thanks Kevin for having all sorts of music to guys like me without production skills to use. Enjoy the show? Tell a friend. Want to help? Give us a review on iTunes.  Email: getsomegritpodcast@gmail.com Web: www.getsomegrit.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/getsomegrit Twitter: www.twitter.com/getsomegrit

This week, after a couple of weeks break, talks about the moment I like to call “The Spark” when I first found the thing in life I do that I am not only passionate about, but love sharing with others. What was your “spark” moment?  More importantly, what are you doing now to help others have their spark moments?  A short show, but in my totally partial opinion, I think it's a good one. :) Are you enjoying the show? Tell a friend! This podcast grows when you share it with people you care about. On the web: www.getsomegrit.com Email: getsomegritpodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @getsomegrit Facebook: www.facebook.com/getsomegrit “Funkorama” and “Memory Lane” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) 
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/    

This week is sort of an "a la carte" show.  We start with some stats about you, the listener, followed by a brief discussion of research on the topic of grit, and then wrap with the beginnings of my own spring break and how I came up with this week's title. Links from this week's show: Grit Research Article by Emily Hanford: http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/tomorrows-college/grit/angela-duckworth-grit.html University of Pennsylvania Grit Survey: https://sasupenn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_06f6QSOS2pZW9qR Angela Duckworth's TED Talk on grit: https://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_the_key_to_success_grit?language=en Are you enjoying the show? Tell a friend! This podcast grows when you share it with people you care about.  :) On the web: www.getsomegrit.com Email: getsomegritpodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @getsomegrit Facebook: www.facebook.com/getsomegrit Voiceover intro by Joel Sharpton at www.joelsharpton.com “Funkorama” and "Memory Lane" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) 
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Today's show is a somber one - one that I struggled through multiple attempts before finally completing.  I will not go into a lengthy description here, but fair warning - the topic is suicide, and this week I discuss my faith and quote multiple Bible verses. If that isn't your thing, please feel free to pass on this specific episode and catch up with me next week. Links from the episode include the following: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org Passage from Romans 8 from the New International Version (NIV) of the Holy Bible available for free at www.biblegateway.com Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. More about the show: On the web: www.getsomegrit.com Email: getsomegritpodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @getsomegrit Facebook: www.facebook.com/getsomegrit

In this solo episode, Bruce discusses how he finally stepped foot into a gym for the first time last Sunday night is the final "action step" needed to follow through on a discussion from over a year ago - and quite possibly the most important action step of his adult life up to this point. Gary Doherty's book, The Ignition Point: Striking the Match, can be ordered here: Order on Amazon Gary's Blog: http://namastesia.com Check out Episodes 22 and 28 of the Marketing Music Education podcast with Kathleen Heuer. She has a great mission with her show, and I'm proud to be associated with her mission!      

After several "one man shows," Get Some Grit finally has finally conducted an interview!  This week, we welcome our first guest, Michael Swann! Michael is an old friend from the trombone world who stays busy with all kinds of musical endeavors, despite a few bumps and bruises along the way. You can learn more about Michael by following him on Twitter @meswannjr   

In this episode, Bruce explores a few tips needed for a successful beginning to a freelance career. Young professional musicians just starting out, listen up! Topics discussed include:Getting and Staying Organized, Speaking with gig contractors, How to pay your bills while you wait for your "big break" plus more!

This short, three minute track is a bonus for any Get Some Grit iTunes subscribers and a "thank you" for taking the extra step to subscribe to the podcast feed, rather than listen via the website. I have a new recording space treatment, and wanted to give this a try right away. :) Are you stressed? Do you need three minutes to relax and breathe? Check out my narration of Max Ehrmann's Desiderata. It may be nearly 100 years old, but it is just as applicable today as it was when it was first penned. "Fresh Air" piano track courtesy of Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com.

In this episode, Bruce talks about two important things he is doing to shift thinking from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance, and why it is so important to do so for long term health and happiness.  Check it out and spread the word! Links from this episode: www.fiveminutejournal.com Weight Watchers: www.weightwatchers.com Check out Cliff Ravenscraft at www.gspn.tv and Greg and Jennifer Willits at www.gregandjennifer.com. Support their shows and let them know you heard about them from me.   Thanks to Joel Sharpton for the new voiceover intro! Are you enjoying the show? Tell a friend! On the web: www.getsomegrit.com Email: getsomegritpodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @getsomegrit Facebook: www.facebook.com/getsomegrit Voiceover work by Joel Sharpton at www.joelsharpton.com “Funkorama” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) 
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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Hey GSG friends, I've been trying to record Episode 14 today to no avail - my voice is leaving me.  Here is a short, short update just to keep everyone updated.  We will resume normal recording as soon as my voice returns!

In the first episode of Get Some Grit in this new year, Bruce talks about his "leave of absence" from the show, his 2015 holiday season, and a new outlook for 2016. Lots of good stuff in this episode, if you're OK with really honest and frank talk! Enjoy! Are you enjoying the show? Tell a friend! On the web: www.getsomegrit.com
 Email: getsomegritpodcast@gmail.com
 Twitter: @getsomegrit
 Facebook: www.facebook.com/getsomegrit "OctoBlues" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) 
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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In episode 009, Bruce takes a moment to look back on the "Yes" moments of his life that might easily have been "No" moments if fear had taken over his desire for something more. How often do the "No" answers you give come from a place of fear rather than reality? Are you enjoying the show? Tell a friend! On the web: www.getsomegrit.com
 Email: getsomegritpodcast@gmail.com
 Twitter: @getsomegrit
 Facebook: www.facebook.com/getsomegrit "Niles Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) 
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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In episode 8, Bruce discusses the importance of vulnerability in our lives, the traits we have that get in the way of vulnerability, and why it's so important to embrace vulnerability in all parts of our lives. This episode is inspired and based on the TED Talk below, hosted by Dr. Brene Brown, author and research professor at the University of Houston. Check it out, and thanks for listening! www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o Are you enjoying the show? Tell a friend! On the web: www.getsomegrit.com
Email: getsomegritpodcast@gmail.com
Twitter: @getsomegrit
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getsomegrit "Welcome to the Show” and “That's a Wrap" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) 
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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In Episode 7, Bruce sits down during his "Miracle Morning" to record the FOURTH attempt at this episode! Topics include reactions to Hal Elrod's GREAT book, "The Miracle Morning" and how a friend's family tragedy has given new urgency to a familiar struggle, plus more.

Episode 6 is a bit of mashup and a little diversion from the normal chatty format. I offer some insight into my thoughts on negativity vs pessimism and a request to listeners for help. Don't worry...I'm not asking for money!!!

In Episode 5, I take a few minutes to discuss how an emotional heart problem we face in today's hyper-connected world is blocking us from communicating effectively with each other - and how we can break the cycle!

In Episode 4, Bruce discusses how worry can cripple a person's ability to live their life at the fullest. When worry fuels your energy and drive, it is a recipe for disaster. By focusing on gratitude rather than worry, there is a shift in your thinking that happens almost immediately.

In episode 3, Bruce uses a quote by Woodrow Wilson and a short passage from the Bible New Testament book of 1 Corinthians to demonstrate the "instructions" he has found for defining his role as one half of a long distance relationship. "You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.” - Woodrow Wilson "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) Are you enjoying the show? Tell a friend! On the web: www.getsomegrit.com Email: getsomegritpodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @getsomegrit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getsomegrit "Welcome to the Show” and “That's a Wrap" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In Episode 002, Bruce breaks down how he has had to “relearn” how to take time for activities outside of work that ultimately make his work better and more effective. This has been a struggle for many years, but at least for now, it's working! here are the steps: 1. Recognize what activity (or activities) best helps you renew yourself for your work. Plan in a way that builds excitement for the activity itself - don't sabotage your recharging! 2. When you reach your destination, allow the activity to be your meditation or practice of mindfulness. It's OK to let thoughts pass through your mind - and mediation isn't a bad word! 3. Know when it is time to plug back in so that the return to work isn't so jarring on Monday morning at 8:00 AM! On the web: www.getsomegrit.com Email: getsomegritpodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @getsomegrit Facebook: www.facebook.com/getsomegrit "Welcome to the Show” and “That's a Wrap" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/