Finding Your Voice, Michael Franti on Music, Family and Being Human

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What’s up fellas…

In today’s interview I’m joined by Michael Franti, a father, husband, singer/songwriter and owner of Soulshine Bali.

He has been spreading positivity and love through his music for almost 40 years.

I had the incredible opportunity to sit down backstage in Asheville, NC, while he’s on tour, stepping directly into his world, and exploring the highs and lows of his very full touring schedule and what it takes to balance fame and family.

In this episode, we explore Michael’s relationship with his fathers, and the impact they had on his life – while exploring Michael’s heartfelt stories about raising kids, making music, dealing with anxiety and depression, and so much more.

You’ll also hear from his son Cappy, who joined us towards the end of the interview, who shared stories with reverence and honesty about growing up with Michael as his father.

I could feel the love he has for his father, and also respected how he shared some of the pain we all experience as kids when we feel disconnected from our dads.

As Michael believes, “There’s no one you wouldn’t love if you knew their story”.

This episode is filled with true stories, touching moments and deep insights.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with the one and only Michael Franti and make sure to roll down the windows of your car, turn on his playlist (Michael Franti and Spearhead) and sing your heart out.

A Wide-Ranging Conversation Through…

  • Overcoming depression and finding ease of heart
  • How Michael teaches others to find their voice
  • Letting your kids make their own choices
  • When Michael discovered the true source of his anger
  • Michael’s top 3 songs that cover the range of human emotions
  • A father and son collab on musical breathwork & meditation
  • How Michael and Cappy enjoy their time together
  • Some of Cappy’s fondest memories with his Dad
  • Dealing with emotions from being away works both ways
  • The vision for Soulshine Bali Music & Wellness retreats
“My music, the way that I want it to show up, is to be able to express the full rainbow of human emotions so that wherever somebody is, they can find that ease of heart.” - Michael Franti Share on X “I believe that when we access our authentic self, just be who we are, that the wisdom of our soul, which is to me, everything that passes through us, that is not from us.” - Michael Franti Share on X “If I had any fatherly wisdom it would be to be able to share more with your children at a younger age the steps of my evolution as a father.” - Michael Franti Share on X “It's really amazing that my dad pursued his passion and went all in on his dreams. That's a really beautiful thing, and all the experiences that I've gotten to have because he pursued his dream.” - Cappy Franti Share on X

Resources:

Michael Franti Bio

Michael Franti is a singer, songwriter, musician, poet, activist, documentarian, and rapper. Michael is the creator and lead vocalist of Michael Franti & Spearhead, blending hip hop with a variety of other music styles including funk, reggae, jazz, folk, and rock.

He’s also known for his participation in many musical projects, most with a political and social emphasis, including the Beatnigs and the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy.

He is also an outspoken supporter for a wide spectrum of peace and social justice issues, and he is especially an advocate for peace in the Middle East.

Do It For The Love, is a non-profit project he founded in 2013 with his wife Sara Agah Franti, with a mission to bring individuals with life-threatening illnesses and trauma, children with severe challenges, and wounded veterans to live concerts in the goal to inspire joy through the healing power of music.

His foundation has bridged connections between fans of all ages with their musical heroes, with the participation of notable artists such as Billie Eilish, JoJo Siwa, Pentatonix, and of course, himself.

Michael is the owner of Soulshine Bali, a yoga resort hotel in the southern part of Ubud, Bali, which is considered “Michael Franti’s oasis of yoga, soul, and rock n’ roll.”

He’s married to his lovely wife Sara Agah Franti and has 3 children: Cappy, Ade and Taj.

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