What’s up, Tribe, and welcome back to Good Moms Bad Choices! January was amazing, but its time to turn the page on the calendar and embrace beautiful new energy as we enter ‘The Journey of Love February.’ This month is all about the heart - join Erica and Milah to catch up and discuss what’s new in the world of motherhood, marriage, and amor! In this week’s episode, the ladies offer witty and sharp perspectives about personal growth in love, supporting your kids through their friend drama, and how to honor your true needs in a partnership. Mama Bear to the Rescue! The Good Moms discuss protective parenting and helping your kids fight their battles (8:00) Bad Choice of the Week: Help! My kids saw me in my lingerie! (20:00) My Happily Ever After: Erica and Milah discuss the prospect of marriage, dreams of becoming a housewife, and the top 5 ways to be confident in love (32:00) Yoni Mapping: Releasing Trauma and Increasing Pleasure (57:00) Its OK to fuck up, but also, what do you (really) bring to the table: The Good Moms have an honest discussion about finding accountability and growth before love (1:03:00) Watch This episode & more on YouTube! Catch up with us over at Patreon and get all our Full visual episodes, bonus content & early episode releases. Join our private Facebook group! Let us help you! Submit your advice questions, anonymous secrets or vent about motherhood anonymously! Submit your questions Connect With Us: @GoodMoms_BadChoices @TheGoodVibeRetreat @Good.GoodMedia @WatchErica @Milah_Mapp Official GMBC Music: So good feat Renee, Trip and http://www.anthemmusicenterprises.com Join us this summer in paradise at the Good Vibe Rest+Vibe Retreat in Costa Rica July 31- August 5 August 8 - August 13 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
In Episode 19 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker unpacks the controversy surrounding Austrian or Germanic Latin in Classical-period choral performance. With his signature clarity and wit, Dr. Baker challenges conventional assumptions and offers practical insight on pronunciation for clarity and expression. This week’s listener question addresses ideal seating—or no seating at all—for choral rehearsals. Today’s inspiration features Mozart’s majestic Kyrie from the Great Mass in C Minor, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Tune in for a thoughtful and invigorating episode!
In Episode 19 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker unpacks the controversy surrounding Austrian or Germanic Latin in Classical-period choral performance. With his signature clarity and wit, Dr. Baker challenges conventional assumptions and offers practical insight on pronunciation for clarity and expression. This week’s listener question addresses ideal seating—or no seating at all—for choral rehearsals. Today’s inspiration features Mozart’s majestic Kyrie from the Great Mass in C Minor, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Tune in for a thoughtful and invigorating episode!
Host William Baker reflects on the decline of civility in public discourse, shares a hilarious essay on swearing by 16-year-old Robert Shaw (yes, that Robert Shaw), and offers personal insight into language, leadership, and the rehearsal podium. This episode also explores the many benefits of touring with your choir and features Eleanor Daley’s luminous “Upon Your Heart.” Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.…
Dr. William Baker reflects on the vital role of the collaborative pianist and offers practical tips for fostering a respectful and professional working relationship—from score prep to handwritten thank-you notes. Plus: a thoughtful response to a listener navigating choral diction in German, and this week’s musical inspiration, Sing and Ponder by Larry Fleming. Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org…
In Episode 20 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, guest host Dr. Jamea J. Sale, Director of the Institute for Healthy Singing & Voice Research, presents Rehearsal Design with the Voice in Mind. Learn how to structure rehearsals that balance vocal load, prevent fatigue, and promote healthy, expressive singing. This week’s listener question addresses whether humming pitches in concert is a valid substitute for using a pitch pipe. Today’s inspiration is the spirited Swedish piece Sköna Maj, performed by the New South Festival Singers at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Join us for a voice-savvy and musically enriching episode! Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.…
In Episode 19 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker unpacks the controversy surrounding Austrian or Germanic Latin in Classical-period choral performance. With his signature clarity and wit, Dr. Baker challenges conventional assumptions and offers practical insight on pronunciation for clarity and expression. This week’s listener question addresses ideal seating—or no seating at all—for choral rehearsals. Today’s inspiration features Mozart’s majestic Kyrie from the Great Mass in C Minor, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Tune in for a thoughtful and invigorating episode!…
In Episode 18 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares practical insights on Commissioning New Music, drawing from decades of experience premiering choral works. From contracts and composer relationships to rehearsal planning and premiere logistics, this episode is a must-listen for conductors considering the rewarding adventure of new music creation. This week’s listener question invites Dr. Baker’s recommended summer reading list for conductors and music lovers. Today’s inspiration is Norman Dello Joio’s lush setting of Come to Me, My Love, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for a rich episode of creativity, reflection, and choral artistry.…
In this insightful episode, Dr. William Baker and Dr. Jamea Sale speak with Dr. Jeffrey Straub, fellowship-trained laryngologist and Fellow of the Institute for Healthy Singing & Voice Research. Dr. Straub discusses the anatomy of the voice, common vocal pathologies, and the role of medical intervention and vocal hygiene in maintaining a healthy singing voice. Whether you're a professional vocalist or a dedicated choir member, this conversation demystifies the science behind vocal health and offers practical tips for protecting your voice for life.…
In Episode 17 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker addresses one of the toughest realities in church music leadership: I’ve Been Fired from My Church Position—Now What? Learn how to respond with professionalism, protect your future, and move forward after an unexpected termination. This week’s listener question discusses strategies for dealing with negativity in a choral ensemble. Today’s inspiration features Samuel Barber’s powerful Agnus Dei, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Tune in for an honest, practical, and encouraging conversation about resilience in the choral profession.…
In Episode 16 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares A Baker’s Half Dozen Hints for Building a Parish Choir, offering practical and inspiring strategies to strengthen music ministry in any church setting. From chant and Bach chorales to sight-reading, a cappella singing, and even eliminating weeknight rehearsals, this episode is filled with field-tested wisdom. This week’s listener question comes from a new director seeking advice for the beginning of a choral career. Today’s inspiration is Richard Wayne Dirksen’s Christ Our Passover, performed by the Trinity Choir of Trinity Wall Street. Don’t miss this energizing episode for church musicians and choral leaders alike!…
In Episode 15 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker explores The Orchestral Choral Instrument, urging conductors to approach the choir with the same expectation for metrical precision, rhythmic clarity, and expressive articulation typically reserved for orchestral sections. Learn why energized consonants and pure vowels must be mastered before a chorus can effectively join forces with an orchestra—and why the music itself must be conducted, not just the singers. This week’s listener question delves into the rehearsal real estate of programming choral music. Today’s inspiration features "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" arranged by Gilbert Martin, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers from their 2002 "Sing and Ponder" album. Tune in for another episode of practical insight and choral inspiration.…
In Episode 14 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker tackles the timely topic of Voice Lessons for Children, offering vital insights into vocal health, maturity, and age-appropriate musical instruction. Learn why early voice lessons can pose risks to young singers, and discover healthier alternatives that nurture musical growth. This week’s listener question evaluates the pros and cons of “Carnegie Hall” mass choir invitations. Today’s inspiration is Allegri’s transcendent Miserere Mei, performed by the Cambridge Singers under Sir John Rutter. Join us for a thoughtful episode bridging vocal wellness, artistic integrity, and inspiration for Holy Week.…
In Episode 14 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker dives into the theme “Sacred Cows Make the Best Burgers,” examining how long-held assumptions in choral music—like so-called “proper Baroque pitch”—can benefit from a fresh look. This week’s listener question explores the growing use of tablets in choral rehearsal and performance. Today’s inspiration is Brahms’ exquisite motet Schaffe in mir, Gott, performed by the RIAS Kammerchor under Marcus Creed. Join us as we question conventions, embrace innovation, and celebrate great choral art!…
In Episode 9 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker explores The Passion of Precision, emphasizing how technical mastery and emotional expression are inseparable in great choral performance. This week’s listener question tackles the importance of numerical balance in an ensemble and whether singers should be reassigned for even voice distribution. Today’s inspiration features a stunning choral setting of My Song Is Love Unknown, arranged by R. Douglas Helvering and performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for another insightful episode on choral artistry and leadership!…
In Episode 8 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares strategies for managing The Frustrating Rehearsal. Learn how to maintain focus and professionalism when things aren’t going as planned. This week’s listener question addresses how to build confidence and retain male singers in youth choirs, while today’s inspiration is the powerful African-American work song This Old Hammer, arranged by John W. Work and performed by The Men of the Robert Shaw Chorale. Tune in for practical advice and uplifting music!…
In Episode 7 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares practical strategies for Making the Most of Practice Between Rehearsals. Learn how structured, intentional practice can help singers prepare effectively and confidently. This week’s listener question explores the benefits of singing in mixed versus sectional arrangements, while today’s inspiration features Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge, performed by Voices of Ascension. Join us for an episode full of actionable advice and inspiring music!…
In Episode 6 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William O. Baker explores the Language of Spirituals in the African American tradition, shedding light on the cultural and musical significance of these powerful works. This week’s listener question addresses the perennial debate: Should choral directors use a baton? Finally, today’s inspiration is Alice Parker’s beautiful arrangement of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” performed by The William Baker Festival Singers of Atlanta from their 2015 album Voice of Singing. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion and a moving celebration of choral artistry!…
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