How do you describe an audio experience that has no equal?
How do you convince others to spend their time listening to an album not only for entertainment purposes, but because the therapeutic return on their investment could rival hours spent in a clinician’s chair?
Fortunately, I’m not tasked with marketing Mike James’s “Secrets of a Life Coach” series. However, through offering a transparent look at his first album, “Now”, I hope to persuade you to immerse yourself in the short stories that he skillfully conveys.
As a fellow storyteller, I immediately recognized that Mike understands how to deliver the ancient form of communication effectively. His aptitude for sharing stories actually stems from his ability to listen first. As a certified life coach, Mike has logged countless hours hearing from individuals who are stuck or struggling with one or more aspects of their lives. As he has listened, Mike has also recognized that many individuals get “trapped” within their own narrative. To combat this rumination, Mike crafted stories that transport listeners into different worlds, featuring relatable characters and compelling plots.
When listeners consume one of Mike’s stories, self-reflection is a common outcome. For example, as I listened, I typically connected to one or more of the characters and found myself rooting for their individual success. Within a few minutes, I was also deeply invested in the outcomes of a character’s actions. Ultimately, I connected with Mike’s innovation because it was relatable and thought-provoking.
To further enhance the listener’s experience, Mike “purposely utilized music and sound effects” to create more dimension and “layers of listening engagement.” When asked, Mike said, “The albums are like mini ear-movies for the soul… they get you to feel your life, versus just thinking about it.” Ultimately, he invokes a wide array of emotions throughout the album by incorporating the original works of approximately 10 different musicians, all geared towards greater listening intimacy. To further master his art form, Mike also studied piano for approximately 3 years and incorporated what he learned into crafting the experience he wanted others to feel.
Overall, everything that goes into Mike’s ability to reach someone stems from his ability to draw from lived experiences. Whether it be his own struggles with drugs and alcohol, childhood trauma, or assisting others navigating “life’s obstacles,” Mike offers sanctuary and salvation. While I may not be able to correlate his work with something immediately recognizable, I can certainly endorse it as creative and connected therapy.
Listen to “Now” by Mike James at MikeJamesNow.com
Recovery Podcastland Sobees Score: 4 out of 5
By New Contributor Travis Sackett, Author of My Life With Karma
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