Traci Ohlman grew up ELCA Lutheran, but in a somewhat conservative congregation. Very active until in her 20's, she came to a major upset in her life, leading her to search on, including some years as a Unitarian and currently interested in Buddhism, but not firmly rooted anywhere.
Ruthie Rosauer's Song of the Soul
First Air Date
Ruthie Rosauer is a member of Eau Claire's Unitarian Universalist Congregation and, among other things, is an enthusiastic singer, including her passion for meditative singing. Her spiritual path has including visits to Taizé, an international, ecumenical community in southern France, and to Findhorn Community in Scotland.
Eric Nielsen's Song of the Soul
First Air Date
Interview and music with Eric Nielsen, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Eau Claire. Eric Nielsen's Song of the Soul includes lots of chorale music, given his long interest and participation in this and other forms of music. Eric is both the minister and member of the choir at his church, a somewhat unusual pairing to juggle.
Art Lyons' Song of the Soul
First Air Date
Art Lyons, UW-EC student services staff, raised Catholic, but long-time Buddhist seeker, shares the music of his spiritual beliefs.
Josh Polich's Song of the Soul
First Air Date
Josh Polich was raised ELCA Lutheran where he took particular joy in being part of the choir. With adulthood he was led to read up on Eastern religions, eventually finding real resonance with Hindu chanting. At Unity Christ Center in Eau Claire he found a spiritual home and community of acceptance for his practices and a source of joy and support. He leads chanting there on Tuesday evenings at 8 pm.
Michael Neely's Song of the Soul
First Air Date
Michael Neely lives in Canberra, the federal capital city of Australia. His family hosted me as I traveled with a Quaker group called the Friendly FolkDancers and Michael agreed, on the spur of the moment to share the music that speaks of his soul and talk about his life as an Australian, Catholic-raised, now attending Quaker meeting.
Sarah Pederson's SECOND Song of the Soul
First Air Date
Sarah Pederson shared her first Song of the Soul with us just over 4 months ago, but her spiritual life has been unfolding at an amazing clip in the interim. Since that first Song of the Soul she's found a soul mate, become engaged to be married, and discovered a deep, disciplined and joyful addition to her spiritual practice.
Jane Wolf's Song of the Soul
First Air Date
Jane Wolf in the proprieter of Silver Feather, a shop that sells Native American jewelry, music, crafts and products in downtown Eau Claire. Jane was raised Lutheran, was married as a Catholic, becoming involved with Native American and other Earth-based spirituality after her divorce. She currently attends Unity Christ Center in Eau Claire.
Sharon Jensen-Olson's Song of the Soul
First Air Date
Sharon Jensen-Olson was raised Catholic, ran away from home definitively at the age of 14, and has not found a spiritual home that seems to fit for her yet. She loves singing along with the radio, with pop and country topping her list of musical favorites. And besides that, she is Mark Helpsmeet's little sister, by 2 years!
Tim Lane's Song of the Soul
First Air Date
Tim Lane has been teaching in the Music Department of the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, since 1989, flute being his instrument of choice. His taste in music ranges from chorales and classical to Motown and world music. Raised non-religious, he now attends Eau Claire Friends Meeting (Quakers).
