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Stay Human

Michael Franti

There’s no one you wouldn’t love if you knew their story. Michael Franti is a globally-recognized musician, humanitarian, activist, and award-winning filmmaker revered for his high-energy live shows, inspiring music, devotion to health and wellness, worldwide philanthropic efforts, and the power of his optimism. Tune in as he speaks with guests from all walks of life, but in particular, people who are cultural creatives — people who through their music, their art, their entrepreneurship, or their activism are changing the world. On the heels of five Billboard #1 singles and an array of Top 30 hits, Michael continues his mission of empowerment for positive change. This podcast is presented by Pact. Follow now wherever you listen to podcasts to join the movement: stayhumanpodcast.com

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  • 99 episodes
  • Updated Dec 6, 2022

Episodes99

Newest first
  • Aug 18, 2020 · 15 min

    18. Etana

    Jamaican reggae singer Etana joins Michael for a discussion about starting her music industry career in Florida and the sexism she experienced. Michael compliments her live performance, and she discusses her favorite part of being an artist on the stage - and as always, she reminds us how to stay human. Recorded: California WorldFest in Grass Valley, CA CONNECT FURTHER: https://www.etanathestrongone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etanastrongone Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6oF8gXhgD5ZTQ0biyaw4Cm NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists Management Artist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists Management Management Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists Management Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse Collective Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Anthony Thoen

  • Aug 11, 2020 · 30 min

    17. Las Cafeteras

    Chicanx band Las Cafeteras talk with Michael about bringing their culture into their music and spreading positivity. In this fun and real conversation, band members Denise and Hector discuss growing up with immigrant parents, as well as taking this time of political unrest to build a just society. We learn about how they stay human by using music and dance to heal and stay centered. Recorded: Whale Rock Festival in Templeton, CA CONNECT FURTHER: https://lascafeteras.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lascafeteras Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2AeRVFWlYSW9zMUGULjPpz NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists Management Artist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists Management Management Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists Management Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse Collective Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Anthony Thoen

  • Aug 4, 2020 · 22 min

    16. Phillip Blanchett

    Phillip Blanchett speaks about how his Indigenous roots influence his music and what it was like to be raised in rural Alaska. Phillip shares with Michael how his band Pamyua honors the Yupik traditions and encourages native youth to grasp their identity through music, art, and culture. Listen in as they discuss sharing a positive message and representing their communities with music, as well as what makes Phillip human. Recorded at California WorldFest in Nevada County Fairgrounds, CA CONNECT FURTHER: https://www.pamyua.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2M8PVNl4h0SpE23a6Z6BOW NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists Management Artist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists Management Management Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists Management Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse Collective Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Anthony Thoen

  • Jul 28, 2020 · 16 min

    15. McLeod River Salmon

    Michael speaks with two Winnemem Wintu Natives about their activism and bringing the native salmon back to McLeod River. In an educational conversation, we learn more about the fight to keep the Winnemem culture alive and the importance of the salmon coming home. CONNECT FURTHER: https://www.gofundme.com/f/salmonwillrun Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/run4salmon NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists Management Artist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists Management Management Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists Management Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse Collective Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Anthony Thoen

  • Jul 21, 2020 · 31 min

    14. Rebekah Todd

    After being blown away by Rebekah Todd & The Odyssey’s performance at FloydFest, Michael invites Rebekah and some fans onto his tour bus to get to know her and her music better. In this fun and impromptu discussion between Michael and Rebekah, you learn how much of a musical influence church was for Rebekah, the title of the first song she wrote at 11 years old, and of course, all of the little things she does to ‘Stay Human’. As an added bonus, Rebekah shares a beautiful acoustic performance of her song “Trouble”. Recorded: July 2017 at FloydFest in Floyd, VA CONNECT FURTHER: https://www.rebekahtodd.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebekah_todd Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1TRr7nJ8sM5i7iH8jTW8jd NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists Management Artist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists Management Management Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists Management Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse Collective Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Anthony Thoen

  • Jul 14, 2020 · 26 min

    13. Taimane

    Michael and Taimane share stories from their teenage years and talk about moments in their lives that have impacted their music. Whether delicately finger-picking through Bach or radically ripping through Led Zeppelin, Taimane has the ability to morph genres – from classical to rock to flamenco – and stretch her instrument far beyond the familiar melodies of Hawaii, where she grew up and began playing the ukulele at age five. Recorded: July 2017 at The Gorge in George, WA CONNECT FURTHER: https://taimane.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taimanegardner Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3gFoTuxTIZzIIeoxPEzcrC NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists Management Artist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists Management Management Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists Management Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse Collective Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Anthony Thoen

  • Jul 7, 2020 · 22 min

    12. Natasha Bedingfield

    Michael chats with Natasha Bedingfield about her upbringing in a diverse London community and the creative and musical haven her family provided for her. From overcoming shyness, to being put in a box, to learning how to trust people, Natasha discusses how her life and struggles have influenced her songwriting. She has discovered that the themes in her music have proven to be incredibly universal, many times in ways she didn’t expect. Recorded: July 2017 at The Gorge in George, WA CONNECT FURTHER: https://www.natashabedingfield.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashabedingfield Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7o95ZoZt5ZYn31e9z1Hc0a NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists Management Artist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists Management Management Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists Management Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse Collective Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Anthony Thoen

  • Jun 30, 2020 · 25 min

    11. HIRIE

    Listen in as Michael Franti speaks with HIRIE before her first ever Red Rocks performance in 2017. HIRIE shares her powerful story of how music and positivity helped her escape a cycle of addiction and depression. A timeless conversation, HIRIE and Michael talk about several noteworthy topics, including teenage bullying, being a female artist, how to enact positivity, the difficulties of being an empath, and how music is a powerful tool for healing. Perhaps most importantly, HIRIE and her band members perform “Queen” off their 2016 album Wandering Soul. Recorded: July 2017 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO CONNECT FURTHER: https://hiriemusic.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiriemusic Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0HYbyzzhI44iTHvYnf1nOs NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists Management Artist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists Management Management Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists Management Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse Collective Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Anthony Thoen

  • Jun 23, 2020 · 16 min

    10. Gina Caputo on Yoga as Medicine

    Professional yoga and meditation teacher Gina Caputo talks with Michael about yoga and how it can be translated into everyday life as a tool of awareness. In all the work she does, what is most important to Gina is seeing you in your wholeness to be the best guide she can be. Accessibility, authenticity, inclusivity and integrity are what Gina stands for. She embraces a “sincere, not serious” approach to her work, because the evolutionary journey of being human is tough... and if we don’t leaven spiritual gravitas with a little humor, we’ll be left eating a very dry bread of life! Recorded: July 2017 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO CONNECT FURTHER: https://ginacaputo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoginiontheloose NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists Management Artist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists Management Management Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists Management Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse Collective Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Anthony Thoen

  • Jun 16, 2020 · 1 hr 13 min

    09. Juicy Q&A with Michael and Sara

    Sara Agah Franti joins Michael for a fan Q&A talking through their relationship, how they met, and how they keep their relationship alive. They tell the amazing story of how their charity Do It For The Love came about, from one man dancing on the stage to making endless wishes come true. Michael discusses his life on the road, and Sara shares how they stay motivated and healthy while traveling. The Frantis share two incredibly impactful stories that have shaped them and helped craft their outlook of positivity on everything they do. Recorded: June 2017 at Thrive Juice Co. in Saskatoon, SK, Canada CONNECT FURTHER: https://www.saraagahfranti.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraagahfranti Do It For The Love: https://www.instagram.com/doitfortheloveorg NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists Management Artist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists Management Management Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists Management Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse Collective Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Anthony Thoen

  • Jun 9, 2020 · 17 min

    08. Paul Janeway of St. Paul & The Broken Bones

    Paul Janeway from St. Paul & the Broken Bones joins Michael Franti in a discussion about marriage, touring, and growing up in a small town. Tune-in to hear about Paul’s love of church, his opinions on EDM, and to hear what unexpected item he uses to clean his clothing. Recorded: 2017 CONNECT FURTHER: https://stpaulandthebrokenbones.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stpaulandthebrokenbones Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4fXkvh05wFhuH77MfD4m9o NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists Management Artist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists Management Management Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists Management Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse Collective Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Anthony Thoen

  • Jun 2, 2020 · 30 min

    07. May Erlewine

    Folk singer-songwriter May Erlewine takes Michael on a journey of her musical upbringing, from growing up with hippie parents to train jumping and busking to make ends meet. She performs the incredibly timely “The People’s Song,” and she and Michael talk through their motivations as artists. May concludes finally sharing the inspiration for hit song “Shine On” and defines what “Stay Human” means to her. She is, as Michael Franti describes, a “true musician.” Recorded: March 2017 at Blissfest in Petoskey, MI CONNECT FURTHER: https://www.mayerlewine.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/may_erlewine Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2OCklJbxEeL54I1EQOlbxW?si=_OSPVHoNSlysQKbhk89IXw NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists Management Artist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists Management Management Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists Management Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse Collective Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Anthony Thoen

  • May 26, 2020 · 16 min

    06. Lukas Nelson

    Lukas Nelson joins Michael in conversation about growing up on the road with the Nelson family and Lukas’s evolution to professional musician. Listen in as they trade tips on how to maintain a healthy and balanced life on the road and discuss the art of songwriting. Recorded: June 2017 at Mountain Jam in Hunter, NY CONNECT FURTHER: https://lukasnelson.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukasnelsonofficial Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5iXYJYmMcjlTFL1qA8UfgY NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists Management Artist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists Management Management Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists Management Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse Collective Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Anthony Thoen

  • May 19, 2020 · 26 min

    05. Abigail Stauffer

    Michael learns about how Abigail Stauffer’s unique upbringing shaped her as an artist and as an individual. They discuss everything from growing up as an LGBTQ woman in a Christian household, to traveling to Brazil, and to Abigail’s admiration for Lauryn Hill. Recorded: March 2017 at Blissfest in Petoskey, MI CONNECT FURTHER: https://abigailstauffer.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbiestauffer Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1r3CJtP2Ecd71ZcADNmc2Z NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists Management Artist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists Management Management Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists Management Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse Collective Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Anthony Thoen

  • May 19, 2020 · 35 min

    04. Satsang

    Satsang joins Michael on the tour bus for a conversation about growing up, touring, and the power of music. Michael speaks to Drew (Satsang) about growing up surrounded by alcoholism and the influence their respective youths had on their careers as musicians. With a focus on spirituality and life missions, hear about Drew’s discovery trip to Nepal, where he explains how he named the band and re-routed his life path. With shared love and compassion, enjoy Michael and Drew’s discussion about discovering themselves through music. Recorded: 2017 in Albany, NY CONNECT FURTHER: https://www.satsangmovement.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/satsangmusic Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5q73QGeZGnA3ChVIPxIvyc NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists Management Artist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists Management Management Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists Management Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse Collective Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Anthony Thoen

  • May 19, 2020 · 59 min

    03. Pat Monahan of Train

    Pat Monahan shares with Michael about how his upbringing and life experiences have influenced his music and career. Pat opens up about being a father and family man while balancing his career and creative endeavors, and he and Michael discuss songwriting influences and that “music is supposed to be fun!” Recorded: Feb 2017 from Train’s Sail Across the Sun Cruise CONNECT FURTHER: http://www.patmonahan.net Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/train Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3FUY2gzHeIiaesXtOAdB7A NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists Management Artist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists Management Management Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists Management Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse Collective Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Anthony Thoen

  • May 19, 2020 · 21 min

    02. G. Love

    G. Love and Michael discuss working together for over 20 years, how they have inspired each other, and G. Love’s writing process. Listen to find out what they might be cooking up together next and get to know G. Love! Recorded: 2017 at Breckenridge Brewery Hurricane Relief Concert in Littleton, CO CONNECT FURTHER: https://philadelphonic.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillyglove Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/74fkl73HDlCXw0l6cemB89 NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists Management Artist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists Management Management Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists Management Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse Collective Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Anthony Thoen

  • May 19, 2020 · 37 min

    01. Nattali Rize

    Nattali Rize talks with Michael about the path that led her to music, some of her biggest influences, and the importance of conscious music in society. Michael and Nattali discuss the importance of spreading positivity and speaking the truth within their daily lives and through their music. To get a feel for Nattali’s powerful lyrics, you can listen to her album Rebel Frequency on Spotify. Recorded: 2017 CONNECT FURTHER: https://www.nattalirize.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nattalirize Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0FomusKA1QZNUY5EdQdBbv NEW album Follow Your Heart: https://orcd.co/followyourheart Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS: Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists Management Producer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists Management Artist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists Management Management Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists Management Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse Collective Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Anthony Thoen Update since this was recorded: This podcast HAS been named… it’s STAY HUMAN!