🎙️ Some voices leave a legacy that never fades, and some friendships leave a mark that lasts a lifetime.

In S6: Episode 5 of Journeys in Melody, I sat down with Marika Siewert for a heartfelt conversation honouring the life, music, and legacy of the late Brian Doerksen. Drawing on her personal friendship with Brian, Marika shares reflections that go beyond the music, offering a glimpse into the person behind the songs and the meaningful bond they shared.

We reflect on Brian’s impact, the songs that touched countless hearts, and music's enduring power to draw us closer to God. Join us for a moving tribute to a life whose melodies, faith, and ministry continue to inspire long after the final note.

My guest is award-winning Canadian gospel artist, worship leader, songwriter, arranger, and vocal coach Michael Manhertz. He has become known for creating worship experiences that bridge generations, cultures, and musical styles. Raised in Toronto within a Jamaican-Canadian family, Michael's sound uniquely blends contemporary worship, traditional Black gospel, Caribbean gospel, and rich vocal arrangements that invite listeners into authentic encounters with God.Over the past two decades, Michael has shared stages and collaborated with respected voices including Israel Houghton, Todd Dulaney, Jonathan Nelson, Marvin Winans, Kim Burrell, Matthew McIntosh & LIFE Ministries, Brian Hamilton & Divine Worship, Daniel Ojo, and many others. His passion extends beyond performance, serving as a songwriter, arranger, background vocalist, worship leader, and mentor to emerging Christian artists around the world.Michael released his debut album, The Unashamed Project, in 2022 and has continued releasing music that reflects both biblical truth and heartfelt worship. His ministry has earned national recognition, including a GMA Covenant Award nomination, becoming a coach with Christian Music Mentor, and being recognized across Canada's gospel music community. In 2026, Michael received one of Canada's highest honours in gospel music when 'Solid Rock Medley' won Canadian Gospel Song of the Year at the Canadian Selah Music Awards.

My special guest is Robson Maurice, the musician and entrepreneur also known as RobyMisterDrums, who was born and raised in Montreal, Canada, to Haitian parents. Mr. Maurice was raised in a family of ten children. Music has always been an integral part of the family, as his parents sang in church choirs and at home during private family gatherings. Later, his siblings followed in their parents' footsteps by joining church choirs and groups.

Robson’s musical work encourages humanitarianism. In 2012, he went to Haiti and completed a benevolent venture. Although his first reason for going was to play drums, he quickly discovered that he could use the arts to teach and give opportunities to others who have big dreams. He now lives in Calgary, where he continued his career as a professional drummer.

He created a style of music called Classical Soul Music, and his compositions are played by an orchestra he founded and named Key 30 Orchestra. His vision is to tell life stories through his music and to encourage people that despite our differences, we all go through hardships that we can relate to, but most importantly, we can all become better if we persevere.

#Podcast #Music #JourneysInMelody #ChristianPodcast #Inspiration

SEASON 6 OF THE JOURNEYS IN MELODY PODCAST IS HERE!

My guest for this first episode of Season 6 is Canadian gospel music singer, songwriter, speaker, proud husband and father, David Bracken, who lives with his wife Samantha, son Noah (2010), and daughter Maelle (2012) in Macdonald, Manitoba, Canada.

David is an International, award-winning Christian Recording Artist, with his music being streamed and broadcast on radio, satellite, and internet stations globally. In 2023, David received his first award nomination at the Canadian Gospel Music Association's Covenant Awards. And in 2025, he received 3 nominations at the Christian Creative Arts Awards (CCA's) and won his first music award at the Canadian Selah Music Awards!

David is proud to be serving the Lord and going as far as He will lead - singing, speaking, leading, laughing, encouraging, and loving every minute of it! Listen and be inspired by David's journey in music.

#Podcast #GospelMusic #Music #JourneysInMelody #Story #Life #Family

My special guest in this final episode of Season 5 is Puerto Rican Gospel Music Singer/Songwriter - Bishop Eli Horrach. He is an independent Christian worship artist, pastor, and musician known for blending contemporary worship music with distinctive retro 1980s synth-pop and jazz influences.He creates what he describes as "prophetic '80s music," a unique calling he received to bring retro electronic sounds into modern Christian worship. He talks about his experience with pain and loss, and His encounter with Jesus as he navigates life and shares the gospel.He distributes his music across major platforms like Apple Music and iHeartRadio. His notable discography includes: The Secret Place: His prominent synth-pop worship single. Jesús You Are Here: A collaborative single featuring vocals by Pastora Jireh Horrach. Crazy For You Jesus: A 6-song EP detailing his high-energy, retro style. Our God, Freedom, Champion, and Supernatural: Contemporary singles released to digital streaming platforms.

#Podcast #Gospel #Music #truestory #Songs

In this candid and inspirational episode, my guest is Canadian Inspirational/Country Music Artist Amanda Hagel, who has established herself as an artist whose mission is to create music that uplifts, empowers and inspires her listeners. For the better part of a decade, Amanda has gained both national and international recognition as a talented performer and songwriter. Growing up on a farm in the southwest corner of Saskatchewan near the town of Lancer, Amanda’s upbringing was steeped in country living, and it was in that environment that her love and appreciation for country music would blossom.Growing up in an era of country music, listening to amazing female artists like Martina McBride, Patty Loveless, and Alison Krauss, to name a few, provided Amanda with great inspiration as she began to develop her love for singing, playing guitar, and writing songs. Amanda’s family is also very musical, and being the youngest of 9 siblings, she also drew great inspiration from her family being surrounded by music at family gatherings and events.Beyond her love for country music, Amanda has also dubbed herself an “Inspirational Artist”. Amanda is often asked to explain what that means as it’s not a well-known genre, although the category title does exist in certain sectors. For Amanda, being raised in a faith-based home and the growth she has experienced on her own personal spiritual journey have led her on a path of expression grounded in deep faith, authenticity, integrity, truth, and love. This heart-centred expression is shared through her music and the messages it conveys. For Amanda, it has taken a great deal of courage and persistence to always remain true to following the promptings of her heart despite external pressure to fit in with current trends and styles in the music industry.

Episode 5 features Stirling John, an Ojibwa Inspirational Country artist from Saugeen First Nation in Ontario, now proudly based in Alberta. His music is rooted in storytelling and community, blending heartfelt country sounds with messages of hope, resilience, and reconciliation.A dedicated advocate for Indigenous youth, Stirling travels across Canada working closely with First Nation communities, using music to inspire and create connection. He has released two full-length albums, Where I’m Meant to Be and Made in the Image of Love, each reflecting his personal journey, culture, and commitment to community healing.With nearly two decades of service as an RCMP officer, Stirling draws on his frontline experience, releasing songs that address real-life challenges, including substance abuse, mental health, and the struggles faced in Northern and remote communities. His work extends beyond music; he is the first ambassador for the Veterans Association Food Bank in Alberta and the founder of the Stirling John Foundation for Youth Empowerment, a non-profit that mentors young people in underfunded schools and communities through creativity, empowerment, and reconciliation.

In this powerful episode, I sat down with Guatemalan gospel artist Paola Argueta, a passionate worship leader whose music is rooted in faith, perseverance, and real-life testimony. From a childhood shaped by a strong Christian foundation and a love for worship, Paola has used her voice to inspire hope and point others to Jesus.

Paola opens up about one of the most difficult seasons of her life—walking through her father’s illness—and how that journey deepened her faith and birthed songs filled with purpose and healing. Her music, often written through personal trials, reflects a message of resilience and unwavering trust in God.

Through honest conversation, she shares how she has overcome obstacles, navigated life’s uncertainties, and remained committed to her calling in music ministry. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that even in life’s hardest moments, God is still writing a story of victory.