The Dream That Keeps Me Moving Forward

Kenny Loggins
Singer/Songwriter

Singer/songwriters Kenny Loggins, Gary Burr and Georgia Middleman recently formed the new band Blue Sky Riders, and were profiled by Huff/Post50 in February. They are finishing their first album and will be chronicling their experiences as a band in this blog.

These days I can't help but notice when I do something counter to what my history has taught me is the "wise thing" to do. Sometimes I can simply chalk it off to my short-sighted desire to getting my needs met, no matter the outcome, and sometimes I see that action as some naive urge in me that still wants to believe "it will somehow turn out differently this time. This time, it will all work out in the end."

And I suppose, if you back up far enough, it can all appear to have done just that -- worked out. Just don't count the bodies scattered along the side of the road, the collateral damage on the way to that ephemeral place we affectionately call "the end." There is, of course, no such place. Seems like where we're standing on the timeline of our lives is the place we keep referring to as "the end." But we're really just traversing across the Great Unknown on our way to somewhere else. You'd think time might have taught me to avoid wishful thinking a little, to not make impetuous "hopeful dreamer" partnerships, yet here I go again ... and loving it. Damn! Some people never learn.

At this point in my evolution, I guess I have to see the act of forming this new band as both, (a) simply getting my needs met, and (b) a testament to hope winning over experience. (What's the definition of insanity? "Doing the same action repeatedly yet expecting a different outcome?")

What I now need in my life is to keep making music, to stay creative and follow the muse. There are no "laurels to rest upon." Not really. To feel productive and creative is my life-blood, and it sustains a sense of well-being that surpasses even the best endorphin high. Even sex (sometimes). It's that simple: my music and my children are what keep me happy and moving forward in my life.

I keep wanting to believe that with a little bit of kindness, generosity and hard work we can, as Rodney King so eloquently stated years back, " ...all get along." Starting a new band smacks of the kind of naivete that I used to wallow in as a young man. I mean YEARS ago. Truthfully, I am now hoping that all these years of "executive decisions" within my solo career, all those life experiences, can add up to a kinder, gentler way of doing business, or at least something not as ego-centered as what I have known. But I suspect the whole truth is, we're all just people with the kinds of faults people have, and eventually those faults will rear their ugly little heads, and we'll have to deal with the fallout. I guess that's really what all this experience is for. To recognize my sh*t when it's happening, and bust it ASAP. So it goes. "God grant me the serenity..."

But don't get me wrong; right now, it's a honeymoon. We enjoy each other's company a lot, and are having a great time writing, creating a dream, building a vision. Each time we get together, something really cool comes from it, and I've been doing this gig long enough to know when I'm wasting my own time. Trust me, this ain't that. (As Rev. Johnson prayed in Blazing Saddles, "O Lord, do we have the strength to carry off this mighty task...? Or are we just jerking off?")

I suppose the biggest concern, in this moment on my life-curve is, "If it ain't Country and it ain't Pop, what the Hell IS it?" But truth be told, that actually can't matter right now. This is the moment you dream of as an artist; something like "the holy grail" -- the slight possibility that you might just be doing something unique.

Everything You Do - Matters

Everything You Do Matters
Most people don’t realize the power of those words. They don’t realize that everything they do, everything they say, every choice they make matters to someone, somewhere, and they may not even know it. And I can prove it. When I was twelve years old I used to sell popcorn at the baseball games in my hometown. I didn’t make any money for it, but I love baseball, so it worked out. I’d put the concession box around my neck and shout, “Popcorn, get your hot popcorn.” One night during a game I noticed a couple at the top of the stands having an argument. It was getting heated, about to turn ugly. I walked past them going, “Hot popcorn, get your hot popcorn.” I stopped right in front of them, too the box off, sat it down in front of me and I checked every box of popcorn. Then I put it back on and went, “Popcorn. Get your popcorn.” I left out the word ‘hot’ because every box I checked was cold. And the way I did it made them laugh so hard they forgot what they were arguing about. I walked past them thirty-minutes later and they were snuggled up enjoying the game. They left that night holding hands. The point of the story is this: I ran into that guy seven years later. He knew my family and he knew of me. And he said that what I did that night saved his marriage. He said they were on the verge of breaking up for good until I made them laugh so hard they realized that what they were arguing about wasn’t worth breaking up their marriage over. They were still married seven years later and had three children. Today they’re both in their seventies, still married; they have six children, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren – None of which would have happened if I hadn’t done what I did that night at the baseball game. Their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will never know me, but they owe their very existence to what I did that night when I was twelve years old. EVERYTHING YOU DO – MATTERS. Don’t forget it.

About B.C.

Why B.C.?
Corporations, associations, civic groups, Chambers of Commerce, churches—even entire cities have invited B.C. to address their employees, clients, or members. According to those who have witnessed what he accomplishes in an hour, three things differentiate B.C. from any other speaker they have seen.

1) He is enlightening!
Corporations insist, "B.C. is not a motivational speaker! He is a teacher, a life coach." And when he teaches, he proves his time-tested principles with stories and historical events that dramatically affect not only the climates and cultures, but even the profitability of these corporations.

2) He is charismatic!
B.C. is that extremely rare communicator who can hold an audience spellbound for as long as he remains on stage. Often, groups continue to applaud long after he leaves the stage. He then returns to answer questions, and always stays afterward to greet his audience.

3) He is funny!
B.C.’s speaking is filled with humor. And no wonder. He spent 20 years on the road as a comedian working clubs, colleges and auditoriums all over North America. He was runner up in the Mid-South Laff Off in Nashville and voted Showtime's Funniest Person in America (VA).
B.C. has taught, entertained, and inspired organizations of all sizes—and his story continues to change lives.

He shows audiences that a dedicated, fulfilled, stress-free and challenged workforce is the surest way to increased profitability.

B.C. has spoken for more than two million people allover North America throughout his career, and his message is more powerful and meaningful today than ever before.

Driven by his own moving story, B.C. communicates to his audience through the heart—an uncommon style in today's media-driven world.

What B.C. Can Offer Your Corporation or Organization
Have you run into obstacles or discovered hindrances to the growth and forward movement of your company? B.C. solves these challenges once and for all, not by providing action formulas, but by helping people get to the bottom of what really drives them in life and by making sure every aspect of their lives works together in harmony.

The Bullet-Proof Presentation . . .
B.C. radiates a supercharged, high-energy presence that immediately engages audiences as he challenges them to reach for the best in themselves. A multidimensional speaker, B.C. addresses a variety of issues in his dynamic, customized presentations, including: stress relief, team building, developing positive attitudes, resolving conflict, improving communications skills, managing change, and reaching potential. He often uses music, magic and props to get his point across.

Using a masterful combination of comedic talent, dramatic flair, and unique insight into human behavior, he motivates and inspires. His main objective is to provide solid content and techniques that audiences can put to use immediately in their personal and professional lives.
B.C. defines the critical qualities that connect the "head" to the "heart" of an enterprise, and shows audiences that a dedicated, fulfilled, stress free and challenged workforce is the surest way to increased profitability.

B.C.'s Topics

B.C.'s Topics Include

Stress Happens. Deal With It
Stress is the number one cause of death in America today. 95% of all illnesses are stress related. BC will show you how to end stress in your life forever. Your illnesses, your relationships and your job will be better after this speech; Based on his book by the same title. The book is available for a special price to all attending. (Optional)
Personal Development Principles For The 21st Century
BC has defined five principles that will make you life successful. These are principles that he has learned over the last twenty years of his life. And the amazing thing is if you use all five of them together they will work every time. Guaranteed!

Life Is A Challenge, Grab It By The Tail
This is the speech that B.C. usually does for Chambers of Commerce, schools and corporate. It teaches you how to make the right choices to be successful in life and in business. You will never know how far you can go in life until you challenge yourself to do it.

Laughing For The Health Of It
The whole shebang. No message, just lots of clean fun and audience participation. B.C. is the only humorist to do humor, music and magic in one show. This show is just for people who want to laugh. Parents, Grandparents and children can sit together and not be offended. Not easy to find that kind of entertainment anymore. Lots of audience participation. Perfect for churches, schools and libraries.

Present With Pizzaz (Seminar)
A workshop for speakers and CEO's who have to stand in front of people and speak. This seminar will teach you how to make board meetings memorable, how to make a bored board meeting interesting. All you need to do is add a little humor. They always listen when they're laughing. Let B.C. show you how to become a star when you speak.

Don't Die, Just Speak (Seminar)
This program teaches you how to get over the fear of speaking in front of an audience which is the number one fear in America. Dying is number two. Amazing! Learn how to speak with confidence and without fear in this action packed and fun-filled seminar. (Each member attending will get a copy of B.C.'s booklet on getting over the fear of public speaking)

How To Be Funny For Money (Workshop)
For all you want to be comedians who don't quite know how to get in the business of making people laugh, this workshop is for you. It's a full day and will teach you how to write, perform and start your comedy career. B.C. toured for twenty plus years as a professional comic, one of the top 100 club comics in the country during the 90's. Let him share his wisdom with you and make you a successful comedian. (Each person attending get's a video of their performance.)

Humor Therapy (Laugh Away Your Blues)
This is B.C's signature workshop where he teaches people how to start a laughing club i.e. Humor Therapy Session at work to make their day better; to start them off with the right attitude to take on whatever the day has to offer. He has created Humor Therapy Sessions for businesses, schools and hospitals all over North America and they're very effective.

Daddyhood (You're Never Too Old To Be A Daddy)
This is the speech that B.C. usually does for churches and family groups. It tells how he went from a sinner to a follower of Christ when he held his son for the first time. It teaches you the difference between a daddy and a father. It teaches you the meaning of love. It will make you laugh, make you cry and make you think. Based on the book by the same title. The book is available for a special price for those attending. (Optional)

Six Principals For A Better Life
We all want to live a better life. B.C. has a six step program to help you do just that. This is a program that you can put to work immediately to make your life better through humor. Laugh and live longer. It's that simple. Six easy steps to make you live a longer, healthier and happier life. Based on the ebook by the same title and it comes with the six steps listed on postcard size cards for each member attending. And the ebooklet is available for a special rate. (Optional)

Music, Magic & Storytelling
B.C. loves to entertain children. Ever since his songs and magic amazed his two boys he has created a special show just for children. His Music, Magic & Storytelling Show is perfect for K-5th grade. It teaches kids how to interact, how to use their hands and feet, how to sing and have a good time. He plays children’s songs on his one-of-a-kind left handed guitar, he plays scrub board and he does amazing magic and the children help him. B.C. doesn't have a rabbit but he does have a magic raccoon that appears out of an empty box. Amazing! And the kids love it and so do the teachers and it comes with a message: If You Believe, You Can Achieve.

Want more information about booking B.C.? Send an e-mail to bc@worldwidebc.com and we will contact you.
B.C. conducts on-going Stress Relief programs and Life Coaching for Retirement Homes, Schools, and Hospitals. He specializes in staff retreats and team building workshops, as well as programs for care givers, parents, teachers, and students. When was the last time you had a really good laugh? Call B.C. today!
336-504-5839.

Who Is B.C.

Brad Carver a.k.a. BC is a personal development coach, author and humor therapist. For twenty years he toured North America as a professional stand-up comedian. His act was always different because he didn’t use foul language or adult subject matter. That’s still an oddity today in the comedy world.

BC switched from stand-up comedy to professional speaking in 2001 after the birth of his first son. BC was fifty-two years old at the time. His second son came along when he was fifty-five. His life since then has never been better.

Today BC does stress relief seminars and self-improvement coaching for corporations, associations, Chambers of Commerce, hospitals, schools, small businesses and civic organizations.

If you would like to schedule BC to speak to your group call or e-mail our offices.
bc@worldwidebc.com
336-504-5839