The Heart of the Matter

In this episode, I’m with my co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson, and musician, writer, blogger, and retired educator, Todd Fulginiti talking about the great new music he’s recorded and released as Jazz on King, volume 1. Centered on the ongoing gig he has with his two fellow musicians, Dave Winter and Dave Santana, Todd talks about the recording process – the low-stress way they recorded it for themselves. Then the step away they took from the project after recording it, and now the release.

We find out what it’s like to have music as a family affair since Todd’s daughters, Bailey and Ally both contributed to this album and collaborate with him on their yearly music project to raise money for a good cause.

Having an interested curator of our art is always so helpful so we learn about Bill Speakman, the manager of the live venue where the Fulginiti trio plays bi-weekly. And then Bill also comes in as a sort of producer of this album.

Because Todd is multi-talented and can write as well as he plays, we dig into the blog post he wrote about finding his way to the style of music that he likes to play after years of both practicing and teaching music. He’s built on what he learned from his father-in-law to hone a style where less is more. I know you’ll be as fascinated and inspired by Todd, and his less notes and more space style as Vicki and I were.

We talk about the particulars of trying to make money as a musician, especially in the digital streaming era. Todd fills us in on what licensing and formats require and how that dove-tails with performing live.

This is a great episode about great music and the interesting and complex choice creatives have to make when releasing their art to the world. We know you’ll love it!

After you’ve listened, here’s a page on Todd’s site to leave feedback on his music for album reviews

Episode 129: Wish I Was Here with Ilsa Rey – Sharing the Heart of the Matter

Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson talk with author Ilsa Rey about her book, Wish I Was Here that will be released on December 23, 2025. The conversation delves into the thrilling narrative where Anna's best friend Isaac invents an invisibility pill and is kidnapped for it. In a desperate attempt to save him, Anna takes the pill herself, leading to a race against time to find him and secure the antidote before she remains invisible forever.Ilsa tells us about her 10 year journey of writing the book as well as all the ways she used rejection and feedback to grow. We talk about writing in the zone as well as the research that goes into great books like Wish I Was Here.TakeawaysAnna's best friend Isaac invents an invisibility pill.Isaac is kidnapped for his invention.Anna takes the invisibility pill to save herself.She has one week to find Isaac and the antidote.Remaining invisible could lead to insanity and death.Anna must follow clues left by Isaac.The story explores themes of friendship and urgency.The narrative is filled with adventure and suspense.The invisibility pill serves as a catalyst for the plot.The stakes are high as Anna races against time.Links for this episode:For show notes and more great inspiration, please see https://sharingtheheartofthematter.comVideo Trailer for "Wish I Was Here": https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Py-B0EbMMmEV3QBsxDHxVX4Pfr3d04wy/view?usp=sharingPurchase Wish I Was Here on Black Rose WritingIlsa's blog: Writing and Martial ArtsFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

1. Episode 129: Wish I Was Here with Ilsa Rey 31:47
2. Episode 128: This is Your Body on Trauma with Meg Bowman 43:10
3. Episode 127: King Copper with Lauren Scott 29:16
4. Episode 126: Cherry Whip with Michael Antman 35:50
5. Episode 125: Jade's Broken Bridge with Michele Lee Sefton 29:05

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen on Anchor Episode 38: Jazz on King with Todd Fulginiti

Links for this Episode:

If you want to be on the podcast, or have additional guests to suggest, please email us at sharingtheheartofthematter@gmail.com

Listen on Anchor Episode 38: Jazz on King with Todd Fulginiti

Todd site where you can listen to the album and find out more: Todd Fulginiti Music (You can also listen to the album on Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple)

The album review page: Jazz on King Vol. 1 Album Reviews

Todd’s Wise and Shine post about the album release: My New Album Releases Today!

Todd’s Wise & Shine post about finding his playing style: Why Did I Say That?