The Jazz for Peace™ Podcast featuring Rick DellaRatta

Episode 5 takes us to Portland, Oregon to find Dave Mowry, a comic telling his story of living with severe mental illness one joke at a time. He also teaches stand-up comedy to folks with a mental illness helping them find humor in their dark days and lost years, thus transforming lives. This must see episode details his struggles with mental health, financial hardship and homelessness before actually being saved by laughter. His own non profit dedicated to helping others along with his love of the music of Etta James and the recent passing of Jazz Icon Sonny Rollin’s inspired this once-in-a-lifetime musical performance medley and a special fundraising tutorial by Ric...

Episode 3 brings us the incredible story of a brain healed through the teachings of Christ. After experiencing Traumatic Brain Injury, Medical Malpractice, a Stroke and Spiritually Crossing Over, Grace King found the one and only thing that could save her. God. Over the past eight years she has since learned many things including what happens to the brain when we implement Christ’s teachings into our life. Join us for this powerful episode which also inspired a spiritual medley by Rick of his own compositions Jazz for Peace and Joshua’s Song. Her breakthrough Book titled “A Stroke of Grace” is available at Amazon and other fine outlets.  https://www.amazon.com/s?k=a+stroke+of+grace+grac...

From the boardrooms of construction firms to the hunting grounds of six continents, eighth-generation Texan Victor Bretting had a lot to share in his book The Man That I Would Become. Today, in addition to the general public, his North Texas ranch opens its gates to wounded veterans, terminally ill children, and young men who need to meet God in the silence of the land. The southern hospitality he provides along with his wife and family became the inspiration for Rick’s impromptu first ever podcast performance of the Ray Charles Classic "Georgia on My Mind". Experience this extraordinary ra...

Known for guiding leaders and teams with clarity, power and presence, Paul Crick is now capitalizing on his expertise as the creator of GRACE Framework® and founder of both GRACEWorks and his own management consultancy, The Elevate Partnership, to launch The Evenstar Project - “live music that funds local causes and self-defined success.” This new philanthropic venture and return to his piano and guitar playing roots naturally caught the eye of our Host and his foundation Jazz for Peace, inspiring Rick to contribute a unique live performance of songs by Ozzy Osbourne and Pat Metheny as well as a detaile...

S: 3 E: 2 Kristine Genovese - Health, Healing & Heritage.Kristine Genovese is a transformative force in holistic health,  empowering healthcare professionals and healers to reclaim their own well being while revolutionizing the way they heal  others. Join us for this must see discussion as we find out about her groundbreaking Soul Intelligence® Method, new Movie & latest Book inspiring a special performance  of the Emerson. Lake & Palmer classic Tarkus along with some surprising tidbits and artifacts from her Italian heritage! Find out more about Kristine and her great work at: https://soulintelligencemethod.com/AND: Make a difference! YES YOU!! As we flip the script to fund WORLD PEACE at 1% instead of...

Water Conservation Expert, skier, outdoor enthusiast, endurance athlete, adventurer, and advocate for community Peter Radosta is known for bringing the ABC’s of Ambition, Balance and Commitment wherever he goes including recently when he traveled from St. George, Utah to the uninhabited glaciers of South Georgia Island on a sailboat with a handful of skiing, hiking and cold plunge adventurers to revisit and pay tribute to the great explorer Ernest Shackleton. Join us for this no holds barred conversation highlighted by Ricks inspired musical performance of Lord Huron’s “To The Ends Of The Earth” in this MUST SEE Episode!<p...

Gloria Vanderhorst is a seasoned psychologist, author, wife, mother, and grandmother who, drawing from her own experiences, has long focused on encouraging change in how we raise boys. Gloria has 50 years of experience helping preschoolers through adults examine emotional needs and heal from trauma. She has worked with individuals, families, groups, and schools and her best-selling new book, Read, Reflect, Respond: The 3 R’s of Growth and Change, available on Amazon, can help you understand your complex history and heal from early traumas. This engaging discussion which led to her parents introducing her to the music of Dave Brubeck as...

To increase funding for World Peace and Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Jazz for Peace in YOUR TOWN click below:1. For FANS & VENUES: ⁠https://jazzforpeace.org/easyletter.pdf⁠2. FOR Non Profits & All Outstanding Causes: ⁠https://jazzforpeace.org/payitforward.pdf⁠3. NEW Legacy Series Episode Promo Teaser video makes case for why YOU should experience JAZZforPEACE ONCE in your lifetime. Watch “10 Billion Funding explained in 10 Seconds!” https://youtu.be/vDOlVG_M7ioAbout our Amazing Guest: After spending years as a Service Learning educator, and as a former rock n’ roll disc jocke...

Robert Collin tells three amazing stories that reveal his extraordinary Legacy, Authenticity, and his amazing new book on Climate Adaption. While Rick pays tribute with Three Amazing Live Performances to three comrades who recently passed away including his former band mate Al Foster, Brazilian Comrade Hermeto Pascoal, and fellow keyboardist Akiko Tsugura in this MUST SEE VERY FIRST Episode of our NEW "Legacy Series - A Chance for Peace!"Robert Collin has taught, researched and published in law, social work and urban and environmental planning for over 40 years. He has also been appointed to...

Chris Hendricks has dealt with a serious case of cerebral palsy since he was 4. But, for the subsequent 33 years, Chris has used his voice through music and keynote speaking to make an impact on society across the Southeast and beyond. His purpose driven music is awesome, and his interviews are inspiring. His wonderful quote "Creativity is the truest form of communication", original song and authentic conversation became the inspiration for Rick's unique take on the Joe Jackson 1980's Pop Classic "Steppin Out". Find out more about Chris and his spring 2026 NEW Album Release at: https://www.iamchrishendricks.com/<...

Richard Sgaglio is a communications executive, LGBTQ+ advocate, and lifelong storyteller. His debut novel, “When The Road Narrows” is a searing coming-of-age story exploring identity, faith, live, loss and the desire to live authentically. Published by Spectrum Books (London), the novel, launched worldwide this week and available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other online booksellers inspired Rick's LIVE performance of the QUEEN Classic "Crazy Little Thing Called Love!". Find out more about Richard and get your copy at: https://richardsgaglio.com/

On S: 2 E: 47 Rick welcomes Amadou Camara, an architectural designer, and the author of Climbing The Hill, a memoir tracing his journey from childhood trauma in Guinea to building a new life in the U.S. through resilience, creativity, and courage. His story touches on surviving abuse, navigating immigration, and finding healing through education and design. His journey from West Africa to Madison, Wisconsin and switching from French to English inspired a special bilingual version of Rick's seasonal rendition of one of the all-time jazz classics, Autumn Leaves! Find out more about Amadou and purchase his amazing book at: h...

Our New Legacy Series spotlighting Elder Voices follows the amazing Bob Collins episode with another AWESOME sequel!Roger Barnes is an experienced professional with executive experience in multiple industries. As a proven visionary and leader, he excelled in accounting, finance, construction, commercial development, non-profit management, faith-based counseling, and as a sole proprietor. He also loves to give back with numerous community activities as a lifelong member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. All of which including his solution to the durable outdoor clothing gap via the launch of Trailrider became the inspiration for Rick’s personalized rendition of...

S.A. Thomas, aka Steve, is the author of  "How to Succeed on Wall St. and Why You Should Absolutely Not Do It: A Moron's Memoir”. Thomas is a 20-year Wall St. Veteran who was born and raised in NYC, currently residing in Staten Island, New York. He has held various roles throughout his career and is currently a Managing Director at an Investment Brokerage, focusing on Convertible Bonds. He believes that through creativity we may heal and be healed and is the founder of Creative Postures, which fosters a community space for non-traditional artists, through mentorship and platforms to...

Episode 43 brings us Gordon Phillips from New Hampshire, the world's first 'Financial Unplanner'! As a long time lover of liberty, Gordon recently published "The Risky Reader: Essays On Fallen Freedoms, Cultural Collapse And The New America" on Amazon. His knowledge of everything from Music to Finance to the REAL History we are not being told, along with his newly unveiled “Gordon Phillips Academy," inspired Rick's musical tribute to bassists Eddie Gomez, Jaco Pastorius and the person who played a role in Rick's first big break in music at age 19 as his opening act and Emcee, Dizzy Gillespie. Find out mo...

Laurel Mellin is a health psychologist and founder of Emotional Brain Training (EBT). This scientific, easy-to-use skill set empowers people to take care of their health and happiness with fewer medications and less therapy. The circuits in the unconscious mind cause most health problems (e.g., obesity, addiction, anxiety, depression, relationship stress, chronic diseases, and trauma). Current methods often fall short of rewiring the unconscious mind, resulting in superficial and short-term outcomes. EBT transforms people's lives by giving them rapid and direct control over their unconscious mind, allowing them to decide what change they want to make, identify the...

Paul Rushworth-Brown is an English-born Australian novelist whose work doesn’t just entertain, it confronts. His latest book, Outback Odyssey, takes readers deep into the raw beauty and brutality of 1950s Australia. What begins as an outback adventure soon becomes a deeply moving, allegorical exploration of Australia’s colonial legacy, First Nations' resilience, and the silence that still lingers around reconciliation. This amazing conversation about Australia's history and relationship with its First Nation's inhabitants lay the groundwork for Rick's inspired performance of his own “Little Song” in an episode that people from all cultures will enjoy and relate to. Learn more...

Season 2 Episode 34 brings us the incredible story of Marcy Langlois, who sums up How to Overcome Triggers & Limitations from Trauma as follows: "Our beliefs create our thoughts. Our thoughts dictate how we feel. Our feelings determine our actions. The actions that we take every day create the life that we live." Marcy is a trauma survivor and chronic illness warrior 20+ years into her sobriety journey who shares tips and tools accumulated from a lifetime of work to help others live beyond their limits. Today, Marcy lives a life filled with self-love and contentment. However, her greatest passion lies in sh...

As the founder of Mindful Adaptations, Chandra aims to transform the psychotherapy paradigm by offering tools that empower clients to heal rather than rely solely on prolonged therapy or medication. Her mission is to foster Global Congruence - the alignment of heart, mind, and body - for individuals, families, and communities to create a kinder, more harmonious world. Her Inner Harmony - Outer Kindness and Dream Big approach was the inspiration for Rick's performance of the Classic "Dream a Little Dream" in this must see episode! Find out more and contact Chandra about her book and services at: https...

Robert Collin has taught, researched and published in law, social work and urban and environmental planning for over 40 years. He has also been appointed to advisory commissions by 3 state governors and 3 presidents, published many law reviews, and 9 volumes of encyclopedias, some with his wife Robin Morris Collin. His new book, “The Climate Adaptation Generation” was awarded the best climate change book in the US for 2025 and Accepted for consideration for the 2025 Pulitzer Prize. In addition to also being a certified expert witness in US federal court and in state Court and winning 2 awards teaching decided by students, Robert feels very...