Redefining Resonance

The Pettits

Lainey Pettit — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

This week on the final episode of Redefining Resonance, I'm diving deep into my musical roots with the two people who shaped my love for music most: my parents, Laura and Keith Pettit. We explore how music isn't just a sound, but a generational language that connects family, emotions, and memories. From church choirs to living room karaoke sessions, my parents share their musical journeys, revealing how music has been foundational for our family for generations. This episode is full of laughs and holds a very special place in my heart! Please join us as we uncover how music has not only shaped us individually, but brought us closer together as a family.

June McCormick

Lainey Pettit — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

This week on Redefining Resonance, I’m joined by June McCormick of the Forester Sisters, the legendary country group made up of four sisters from Lookout Mountain, GA. June shares how their journey began in a small church, singing together as sisters, and how that foundation led to a career with Warner Brothers and international tours. We talk about balancing motherhood and music, the decision to step away from the spotlight, and what it means to prioritize the things that truly matter as seasons change. From the challenges of being women in a male-dominated industry to the beauty of embracing change for the sake of family, this episode is a powerful reminder that our calling can evolve, and that’s a beautiful thing.

Michael Marsilio

Lainey Pettit — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

This week on Redefining Resonance, I’m joined by my brother-in-law, Michael Marsilio, who has spent over 15 years leading worship and serving in ministry. We talk about what it really means to use music as a form of faithful devotion, not for performance or applause, but as a way to glorify God. Michael shares his heart for worship and how, within the Christian faith, every expression of it holds value, no matter the style or setting. From the difference between performing and leading to the deeper purpose behind every note sung or played, this episode is full of honest conversation about why Christians are called to keep God at the center of it all.

Beth Strabala

Lainey Pettit — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0400

This week on Redefining Resonance, I sat down with Beth Strabala, my high school choir director and one of the most passionate music educators I know. She’s taught everything from preschool music classes to high school choirs, and in this episode, we dive into what those experiences have been like. We talk about how choir isn’t just about hitting the right notes, but it’s about teamwork, confidence, and all those life lessons that stick with you long after the final performance. With plenty of laughs and heartfelt reflections, this episode is a reminder of why, especially during those formative years, choir and music classes are about so much more than just music.

Southam

Lainey Pettit — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0400

This week on Redefining Resonance, I'm joined by the members of Southam — Dylan Stansel, Seth Banks, and Jared Cox. From college connections to forming a band, these three musicians have built something special through their shared love of music. We talk about their journey, the stories behind making music, and what it’s like to collaborate as a band. Through life's challenges and ever-changing circumstances, their bond has grown beyond friendship, reaching a whole new level of connection through their music.

Michelle Cates

Lainey Pettit — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Redefining Resonance, we sit down with Piedmont University track runner and junior mass communications major Michelle Cates to explore the power of music in bringing people together. From unification and cultural understanding to the collaboration between Christian and secular artists, Michelle shares her insights on how music transcends boundaries. We also dive into the deep-rooted significance of music in Black American culture and how it continues to shape communities and connections.

Dr. Wallace Hinson

Lainey Pettit — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0400

This week on Redefining Resonance, I’m joined by Dr. Wallace Hinson, Professor of music Emeritus, former conservatory director, and former associate dean of the school of fine arts and communications at Piedmont University. He shares how a childhood moment sparked his love for music, the unexpected turns that led him to a career in conducting, and what it was like to build Piedmont’s music program from the ground up. We also dive into the power of choral music—not just as an art form, but as a way to bring people together, foster connection, and create something greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’ve sung in a choir or just love the sound of voices in harmony, this episode is all about the magic of making music together.

Coleigh Elmore

Lainey Pettit — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0500

This week on Redefining Resonance, I'm joined by Coleigh Elmore, a junior athletic training major with a deep passion for live music. Coleigh isn’t just a concertgoer, she’s an expert at making the most of every show. In this episode, we break down why live music is such a powerful experience, from the electric energy of the crowd to the unforgettable connection between artists and fans. We also dive into the culture of parasocial relationships, exploring how society’s obsession with musicians shapes the way we experience their art.

Joe Dennis

Lainey Pettit — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0500

This week on Redefining Resonance, I'm joined by Joe Dennis, Associate Professor and Chair of the Mass Communications Department at Piedmont University. Joe grew up in Chicago, a city rich with music, but even though he wasn’t a musician himself, his love for music never wavered. Instead, he found his passion behind the microphone as a radio DJ. In this episode, Joe talks about his love for all kinds of music, with a special focus on the 80s hair rock scene. We'll also dive into how radio and live music shaped his world, and how his work connects people to the magic of music.

Jesse Smedley

Lainey Pettit — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0500

This week on Redefining Resonance, I'm joined by Jesse Smedley, a speech pathology major at Piedmont University with years of experience in choral singing. As a dedicated GMEA choral student, Jesse knows the ins and outs of life as a “chorus kid.” Together we reminisce about the challenges of performing and the surreal nature of a good choral experience. We also explore how the pandemic shaped his musical journey and many musicians alike.

Ananda Munoz Salas

Lainey Pettit — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0500

This week on Redefining Resonance, I'm joined by Piedmont University vocal performance major Ananda Munoz Salas. Together, we explore her unique journey from Venezuela to the U.S. and how music became a powerful source of hope and knowledge along the way. Ananda shares how her cultural background has influenced her musically as well as the ways music has shaped her personal identity. We also dive into the importance of passion and perseverance in the incredibly demanding and complex world of music.

Dakota Rose Chen

Lainey Pettit — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0500

This week on Redefining Resonance we dive into the exciting world of musical theater with my special guest, Dakota Rose Chen. We chat about how musical theater isn't just about singing and dancing, but it's also a powerful way to share stories, emotions, and important messages. In this episode, Dakota shares how certain songs have touched her life and how performing on stage can deeply connect with both the actor and the audience. We also touch on the hard work and dedication it takes to be a performer and hear some of Dakota's personal experiences in the world of musical theater. Join us as we explore how music and theater bring people together and leave a lasting impact.