Each extraordinary artists in their own right, Nirva Ready—a Chicago native and daughter of Haitian immigrants—is familiar to fans around the world as a singer and dancer in TobyMac’s Diverse City Band. Joining the group shortly after her graduation from Nashville’s historic Fisk University, where she was a member of the renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers, Nirva has traveled with the iconic GRAMMY®-winning artist for more than a decade, and it’s an honor she doesn’t take lightly.
“It means a lot to be a part of such a huge team that influences so many through the art of music for the Kingdom of God,” she says. “I've learned so much musically as well as spiritually, and I'm humbled to share the stage with one of the most popular Christian artists in the field. It far exceeds anything I could have dreamed.”
Traveling a similar path, Seth Ready’s resume also boasts a who’s who of top Christian and gospel artists. Growing up in central Florida, the self-described “gospel music fanatic” spent hours alone in his room singing, emulating influences like Andrae Crouch, The Winans, and Fred Hammond. Such dedication to his passion afforded Seth a series of opportunities in college that ultimately landed him at the doorstep of one of urban gospel’s most groundbreaking talents, Kirk Franklin. Following a tenure with the multi-platinum artist’s Hopeville Tour, Seth has also been a background vocalist for such names as Chris Tomlin, Donnie McClurkin, and CeCe Winans, to name a few.
While Seth & Nirva began their journeys in different musical circles, it wasn’t long before their paths began to cross. “Nirva doesn’t remember the first two times we met, so I obviously made a big impression,” Seth says with a laugh. “I first met Seth in San Diego at a Billy Graham Crusade,” Nirva recounts. “We were each singing background for artists that evening—me for TobyMac and Seth for Kirk Franklin—and a mutual friend introduced us.”
Never Alone, Seth & Nirva’s faith-empowering debut full-length album set for release on Integrity Music. Produced by Bryan Fowler (TobyMac, Aaron Shust) and featuring songwriting collaborations with Michael Farren (“Let It Rain”), Mia Fields (“Savior King”), Jacob Sooter, Israel Houghton, TobyMac, Victor Oquendo and BJ Putnam, Never Alone picks up where their 2014 EP I Need You left off.
Sonically, Never Alone explores the veteran background vocalists’ unique styles, with even more diversity than before. From the solid R&B groove of “Pour It Out” to the modern pop anthem of “Unconditional,” to the ballads and calls to worship on the album, Seth & Nirva carve out a distinctive blend all their own. “Our sound—much like us as a couple and as individuals—doesn’t fit any traditional genre category very well,” says Seth.“It’s a bit more diverse stylistically than a lot of artists and difficult to categorize, but this is who we are.”
In these, as in all the songs on Never Alone, Seth & Nirva drive home the eternal truth that God is present, on the move and that as believers, we are part of God’s story as He is part of ours. What theologian Dallas Willard calls ‘playing to an Audience of One,’ where He becomes our safe place, a refuge from lesser things, a place wherein our reverence for Him and dependence on Him becomes wisdom by which He empowers us to become all we are created to be.
“We want to be part of helping our brothers and sisters recover their courage,” Seth adds, “develop their character, grow in their understanding of the biblical worldview and connect with God on a daily basis through study and worship.”
“We want to use the gifts and tools God has given us—in the context of singing and making music—to serve and encourage the Church, as well as to take part in the renewal He is bringing about that will enable us to stand firm and impact our spheres of influence with the Gospel in a day when culture is set against us.”
Seth Ready has hosted 134 Episodes.
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Forum on Race: Critical Theory with Dr. Neil Shenvi
Episode | June 15th, 2020 | Season 2 | 1 hr 50 mins
Join us for a special open forum with special guest Dr. Neil Shenvi on Critical Race Theory, current events, and a Q&A with the audience.
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George Floyd: Potential Positives and Pitfalls in the Church’s Response
Episode | June 8th, 2020 | Season 2 | 1 hr 9 mins
Seth & Nirva discuss recent events and the church's response to the murder of George Floyd.
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Ahmaud Arbery: Discussion with Ryan and Bethany Bomberger
Episode | May 25th, 2020 | Season 2 | 1 hr 37 secs
Founders of the Radiance Foundation, Ryan and Bethany Bomberger join Seth and Nirva on the podcast to discuss the death of Ahmaud Arbery.
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Why Does God Allow Evil and Suffering? Interview with Dr. Clay Jones
Episode | May 15th, 2020 | Season 2 | 48 mins 37 secs
Clay Jones is an associate professor of Christian Apologetics at Talbot Seminary, Biola University. Seth and Nirva interview Dr. Jones on his book, “Why Does God Allow Evil?”
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Coronavirus, God, Trump and the 2020 Election with Charisma CEO and Founder, Stephen Strang
Episode | April 28th, 2020 | Season 2 | 1 hr 10 mins
CEO and Founder of Charisma Media, Stephen Strang joins us on Freemind to discuss his experiences in journalism, ministry, and his latest book: God, Trump and the 2020 Election.
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Do Miracles Still Happen? with Dr. Craig Keener
Episode | April 21st, 2020 | Season 2 | 1 hr 17 mins
Dr. Craig Keener, author of the two volume set documenting modern-day miracles joins us on Freemind with inspiring stories of healing and much more.
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Tips on Homeschooling During Coronavirus
Episode | April 1st, 2020 | Season 2 | 34 mins 30 secs
Special Guest Neil Shenvi returns to the Freemind podcast to give us some homeschooling tips and strategies to use during Coronavirus and for anyone interested in homeschooling!
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Coronavirus Doomsday?? Update with Dr. Dan
Episode | March 30th, 2020 | Season 2 | 34 mins 4 secs
Now that America has become the number one country in positive Coronavirus cases, Dr. Dan return to Freemind giving some perspective on what that means and what we can expect going forward.
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Interview with Doctor Currently Treating a Coronavirus Patient
Episode | March 24th, 2020 | Season 2 | 42 mins 14 secs
We interview Dr. Daniel J. Eichenberger, an internal medicine/pediatric specialist in Floyds Knobs, Indiana. Dr. Daniel has recently treated a coronavirus patient and offers great insight into the current pandemic.
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Coronavirus: Fake News, Plagues, and Prophecy
Episode | March 16th, 2020 | Season 2 | 1 hr 1 min
After some bad jokes attempting to lighten the mood, we discuss our experiences with the Coronavirus situation and how we can approach it from a Biblical perspective.
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Why Christians Should Go to Israel with Robert VM and Exclusive Interview with Artist Erskin Anavitarte
Episode | March 10th, 2020 | Season 2 | 43 mins 37 secs
Seth and Nirva continue with special guests from the National Religious Broadcasters Conference! Robert Vander Maten of Noseworthy Travel discusses the impact of traveling to Israel, and Christian Artist Erskin Anavitarte talks about his ministry and music.
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The Third Sex? Interview with Author Kent Philpott Live from NRB
Episode | March 5th, 2020 | Season 2 | 56 mins 20 secs
Seth and Nirva had the opportunity to attend the National Religious Broadcasters conference and interviewed multiple special guests! On this first episode, they interview the author of "The Third Sex? Revisited: Homosexual and Transgender Issues from a Biblical Perspective", Kent Philpott.
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Does Max Lucado Endorse Jen Hatmaker and Progressive Christianity?
Episode | February 17th, 2020 | Season 2 | 1 hr 4 mins
We discuss Max Lucado appearing on the Jen Hatmaker podcast, the ramifications of his comments along with Progressive Christianity and Richard Rohr.
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Halftime Show: Empowering or Explicit?
Episode | February 11th, 2020 | Season 2 | 1 hr 10 secs
Was this year’s Halftime show a display of women empowerment, or something indicative of our Nation’s moral decline? We discuss in detail and reference the following articles.
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How Should Christians Deal with Heresy?
Episode | February 3rd, 2020 | Season 2 | 1 hr 33 secs
Freemind is BACK and we have some big news to share! We also discuss what Jesus and Paul instruct about dealing with heresy and false teaching from fellow Christians.
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Escaping African Civil War and a Raising of the Dead: Interview with Médine Keener
Episode | January 8th, 2020 | Season 2 | 48 mins 39 secs
Our first episode of 2020 is a very special interview with Médine Keener. She has an incredible story of living through an African Civil War, witnessing healings, and then marrying the author of Miracles, Craig Keener! Catch the video of this episode on YouTube where we filmed for the first time in the Freemind tour bus!