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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Looking Back at 2019
Episode | December 30th, 2019 | Season 1 | 34 mins 15 secs
We look back at some of our favorite episodes, read some listener feedback, and look forward to 2020!
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Prepare for an Awakening
Episode | December 23rd, 2019 | Season 1 | 48 mins 14 secs
We continue our discussion of Mario Murillo’s book, Vessels of Fire and Glory, and look forward to what 2020 may bring.
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A Diagnosis of the American Church
Episode | December 16th, 2019 | Season 1 | 54 mins 7 secs
We discuss the book “Vessels of Fire and Glory” by Mario Murillo and the state of the American Church. Don’t forget to send us your favorite episodes and why! DM us on Instagram @freemindfm, or email: podcast@freemind.fm
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The Chick-fil-A Saga Unfolds — More Unfortunate News
Episode | December 2nd, 2019 | Season 1 | 1 hr 10 mins
Even more news has come out regarding Chick-fil-A and its business decisions going back to 2014. We dig even further into the issue and discover what’s really going on.
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Closed on Sunday, You’re My Chick-fil-A?
Episode | November 25th, 2019 | Season 1 | 1 hr 16 mins
Chick-fil-A has recently changed what organizations they support through donations, and considering that has been a point of contention with LGBT activists, could it be connected? We discuss at length the many viewpoints and articles that have come out in the last week.
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The Latest In Progressive Christianity with Alisa Childers
Episode | November 18th, 2019 | Season 1 | 1 hr 5 mins
Freemind goes on the road for a LIVE show at Label Live in Nashville, TN! Alisa Childers returns as our special guest as we dive into Progressive Christianity and take questions from the audience.
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John Crist and Moral Failure in the Church
Episode | November 11th, 2019 | Season 1 | 43 mins 18 secs
Christian comedian John Crist fields accusations of sexting, harassment and more leading to the cancellation of his tour and upcoming Netflix special. We discuss moral failure in the church world and what it means to recover well.
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Why I Still Believe with Special Guest Mary Jo Sharp
Episode | November 5th, 2019 | Season 1 | 54 mins 8 secs
Special Guest Mary Jo Sharp joins us on Freemind to discuss her new book: Why I Still Believe: A Former Atheist’s Reckoning with the Bad Reputation Christians Give a Good God
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Kanye West Drops “Jesus Is King”
Episode | October 28th, 2019 | Season 1 | 34 mins 51 secs
Is Kanye a Christian now? How’s the new album? We discuss all things Kanye West on this bonus episode.
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John MacArthur and Beth Moore
Episode | October 28th, 2019 | Season 1 | 1 hr 7 secs
After reflecting on the loss of TobyMac’s son, we discuss John MacArthur’s comments concerning Beth Moore, egalitarianism and more.
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NBA’s Hypocrisy Exposed
Episode | October 21st, 2019 | Season 1 | 52 mins 23 secs
Money talks, and the NBA walks. We discuss the latest China / NBA Drama and Lebron James’ response to the ordeal.
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Dealing With Doubt with Brett Kunkle
Episode | October 14th, 2019 | Season 1 | 53 mins 40 secs
We’re back in the studio this week with special guest and founder of Maven Truth, Brett Kunkle! Brett is a fellow contributor to Stand to Reason, Impact 360, and breaks down the different struggles Christians can have with doubt.
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LIVE from A Better Way Ministries
Episode | October 7th, 2019 | Season 1 | 38 mins 35 secs
Our first LIVE podcast, recorded at A Better Way Ministries in Senoia, Georgia! We had the privilege of interviewing two of the men going through this incredible discipleship and recovery program for men.
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The Seductions of Superstar Christianity
Episode | September 30th, 2019 | Season 1 | 40 mins 40 secs
We answer a few listener questions concerning our interview with J. P. Moreland on Anxiety and Depression and go on to discuss “celebrity christianity”.
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Overcoming Anxiety & Depression with J. P. Moreland
Episode | September 24th, 2019 | Season 1 | 53 mins 8 secs
We’re honored to have Dr. J. P. Moreland, professor at Talbot School of Theology on the show this week as we discuss his latest book, Finding Quiet: Overcoming Anxiety and the Practices that Brought Peace.
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Mental Health, the Church, and the Suicide of Jarrid Wilson
Episode | September 16th, 2019 | Season 1 | 1 hr 6 mins
After the tragedy of Pastor Jarrid Wilson’s suicide we discuss how the church handles mental illness, anxiety, and some practical strategies from J. P. Moreland’s latest book.