Ep. 8 - From ‘Thunder Jeep’ to Turning the Page: A Story of Determination, Overcoming, and Optimism

A Life in Six Songs

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In this episode, we have an amazing conversation with Don Michael Barbour, a retired US Army JAG and founder of the Veterans Legal Foundation. Don Michael candidly and honestly reflects upon growing up in a traumatic environment and his determination to graduate high school early at 17 to join the Army as his way out. AC/DC, 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, and Elton John accompany us on this leg of the journey. He openly discusses Everclear's "Father of Mine" as epitomizing the feelings toward his father, which motivates Don Michael’s commitment to his own kids. From his service in the military to his advocacy work, his story is a testament to courage, resilience and the healing power of music. You don’t want to miss this one! Pull up a folding chair, grab a drink, find a spot around the fire, and enjoy the conversation and community.

Follow your hosts David, Raza, and Carolina every week as they embark on an epic adventure to find the songs that are stuck to us like audible tattoos to tell the story of who we are and where we’ve been. It’s a life story told through 6 songs. Take a listen, and, if you have someone whose life you’d like to hear in 6 songs, let us know.

WHO WE ARE

DAVID: Creator & Host @ALifeinSixSongs

Drummer | Educator | Philosopher | Combat Veteran | PTSD Advocate

CAROLINA: Co-Host @ALifeinSixSongs

Storyteller | Head of Learning & Development Services @ReadySet

RAZA: Co-Host @ALifeinSixSongs

Guitarist | Lawyer | Solo Project @Solamente.Band

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Liked songs from this life story? Check out A Life in Six Songs playlist on Apple Music and Spotify
• Follow A Life in Six Songs on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
• Are you a veteran who is struggling? Get help here:
  • Call the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1.
  • Text the Veterans Crisis Line: Send your message to 838255
  • Visit the Veterans Crisis Line website to chat virtually
  • PTSD Online Questionnaire
  • National Center for PTSD

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Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit or educational use tips the balance in favor of fair use. The original work played in this video has been significantly transformed for the purpose of commentary, criticism, and education.

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1. A Life in Six Songs (00:00:00)

2. Our Guest Today is Don Michael Barbour (00:01:32)

3. AC/DC's Dirty Deeds and Thunder Jeep (00:07:10)

4. 2Pac and Snoop Dogg and Leaving for the Army (00:23:18)

5. Becoming the "Tiny Dancer" (00:40:40)

6. A Song That Reminds You of Your Father (00:51:16)

7. Bob Seger's Turn the Page and Traveling the Country (01:11:20)

8. Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, and New Perspectives of Meaning and Purpose (01:30:57)

9. Lightning Round of Four Bonus Songs (01:45:50)