Since releasing his first album independently at just age 15, GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter and producer Sean McConnell now has a robust catalogue under his belt, including songs recorded by artists like Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Brothers Osborne, Christina Aguilera and more. Sean earned his first Number 1 single as a writer on the country charts with Brett Young’s “Mercy" in early 2018, and his objective with his most recent album as an artist titled A Horrible Beautiful Dream is to reflect the chaotic time in which it was made, while still striving for timelessness.  Mary Susan McConnell is the host of the popular Mama Bear Podcast, a space she created for fellow women raising children in profound circumstances and author of the ebook, We're Going to Have Fun Damnit: Transparent Tales of Thriving & Struggling in the Extreme Circumstances of Special Needs Parenting. As a former middle school teacher, she holds her Master's in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment and a Doctorate in Special Education.  Sean and Mary Susan live in Nashville, TN with their magical daughter Abiella (who happens to have severe cerebral palsy), their amazing dog and two pigs. www.seanmcconnell.comIG: @sean_mcconnell, @marysusanmcconnellSpotify: Sean McConnell Mama Bear Podcast: Listen on Apple PodcastsGet the book: www.marysusanmcconnell.com/shop NOTE: As a quick head’s up, the production team is taking a break to celebrate the holidays. Make sure you’re following the Stay Human podcast on your favorite podcast listening app with your notifications turned on, so that you’re the first to know when the next episode drops! Michael’s album Work Hard And Be Nice is out now: https://orcd.co/work-hard-and-be-nice Keep in touch with Michael online: www.michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: www.stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS:Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists ManagementProducer: Angie Griffith for BPOSITIIVArtist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists ManagementManagement Coordinator: Bryce Matthews for Activist Artists ManagementSocial Media Manager: Kaitlyn ParmenterIn Partnership with: American Songwriter Podcast Network  Presenting Sponsor: Gibson Brands  Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Editing by: Al Peterson for Resonate RecordingsAdditional Editing by:  Roger Gowdy for Page Turners Studio