A Way with Words is a fun and funny public radio program about language examined through history, culture, and family. Its mission is to change the way you think about language. The program is heard by broadcast and podcast across the United States and around the world by more than a quarter-million listeners each week. It's produced by Wayword, Inc., a nonprofit whose mission is to promote lifelong learning, better human communication, and the value of a thing well-said or well-written. Call or write with your language questions at any time: (877) 929-9673 (toll-free in the US and Canada) or just email us: words@waywordradio.org.

Michael Franti is a globally renowned musician, humanitarian, and activist, celebrated for his high-energy live performances, socially conscious music, and unshakable optimism. With three Billboard No. 1 hits—“Sound of Sunshine,” “Say Hey (I Love You),” and “I Got You”—and a track record of six Top 30 Hot AC singles, 10 Top 25 AAA singles, and three Billboard Top 5 albums, Franti has built a career on music that uplifts and unites. His concerts break down barriers between artist and audience, transforming venues into spaces of joy, connection, and shared humanity.

On March 28, 2025, Franti released his 14th studio album, Welcome to the Family, a collection of 13 new songs that embrace themes of inclusivity, self-discovery, and resilience. The lead single, “Break Up With Everything,” is currently climbing the US AAA charts, setting the tone for an album that channels personal and global challenges into anthems of hope and change. “Every one of us has a family—whether by birth, circumstance, or choice. When you put all those together, they form the world family. Right now, the world is filled with uncertainty, anxiety, and division. This album is about taking those emotions—what I experience every day—and turning them into music that reminds us we are never alone.”

To bring this message of connection to life, Franti will embark on the Welcome to the Family Tour, a nationwide summer trek with stops at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Pier 17, and more. Known for his immersive concert experience—where he often performs from the crowd, invites fans on stage, and fosters a true sense of togetherness—each show is more than just a performance; it’s a celebration of unity and positivity.

Beyond music, Franti is the founder of Soulshine Bali, a forty-room, five-star boutique retreat in Ubud, Indonesia, dedicated to wellness, creativity, and human connection. He and his wife also founded Do It For The Love, a nonprofit that grants live music experiences to individuals facing life-threatening illnesses, veterans, and children with severe challenges. Since its inception, the foundation has granted over 3,500 wishes, touching more than 15,000 lives worldwide.

Franti’s career is defined by his ability to turn hardship into hope, fostering unity through music, activism, and philanthropy. Whether on stage, at his Bali retreat, or through his foundation, his purpose remains the same: to bring people together, lift spirits, and remind us all that we are part of something bigger. With Welcome to the Family, he continues to create not just music but a movement of love, inclusivity, and transformation.

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