These are a few numbers from "I've Learned", a revue concert held in October 2017 that featured a number of my original works concerning the themes of identity and personal growth. 

The stellar performers featured in this playlist are Jordan Roulo, Robin West, Caro Granner and Isabelle Calkins. 

The tracks were recorded by David Flowers.

I've Learned

Still

Never

Reflected in the Stars

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "The Story Goes", a one-on-one interview / storytelling show in which host Mike O'Mara and guests explore the people, places and situations that give our lives meaning and our efforts purpose. 

On this episode, R. shares their experiences growing into themselves and relates how a moment of clarity a few years back has continued to shape their life today as they navigate the uncertain waters of their mid-20s.

Listen in for an hour of vulnerable, real talk about what it means to let go and allow your true feelings to show themselves - even when they may be frightening to you. 

Today's story is ultimately, one that illustrates the importance of effort of our lives. I hope that it speaks to you.

All my best,
- Mike

TASCAM DR-05

Ep. 1 - The Importance of Trying

Welcome back to "The Story Goes"!

On today's episode, learn about Oladapo, a young man originally from Chicago who now resides in Evanston, IL. I was touched by his perseverance and good humor despite the myriad of twists and turns his young life has taken him on, and I think you will be, too.

Enjoy a chat with one of the sweetest human beings I've ever met, and be reminded that there are a lot of good people still out there.

I hope you have a wonderful day!
- Mike

Ep. 2 - Perseverance

Welcome to Episode 3 of "The Story Goes"!

My guest today is Melina, a brilliant actor and world-builder who helps to helm a feminist sci-fi theater company when she's not creating escape room events for clients in a mobile trailer. For real.

Please join us for a discussion about acting, growing up, terrible relationships, lies, and ultimately, finding resilience and meaning through being brave enough to ask for help, vulnerable enough to be a mess, and hopeful enough to keep reaching for what you need.

Ep. 3 - Sci-Fi, Lies and Resilience

Welcome to Episode 4 of "The Story Goes"!

Today, I'm joined by professional musician Meret and her 17-month old Jasper. Listen in as we try to keep him occupied (and only partially succeed) while chatting about the biggest change that's happened in her life - becoming a mother.

Along the way, we talk about the idea of 'having it all', postpartum issues, wayward Cheerios and peeing on Persian rugs, among other things.

I hope those with and without children will enjoy and hopefully gain something from our chat. Thanks for listening and have a wonderful day!

Sincerely,
- Mike

Ep. 4 - Music and Motherhood

Welcome to Episode 5 of "The Story Goes"!

My guest today is the multi-talented Sylvana, who splits her time between college, work, and her many artistic pursuits. Join us for a poignant talk about self-perception, how our emotions can consume us, the challenge of always seeing yourself as 'less than' and the power of framing our lives in a realistic manner.

I truly hope that you enjoy the episode, and thank you very much for listening!

All my best,
- Mike

Ep. 5 - The Illusion of Failure and Promise of Forgiveness

Welcome to Episode 6 of "The Story Goes"!

Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with artist and teacher Sarah Kaiser-Amaral at her studio in Evanston, IL. 

Join us for an uplifting and enlightening conversation that traces her experience from growing up in Cincinnati, to a horse ranch in Colorado, and finally back to current life as an instructor and artist working as both a private instructor and a college professor. Along the way, we discuss growing up artsy, taking the plunge into the arts as a career path, what success means, and the importance of legacy. 

...and also, stealing pizza from delivery people. 

I had a wonderful time sharing insights and experiences with Sarah, and I hope that you'll enjoy our exchange as well!

Thank you so much for listening,
- Mike

Ep. 6 - Finding Meaning and Identity through Art

Welcome to Episode 7 of "The Story Goes"!

Today, I welcome David Flowers to the show, and we talk about what it's like to be a composer in the 21st century. Join us for a deep dive into the reasons people continue to go into what others might call 'dead' fields, and the motivations behind making art in a crowded field where it is difficult to stand out and find your voice. 

We have a lovely chat about ever-shifting 5 year plans, defining success for one's self, and the need to engage with individual communities' needs as a performance artist and composer. For those in the arts, hopefully our chat rings true - and for those in other fields, I hope that you find some parallels to our shared anxieties as professionals trying to leave our mark on the world!

Happy listening and thank you for your support,
- Mike

Ep. 7 - Life as a 21st century Composer

Welcome back to "The Story Goes"!

This week, my guest is multi-talented artist Noah Ginex, of the Noah Ginex Puppet Company. As it turns out, Noah and I went to the same high school, so we spend some time catching up after 20 (!) years. 

In the interim, we share a wonderful conversation about life, death, our perceptions of our own work, and what led Noah from way back when we last saw each other to being a working artist, still living out his dream while juggling 'real life' responsibilities. It's a special conversation that I hope you'll enjoy as much as I did.

Stick around after our discussion to hear one of Noah's songs!

Thank you for listening - I'll be back with more guests and their stories soon!

Sincerely,
- Mike

Ep. 8 - Death and High School (and Puppets)

Sara Kough and Ilana Maitino sing the duet "Let Me Go" from the original musical "Mind Games" by Mike O'Mara.

'Let Me Go' from the musical "Mind Games" by Mike O'Mara

Caroline Shaw sings 'My Own Making' from the original musical "Fracture" by Mike O'Mara.

'My Own Making' from the musical 'Fracture' by Mike O'Mara

Cast members from the original musical "Fracture" by Mike O'Mara sing "At the End" from the work.

'At the End' from the original musical "Fracture" by Mike O'Mara

An instrumental improvisation / meditation loosely based off of extant melodies I had written for other songs.

Meditation 1 - 3.23.20

Meditation 2 - 3.23.20

Meditation 3 - 3.23.20

Meditation 4 - 3.23.20

Nothing Special

Day 3 of my self-imposed ‘write 20 songs in 20 days’ challenge. A reflection on life, getting older, and what we leave behind.

Memento Mori (first take, not produced)

A song about perspective and ignorance - more than a little tongue in cheek. :)

Eulogy (rehearsal / first take)

I'm a composer, performer, director and teacher. Writer / composer of hundreds of songs, plays and musicals, etc., etc.

Mike O'Mara

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks