🎶Me & Stephen McGhee: The Red Skin Driver Awakening🎶

 

At 26, living in a tiny studio apartment in Pacific Beach, San Diego, the song Red Skin Driver came to me in a flash—and I didn’t want it. The melody sounded like a chicken clucking and strutting. It had no appeal. I was in bed, resisting the urge to bring it into form, but it wouldn’t stop. It clucked and strutted until I finally surrendered, got up, grabbed my guitar, and let it come through:

 

Tear off your clothes, reveal your innocence,

Wipe off your face full of arrogance…

And put on your Red Skin Driver,

Put in your equalizer…

I’ll do it just the same.

 

It flowed effortlessly. When we played it live, we loved it—our audience did too. But I didn’t understand its meaning for about a year.

I’m 40 years old, watching TBOLITNFL, and searching for a coach who worked with Steve Hardison. I come across Stephen McGhee. After researching, I set up a 30-minute call with him.

 

From the start, I feel Stephen’s warmth—his kindness, his authenticity. Near the end of our call, he asks me:

 

“What are you most passionate about?”

 

“Sharing my music with the world,” I reply.

 

“Where can I find it? Have you shared it online?”

 

I realize—no, I haven’t. My music has only lived in venues and house parties. Then, Stephen delivers this:

 

“I see the potential for us to work together. If you’re committed to that, post a live video of yourself playing one of your songs within the next 72 hours. If you do, let’s continue this conversation. If not, it’s been amazing being with you today.”

 

Silence.

 

I don’t know what to say. Then, out of nowhere, I hear myself say, “I love you.” It just slips out and surprises me. Then, another word: “OK.”

 

Stephen responds, “I love you too.”

 

We say goodbye.

 

I have many original songs, but Red Skin Driver rises to the surface. It feels like “the song”.

 

Immediately after the call, I email my friend Aaron, who’s helping produce my music:

 

 

Hey Aaron,

 

I had the most incredible conversation today with a coach named Stephen McGhee. It was the best first-time conversation I’ve ever had with anyone. It blew my mind.

 

He challenged me to commit to myself by posting a quality YouTube video of my music within 72 hours—by Monday morning.

 

Can you help me record on Sunday? I got an HD camera (Zoom Q3HD), so we can use that. I need to make this happen.

 

Cheers,

 

 

Aaron supported me as he always does. We created the video and here it is.

 

Because I stepped out of hiding, my music reached more people. That moment launched a year-and-a-half coaching journey and a brotherhood with Stephen McGhee that continuously enriches my life.

 

 

 

 

Hiding serves no one.

 

Red Skin Driver = The Heart.

It is our Equalizer.

No matter our skin color, the heart is red.

When we are driven by the heart, we are free.

 

Put on Your Red Skin Driver. I’ll do it just the same.

 

I love you.

 

Happy Valentine’s Day

 

Bodhi