We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Marcy Thurmond Simmons a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dr. Marcy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

On July 28, 2020, I recorded the first episode of The Connecting Point podcast and started a Facebook Group, The Connecting Point for Creators Group. The idea to create and execute came directly from God! It was during the time of “The Pandemic” when I watched a live discussion about visual arts on Instagram TV that was presented by one of my artistic friends. After the presentation, a called her to let her know that I enjoyed learning about her perspective of the artwork she created. She then said, “Marcy, you should be doing something like this with music!” At the time, I did not see myself doing a live podcast, so I told her that I was not sure about it. I just didn’t see myself sitting in front of a camera talking to an audience I couldn’t see.

A week after the discussion with my artistic friend, an educator from my hometown of Athens, Georgia reached out to connect me with a Grammy Award Winning Music Educator who asked if he could interview me for his podcast. I agreed to do the interview and enjoyed having the opportunity to discuss my role as a music integrationist and author. After the interview, he told me that I should be doing something online for others to learn about music integration. His suggestion sounded familiar, so my spiritual antennas went up. Although I didn’t see myself doing a live podcast, I knew there was something God was trying to tell me through these two people. I began to ask myself questions. Could I really do this? How would I appear to others? What would I talk about? When would I have time to do a podcast? What was stopping me?

A few days after hearing the message of these two educators and pondering questions to myself, I woke out of a sleep and heard God speak to my heart. He said, “The Connecting Point is the name of your podcast. Trademark the name to protect what I am giving you and start with your former students.” I knew it was confirmation, so I wrote down what I heard and began acting on the idea of a podcast called The Connecting Point.

I went online to research how to trademark the name, The Connecting Point and began the process. Next, I had to begin calling former students (who were now young adults) to be my first guests on The Connecting Point. I had no idea how I would present the podcast to compare to professional podcast I saw online, but I started with what I had; a word from the Lord, a computer, and the ability to communicate with others. From that point on, it was trial and error. I learned as I went through the process of scheduling interviewees, balancing my work schedule with the times I would record and developing a marketing plan. I also had to learn how to complete my own trademark application.

Although the process of acting on what God told me to do was a challenge, He had already equipped me to do the tasks associated with who he purposed me to be. You see, years before He told me that I was an INTEGRATIONIST! I would be the one to connect people, ideas, and concepts in a way that others could understand. Therefore, The Connecting Point podcast was just another level to my divine purpose. God gave a word and that’s all I needed to have the confidence to proceed!

Close to nine months after I started the podcast, God told me to create a business as another level to my assignment. Therefore, on April 24, 2021, I launched Dr. Marcy’s Connections, LLC., an educational consultation and promotion service for creators worldwide. I am amazed at how God continues to connect the dots for me and others through the ministry platform He has entrusted me with. I realize that I am just a conduit to help others find their passion and purpose so they can be productive citizens in our world. Thus, I am looking forward to the more that God has in store for me and others through The Connecting Point, The Connecting Point for Creators Group and Dr. Marcy’s Connections, LLC. God’s word is guaranteed!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been a music educator for the past 29 years. I am currently a music specialist/integrationist in Atlanta Public Schools (APS). As an educational leader, I have provided leadership as a 2005, 2017 and 2022 Teacher of the Year, The Atlanta Public Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year, recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award, team leader for two elementary schools, an Inspiring Leader with ArtsNOW, Fostering an Arts Rich Education (F. A. R. E) Leader, the Assistant Business Manager and Business Manager of the Atlanta Public Schools Elementary Honor Chorus, Consultant/Presenter for McGraw-Hill and Associates and as a Master Teacher with the artsAPS professional development project.

With leadership roles in program initiatives, I have been instrumental in supporting, developing and keeping Effective Teachers in Every Classroom by conducting professional development courses for new and veteran teachers. I authored and self-published a curriculum guide for teachers entitled, What’s the Cake? Teaching Music Across the Curriculum Can be a Piece of Cake.

My love for the arts has afforded me the opportunity to serve as a leader in my community through the establishment of Integrative Arts Creations, Inc.; a non-profit organization with the goal of providing research-based methods to promote academic success via arts integration and developing young creators who aspire to pursue careers in the arts industry. I am presently building my brand as a conduit for other creators to highlight their creativity via the launching of a social media discussion platform, “The Connecting Point with Dr. Marcy” and a consulting business, Dr. Marcy’s Connections, LLC.

I have a BA in music/voice from Morris Brown College, a M. Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from Coppin State University and an Ed.D. in Teacher Leadership from Walden University. I believe that all people have a purpose and can solve problems in the world through their God-given gift and creativity. Therefore I am committed to help others discover their passion and purpose to become productive citizens in our global society.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Helping others discover and operate in their passion and purpose to be productive citizens in the world is the mission that drives my creativity.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe consistency, passion and integrity helped to build my reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.drmarcysconnections.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarcyts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMarcysConnections
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marcy-thurmond-simmons-32037740/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMarcyCONNECT
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClV9PR2cxKM-ZoL9oK6m1ig

Image Credits
Photographer Stanley Coleman (Photos of Dr. Marcy Thurmond Simmons)