We're happy to meet you!
It’s a wild adventure to create these tales each week. Sometimes I wonder if we’ll finish in time, especially when things in day to day life get a little hectic. So far, we’ve made it happen!
I usually spend the first part of the week drafting stories in spare moments and running them by our quality-control department (also known as our young son, Leo)! After Leo goes to bed, Joey and I team up to record the audio (or I head inside to record alone while Joey and Leo play outside).
Outside of our Big Giant project, I explore life with our busy Leo and our wild cat at our home in Bellingham, Washington. These blurry, cuddly, fast-and-slow, love-full days help me stay in a creative headspace (usually)!
In the not-so-distant past, I worked in early childhood education and human services. I have a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and a minor in English Writing Studies from North Dakota State University in my hometown of Fargo, ND.
I‘m a big proponent of a long, playful, emotionally-nourished childhood and always gravitate toward work that supports children and families.
I hope that listening to these episodes feels good, inspires comfort and happiness, and is a whole lot of fun!
Rachel
Boyd
I’ve been having a blast coming up with the musical “illustrations” for the stories.
By the time Rachel finishes recording the story, I usually have an idea of what direction I want to go in… but most of the actual playing happens the same day I record. With my normal day job and family life, I really have to focus on the music in a few key hours each week. It’s a challenge, but I’m up for the challenge!
I feel lucky to say that music has always been a big part of my life. As a kid, I spent a lot of time in my parents’ music store in Missoula, Montana. I was fortunate to always have instruments around to experiment with. I spent summers traveling to bluegrass festivals with my parents and helped at our instrument stand, enjoying the bonus of being surrounded by music in the air day and night. Live music was the backdrop of my summers and really my whole childhood.
I have spent most of my personal and professional life working in music and early childhood education. I have a Bachelor of Music and focused heavily on education, instruction, and performance in school.
Right now, I do digital templating for a stone company. I think learning to use CAD software has helped me navigate the production end of our podcast episodes a little more smoothly! Everything is connected.
I’m happy to be working on this project and putting the music in my mind to good use. I hope children have fun and feel excited about music and storytelling and feel a sense of connection as they listen to Big Giant Book!
