The discussion with Eric about the impact of music on our culture was fascinating and enlightening. Eric described how much of popular contemporary music moves people toward emotions and behaviors that do anything but lift the soul. It is the equivalent of junk food for the ears. Some of the more popular acts are constructed by the music companies to become entertainment icons who have a "star quality" in the eyes of young children. For many popular acts today, it isn't about the music as much as the image.

A great part of our conversation was hearing Eric's advice on how to talk to your children about the music they listen to and how to expose them to other types of music that will be uplifting and entertaining for them. Another interesting section was hearing Eric describe how prisoners, who are confined to a depressing ugly aesthetic environment, react when they become exposed to Eric's beautiful music. To listen, please visit www.TheGoodCatholicLife.com, click on "complete index of shows" and scroll down to show #274.

Eric will be performing 2 concerts in the Boston area next week. On April 16 at 7:00 p.m., Eric will be at St. William Parish in Tewksbury. The following night, April 17 at 7:00 p.m., Eric will be performing at St. Mary Parish in Waltham. There is no charge, but a free will offering will be taken up at both concerts. Eric encourages families to come together, as the experience of hearing this type of beautiful music can allow some great conversations on the ride home. For more information on the concerts, please visit www.CatholicQuest.org or www.EricGenuis.com.

What type of music do you listen to? How does it lift your soul?

Scot Landry is Secretary for Catholic Media at the Archdiocese of Boston and host of The Good Catholic Life radio program each weekday at 4 p.m. on 1060AM WQOM.