Fargo Famous: James Bergman Harmonizes Canadian Roots, Speech Pathology, and Intuitive Songwriting 🎵

On this episode of The Fargo Five, Conrad Fargo sits down with James Bergman, an intuitive songwriter and speech-language pathologist, to discuss his journey from Canada to Fargo, his unique career path, and the art of songwriting.

Connect with The Fargo Five:
http://www.ConradFargo.com/thefargofive
http://open.spotify.com/show/1MYgy8wK...
  / thefargofive  

In this engaging episode, James Bergman shares the story of how growing up in Canada and watching shows like South Park influenced his outlook on the relationship between Americans and Canadians. He recounts his move to Fargo, North Dakota, and how he pursued a degree in speech-language pathology at MSU. James explains the field of speech-language pathology, focusing on his work with children and how speech disorders, like lisps, can develop from a combination of physical and learned patterns.

Conrad and James also explore the nuances of language and pronunciation, diving into how learning new languages, such as Japanese, can affect speech patterns. Conrad shares his experiences with Japanese speakers and their speech characteristics, leading to a thoughtful conversation on how language shapes communication across cultures.

As the episode progresses, James dives into his passion for intuitive songwriting, discussing how he comes from a family with a rich history of writing and performing. He describes his creative process and how his songs often feel like they are written for specific moments, sometimes years in advance. James touches on the pressure musicians feel to constantly produce content, and how he's found a way to share his work through organic conversations rather than forced output. He reflects on the moment he began identifying as an intuitive songwriter and how it has become a major part of his personal and professional identity.

The conversation shifts to James’s work as a speech-language pathologist and how his career in early intervention (birth to three services) allows him to connect with families and children on a deep level. Despite his success in this field, James shares how songwriting has remained his true calling, offering a more profound connection to his intuition and creativity. Conrad and James discuss the balance between their professional identities and personal passions, and how sometimes finding your true voice is a process that unfolds over time.

In the final segment, Conrad and James talk about the upcoming “Peace Talk” at the Presbyterian Church, where James will perform songs that touch on themes of peace and conflict resolution. They hint at future collaborations and the possibility of more live performances in the Fargo area, highlighting how music can serve as a powerful tool for spreading messages of unity and understanding.

Connect with The Fargo Five:
http://www.ConradFargo.com/thefargofive
http://open.spotify.com/show/1MYgy8wK...
  / thefargofive