When they say there is more than meets the eye, this phrase rings true with who and what Kerri Edelman embodies as a person and role model. Growing up in a small town in New Jersey, she was always someone who was curious and would typically take a different path trying to figure things out on her own. Terms such as authenticity, individuality, perseverance, strength, passion and graciousness capture her essence. 'I've always found people to be fascinating and have wanted to understand what drives them to act in certain ways or make particular decisions,' she stated. Therefore, it's not surprising that she chose to pursue a career in the field of psychology. Edelman graduated with distinguished honors, Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa, where she earned a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology. The career path she chose is atypical in comparison to others since she works as a Clinical/Forensic Psychologist in prison. Edelman has done everything from managing a 150 bed maximum security inpatient psychiatric unit in prison and supervising over a dozen clinical staff to conducting psychological and forensic evaluations with high profile cases. Her passion for developing and executing research projects, which contribute to improving and providing exceptional patient care to a forensic population, has earned her more than a dozen research awards.

But who she is as a person extends far beyond her career. Athleticism and creativity have been aspects she has incorporated throughout her life. Despite her petite frame, she excelled and played competitive sports in soccer, tennis and even surfing. When it came to supplementing her course work in school, Edelman chose to enroll in art classes such as drawing and painting, which earned her a minor in fine arts in her undergraduate program. Although she did not express an interest in singing and songwriting early on, she comes from a family of established musicians. Edelman is the niece of Composer & Singer-Songwriter Randy Edelman (Gettysburg, Last of the Mohicans & The Mask, to name a few along with hit songs such as Weekend in New England) and Singer-Songwriter Jackie DeShannon (most recognized for hit songs such as What the World Needs Now is Love, Put a Little Love in Your Heart & Bette Davis Eyes). Several years ago Edelman started composing her own lyrics/songs. Before long, her intrinsic musical talent resulted in her fronting several original rock bands. When challenges and difficulties arose with her not being able to pursue music at the pace she wanted to, Edelman chose to take a different road and become a solo artist. In 2009, she released her debut full-length original modern rock album, 'Leave It All Behind.' On her own, she secured air play on college and internet radio stations, managed a band where she played shows at legendary venues such as The Stone Pony, earned placement for her songs in independent films and secured a product endorsement with Flirt Energy Drink. However, Edelman quickly learned from managing everything on her own that the entertainment industry was not an easy feat to accomplish by herself.

Edelman processed how she was burned out from the music industry and needed to take a break because even though she knew it was a business, the passion she once had was beginning to wear thin from external forces she could not control. She stated, 'I started to think to myself how can I still be involved in music and entertainment without performing?' Edelman recalled how she had co-hosted a podcast with a host who interviewed musicians and how much she enjoyed participating in it. She started to brainstorm what it may be like to launch her own podcast with the purpose of it being to support entertainers and help them promote themselves. 'I knew pretty quickly that I wanted to combine my passion for entertainment and my extensive interviewing background to support other entertainers,' she noted. Although it did not happen overnight, Edelman took her show very seriously and launched her podcast, The Kerri Edelman Show, where she started to build up a roster of guests. Her interviews are unlike any others as she clearly does extensive research on her guests and delves into an in depth interview, often lasting at least an hour, where her audience will learn information about her guests that cannot be accessed elsewhere. 'The greatest and most frequent compliment that I have received from my guests is how they walk away having an experience unlike any other interviews they have done. I've been told by my guests that they feel like they were just having a conversation with a close friend and how much of a breath of fresh air it has been for them to not answer the standard questions that are often asked. When I hear positive comments like these, then I know I've done my job,' she stated.

Her hard work, dedication and perseverance has paid off. Edelman has conducted over 200 interviews with national musicians/artists, comedians and filmmakers along with other entertainers. She currently works with major labels, management and public relations firms to book her interviews. She has interviewed national artists/bands including Trivium, Tremonti, Sick Puppies, Lacey Sturm (formerly of Hard Rock Band Flyleaf), Nonpoint, Art Of Dying, Otherwise, Shaman's Harvest, Sons Of Texas, Red Sun Rising, Starset and From Ashes To New, to name a few. Comedians who have been featured on her show include Tom Cotter from 'America's Got Talent,' Don Jamieson & Jim Florentine from 'VH1's That Metal Show,' RC Smith Warm Up Comic for ABC's hit show 'The Chew' and Howard Stern Show Comedy Writer Richard Christy. Her podcasts can be accessed on iTunes and blogtalkradio.com/kerriedelman.

With her show heavily in rotation, Edelman's passion for music may have taken a back seat for a while, but it never faded away. She stated, 'I have been thinking for some time if I ventured back into music, it would have to be on such a different level. I never set small goals for myself and I told myself that I would want to work with someone on a national level. Someone whose experience goes above and beyond anything I've ever done. I want to be able to learn from others, be challenged and work with someone who will bring out things I never knew I was even capable of.' So once again, she took destiny into her own hands and reached out to a national musician that she had been fortunate to interview. Although she is not releasing detailed information yet because she wants to wait until she can excitedly announce the release of her new single, which will be coming out in the future, she was able to get this musician to take an interest in her. Edelman said, 'with this recent musical experience I had, I have a difficult time putting into words. It holds a special place in my life. The respect and kindness I was treated with meant the world to me. As a singer and songwriter, I was pushed in ways I had never been before. And even though it had been several years since I had written a song, I never lost my ability for writing catchy lyrics and melodies. My producer helped me create some of my best songs to date.' Her music is taking a bit of a turn this time. The songs will focus more on her songwriting and showcase her vocals while incorporating elements of rock, pop and some electronics. Edelman has been compared vocally to artists such as Lacey Sturm (formerly of Flyleaf), Dolores O'Riordan (The Cranberries), Hayley Williams (Paramore) & Tara Sloan (Joydrop). Her knack for writing catchy hooks with deep and emotional lyrics that exude an underlying positive message is evident throughout her songs.

And if you think her writing stops at conducting forensic evaluations, composing songs and producing interviews for her radio show, you would be wrong. Edelman discussed how she is a fan of watching TV and reading books. With her eclectic background and unique life story, she has been writing on the side. Edelman stated, 'I don't know what it may turn into one day. It could be a book, sitcom or movie.' When asked who she would like to write with if an opportunity arose, she indicated, 'there are so many talented writers that I look up to. If I had to name a few, I would be honored to work with any of these icons: Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Seth Rogan…' And with that being said, there is no limit to what Edelman will accomplish in the future.

For press or interview inquires and/or to hire her as a psychological consultant, please send an email to kerriedelman@hotmail.com

Links:
Twitter: @kerriedelman
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thekerriedelmanshow
Blogtalkradio: www.blogtalkradio.com/kerriedelman