Shows
The Happiness Soundtrack12: Singing the Blues? These 14 Scientific Strategies Will Make You HappierIn this episode, we’re talking less about music and more about happiness. (Although music does come into play!)Once upon a pandemic, I was struggling with severe depression and anxiety. After losing my former job from COVID, and while in the midst of a toxic relationship, I started searching for things like “how to increase happiness” and “ways to relieve depression and anxiety.”I discovered these 14 scientifically-backed methods to improve happiness, all supported by neuroscience and/or psychology. They helped me from the inside out! If you’re struggling with your mental health, I hope they he...2025-07-2847 minThe Happiness Soundtrack11: The 5 Happiest Songs, According to ScienceI explore five songs shown to increase dopamine levels in the brain—regardless of their emotional context (or lack thereof). These aren’t your typical party anthems; they’re all instrumental tracks that demonstrate a powerful emotional structure.You’ll learn:Why these songs reliably trigger joy and reward in the brainThe science behind dopamine and musical tensionThe stories behind all five tunesIf you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, or if you’re just curious, science says these songs should uplift your mood!📃 Get the transcr...2025-07-2221 minThe Happiness Soundtrack10: Is Music Holding You Back, or Propelling You Forward?Start by listening to Part 1 of this story, which is Episode 9: When I Used the Question As a Pickup Line.You can give your ex a lot of things back after a breakup, but you can't give back the songs you formed memories with during the relationship. So, what will you do with them?In this continuation of Episode 9, I share how a beautiful first date slowly gave way to emotional realizations about exactly that.This story explores how we sometimes use music to relive the past, avoid the present, or keep ourselves...2025-07-1531 minThe Happiness Soundtrack9: When I Used the Question as a Pickup LineWhen I promised myself to take more chances, my resolve was almost immediately tested. This is a story about unexpected attraction, and being #BoldDammit to make the first move. This music question doesn’t just reveal other people’s stories; it’s constantly shaping mine.💌To get links and show notes sent straight to your inbox, Subscribe to emails🎵For more about the project, visit HappinessSoundtrack.com! You’ll find:Monthly playlists of every song people have sharedTranscripts of every episode (This one is here)Ways to submit your song and be pa...2025-07-0718 minThe Happiness Soundtrack8: Only Another… 3 Years of Asking?!After feeling discouraged by a perceived lack of progress on the journal, I set the goal of asking at least one person a day. Here’s how that change in approach created connections with different meaning.I also share how the resulting discoveries helped me stop rushing to the destination of the finished project, and instead enjoy the process as a journey.In this episode, you’ll hear:The importance of shifting your focus from output to processHow and why that redefined my idea of success with the music projectHo...2025-06-3020 minThe Happiness Soundtrack7: How Firefighters Responded to My Musical EmergencyWhat started as a routine coffee stop turned into one of the boldest—and most unexpected—moments of the music project. In this episode, I come face-to-face with a lofty goal: asking a firefighter what song reminds them of a happy memory. But it didn’t unfold the way I imagined.This story is about choosing between comfort and courage, pushing through fear, and embracing awkwardness. I share how doing something intimidating can lead to deeper connections—even if that’s just to another part of yourself.3 takeaways:You don’t always get the “perfect...2025-06-2313 minThe Happiness Soundtrack6: How to Turn Everyday Life into Something ExtraordinaryWhat if the difference between an ordinary day and an extraordinary one is simply choosing to engage? This week, I share how a dull morning unfolded into something vivid—not because of any grand event, but because of a shift in presence. To put it like Spinal Tap, it turned this day up to 11.In this episode, you’ll hear about:A day in the life of the projectWhy that day felt special, and how it became a framework for the way I approach things nowHow you can apply the...2025-06-1619 minThe Happiness Soundtrack5: There Is Always Time to Connect (And Here’s How the Question Can Help!)It had been a long, exhausting day of delays and frazzled travelers—and it was only halfway over. Then, I met someone who turned it all around with a simple smile and a kind introduction.This episode tells the story of a passenger who boarded with his extended family, and how one small question about music ended up connecting three generations in a way I never expected. What started as a day where nothing seemed to go right became one I’ll never forget.In this episode, you’ll hear about:Why I knew I...2025-06-0912 minThe Happiness Soundtrack4: All You Have to Do Is AskWhile passing time between flights in San Francisco, I met a kind stranger who changed the way I think about storytelling, connection, and the courage it takes to ask someone a simple question.What began as a quiet breakfast turned into one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had on the road—and a reminder of how powerful our interactions with strangers can be.This story explores:Why it pays to be “bold, dammit”The joy of feeling seen, especially by a strangerHow one question can unlock a forgotten memoryAnd why we should never wa...2025-06-0213 minThe Happiness Soundtrack3: A Sign from the Shuffle GodsSome stories knock the wind out of you—and then hand it back with a knowing smile.This week’s song came from a passenger on a long flight to Vancouver. He was warm, kind, and generous with his time. When I handed him the journal and asked for a song tied to a memory, I never expected the story that followed.This episode is about:The fragile line between chaos and calmThe unexpected levity of perfect musical timingHow the right music can provide an emotional release2025-05-2803 minThe Happiness Soundtrack2: Day 1 of the ProjectYear 38 began with silence. No familiar melodies, no comforting lyrics… Just me, a blank journal, and one rule: I wasn’t allowed to listen to anything I’d heard before.This episode picks up where my music fast began. With my entire emotional playlist wiped clean, I suddenly found myself missing not just music, but a way to process my emotions.So I tried something new. I started asking strangers—passengers, crew members, and pilots—for a song they associate with a happy memory. And just like that, my empty journal started filling up with recommenda...2025-05-2807 minThe Happiness Soundtrack1: The Obsession That Started It AllThere’s a difference between missing a former flame and getting lost in the fantasy of what could’ve been. And what if that fantasy comes wrapped in a five-minute song—with a perfect hook—and your ex is the one who wrote it… about you?In this episode, I share the story of The Song—the one that captured all the closure I never got, and how that kept me stuck. I talk about the strange, specific form of heartbreak that happens when your ex is both a musician and maybe kind of still in love with you.2025-05-2807 min
The Tales of Kale ValaThe Tales of Kale Vala 4: Tick’s Tall TalesKale Vala delves into his archive of tales from the World of Elestia. This week; Before Tock joined the rest of the gang, he was raised in secret by Tick. Gather round the fire and listen to some of the wisdom and stories Tick told Tock from a young age.
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Dice Company: Small Embers - A Cinematic D&D Actual PlayThe Tale's of Kale Vala: Tick’s Tall Tales Volume 1Before Tock joined the rest of the gang, he was raised in secret by Tick. Gather round the fire and listen to some of the wisdom and stories Tick told Tock from a young age.
Special Guests:
Archivist Issy as Dawnrider
Ruth Rogers as Floret
Janna Laan Lomas as Issador
Tim Garvin as Sagewhisper
Mark Barrett as Steel
Si Binns as Storm Warden
Michael Arnold as Towering Shield
Music:
Along the Wayside by Kaazoom
Awaken by Onoychenkomusic2024-01-1221 min
ESO OFFSTAGEEp 7 - From the PodiumWhat are conductors up to on the podium, anyways? This episode we speak to four conductors in Canada to find out! Join us as they share stories, tips, and insights from on-and-off the podium - answering common questions and debunking some myths about the profession. (Bonus!) Musicologist Dave Baker speaks to us about some of the history of the ever-changing role of conductors over time. Featuring the voices of ESO Chief Conductor Alex Prior, ESO Assistant Conductor and Community Ambassador Cosette Justo Valdés, Allegra Chamber Orchestra Conductor and Music Director Janna Sailor, ESO Musicologist Dav...2021-04-0155 min
The Long ViewChris Mamula: What Young Retirees Need to KnowOur guest on the podcast today is Chris Mamula. Chris blogs on the website, "Can I Retire Yet?" and he has also cowritten a book called Choose FI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence, which was published in 2019. Chris is loosely part of the FIRE, or Financial Independence Retire Early, movement, but he brings a fresh perspective to the concept. He retired from a career as a physical therapist at age 41. After poor experiences with the financial industry early in his professional life, he educated himself on investing and tax planning. Now he draws on his experience to write about w...2020-01-1541 min
KUCI: Writers on WritingJanna Malamud Smith & Lisa GenovaJanna Smith discusses the obstacles and pathways to creativity in "An Absorbing Errand: How Artists and Craftsmen Make Their Way to Mastery." Lisa Genova talks about her latest novel on autism, "Love Anthony."2012-11-2800 min