No 1 In Particular

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Unbound author Serena Arora to explore identity, immigration and the generational stories that shape who we become. Serena shares her parents’ extraordinary journeys. Her father’s escape from Peshawar during the partition of India and Pakistan, and her mother’s families flight from China to Malaysia avoiding the painful tradition of foot binding like her great-grandmother. As a mixed-race daughter of immigrants, born in Canada, Serena opens up about navigating cultural dissonance, belonging and what she calls “immi-grit” and “immi-guilt.” We dive into the emotional complexities of growing up between cultures, the loss of innocence and the universal struggle of facing discomfort and change.Serena also discusses how yoga and Ayurvedic practices have guided her life, offering a path toward healing, balance and self-understanding after decades of study.Whether you’re an immigrant or not, this conversation will resonate. At its core, it’s about identity, resilience and the shared human experience of finding your place in the world.Music we mention:Edith Piaf - Non, Je ne regrette rien

I sit down with Iraq War veteran and musician Sean Martin of the band The Quarantined We talk about what war actually looks like from the inside.With tensions rising once again in the Middle East and renewed discussions about Iran, many people are wondering if history could repeat itself. But rather than debating politics or policy, this episode focuses on something far more personal — the lived experience of someone who was there.Sean enlisted as a teenager knowing he was headed to Iraq. He shares raw stories from the front lines: near-death moments, the mindset of a young soldier preparing for combat, and what it’s like to carry those experiences long after the war ends, including the lasting reality of PTSD.It’s a human conversation about courage, youth, survival, and the people who step into danger while most of us watch events unfold from a safe distance, on our couch in the comfort of our own home.Sean’s story ultimately leaves me with the same lingering question many of us quietly ask:Why do we keep doing this to each other? Why war?Music we Mention: Tupac ShakurAvenged Sevenfold

Josh Douglas is back for round two—and this one goes off the rails in the best way.The first conversation hit, so we came back for another episode. This time, we dig deeper into travel chaos, questionable decisions, and the kind of real-world lessons you only learn the hard way. We swap stories from the road, talk about how not to get robbed while traveling, and break down the surprisingly easy ways you can get arrested in Mexico if you’re not paying attention.Josh dives into food culture, while I share a wild story from Cambodia involving “Happy Pizza” that still lives rent-free in my brain. Somewhere between the laughs, we shift gears and get honest about our fears of being older parents and what it means to raise a child in a world increasingly shaped by AI.It’s funny, a little reckless, unexpectedly heartfelt, and full of life experience you won’t find in a guidebook. Hope you enjoy—and don’t forget your Bob Marley tickets.Music we Mention:Dinosaur Jr. - https://www.dinosaurjr.com/Nirvana - https://www.nirvana.com/#/Gang Starr - https://www.youtube.com/c/GangStarrGuru - https://www.youtube.com/@GuruOfficial01De La Soul - https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreDeLaSoulJazzmatazz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcuKyuDrcoQ

Ever wondered what happens when two college friends reconnect across continents—with microphones, questionable Wi-Fi and decades of life experience to unpack? This episode has it all.I reunite with my college friend Josh Douglas (shout-out to Meno College!), now living in Taiwan, to talk about friendship, expat life, and creative reinvention. Josh is the author of the thrilling, action-packed novel The Vampire, The Tutor and The Madman.We dive into cultural differences between the U.S. and Asia, Gen X growing pains, and what it was like during the Bay Area tech boom. Josh shares stories from his travels, fulfilling a childhood dream of working in a zoo, and the brutal skateboarding injury that abruptly ended his skating days. He opens up about the mental crash that followed—and how a college friend helped him climb out of that crater and find new ways to chase those endorphins. Josh also talks about why he genuinely loves his teaching career, how teaching English sharpened his grammar and storytelling skills, and how obscure historical facts fuel his passion for writing.Part travel diary, part therapy session and part late-night dorm-room conversation, this episode is for anyone interested in friendships, living abroad, Gen X reflections, career choices and navigating life’s unexpected pivots. If you love honest conversations, global perspectives, and stories about resilience and cultural differences, this episode is for you.Music we Mention:Fontaines DCMinor ThreatBlack FlagJohnny Cash Viagra BoysColter Wall Joy DivisionBlack Marble

Music Stories, Friendship & Nostalgia | Bonus Year-End Podcast EpisodeWelcome to a cheeky bonus episode closing out the year—wee hoo, we made it!Thank you for listening to the podcast. Truly. This show exists because you show up, share, and listen, and I’m endlessly grateful to this community. We’re all navigating life together, one story at a time.If you’re a regular listener, you know I always ask my guests one question: what music moves you? In this special year-end bonus episode, I turn the mic back on myself with Lizette and Milana—my first podcast guests of the year and my closest friends.We dive into the stories behind the songs that shaped us, sharing memories from concerts and live shows, iconic TV moments, radio hits, and the music that found us at pivotal moments in our lives. This episode explores how music connects us, sparks nostalgia, and becomes the soundtrack to friendship and personal growth.If you love podcasts about music, storytelling, memories, and the emotional power of songs, this episode is for you. Music is magic—and this is our love letter to the songs that carried us through. 🎶✨Lucy’s MusicQueen Grooverider - Bootleg ( ain't gonna find it ) Prince Amy Winehouse Florence and the Machine Milana's Music  PortisheadInterpol Swans Godspeed You! Black Emperor Chelsea WolfeLizette's Music Tool Lady GagaGojira MastodonMelvins Can

Thomas Fitzsimmons lived a life most people only dream about—but with a moral compass few could match. A former NYPD officer working the dangerous streets of 1970s New York City, Fitzsimmons later transitioned into the worlds of modeling and acting, immersing himself in the glamorous era of Studio 54 and high-profile celebrity culture.From rubbing shoulders with presidents, Hollywood stars, and New York’s elite, to navigating the flashbulbs and champagne of the nightlife scene, Fitzsimmons never lost sight of his values. His dedication to serving and protecting followed him beyond the badge, leading him to take on private investigation work for friends and business owners.He also became a trusted celebrity bodyguard, providing personal security for Gwyneth Paltrow, Michael Douglas, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. This true-life story blends law enforcement, fame, and integrity—offering a rare look at a man who moved seamlessly between the gritty streets of NYC and the glamorous world of film, fashion, and celebrity protection.Memoir Available Now! Thomas Fitzsimmons An Extraordinary life of an Ordinary ManMusic we mention:Alabama Bobby Caldwell Rod Stewart

Step inside the kitchen and life of Chef Lawrence DiJoseph, whose journey began in a lively Italian American family rooted in Washington, DC. DiJoseph celebrates the heart of food and family, inspired by generations of restaurateurs—his great-grandmother ran a restaurant at the turn of the century, his family made wine during prohibition and may have loose ties with the mob, and an aunt was a pastry chef at the White House.A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Chef DiJoseph’s adventures have taken him through French restaurants in Washington DC, and New York City. His decades-long career as a chef and instructor brings together some storytelling magic including; JFK Jr's. cigar smoke, Charlton Heston's P & J sandwich and working with Special Ops Veterans. He's funny and unfiltered and you'll appreciate what it takes to get the food on your plate after you listen to this. Lawrence hosts private knife skills classes, cooking classes, and private chef dinners in Richmond, Virginia.Visit is personal website here Music we mention: Roy Ayers UbiquityLord HuronCarly SimonChérBad BrainsBlack FagNew OrderSiouxsie and the Banshees

What happens when grief, healing, and creativity collide? In this episode, I sit down with singer-songwriter Nadia Ackerman, whose life took a dramatic turn after losing her father more than 30 years ago. The loss shattered her world—the family business, their home in Sydney, and her sense of stability were all gone.Through years of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Nadia not only found a path through her trauma, but also began to receive something extraordinary: dreams of fully formed songs. Out of pain came an unexpected gift—and a new way to share her art with the world.Nadia packed her bags for New York City in 1998 to chase her dream of becoming a jazz singer. Since then, she’s released seven pop albums, performed on SNL, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and Good Morning America, and shared the stage with legends like Sting, Shirley Bassey, James Taylor, Eurythmics , and Elton John.This conversation is about loss, resilience, and how the reprocessing of grief can sometimes open unexpected doors of creativity.You can find natchie in many retail stores throughout the USA including MOMA, The MTA Transit Museum, Cocoa and Olive and The Seattle Art Museum. Her retail store is located in JFK terminal 8, Concourse B. http://www.natchieart.comhttp://www.nadiaackerman.comFollow natchie on instagram @natchieartMusic we Mention: ChopinMarkus Mumford Maro Papper Planes Fruit BatsZero 7

My guest is Julie Gordon, a true New York “It Girl” of the late ’70s. Julie was a regular at Studio 54, brushing shoulders with names you’d definitely recognize, and even counted Marla Maples—yes, Trump’s second wife—as a friend.Julie takes us behind the scenes giving us a taste of what it was like to work as a model and party at the epicenter of New York’s heyday. It’s funny, it’s juicy...names will be dropped.People Mentioned:Eileen FordWilhelminaJohn CasablancasErnest BorgnineThomas Fitzsimmons  (author of Confessions of a Celebrity Bodyguard).Jane ModineMarla MaplesBarbra BinghamJim McMullenMusic Mentioned:YesBarbara StreisandCat StevensJames TaylorEminemAdam Levine

This month, I sit down with Gordon “Gordy” Davies, a Jersey-born audio engineer whose life was changed the moment he walked into a recording studio. What started as a restless kid searching for direction turned into a career that’s run through legendary spaces like California’s Record Plant and the early 2000's New York music scene.Today, Gordy runs his own studio——Singletrack Audio—as well as his role as chief engineer at Clementine Café in Harrisonburg, VA. We talk about the bands and albums that shaped his journey (and the royalty checks that still roll in), the explosion that forced him to start over, and the unlikely twist that has him now teaching audio engineering.Gordy’s also an outdoors junkie—mountain biking, rock climbing, and camping. He’s found balance outside the studio and now seems like he's in a good place to lay down some roots.It’s a fun, couch-style conversation about music and carving out a life doing what you enjoy.Music we Mention: Black SabbathBlow up HollywoodChick CoreaMiles DavisFailure ToolKings XJason IsbellThe Judy Chops

Everyone knows the expression “what if you get hit by a bus?” Well, it actually happened to my guest Kimberli MacKay. A near-fatal accident set her on a new path — one that led to healing and reinvention.Kimberli is a milliner and world-class seamstress who’s worked in factories around the world, crafting stunning hats, coats, and accessories for people from all walks of life. She shares stories from the factory floor — including how she helped women gain access to birth control — and reflects on the deeper meaning hats can hold during life’s highs and lows. She will also let you in on some of the best fabric shops in New York and Connecticut. From her passion-filled days as the Director of Design for Betmar to the heartbreak of being let go, Kimberli opens up about the beauty of starting over. She now teaches students looking to get into the Fashion Institute of Technology ( F.I.T) the #1 school for anything you want to do in the fashion industry. This is a story about the unexpected ways life stitches us back together.Music we Mention:Jules Avalon Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox

When Joanne Price left the UK for San Francisco, she thought she was stepping into her happily ever after. Instead, she walked straight into chaos — a cheating husband, a sudden health crisis, and two young kids to raise on her own.Told with grit, raw honesty, and humor this is a true story of a woman who turned heartbreak into purpose. From solo parenting to working on the homeless crisis in CA, Jo’s journey is anything but ordinary — featuring ghosts, a coma, and yes… a basement full of Champagne.It’s messy. It’s real. It’s better than a Soap Opera.Music we Mention:Dom DollaEnzo is BurningFisherOasis

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Caleb Spaulding—a drummer, creative, and rhythm artist whose journey took him from band life to building a unique career in New York City. Caleb shares how he moved to the city chasing a dream with his band, only to face the big question: how do you make a living in one of the most expensive cities in the world while staying true to your passion?What followed was an unexpected and inspiring evolution. Caleb found his path in the world of wellness, where rhythm isn't just music—it's breath, heartbeat, movement, and connection. From drumming in yoga and meditation classes to leading corporate team-building workshops, Caleb has carved out a niche that blends creativity, healing, and community.We talk about the power of rhythm in religion and ritual, the emotional magic of music, and his transformative experiences at Burning Man. Caleb also opens up about how tools like MDMA and LSD—used responsibly—have influenced his understanding of music as therapy and a doorway to deeper self-awareness.This is a conversation about listening to your inner beat, and building a life that feels aligned.Books we Mention:Drumming at the Edge of Magic: A Journey into the Spirit of Percussion:  by Mickey Hart & Jay StevensHow to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence: by Michael PollanMusic we Mention: Fela Kuti Burning Man DJ sets Chappell Roan

In this episode, I talk with Cianne Wallin—a mother of five, marathon runner, and law student at 40—about her extraordinary journey of resilience, faith, and fierce determination. Cianne opens up about becoming a teen mom and putting her education on hold to raise all her children. After marrying and moving across the country multiple times for her husband’s career, her kids are now in school—and it’s finally her turn.We talk about her calling to the courtroom, her deep desire to represent victims who aren’t taken seriously (something she knows about firsthand as a survivor of sexual abuse)Cianne doesn’t pretend to be perfect—she’s honest about her struggles, including managing an eating disorder through running, and how grace and grit keep her going.This is a powerful, layered conversation about learning to love yourself, motherhood, identity, and what it means to finally step into your calling—even if it takes decades.Music we mention:I dreamed a dream - ⁠Les MisérablesGoodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton JohnWhile My Guitar Gently Weeps - BeatlesTo Make You Feel My Love - Garth BrooksAmazing Grace

In this episode, I sit down with Mikey Maguire — a musician, audio engineer, digital media professional, educator, and curator of Cúl Street, an intimate music venue nestled in Ardfert, County Kerry, Ireland.Mikey and I first crossed paths back in the early 2000s when I was running a music blog. His SoundCloud releases under the name Mental Effector caught my attention, and after writing a few reviews of his work, a friendship naturally followed. This conversation marks the first time we've had the chance to sit down “in person” and properly catch up.We dive into the story of Ardfert — the small, coastal village where Mikey grew up and still lives — exploring its rich history, natural beauty, and the quiet isolation that has shaped his creative spirit. Mikey opens up about becoming a father at a young age and how that responsibility helped him carve out a life with purpose and intention.We also talk about the grounding force of nature in his life, his deep love for Gaelic sports and their enduring role in Irish cultural identity, and his evolving relationship with music — including a possible return to making sounds, this time perhaps more aligned with traditional Irish influences.This episode feels like a conversation you'd have with an old friend at the pub — honest, reflective, and full of heart. And Mikey’s earthy, unpretentious Irish accent might just keep you listening even if the topics covered don't interest you. Music we mention:Molly O'Mahony

In this episode, meet Denise, a mother and wife who shares her personal journey with her recent ADHD diagnosis. As she explores how her neurodiversity impacts her daily life and her children’s potential neurodiversity, Denise talks about the tools she’s found helpful in managing day-to-day challenges. Denise also shares her experience of dating women and her evolving feelings toward relationships, as she and her husband venture into an open marriage. Exploring the concept of "relationship anarchy," Denise dives into the complexities of emotional intimacy and what the future might hold for her. This is just the beginning of her story and we hope to check back in with her to see how things progress.Music we mention:Harry Styleshttps://www.hstyles.co.uk/Taylor Swifthttps://www.taylorswift.com/The Head and the Hearthttps://theheadandtheheart.com/Noah Kahanhttps://noahkahan.com/#/

Rob Isquierdo's journey is a story of transformation. He's witnessed some tragic events including at-risk-kids, murder and suicide. Growing up in the drug-ridden streets of London, California, to navigating the privileged world of Atherton, he’s seen both sides of life. After college, Robert returned to his roots, working in a group home for troubled youth—a job that took a heavy mental toll on him. Seeking a fresh start, he entered the mortgage business, earning fast money but losing his sense of self. He eventually lost everything! Only after losing everything did Rob find his true calling. Today, he’s not just an educator—he’s helping to rebuild and bring positive change to his surrounding communities . Rob uses his YouTube podcast RobLive to address mental health, by sharing stories of struggle and triumph with his growing audience.YouTube - RobLive https://www.youtube.com/@RobLive888Non-Profit Link: https://reestablishstratford.org/Music we mention:Jamiroquai https://www.jamiroquai.com/https://www.youtube.com/@jamiroquaiAllen Stone https://www.youtube.com/@AllenStoneMusic

Welcome to today’s episode! Say hello to Gareth, the Tour Manager, amongst other things, of one of the most influential bands in rock history—the Melvins. Known as the godfathers of grunge and a major influence on the iconic Nirvana, the Melvins have shaped the sound of a generation. But today, we’re not talking about the music they make—we’re talking about the man who’s been by their side for 20 odd years.Gareth’s journey into the music world wasn’t a straight line. His life was shaped by a series of working-class jobs—construction, plumbing, driving a van. Gareth’s story is one of perseverance and a deep love for the music that’s always been a part of him. But it’s not just the music that drives him—it’s the people along the way, the bonds he’s built, and especially the care and love he has for his late Mum.Music we mention:MelvinsGareth TurnerNimaitres Mr. Bungle Hard Ons Redd KrossThe Big Boys

In this raw, unfiltered podcast episode, David Jensen opens up about surviving childhood trauma, abuse, and addiction—and the hard road to recovery. This is a powerful conversation about addiction recovery, breaking generational cycles, mental health, and personal accountability.David shares how drugs and alcohol once controlled his life, and how he made the decision to stop running from his past and take responsibility for his choices. Instead of letting trauma define him, David found healing through skateboarding, fitness, and discipline—using movement as therapy and the gym as a lifeline.Skating wasn’t just a hobby. It became survival. A way to escape chaos, channel pain, and reclaim control when everything else felt out of reach.With honesty, vulnerability, and his signature unhinged energy, David talks openly about addiction, recovery, childhood abuse, self-reliance, and mental resilience. This episode dives deep into what it really takes to heal, grow, and keep pushing forward—one day at a time.Skaters we mention:Tony Alva Julien Stranger Marc Johnson Kris Markovich Jason Lee Ryan Fabry Music we mention:Oasis Fontaines DC

In this powerful podcast episode, Milana Naumenko shares her journey from growing up in Ukraine to becoming a first-generation immigrant in the United States. She offers a deeply personal perspective on the Ukraine war, reflecting on the emotional toll it has taken on her friends, classmates, and loved ones—many of whom have been drafted, displaced, or forced to flee.Milana opens up about the ongoing impact of the conflict, the weight of watching events unfold from afar, and her continued hope for peace. Beyond the war, she dives into her love of music, the New York City music scene, and her adventures helping run an independent music blog.This episode weaves together stories of immigration, identity, resilience, culture, and creativity, exploring what it means to belong, persevere, and build a life in a constantly changing world.Topics include: Ukraine war, immigrant experience, first-generation stories, NYC music scene, cultural identity, resilience, and hope.Music we mention:Death Grips London Grammar Groove Armada Zechs Marquise The Mars Volta The Kills Fontaines DC The Smile Nick Cave Beth Gibbons Interpol

In this inspiring podcast episode, Lizette Gesuden—a documentary filmmaker, editor, and writer—shares her story as the proud daughter of Filipino immigrants and reflects on the sacrifices and resilience that shaped her family’s journey.Lizette opens up about growing up in New Jersey, attending Catholic school, and how those early experiences influenced her creative voice, work ethic, and sense of identity. She speaks candidly about the immigrant experience, cultural pride, and the path that led her into documentary filmmaking and storytelling.We also reminisce about our time in New York City, dive into the music that moves us, and explore how creativity, memory, and culture intersect in both life and art.This episode is a heartfelt conversation about immigration, creativity, identity, family, and perseverance, offering insight into what it means to honor your roots while carving out your own creative path.Topics include: Filipino immigrant stories, documentary filmmaking, creative process, cultural identity, first-generation experience, NYC life, and music.Long live Chris P. Bacon!! Lizettes' Reel Music we mention:The Melvins Plan BPortishead Alice Coltrane