Daily Musings with Allysia

In this episode, I discuss my process for landing on a major after four full semesters of feeling rather wishy-washy about what I'd pursue. I also discuss what philosophy holds for me, and why I enjoy it, while linking it to my love of music and the ultimate quest for truth. Or something like that. Thanks for listening!

Hey all! I wanted to hop on today to talk about an enjoyable book I finished reading by Tim Urban called The Story of Us. In it, topics like political extremism and illiberalism (both sides) are dissected. It's a great read! Here are the blog posts I referred to in the podcast: Your Life in Weeks — Wait But Why The Elon Musk Post Series — Wait But Why The Artificial Intelligence Revolution: Part 1 - Wait But Why Enjoy! -Allysia PS: This podcast exists as a video here: https://youtu.be/J40qMLdkgvk

Today's podcast explores a journal prompt about what one's ideal life might be, and the arguments for (and against) using it. The prompt was from Susan Wise Bauer. Hope you enjoy this discussion! This episode also exists as a video: https://youtu.be/rNjUbVgwYfE And be sure to check out the blog: allyvb.com

This week's episode is about anxiety, a personal anecdote of a recently-developed phobia, exposure therapy/systematic desensitization, and steps I'm taking to ease the anxious burden of life. Thanks, as always, for listening. If you'd like to read the associated blog post, which includes a few reference links, visit here: https://allyvb.com/2023/02/21/anxiety/ Much love, -Allysia

In this episode, I explore the idea of craving roots as I get older, tying it in to my current obsession with the idea of planting apple trees (and all kinds of other fruit trees and shrubs, for that matter). I tend to think more in terms of forevers than I used to. Thanks for joining me today! This episode also exists as a video! https://youtu.be/i1SE5PjdbAQ

How much can you be separated from your own moment? Does living life to the fullest mean optimizing life and having the highest percentage of good moments? Or is it more about having a full and complete experience? Join me on this weird and short journey, and thanks for hanging out, wherever and whenever you happen to be. https://allyvb.com/2023/01/31/good-moments-bad-moments/

This year, I read less books because I spent so much time doing university reading. In actuality, I probably read the same, or more, as I usually do. In total, I read 28 books in 2022, and I have four favourites to share with you. For more details, check out the episode and/or the blog post: https://allyvb.com/2023/01/26/the-best-books-i-read-in-2022/ This episode also exists as a YouTube video! https://youtu.be/mACpRgN49pM

This episode is about tears. Crying. Good crying, bad crying, and some abstract musings on connecting, and the thin line between bliss and suffering. Thanks for joining me on this strange journey. Here's the link to the blog post: https://allyvb.com/2023/01/24/tears/

It's time to talk about my first year of university! In this episode, I explore my successes and share some advice - with the caveat that I'm not the best or brightest, and that my school is also not ivy-league level. As such, I'm probably not qualified to give advice in this arena. But I'm going to anyway! :) Here's the blog post: https://allyvb.com/2023/01/17/what-i-learned-from-one-full-year-as-a-university-student/ And here's the YouTube video version of this on my Allysia Marie channel: https://youtu.be/bwE3k7_TTPI

It's time for a year-in-review! Visit my YouTube channel for the video version of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@AllysiaMarie You can read the associated blog post: https://allyvb.com/2023/01/10/2022-groundhog-year/

Today's episode is a podcast-only follow-up to yesterday's discussion on suffering, and why I think it's important to not flinch away from the suffering of others. It's based on this blog post: In Defense of Negativity - (allyvb.com) Hope you enjoy, -A Check out the videos -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA

Suffering is a part of being human. By turning away from it, opting only for what's positive, do we then become less human? Thanks so much for hanging out with me. It's deeply appreciated, as always. -A Visit the blog -- https://allyvb.com/blog/ Check out the videos -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA

I'm preparing for another semester at university. This time I'll be dining on a buffet of philosophy classes, three in total, in contrast to my summer meal of three psychology classes. Why am I eating these classes anyway? It looks to be a lot of reading, but I'm up for it. I love reading! Bring on those six books, existential philosophy class. This episode is based on my blog post: Blog - (allyvb.com) Enjoy! -A Check out the videos -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA

I wrote one paper, and now I'm an expert! (Joking, of course.) In today's episode, I share the trials and tribulations - and inspirations! - of writing my first humanities paper. I received a pretty good mark, and though I'm an absolute amateur when it comes to writing college papers, I hope you'll get something useful from this podcast. :) Visit the blog -- https://allyvb.com/blog/ Check out the videos -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA

Hey all! Today's episode is a recount of my "30 days of socializing" experiment from July. I set out to hang with someone (or someones) every day in July, to see if I could reclaim some of the supposed joy I had as a teenager, back in the early 2000s when social media didn't exist and hanging out was just a normal part of each day. -A Visit the blog -- https://allyvb.com/blog/ Check out the videos -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA

Another (short) one from the blog! Being myself does not mean being my ideal self. - (allyvb.com) Today's topic is a little abstract as I attempt to convey a feeling-essence, not the mind-essence, of meaning. Because it is not always about thoughts, and thinking, and mind, right? This one is about imperfect moments (most of them), and just being okay with that imperfection, because such is the juice of life. -A Visit the blog -- https://allyvb.com/blog/ Check out the videos -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA

Today's episode is from the blog: The dream of the 90s. - (allyvb.com) And, importantly, if you don't know the (ridiculous and silly) reference: The Dream of the 90s is alive in Portland - YouTube Hope you enjoy today's musings - thanks for hanging out. :) -A Check out the videos -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA

Here is the life update as alluded to yesterday! My plan is to post over the next few weeks on a regular basis, and then decide from there on the next steps. I will be doing a hybrid approach of videos and podcasts (all episodes will be posted on the podcast, but not all podcast episodes will be videos). Visit the blog -- https://allyvb.com/blog/ Check out the videos -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA

Hey all! It has been a minute. Today's episode was inspired by an evening walk and yoga session, but fear not - this episode is not about exercise. It is about happiness! Or, the thing that seems to be a more worthwhile pursuit...awakeness. (awareness? aliveness?) Stay tuned for tomorrow's episode where I share what I've been up to these months! -Allysia

In today's episode, I discuss one new goal for the spring quarter (Q2). It's simple, probably obvious, but enormously satisfying - take the evenings off! Put the work (or schoolwork) away and just enjoy life. What a concept, right? :) Catch me on allyvb.com.

After two long years, I released my second album under The Criminal Kid. It's been over a decade since TCK's first album. Unsurprisingly, this one is a departure - in no small part because it's a solo effort as opposed to a full band thing (though I collaborated with talented musicians.) You can find information on the album here (including where to stream/purchase it): https://thecriminalkid.com/dear-disaster-album Thanks for listening!

In the first interview I've ever done on this channel, I have a conversation with my long-time friend and fellow entrepreneur David Roman. He runs Roman Empire Studios, where he does all kinds of audio projects for people, including mastering the tracks on my upcoming album. He's also a great musician and producer! Check out his project Femme Fragile and new single "Bitter": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_w6P9AP5ho This episode is part of a longer conversation, which you can check out over on his channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjUGPhstpT8 The track we mention collaborating on many years ago (Sleep in the Ocean) can be found here: https://davidroman.bandcamp.com/track/sleep-in-the-ocean

In today's episode, I share some updates on how university is going for me, and reflect on my previous challenges with school (notably, how terribly I did in high school). I share some tips for how to manage myriad responsibilities, and how to be a good student on top of it all. Enjoy! www.allyvb.com

Today's episode is a life update over on my PianoTV channel. The Criminal Kid music video for All Your Words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCoEzU53V-U To stay up-to-date, sign up for my mailing list over at http://pianotv.net/.

In today's episode, I talk about my experience with waking up at 5am for the last two months. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie My personal website: https://allyvb.com Visit me on Instagram: http://instagram.com/allysiaface and https://www.instagram.com/thecriminalkidmusic

"Persephone" music video by The Criminal Kid: https://youtu.be/qpuvf5yX-EY "Persephone" on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4blmJ3nc6eTDMNuZvZfl5a TCK on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecriminalkidmusic/

In today's episode, I share some ideas for what I want the year to look like. What are your plans? Do you have a word of the year? https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie My personal website: https://allyvb.com Visit me on Instagram: http://instagram.com/allysiaface and https://www.instagram.com/thecriminalkidmusic

For the last 6ish years, I've made the goal to read 52 books a year because I love reading. This habit has enriched my life in more ways than I can count, and I expect to read voraciously the rest of my life. Enjoy, and happy new year! My personal website: https://allyvb.com Visit me on Instagram: http://instagram.com/allysiaface and https://www.instagram.com/thecriminalkidmusic

In today's episode, I muse on the idea of truth, and the most reliable method to uncover it. How do you know if you, or your group, holds a false belief? Enjoy, and happy holidays!

A simple idea I've been mulling over which you also might find useful - the idea of "detail obsession" being several steps past "enthusiasm" when it comes to your interests, talents and passions. Where do you obsess on the details? Where do you experience the least resistance to this detail focus? Visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie 

I've been working on my own music lately - specifically the part about getting it out into the world. Here are 10 things I've been working on (or want to work on) in this process. Enjoy!Follow me on Spotify to be notified when I release new music! https://open.spotify.com/artist/2r7pS4I5hmUlVOon82Kzwp?si=uLz8tJskT3Km_QVWwASyHgTCK on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecriminalkidmusic/TCK on YouTube: http://youtube.com/thecriminalkidcanadaLink mentioned in video: release.cdbaby.com (album timeline generator)

Today I discuss where my creative instincts are pulling me - toward non-daily content so I can really deep-dive topics that fascinate me. It could be great, and it could be a total bust. Despite your best intentions, where is your creativity tugging you?Visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie 

Today's episode is my final spin-off discussion from Chris Bailey's book Hyperfocus. We'll discuss what our major distractors are, and explore some ideas on how to stay more focused. Not just to be more productive, but to have a better life. Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie 

Today's exercise is from Chris Bailey's book Hyperfocus. Enjoy! Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie

Over the last few days, my province has implemented a "vaccine passport" system for entering restaurants, gyms, and a few other places, so I figured this would be a good opportunity to explore the history of vaccine mandates, the murky ethical territory of freedom restriction vs. the freedom of health, and other questions arising from this pandemic. I am not a health care professional, I'm just a random person, so please question everything I say and do your own research. This is critically important.Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie

Today's episode came about while I was researching polio and got sidetracked. I find the topic of pandemics fascinating, so expect more in the future! Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie 

Today's episode is a simple tip in theory - but it can be a challenge to actually do! Take breaks. Put away your phone when you're in line. Don't try to fill every moment of your day. Space allows your genius to appear and for perspective to be gained. Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie 

In today's episode, I share 12+ books that my toddler has requested dozens of times. She started some of these books when she was 2.5, and now her books have increased in complexity at age 3.5. Most of these books would be great for children aged 3-5 years. Enjoy! Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie 

Today's episode is about pain and suffering. Fun topic, right? The thing is, we can't avoid pain in life, but we can largely avoid suffering - and that's what we'll get into today. Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie 

Here is an overview of how yesterday's election played out - a mix of facts and opinions from a random person in the prairies who just likes to read. Enjoy! Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie 

This is the longest Daily Musings episode to date as I discuss how Canadian elections work, and some details about today's campaign. If you're Canadian, go vote! Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie 

Today's episode discusses three types of attentional focus (or lack thereof) that are worth developing and cultivating. I'm terrible at #3! Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie 

Today's episode is about relating to yourself like you would to your own best friend. We tend to be really mean to ourselves (aren't we the meanest to those closest to us?), and this is a relationship dynamic I've been working on changing. Enjoy! Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie 

 We think productivity is all about the left-brain stuff, but humans are primarily emotional beings, so I think some of the biggest productivity gains come from managing emotions.  Keeping balanced emotionally is the biggest area for me where I stand to gain. I've probably spent accumulated months feeling pain about something I blew out of proportion, when I could've been enjoying life. Negative experiences, pain, it's gonna happen - why prolong the pain by creating a story about how that pain defines you or the other person? Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie

One of my shameful habits of both the distant and recent past is ... smoking cigarettes. I picked up the habit again around Covid time after a long hiatus, and I've managed to be smoke-free for the last month. In this episode I share what that experience has been like. Enjoy! Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie 

...That's cool, because most people do. Consider themselves above average, that is. And aye, there's the rub.  Today's exercise lets us practice some good old-fashioned honest self-assessment. Enjoy! Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA

I've been using the "story" frame for my life for quite some time, and though this has led to many a priceless memory, it's also led to plenty of pain and conflict. The "game" frame feels healthier and more congruent with living a happy life. Enjoy!Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA

Hey friends! It's nice to be back after a summer break. In this episode I share what I spent my summer doing, and I encourage you to conduct your own simple summer review - and think about the three big things you'd like to do by the end of the year. Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA

How do you find peace as an artist? When being an artist is your nature, and an artist's nature is akin to a storm, how does the storm find peace while still being true to its stormy nature? Or maybe, as always, the metaphors I live by are broken.

Hey friends, it's been a hot minute! Today I wanted to share something I wrote today, thoughts on how love is hard, and how the things I love doing most are hard. But love is really the only thing that's real. Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/

Help wanted! I'm trying to make the decision whether or not to move on from my old existing band name (The Criminal Kid) to my regular ol' name, or to some kind of stage name. In planning for my album release, this is a question I need to decide! Thanks for joining today, and stay tuned for episodes Monday to Friday. :)