Drop the Needle

Songs include:A theme from a seminal animated film about anthropomorphic playthingsA female vocalist's 3% happier cover of a wildly sad Death Cab for Cutie trackAn R.E.M. deep cut "When Am I Gonna Lose You?", which really wears its anxiety, neediness, and fear on its title sleeve

Mike considered this episode one of his favorites, which was really saying something since he routinely never listened to the show after recording. This was apparently a rare exception. Songs:- "Ecstasy," Rusted Root- "HOPE," Tenacious D- "The Living Daylights (Acoustic)," a-Ha- "Big Ideas," The Boxer Rebellion

Some more collected moments from our six years with Mike on the show. Music: - "Fog Rolls In," Doombird- "Comeback Kid," Sharon Van Etten- "Golden," Hippo Campus

Back when we had a smattering of regular listeners, we actually had a few questions come our way from people. And then they promptly stopped coming.  So, here's our first and only "listener mailbag" episode. Our good friend Jen Hoening visited for this episode.

One of a couple "lost" episodes where we were recording two episodes at a time, with one having some technical difficulties. This was that episode. The reason? It had reverb for no reason and then it got lost in the release shuffle. Not every episode sounded like it was recorded in a mid-sized cathedral, but this one did. Instead of fixing it, we *still* left it as-is.Highlights:- It's Sean-forward. - It's music-forward.- It's about living in the moment.- It's an episode where Mike reveals he saw a random indie movie from which Paul shares a song.As this episode is about gratitude, thanks for listening to these unearthed archives.Music from Missy Elliott, Vienna Teng, Paramore, The War on Drugs, Sing Street, and Lucius.- 

Recorded in Mike's brand-new apartment under his ridiculously large HDTV. Highlights: Guest Jason Lichtenberger makes DtN history by delivering the show's first country song, much to Mike's bewilderment.Sean brings a song that's barely a week old.Paul praises a coffee cup.Mike recalls some of his adventures, including hiding out from his parents behind a dumpster. Music by Tears for Fears, niko+ & Clans, Father John Misty, Chris Stapleton, First Aid Kit, and Tune-Yards.

Short (but not necessarily sweet) episode where Mike returned to the show after a lengthy absence.

Sean and Paul watch Mike's face get flushed red the entire time during their interview with author Amy Dresner ("My Fair Junkie"). 

One of our favorites. Mike and Sean are on fire.

A round-up of our favorite moments from our rough-around-the-edges Season 1 (not that we ever became super-polished). 

Part 2 of our “Recovery According to Mike” supercut — a testament to everything he learned in sobriety and a tribute to what kept him clean to the very end.

This early episode is the first of several that were only briefly available before they vanished due to a server crash (or Paul's ineptitude...)Regardless, they've all been re-discovered, dusted off, freshened up, and re-released for your listening pleasure. First up: Sean's great topic about the act of apologizing and/or asking for forgiveness in recovery.“Daniel,” Olentangy John  “Begin By Letting Go,” Etherwood “The Way Things Are,” Fiona Apple“The Traitor,” Sea Wolf“Hold Me Now,” Thompson Twins“Walking Home,” Serenades“Crawling Back to You,” Tom PettyThis podcast does not claim ownership or copyright of any of the media included.

Whether you subscribe to the 12 steps of AA, or you can't stand the thought of the rooms whatsoever, this episode has something for everyone. It's the first of our ambitious, rocky trek through all 12 steps, which we'll occasionally dust off from the archives and share with your ears. Given the subject matter, Mike and Paul roll solo in this one, which sets the tone for a year-long project that forever changed the podcast. Songs include:"Broken," lonelytheband"I Wanna Get Better," Bleachers"You Only Live Twice," Coldplay"Please Don't Die," Father John MistyThis podcast does not claim ownership over any of the media included. 

Joined by guest Jen Hoening, the gang explores their different breaking points on stage during a live episode, recorded at the Columbus Podcast Festival. 

Guest: Jason Lichtenberger This show does not claim copyright to any of the media included in this episode. 

This show does not claim ownership/copyright of any of this episode's included media. 

[Previously released October 2019]Selections include:"Back in Your Head," Tegan & Sara"The Pretender," Jackson Browne "In the Waiting Line," Zero 7"Oh Devil," Electric GuestDrop the Needle does not claim ownership over any of the media included in this episode. 

Songs included in this podcast: Slip Away - Perfume GeniusStrangers - Sarah KlangGame Winner - Vulpeck Wearing Nothing - DagnyThe Curse - Josh RitterHorses - Yes NiceThis show does not claim copyright over any of the artists or samples included. 

DtN presents a sneak preview of a brand-new weekly podcast, The Projection Room. Each week in less than 20 minutes, certified mental health counselor Rikki and certifiably mental movie fan Dusty evaluate a different movie scene. Whether it's classic, celebrated, confusing, confusingly celebrated, cult or something else, no scene is safe from scrutiny. In their debut episode, Rikki and Dusty take on an iconic scene from 1996's "Jerry Maguire," starring Tom Cruise and Renée Zellweger. Find out if this scene had them at hello or whether it completes them.(This podcast is comprised of the opinions of its hosts and should never be considered a replacement for professional, one-on-one counseling. The show does not claim copyright to the media within.)

Earlier this year, we returned with a brand-new co-host, a renewed purpose, and the excitement of getting together again... only to put the entire series to bed for good.In other words, this is our final-final, last-ever, we-swear-it's-over series finale. But this isn't a sad occasion. That's why this isn't an episode so much as a celebration that took almost 3 months to put together. It's a retrospective that pulls from 80 episodes to distill years of "Drop the Needle" down into one hour. If you've been with us since the beginning in 2016 or if this is your first-ever listen, thank you so much. As always, we hope this helps someone out there. Love, Paul, Sean, Rikki & MikeListen to all the songs included in this episode on Spotify! Guest Voices: Matt ArgalasAmy DresnerAmy TalbottShawn Patrick Thomas DaleyCole DownsDusty BakerJen HoeningCorby DickersonArtists: Julia JacklinBen HowardArcade FireBen Folds FiveBroken Social SceneCity and ColourThe DecemberistsOperatorsJukebox the GhostBeckLord HuronBruce Hornsby and the RangeLucy DacuslovelythebandiamamiwhoamiEagles of Death MetalToad the Wet SprocketMiike SnowPeter Gabriel

Guest Matt Argalas (The Wounded Jukebox, The Lazy Flame) uses his butterscotch voice to discuss identity, loss, and Australian accents, not to mention collecting trinkets and toys and trivial things, and so much more. Music: Alena Diane, Carpenter Brut, Arlie, Jimmy Eat World, Arcade Fire, Sylvan Esso, Post Malone, She & Him, Bob Seger and Julia Jacklin. Movie: "Liberal Arts" (2012, dir. Josh Radnor)

Getting older is no joke. In fact, maybe this episode's topic (the fear of aging) is what drove our co-hosts Mike and Sean to take "vacation"...  Maybe we'll never know. But whatever the case, our guest this week stepped up in a big way to deliver the goods! In a previous life, Dustin Baker was a rugby star, bartender, bouncer, reader, writer, and semi-serious Shakespeare scholar. Today, he's a high school language arts teacher who explores this week's topic through the prism of pop culture. He shares a poem by H.W. Longfellow; a novella by Fredrik Backman; music by The Steeldrivers, Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole and Faces; words from Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl; and a seminal scene from "Pulp Fiction." (Future guests: the bar has officially been set very, very high.)

If you're a people pleaser like 3/4 of this podcast's hosts, then this episode is a must-listen. Saying the word "no" is as empowering as it is elusive, but it's also intimidating and necessary. We walk through some tools and techniques to combat the anxiety of hearing "no" from others, bolstering self-identity, and diving into songs from Waxahatchee and KT Tunstall. 

Welp. Here we are, elbowing our way back into your podcast queue again. In the 2+ years we've been away, a couple of things have changed (to say the least) but that's why we've returned. Sean's steel-trap music memory is intact, Paul still doesn't enunciate words correctly, and Mike is leveling up with his recovery like never before. We're also more professional for Season 6, too. Literally! Our new co-host Rikki is a licensed counselor with a specialization in trauma, which puts an entirely different spin on "giving it a whirl."This episode features music by Alexi Murdoch and Toad the Wet Sprocket, not to mention a little Steve Martin action in the mix for good measure.

Before we kick off Drop the Needle 2.0 next week, here's one more unarchived episode from the not-all-that-different 1.0 version of this show. This one's from 2018. It features segments from tracks by Hippo Campus, Sharon Van Etten, R.E.M., HAERTS, Ten Fe, and Ashe, not to mention all three of us in very good places in life.

Our last new episode was released in December '19. Right after the holidays, the world shut down.Between then and now, so much has happened with the three of us that it's almost hilarious if some of it wasn't so sad. (We have a lot to talk about, you guys.)  Anyway, this episode finds Paul setting the table for Season 6. Each week until the new season, we'll be running some of our favorite, previously unavailable episodes from years past, like this one. But first: a discussion of why DtN is back and how it'll be different.Next, you'll find our very first podcast recording ever: an hour-long interview with Mike, before we formally asked him to join as a co-host. It's somewhat naive and unpolished, but it's true and honest. If nothing else, it's a fun time capsule in all the same ways as it's a permanent document of our sobriety, circa 2017. Fun fact: this episode has been in the Recycling Bin of Paul's Mac at least three times on accident, with no other versions saved anywhere. In other words, this is one lucky mp3 file. It's been cleaned and remastered to the best of our ability, so please enjoy.  

Sean, Mike and Paul get into the topic of loyalty—for people, for brands, for recovery programs and everything in between. (This episode also boasts references to Boxcar Willie and "Toy Story," so it can't be all bad.) Artists include Randy Newman, Miya Folick, R.E.M. and Local Natives.(Drop the Needle does not own or claim ownership of any music used in this podcast. All rights go to original owner.)

"I'm an alcoholic and an addict and I unleashed the monster. I didn't realize how severe the consequences of that would be." Co-host Mike Verlie returns to the show—and to recovery. Mike shares a bit of his journey over the past few months as well as his hopes for the future. Artists in this episode include Lucy Dacus, Gaz Coombes and Daft Punk.(Drop the Needle does not own or claim ownership of any music used in this podcast. All rights go to original owner.)

By far, this is our happiest, bounciest and most upbeat collection of music in one episode. That's because we're talking about "the pink cloud" in addiction recovery—the temporary sense of euphoria, hope and well-being that occurs during very early sobriety. Artists this time around include Phantom Planet, Gotye, Phoenix, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Florence + The Machine and Jessica Lea Mayfield. (Drop the Needle does not own or claim ownership of any music used in this podcast. All rights go to original owner.)

Instant gratification is one of the hallmarks of suffering from addiction⁠—the soulless chase of a short-term high without thinking through the long-term consequences. Sean and Paul talk about self-control, impulse purchases, patience and focusing on the big picture. Artists include Now, Now, Bat for Lashes, Arcade Fire, Saint Motel, The Beach Boys, and Sylvan Esso. (Drop the Needle does not own or claim ownership of any music used in this podcast. All rights go to original owner.)

When you're in addiction recovery, it's easy to beat yourself up for the things that you did. But it's how you move past your bad decisions and forgive yourself that truly defines your future. In this episode, Sean and Paul talk about letting go of the past, awkward moments, dwelling on mistakes and pushing forward. Artists include Metronomy, Mr. Little Jeans, Fruit Bats and Teenage Priest. (Drop the Needle does not own or claim ownership of any music used in this podcast. All rights go to original owner.)

If you're struggling with alcoholism and addiction, you know how cruel sleep can be. Likewise, if you're struggling with sobriety, you know just how cruel sleep can be, too. There's no happy medium. Many routines over many years have to be built. Paul has had a contentious, ugly relationship with sleep for nearly six years after getting sober. In this episode, Sean and Paul discuss sleep habits, dream imagery in songs, and Paul's addiction to Ambien. They also share songs by Hey Ocean!, Youth Lagoon, M83 and Explosions in the Sky.(Drop the Needle does not own or claim ownership of any music used in this podcast. All rights go to original owner.)

This week, we discuss the complicated, thorny and entirely unofficial “Step 13” in 12-step programs: the common phenomenon of long-timers preying romantically upon short-timers. It’s an episode about protecting yourself against vulnerability and recognizing whom to trust in recovery. With the help of our frequent guest Adam, we offer some solutions and strategies for navigating this minefield. We also share songs by Air Traffic Controller, little hurricane, Hellogoodbye, and Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross. (Drop the Needle does not own or claim ownership of any music used in this podcast. All rights go to original owner.)

In the final episode of the 12-step project, Sean and Paul discuss how to give back, removing obsessions in your life, and the art of living your best life. Artists include Vacationer, Poolside, Public Service Broadcasting, Dylan LeBlanc and Rex Orange County. (Drop the Needle does not own or claim ownership of any music used in this podcast. All rights go to original owner.)

Paul and Sean discuss how to "fake it until you make it" in recovery, meditation, higher powers, sensory deprivation tanks and the time Sean got locked in the record-album archives by a vengeful Paul. Artists include Lana Del Rey, Washed Out, Japanese Breakfast and The Japanese House.(Drop the Needle does not own or claim ownership of any music used in this podcast. All rights go to original owner.)

In this episode, Sean and Paul discuss Step 10, self-honesty, insecurity, guilt, forgiveness, "restraint of tongue and pen" and the time Paul thought he didn't appear on Sean's doorbell-camera when he actually did. Artists include Dear and the Headlights, Electric Guest and Lizzo. (Drop the Needle does not own or claim ownership of any music used in this podcast. All rights go to original owner.)

In this episode, Sean and Paul bring music about the hardest steps in the book: Steps 8 and 9. Making amends is fraught with anxiety and tension as it is, but putting that into motion can be even more complicated. They discuss how to practically approach someone to make amends, the act of forgiveness, and how to maintain sobriety without being forgiven, not to mention songs by Paramore, Miya Folick, Jukebox the Ghost, Dum Dum Girls and Tori Amos.Also, we've been nominated for Best Music Podcast for the 2019 Columbus Podcast Awards. If you don't mind showing us a little love, go to the nominations page and throw us a vote! It takes two seconds. Thank you! We're humbled and honored by the nom.(Drop the Needle does not own or claim ownership of any music used in this podcast. All rights go to original owner.)

In this episode, we're joined by the sunny, kind and engaging Arlina Allen, host of her own podcast The ODAAT Chat as well as the creator of Sober Life School. We discuss AA Step 7, which consists of removing one's shortcomings. Artists include Glen Phillips, Enigma, Anna of the North and The National.Also, we've been nominated for Best Music Podcast for the 2019 Columbus Podcast Awards. If you don't mind showing us a little love, go to the nominations page and throw us a vote! It takes two seconds. Thank you! We're humbled and honored by the nom.(Drop the Needle does not own or claim ownership of any music used in this podcast. All rights go to original owner.)

In this episode, we welcome return guest Tommy Rutger to discuss Step 6 and removing defects of character. Artists include Gov't Mule, Lady Lamb and Fiona Apple.Also, we've been nominated for Best Music Podcast for the 2019 Columbus Podcast Awards. If you don't mind showing us a little love, go to https://www.columbuspodcastawards.com/nominations and throw us a vote! It takes two seconds. Thank you! We're humbled and honored by the nom.(Drop the Needle does not own or claim ownership of any music used in this podcast. All rights go to original owner.)

In this episode, we discuss the soul-shaking confession step. Artists this episode include The Trash Can Sinatras, Vampire Weekend, Yellow Ostrich, Three Dog Night, Claud, and Shearwater.Also, we've been nominated for Best Music Podcast for the 2019 Columbus Podcast Awards. If you don't mind showing us a little love, go to https://www.columbuspodcastawards.com/nominations and throw us a vote! It takes two seconds. Thank you! We're humbled and honored by the nom.(Drop the Needle does not own or claim ownership of any music used in this podcast. All rights go to original owner.)

In this episode, we discuss Step 4 and the process of creating a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Artists include Mal Blum, Michael Penn, Radical Face, Tristen, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, and TV Girl.Also, we've been nominated for Best Music Podcast for the 2019 Columbus Podcast Awards. If you don't mind showing us a little love, go to https://www.columbuspodcastawards.com/nominations and throw us a vote! It takes two seconds. Thank you! We're humbled and honored by the nom.(Drop the Needle does not own or claim ownership of any music used in this podcast. All rights go to original owner.)

In this episode, celebrated author, essayist and blogger Sean Paul Mahoney ("Now That You've Stopped Dying") joined us for a deep-dive into Step 3, including music from Dolly Parton, Björk, Annie Lennox, Sylvan Esso and a Future Islands remix of a Phantogram track.(Drop the Needle does not own or claim ownership of any music used in this podcast. All rights go to original owner.)

In this music-heavy episode, we're joined by return guest Adam G., as well as music from Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Joon Moon, Oasis, Civil Twilight, R.E.M. and Coldplay. (Drop the Needle does not own or claim ownership of any music used in this podcast. All rights go to original owner.)

Step 1 brings with it songs from lovelytheband, Bleachers, Coldplay, and Father John Misty.(Drop the Needle does not own or claim ownership of any music used in this podcast. All rights go to original owner.)