Please Don't Follow Me with Carmen Z

What are these girls smoking?  Carmen Z is joined by trusted sidekick Niajah B for another round of exploring the music of Lana Del Rey along with the themes of Inspiration & Celebrity Influence.  The session took a weird turn when a power outage knocked them off their flow and down a rabbit hole…the Universe is a tricky mistress! Have a listen; it's a dance party for your mind! Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness And more about Carmen Z @ www.carmenfzumot.com

Carmen Z steps into her own reality in this episode dedicated to exploring video games, escapism and more music by one of Carmen's favorite artists, Lana Del Rey.  Always a bit quirky, and definitely obsessed with music, check out another episode by your host Carmen Z! It's a dance party for your mind!  Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness And more about Carmen Z @ www.carmenfzumot.com

Trigger Warning: Sensitive subject matter on sexuality discussed  Carmen Z and special guest Niajah B, her trusted sidekick, do another round of exploring life's hot topics with more of Lana Del Rey's lyrics, because Lana is a God. Sigmund Freud, everyone's favorite Grandfather of psychoanalysis, coined the phrase “Madonna Whore Complex,” to try and make sense of man's complex relationship with women's sexuality.  The best way to explain how they harmonize the music and the madness, is to listen!   Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness And more about Carmen Z @ www.carmenfzumot.com

What is an Existential Crisis? You've heard the term; you've likely gone through one yourself and you definitely have been on a road trip and most certainly love the music of Lana Del Rey.  Lana's music in many ways is the road trip of life, zig zagging us through the beauty and pain of our existence.  Sound deep? You know how we do it here at PDFM with Carmen Z! Join our insightful host, as she harmonizes life with the music we love.  Hang in there, friends, life is full of twists and turns, but Carmen Z's got you! Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness And more about Carmen Z @ www.carmenfzumot.com

Get your beautiful minds out of the gutter, friends!  Carmen Z isn't talking about sex positions, she's discussing phone etiquette and how we may or may not be conscious of how we use our phones, in all the ways we use them, and what that might say about who we are and how we come across to others. Do you put your phone face down or face up?  What might that say about you? Our phones are our third arm.  Along with the lyrics of the powerhouse that is Drake, she gets the hotline bling! Please check out the conversation! Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness And more about Carmen Z @ www.carmenfzumot.com

***Warning:  Some lyrics highlighted in this episode may be vulgar for some listeners.  Try and listen with an open mind.*** Carmen Z explores the female body and the art of seduction by lacing in the lyrics of the eccentric and enigmatic powerhouse that is Nicki Minaj.  The feminine physique and all its beautiful powers can be a tool used for tremendous empowerment, and if we aren't careful, an abuse of power.  In a time where male entitlement and abuse of power are coming into the forefront of conversation and change, let us look at the power of both sexes and how these themes relate through the lyrics. Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness And more about Carmen Z @ www.carmenfzumot.com  

**Please note this episode may be triggering for some.** Carmen Z takes on a delicate set of subject material related to domestic violence and the theme of compassion while leaning on the lyrics of the late, great, Tina Turner.  Music is the medicine and many of her songs and her personal life story are an anthem for this episode's message.  Please listen with care.  Carmen Z hopes this discussion provides healing and perspective on a difficult part of the human experience. If you are a victim of domestic violence or would like to find ways you can help, please visit the website for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: ncadv.org Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness.  ***Proceeds of the book go towards organizations helping women and children victim's of domestic abuse.*** And more about Carmen Z @ www.carmenfzumot.com

Carmen Z takes on the themes of Languages & Generational Gaps mixing in the lyrics of the band The Cold War Kids with her latest dance party of the mind offering for your ears!  Did you know there are over 7,000 languages in the world?  Why the hell does it seem like we are speaking 8 billion? What language or languages are you speaking and why do you care if everyone else is speaking the same one? Please have a listen as she explores it all! Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness And more about Carmen Z @ www.carmenfzumot.com

Carmen Z is back in the basement (her podcast studio), where all magical things happen, kicking off her latest batch of episodes aka Season 3 with a little insight as to why she refers to the basement as a “magical” place.  She also discusses why movies play a role and laces it all together with the lyrics by the upbeat music group Two Door Cinema Club. It's a dance party for the mind, people! Please listen for a quick peek into something magical!  Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness And more about Carmen Z @ www.carmenfzumot.com

Unconditional love; isn't it pretty to think so. Carmen Z does a deep dive exploring the concepts of unconditional love, hatred & the music of Bob Marley.  In a world spewing so much hate, in a world desperate for more love, how do we rise above the challenges we face personally and globally so that we may contribute to healing ourselves and others? You cannot fight fire with fire, we cannot hate our enemy, if the world is to succeed.  Emotional intelligence is required as humanity forges forward, and you are being called to help raise the vibration of the planet; are you up for the challenge?  Grab your peace pipe and listen to how Carmen Z weaves these powerful thoughts with the powerful music of Bob Marley. Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness And more about Carmen Z @ www.carmenfzumot.com  

Shh!  Quiet in the library! Carmen Z offers an interesting idea on how you might resolve conflict, and yes, a librarian is part of the solution, because nobody fucks with the librarian!  Along with the lyrics of the band Green Day, Carmen offers her usual quirky self to the conversation on how we humans can best resolve our differences along with a poem she wrote, A Conversation with Society & Loved Ones.  Grab your library card and check out her latest episode for wisdom and laughter alike! Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness And more about Carmen Z @ www.carmenfzumot.com

Ah, Tarot Cards, mystical little messages from the Universe, often misunderstood by the masses as a hoax or even downright devilish.  Did you know the beautiful and enchanting singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves has her own deck of Tarot Cards she designed?  Carmen Z does a deep dive into the misconception behind these magical cards harmonizing the themes with the lyrics of the artist Kacey Musgraves redefining her own genre.  Life is short, pull a card…and dance on! Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness And more about Carmen Z @ www.carmenfzumot.com  

Strangers, friends, enemies, well-intended, ill-intended; sometimes that takes a lifetime to discern. What is the key to navigating all the strange characters that come in and out of our lives?   Carmen Z does a deep dive with a little help from the music of The Doors (Jim Morrision) to shine a light on what she believes is the “answer.” Of course, she's just one in 8 billion people.  Music is the greatest unifier; let's dance! Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness And more about Carmen Z @  www.carmenfzumot.com

Dirty laundry piling up?  It's all around us; so much dirt coming to light in the world around us.  Our governments, religious leaders, the whole damn system, including our own actions in our personal worlds.  It's time to do some laundry, friends.  Carmen Z's washer machine broke down and her dirty laundry was piling up.  Along with the lyrics of Sam Smith, Carmen Z does a deep dive into the themes Dirty Laundry, Unholy & the music of Sam Smith.  Have a listen to see how she harmonizes all three.  Music is the greatest unifier; let's dance! Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness And more about Carmen Z @  www.carmenfzumot.com

It's a brand new year; we made it, world!  Carmen Z is feeling a little creatively blocked.  How about you?  Feeling a bit stuck and in need of trusting the process? Where's the music in this episode? The foundation of the podcast is getting a little shake up today.  Have a listen to learn more about Carmen Z's "process" and "trusting" the energy within, whether blocked or inspired.   Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness And more about Carmen Z @  www.carmenfzumot.com

Intimacy, we want it, we crave it, we are terrified of it.  Carmen Z does a deep dive into the themes of Intimacy, Vulnerability and the Music of Sia.  What is the key to healthy intimacy?  Carmen Z's perspective may surprise you or help validate what you've always known deep down inside of yourself.  Music unifies us; let's dance! Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness And more about Carmen Z @  www.carmenfzumot.com

Carmen Z does a deep dive into the themes of Projecting, Provoking and the music of the Smashing Pumpkins.  Anyone else feeling the Full Moon in Pisces energy along with Mercury Retrograde? Let's see how this all harmonizes together and how we may need to surrender to what we cannot control at this time. Music unifies us; let's dance!  Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness And more about Carmen Z @  www.carmenfzumot.com

Carmen Z does a deep dive into the concept of Divine Masculine & Feminine energies-widely discussed these days.  Along with harmonizing the lyrics of the colorful and eccentric musician  Machine Gun Kelly, Carmen will have you looking at Christmas just a little differently and you might even sport a pink, fuzzy coat after listening.  Please listen to hear how this all ties together and her unique perspective on letting your freak flag fly! Music unifies us; let's dance!  Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness And more about Carmen Z @  www.carmenfzumot.com

In Carmen Z's first solo episode, she does a deep dive into how the world may seem just a bit crazy these days and how we ourselves might be feeling crazy too.  Gnarls Barkley, the music group made up of CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse composed the song Crazy, which has powerful insights helping Carmen to harmonize this episodes' message and provide some perspective that maybe feeling "crazy" isn't such a bad thing after all.  Please listen and check out her unique perspective.  Check out Carmen F. Zumot's book Empire Amethyst A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness And more about Carmen Z @  www.carmenfzumot.com

Who is the Sinnerman? Nina Simone aka the “High Priestess of Soul” powerfully delivers in one of her most famous songs, the Sinnerman. Carmen Z and special guest Dan S. who works in private security sit down in “the basement” to discuss the themes of safety rocks, moods and the music of Nina Simone.  Carmen Z asks Dan S. who is the Sinnerman and his answer may surprise you! This question may be on your mind too. A question as old as time. Join in this exploration of lyrics and themes and perhaps set a mood. Light a candle or two.  Remember, it's a new dawn, it's a new day and we're feeling good; at least when we learn to face “the Sinnerman…”

Carmen Z sits down with special guest and unique hair artist Eric Slaymaker to discuss how their destined meeting years ago played a bigger role than either could have imagined.  Fast forward to present day, the two now share a very special bond through their sibling kittens Chili, Moon and Venus.  Things got interesting when the two started talking about the "spirit world" in "the basement" that day along with a delightful and meaningful conversation on life, death, loss, gain and the pursuit of happiness in this big, bad, beautiful world.  This episode is for all animal lovers alike! Listen to see how the music of Doja Cat harmonizes the conversation.  Amen and meow! 

Does money equal success?  Does money equal happiness?  What the hell is cryptocurrency? Dear friend and Wealth Advisor Miriam Falaki joins Carmen Z in “the basement” to delve into these themes along with their misadventures around Paris dealing with thieves, an unexpected and expensive bill at the Moulin Rouge, and carrying stinky cheese on their trek across France via train…along with the music and lyrics of Pink Floyd to harmonize the episode. Come join them for an insightful dance party of the mind!  We got the cheese!     

Carmen Z sits down with Mama Z to harmonize floods, men and the music of Led Zeppelin!  Get the Led out, people!  How does emotional intelligence relate to floods and men? How do you cope when you experience something like a flood? Did a "Knight in Shining Armor" come to the rescue when Carmen's home flooded in 2020 and what does she REALLY think of Hugh Hefner the creator of Playboy? Is monogamy realistic? All of these questions and more are answered when you sit back, relax, and enjoy the conversation and...music! She also reads a poem from her book Empire Amethyst! Recorded in "the basement" where all magical things happen...somewhere in Atlanta! P.S. This is the first episode ever recorded.  Why do things in order when you can just go with the flow...

WARNING: SENSITIVE SUBJECT MATTER SUCH AS THEMES OF SUICIDE ARE DISCUSSED In this unique episode, Carmen Z along with returning guest and dear friend Eric sit down to discuss the themes of happiness and addiction along with the story and music of Kurt Cobain (Nirvana).  It is a tale as old as time.  The pursuit of happiness, the self-destruction when the weight of the world is too much to bear.  As this episode is heavy in nature, with suicide as a main focus, we encourage you to listen with care.  The last minutes of this episode, Eric reads a play he wrote years ago on his perspective of the last minutes of Kurt Cobain's death. Sending love and support to all who might be struggling at this time, have loved ones who are struggling and for all of us finding our way during these unique times.  You are all beautiful and deserving of another day… don't lose hope.  Hope is always on the horizon of another mornings' sunrise… Deep Love, Carmen Z Please visit the Instagram page for the link in bio for resources Carmen Z recommends for anyone who may need tools to help navigate mental health trauma from Carmen's own personal teachers she finds grace and guidance from. 

WARNING: SENSITIVE SUBJECT MATTER SUCH AS THEMES OF SUICIDE ARE DISCUSSED). What do South Park, Mental Health and Britney Spears have in common?  In 2008, the creators of South Park released an episode slapping society and the media in the face for their complete lack of empathy and vulturous handling of this iconic Pop Stars' mental health.  When the world went in for a metaphorical kill, South Park had Britney's back and in a very striking way. Mental Health Advocate Megan Armstrong joins the podcast to contribute to the conversation as well as share her own vulnerable mental health journey.  Please listen with care, as themes of suicide are discussed.  Carmen Z and Megan do not hold back on their passionate desire to call it like it is and look society and their own inner struggles in the face.  Join us as they harmonize all three themes, in "the basement", somewhere in Atlanta…(With Deep Love, Carmen Z).

What do Bad Grades + Poets + Dave Matthews Band have in common? Well, take a listen with Carmen Z and special guest and dear friend Carl Frazzano as they dive in lacing all three themes together.  Carl even dishes on what Carmen was like in high school…sorry, Mama Z!  This episode is loaded with surprises not to mention what bumper stickers might be coming your way brought to you by PDFM with Carmen Z.  Carl brings the laughs, unique insights and a super awesome good time to “the basement” making this Carmen's favorite episode recorded to date! Come on in, have a seat, take a listen, and find your mind in “the basement, where all magical things happen…

Carmen Z and dear friend Eric Eikey (musician, writer and comedian) sat down in “the basement” to harmonize Confidence, Purple (the color) and the Artist Formerly Known as Prince. Their minds danced to the ultimate song, being comfortable in your own skin! Thanks be to the greats such as Prince for proving you do not have to fit into a box and exemplifying empowering your uniqueness!  The discussion would not have been complete without infusing the color purple into the mix, after all, it's the color of personal power and royalty! Prince's legacy lives on! They followed the days' podcast with a field trip to the tribute band Purple Madness thanks to the loving support of Live Nation at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta.  Head over to the Instagram page for photos of the night and videos in the highlights!  Don't worry, you don't have to follow! 

Mama Z joins Carmen Z in "the basement" to discuss the whirlwind of tourism this last year due to the world shutting down.  Owning and operating an international spiritual tourism company, sending thousands of people around the world each year for journeys abroad, interrupted by a world crisis, well, there's a lot to be said for that.  Mix in the music of Taylor Swift, they go on an exploration discussing rising above circumstances, and to find the beauty and/or creating beauty while the "ship" is sinking. Taylor Swift produced not one but two albums this last year.  She is a true leader.  Carmen Z produced a book of poetry during this time, a saving grace and her "rising above" despite the chaos... turning pain into art is healing.  Come, listen, and shake it off... 

The Director of Events for Live Nation Atlanta, Karyn Kotler, the good folks who bring you concerts from venues like The Tabernacle Atlanta, The Buckhead Theater, Coca-Cola Roxy, Ameris & Cellias Amphitheaters joined the podcast to discuss music, the great unifier and foundation of my show, along with Danielle Hall, a leader in Sound Therapy, and as a I refer to her, a “Musician of the Soul!” See how we connect what I refer to as the shows “Holy Trinity” concept, “a musical odyssey of the mind” along with music from Mumford and Sons ...I also read my poem "The Light & the Love" from my book Empire Amethyst (A Harmoniously Blended Poetry Collection: Light, Love & Madness) out now.  Concerts are coming back, ya'll! Put on your dancing shoes and come dance with us! 

What is this podcast you ask and what is with the name?  Take a two minute journey and listen to the method behind the madness, the foundation of Please Don't Follow Me with Carmen Z...we promise, it may just be the best two minutes of your life!