The Downward Facing Spiritual Spiral

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Instagram and tech are dramatically impacting the world and turning human beings into robots. The Spiritual Spiral is here to bring awareness to the negative effect of social media and inspire you to turn off your phone and value your free time. Join artist, writer and yoga teacher Eddie Cohn as he discusses the impact of tech and interviews musicians, yoga teachers and artists to talk about how social media affects their lives and what we can do to be more creative and less distracted.

Eddie Cohn


    • Jul 12, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 50m AVG DURATION
    • 248 EPISODES

    5 from 27 ratings Listeners of The Downward Facing Spiritual Spiral that love the show mention: eddie, yoga, social media, dialogue, smart, thoughtful, taking, intelligent, culture, conversation, interview, deep, humor, honest, need, topics, guests, life, listen, great.


    Ivy Insights

    The Downward Facing Spiritual Spiral podcast, hosted by Eddie, is a refreshing and thought-provoking show that delves into important topics surrounding our modern society, particularly the impact of social media and technology on our lives. Eddie's laid-back and intelligent demeanor makes him instantly likable and relatable, making listeners feel like they're having a conversation with a close friend. His interviews are insightful, filled with interesting points and supported by real-life examples from his own experiences and the world we live in.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Eddie's ability to challenge societal norms in a humble and non-judgmental way. He brings up topics that may make some people uncomfortable but resonate deeply with many others. His content is smart, filled with depth and substance, which is often lacking in today's fast-paced digital world. Eddie's perspective on the overuse of social media as a copious distraction is relatable to many listeners who also yearn for more meaningful interactions and connections in their daily lives.

    Another great aspect of The Downward Facing Spiritual Spiral podcast is Eddie's skill at creating an intimate yet informative atmosphere during his conversations with guests. He draws them in effortlessly, resulting in discussions that touch upon their craft, the effects of social media and technology on relationships, culture, and overall well-being. His natural conversational style makes it easy for listeners to tune in time after time.

    In terms of negatives, there are few downsides to this podcast. Some may argue that certain episodes could benefit from tighter editing or more concise discussions. However, this is merely a minor critique considering the overall quality of content shared.

    In conclusion, The Downward Facing Spiritual Spiral podcast is a must-listen for anyone seeking thoughtful and honest conversations about life, social media's impact on society, and finding ways to spend our free time more wisely. Eddie tackles these issues with bravery, humor, and intelligence while remaining relatable and down-to-earth. His ability to introduce important topics and engage guests in meaningful dialogues is truly commendable. It's only a matter of time before this podcast becomes a sensation in Los Angeles and beyond.



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    Latest episodes from The Downward Facing Spiritual Spiral

    I'm BACK and Life's Constant Duality

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 25:32


    I'm baaaaaaack. That's right, a BRAND NEW season of the Spiritual Spiral Podcast is here. After a four month hiatus, I finally felt inspired to hit that good old "record" button and bring the show back. I'm going to do things a little different and break the show up into seasons. I know, SUPER FANCY. I just can't keep up with the pace of society and while I've tried to keep the pedal on the gas, and release new episodes each week, throughout the whole year, it's just not possible. Don't worry, I'm fine. The show will go on. I just need to be a little more intentional when it comes to releasing new episodes. Ok, so on to the show. After a quick re-introduction, I chat about what's kept me out of the podcast circuit, what I have in store for SEASON 5, and I finish by chatting about the force of duality. What happens if two opposing ideas are true at the same time? What would happen to all the constant bickering in the world, if we all just accepted that two things can be true at once. Maybe the world would be a lot quieter? Less yelling? Sounds heavenly. Stay tuned for a great season where I talk about music, "trauma", new TV shows like The Bear and Baby Reindeer, ALGORITHMS (they're soooo sexy) and I'm going to talk about ways to balance technology with quiet time. Tech is here to stay. Duh. Social media isn't going anywhere so maybe it's time to embrace this fast paced world and do what we can to achieve more balance in the face of all this tech. Thanks for listening! Stoked to be back. Oh and did you notice the NEW cover photo? Pretty fancy. Photo by my pal Rony Peters. And as always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so incredibly supportive. I appreciate YOU! It's also always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review.  I'd also love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening.   

    Is Everything Potentially Life-Threatening?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2024 17:57


    So many potential reasons to be nervous in today's society but how often are our own fears simply overblown thanks to our blurred perception of reality? Today on the Spiritual Spiral, a quick episode about fear and why I'm trying to rewire my brain's perception of fear. I've dealt with anxiety for a large portion of my life, but I feel my perspective surrounding fear shifting to a healthier and much more manageable space. With the "horrific"(not my word choice) rain storm "pounding" down on Los Angeles, I felt compelled to share a little perspective on fear and anxiety. Where do our fears come from? Are they warranted or is our imagination running wild? Hopefully today's episode will help you think more about your own fears and if they're truly justified, or are you simply responding to a culture that potentially thrives when people are scared. As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so incredibly supportive. I appreciate YOU! Please check out my latest song on Spotify by clicking HERE or you can watch the video by clicking HERE. Remember, my book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's also always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review.  I'd also love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening.   

    A New Artist's Way and Big Magic

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2024 25:32


    When you create, do you ever think of your audience and how your work will be received or do you solely create for yourself? Can art be both a personal and cathartic experience while also being an attempt to connect with an audience? After a brief hiatus from podcasting, I'm excited to be back on the Spiritual Spiral for the first episode of 2024. I find myself in this odd and precarious spot emotionally. On the one hand, I'm thrilled to have new music to share, but living in a world with so many metrics and so many social media platforms, it can also be quite overwhelming. With the constant running tabulations of views, listens and likes, what do these numbers do to the creative process. A friend of mine recently suggested a brilliant book entitled Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. This book has been a lifesaver and a great reminder for myself as to why I create in the first place. I read a quick section from Gilbert's fantastic book and I end the show by playing my latest song. As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so incredibly supportive. I appreciate YOU! Please check out my latest song on Spotify by clicking HERE or you can watch the video by clicking HERE. Remember, my book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's also always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review.  I'd also love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening.   

    Nathaniel Perales

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2023 93:31


    Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I'm thrilled to welcome Portland based photographer and web designer, Nathaniel Perales, to the show. I've been a HUGE fan of Nathaniel's photography for a long time. So much so that most of the cover photos of my records or singles typically feature Nathaniel's work. He and I begin by dissecting the crazy intersection where technology and social media collide with the intimacy of creativity.  We talk about the emotional ups and downs we feel when we release new art into the world. Nathaniel discusses his personal process as a photographer and we talk about the potential effect social media and tech may be having on autonomy and cultural creativity. We discuss ways technology can ultimately benefit our lives as creators but just as easily warp perceptions and our own expectations when we release new work. We chat about criticism and dwindling attention spans and Nathaniel also talks about what inspired him to first get into photography AND he ends the show by reading an incredible poem. I definitely suggest you check out Nathaniel's work by following him on IG @nathanielperales or visit his website nathanielperales.com.  As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so incredibly supportive. I appreciate YOU! Remember, my book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's also always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review.  I'd also love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening.   

    Aaron Bethune

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2023 89:09


    Finding purpose, meditation and the meaning of life. Today on the Spiritual Spiral, you're in store for a deep and wonderful chat as I welcome my good friend, Aaron Bethune, to the show. Aaron and I have been talking about doing a podcast together for a LONG time so it's great to finally make it happen. Aaron's another one of those brilliant people I know who is truly a Renaissance man. He's an entrepreneur, storyteller, author, a CEO, a musician and a HUGE fan of the arts. He is also big on meditation so we start off by talking about religion, meditation and what inspires him to take Vipassana retreats each year. We discuss the complex world of spirituality and yoga and what ultimately inspires Aaron to look at life through a more Buddhist lens. We talk about music, PR and standing out as an artist in this tech centric culture and we talk about the positives and potential pitfalls of social media. You can find Aaron on IG @aaronbethune or at his website, aaronbethune.com. As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so incredibly supportive. I appreciate YOU! Remember, my book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's also always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review.  I'd also love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening.   

    Matt Dery (Return Visit)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2023 56:25


    Well get ready for a FIRE episode for today's Spiritual Spiral as I welcome my friend from high school, Matt Dery, back to the show. Matt is an enormous sports fan with a ton of experience behind the podcast mic as he is currently the host of THREE podcasts; the Locked on Lions Podcast, The Pistons Pod and the Dery Bothers Guardian Cast where he talks Guardians baseball with his brother. But the thing about Matt that I probably love the most is how he has a heart of gold. Matt may never be shy about sharing an opinion or a "hot take", but he also has a way of adding nuance, humor and heartfelt compassion to just about any topic. Sure, we talk sports and Lebron James and sports commentating, but we also discuss the value of solitude and being quiet. We talk about "going live", getting older, the shifting of values and why traveling is more important now than ever before. Of course we discuss a little social media and the impact of technology and we talk about allowing art to "breathe." Be sure to follow Matt on Twitter @Deryspeaks where you'll find him sharing his thoughts on any number of sports related topics. As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so incredibly supportive. I appreciate YOU! Remember, my book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's also always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review.  I'd also love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening.   

    Trygge Toven

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2023 65:50


    Today on the Spiritual Spiral, you're in store for a wonderful chat as I welcome Trygge Toven to the show. Because Trygge pursues multiple creative outlets while having a passion for business and app development, it's fair to say Trygge is a true "Renaissance Man." Trygge is probably best known as a music supervisor but he is also a singer, a music producer, an entrepreneur, a soon to be author and he also just released a new app called Anti Journal. Anti Journal is a modern day take on the diary giving users a private space to vent and release anxiety by digitally and privately "getting thoughts out." Trygge and I talk about his creative process, time management, the effect of social media on creativity, as well as music supervision and the evolution of the music industry. We discuss methods to gain confidence as a creator and how to turn off the noise. We also talk about what inspired Trygge to create his new Anti Journal app and what he envisions the app to become in the future. Anti Journal is available now on the Apple Store and Google Play and you can read more about Trygge and Anti Journal by visiting trygge.com or by clicking HERE. As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so incredibly supportive. I appreciate YOU! Remember, my book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's also always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review.  I'd also love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening.   

    Is it the Art, Image or Marketing? Great Interrupters & an Analog Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2023 37:42


    Over the last 8 months, I've been working on a bunch of new music to the point where I have five songs that are done. I'm beyond thrilled and I CAN NOT wait for people to hear these songs. But then my head spins to that exhausting head space of marketing, social media, making videos and then I wonder, what does it take to break through the cultural noise. Which then leads me to the bigger question... Is art REALLY about the quality of the art anymore? Today on the Spiritual Spiral, a three part episode where I begin by discussing the battle between art, image and dwindling attention spans. I also play a clip from a recent Marc Maron podcast where his incredible guest, Amanda Seales, talks about the differences between stand up comedy and the music biz. In segment two, I talk about interrupting! I was listening to a recent Bill Maher and Marc Maron podcast and I couldn't help but notice how often they both interrupt their guests and talk all over them. Have podcasts simply become another outlet for the host to talk about themselves? And finally, I end by sharing an "analog" story where I discover a friend of mine is having a baby. I didn't find out through social media or by text but by overhearing a real-life conversation. As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so incredibly supportive. I appreciate YOU! Remember, my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's also always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and I'd love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening. 

    ”Boring”-heimer, White Bear and RIP Robbie

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2023 31:18


    Today on the Spiritual Spiral, a little mash-up episode as I dive into a few topics that don't necessarily relate to one another, but they have been on my mind. First up... a quick dedication to Robbie Roberston who recently passed away. I was never really a fan of The Band, BUT I loved his solo record from 1987. It was produced by Daniel Lanois and features U2 and Peter Gabriel so definitely check it out. Then I discuss the new movie Oppenheimer, or as I like to call it, "Boringheimer." Sure, Christopher Nolan's movie looks spectacular and the sound and editing are explosively entertaining. The acting is stellar but the movie has ONE enormous flaw, it lacks heart. It was loquaciously self-indulgent and a boring THREE HOURS LONG! The film is far from a disaster, but with its lack of three dimensional characters, I was left bored and unenthralled. Finally, I discuss a spellbinding episode from the Black Mirror series entitled, White Bear. I know. I'm late to the Black Mirror party but I found it ironic that I just watched White Bear a week before this recent brawl in Montgomery. The parallels between the episode and the brawl are striking and I can't help but wonder why people feel so compelled to pull out their phone the moment human beings act like imbeciles. When you see a fight break out, do you try and temper the emotions, do you walk away OR do you grab a box of popcorn, pull out your phone and prepare to be entertained? As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so incredibly supportive. I appreciate YOU! Remember, my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's also always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and I'd love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening. 

    Mt. Rainier & People Watching are SUPER Boring (Thanks to TT and IG)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2023 25:54


    Well it appears Mt. Rainier has officially turned into a total snoozefest. I was on an airplane flying home from Seattle, with a bird's eye view of the tip of Mt. Rainier, right outside my window. And while I was mesmerized by the view, when I looked around the airplane, no one seemed to care. You know why? Because if your brain is stuck on Tiktok or IG, Mt. Rainier is SUPER boring. Oh, and are you a people watcher? I LOVE to people watch. Or maybe I should say, I USED to love to people watch. People watching has become a big time snoozefest. Why? You guessed it. Everyone's face is glued to their dang phone. I just got back from an amazing trip to Alaska so today on the Spiritual Spiral, I felt inspired to share a couple quick stories from my trip. There was an all day boat tour where we ventured out into the open water to see whales, orcas and even glaciers. One of the greatest days of my life and you know what made the voyage so unforgettable? There was No cell phone service! I also share a couple stories about why I get bummed out people watching inside of airplane terminals. Nothing makes me happier than seeing a family of four, all clenching their phones, and no one is talking to one another. GOOD TIMES! As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so incredibly supportive. I appreciate YOU! Remember, my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's also always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and I'd love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening. 

    Could YOU Be Your Own Best Doctor?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2023 45:10


    I know it may be CRAZY to imagine, but what if YOU could know more about your body than a board certified physician? What if, with a little more self awareness, some curiosity, and a little trial and error, YOU could be the greatest doctor your body and mind could ever need? On today's episode of the Spiritual Spiral, I begin a collection of episodes where I talk a bit more in-depth about health and the connection between the body and the mind. This is obviously a complicated area and while I fully acknowledge I am in no position to be anyone else's doctor, what I do hope to accomplish here is to try and help you realize that YOU could be the most valuable tool your body ever needs. Why are you happy some days and have an overabundance of energy while other days,  you feel sluggish and can barely get out of bed? Do you get stomach aches but more importantly, are you curious to know why? How do you feel after your on social media for a measly ten minutes? Is mental health more valuable than physical health? In today's episode, I also read an excerpt from a wonderful new book from Peter Attia and while his book is dense at times, I think it includes a lot of helpful ways to get people to think beyond the "white coat world." As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so incredibly supportive. I appreciate YOU! Remember, my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's also always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and I'd love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening. 

    Why Music May be Losing its Cultural Relevance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2023 38:33


    I LOVE MUSIC! You probably knew that already. As a DJ and songwriter, music has always been a huge outlet for me but I also love to listen to music. There are certain records that left a HUGE impact on me; Superunknown, Dirt, Parachutes, Wildflowers, Sea Change and of course OK Computer. And not to mention some of the incredible concerts I've been to which left me spellbound. Sure, I may be a BIT biased, but I believe the effects of music on our body and mind, can be deeply profound, inspiring and even healing. So what changed? Why does it appear, at least to me, and many of my contemporaries, that music has lost the cultural relevance and impact it once had on our lives. Sure you may be hooked on some new playlist on Spotify but how often do you find yourself transfixed by music? Where a song or a band piqued your curiosity to the point where you HAVE to learn more about this artist, maybe even go to their show, or talk to friends about them. Doesn't it feel like music may be losing its impact on our culture? ( I realize Taylor Swift is killing it across the country right now but I consider her an anomaly.) Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I  explain why I think music has lost its stronghold on our society and why it may be because of our cultural's obsession with dopamine.  I'm currently deep in the process of recording and writing my fifth record, so I begin by talking about my own process as a songwriter. It's a truly euphoric experience that fills my system with joy and even...dopamine. There's also something almost scientific about recording music. Writing the lyrics, recording all the different parts and singing the vocals and then somehow making it all sound like a coherent song. I bring all this up because I just finished listening to a new Rick Rubin podcast where he is speaking to one of my heroes, Trent Reznor. You can listen to that fantastic podcast by clicking HERE. Trent is the lead singer and creator behind NIN and it was deeply inspiring to hear not only his process as an artist but also his perspective on music and how its evolved in our culture. Back in the day, music seemed to be "the thing" that could catapult our culture in so many directions but now it feels like music has been diminished to simply "background noise" or a side dish. It's hard not to feel a bit discouraged as I prepare to release more new music into a culture that may be losing its appetite for fresh new music. Have you noticed this trend? Do you ever find yourself looking for new music or do you simply allow the algorithms of Spotify to do the investigative work for you? As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so incredibly supportive. I appreciate YOU! Remember, my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's also always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and I'd love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening.     

    Larissa Corso (Visit #2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2023 79:40


    Money-money-money. Not necessarily the most exciting talking point but maybe one of the most important topics for us to be discussing these days. Today on the show, I'm excited to welcome back to the show...drumroll please... Larissa Corso! This is Larissa's second appearance on the show. Since our first chat, Larissa has continued to grow her thriving business as a Junior Broker for World Financial Group. She continues to advise clients on financial literacy and retirement savings AND she even moved to upstate New York. Oh wait, she also got engaged. Suffice to say, we have a lot to cover in this episode. After a quick hello and a chat about cats, we move on to money and the importance of saving money. We discuss planning for your financial future and what we can all do to spend money more wisely. We also talk about being an entrepreneur, taking risks, finding your voice, managing your calendar and the show includes an important reminder about listening to your voice and being selfless. It's a good one folks. You can find Larisa on IG @larissameryn or click HERE or find her on LinkedIn by clicking HERE where you can even set up an introductory consult with her about managing YOUR finances. As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so incredibly supportive. I appreciate YOU! Remember, my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's also always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and I'd love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening.   

    Did Smartless Become Cha-Ching and Pointless Gobbledygook

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2023 32:30


    For today's episode of the Spiritual Spiral, I welcome back actress/writer Polly Humphreys as we continue our chat about the world of Hollywood. In part one, we discussed the brilliance of Succession and for part two, we talk about the brand new documentary, Smartless on the Road. I TOTALLY understand the mass appeal of the Smartless podcast when it came out almost three years ago. Jason, Will and Sean have fantastic charm and charisma. They're often witty and thanks to their massive rolodex, they've interviewed some of Hollywood's elite. So when I saw a new documentary came out about their show going on the road, of course I was initially intrigued. But about 15 minutes into the first episode, the show felt pointless, contrived and boring. Jason, Will and Sean bicker, lie on the couch and stare at their phones. They ride Bird scooters, fly on private jets, work out and eat overpriced room service at the Four Seasons. They talk about poop AND there's even a minor food fight. So of course I ask myself, who in the heck thought this was a good idea? Is this self-indulgent nonsense or is this considered entertainment? Polly definitely disagrees with my take which of course leads to a wonderful and at times heated chat about whether or not the Smartless documentary is or isn't quality entertainment. As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so supportive. I appreciate YOU! Remember, my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's also always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and I'd love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening.   

    Why Succession is so Important to the Art World

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2023 28:21


    Are you just as excited as I am to watch the series finale of Succession? Who's going to succeed? Roman? Kendall? Tom? With arguably the greatest TV show coming to an end, it felt appropriate to welcome my friend Polly Humphreys back to the show as we celebrate the masterpiece that is Succession. This is Part One of two episodes I recorded with Polly, and while Part Two will be a look at the Smartless documentary, for this episode, Polly and I revel in the mastery of Succession. How did the creators create such a brilliant show and will we ever see a show this poignant and powerful again. See, when art is as masterful as Succession, one of its ripple effects is it inspires even better art. That's why I hold shows like Succession in such a high regard and it's why it's paramount that artists find a way to tune out the distractions and create brilliant pieces of work. Good art can make the world better. As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so supportive. I appreciate YOU! Remember, my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and I'd love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening.   

    Your Brain Could be Fried Chicken

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2023 19:12


    It's been about a month since I recorded a podcast. Did you miss me? Did you even realize I was gone or did a sexy algorithm feed you something else to consume? I just got back from a weeklong vacation in the French Polynesia but even before my vacation, I was feeling like I needed a break. Not necessarily a break from podcasting but a break from the golden age of consumerism. Everything is being spoon fed directly to our brain stem. We can watch Youtube videos, shows, new movies all day long but when is enough enough? Does your brain need a break from the non-stop rush of consumerism? Are you spending your days sucking up non stop content all day? I also share a new poem I wrote for Medium entitled Your Brain is Fried Chicken which you can read by clicking HERE. As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so supportive. I appreciate YOU! Remember, my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and I'd love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening.   

    Triangle of Sadness, Rick Rubin and Protecting Your Process

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2023 27:40


    Do you feel like you need to protect your creative process? Like the moment you "share" a part of your work, does the work lose some of its relevance or meaning? On today's episode of the podcast, I talk about the intimate process of creativity and how social media and "sharing" often tears down the unique qualities of art. I've been in the midst of working on my fifth record and while I'm eager to "share" my process, more often than not, I often feel like my art loses meaning once it's been put out on social. I know so many people rely on social for relevance, but for me, it often has the opposite effect. So instead, I've been surrounding myself with movies, music and podcasts that make me feel MORE connected to the uniqueness of my own creative process. I just re-watched Pulp Fiction and saw the incredible new movie Triangle of Sadness. I listened to a brilliant interview with the Edge on Rick Rubin's podcast and I've been reading Rick Rubin's inspiring new book. If we're not careful, the significance of our own work can become diluted if we're not keenly aware of how certain "content" can effect our own process. As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so supportive. I appreciate YOU! Remember, my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and I'd love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening.   

    The Mesmerizing Yet Unwatchable World of Everything Everywhere...

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2023 33:12


    Split screens. Fancy effects. Loud overbearing surround sound, but does this fancy movie have a heart?  Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I felt compelled to talk about this year's darling at the Oscars, Everything Everywhere All at Once. I'm not trying to be contrarian here when i say i couldn't watch more than 20 minutes of this movie. Sure the effects and the editing were fast and furious, pummeling my senses, but after 20 minutes, I had a headache and felt zero connection to the characters on screen. I know, I probably sound like a curmudgeon old man sitting on my door step yelling at the kids but seriously, did you actually enjoy this movie? Everything Everywhere to me represents the growing shift in the art world. An imperious attention to the visuals, the sounds, the 3D and the extravagant effects yet very little devotion to a compelling story. And if you strip all that tech and spice away, you're left with a meaningless mess of a story void of any heart. Do you want to check out a GREAT movie with a gorgeous score, rich characters and a powerful story that demands your attention? Go watch David Fincher's SEVEN. I watched it this past week and WOW, what a movie. As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so supportive. I appreciate YOU! Remember, my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and I'd love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening.   

    What is Your Text Threshold?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2023 16:59


    So one of your close friends was just admitted to the hospital for an emergency surgery. Will you be calling them on the phone to wish them good luck? Or will you opt for a text? Maybe a close friend of yours just scored a new acting gig on TV. Will you congratulate them with a phone call or instead choose a rapid-fire text? I know. I can sound so curmudgeon as I hammer my point home about texts but here I go again. On today's episode of the Spiritual Spiral, I examine the world of texting VS. making a phone call and I wonder if anyone is worthy of a phone call? At one point does something compel you to make an actual phone call? Maybe a wedding, a graduation, a new job or a health scare. Does anything call for a phone call or does everything fall into the soupy abyss of never-ending texts. I also begin the show by playing a brief clip from a recent Sam Harris podcast where one of his guests discusses the impact of algorithms. As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so supportive. I appreciate YOU! Remember, my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and I'd love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening.   

    Bandit Heart

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2023 50:52


    Today on the Spiritual Spiral, you're in store for a GREAT chat as I'm THRILLED to welcome back Troy Akers to the show. Troy is based in Nashville and he is an incredible singer/songwriter who goes by the moniker, Bandit Heart. I've been such a HUGE fan of his so when I saw he was releasing new music after a long hiatus, I was stoked to have him back on the show. FYI, all of the music on today's episode is of course from Bandit Heart so be sure to find him on Spotify, iTunes and Youtube AND follow Bandit Heart on IG by clicking HERE. Troy and I start off by talking about what brought him back into the studio after a three year hiatus. We discuss his creative process, how these new songs were born, and what it's been like to work with a brand new producer. We talk about writing lyrics, the mysterious process of songwriting and the gift that comes from being a singer/songwriter. Troy also shares the meaning behind "Bandit Heart" and tells us when we can expect more music including his first full-length record. If you're a musician, artist or simply curious about the creative process, I think you'll really resonate with this episode. As always, thanks so much for listening to the show and being so supportive. I appreciate YOU! Remember, my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and I'd love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening.   

    I Sure Miss a Good Movie

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2023 36:37


    I'm watching the Super Bowl and immediately feel the enthusiasm hit when I see a commercial for a new Indiana Jones movie! Except what happened to our beloved story of Indy? Did studio execs rehash the Indiana Jones franchise into a loud, over the top popcorn movie? Ugh. On today's episode of the Spiritual Spiral, I felt compelled to talk about my longing for the old days when we flocked to the theater to see a good movie. And I'm not talking about a big budget Marvel movie or a sequel like Top Gun. I'm talking about adult art-house movies that moved us to get off the couch, drive through the sleet or snow to watch a film that was truly cinematic. 21 Grams, Little Children, Children of Men, Sideways, Parasite, The Talented Mr. Ripley. Remember how GREAT movies used to be and how afterwards, we were often left spellbound thinking about the powerful piece of art we just witnessed. Where did all the good movies go? Is it the studio's fault? Is the craft of feature film screenwriting a lost art or are writers simply moving into the world of television? What do you think happened? I also play a clip from a recent Bill Simmons' Podcast where he and his guests also discuss the lost art of filmmaking. Boy I miss the days when a film like Reservoir Dogs took over the art world. Don't you? As always, thanks so much for listening to the show. You are amazing! Remember, my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or maybe head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also purchase my music at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list.  I'd love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks again for listening.   

    The Me World's Effect on Questions and Listening

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2023 15:58


    Ok. It's Friday night. You're all dressed up for a wild night out and you wind up at some hip party in Hollywood. You've had a few cocktails, start your mingling but you begin to notice everyone there is only talking about themselves. Or, MAYBE someone takes a respite from blabbing to ask you a quick question like, "How are you?" But after you respond, of course, they quickly go back to talking all about themselves. On today's episode of The Spiritual Spiral, a brief observation about a world where very few people ask questions or know how to listen. How did this happen? Is it technology's fault? Sure it's incredible to have so much titillating and wonderful content at our fingertips, but how does all this content impact people's ability to sit still, ask questions and engage with "real life" human beings. When you're out with friends, do you find yourself getting  antsy because no one can compete with the slick world of tech and social media. As always, thanks so much for "listening" to the show. I appreciate you! Remember, if I haven't said it enough, my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also purchase my music at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. I'd love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening.   

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    A Phone Call Sure Beats a Text

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2023 18:18


    Text messages are destroying mental health in our culture. I'm not trying to be hyperbolic but I think as a culture, we must do better than text messages. Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I wanted to talk about all the lazy text messages we send and why I believe they could be one of the reasons for the cratering of mental health in our society. I know it may take up more time to make an actual phone call, but what if our culture's skyrocketing depression is directly correlated to the influx of texts and DMs? Think about how much better you feel after you hear someone's voice or after a face to face conversation. We can all do better so the next time, instead of sending a text, pick up your phone and make a phone call. I also end the show by playing a powerful clip from a recent Bill Simmons podcast where his daughter is talking about the mental shackles created from social media. As always, thanks so much for listening to the show, and remember, my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. I'd love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening.   

    A Reminder About Creativity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2023 19:06


    It's easy to forget how challenging the creative process can be. Whether it's the frenetic pace in which information moves, the expectations from society or the expectations we place on ourselves, we can often be unkind to our own creative process. On today's episode of the Spiritual Spiral, a quick reminder that we all have our own unique creative process. Sure, the world may make us feel like creativity should happen effortlessly or overnight but I'm here to remind you that your process may look different from everyone else's. I share a quick story about inspiration, I play a quick clip from a recent Marc Maron podcast where he talks about creativity and I also read an excerpt from Rick Rubin's fantastic new book entitled, The Creative Act. As always, thanks so much for listening to the show, and remember, my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. I'd love to hear from you so please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening.   

    Tundé Terrific VS. Dr. Downer

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2022 28:45


    Happy Holidays and Happy New Year everyone and as we reach the end of another year, I felt inspired to record one final episode for 2022. On today's episode, I talk about some of the personal health issues I've dealt with over the last year and why I believe it's paramount to have a physician who has a positive outlook on your health. See, the other day I was riding on my Peloton and taking a class with Tundé who happens to be my FAVORITE teacher. She's fun, magnetic, inspiring and such a positive source of energy. On the other hand, most of the doctors I've seen over the last two years have this sort of Debbie Downer attitude. And if I offer up an alternative approach to treat particular maladies, they make me feel like they won't work, merely preventing the inevitable which is prescription medication or invasive surgery. As a culture, how much is a negative outlook towards health impacting not only our mental health but even our physical health? Let's say physicians had a more open and positive outlook like Tundé? Is it possible the world be a healthier place just by simply changing our attitude? I share a few anecdotes from the last year that I hope offer you some renewed perspective on the health industry in America. I'm certainly not a doctor, nor in a position to offer professional medical advice, but I do believe it's vital to be surrounded by doctors who are not only upbeat, but also open towards alternate health modalities. Thanks so much for listening to the show, and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    Is Anyone Going to Apologize?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2022 36:18


    Oh Kyrie. Sure your tweet was offensive, but if you would have simply apologized, you wouldn't be on probation and the world probably would have moved on and forgotten all about your silly tweet. But in a world of megalomaniacs who refuse to apologize, the drama ensues. Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I examine the Kyrie Irving story from this past week and how his behavior is emblematic of some of the major issues in our culture. Huge egos, people, especially celebrities, think every word they utter is worth spouting out on social media. And people's inability to say "I'm Sorry." Why is it so dang hard for so many people to simply apologize? I also play a clip from a recent Bill Maher and Bill Simmons podcast and I read an excerpt from a wonderful article by Jesse Washington from Andscape entitled, Kyrie Irving needs to answer for promoting antisemitism. Thanks so much for listening to the show, and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    Do ”They” Want You to Get Sick and Pop a Pill?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2022 33:12


    Being sick is scary AF and sometimes, the easiest thing for us to do is call the doctor, pop a pill and cross our fingers that we feel better. But does the healthcare system in America truly want us to feel well if they simply keep prescribing us toxic medications? Sure, there's been a lot of chatter lately about all the measures that turned out to be wrong in terms of the pandemic. But instead of focusing on the last few years, I want to share some stories that have happened to me over the last few months. From a wisdom tooth removal, a potential surgery and a blood test scare, I was reminded of the broken healthcare system. So often, the American healthcare system isn't looking for the cause of a malady, but merely puts a band-aid on the problem. They order MRI's and perform surgeries, prescribe drugs for a "quick fix" except most of these drugs come with potentially serious side effects. And the moment a patient suggests an alternative or holistic treatment, western doctors will often just roll their eyes. It's a cycle that I first noticed as a child and going through this process again, I wonder if the US healthcare system and big pharma want us all to get sick. I know, a pretty dystopian view of the world but I really think it's time to question if healthcare in America is simply here to make a profit and put a band-aid on our health problems. I play a clip from a powerful Bari Weiss podcast entitled, Eating Ourselves To Death where she speaks with Dr. Casey Means about the obesity epidemic in America. I also a play a clip from the Bill Maher podcast where he speaks with Ross Douthat, author of the wonderful book, The Deep Places where he writes about his experience contracting Lyme Disease. I hope today's episode inspires you to think more deeply about how you approach health. Thanks so much for listening to the show, and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    David Bensimon

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2022 83:35


    This week on the Spiritual Spiral, I am SUPER excited to welcome my friend, astrologer and author, David Bensimon to the show. I met David close to ten years ago at the infamous Yoga Works on Main Street. Since that time, David has gone on to become an astrologer as well as an author writing the children's book, The Little Crab Finds a Friend. If you're curious about astrology and the meaning behind a "natal chart", then I think you're going to LOVE today's chat with David. We talk about a myriad of important issues and we begin by reminiscing about the yoga world from 2020. We discuss tech, social media, creativity and since David has recently started reading my book, he shares some perspective about social media and the yoga world. David and I then dive in and discuss astrology, looking at one's "natal chart" and how astrology impacts his own life. David shares stories about how he works with clients who want to get a better understanding of their own natal chart and he explains what inspired him to become an astrologer. And we end the show by talking about his new children's book The Little Crab Finds A Friend, the inspiration behind the story and when we can expect the next book in the series. You can find David on IG @littlecrabastrology and you can also purchase his amazing book on AMAZON by clicking HERE. As always, thanks so much for listening and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    Emily Goodson (Visit #2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2022 67:08


    Well you're in for an amazing chat as today on the Spiritual Spiral, I'm thrilled to welcome back to the show for her second visit, entrepreneur, public speaker and writer Emily Goodson. With so much going on in the world surrounding health, wellness and alternative medicine, I felt it was an appropriate time to have Emily back on the show to discuss some of these complex topics. Emily is the CEO of CultureSmart, a consultancy that helps startups build a more positive and inclusive workplace culture. Emily has also published numerous articles in Medium and she recently had an essay published in the LA Times entitled, I'm A Disabled Woman. Is that a Dating Deal Breaker? Emily and I begin by talking about the paradoxical nature of technology and what our culture's overwhelming reliance on tech may be doing to some of the more intrinsic qualities in our lives. We discuss finding balance with our technology usage, we chat about healthcare and finding alternative modalities outside of the mainstream therapies promulgated by western medicine. Emily shares more intimate details about her childhood brain injury and what she's doing outside of western medicine to restore balance and better health in her life. We also again discuss the complex yin and yang found from living in a such a beautiful yet chaotic and unpredictable world. You can find Emily on her website at ecgoodson.com and be sure to check out Emily's fantastic article in the LA Times by clicking HERE and you can follow and read her articles on Medium by clicking HERE.  Emily can be also found on IG @ecgoodson. As always, thanks so much for listening and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    Polly, The Cos, Hacks & Some Fatal Attraction

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2022 63:40


    After a little hiatus, I'm excited to be back for this week's episode of the Spiritual Spiral as I welcome back actress, writer and my friend, Polly Humphreys, to the show. First off, you have a little bit of homework after you listen to today's episode. You must check out the powerful new documentary on Showtime called We Need to Talk About Cosby, which inspires the beginning of my chat with Polly. We try and make sense of the complex duality of human beings and how a person can make us laugh and seem sincere but inexplicably also be toxic and despicable. Your next piece of homework is to watch the hysterical show Hacks on HBO which is the next topic Polly and I discuss and we end the show by unraveling the apparent frivolous and flippant nature of drug use on television. Oh, I also begin the show talking about the magnificent movie, Fatal Attraction, and why we will NEVER see a thriller that good again. That's your last assignment - WATCH or RE-Watch Fatal Attraction. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or you can buy it on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my music at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. 

    Brett Farkas

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2022 80:34


    Today's episode of the Spiritual Spiral is a dive into the world of music and songwriting  as LA based guitarist and producer, Brett Farkas joins me on the podcast. Brett is a multi-genre solo artist and session musician who has worked with some of my favorite artists including Aimee Mann, Rihanna and Lord Huron. I met Brett many years ago at a music supervisor showcase and was immediately impressed by Brett's songwriting and musical prowess. Brett grew up outside of Detroit and he begins the conversation by sharing how he first became curious about music and what inspired him to pick up the guitar. He talks about his musical influences and what brought him out to Los Angeles and why Detroit was such an amazing music scene. Brett and I also talk about the impact of tech and social media on our culture and the often dizzying head space created by IG and Tiktok. We touch on many topics including the impact of streaming services, finding quiet time and we both reflect on our own intimate and unique process of songwriting. Brett also shares some eye-raising stories about playing music LIVE in Los Angeles. Also, all the music on today's episode features Brett so be sure to find Brett on Spotify or follow him on IG @brettfarkasmusic.  Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or you can buy it on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my music at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. 

    Algorithm Brains and a Dash of Kate Bush

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2022 22:39


    What is an algorithm brain? Glad you asked and let me explain. Imagine never having to make a decision for yourself ever again? Sounds fun, right? Scrolling and sitting on your booty all day as Spotify, Netflix, Amazon, IG and Tiktok algorithmically spoon-feed ads and rabbit holes that take you on a hypnotic runaway train. That's the intoxicating and manipulating world of tech in full force as it creates an algorithm brain. I also read a FANTASTIC article from last week's New Yorker. It's entitled Running Up That Hill with Kate Bush, Again. You can Click HERE to read it. If you're like the rest of the world, you've already gobbled up Season 4 of Stranger Things and totally blasting Kate Bush out of your AirPods. Great song and a one of a kind artist. But is the "placement" of Running Up that Hill as poignant and cool as discovering music on your own. As always, thanks so much for listening and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or buy it on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    Evan Beigel (Visit #2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2022 81:45


    Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I'm excited to welcome Evan Beigel back to the show. This is Evan's second visit and much like our first conversation, we try and tackle some very complicated topics. We talk about the violence in the latest season of Stranger Things and wonder if parents think it's an appropriate show for young children. We discuss parenting and how it may be more difficult than ever to raise children in this fast paced and tech obsessed culture. Evan and I met many years ago working in the music industry so we also talk about creativity, inspiration, balancing social media with creativity and Evan also shares the story of how he began producing music. Oh, and of course my cat Leo makes an appearance AND we talk about golf. I think you'll really enjoy this thoughtful conversation and as always, thanks so much for listening and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or buy it on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. 

    Lee Hester (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2022 52:02


    Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I'm excited to welcome back singer/songwriter and producer, Lee Hester, to the show. A few weeks ago, after an hourlong discussion with Lee, I realized we didn't touch on a few topics so I felt compelled to bring him back on the show. Today's episode is Part 2 of my chat with Lee and like the previous episode, all the music features Lee and his band entitled Too Far Moon. Lee and I continue where we left off by talking about creativity, inspiration, juggling marketing with the creative side of songwriting and Lee shares the story behind his band, Too Far Moon.  We also talk about the process of songwriting, working in the studio and we discuss the inspiration behind much of Lee's music.  Be sure to find Lee on IG either at @leehestermusic or @toofarmoon. As always, thanks so much for listening and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or buy it on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. 

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    Golf Stories, a Lump and When Does a Reaction Become an Overreaction?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2022 39:00


    Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I felt inspired to talk about this potentially confusing and derelict society as we are bombarded with an onslaught of reactions. Quick, let's all react! Opinions everywhere. Comments. Finger pointing galore. Yay! And whether it's the news media or the millions of people scrolling away on Twitter, we live in a galvanizing world filled with myopic opinions and over the top reactions. Fun, fun, fun! With all this noise, does anyone out there have time to turn inward? Maybe take a breath? Instead of screaming and commenting on the news, how about we try listening and maybe try to understand why people react the way they do. I know, sounds super boring compared to screaming an opinion, but maybe a more productive option? I share a few personal anecdotes from the past week about an unusual lump plus some eye-opening stories from the golf course. Lots of screaming, yelling and even some F bombs. Don't worry. It wasn't me.  I also read an excerpt from Liz Phair's brilliant book, Horror Stories, and I play a couple clips from a recent Bill Maher podcast where he talks about the hypocrisy of the entertainment industry. I also end the show by strumming away on my acoustic guitar. As always, thanks so much for listening and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or buy it on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    Lee Hester

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2022 66:52


    Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I'm excited to welcome singer/songwriter and producer, Lee Hester, to the show. A few weeks ago, Lee posted a powerful message on Facebook about the complex duality of our culture and he also shared a beautiful new song entitled, Love Can. I truly resonated with Lee's message surrounding our tech-centric society and I also loved his new song so I felt compelled to have Lee on the show. Not only do I end this episode with Lee's new song but all the music on today's episode features Lee and his side project entitled Too Far Moon. Lee and I begin by talking about the inspiration behind a recent post he shared on Facebook and ultimately what inspired him to write new music. We discuss the complex duality and confusion surrounding tech and social media and he shares an eye-opening story about a music publisher's interest in understanding metadata. We discuss the inherent "value" of music and musicians and why Napster and Spotify may have destroyed not only the monetary value of music but also our culture's appreciation of art. We also talk about the process of songwriting and what it means to feel "inspired." It's a thoughtful conversation about some challenging topics and be sure to find Lee on IG either at @leehestermusic or @toofarmoon. As always, thanks so much for listening and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or buy it on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. 

    Human Nature and the Runaway Train

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2022 36:13


    Life is breathtakingly beautiful but too often unpredictable, unfair and tragic. Meanwhile, moving at a frenetic pace, the news media often doesn't give civilization a chance to catch its collective breath. The worst part? There's likely nothing we can do to stop this frenzied runaway train of life so where does that leave us? Are you going to try to stop the train or are you going to get off at the next stop? The past two weeks, we have been pummeled with one tragic mass shooting after another. The pundits, news commentators and both political sides are offering petty perspective while lambasting each other with myopic solutions to a problem that may never be resolved. Knowing life and human nature can feel like an unbridled runaway train, what do we do to manage our own well being and mental health? Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I touch on some challenging, potentially unsolvable problems as I reflect back on the aftermath of the Uvalde shooting. As horrific as that event was, what is equally frustrating is the societal response. The finger potting, the "commentary" and the rush to judgment is relentless. The system is so broken, can anything be done to fix it? I talk about the onslaught of opinions, the non-stop commentary but what does it take to actually make a societal change. I play some clips from a recent Bari Weiss podcast where she speaks to the wonderfully inspiring, Marianne Williamson. Marianne offers some much needed perspective and I also read an excerpt from a recent article in Bari's Substack entitled, To the Class of 2022. Maybe Don't Reach for the Stars. And I'm excited to say I end today's show by playing a new song on my acoustic guitar. As always, thanks so much for listening and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or buy it on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    Gaea Woods

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2022 67:17


    Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I'm thrilled to welcome Marriage & Family Therapist, Gaea Woods, to the show.  Gaea is also a talented artist and freelance photographer and I actually met Gaea over 10 years ago when I was in the studio recording a new record. About seven years ago, she transitioned into the world of therapy where she practices full-time as a licensed therapist. Gaea and I begin by talking about creativity, photography and the challenges one can face dealing with the commerce side of art. Gaea shares the story about why she felt inspired to become a therapist and she even used to host her own podcast talking about relationships. We also discuss social media and mental health, the power of listening, societal and emotional triggers and some of the tools we can all use to try and alleviate stress in our lives. With all the cultural discussions about mental health over the last couple years, I felt it was an appropriate time to speak to Gaea. It's an important discussion and if you're potentially looking to speak to a professional about mental health issues, you can find Gaea in Los Angeles by visiting gaeawoodstherapy.com or click HERE. As always, thanks so much for listening and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or buy it on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    Where Does Inspiration Come From/Kauai and Flea

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2022 37:49


    After a little hiatus to celebrate my birthday in Kauai, I'm excited to be back on this week's episode of the Spiritual Spiral Podcast. Lately, I've found myself thinking about the word "inspiration." I spent much of the airplane rides listening to the new Ryan Adams and War on Drugs records. They're both fantastic and they even inspired me to start playing my acoustic guitar. It's been over 5 years since I've played the guitar but something in the universe has drawn me back to playing my acoustic. Where does inspiration come from? I'm not talking about "influencers" or algorithms which are cleverly able to manipulate you to buy something. Inspiration. The impulse to try something new or to be creative. What inspires you? I begin the show by reading an excerpt from Flea's wonderful new memoir entitled Acid for the Children. I share a story about my ridiculous fear of flying and with new records coming out from Kendrick Lamar, The Smile, The Black Keyes and The Chainsmokers,  I wonder if this past week was one of the greatest musical release days in history. Or are we too distracted and too hypnotized by the dizzying blur of information to appreciate the beauty of art, nature and new music? I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and remember, if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    Emily Goodson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2022 71:23


    Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I'm thrilled to welcome entrepeneur and writer Emily Goodson to the podcast. Truly a wonderful and thought provoking chat as Emily and I touch on a multitude of interesting topics. Emily is the CEO of CultureSmart, a consultancy that helps startups build a more positive and inclusive workplace culture. Emily is also a fantastic writer who's published numerous articles in Medium and she recently had an essay published in the LA Times entitled, I'm A Disabled Woman. Is that a Dating Deal Breaker? It's a powerful story about the traumatic brain injury she suffered at the age of 8 years old and also about the emotional turmoil she's faced in the dating world. Emily and I begin by talking about the overwhelming joy and emotion she felt when seeing her personal story published in the LA Times. She shares powerful stories about her brain injury, losing her ability to speak and move her body and the long arduous process that brought her back to better health. We discuss the duality of life, the yin and yang that comes from living in a world that is beautiful but also incredibly chaotic and unpredictable. Emily talks about this concept of "alpha-ing up" but also holding on to her feminine side as she explores being in an intimate relationship. We talk about navigating the paradoxical nature of tech and social media and some of the challenges many of her clients face with communication in the workplace. We discuss the powerful force of television and how it may shape our perspective on the world and she also tells us what to expect from her as she begins work on her first novel. Be sure to check out her fantastic article in the LA Times by clicking HERE and you can follow and read her articles on Medium by clicking HERE.  Emily can be also found on IG @ecgoodson. As always, thanks so much for listening and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    As Netflix Flounders, Severance and Amy Reignite Creativity

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2022 40:32


    This past week, Netflix suffered it's first subscriber loss in more than a decade. Elon Musk blames "woke programming" but I think Netflix's demise is because services like Hulu and Apple TV are simply offering better content. To my eyes, shows on Netflix often feel watered down and predictable so maybe people are tired of the drivel and craving more impactful and unique storylines found in shows like Severance or Life & Beth. Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I begin by talking about Severance and Life & Beth, two of the most interesting, well developed and unique shows I've seen in years. They not only inspired me, but also reignited my hope and belief that people still yearn for high quality and meaningful content. I talk about the disappearance of in-person, three-dimensional communities thanks to social media and I talk about how valuable and enriching it is to hold on to face to face conversations. I play a clip from a recent Bari Weiss podcast where she speaks with author Jonathan Haidt about the impact social media has made on people's values and priorities and how it's given rise to more trolls. I also talk about some of the inspiration behind my new book SSAFY and I end the show by playing a new remix I just released on Spotify. I'm very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or on Amazon by clicking HERE and remember, if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    Ireesh Lal

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2022 58:55


    Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I'm excited to welcome the uber talented musician, DJ and producer, Ireesh Lal, to the podcast. Ireesh is a multi-instrumentalist and programmer where he combines original electronic music with east Indian elements. He also just released a new record called Journey Through the Chakras and he is the founding member of the LA based musical trio, Lal Meri. Ireesh and I begin by talking about Ireesh's love for the arts, what led him to start playing the trumpet and go on to major in music at USC. Ireesh shares the story about getting his first record deal before even graduating from college. He talks about going on the road and how he's organically become a part of the truly eclectic music scene in Los Angeles. Ireesh and I talk about managing the ups and downs of tech and social media and he also talks about the inspiration behind his new record and how its led him to perform and DJ at yoga dance parties in Los Angeles. You can find out more about Ireesh and all the cool projects he is producing by visiting him on IG at @ireeshlal or visit his website which is ireeshlal.com.   Remember, if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    Too Many Opinions and I Guess Hitting is OK

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2022 38:03


    Today on the Spiritual Spiral podcast, I found myself thinking about the apparent evaporation of boundaries in our culture. Thanks to tech and social media, it feels like we live in a world where people share or crave 24-7 access to every minute detail of people's lives. It also appears like we live in an ever growing me-first society where people do whatever they want, with no regard to other people's feelings or the potentially negative consequences. Truth to be told, I stopped watching the Oscars at least a few years ago but with that said, I'm perplexed at how many varying opinions are being voiced after what seemed, to my eyes, like such an egregious act at this year's awards. The reaction also makes me nervous thinking we may now live in a society where violence and hitting people is no longer condemned but excused and brushed aside as "normal behavior." I read an excerpt from a wonderful new essay entitled Lucky-Go-Happy by one of my favorite writers, David Sedaris, that just published this week in the New Yorker. I also play a powerful clip from a recent Bari Weiss podcast where she questions America's toughness and I end the show by playing a clip from MSNBC where a teacher seems to be overstepping his "boundaries." Lastly, I am thrilled to say my new book SSAFY is NOW available online. Please visit SSAFYoga.com where you can order an advanced autographed paperback copy. Remember, if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    Kurt Goebel

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2022 68:43


    Today on the Spiritual Spiral podcast, I'm excited to welcome musician, producer and composer, Kurt Goebel, to the show. Kurt has studied piano since the age of 6, he majored in piano in college and after being on the road for several years, he moved to Nashville where he's now a full time composer and producer. We begin by talking about Kurt's work flow in the studio, how he prepares for each artist he works with and what it's like writing music in so many various genres. We talk about the shift in the music industry and the impact streaming services have made on the way artist's release music as well as the way consumers listen to music. Kurt shares great stories about what drew him to the piano at a young age and what it felt like playing his first gig at the age of 14. We talk about music production, craft, songwriting and the potential downgrade in the sonic quality of today's pop music. I also end the show by playing a fabulous new song Kurt produced entitled "Be Alright" by singer/songwriter, Anna Graceman. Remember, if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    Talking is Easy If No One Knows How to Listen

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2022 25:30


    Can you tell when someone isn't listening? I was on a Zoom call this last week, and right away it became clear that the person I was speaking to wasn't listening. Instead of trying to listen and engage in a meaningful conversation, they opted to check email and look at another device. Is that what happens in a me-first, tech obsessed society with non-stop distractions?  Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I reflect on a culture where a substantial amount of people have forgotten how to listen. Social media apps are breeding a world of self-absorbed narcissists and yet, is there anything that can be done to stop this immutable trend? And as more people opt to send a text or DM over making a phone call, what is the effect on human being's innate need for real human to human interaction? I also play a clip from the Russel Brand Podcast and I end the show by playing a clip from the Bari Weiss podcast where she asks an existential question. In a world where the news moves at such a frenetic pace while our attention spans are  drawn to ephemeral distractions, can anything be done to reverse this trend and get people to care about anyone but themselves? Remember, if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    Michelle Featherstone

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2022 92:15


    Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I'm thrilled to welcome the uber-talented singer/songwriter and producer, Michelle Featherstone, to the show. It's crazy to think I met Michelle close to twenty years ago while we were busy making records and playing gigs around the LA club circuit. She and I begin by talking about the craft of songwriting and why, thanks to tech and social media, we may be seeing a lack of depth in the current state of songwriting. We discuss the therapeutic and healing effects of music and Michelle shares a story about when she began playing the piano for the first time as a young girl. She also talks about the first time she got up and sang her own songs in front of an audience in Los Angeles. We talk about the arduous and solitary process of songwriting and why it can feel overwhelming when artists are asked to navigate the world of marketing and technology.  Michelle shares some great stories about the moment she saw an "in" into the music business and how it led to her pitching her own music to music supervisors. We also discuss SONA, an advocacy organization formed by professional songwriters, that fights for songwriter's rights and why she is such an advocate for artists' rights and fair pay for songwriters. All the music on today's show is from Michelle and you can find her on IG @michellefeatherstone and you can listen to her music on all streaming platforms under her name or under her electronic side project called PPLRS. Remember, if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    Gilli Moon

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2022 69:34


    What impact do streaming services have on the way we culturally "value" art and music? And if musicians have to spend more time doing self-promotion and less time on the craft of songwriting, what is the impact on the quality of art? Questions to consider as I welcome my next guest, singer/songwriter and record-producer, Gilli Moon, to this week's show. Gilli has released eight studio albums, she has written three books and she is the co-founder and president of Songsalive. Gilli is a powerhouse of creativity and we begin by talking about music, inspiration and what happens to the purity of creativity once we release our passion projects into the world. Gilli shares personal stories about what led her to pursue music as a full-time career and we talk about the devaluation of music and art thanks to Spotify and streaming services. Gilli and I also talk about the importance of pursuing different mediums as an artist and she shares important lessons she's learned about the business side of the music industry.  I also end the show by playing a song from Gilli's latest record, a Beautiful Mess, which is available now on her website or on all streaming platforms. You can find Gilli online at www.gillimoon.com or on IG @gillimoon. Remember, if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    Know-it-Alls, Censors and The Illusion of Good Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2022 43:12


    I'm certainly not a physician but based on my own health history, I've grown wary of our culture's over reliance on "quick fixes" and pharmaceutical options to treat disease. Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I felt it was valuable to tell a few stories about some of my own health struggles and what led me to rely more heavily on homeopathic and natural remedies. I talk about the bizarre response to some of Joe Rogan's recent podcast episodes and why I'm even more disheartened by the calls to take him off of Spotify. Granted, Spotify has been an evil perpetrator in "devaluing" the work of musicians and songwriters, and yet, something dangerous seems to be at play with the demand to cancel and de-platform Joe. I play a powerful clip where Dana White talks about the absurdity and hypocrisy surrounding Joe and I also read a wonderful poem from Mary Oliver entitled, Mysteries, Yes. I share some thoughts about our know-it-all culture, I play a clip from a recent Sam Harris podcast and I read an excerpt from Winston Marshall's thoughtful piece on Substack called, When Artists Become the Censors.  I end the show by reading a new poem I wrote called A Soup Bowl of Joe and Fear which I recently published on Medium. Remember, if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    Asher Luzzatto

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 81:02


    Today on the Spiritual Spiral, you're in for a wonderful chat as I'm thrilled to welcome my friend and the uber talented, multifaceted and mayoral candidate, Asher Luzzatto, to the show.  Asher is an attorney and works in real estate and he's also been a leader in the preservation movement in Los Angeles. Most notably, Asher is also running for mayor where he hopes to prioritize the environmental, social and cultural strength of Los Angeles over the short-term political gain. I met Asher close to six years ago at Hyperslow, which was the yoga and meditation studio he co-founded and also one of the yoga studios I started my journey as a yoga teacher. Asher and I cover a myriad of topics including health, politics, homelessness and what ultimately was the catalyst that drove Asher to run for mayor. We talk about the confusing and unstable times we live and how it can be amplified when the news media stops offering nuanced perspective. We discuss the paradoxical nature of human beings especially when living in such a tech driven and capitalistic culture. We talk about the value of creative expression, meditation, slowing down, and being open to fresh perspectives. And Asher ends the show by sharing a personal story about why he was drawn to yoga, meditation and living a more introspective lifestyle. You can find Asher on IG @must_ash or you can find him online at www.asherluzzatto.com or www.asherformayor.com. Remember, if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    spotify los angeles spiritual spiral
    Kama Hagar

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2022 65:50


    Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I'm thrilled to welcome reiki master, yoga and meditation teacher, Kama Hagar, to the show. Kama is a certified holistic wellness coach who also founded the sustainable all-natural skincare line, Mukama Botanica. She is currently living in Puerto Rico where she offers custom private and remote yoga and meditation sessions. We begin the show by talking about the gift of curiosity and where Kama's innate desire to try new things comes from. We talk about her vagabond-lifestyle upbringing as a child and what inspired her to move to Puerto Rico. We discuss meditation and finding balance in our day to day lives and Kama talks about why she went from the business and fashion world to the world of yoga and meditation. Kama talks about why living in Hawai'i has had such a profound impact on her life and her yoga practice. Kama and I also talk about listening to our "inner voice"and Kama ends the show by sharing some powerful tools that we innately have in our back pocket which can help us relax. You can find Kama on IG @kamahagar or you can stay up to date with any new information from Kama by visiting her website, www.kamahagar.com. Remember, if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening. 

    Are Your Thoughts Your Own or Someone Else's

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2022 42:51


    With the non-stop information being forced upon us every single day, is anyone able to sit still and think for themselves? Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I begin by reading an excerpt from Steven Pressfield's amazing book, The War of Art, and talk about my own creative process and how I often oscillate from feeling positive to negative about my own craft. I talk about energy and instinct and share a story from this past week where I stopped at a gas station on the border of Arizona and California. As I walked out of the bathroom, I immediately had a feeling in my gut that something could go terribly wrong. I play a clip from the Joe Rogan podcast where Joe talks with Sam Harris about the complexity surrounding the human instinct and why it's so challenging to predict what may happen at any given moment. I read an excerpt from Antonia Martinez's incredible book Chaos Monkey's and wonder how technology and algorithms have impacted the way people think. I end the show by talking about propaganda, how the mainstream news media seemingly wants everyone to think the same way and I play a powerful clip from a recent Joe Rogan podcast where his guest finds some striking similarities between present day and the 1920's. Remember, if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. Consider sharing the show with your friends which is also a huge help or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn where you can access exclusive content only available to subscribers. I also released a new record which you can purchase at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter and as always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on Twitter or IG @eddiecohn with any questions. 

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