Universal Listening

This week, we explore the individual, collective, and communal aspects of consciousness. We begin with a (mostly coherent) discussion on sensation, perception, and what makes conscious beings conscious. Then, we explore existentialism, existential therapy, and Carl Jung’s theory of a collective well of unconscious experiences shared among a species. During the second half of the episode, we move into a social exploration of community knowledge, how consciousness and change emerges from communities, and how the process of change is affected by crime, outside influences determining a community’s needs, and policing.NPR - Are Dogs Self-Conscious?Animal consciousnessAnnaka Harris - ConsciousExistential therapyThe fourth wallCarl Jung’s collective unconsciousDudley Street Neighborhood InitiativeDudley Neighbors, Inc.Seattle crime mapBoston crime mapOrville Peck - Dead of NightLizzo - Truth HurtsOrville Peck - Turn to HateMusic credits: Joe Arroyo.

We return! Sorry about the hiatus, folks. We open with a discussion of major life transitions and our society’s developmental expectations for early adulthood. Then we move into the neuroscience of change, the question of free will, and how we really should listen to our own clinical advice. After a quick foray into the psychedelic, we close with our usual recommendations.Spirit AirlinesDr. Jessica BlackDoes the Adult Brain Really Grow New Neurons?How Important is the Hippocampus?New Neurons Through AdulthoodDr. Casey Hanson - Neurobiology of the BrainMichael Pollan - How to Change Your MindDMTContently - The Last 50 Years of Pop MusicAb-Soul - Control SystemMolotov - Gimme The PowerMusic credits: Joe Arroyo.

Professional ethics, zombie ethics, and everything in between. We start with a discussion on the cultural foundations of psychotherapy, how they inform social work education, and the benefits of breaking out of the mold. Laz gets invited to a wedding, and Aaron lives… in the area. From there, we touch on dependency, apocalyptic morality, and building a genuine connection with clients. We also pay homage to the groundbreaking work of television host and moral mastermind John Quiñones.Black SummerWhat Would You Do?The Joe Rogan Experience - Dr. PhilChucklefish Games - WargrooveChildish Gambino - Summertime MagicMusic credits: Joe Arroyo.

We’re back! This week, we discuss Jordan Peele’s new film Us, a thought-provoking take on the traditional slasher/horror genre. The film is a must-see, and it creepily explores numerous topics related social stratification, oppression, race and class, ethics, and morality. Spoilers abound in this one, folks.Us- IMDBUs - Rotten TomatoesHands Across AmericaMusic credits: Joe Arroyo.

Welcome to the Universal Listening Variety Show! This week, we string together a laundry list of topics under common themes of exercise, the outdoors, music, and their effects on mental health. Laz talks about C4 and making it through a rough week, Aaron talks about life on the Oregon Trail, and we revel in the accomplishments of a low-key ultra runner.Duck BootsLeon Leonwood BeanBlue Eyes White DragonUltra SignupLife in a DaySam Cooke - A Change is Gonna ComeMusic credits: Joe Arroyo.

What does it mean to be a chosen people? How does religion help us find meaning during times of suffering? And how do religious beliefs contribute to global social stratification? This week, we examine personal experiences and various perspectives on religion and the human experience.EuphoniumUNICEF - Child MortalityGates FoundationTheodicyThe Neurological Origins of Religious BeliefUToronto Press - Is God a Racist?NPR - Rep. Omar’s CommentsTwelve Rules for LifeKanye West - Ultralight BeamKanye West - Jesus WalksThe Thermals - The Body, The Blood, The MachineMusic credits: Joe Arroyo.

We continue our discussion of suicidal ideation in hip-hop, but not until after we swap stories about narrative therapy and facing personal bias. We also explore rapport-building and how to establish a genuine affinity with clients through music. Once again, please use the resources below if you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide. Content advisory: suicide, suicidal ideation.Toll-free suicide prevention hotline - 1 800 273 TALK (5255)Crisis counseling text message hotline - Text HOME to 741741Furry FandomNotorious B.I.G. - Things Done ChangedXXXTentacion - Jocelyn FloresGravediggaz - 1 800 SuicideMinding the GapMid90sMiguel - WildheartXXXTentacion - SAD!XXXTentacion - F*** LoveNotorious B.I.G. - Suicidal ThoughtsAaron’s Five PositivesMusic credits: Joe Arroyo

This week, we explore suicide, suicidality, and the human experience of thinking about death. Our conversation begins with a somewhat tangential discussion of comedians and sublimation before moving into the main topic. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation, please reach out to the resources listed below. Content advisory: sexual misconduct, suicide, suicidal ideation, self-harm.Toll-free suicide prevention hotline - 1 800 273 TALK (5255)Crisis counseling text message hotline - Text HOME to 741741NIMH - SuicideAFSP - Suicide statisticsComedians and suicideThe Hilarious World of DepressionSublimationABC News - Second ChancesAurora BridgeFreud’s death driveLinkin Park - CrawlingChevelle - The RedElliott Smith - Either/OrMusic credits: Joe Arroyo.

Welcome to our Valentine’s Day special. Curl up with your main squeeze, open a bag of conversation hearts, and listen to us discuss attachment style, mental health, and dating in modern society. We bring in some serious self-disclosure as we discuss current relationships and how we learned to relate to others. The episode ends with recommendations and a major step for our many fans.Psychology Today - How Attachment Impacts Your RelationshipElite Daily - De-Stressing Before a DateAttached: The New Science of Adult AttachmentMedium - Your Attachment StyleGary Chapman - Love LanguagesDating traumaLifestylez Ov Da Poor & DangerousBetter Oblivion Community CenterPolo Montañez - Un Monton de EstrellasJohn Legend - All of MeMusic credits: Joe Arroyo.

We start with a discussion about truth and responsibility at the March for Life. Then we chat about value signaling and brand representation in hip hop, including a hot take on some very expensive mittens.BeauharnoisCovington Catholic Students in BlackfaceWealthy Teen Nearly Experiences ConsequencesBlack Nationalist MovementWhataboutismWhy Rappers Love Grey PouponRap Stats - Grey PouponCanada GooseRap Stats - Expensive BrandsThe Fire This TimeWalking While BlackMusic credits: Joe Arroyo.

Laz recounts a harrowing story, which then leads to a conversation about drug use, addiction, music, and society. Skype got a little temperamental during the last few minutes of our recording, but it was nothing a few music breaks couldn’t fix.Mortality Rates of Alcohol WithdrawalRed Hot Chili Peppers - Under the BridgeKendrick Lamar - Swimming PoolsDanny Brown - Die Like a RockstarCrumbAlcohol and Drugs: Untimely Celebrity DeathsThe United States’ War on DrugsRace and the Drug WarCesar ChavezMusic credits: Joe Arroyo.

Bird Box is Netflix’s record-breaking new film starring Sandra Bullock, John Malkovich, Trevante Rhodes, and…. John Cena? We discuss the film as it relates to mental health, race, and the importance of keeping things open to interpretation.EskipooBird BoxMashable - Bird Box stigmatizes mental illnessThe Root - Bird Box is about racismUsI Got 5 On ItMusic credits: Joe Arroyo.

We discuss the holiday season and how prescriptive ideals affect mental health. Then, we continue our conversation about music and masculinity. Before we arrive at our weekly recommendations, things get geeky with an extended science fiction metaphor.Bell Hooks - Feminism is for EverybodyDanny Brown - Ain’t it FunnyIdles - Joy as an Act of ResistanceThe Mask You Live InFacehuggerBoogieGrimes - We Appreciate PowerMusic credits: Joe Arroyo.

This week, we we continue exploring repetition with a dive into EMDR and bilateral stimulation. Then, we explore anger and sadness in hip-hop and emo music. We wrap things up with a quick exploration of self-regulation and substance use.RiddimBilateral stimulationWhat is EMDR?Emo and the map of emoXO TOUR Llif3Straight Outta ComptonPrimary and secondary emotionsThe Best Songs About AngerIDLES on KEXPWhy is CBD Everywhere?Frank Ocean: NightsMusic credits: Joe Arroyo.

Repetition, pattern, control, and order are powerful forces in both music and our lives. From intermittent fasting to Gucci Gang, we look at how these concepts play out in our ears and minds.Vox on music and repetitionGucci GangMF DoomShakespearean structureNeuroplasticityIntermittent FastingBoygeniusAction Bronson’s Baby BlueMusic credits: Joe Arroyo.

Our first episode. We discuss the connections between music, emotion, social connection, and culture. Laz explores etymology, and Aaron shares his fascination with Mitski.JojiSlow Dancing in the DarkDAMN.The Morning Show on KEXPThe Impact of Music Therapy on Mental HealthClang associationBomba BeachEtymology of communicationA How-To Guide to MitskiThe Universality of MusicMitski’s Tiny Desk SessionMusic, Movement, and EmotionMusic credits: Joe Arroyo.