June 18, 2026

Beyond The Playlist with Craig Havighurst

52 minutes

How can deeper, more intentional listening help us stay human in an age of algorithm-driven music and AI-generated sound?

Topics Covered:

The connection between music and the human experience

Defining and democratizing “musicality”

Listening for versus listening to music

The impact of corporate consolidation and streaming platforms on music discovery

The difference between musical genres and industry formats

How categories shape who gets heard

Design flaws in music streaming and stunted musical literacy

Bluegrass as a model for musical ecosystems

Authenticity, AI, and the challenges of provenance in modern music

The civic and democratic roles of music

Practical tips for cultivating a healthy musical life

Connect with Craig Havighurst
Website
Substack – StringTheories

Episode Chapters:
00:04 – Welcome and introduction to Craig Havighurst
01:22 – The relationship between music and being human
04:15 – Craig’s first memorable music experience
07:28 – What is musicality and why does it matter?
11:03 – Listening for vs. listening to music
14:41 – The concept of a healthy musical diet
19:09 – The effect of industry shifts on music access
20:51 – Genres, formats, and who gets heard
25:17 – How streaming platforms affect musical literacy
33:20 – Bluegrass as a healthy musical ecosystem
34:38 – AI, authenticity, and musical provenance
44:13 – Music, empathy, and democracy
48:26 – Practical steps for intentional listening
51:34 – Closing thoughts and where to find Craig Havighurst

...more