In my current music therapy job, I've had the ability to work with many different kinds of clients in many different settings. One of these settings is an addiction recovery facility, and I feel like not much is known to the general public about music therapy and addiction recovery. So, I'm explaining what we do! In the first part of the episode, I discuss how music therapists might work with recovery groups. Then, I get into my top 10 songs to listen to in my addiction recovery group. Whether you identify as someone in recovery or not, these songs are really great for anyone going through a challenging time.

Songs mentioned in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ZaqfPKj4eIxLCt72tsQMX?si=d08910866aa34bdb

Merch: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/

When I heard that a new Pixar movie was coming out, and that it would be about a preteen girl in the early 2000's I was excited. I was not prepared for the level of nostalgia I would feel from watching it, however. 4*Town reminded me of all of my favorite boy bands growing up - Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, and, of course, Dream Street. I decided to use those nostalgic feelings to analyze how 4*Town's songs stacked up against the early 2000's classics using my Boy Band Metric. Listen to hear how your favorites compare!

Songs mentioned in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/56tRkoU1NZCiC0oXv0aJRw?si=953c902d9f914251

Merch: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/

After writing and recording my episode about Labrinth's music in Euphoria and how it elevates the show, I still felt like I wasn't done talking about all of the music that this show incorporates. So, I invited my friend Rachel to the podcast to look at all of the songs that are chosen to be featured the Euphoria universe, and how those songs enhance our understanding and appreciation for the characters and the show as a whole. It was a really fun conversation, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Merch: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/

I took a little break from podcast recording because I wasn't feeling inspired to make new episodes. Nothing in the music world felt interesting to talk about, until I binged all of the show, Euphoria. I have so much to say about the music in this show, that I'm releasing two episodes about it! In part 1, this episode, I talk about all of the original music composed by Labrinth for this show, and how the music matches and enhances the internal struggles that Rue and all of the other characters go through. 

Merch: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/

I love to talk about pop music, which is why I started this podcast in the first place, but I have an equal passion (if not more) for music and neuroscience. One of the most interesting topics related to music and the brain is mirror neurons - what they are, how they work, and how they might enhance our perception and enjoyment of music. I touch on all of these topics, and how they relate to my obsession with hand claps in music, in this episode!

Songs mentioned in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00AQjOKpbV4pN5YvYQEEvi?si=5c0fa06d5e0a4f4d

During my first viewing of Encanto, I didn't feel like it was anything special. But, days after, I couldn't get the songs or these characters out of my head! The songs in this movie do a great job of highlighting all kinds of mental anguish we all might go through, especially in these times. The songs touch on how individuals deal with the pressures and issues of intergenerational trauma, and also how community shapes our own mental illness and wellness. Listen to the episode to find out how each song can be used as a resource! 

Merch: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/

As we approach a new year, I always love reading the "year end" lists to see what music stood out to music critics and everyday people alike from the past year. This year, since I enjoy reading them so much, I thought I'd make one of my own! Listen to hear my top 10 (or 11) songs of 2021, and see if any of your favorites made the list! 

Spotify playlist of songs mentioned: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0NeYUBNOF6cOiwsqLpE25N?si=2be8f1ae31af4c5d

Merch! https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/

I love Christmas music, I love winter music, and I love Hanukkah music. I released a few podcast episodes last year about my favorite Hanukkah and Christmas songs. But, as long as I can remember, I've hated "I Have a Little Dreidel", the most famous Hanukkah song. In this episode, I dig into the musical reasons why this song misses the mark so badly, and I was so irate, that I wrote my own dreidel song to prove how easy it can be. As a holiday gift to the listeners, listen to the end to hear my original song for the season! 

Find Merch Here with new designs: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/

True Swifties knew that a version of "All Too Well" existed that was 10-minutes long, but they didn't think they'd ever get to hear it. Once Taylor announced that she'd be adding that version of her highly regarded song to her Red album re-release, I knew that I was going to have to talk about it. After I dissect this new version's music and lyrics, Lori comes on the podcast to do what we do best - talk Taylor Swift. 

Merch found here: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/

I, like millions of people around the world, was captivated by Squid Game. It took me a few weeks to synthesize my thoughts on the show, and to think deeply about all of the great music! So, I asked my friend Johnny, who is a classically trained cellist, to come break down all of the interesting elements of the Squid Game soundtrack with me, and we both had a lot to say! 

Spotify link to the soundtrack: https://open.spotify.com/album/3LUdxlF9Gq90Jcd9Y24ZH8?si=ilOqEMAeT_2qKkLyFR6SBQ

Merch is here! https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/