Brittany lives in Madison, Wisconsin, and is a midwest transplant, originally from Long Island, NY. For her, as for most, music has played a large part in her relationships, memory, and identity. She recently began working as a resident psychiatrist, where she hopes to be able to support others' in their journey through this difficult thing we call life. She grew up doing gymnastics for many years, and recently started practicing again. She also enjoys old and new friends, cooking, horror and true crime stories, and learning how to play music.

In this conversation, Brittany and I sit down and talk about Mr. Long Island aka The Piano Man aka Billy Joel, coming of age, the comforts of home, music in the gym, and feeling invincible.

The Downeaster ‘Alexa’ by Billy Joel

Cactus Tree by Joni Mitchell

Sabotage by Beastie Boys

Vince is an Attorney, Cannabis Consultant, and amateur DJ based in Fort Collins, CO where he works with cannabis clients to build their business and prepare written materials for license application in newly-legalized states across the country. A budding musician and former athlete, Vince is familiar with the creative process, performing, and the struggles of success and failure across different pursuits. He enjoys connecting with others through music, cooking, business, and spirituality while pursuing his own private life with his partner at home. Recently, he has been exploring gardening, spending time with his newly adopted cats, and the poetry of Mary Oliver.

Sleep by Phish (Live 2000 version)

I Don’t Want to Be by Gavin Degraw

Tenderness by Parquet Courts

https://www.mixcloud.com/betterdistractions/

What is this?

-Welcome to Sonic Stories, the show where we talk about music and how it shapes our lives. Each week, I invite a guest to choose three songs that have impacted their lives and to share the stories behind them and the meaning they hold for them.

Who's the host?

-The host is Beny Collins, a Mental Performance Coach who works with athletes and other kinds of performers on the mental side of what they do. He supports people by introducing ways to improve their self-awareness and skills and techniques to help optimize their strengths. This is all done with the intention of achieving a fully realized performance where they perform with high levels of confidence, concentration, without any mental blocks or barriers, and to live happy lives.

Why make this podcast?

-Music has a profound influence on us regardless of our occupations and pursuits. It can be used to make us feel motivated and powerful or remind us of important moments and people in our lives. I started this podcast to hear the stories behind songs that have shaped the lives of others, whether they're an athlete preparing for an event, a surgeon heading into the operating room, or a CEO preparing for a speaking event.