Stereoactive Presents

This week, we have a conversation between contributor Matt Ruby and his guest, Adam Strauss, the award winning performer behind the one-person shows The Mushroom Cure and The Uncertainty Principle. They discuss Adam’s exploration of psychotropic substances for the purpose of treating his OCD and the ways those experiences led to his shows. We’re also joined by Jacqueline Sooler to discuss the recently released movie, I, Tonya, directed by Craig Gillespie and starring Margot Robbie, Allison Janney, and Sebastian Stan. Along the way we’ll also hear from Radio Dispatch's John Knefel with his thoughts on how language used to describe President Trump and his actions -- as well as those of his allies -- obscures certain truths and result in false equivalencies that tilt the political landscape. We’ll also hear from a man named David, who shares memories of his grandfather. And we’ll take a listen to a performance by the self-described “holler roots band from Maine” known as The Ghost of Paul Revere from their just-released BTR Live Studio session.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

00:00 - Intro

01:28 - START /// Adam Strauss and ‘The Mushroom Cure’ w/ Matt Ruby

03:14 - Originals of show / OCD, etc.

05:25 - Benefits of OCD / perfectionism in comedy / productive channels

06:29 - Therapy + meds / psychedelics as OCD treatment

09:48 - “OCD about meditation”

12:40 - Mushrooms / cactus / bad taste = little door

17:26 - Brain chemistry

19:08 - Research chemicals / mescaline + synthetic psychedelics

22:36 - Would you have tried these even if you didn’t have OCD? / bad trips

27:00 - Integration / what actually worked? / acceptance of anxiety

30:37 - Deciding to turn the experiences into a show

31:20 - Critical reaction

32:56 - Other helpful things (yoga, etc.)

33:47 - Ayahuasca

40:22 - Power posing / defensive crouch of a New Yorker

41:37 - Advice for others with OCD /// END

43:59 - 1st Person: David // Remembering His Grandfather

47:24 - Movie Review: ‘I, Tonya’ w/ Jacqueline Soller

49:18 - Movie Chat: ‘I, Tonya’ (spoiler alert)

64:46 - John Knefel // Sanitizing Trump

67:34 - “As We Know” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - The Ghost Of Paul Revere

70:50 - Outro / Credits

71:35 - Finish.

This week, we have a conversation between contributor Matt Ruby and his guest, Steven Pestana, who was one of the DJs and organizers behind the influential party known as ‘Shout!’ that took place in New York City between 1997 and 2006. The party, which invited people to dance to retro rock and roll, was an early part of the scene which eventually gave rise to bands such as The Strokes, Yeah Yeahs, and Interpol. Steven describes the origins of the party, what accounted for its success, and how it eventually came to an end. We’re also joined by Charles Hinshaw to discuss the recently released movie, The Shape Of Water, directed by Guillermo del Toro and starring Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, and Michael Shannon. Along the way, we’ll also hear from Radio Dispatch's John Knefel with his thoughts on the ways in which, despite current narratives, the FBI is not actually a friend to progressives and their causes; a man we met at the NYC Marathon Expo named Rich, who shared some of his experiences and motivations for running marathons; and we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Nashville singer-songwriter Becca Mancari from her upcoming BTR Live Studio session

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

00:00 - Intro

01:24 - START /// Steven Pestana on the SHOUT! party w/ Matt Ruby

05:29 - Before the party

07:21 - NYC music scenes at the time (East Village Trash, Rave, Indie Rock)

10:31 - Reaction to the scenes / the right club

12:30 - Reasons for early success

14:28 - Aesthetics (goth+mod = moth) / Looking to DC scene / bands from art school

18:18 - Role of a party in a movement / The immersive experience of “going out”

20:17 - Rock and roll as religion for non-religious people

20:19 - Sordidness

22:08 - Old vs. new music / building “the impression of a scene”

25:38 - The perfect Bill Maher story / the necessity of name dropping for press

27:20 - Other parties

28:28 - Keeping the party fresh through reinvention / distinctive flyers

31:02 - The importance of a disco ball (and other elements of a good party)

33:22 - How the party ended / Scenes need one place /// END

39:20 - 1st Person: Rich // Running Marathons

42:46 - Movie Review: ‘The Shape Of Water’ w/ Charles Hinshaw

44:13 - Movie Chat: ‘The Shape Of Water’ (spoiler alert)

60:44 - John Knefel // The FBI IS Not Your Friend

63:32 - “Summertime Mama” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - Becca Mancari

66:56 - Outro / Credits

67:46 - Finish.

This week, we have the second installment of our segment with contributors Matt Ruby and Charles Gould in which they read passages from the Torah and connect the text to things going on in both the world today and in their own lives. Among the topics covered in this edition are Noah building his ark, the differences between Israeli and American Jews, effective parenting, successful men and their need for praise, and why God is praised. We’re also joined by Jacqueline Soller for a discussion of the recently released movie, Call Me By Your Name, directed by Luca Guadagnino and starring Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Amira Casar. Along the way, we’ll also hear from Radio Dispatch’s Molly Knefel with her thoughts on the importance of holding those who’ve committed sexual harassment accountable; we’ll hear from a woman named Luciana about a particular roller coaster ride during which she actually feared for her life; and we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Glasgow rock outfit Pinact from an episode of BTR Live Studio set to be released next week.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

00:00 - Intro

01:20 - START /// Torah Talk, Part 2 w/ Matt Ruby + Charles Gould

08:13 - “To the Torah!” / wicked world before Noah

09:45 - More Torah: building the ark / Jewish sailors? / Israeli vs. American Jews

16:32 - Charles’ grandparents didn’t like him (or anyone)

17:23 - Matt’s parents connected by leaving each other alone / good parenting

20:49 - More Torah / Larry David is the comedy Noah of today / SNL & Lorne Michaels

22:34 - Powerful, successful men are creeps

24:55 - More Torah / why we praise God / putting others before self

28:22 - Interlude / Wrap Up /// END

31:48 - 1st Person: Luciana // Scariest Ride of Her Life

34:34 - Movie Review: ‘Call Me By Your Name’ w/ Jacqueline Soller

35:54 - Movie Chat: ‘Call Me By Your Name’ (spoiler alert)

51:03 - Molly Knefel // Facing Consequences For Sexual Harassment

53:11 - “Bring You Down” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - Pinact

57:00 - Outro / Credits

57:49 - Finish.

This week, our two contributors on movies, Jacqueline Soller and Charles Hinshaw, join us to catch up on a few movies released in recent weeks not yet covered on the podcast:

- Thor: Ragnarok, directed by Taika Waititi and starring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Tessa Thompson, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, and Jeff Goldblum.

- Roman J. Israel, Esq., directed by Dan Gilroy and starring Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell, and Carmen Ejogo.

- Novitiate, directed by Margaret Betts and starring Melissa Leo and Margaret Qualley.

Along the way, we’ll also hear from a man named Michael about his struggles with addiction and we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Seattle artist Silver Torches from an upcoming episode of BTR Live Studio.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

00:00 - Intro

01:27 - Movie Review: ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ w/ Jacqueline Soller

03:23 - Movie Chat: ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ (spoiler alert)

16:58 - 1st Person: Michael // Overcoming Drug Addiction

23:15 - Movie Review: ‘Roman J. Israel, Esq.’ w/ Charles Hinshaw

24:37 - Movie Chat: ‘Roman J. Israel, Esq.’ (spoiler alert)

40:49 - “I Can’t Lie” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - Silver Torches

46:25 - Movie Review: ‘Novitiate’ w/ Jacqueline Soller

47:48 - Movie Chat: ‘Novitiate’ (spoiler alert)

58:12 - Outro / Credits

58:59 - Finish.

This week, Kate Willett and Matt Ruby join us to discuss the fall from grace of comedian Louis C.K. since stories about his sexual harassment of women rose to higher prominence in recent weeks. We’re also joined by Charles Hinshaw to discuss the recently released movie, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, directed by Martin McDonagh and starring Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell, and Woody Harrelson. Along the way, we’ll also hear from a woman named Cupcake about some meaningful advice she was once given by a stranger that’s really been useful to her over the years; Radio Dispatch’s Molly Knefel shares her take on the lingering effects of the infamous ‘Access Hollywood’ tape which revealed Donald Trump bragging about sexual assault; and we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance from one of next week's BTR Live Studio sessions by Liverpool synth-pop artist Jane Weaver.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

00:00 - Intro

01:24 - START /// Louis CK admits to sexual harassment (w/ Kate Willett & Matt Ruby)

02:45 - Reactions as comedians

07:00 - Strength in numbers

09:40 - Removing the stigma from revealing sexual harassment and assault

11:02 - The effect of Louis CK’s “apology” / consequences

18:14 - The wider problem in comedy and other industries

22:34 - The timing of this in relation to his new movie

26:30 - Noteworthy coverage

28:15 - The state of comedy for women

29:30 - Open mics are toxic /// END

32:45 - 1st Person: Cupcake // Lessons From A Stranger

37:10 - Movie Review: ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ w/ Charles Hinshaw

39:04 - Movie Chat: ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ (spoiler alert)

51:40 - Molly Knefel // A Post ‘Access Hollywood’ World

53:41 - “Slow Motion” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - Jane Weaver

59:22 - Outro / Credits

60:10 - Finish.

This week, we have a conversation between contributor Matt Ruby and his guest, comedian Myq Kaplan, about Myq’s experience with the hallucinogenic brew ayahuasca and the ways in which it has affected his life. Myq latest album, ‘No Kidding,’ is available now via iTunes; his special, ‘Small, Dork, and Handsome,’ is available via Amazon Prime; and he’s also the host of a podcast called Hang Out With Me. We’re also joined by Jacqueline Soller to discuss the recently released movie, Lady Bird, written and directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, and Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges, and Timothée Chalemet. Along the way, we’re also hear from a man names Pat about what it’s like to raise his kids in NYC versus when he grew up in the Midwest. And we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by self-described “piano basher and caterwauler,” Kristeen Young.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

00:00 - Intro

01:11 - START /// Myq Kaplan on Ayahuasca w/ Matt Ruby

02:48 - People's’ reactions when Myq talks about ayahuasca on stage / Ayahuasca ‘age’

06:40 - What is ayahuasca and the experience of taking it?

09:22 - People’s reaction to hearing about ayahuasca, esp. vomiting (or “purging”)

11:32 - Purging, epiphanies, enlightenment / DMT & death / Life coaching vs. death coaching

19:45 - Death coaching, cont’d / Death is part of the ‘recycling’ process / Life goals

26:25 - How has ayahuasca changed the way Myq thinks or acts in his life?

28:45 - Comparing ayahuasca to mushrooms

29:32 - Sham shamans & fake ayahuasca / Ancient wisdom / religious experience

35:55 - Applying lessons learned to current times and problems in the world

37:00 - Evangelizing lessons learned and limits of doing so /// END

45:33 - 1st Person: Pat // Raising Kids in NYC

48:44 - Movie Review: ‘Lady Bird’ w/ Jacqueline Soller

49:46 - Movie Chat: ‘Lady Bird’ (spoiler alert)

61:36 - “Year of the Woman” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - KRISTEENYOUNG

66:03 - Outro / Credits

66:47 - Finish.

This week, contributors Rena Karefa-Johnson and Matt Ruby return to discuss the recent moves made by Special Counsel Robert Mueller as part of his investigation into possible collusion with Russia by the Trump campaign that this week resulted in indictments for Paul Manafort and Rick Gates, as well as the announcement that George Papadopoulos had earlier plead guilty to charges and has been cooperating with the investigation. We’ll also discuss the Republican lawmakers who have recently decided to speak out against Trump while deciding, or realizing, they will not be running again. We’re also joined by Jacqueline Soller to discuss the recently released movie, The Killing Of A Sacred Deer, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, and Barry Keoghan. Along the way, we’ll also hear from Radio Dispatch’s John Knefel with his thoughts on the ongoing opioid crisis and what’s being done -- or not -- to stop it; we’ll hear from a woman named Stephanie about the differences in America’s gun policies as compared to her home country of Australia; and we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Seattle noise-pop band Versing, from an episode of BTR Live Studio set to be released next week.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

00:00 - Intro

01:43 - START /// Mueller Makes Move w/ Rena Karefa-Johnson & Matt Ruby

03:15 - Reactions & surprises

05:56 - Predatory prosecution / flipping, wires, plea deals

14:28 - Strange bedfellows / rooting for the FBI is odd for some

17:38 - Trump and allies muddied the waters w/ Clinton claims

20:40 - Have we finally reached the threshold for what Trump can get away with?

33:11 - Retiring Republicans /// END

37:50 - 1st Person: Stephanie // Interpreting America's Gun Laws

42:07 - Movie Review: ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ w/ Jacqueline Soller

43:18 - Movie Chat: ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ (spoiler alert)

56:10 - John Knefel // The Solvable Opioid Crisis

59:05 - “Radio Kinski” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - Versing

62:21 - Outro / Credits

63:07 - Finish.

This week, Jonah Levy joins us to discuss the creation of and expectations for the New York City Office of Nightlife, which will be headed up by a so-called “Night Mayor.” We’re also joined by Charles Hinshaw to discuss the recently released movie, The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected), directed by Noah Baumbach and starring Adam Sandler, Dustin Hoffman, Ben Stiller, Elizabeth Marvel, and Grace Van Patten. Along the way, we’ll also hear from Radio Dispatch’s Molly Knefel with her thoughts on how the recent allegations about Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein connect with other current stories in the news and why this particular story shouldn’t be allowed to just fade away; and we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Canadian indie-pop group Faith Healer, from an episode of BTR Live Studio set to be released next week.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

00:00 - Intro

01:26 - START /// NYC Office of Nightlife + Night Mayor w/ Jonah Levy

02:03 - What is a Night Mayor and what is the Office of Nightlife?

04:29 - Market Hotel meeting about Night Mayor hosted by NYC Artist Coalition

08:14 - Who was the audience for this meeting? Nightlife operators, the public, the administration and other city officials?

10:06 - Who is the NYC Hospitality Alliance and what’s their role?

14:08 - What can be done to insure the Office of Nightlife avoids bestowing special treatment or favors?

16:03 - Non-profit vs. for profit. Any trust issues for artists involved in nightlife?

23:30 - Gentrification / “I’m tired of selling condos.”

29:50 - Jonah’s hopes for the Office of Nightlife

32:35 - Any other announced positions in the Office of Nightlife? Will there be liaisons? Are there any other organizations to be brought into the process?

35:25 - The development of the NYC Artist Coalition and its involvement in the process

39:03 - What’s the next marquee issue to be taken on? /// END

41:30 - 1st Person: Kristina // Pragmatism Over Passion

45:44 - Movie Review: ‘The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)’ w/ Charles Hinshaw

47:29 - Movie Chat: ‘The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)’ (spoiler alert)

65:15 - Molly Knefel // Don’t Let Weinstein Go Away

67:56 - “Suffering Creature” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - Faith Healer

71:11 - Outro / Credits

72:04 - Finish.

This week, Matt Ruby joins us for another edition of Twitter Moments, in which we talk about these topics that were trending on Twitter as we recorded:

Roger Goodell addresses player protests: 'Everyone should stand for anthem'

'Fake Melania' sparks absurd conspiracy theory meme

Congresswoman fabricated his words to soldier's widow, Trump says

Matthew McConaughey inspires Texas and memes

Ted Cruz just acknowledged the Zodiac killer meme

We’re also joined by Jacqueline Soller to discuss the recently released movie, The Florida Project, directed by Sean Baker and starring Willem Dafoe, Brooklynn Prince, and Bria Vinaite. Along the way, we’ll also hear from Radio Dispatch’s John Knefel with his thoughts on the reality behind President Trump’s self-proclaimed prowess as a dealmaker; we’ll hear from a woman named Jialu about her experience of leaving her home country to pursue her education; and we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by indie pop group Zuli, from an episode of BTR Live Studio set to be released next week.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

00:00 - Intro

01:15 - START /// Twitter Moments w/ Matt Ruby

02:26 - Roger Goodell addresses player protests: 'Everyone should stand for anthem'

10:03 - 'Fake Melania' sparks absurd conspiracy theory meme

19:02 - Congresswoman fabricated his words to soldier's widow, Trump says

30:12 - Matthew McConaughey inspires Texas and memes

33:15 - Ted Cruz just acknowledged the Zodiac killer meme /// END

35:57 - 1st Person: Jialu // Studying Miles From Home

39:15 - Movie Review: ‘The Florida Project’ w/ Jacqueline Soller

40:14 - Movie Chat: ‘The Florida Project’ (spoiler alert)

52:40 - John Knefel // Trump’s Hostages

55:45 - “Supernatural Voodoo” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - Zuli

59:20 - Outro / Credits

60:04 - Finish.

This week, we have a new segment with contributors Matt Ruby and Charles Gould in which they read passages from the Torah and attempt to connect the text to things going on in both the world today and in their own lives. Among the topics covered in this inaugural edition are Noah, the flood, Pat Robertson, hurricanes, Jewish grandmas, righteousness, and many more. We’re also joined by Jacqueline Soller and Charles Hinshaw for a special expanded discussion of the recently released movie, Blade Runner 2049, directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford, with plenty of discussion of the original 1982 movie as well. Along the way, we’ll also hear from Radio Dispatch’s Molly Knefel with her thoughts on President Trump’s attack on birth control coverage in health insurance plans; we’ll hear from a woman named Phoebe about the ups and downs of pursuing a career as a singer, including the time she auditioned for The Voice; and we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by indie rock outfit Sloppy Heads from an episode of BTR Live Studio set to be released next week.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

00:00 - Intro

01:13 - START /// Torah Talk w/ Matt Ruby + Charles Gould

03:35 - “Let’s read some Torah!” / Noah:flood :: Pat Robertson:hurricanes

06:29 - Is socialism in the Torah?

07:59 - 613 laws: impossible to follow them all, but all are followable

10:05 - Charles’ audition

13:38 - God is like a Jewish grandma / Noah’s righteousness / climate change

19:04 - Scientology / Mormonism

22:24 - Noah’s sons: Shem, Ham, Japheth (enumerated by wisdom)

23:50 - Matt’s wisdom / ayahuasca as a gateway drug to Judaism

28:26 - Charles told everyone at summer camp he wasn’t Jewish; God smote him

31:40 - What makes the Torah amazing / the Torah writers room

33:41 - Reviewing what we learned /// END

37:24 - 1st Person: Phoebe // Pursuing A Singing Career

40:47 - Movie Review: ‘Blade Runner 2049’ w/ Jacqueline Soller

42:32 - Movie Review: ‘Blade Runner 2049’ w/ Charles Hinshaw

43:56 - Movie Chat: ‘Blade Runner 2049’ (spoiler alert)

77:20 - Molly Knefel // Trump Attacks Birth Control

79:39 - “Plane To See” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - Sloppy Heads

84:20 - Outro / Credits

85:06 - Finish.