The Musical Trequartista

The Musical Trequartista is Changing!

After some serious reflection I've realized that I'm not happy with where the Podcast is at. It just has too much of a "let me tell you how much I know" feeling rather than being an avenue for me to share the things about the universe that fascinate me, so there are changes coming. I'm planning to do more interviews, interview reflections, overviews of the projects I'm working on, deep dives into artists that fascinate me, and analyses of the music I love. In this episode I reflect on the state of the podcast and where I see it going.

I'm so excited to start this new chapter and to have the chance to share it with all of you!

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Seasonal Affective Disorder is defined by the Mayo Clinic as “a type of depression that is related to changes in the seasons and begins and ends around the same time every year—typically in the fall and winter months,” and it impacts the lives of millions of people every year. Studies of S.A.D. has indicated that much of its impact comes from the disruption of our social and biological rhythms as a result of seasonal changes—and that these tend polarize in more extreme latitudes.

In this episode Andrew breaks down his relationship with Seasonal Affective Disorder, its symptoms, and his methods for combating and preventing them.

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Starting on a new journey in our lives can be frustrating. Often we get so much information before we start—or not enough—and get frustrated because things seem impossible because we have too much or too little understanding of them without realistic expectations. Sustainable practice is what will carry you to the promised land of “good.“ It isn't so much about prating for hours and hours a day, but about consistency over a long period of time.

In this entry Andrew describes his method of improvement based on all of the research he has done integrated with his own experience as a musician and athlete.

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On October 17th I ran the Des Plaines River Marathon. This journey was at times depressing and others exhilarating. After running 22 half marathons in 22 weeks during the summer of 2020 I was sidelined with a hamstring strain that kept me out of commission for six weeks. After finishing my time at physical therapy, I was back to half marathon fitness—in an infinitely more sustainable way—after just five weeks. In February of 2021 I was back in PT having strained my lower back and torqued my IT band. Full recovery from that injury took until July, but in March I set my sights on running a marathon in the fall. Most training programs are 16 weeks, and I wanted to be ahead of schedule before I got there. That meant that I needed to be able to run a minimum of 26 miles per week before the first of July and at least 6 miles at a time with no pain in order to make this feat achievable.

In this entry Andrew breaks down his journey from injury to sustainable marathon fitness, balancing his training with his personal life and graduate school,  what his training and nutrition looked like, how he made this sustainable, and what he has learned about himself as a result of this adventure.

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbSMiCS-aaadCTKdE943JJQ

Hydration is one of the most important factors in elite level performance--because H2O is essential to life on Earth! An optimally hydrated mind is more agile and an optimally hydrated body is more capable of performing at its best with ease. Your hydration level effects everything from your mood, to your attention, to your gross and fine level motor execution.

In this entry Andrew adds to the first hydration episode to talk more in depth about his hydration method and why preemptive hydration is the best way to live.

https://www.mcgowanmusic.com

https://www.instagram.com/musicmcgowan/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbSMiCS-aaadCTKdE943JJQ

Hydration is one of the most important factors in elite level performance--because H2O is essential to life on Earth! An optimally hydrated mind is more agile and an optimally hydrated body is more capable of performing at its best with ease. Your hydration level effects everything from your mood, to your attention, to your gross and fine level motor execution.

In this entry Andrew breaks down factors that influence hydration, how much water to drink, and shares his personal method.

https://www.mcgowanmusic.com

https://www.instagram.com/musicmcgowan/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbSMiCS-aaadCTKdE943JJQ

Quality of rest is the difference between being able to pursue your life relentlessly and not. Have you ever slept a long time but felt terribly or slept a short time and felt great? This disparity is often a result of clean sleep. High quality vs low quality sleep is the same as the difference between eating steak vs potato chips, and optimal recovery requires both time and quality. 

In this entry Andrew breaks down factors that contribute to better sleep and what his process is.

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbSMiCS-aaadCTKdE943JJQ

One of the most important contributors in being non-judgmental of yourself, remaining curious about the world, and getting more enjoyment out of your personal life is having something you pursue outside of your job. Whether it's being active, painting, teaching, building computers, or anything else, an activity that allows you to decompress and remind you of how capable you are at your craft is the most helpful way to continue to enjoy what you spend your days doing.

In this entry Andrew breaks down this idea and offers some personal perspective on it.

https://www.mcgowanmusic.com

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Vinny Giaconia is the bell maker for Best American Craftsman. He is a trombonist, repair technician, and has recently begun his journey into athletics.

https://www.mcgowanmusic.com

https://www.instagram.com/musicmcgowan/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbSMiCS-aaadCTKdE943JJQ

Vinny Giaconia is the bell maker for Best American Craftsman. He is a trombonist, repair technician, and has recently begun his journey into athletics.

https://www.mcgowanmusic.com

https://www.instagram.com/musicmcgowan/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbSMiCS-aaadCTKdE943JJQ