Episode 329 - FOUR BARS OF SUCCESS

Join Robert John Hadfield on "The Thick and Mystic Moment" as he dives into the fascinating history of The Police, one of the most iconic bands of the 1980s. Starting in the late '70s, The Police revolutionized the music scene with their unique blend of rock, reggae, and punk influences. This episode features an in-depth look at their rise to stardom, the dynamics between band members Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland, and their strategic exit from the music scene at the height of their fame.

Robert shares his personal reflections on the band's influence on his own musical tastes, including his first purchased single, "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic." He also explores the individual journeys of the band members post-The Police, focusing on Stewart Copeland's transition from drummer to a versatile musician involved in film scoring and ballet composition.

This podcast episode not only celebrates The Police's musical achievements but also draws powerful lessons from their careers about resilience, creativity, and the courage to redefine success on one's own terms. Tune in for an inspiring journey through music history, personal anecdotes, and the timeless impact of The Police.

Episode 328 - UNEXPECTED TAKEOFF

In this episode of the "Thick and Mystic Moment" podcast, hosted by Robert John Hadfield, the discussion revolves around embracing change and stepping out of one's comfort zone. Inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt's philosophy of doing something that scares you every day, Hadfield explores the concept of "Thick and Mystic Moments"—points in life where one's direction suddenly changes. These pivotal moments can be either involuntary, like being laid off, or voluntary, such as deciding to start a new exercise routine or diet.

Hadfield emphasizes the importance of commitment in these self-imposed changes, defining it as the ability to stick with a decision long after the initial enthusiasm has waned. He discusses how changes, whether forced or self-imposed, often push us out of our comfort zones, leading to growth and unpredictability in life.

The episode highlights a compelling story from a 1942 newspaper article about Mrs. B, a housewife with no flying experience who ended up piloting a runaway plane. This anecdote underscores the unpredictability and potential growth inherent in stepping into new, challenging situations. Hadfield uses this story to illustrate how life's unexpected turns can lead to significant personal development and opportunities, even if they initially appear daunting.

Overall, the podcast episode encourages listeners to confront the discomfort of unpredictability and change, suggesting that these experiences, while often challenging, can lead to rewarding and transformative outcomes.

Episode 327 - FEARING THE STORY WE CREATE

In this episode of the "Thick and Mystic Moment" podcast, host Robert John Hadfield explores the powerful impact of our perceptions on reality, sparked by a personal experience. He recounts a night filled with anxiety over a potential break-in at his studio, which led him to multiple awakenings and a struggle with irrational fears despite no actual evidence of a break-in. Throughout the episode, Hadfield discusses the human brain's difficulty in distinguishing between reality and imagination, highlighting how this can lead to unnecessary fear and anxiety.

Hadfield uses this personal incident to delve into broader psychological concepts, emphasizing how fear can manipulate our actions and mood, often inhibiting us from pursuing our goals. He explores historical perspectives on fear and anxiety, referring to an article from 1912 that discusses the paralyzing effects of fear and the importance of focusing on positive outcomes instead of worst-case scenarios.

The episode serves as a reflection on not letting fear dictate our lives, encouraging listeners to differentiate between irrational fears and reality. Hadfield concludes by reinforcing the need to confront and manage our fears constructively, urging listeners to not be swayed by imaginary scenarios that can prevent us from living fully and pursuing our ambitions.

Episode 326 - MIYAGI AND THE BALANCE

Join host Robert John Hadfield on "The Thick and Mystic Moment" podcast for a deep dive into childhood conflicts and the transformative power of cinema, as illustrated by the timeless classic, "The Karate Kid." In this episode, Robert reflects on the universal experiences of schoolyard fights and the looming anxiety they bring. He shares his personal story and draws parallels to the iconic character, Daniel LaRusso, portrayed by Ralph Macchio.

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Robert delves into the life of Pat Morita, famously known as Mr. Miyagi. From overcoming a debilitating illness in his childhood to navigating the challenges of typecasting in Hollywood, Morita's journey is a testament to resilience and transformation. This episode not only explores the coming-of-age struggles many face but also highlights the profound impact of mentorship and the quest for personal balance.

Tune in to hear how these themes resonate through stories from the past and continue to inspire audiences today. Whether discussing early personal challenges, the nuances of Pat Morita's career, or the life lessons embedded in "The Karate Kid," this podcast episode offers a blend of nostalgia, inspiration, and insight.

Episode 325 - MISSION IN THE DARK

Join us on this episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment" where host Robert John Hadfield delves into the remarkable life of Fanny Crosby, a distant relative of Bing Crosby. Despite living in different centuries, both Crosbys left a significant mark on music history. Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" holds the title for the best-selling single of the 20th century, yet it's Fanny's story that captivates with her resilience and creativity.

Born in 1820, Fanny Crosby faced adversity from an early age, losing her sight to an infection and her father to death all before she turned a year old. Despite these challenges, she cultivated a remarkable talent for poetry and songwriting, which began to flourish when she was just eight years old. Her journey led her to the New York Institute for the Blind, where she not only honed her skills but also became a key figure, reciting poetry to influential visitors, including several U.S. Presidents.

Fanny's impact deepened as she transitioned into hymn writing, with her work reaching an estimated 100 million copies sold worldwide. Her hymns remain a staple in churches today. This episode explores how Fanny Crosby turned personal tragedy into a source of inspiration and strength, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate through generations.

Tune in to uncover the powerful narrative of Fanny Crosby, whose life's work in poetry and hymn writing helped shape the spiritual fabric of America and proved that resilience and creativity can transcend any obstacle.

Episode 324 - FOCUS ABOVE THE CLOUDS

Join host Robert John Hadfield in this inspiring episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment" as he reflects on the profound impact of weather patterns on our mood and life perspective. Sharing memories from his childhood in Denver, Colorado, Robert recounts how the daily shifts from sunshine to stormy skies shaped his early experiences and insights into the human psyche.

In this thought-provoking discussion, he explores the symbolism of the ever-changing sky — from clear, sunny mornings to sudden afternoon storms and the eventual return of sunlight. Robert delves into personal stories and scientific studies to illustrate how our surroundings can mirror and affect our internal states. He discusses the concept of rumination and its role in depression, highlighting the power of shifting our focus to maintain mental wellness.

Drawing parallels between the weather's unpredictability and life's challenges, Robert offers a compelling narrative on resilience and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. He shares transformative moments from his life, emphasizing how we can choose to find happiness and contentment, despite the clouds that may temporarily obscure our sun.

This episode is not just about the weather; it's a metaphor for overcoming adversity and finding the blue skies and sunshine that await us, just beyond the clouds.

Episode 323 - GOOD AT HEART
In this episode of the "Thick and Mystic Moment" podcast, host Robert John Hadfield shares a reflective story from his youth, centering around a memorable Sunday school teacher who effectively communicated complex ideas and life lessons using engaging, practical demonstrations. The episode unfolds with Robert recalling his time as a 12-year-old in a church class with a group of rowdy boys who had gone through several teachers due to their unruliness. They were eventually introduced to a new teacher, an older man and possibly an electrical engineer, who seemed unlikely to want to spend his Sundays with energetic young boys.

The new teacher, however, captivated the class with a series of interactive lessons, starting with a demonstration involving a remote control car to explain frequencies and communication, drawing parallels to communicating with God. Each Sunday, he brought a new gadget—ranging from a remote control airplane to a synthesizer—and explained its workings before linking it to a spiritual lesson.

Robert reflects on the impact of this teacher's method, emphasizing how the lessons stuck with him over the decades. He connects this story to a broader theme about the unnoticed yet profound goodness and impact of ordinary people, inspired by an article by early 20th-century writer Bruce Catton about the everyday decency of small-town individuals. The episode concludes with Robert urging listeners to consider how they, too, can positively impact others' lives, continuing the cycle of kindness and meaningful engagement initiated by figures like his Sunday school teacher.

Episode 322 - FESTINA LENTE AND VAN HALEN

As the narrative unfolds, Hadfield explores the strategic shift from the disco elements of "Off the Wall" to the more diverse sounds in "Thriller," particularly emphasizing the creation of "Beat It." The song featured a groundbreaking guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen, which Van Halen initially recorded without seeking credit or financial compensation, highlighting his distinctive style that eventually became unmistakable to listeners.

The episode connects these musical endeavors to broader themes of creativity and mastery in various fields. Through an anecdote about the early 20th-century opera singer Helen Traubel, Hadfield underscores the principle of "Make Haste Slowly," illustrating the importance of careful, deliberate practice and growth in achieving and sustaining success. This principle is compared to the meticulous craftsmanship and unique artistry of musicians like Van Halen and other innovators in their respective fields.

Hadfield emphasizes the lasting value of developing a signature style that distinguishes an artist's work, allowing them to stand out and resonate deeply with audiences. The podcast episode weaves together themes of innovation, recognition, and the impact of cultural contributions, drawing from historical and contemporary examples across music and other artistic disciplines.

Episode 321 - FINDING PITCH

In this episode of the "Thick and Mystic Moment" podcast hosted by Robert John Hadfield, the discussion centers around the iconic 1980s movies, particularly "Back to the Future," and the rise of Huey Lewis as a major pop culture figure during that era. The podcast explores the significant impact of the film and its connection to Huey Lewis's hit song "The Power of Love," detailing how the song became synonymous with the movie and contributed to Lewis's fame.

The episode further delves into the personal and professional life of Huey Lewis, highlighting his early exposure to music, his breakout moments, and the challenges he faced, including his battle with Ménière's disease which severely impacted his hearing and ultimately his music career. The host reflects on how Lewis had to adapt to his condition, redirecting his focus from performing to other projects like a musical based on his songs.

Throughout the discussion, the host draws parallels between the themes of change and resilience in Lewis's life to broader life lessons, emphasizing the importance of appreciation for the mundane yet essential aspects of life, like hearing, and the need to adapt and find new passions when faced with life-altering challenges. The narrative is interwoven with anecdotes about the music industry, the evolution of Lewis’s career, and his influence on the sounds of the 1980s, culminating in a reflective commentary on adapting to unforeseen changes and finding new paths forward.

Episode 320 - OWN IT

In this episode of the "Thick and Mystic Moment" podcast hosted by Robert John Hadfield, the topic revolves around the theme of making excuses versus taking responsibility. The discussion begins with a personal anecdote from Hadfield's time as a musician, detailing repeated gigs in Pocatello, Idaho, where audience turnout was consistently low despite various circumstances, such as weather conditions and local events. Each time, the owner of the venue would provide excuses for the poor attendance.

Hadfield uses this narrative to segue into a broader conversation about the human tendency to make excuses rather than taking responsibility for one's actions or the situation at hand. He critiques this behavior as disempowering and counterproductive. The episode is interspersed with references to historical articles and biblical stories, notably from Genesis, where Adam and Eve make excuses for their actions rather than owning up to them.

The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's role in any failure or success, suggesting that taking responsibility can lead to personal growth and empowerment. Hadfield argues that excuses keep people from recognizing and seizing the opportunities around them, ultimately limiting their potential. The discussion concludes by encouraging listeners to reflect on their own habits of excuse-making and to embrace accountability as a path to achieving genuine freedom and self-determination.