This Machine Kills Fascists

In this episode of This Machine Kills Fascists, Dorian Wallace is joined by Bonita Oliver and DeMarisa Steeley for a deep, multigenerational conversation about coalition building, protest participation, media narratives, and the radical possibilities of Black community care. Together, they explore ageism, capitalist realism, and the erasure of Black elders in movements—while lifting up the healing work of storytelling, resistance, and collective memory.

Dorian’s Mode is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

Bonita Oliver, Gwenith Kikkawa, DeMarisa Steeley, and Dorian Wallace dive into class struggle, systemic oppression, cultic power dynamics, and movement-building through critical dialogue and lived experience.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Liberation Music Therapist, we explore the foundations of music and music therapy, focusing on how music influences the mind, body, and spirit. Dorian Wallace discusses key concepts such as rhythm, melody, harmony, and musicking and introduces how these elements connect to healing practices within the context of liberation music therapy. This episode emphasizes the importance of challenging capitalist realism and embracing music as a tool for both personal and collective transformation.

Key Topics Covered:

* Introduction to foundational elements of music therapy, including rhythm, melody, harmony, and silence

* Music therapy as defined by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and its use in promoting wellness, managing stress, and more

* The concept of musicking: engaging with music as a social and participatory act

* Challenging the notion of music as a universal language; instead, music is a cultural universal, deeply shaped by historical, political, and social contexts.

* Reflection on how music's healing power is influenced by context, history, and social dynamics

Episode Highlights:

* Music therapy is a clinical, evidence-based practice that helps people achieve individualized therapeutic goals, such as reducing stress, enhancing memory, and improving communication.

* Music consists of sounds and silences, and its structure—whether through rhythm, melody, or harmony—affects the mind and body.

* The social and political context in which music is created and experienced can dramatically shape its meaning and impact.

* Liberation Music Therapy integrates music therapy with social justice efforts, aiming to address systemic oppression and promote collective healing.

Links and Resources:

* Learn more about Dorian Wallace: www.dorianwallace.com

* Subscribe to Dorian's Mode Substack: doriansmode.substack.com

Call to Action:

If you found this episode insightful, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon at patreon.com/DoriansMode. Your support helps sustain this project and provides access to premium episodes, the monthly online music wellness group, and a listening club. Join the conversation on how music therapy intersects with liberation and justice movements.

Reflection Questions:

* How do rhythm, melody, and harmony shape your emotional and physical responses to music?

* Reflect on the concept of musicking. How does engaging with music as a social act impact your experience of it?

* How does music reflect cultural, social, or political contexts, and in what ways does this shape our interpretation of it?

* In what ways can music therapy serve as a tool for dismantling systemic oppression and fostering both personal and collective healing?

Discussion Questions for Group Study:

* How does Liberation Music Therapy differ from traditional music therapy?

* Can you think of examples where music has been used to address societal issues or support liberation movements?

* How does challenging the belief that music is a universal language affect our understanding of music's role in healing?

Group Activity Idea:

Music Reflection Circle: Have each participant share a piece of music that has been meaningful in their personal healing or political activism. After sharing, discuss the emotional and social impact of the music and how it connects to broader themes of liberation and healing.

Next Episode:

Stay tuned next episode, where we’ll dive into the Introduction to Liberation Psychology. We’ll explore how its emergence as a response to systemic oppression and how it intersects with music therapy to support both individual and collective healing.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode:

* The mystica is a collective practice that integrates personal reflection, contemplation, and social action.

* Mystica originated in the 1960s through the liberation theology movement in Latin America, emphasizing the liberation of the oppressed and socioeconomic justice.

* This practice is meant to bring grounding, presence, and reflection to political events, connecting participants to the spiritual and collective roots of their struggle.

* Participation is optional, welcoming all faiths, spiritualities, and non-beliefs.

Links and Resources:

* Learn more about Dorian Wallace: www.dorianwallace.com

* Support the podcast via Patreon: www.patreon.com/DoriansMode

Subscribe to the Dorian's Mode Substack: https://doriansmode.substack.com

Follow on link tree: https://linktr.ee/doriansmode

Call to Action:

* If you found this episode insightful, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon or subscribing to the newsletter for exclusive content. Follow along for more discussions on how music therapy intersects with liberation and justice movements. Thank you for listening!

Next Episode:

Stay tuned for the next episode, in which we'll explore the Foundations of Music Therapy and how music's historical, cultural, and psychological elements contribute to healing practices.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

In this inaugural episode, Dorian Wallace introduces the Liberation Music Therapist podcast, a series focused on the intersections of music therapy and liberation movements. Dorian, a composer, pianist, and board-certified music therapist, shares his background working with marginalized communities, including prisons, hospice care, and survivors of trauma, while outlining how systemic issues like capitalism and colonialism impact mental health. This episode provides an overview of the key concepts that will be explored throughout the series, which integrates political theory, music, and trauma-informed practices to foster individual and collective healing.

Key Topics Covered:

* Introduction to Dorian Wallace and his work in marginalized communities

* Overview of Liberation Music Therapy as a tool for social and systemic healing

* The podcast aims to demystify "capitalist realism" and its impact on mental health.

* Theoretical frameworks: Liberation psychology, feminism, Marxism, post-colonialism, and more

* Personal reflections on how political and social shifts influenced Dorian's music therapy practice

* Series structure: Eight thematic series covering trauma, music therapy in sociopolitical contexts, and applied practices in clinical settings.

Episode Highlights:

* The pressing need for systemic change in mental health care

* The healing power of music when applied with intentional focus

* Importance of addressing societal structures in therapeutic practices

* Acknowledgment of Indigenous lands and the ongoing struggle for Indigenous sovereignty

Links and Resources:

* Learn more about Dorian Wallace: www.dorianwallace.com

* Support the podcast via Patreon: www.patreon.com/DoriansMode

Subscribe to the Dorian's Mode Substack: https://doriansmode.substack.com

Follow on link tree: https://linktr.ee/doriansmode

Call to Action:

* If you found this episode insightful, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon or subscribing to the newsletter for exclusive content. Follow along for more discussions on how music therapy intersects with liberation and justice movements. Thank you for listening!

Next Episode:

Stay tuned for the next episode, in which we'll explore the Foundations of Music Therapy and how music's historical, cultural, and psychological elements contribute to healing practices.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to The Liberation Music Therapist, a teaching podcast outlining 30 key concepts for Liberation Music Therapy. I'm Dorian Wallace, a composer, pianist, and board-certified music therapist. My work spans prisons, hospice care, marginalized communities, labor groups, artist communities, and survivors of abusive power and coercive control. Because of these experiences, I've witnessed the pressing need for systemic change.

In this podcast, we will explore the intersections of music therapy and liberation movements, as well as theory and practice, as a vehicle to help strengthen resilience across our global community and address the systemic roots of the mental health crisis. Through theory and applied practice, music can be a valuable resource and practice in developing coherent practical strategies that demystify capitalist realism.

Thank you for taking your mental health seriously.

Thank you for taking our community seriously.

Thank you for taking collective struggle seriously.

Solidarity Forever!

Podcast Overview:

Series 1: Introduction to Liberation Music Therapy

* Ep. 1: Introduction to the Podcast

* Ep. 2: Mystica and Dynamic Grounding

* Ep. 3: Foundations of Music Therapy

* Ep. 4: Introduction to Liberation Psychology

Series 2: Approaches to Trauma and Healing

* Ep. 5: Behavior Analysis Approaches

* Ep. 6: Trauma-Informed and Trauma-Sensitive Approaches

* Ep. 7: Capitalist Realism

* Ep. 8: Music as a Tool for Liberation and Healing

Series 3: Social Forces and Political Contexts

* Ep. 9: Social Forces

* Ep. 10: Settler Colonialism, Postcolonialism and Decolonization

* Ep. 11: Social Class and Power Dynamics

* Ep. 12: Social Constructs

Series 4: Music, Identity, and Sociopolitical Contexts

* Ep. 13: Music and Identity Formation

* Ep. 14: Music and Sociopolitical Contexts

* Ep. 15: Community Engagement and Collaboration

* Ep. 16: Music and Dynamic Spiritual-Emotional Support

Series 5: Critical Analysis and Addressing Power

* Ep. 17: Addressing Power, Oppression, and Resilience

* Ep. 18: Media Literacy and Propaganda

* Ep. 19: Conspiracy Theories, Folk Devils, and Moral Panics

* Ep. 20: Cultic and High-Control Group Dynamics, and Coercive Control

Series 6: Social Action and Pedagogy in Music Therapy

* Ep. 21: Social Action and Psychological First Aid

* Ep. 22: Music Therapy and Arts-Based Activism

* Ep. 23: Pedagogy of the Oppressed

* Ep. 24: Sub-Movements

Series 7: Clinical Practice and Applied Liberation Music Therapy

* Ep. 25: Clinical Practice and Applied Liberation Music Therapy

* Ep. 27: The Praxis Wheel

* Ep. 28: Special Populations in Liberation Music Therapy

* Ep. 29: Cultural Humility and Competency

* Ep. 30: Ethical Considerations in Liberation Music Therapy

Series 8: Conclusion and Future Directions

* Ep. 31: Conclusion

* Ep. 32: Future Directions in Liberation Music Therapy

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit doriansmode.substack.com

Grounded Insight: 10-Day Mindfulness Meditation Course https://doriansmode.substack.com/p/grounded-insight-10-day-mindfulness-94e Starting Monday, August 26, I will be releasing episodes of my mindfulness meditation course, Grounded Insight, running through September 4, 2024. I'm Dorian Wallace, a board-certified music therapist, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy coach to teach you practical techniques for emotional grounding and self-awareness.

Course Breakdown:

Days 1-3 (Free): Ānāpāna Breathing - Basic techniques for concentration.

Days 4-9 (Paid): Vipassana Meditation - Insight meditation and mindfulness practices.

Day 10 (Paid): Mettā Meditation - Stimulate compassion and loving-kindness.

This course is rooted in traditional Buddhist Vipassanā meditation, combined with modern mindfulness practices, psychological insights, and a humanist philosophy to help you develop foundational skills in mindfulness and dynamic grounding. Listen on your favorite podcast app or Substack. Start with the first three free sessions, then unlock the full course for a deeper dive into mindfulness practices. Begin your mindfulness journey August 26! Warm regards, Dorian Wallace

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit doriansmode.substack.com

Grounded Insight: 10-Day Mindfulness Meditation Course https://doriansmode.substack.com/p/grounded-insight-10-day-mindfulness-94e Starting Monday, August 26, I will be releasing episodes of my mindfulness meditation course, Grounded Insight, running through September 4, 2024. I'm Dorian Wallace, a board-certified music therapist, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy coach to teach you practical techniques for emotional grounding and self-awareness.

Course Breakdown:

Days 1-3 (Free): Ānāpāna Breathing - Basic techniques for concentration.

Days 4-9 (Paid): Vipassana Meditation - Insight meditation and mindfulness practices.

Day 10 (Paid): Mettā Meditation - Stimulate compassion and loving-kindness.

This course is rooted in traditional Buddhist Vipassanā meditation, combined with modern mindfulness practices, psychological insights, and a humanist philosophy to help you develop foundational skills in mindfulness and dynamic grounding. Listen on your favorite podcast app or Substack. Start with the first three free sessions, then unlock the full course for a deeper dive into mindfulness practices. Begin your mindfulness journey August 26! Warm regards,Dorian Wallace

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit doriansmode.substack.com

Grounded Insight: 10-Day Mindfulness Meditation Course https://doriansmode.substack.com/p/grounded-insight-10-day-mindfulness-94e Starting Monday, August 26, I will be releasing episodes of my mindfulness meditation course, Grounded Insight, running through September 4, 2024. I'm Dorian Wallace, a board-certified music therapist, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy coach to teach you practical techniques for emotional grounding and self-awareness.

Course Breakdown:

Days 1-3 (Free): Ānāpāna Breathing - Basic techniques for concentration.

Days 4-9 (Paid): Vipassana Meditation - Insight meditation and mindfulness practices.

Day 10 (Paid): Mettā Meditation - Stimulate compassion and loving-kindness.

This course is rooted in traditional Buddhist Vipassanā meditation, combined with modern mindfulness practices, psychological insights, and a humanist philosophy to help you develop foundational skills in mindfulness and dynamic grounding. Listen on your favorite podcast app or Substack. Start with the first three free sessions, then unlock the full course for a deeper dive into mindfulness practices. Begin your mindfulness journey August 26! Warm regards, Dorian Wallace

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit doriansmode.substack.com

Grounded Insight: 10-Day Mindfulness Meditation Course https://doriansmode.substack.com/p/grounded-insight-10-day-mindfulness-94e Starting Monday, August 26, I will be releasing episodes of my mindfulness meditation course, Grounded Insight, running through September 4, 2024. I'm Dorian Wallace, a board-certified music therapist, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy coach to teach you practical techniques for emotional grounding and self-awareness.

Course Breakdown:

Days 1-3 (Free): Ānāpāna Breathing - Basic techniques for concentration.

Days 4-9 (Paid): Vipassana Meditation - Insight meditation and mindfulness practices.

Day 10 (Paid): Mettā Meditation - Stimulate compassion and loving-kindness.

This course is rooted in traditional Buddhist Vipassanā meditation, combined with modern mindfulness practices, psychological insights, and a humanist philosophy to help you develop foundational skills in mindfulness and dynamic grounding. Listen on your favorite podcast app or Substack. Start with the first three free sessions, then unlock the full course for a deeper dive into mindfulness practices. Begin your mindfulness journey August 26! Warm regards, Dorian Wallace

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe