Host: Jude DiMeglio Trang Guest: Sam Quinones

Description:In Part 2 of our conversation, New York Times bestselling author Sam Quinones returns to unpack one of the most intriguing threads in his book The Perfect Tuba: Forging Fulfillment from the Bass Horn, Band, and Hard Work. Sam shares the origin story behind the book’s title, exploring the near-mythical York tubas of the Chicago Symphony and how a single instrument helped elevate an entire generation of musicians, band members and directors. Together, Jude and Sam reflect on music as medicine, the tuba’s surprising role in community and identity, and how shared effort, discipline, and collaboration can become antidotes to isolation and despair. This episode weaves together craftsmanship, belonging, fulfillment, and the quiet power of collective purpose.

We talk about:• The origin and meaning behind The Perfect Tuba• The legendary York tubas and why they’re considered “perfect”• Arnold Jacobs and the rise of the modern tuba virtuoso• Music as medicine, identity, and survival• Bullying, belonging, and finding purpose through band• Community bands around the world and their unifying power• Why talent is overrated—and discipline, collaboration, and patience matter more• Band as an antidote to isolation, addiction, and hyper-individualism

Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear how you’ve seen the “Gift of Need” show up in your life. Share your story in the comments or leave a review. Please follow this podcast and rate it. Subscribe to my free newsletter to get future episodes and newsletters sent right to your inbox.

Music Credit:Gabe Kubanda / Damn Plans (Instrumental) © 2021 Kubanda Music

Engineer:Ray Ingegneri, Third Street Productions, Tucson, AZ

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