Hosted by Zack Zarrillo and Evan Lucy, Simpler Sound brings you commentary and critique on what’s happening in the underground music scene from two guys with nearly 15 combined years of experience writing about it. Founder of PropertyOfZack, Zack Zarrillo also runs Bad Timing Records, manages Knuckle Puck and Have Mercy, and co-hosts the Off The Record podcast. Evan Lucy has had bylines in the pages of Billboard and Alternative Press and hosts the Voice & Verse Podcast.
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A podcast all about the making and meaning of popular music. Musicologist Nate Sloan & songwriter Charlie Harding pull back the curtain on how pop hits work magic on our ears & our culture. From Vulture and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
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Sleep better, reduce stress and anxiety, and feel happier about your life. If you yearn for simpler calmer days, settle yourself down to explore the rich tradition of meditation for your modern life. Journey through a weekly theme to gain insight and understanding of the biggest stressors of our time. Be guided in a brief mini-meditation using a time-proven meditation technique in each episode to sleep better, manage anxiety, and improve mental focus. Described by listeners as a daily therap ...
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Negative Thoughts Detox, Day 4: "Inner Light, Outer World"
26:43
26:43
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26:43Be guided with a powerful combination of mindfulness and a specific mudra, a hand gesture, to help you release negative thoughts. It's perfectly natural for negative thoughts to arise, but often we hold onto them, allowing them to cloud our minds and affect our well-being. This practice will provide you with a tool to acknowledge these thoughts wit…
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‘Sinners’ summons the demons of American music
38:53
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38:53We rarely cover movies here at Switched On Pop. But after seeing Ryan Coogler's new vampire musical Sinners, we knew we had to make an exception. The movie is an ode to Black music. Throughout its over two hour runtime, the film pays tribute to the blues: nodding to the musicians, instruments, and melodies that make it a foundational genre in the A…
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Focused Breath Meditation, Day 3: "Inner Light, Outer World"
24:45
24:45
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24:45Focus your thoughts with a specific breathing technique to help you access your inner light while gently releasing distracting thoughts. Conscious breathing is a powerful tool for calming the mind and body, allowing you to center yourself and connect with your innate luminosity. This practice will guide you to use your breath as an anchor, a steady…
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Affirmation to Clear and Brighten Your Mind, Day 2: "Inner Light, Outer World"
22:25
22:25
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22:25Use the power of affirmation to connect with your inner light and cultivate a focused mind. Affirmations are positive statements that can help to reprogram your subconscious and shift your awareness. Be guided in a meditation that supports both a connection to your inner radiance and the quieting of distracting thoughts, allowing your inherent lumi…
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Embracing Your Glow, Day 1: "Inner Light, Outer World"
41:27
41:27
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41:27Today's meditation offers you a BONUS episode introducing you to this week's journey to cultivate your inner light and to share it with others. You're guided with deep insight and a full guided meditation series to launch you into this week's special theme to explore your inner light. To go directly to the full guided meditation, please scroll to t…
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Living in Harmony, Day 7: "Seeking and Finding Your Truth"
12:02
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12:02Today's meditation invites you to find your true place in the universe. Explore Lao Tzu's concept of the Dao, the natural order of the universe. Connect with your natural rhythms and flow as you cultivate a sense of oneness with the Dao. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "Seeking and Finding Your Truth" This 7-day meditation series explores one of the most profou…
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Living in Harmony, Day 6: "Seeking and Finding Your Truth"
12:02
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12:02Be guided in a meditation examining Confucius's emphasis on social harmony, ethical relationships, and the importance of virtue in creating a just and ordered society. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "Seeking and Finding Your Truth" This 7-day meditation series explores one of the most profound times in human history -- the Axial Age. You'll discover ancient wi…
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Finding Inner Peace, Day 5: "Seeking and Finding Your Truth"
13:01
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13:01Be guided in a meditation exploring the Buddha's teachings on suffering, its causes, and the path to liberation through mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom. Observe the impermanence of all things and cultivate detachment from suffering. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "Seeking and Finding Your Truth" This 7-day meditation series explores one of the most profoun…
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Seeking Truth, Day 4: "Seeking and Finding Your Truth"
12:00
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12:00Be guided in a Reflective meditation on a question or belief that you hold, examining its origins, validity, and impact on your life. The Axial Age's emphasis on questioning traditional beliefs and seeking truth through reason, logic, and personal experience is explored as part of your daily dose of ancient wisdom insight. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "Seeki…
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Eurovision feast: Poison Cake, Milkshake Man, and Espresso Macchiato (featuring Tommy Cash)
42:53
42:53
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42:53It's that time of year again: Eurovision Song Contest is upon us. And with the competition comes a tradition at Switched On Pop, where Charlie and Nate look at the songs (and countries) that have the best odds to take home the title. This year, we have an ode to the sauna, soaring operatics, and a feast of food-themed tunes – including the Estonian…
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Loving-Kindness Breathing Technique, Day 3: "Seeking and Finding Your Truth"
12:02
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12:02Be guided with a loving-kindness breathing technique. Discover the emergence of universal ethical principles, emphasizing compassion, empathy, and treating others as we wish to be treated during the Axial Age of Great Thinkers. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "Seeking and Finding Your Truth" This 7-day meditation series explores one of the most profound times i…
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Mindfulness Without Judgement, Day 2: "Seeking and Finding Your Truth"
10:01
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10:01Be guided in a mindfulness meditation on observing your thoughts, feelings, and actions without judgment, cultivating a sense of accountability. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "Seeking and Finding Your Truth" This 7-day meditation series explores one of the most profound times in human history -- the Axial age. You'll discover ancient wisdom that remains with …
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Connect with something larger than yourself, whether it's the universe, a sense of interconnectedness, or a higher power. Explore your place in the cosmos and the limitations of a purely materialistic worldview. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "Seeking and Finding Your Truth" This 7-day meditation series explores one of the most profound times in human history …
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Let Go of Harmful Emotions, Day 6: "The Art of Enough: Finding Peace in Moderation"
9:16
9:16
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9:16Find more peace when you're faced with challenges by tuning into your intuition and truth. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "The Art of Enough: Finding Peace in Moderation" This 7-day meditation series explores the Yama of Brahmacharya, traditionally interpreted as continence, but more broadly understood as moderation and the responsible use of energy. This seri…
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Put your headphones on for TikTok's Addison Rae
55:02
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55:02Despite TikTok defining this decade's music landscape, the app hasn't spawned a bonafide pop superstar – yet. 24-year-old Addison Rae is trying to be the first. She's already had cosigns from Arca, Charli XCX, and Benny Blanco; critical acclaim from outlets like Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and Elle; and is cultivating a fervent fanbase with a slew of…
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Feel More Emotionally Secure, Day 5: "The Art of Enough: Finding Peace in Moderation"
6:18
6:18
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6:18Feel more consciously present and less distracted by what's happening around you. Feel more connected to your inner truth. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "The Art of Enough: Finding Peace in Moderation" This 7-day meditation series explores the Yama of Brahmacharya, traditionally interpreted as continence, but more broadly understood as moderation and the resp…
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Detox Your Thoughts, Day 4: "The Art of Enough: Finding Peace in Moderation"
8:46
8:46
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8:46Give yourself a spiritual detox to release negative thoughts and to live more aligned with your true inner nature. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "The Art of Enough: Finding Peace in Moderation" This 7-day meditation series explores the Yama of Brahmacharya, traditionally interpreted as continence, but more broadly understood as moderation and the responsible …
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Calming Breathing Technique, Day 3: "The Art of Enough: Finding Peace in Moderation"
7:42
7:42
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7:42Calm frazzled emotions instantly by tuning into the gentle rhythm and flow of a calming breathing technique. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "The Art of Enough: Finding Peace in Moderation" This 7-day meditation series explores the Yama of Brahmacharya, traditionally interpreted as continence, but more broadly understood as moderation and the responsible use of…
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Inner Wholeness Affirmation, Day 2: "The Art of Enough: Finding Peace in Moderation"
10:29
10:29
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10:29Brahmacharya is one of the Yamas, ethical guidelines in Yoga philosophy. This includes managing your energy in terms of speech, consumption, activity, and thoughts. The goal is to avoid excess and depletion, fostering a balanced and intentional way of living. Brahmacharya is about self-mastery, not suppression. Be guided using an affirmation to exp…
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Beyond Impulse, Day 1: The Art of Enough: Finding Peace in Moderation,
34:50
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34:50Welcome to an introduction to Bramacharya, the fourth principle of the Yamas of Pantajali's Yoga Sutras, a foundational and timeless aspect of yoga and meditation on how to live your life. Simplify your thoughts, actions, and desires as you're guided on a weeklong journey to live with moderation. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "The Art of Enough: Finding Peace…
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Transcending the Self, Day 7: "Inner Guidance with Your Chakras"
12:19
12:19
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12:19Be guided to open and balance your seventh chakra, allowing you to transcend the limitations of the ego, connect with a higher power, and experience a sense of oneness with all that is. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "Inner Wisdom with Your Chakras" This 7-part meditation series guides you on a journey through the seven major chakras, energy centers within you…
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The Path to Insight, Day 6: "Inner Guidance with Your Chakras"
12:46
12:46
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12:46The sixth chakra, located in the center of the forehead between the eyebrows, is the center of intuition, insight, and psychic awareness. This meditation guides you to open and balance this chakra, allowing you to access your inner wisdom, develop your intuition, and enhance your ability to see beyond the physical realm. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "Inner W…
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Speak Your Truth, Day 5: "Inner Guidance with Your Chakras"
9:16
9:16
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9:16The throat chakra, located at the base of the throat, is the center of communication, self-expression, and the articulation of one's truth. This meditation guides you to open and balance this chakra, allowing you to express yourself authentically, speak your truth with clarity and confidence, and listen deeply to others. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "Inner W…
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Unconditional Love: Heart Chakra Expansion, Day 4: "Inner Guidance with Your Chakras"
7:56
7:56
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7:56The heart chakra, located at the center of your chest, is the wellspring of love, compassion, and connection. This meditation guides you to open and balance this chakra, allowing you to cultivate deeper self-love, heal emotional wounds, and foster harmonious relationships with others. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "Inner Wisdom with Your Chakras" This 7-part …
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Generation Taylor: Gracie, Maisie, Phoebe (with Jensen McRae)
1:05:29
1:05:29
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1:05:29Taylor Swift isn't just a world-conquering pop star at the top of her game, her approach to songwriting has also proven massively influential for an up-and-coming generation of singer-songwriters. Gracie Abrams, Maisie Peters, and Phoebe Bridgers—all of whom opened for Swift during her Eras Tour—each owe a debt to Swift's hyperspecific lyrics, mini…
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Igniting Your Passion, Day 3: "Inner Guidance with Your Chakras"
8:46
8:46
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8:46Meet your third chakra as you explore what ignites your passion and your purpose. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "Inner Wisdom with Your Chakras" This 7-part meditation series guides you on a journey through the seven major chakras, energy centers within your body, to unlock your inner wisdom. Each session combines guided meditation, visualization, and affirma…
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Overcoming Obstacles with Your Second Chakra, Day 2: "Inner Guidance with Your Chakras"
8:46
8:46
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8:46Be guided in the wisdom of your second chakra as you let go of obstacles that keep you stuck in life. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "Inner Wisdom with Your Chakras" This 7-part meditation series guides you on a journey through the seven major chakras, energy centers within your body, to unlock your inner wisdom. Each session combines guided meditation, visual…
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Trusting Your Intuition, Day 1: "Inner Guidance with Your Chakras"
33:39
33:39
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33:39This meditation guides you to connect to your root chakra, your body's foundation, to ground yourself and establish a sense of safety, allowing you to more deeply access and trust your intuition. THIS WEEK'S THEME: "Inner Wisdom with Your Chakras" This 7-part meditation series guides you on a journey through the seven major chakras, energy centers …
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Creating a Peaceful Inner World, Day 7: "Creating a Peaceful Environment"
12:03
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12:03You are guided to integrate the practices of the week, expanding your vision of a peaceful environment to encompass both your inner and outer worlds. You'll cultivate the awareness that inner peace and a harmonious external environment are interconnected, empowering you to be a source of tranquility in your own life and the world around you. THIS W…
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Creating a Sacred Space, Day 6: "Creating a Peaceful Environment"
12:02
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12:02Be guided to define and create your own sacred space—a physical or mental sanctuary dedicated to peace, reflection, and spiritual connection. Infuse this space with your unique energy and intentions, making it a powerful source of comfort and inspiration. THIS WEEK'S THEME: Creating a Sanctuary of Stillness This 7-day series of guided meditations i…
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Cultivating Peace with Light, Day 5: "Creating a Peaceful Environment"
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12:02Today's meditation focuses on the subtle yet powerful influence of light on your mood and well-being. Create an environment that uplifts your spirit and promotes lasting peace. Discover how the conscious use of light can transform your home into a haven of serenity. THIS WEEK'S THEME: Creating a Sanctuary of Stillness This 7-day series of guided me…
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The Healing Power of Sound, Day 4: "Creating a Peaceful Environment"
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12:02Explore the transformative power of sound to create a peaceful environment within and around you. You'll experience how specific frequencies and soundscapes can soothe your mind, relax your body, and promote a deep sense of tranquility. THIS WEEK'S THEME: Creating a Sanctuary of Stillness This 7-day series of guided meditations is designed to help …
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Specialized platforms and social media have empowered musicians to tap into niche audiences, igniting a quiet revolution in the music industry. Despite the dominance of viral hits, a new wave of artists, labels and businesses are redefining success by building dedicated fanbases with focused, niche strategies. This conversation, live from SXSW, fea…
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Nature's Soothing Embrace, Day 3: "Creating a Peaceful Environment"
12:03
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12:03Today's meditation will transport you to serene natural settings, even if you're indoors. You'll connect with the calming energy of nature, learn how to incorporate natural elements into your living space, and discover the profound peace that comes from being in harmony with the natural world. THIS WEEK'S THEME: Creating a Sanctuary of Stillness Th…
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Creating Peace Within, Day 2: "Creating a Peaceful Environment"
12:01
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12:01Explore the quiet center that exists within each of us, even amidst chaos. This is Day 1 of this week's series to create a peaceful environment to nurture your mind, body, and soul. THIS WEEK'S THEME: Creating a Sanctuary of Stillness This 7-day series of guided meditations is designed to help you cultivate a sense of peace by focusing on your envi…
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Creating Peace Within, Day 1: "Creating a Peaceful Environment"
12:01
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12:01Explore the quiet center that exists within each of us, even amidst chaos. Transform your immediate surroundings into a personal sanctuary. You'll learn to use sound, light, and mindful arrangement to create a space that radiates tranquility and invites deep relaxation. Prepare to feel your everyday environment shift into a source of calm and rejuv…
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Your Limitless Potential, Day 7: "The Pythagorean Path: A 7-Day Journey to Harmony"
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12:01Discover your limitless potential as you evolve through the cycle of time with a guided meditation focused on the qualities of the number 8 inspired by the ancient Greek mathematician, philosopher, and mystic, Pythagoras. THIS WEEK'S THEME: In this week's meditation series, you'll embark on a transformative 7-day journey, exploring the profound wis…
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Mind and Body Harmony, Day 6: "The Pythagorean Path: A 7-Day Journey to Harmony"
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12:02Be guided in a meditation for mind and body harmony. Pythagoras and his followers placed a strong emphasis on training both the mind and body as essential components of achieving inner peace. They believed that a harmonious balance between the two was necessary for spiritual and intellectual development. THIS WEEK'S THEME: In this week's meditation…
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Igniting Your Inner Potential, Day 6: "The Pythagorean Path: A 7-Day Journey to Harmony"
11:02
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11:02Ignite your inner potential with a focus on the solar plexus chakra, the energy center associated with personal power, will, and transformation. This meditation will help you to ignite your inner fire, cultivate self-confidence, and manifest your full potential, aligning with the ancient Pythagorean emphasis on self-discipline and the development o…
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Feeling Connected and Whole, Day 4: "The Pythagorean Path: A 7-Day Journey to Harmony"
11:02
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11:02Today, you're guided with a mudra, a symbolic hand gesture, to connect with the sacred geometry that Pythagoras revered. This practice will help you to align with the divine patterns of the universe and cultivate a sense of wonder. THIS WEEK'S THEME: In this week's meditation series, you'll embark on a transformative 7-day journey, exploring the pr…
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Miley Cyrus just released three singles from her ninth studio album, Something Beautiful. Inspired by Pink Floyd's The Wall—specifically the 1982 feature film based on the album—Cyrus is not just sharing new music but a whole visual album, each song accompanied by a music video shot by director Panos Cosmatos. We last heard from Cyrus in 2023 with …
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Calming the Mind with Rhythmic Breathing, Day 3: "The Pythagorean Path: A 7-Day Journey to Harmony"
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11:02Discover the power of your breath to regulate your emotional state following along with the ancient wisdom of Greek mathematician and philosopher, Pythagoras. Be guided with a breathing technique inspired by Pythagoras's emphasis on balance and harmony. This exercise will help to regulate your energy, calm your mind, and cultivate a sense of inner …
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Harmony Affirmation, Day 2: "The Pythagorean Path: A 7-Day Journey to Harmony"
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11:02Allow me to introduce you to the ancient mathematician, philosopher, and mystic, Pythagoras. We begin a new series by getting to know Pythagoras, not just as a mathematician but as someone who was steeped in the mysteries of the universe. You'll explore his life, where he came from, and the almost mystical way people saw him. Enjoy this bonus episo…
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An Ancient Way of Creating Harmony, Day 1: "The Pythagorean Path: A 7-Day Journey to Harmony"
30:02
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30:02Allow me to introduce you to the ancient mathematician, philosopher, and mystic, Pythagoras. We begin a new series by getting to know Pythagoras, not just as a mathematician but as someone who was steeped in the mysteries of the universe. You'll explore his life, where he came from, and the almost mystical way people saw him. Enjoy this bonus episo…
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A Week in Reflection, Day 7: Finding Solace in Water's Essence
10:31
10:31
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10:31Combine the soothing sounds of water with a review of your week, celebrating your big wins and noticing where you could improve -- without shame, or blame. The soothing sounds of water can help you to gently detach from the evaluations of the mind, allowing for a more spacious and compassionate review of your experiences. As you settle in, allow yo…
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Embracing the Flow, Day 6: Finding Solace in Water's Essence
11:15
11:15
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11:15You'll begin with the soothing sounds of water, a natural source of tranquility that helps to quiet the mind and ease tension. Layered upon this, be guided with a positive affirmation, a statement designed to cultivate a specific state of mind. Focus on an affirmation that enhances the qualities of the second chakra. To further enhance this experie…
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Connecting to Your Sacral Center, Day 5: Finding Solace in Water's Essence
10:13
10:13
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10:13Combine the calming sounds of water with a focus on your body's second chakra, also known as the sacral chakra. The sound of water is universally soothing, evoking a sense of peace and tranquility. As you listen, you may notice the ebb and flow, the gentle ripples, or the steady stream - each a reminder of the natural world's calming presence. Thro…
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Your Invitation to Inner Peace, Day 4: Finding Solace in Water's Essence
12:18
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12:18Immerse yourself in the calming sounds of water with the Vismaya Mudra to gently guide you into a state of relaxed awareness. The sound of water is universally soothing, evoking a sense of peace and tranquility. As you listen, you may notice the ebb and flow, the gentle ripples, or the steady stream - each a reminder of the natural world's calming …
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Chappell Roan is giving country... and hair metal?
31:33
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31:33Why was Chappell Roan's band dressed like an 80s hair metal act during her Grammy performance? The answer unlocks the surprising secret behind her #1 country hit "The Giver." This musical detective story connects glam rock aesthetics to modern country through an unexpected lineage involving AC/DC's producer, Shania Twain's revolution, and men who i…
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Rhythmic Breathing, Day 3: Finding Solace in Water's Essence
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8:29Be guided in a meditation designed to calm your mind and body. The soothing visualization of a peaceful beach combined with a gentle breathing technique will help you find a deep sense of relaxation and tranquility. The beach is a powerful symbol of peace and serenity. The rhythmic sound of the waves, the warmth of the sun, and the soft touch of th…
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