Zeitgeist Radio

Brennish Thomson is a folk musician from Lee, New Hampshire. In this episode, Morgan and Brennish dig into the world of live sound engineering and acoustic transparency in folk music. We discuss the techniques and challenges of achieving “perfect” audio in various venues, from small living rooms to large festival stages. He shares his own innovations with microphone systems by Your Heaven Audio an...

Emily Cohen is a rabbi from Brooklyn, NY. In this episode we discuss the rich musical tradition in Judaism and how social justice-minded Jews like herself can use music in their work. Emily provides insight into her role as a rabbi at West End Synagogue, a reconstructionist congregation in Manhattan, and her extensive involvement in music, including her participation in a secular choir and her com...

Marlys Woods is a music therapist who specializes in mental health. She shares the therapeutic applications of music, its ability to facilitate healing, and a caution about how music can cause harm or cause us to stay stuck. We discuss the importance of intentional music selection for personal growth and mental health. She also highlights the adaptation of music therapy practices during the pandem...

Iain Dove McAfee and Cara Weggler Menge are members of the Irish trad band Dòrain. We explore 3 of the main Irish scenes (sessions, dances, and stage performances) and unique etiquette and cultural features of each. We discuss what participating in a living tradition is like, nuances in the scene (don't order a PBR!), common tune types, the Caeli tradition and the key role of dance in Irish mu...

Anastasia Verdoljak performs with the Ethnic Dance Theater in St. Paul, MN. She also plays in Transylvanian folk band Szászka . She shares her experience with traditional folk dances around the world, joys and challenges performing (complete with full costume changes!) and how performing traditional dance can be a political statement.   Follow Ethnic Dance Theater: https://www.instagram.com/ethnic...

Marcy Irving is the Director and Founder of the Central Coast Gilbert and Sullivan Group. We discuss the history and impact of Gilbert and Sullivan's operas, the process of staging productions, and the sense of community within the music scene in San Luis Obispo, as well as the enduring humor and relevance of Gilbert and Sullivan's work and the timeless connection between people and music....

Laura Boswell is a songwriter and musician in Ashville, NC. We discuss her journey from classical music, to rock, and eventually classical guitar and folk/alt songwriting. She shares the emotional process of her songwriting, her use of alternate tunings, and using songwriting to work through emotions. She also shares the challenges of social media as an artist and creator, and lessons balancing mu...

Arthur Breur is a composer, pianist, and host of the Melodology Podcast. We discuss his unique approach to creativity, his fascination with melody, and the different ways he brings ideas to life in his compositions. He also talks about his work as a Composer in Residence, shares interesting insights about the musical moments that have impacted him, and explains the creation of his entertaining pie...

Melanesia Hunter is the creator and curator of Tha Juice Joint and the Crockpot live music events in LA. Mel shares the origin story and evolution of these community-building music events, which started as intimate gatherings focusing on music and grew into notable venues bringing together hundreds of people weekly. She also talks on the financial, logistical, and emotional challenges she faced in...

Thor Larsen is a singer and stage manager in San Luis Obispo, CA. In this episode he discusses his role and responsibilities, from setting up the stage and ensuring all equipment is in its place, to managing unforeseen situations and ensuring the smooth flow of the performance. He also provides insight into the etiquette and rules that musicians should know or that he abides by, including handling...

Amy Coddington is a professor of music at Amherst College and author of "How Hip Hop Became Hit Pop." We delve into the complexities of radio politics, the evolution of hip hop, and its complex journey towards mainstream acceptance. Amy exposes the biases, challenges, and commercial dynamics of radio, and offers an academia-backed perspective on the forces that shaped how hip hop and rap...

I'm taking a break through the end of the year. Use this time to catch up on episodes you might have missed! Join Sing We Joyous: https://www.zeitgeist-academy.teachable.com/p/sing-we-joyous Discover Your Voice: https://www.zeitgeist-academy.teachable.com/p/discover-your-voice Sign up for my newsletter: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio Zeitgeist Radio transcripts are available here: https://www....

Brigit Hawley is an audio software engineer based out of the LA area. In this episode we discuss building your own major in college, machine learning applications and possibility, what goes into audio transitioning to digital, gearheads and their passion for audio, compression, lossless vs lossy, how streaming works, what is a microphone, really?, how hardware plays into digital audio, audio drive...

Camilla Lombard is the Executive Fishwife (yes, that's her actual title) for Sea Forager Seafood and member of The Fishwives sea shanty group. In this episode we discuss the difference between sea shanties and sea songs, roving performances and audience interaction, the weirdest gigs ever, and using fun and community to make the fight for sustainability feel good. Follow the Fishwives and Sea...

Dave George is bass player and general manager of Festival Mozaic, a classical music festival in San Luis Obispo California. In this episode we discuss how an injury changed the course of a career, shifting classical culture for more accessibility, breaking the 4th wall between performers and audience, the mission and values of the Festival, choosing venues, a new take on master classes, logistics...

Andy Watson is a comedian, podcaster and country music performer in Central Coast CA. In this episode we discuss his cowboy comedy duo, Cowboy Jeff and Andy, and his podcast of the same name. He shares his many influences and the Nashville vs Bakersfield styles of country music. We discuss his work teaching in a school of 1000 kids that was built for 400, activism and the need for new immigration...

Heidi Davis is a theater producer, musician and music writer out of Portland, OR. In this episode we discuss her theater production company Torchsong Entertainment and the journey from 2 audience members to sell-out shows. She shares how she decides what musicals to write and we discuss the many, many logistics of running a theater company, from finding a location, being scrappy and building an au...

Paul Osborne is a choral conductor out of San Luis Obispo, CA. In this episode we discuss early choral music, key composers like Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, Palestrina and the fascinating Gesualdo. I also ask Paul: why did I never enjoy early music until I sang it under his baton? We talk about what brings this music to life (or lack thereof). We also talk musical nerd shop including polyphony, s...

Jill Gibson is a music teacher and musical improv coach from San Luis Obispo, California. In this episode we discuss musical improv "games," why choruses are grounding, performing norms with improv, playing with the elements of genre, how Disney creates its own Zeitgeist. We get distracted by Sondheim because... well, Sondheim! Follow Jill: ⁠ ⁠jillgibsonvoicestudio.com ⁠ Instagram @jillv...

I got married this last week and didn’t have the time to put a full episode together for you. However, I didn’t want to leave you hanging! I thought I’d take this week to share my story. What’s my musical background, and what is this whole Zeitgeist thing anyway? Follow the Zeitgeist Academy on Facebook and Instagram @zeitgeistacademy I'd love to hear from you! DM me on socials or send me an e...

Takenya Freeney Battle is a musician and educator based in Texas. In this episode we discuss becoming an army reservist while teaching elementary school music, how describing a sandwich is giving a 7th grade girl her glow up, the advantage a Black Baptist upbringing gave when studying classical music, and her incredible program using singing techniques to help people speak better onstage and in li...

Billy Gerhardt is the owner of Sauce Pot Studio in San Luis Obispo, CA. In this episode we discuss stories from the studio, what you need to make a music video, being hit up by Disney, the secret word "talent," working with Lin Manuel Miranda, is the 10,000 hours true?, confidence, pivoting, rejection, learning from your failures, and what happens when you practice EVERY DAY. Follow Sauc...

Larissa a.k.a. Zaara is a belly dance performer and teacher based out of Atascadero, California. In this episode we discuss belly dance performances, different types of Renn Faires, balancing things on your head, drum rhythms and dance, and the vibrant cultural history of belly dance! Plus Larissa shares some of her stories from being a Renn Faire performer and the shenanigans that happen after th...

Lindsey Dono is a contra dancer and caller based in Washington. In this episode we try to define contra dance, explore the process of creating an evening experience for hundreds of dancers, and how her philosophy of "I was terrified... and then I did it anyway" has led her to call some of the largest dances and festivals in the country. Sing with confidence! Take my FREE mini-course on t...

Beth is a writer living in Portland, Oregon. In this episode we discuss how the music of the Muppets is deeper than you would think, how looking for a simple set of lyrics led to an unexpected journey, finding comfort in music during a difficult time in life, and the nuance behind the songs of the world's most beloved puppets. Follow Beth: ToughPigs articles:  https://toughpigs.com/author/beth...