A Life in Six Songs – Details, episodes & analysis

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On this episode, we sit down with George Guerrero, a life-long New Yorker, now living on the left coast in San Francisco. George takes us back to his earliest music memories, painting vivid scenes of late-night drives with Dad in NYC to pick up Mom from her night shift at the hospital with the soulful tunes of Lou Rawls playing on the eight track player. We discuss the evolution of music technology in cars, exploring how it shapes personal and cultural identities, and reflect on the paradox of choice in today's digital age.

In candid authenticity, George walks us through the moments of 9/11 as seen through someone in Manhattan on that day and opens up about the emotional solace he found in music during those tragic events, offering a poignant recount of how Des'ree's "Kissing You" became the guide that helped him create a video tribute to the make-shift memorial set-up just uptown from Ground Zero. In the closing chapters, we explore the transformative power of music in various aspects of life, from getting comfortable in the kitchen to recovery from physical injuries.

George shares compelling personal stories, like how Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" became a motivational anthem during his recovery from a serious ankle injury, and how, as a lifelong Yankees fan, Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” is seared into his memory. We close with the impact of family trips, the magic of Disney experiences, and George’s quest to create a more equitable financial system. This episode is a warm celebration of music's profound impact on our lives, filled with love, nostalgia, and the enduring power of melodies to bring us together.


Connect w/ George on his Instagram and website.

Check out Just Futures where George and his team are working to bring about a financial system that creates value for people, communities, and planet—not just a privileged few.

Follow your hosts David, Raza, and Carolina every other week as they embark on an epic adventure to find the songs that are stuck to us like audible tattoos that tell the story of who we are and where we’ve been, to help us figure out where we’re going. It’s a life story told through 6 songs.


RESOURCES & LINKS

• Are you a veteran who is struggling? Call the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1.
• Liked songs from this life story? Check out A Life in Six Songs playlist on Apple Music and Spotify
• Follow A Life in Six Songs on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube
• Find out more at www.alifeinsixsongs.com

Support the show

Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit or educational use tips the balance in favor of fair use. The original work played in this video has been significantly transformed for the purpose of commentary, criticism, and education.

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On this episode, we sit down with Sumeera Younis, a native Pakistani who grew up in Michigan, did a pit stop in Istanbul and now lives in Washington DC with her husband and three kids. Join us as we hear about Sumeera’s immigration to the U.S from Pakistan with the song “Pardesi, Pardesi,” and then being exposed to the political messages in Rage Against the Machine in car rides to high school with her brother. Sumeera shares the stories of graduating from law school and studying for the bar exam, with the help of “If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next” by Manic Street Preachers, and falling in love with her husband through “Temptation” by New Order. We close out our conversation with the documentary Searching for Sugar Man and the song “Sugar Man” by Rodriguez, and then, Sumeera’s moving story of fertility treatment through “The Waiting” by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. Pull up a folding chair, grab a drink, find a spot “around the fire,” and enjoy the conversation and community. 

Connect w/ Sumeera on her Instagram 

Follow your hosts David, Raza, and Carolina every other week as they embark on an epic adventure to find the songs that are stuck to us like audible tattoos that tell the story of who we are and where we’ve been, to help us figure out where we’re going. It’s a life story told through 6 songs.

WHO WE ARE

DAVID: Creator & Host @ALifeinSixSongs

Drummer | Educator | Philosopher | Combat Veteran | PTSD Advocate 

CAROLINA: Co-Host @ALifeinSixSongs

Storyteller | Professional Facilitator

RAZA: Co-Host @ALifeinSixSongs

Lawyer | Producer | Solo Project: Solamente | @razaismyname

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Liked songs from this life story? Check out A Life in Six Songs playlist on Apple Music and Spotify
• Follow A Life in Six Songs on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
• Are you a veteran who is struggling? Call the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1.
• Support our work!
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel 
• Don’t keep us all to yourself! Share our podcast with your people!
• Reach out to us at

Support the show

Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit or educational use tips the balance in favor of fair use. The original work played in this video has been significantly transformed for the purpose of commentary, criticism, and education.

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Our guest, Dr. Tyler Calabrese, shares how his profound connection with music has been a transformative force in his life - his altar of hope, solace, and energy. Whitney Houston's 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody' reminds him of his Mom, and the uplifting messages of positive hardcore in H2O’s ‘Found the Truth Within’ helps him during challenging life transitions. The Canadian punk band Propagandhi's lyrics motivated him to use his privilege for those less fortunate. ‘Somewhere Out There,’ from the movie, An American Tale, provides the space to discuss toxic masculinity and the importance of healthy emotional outlets. We close  by exploring the connection between art and mental health awareness in Tyler’s annual event, Speak Your Truth, through the songs of Tim Barry and Carly Winters. Pull up a folding chair, grab a drink, find a spot around the fire, and enjoy the conversation and community.

Check out Speak You Truth’s Website

Watch Speak Your Truth 2023 on YouTube

See the Speak Your Truth Video Submissions 

Follow your hosts David, Raza, and Carolina every week as they embark on an epic adventure to find the songs that are stuck to us like audible tattoos to tell the story of who we are and where we’ve been. It’s a life story told through 6 songs. Take a listen, and as always, if you have someone whose life you’d like to hear in 6 songs, let us know.

WHO WE ARE

DAVID: Creator & Host @ALifeinSixSongs

Drummer | Educator | Philosopher | Combat Veteran | PTSD Advocate 

CAROLINA: Co-Host @ALifeinSixSongs

Storyteller | Head of Learning & Development Services @ReadySet

RAZA: Co-Host @ALifeinSixSongs

Guitarist | Lawyer | Solo Project @Solamente.Band

RESOURCES AND LINKS

• Liked songs from this life story? Check out A Life in Six Songs playlist on Apple Music and Spotify
• Follow A Life in Six Songs on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
• Support our work!
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel 

Support the show

Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit or educational use tips the balance in favor of fair use. The original work played in this video has been significantly transformed for the purpose of commentary, criticism, and education.

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In this episode, our very first guest, Andrea, shares her six song story of the process of coming out, the pain of losing loved ones, and the life-saving role of marching band, with some tackle football thrown in! From Whitney Houston, Yolanda Adams, and Brandy to Alanis Morissette, Trick Daddy, and even Yanni (you’ll have to watch!), Andrea shares not only the stories attached to these songs, but her passion for being a musician rings loud and clear throughout. Pull up a folding chair, grab a drink, find a spot around the fire, and enjoy the conversation and community (and a good amount of reminiscing!).

Follow your hosts David, Raza, and Carolina every week as they embark on an epic adventure to find the songs that are stuck to us like audible tattoos to tell the story of who we are and where we’ve been. It’s a life story told through 6 songs. Take a listen, and as always, if you have someone whose life you’d like to hear in 6 songs, let us know.

WHO WE ARE

DAVID: Creator & Host @ALifeinSixSongs

Drummer | Educator | Philosopher | Combat Veteran | PTSD Advocate 

CAROLINA: Co-Host @ALifeinSixSongs

Storyteller | Head of Learning & Development Services @ReadySet

RAZA: Co-Host @ALifeinSixSongs

Guitarist | Lawyer | Solo Project @Solamente.Band



EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

Click Here to view show transcript (click Transcript tab on page)

RESOURCES, CONTACT, AND LINKS

• Contact Andrea at andrea.snead@usta.com
• Gridiron Girls Documentary
• Follow A Life in Six Songs on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
• Liked songs from this life story? Check out A Life in Six Songs playlist on Apple Music and Spotify
• Support our work!
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel 
• Don’t keep us all to yourself! Share our podcast with your people!
• Reach out to us at

Support the show

Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit or educational use tips the balance in favor of fair use. The original work played in this video has been significantly transformed for the purpose of commentary, criticism, and education.

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In this episode, we share co-host Raza’s six song story, thus finishing out these episodes introducing you to our hosts. We wouldn’t ask our guests to do anything we wouldn’t do ourselves. Check out Raza’s stories of growing up in Pakistan, his audiophile Dad and family members exposing him to a diverse set list of artists and genres. Learn about his musical journey arriving in the US at 10 years old ready to consume all the entertainment he imagined would be available to him in the States. From Guns ‘N’ Roses, Type O Negative, and Red Hot Chili Peppers to Maroon 5 and Foster the People, Raza shares stories of joy and excitement as well as struggle and overcoming, with a little Pirate Metal thrown in. Finally, Raza shares his own musical project, Solamente, and the song he wrote for his children, The Offspring. Pull up a folding chair, grab a drink, find a spot around the fire, and enjoy the conversation and community.

Follow your hosts David, Raza, and Carolina every week as they embark on an epic adventure to find the songs that are stuck to us like audible tattoos to tell the story of who we are and where we’ve been. If you have someone whose life you’d like to hear in 6 songs, let us know!

WHO WE ARE

DAVID: Creator & Host @ALifeinSixSongs

Drummer | Educator | Philosopher | Combat Veteran | PTSD Advocate 

CAROLINA: Co-Host @ALifeinSixSongs

Storyteller | Head of Learning & Development Services @ReadySet

RAZA: Co-Host @ALifeinSixSongs

Guitarist | Lawyer | Solo Project @Solamente.Band

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

Click Here to view show transcript (click Transcript tab on page)

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Liked songs from this life story? Check out A Life in Six Songs playlist on Apple Music and Spotify
• Follow A Life in Six Songs on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel 
• Don’t keep us all to yourself! Share our podcast with your people!
• Reach out to us at alifeinsixso

Support the show

Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit or educational use tips the balance in favor of fair use. The original work played in this video has been significantly transformed for the purpose of commentary, criticism, and education.

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Ever learn about someone’s life story through their personal soundtrack? Sounds pretty cool right? In this episode we get to know one of our three hosts, Carolina, as she walks you through the joyous and painful moments of her life through a diverse score of songs. From disco and hip hop to salsa and alternative music, it’s quite the ride. Learn how the cool teenager next door opened her world to new music, why Alicia Keys makes her cry following the death of her first husband, and everything in between. 

Follow your hosts David, Raza, and Carolina every week as they embark on an epic adventure to find the songs that are stuck to us like audible tattoos to tell the story of who we are and where we’ve been. It’s a life story told through 6 songs. Take a listen, and as always, if you have someone whose life you’d like to hear in 6 songs, let us know.

WHO WE ARE

DAVID: Creator & Host @ALifeinSixSongs

Drummer | Educator | Philosopher | Combat Veteran | PTSD Advocate 

CAROLINA: Co-Host @ALifeinSixSongs

Storyteller | Head of Learning & Development Services @ReadySet

RAZA: Co-Host @ALifeinSixSongs

Guitarist | Lawyer | Solo Project @Solamente.Band

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

Click Here to view show transcript (click Transcript tab on page)

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Liked songs from this life story? Check out A Life in Six Songs playlist on Apple Music and Spotify
• Follow A Life in Six Songs on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube

CALL TO ACTION, EPISODE LINK & CONTACT INFO

• Support our work!
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel 
• Don’t keep us all to yourself! Share our podcast with your people!

Reach out to us at alifeinsixsongspodcast@gmail.com

Support the show

Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit or educational use tips the balance in favor of fair use. The original work played in this video has been significantly transformed for the purpose of commentary, criticism, and education.

Send us a text

Here it is! The very first episode of A Life in Six Songs! Join us as we get to know one of our hosts, David, and his motivations for starting the podcast, as well as his life in six songs. David shares his heartwarming and, at times, heartbreaking journey, from his early musical encounters to his stint in the Army, his battle with PTSD, and his growing recognition of the therapeutic power of music. Every song offers a peek into a unique chapter of his life, be it the hair bands of the 80s and the transformative role of NWA's 'Straight Outta Compton' in his understanding of social justice, or the unexpected solace found in Britney Spears' 'Toxic' during his Iraq deployment.

Follow your hosts David, Raza, and Carolina every week as they embark on an epic adventure to find the songs that are stuck to us like audible tattoos to tell the story of who we are and where we’ve been. It’s a life story told through 6 songs. Take a listen, and as always, if you have someone whose life you’d like to hear in 6 songs, let us know.

KEY TOPICS & CHAPTER MARKERS

• 0:56  Why Start This Podcast
• 9:12  Music in a Dynamic Individual's Life
• 15:21  Earliest Music Memory: Steve Miller Band and Nissans
• 21:21  RUSH: The World Was Never the Same
• 31:12  Memories of Fourth Grade, Bus Rides, and Whitesnake
• 40:15  N.W.A.'s F**k Tha Police and Social Awareness
• 54:12  Deployment to Iraq and Britney Spears' Toxic
• 1:08:47  Growing up in South Florida, 2 Live Crew, and Middle School Parties
• 1:22:12  Reflections on David's Six Songs, Memory and Sleep Issues, and PTSD
• 1:32:18  First Concert, Last Concert, and Best Concert
• 1:37:41  Social Media and Contact Info!

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

Click Here to view show transcript (click Transcript tab on page)

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Liked songs from this life story? Check out A Life in Six Songs playlist on Apple Music and Spotify
• Follow A Life in Six Songs on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
• Are you a veteran who is struggling? I know it is tough and that you feel like you are the only who feels like this and no one will understand, but what you are experiencing is not unique and treatment can make a difference. Get help here:
  • Call the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1.
  • Text the Veterans Crisis Line: Send your message to 838255 
  • Visit the Veterans Crisis Line website to chat virtually
  • PTSD Online Questionnaire

Support the show

Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit or educational use tips the balance in favor of fair use. The original work played in this video has been significantly transformed for the purpose of commentary, criticism, and education.

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On this episode, we sit down with Marissa Huber-East, a creative soul, devoted mom, and connector of people and ideas from South Florida, and explore the songs that have been part of her journey. From the soothing lullabies of "Rainbow Connection" sung during childhood bedtime rituals to the socio-political anthems of Tupac Shakur, Marissa opens up about her relationship with music as a backdrop to her memories and a bridge to deeper connections with others. We uncover how music has been a constant companion in her artistic and familial bonds. Marissa shares her grief and the cathartic power of songs like David Bowie's "Heroes" in processing the personal loss of her brother.  Tune in to hear how music not only encapsulates complex emotions but also offers solace and hope during life's most challenging moments. Pull up a folding chair, grab a drink, find a spot “around the fire,” and enjoy the conversation and community. 

Connect w/ Marissa on her: Website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn 

Follow your hosts David, Raza, and Carolina every other week as they embark on an epic adventure to find the songs that are stuck to us like audible tattoos that tell the story of who we are and where we’ve been, to help us figure out where we’re going. It’s a life story told through 6 songs.


WHO WE ARE

DAVID: Creator & Host @ALifeinSixSongs
Drummer | Educator | Philosopher | Combat Veteran | PTSD Advocate 

CAROLINA: Co-Host @ALifeinSixSongs
Storyteller | Professional Facilitator

RAZA: Co-Host @ALifeinSixSongs
Lawyer | Producer | Solo Project: Solamente | @razaismyname

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Liked songs from this life story? Check out A Life in Six Songs playlist on Apple Music and Spotify
• Follow A Life in Six Songs on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
• Are you a veteran who is struggling? Call the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1.
• Support our work!
• Reach out to us at alifeinsixsongspodcast@gmail.com

Support the show

Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit or educational use tips the balance in favor of fair use. The original work played in this video has been significantly transformed for the purpose of commentary, criticism, and education.

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Join us as we explore the musical journey of Stefan Nordström, metal vocalist & guitarist, content creator, and digital nomad from Stockholm, Sweden. Travel back to the 90s with us as Stefan recalls the significant role that melancholic tracks by artists like the Cranberries and Moby played during his adolescence in Stockholm. Sit shotgun as we learn about Stefan’s musical growth into more and more extreme metal music. We finish our journey by exploring the transformative experiences that come with embracing a travel-driven, digital nomad lifestyle, and the profound connections between music, existential growth, and physical well-being. Pull up a folding chair, grab a drink, find a spot “around the fire,” and enjoy the conversation and community. 

Check out Stefan’s Instagram, YouTube, Website, Bandcamp, and Spotify

Follow your hosts David, Raza, and Carolina every other week as they embark on an epic adventure to find the songs that are stuck to us like audible tattoos that tell the story of who we are and where we’ve been, to help us figure out where we’re going. It’s a life story told through 6 songs.

• Liked songs from this life story? Check out A Life in Six Songs playlist on Apple Music and Spotify
• Support our work!
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel 
• Follow A Life in Six Songs on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
• Are you a veteran who is struggling? Get help here:
  • Call the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1.
  • Text the Veterans Crisis Line: Send your message to 838255 
  • Visit the Veterans Crisis Line website to chat virtually
  • PTSD Online Questionnaire
  • National Center for PTSD

Reach out to us at alifeinsixsongs.com

Support the show

Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit or educational use tips the balance in favor of fair use. The original work played in this video has been significantly transformed for the purpose of commentary, criticism, and education.

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A trigger warning for those listening to this latest episode. Please note that this episode contains content surrounding trauma, self-harm, and PTSD. Please exercise self-care as you need.

Normally, as the title of the podcast dictates, it's a LIFE in six songs, but this episode is a little different. This one will be highlighting a specific experience through music. Today's special episode will focus on our founder and host, David Reese's recent experience in traveling to Mexico for PTSD treatment, primarily through the experience of a psychedelic called Ibogaine.

David was diagnosed with PTSD in 2021, following years of battling the illness as a result of his military service. After that diagnosis, He and Carolina, his partner and co-host, embarked on what's been almost three years of all kinds of different treatments, medications, tools, and therapies, which gratefully helped move the needle, but not quite enough to where David felt a sense of healing. Through a veteran community advocating for psychedelic treatment, Carolina found a treatment clinic in Cancun, Mexico, called Beōnd. This specific clinic uses the psychedelic Ibogaine to treat people struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and also substance abuse. So in today’s episode, we'll be discussing the six songs that David was listening to during his trip and 10-day treatment. 

Medical Disclaimer. None of what we share in this episode should be considered medical advice, and everyone struggling with any of these diagnoses needs to do their own research and due diligence before embarking on a treatment journey.

Find out more about Beōnd and their approach

You can also book an informational call with Beōnd (and let them know you heard about them from A Life in Six Songs Podcast!)

Read the recent Stanford Medicine article about Ibogaine safely leading to improvements in depression, anxiety, and functioning among veterans with traumatic brain injuries. 

Follow your hosts David, Raza, and Carolina as they embark on an epic adventure to find the songs that are stuck to us like audible tattoos to tell the story of who we are and where we’ve been to help us figure out where we’re going. It’s a life story told through 6 songs.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Are you a veteran who is struggling?  Get help here:
  • Call the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1.
  • Text the Veterans Crisis Line: Send your message to 838255 
  • Visit the Veterans Crisis Line website to chat virtually
  • PTSD Online Questionnaire
  • National Center for PTSD
• Reach out to us at alifeinsixsongspodc

Support the show

Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit or educational use tips the balance in favor of fair use. The original work played in this video has been significantly transformed for the purpose of commentary, criticism, and education.