Fun is Not a Destination: A Fun Audit with Comedian Josh Gondelman on Music is Therapy with DJ Hesta Prynn

DJ Hesta Prynn: Every Trick I Used to Build a Playlist for 400 of the Smartest People in America

Want to know how professional DJs build playlists that feel intentional instead of random? In this solo episode, DJ Hesta Prynn shares the exact playlist curation and DJ mixing techniques she used to create the official July 4th playlist for Renaissance Weekend—a conference attended by 400 of America's leading astronauts, CEOs, scientists, political leaders, artists, and innovators. But this episode is about much more than making a playlist. Here's something Hesta believes: American music is protest music. Whether it's Jimi Hendrix, Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, Kendrick Lamar, or RuPaul, some of our greatest songs are really arguments about who gets to belong here. Using that idea as her guide, Hesta walks through her entire 33-song playlist and reveals the same storytelling techniques she uses as a professional DJ to move a crowd, surprise an audience, and make every song feel inevitable. In this episode, you'll learn: * Why American music is rooted in protest—and how that shaped every song choice * How DJs use key, BPM (tempo), and energy to build seamless playlists * Why cover songs are one of the best ways to transition between genres * How to hide a powerful message inside a playlist without making it feel like a lecture * The RuPaul song that completely changed Hesta's perspective on being American * Crowdsourcing the set: how friends (including bestseller author and recent podcast guest NY Times journalist David Gelles [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-wealth-was-supposed-to-mean-with-david-gelles/id1867296156?i=1000747329880]) helped shape the final tracklist  Listen to the full 33-song playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4s6thxFLtGNsDiuJWIGa0r?si=7e9d675e92f84046 [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4s6thxFLtGNsDiuJWIGa0r?si=7e9d675e92f84046] Connect with Hesta:   Follow Hesta on Instagram: @hestaprynnmusic Substack: https://hestaprynn.substack.com/ [https://hestaprynn.substack.com/]    Have thoughts on the playlist—or a song Hesta should have included? Email musicistherapypod@gmail.com. Learn more about Renaissance Weekend: https://www.renaissanceweekend.org/ [https://www.renaissanceweekend.org/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Why Are We So Tired? (with Dr Erica Matluck)

Are you feeling an overwhelming sense of fatigue that seems impossible to shake off? Join DJ Hesta Prynn, a licensed therapist and passionate advocate for emotional well-being, as she uncovers the deeper messages behind our exhaustion in this enlightening episode of DJ Hesta Prynn's Music is Therapy. With the insightful Dr. Erica Matluck by her side, they explore how fatigue is not just a symptom to be solved but a vital communication from our bodies, urging us to pause and reflect. This conversation dives deep into the societal pressures that exacerbate chronic tiredness, especially in fast-paced environments like New York City, where unhealthy eating habits and relentless lifestyles can take a toll on our health. Throughout the episode, DJ Hesta Prynn emphasizes the importance of listening to our bodies, a theme that resonates profoundly with the concept of music as therapy. Dr. Matluck shares her expertise on how our bodies are inherently intelligent, and the sensations we experience, including fatigue, are crucial signals that deserve our attention. This discussion is not just about identifying the problem; it's about fostering a holistic approach to health that honors both our physical and emotional needs. As they navigate the therapeutic power of music and sound, listeners will discover how communal experiences, such as dancing, can facilitate emotional release and healing. The episode highlights the connection between music and emotional well-being, encouraging listeners to engage with music and movement as a means to reconnect with their bodies and emotions. DJ Hesta Prynn and Dr. Matluck provide actionable advice for embracing transformative music experiences that can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of our health and wellness. Join us for this captivating episode that not only addresses the struggles of fatigue but also inspires a journey of self-discovery through music and creativity. Discover how music influences our lives, relationships, and emotional healing, and learn how you can use music as a healing device in your own life. Whether you’re a music lover, a therapist, or someone seeking connection and understanding, this episode of DJ Hesta Prynn's Music is Therapy promises to resonate with your experiences and inspire you to embrace the power of music in your journey toward emotional well-being. Connect with Erica:  Free Holistic Intelligence Quotient (HQ) assessment that covers the 4 quadrants:https://transform.experiencesevensenses.com/holistic-intelligence [https://transform.experiencesevensenses.com/holistic-intelligence] Erica's substack:  https://drericamatluck.substack.com/https://drericamatluck.substack.com/ [https://drericamatluck.substack.com/] Erica's Practice: https://www.experiencesevensenses.com/work-with-me [https://www.experiencesevensenses.com/work-with-me] July Playlist: Dance Yourself Clean:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0gDhu9dKwszVgID58hvg7y?si=3e76a197d6d4425d [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0gDhu9dKwszVgID58hvg7y?si=3e76a197d6d4425d] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Fun is Not a Destination: A Fun Audit with Comedian Josh Gondelman on Music is Therapy with DJ Hesta Prynn

What if you’re not actually bad at having fun? What if you’ve just been looking for it in the wrong places? In this episode of the Music is Therapy podcast, DJ and licensed therapist Hesta Prynn sits down with comedian and writer Josh Gondelman for an honest, funny, and genuinely useful conversation about what it actually means to have a good time. Josh Gondelman is a former writer for Desus & Mero and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and one of the most thoughtful optimists working in comedy today. Together, he and Hesta conduct a full Fun Audit — diagnosing what’s actually fun versus what adults have agreed to pretend is fun. Pickleball. Farmer’s markets. Music festivals. Therapy. Nothing is safe. But the real music is therapy conversation is about friendship. About the spontaneous phone call versus the scheduled catch-up. About sending someone a song when you’re thinking of them instead of posting it into the void. About showing up for people in the small, consistent ways that actually keep relationships alive — even when you keep missing the big moments. Josh Gondelman talks about staying optimistic when it takes real work, the concept of being a Beastie Boys Jew, why “play” might be a more useful word than “fun,” and the smallest possible adventure you can go on this week. (Hint: it involves walking into a store you’ve passed a hundred times and never entered.) By the end of Music is Therapy , the answer is clear: fun isn’t something you chase. It’s something you create — in the margins, with the people who matter, in the places you’ve been ignoring. This week’s challenge: What’s one small thing you could do today to make your life 5% more interesting? Go do that. Music Connection Therapy July 1 LIVE Workshop: The Soulful Art of Persuasion by Jason Harris — Music is Therapy free Zoom workshop July 1st at 12:15pm ET  https://mct.hestaprynn.com/july-1 [https://mct.hestaprynn.com/july-1] June Playlist: Therapy, DJ Set or Vacation: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/70qa5enke0r7kHtOSPockT?si=9c869d6e19564842 [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/70qa5enke0r7kHtOSPockT?si=9c869d6e19564842] Connect with Josh Gondelman: Standup Special "Positive Reinforcement" [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAvNlgpdKKo] Newsletter [http://www.thatsmarvelousnewsletter.com/] Website [http://www.joshgondelman.com/] Connect with DJ Hesta Prynn and Music is Therapy: https://hestaprynn.substack.com/ [https://hestaprynn.substack.com/]https://www.instagram.com/hestaprynnmusic [https://www.instagram.com/hestaprynnmusic] Send Hesta your fun songs: musicistherapypod@gmail.com [musicistherapypod@gmail.com] Music is Therapy is a production of iHeart Podcasts. Hosted by Hesta Prynn. New episodes every week. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Healing Through Song: DJ Hesta Prynn and Lynn Hoffman Explore Music's Transformative Power for Emotional Well-Being

Have you ever felt a song speak directly to your soul, guiding you through heartbreak or lifting you from anxiety? Join DJ Hesta Prynn in this enlightening episode of DJ Hesta Prynn's Music is Therapy, where we dive deep into the therapeutic power of music and explore how it can transform our emotional landscapes. In a heartfelt conversation with Lynn Hoffman, host of the podcast Music Saved Me, we unravel the intricate connections between music and mental health, revealing the profound impact it has on our well-being.    As a licensed therapist and DJ, Hesta introduces the concept of a musical medicine cabinet, emphasizing that the true effectiveness of music as therapy lies not just in the melodies and lyrics, but in how we intentionally incorporate them into our lives. Lynn shares her own musical journey, recounting pivotal moments that shaped her relationship with music and how it has served as a catalyst for her emotional healing. Together, they discuss the science behind music's ability to influence our mental health, highlighting the importance of emotional connection and intention when selecting songs for personal growth.    This episode is a treasure trove of personal anecdotes, insights, and practical advice on using music as a tool for healing and self-discovery. Whether you're navigating the complexities of relationships or seeking emotional well-being, the discussions on music as therapy will inspire you to create your own playlists that resonate with your unique experiences. Discover how to harness the power of music to foster personal growth, enhance your emotional resilience, and navigate life changes with grace.    Join us for transformative music experiences that encourage vulnerability and connection. This episode is not just about listening; it's about engaging with music on a deeper level, exploring the stories behind the songs, and understanding how they can serve as a healing device in our lives. Tune in to learn how music can illuminate your path to self-discovery and emotional healing, and find out why DJ Hesta Prynn's Music is Therapy is the podcast you need to elevate your mental health journey.    Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation that blends storytelling in music with therapeutic insights. Let DJ Hesta Prynn and Lynn Hoffman guide you through the emotional struggles and triumphs that music can help us navigate, reminding us all of the powerful legacy that music holds in our lives. Together, let's explore how music can be a source of strength, connection, and healing.    Music Connection Therapy July 1 LIVE Workshop:  https://mct.hestaprynn.com/july-1 [https://mct.hestaprynn.com/july-1] Lynn Hoffman: https://lynnhoffmanvo.com/ [https://lynnhoffmanvo.com/] June Playlist: Therapy, DJ Set or Vacation: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/70qa5enke0r7kHtOSPockT?si=9c869d6e19564842 [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/70qa5enke0r7kHtOSPockT?si=9c869d6e19564842] Connect with DJ Hesta Prynn and Music is Therapy:  https://hestaprynn.substack.com/ [https://hestaprynn.substack.com/]https://www.instagram.com/hestaprynnmusic [https://www.instagram.com/hestaprynnmusic]musicistherapypod@gmail.com [musicistherapypod@gmail.com] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

DJ Hesta Prynn and Tegan Quin Discuss Music's Transformative Power for Emotional Healing and Personal Growth

What if the very songs that resonate with your heart also serve as a powerful tool for healing? Join DJ Hesta Prynn in this enlightening episode of "DJ Hesta Prynn's Music is Therapy," where she welcomes Tegan Quin of the legendary band Tegan and Sara for a profound conversation about the intersection of music and emotional well-being. Together, they delve into the transformative power of music as therapy, exploring how it can foster personal growth and facilitate healing in our everyday lives.  Tegan Quin shares her unique perspective on songwriting, revealing how her creative process is often a deeply personal journey, driven by her own experiences and emotions. As they discuss the evolution of Tegan and Sara's sound, the conversation highlights the complexities of identity and music, particularly within the context of queer representation in the music industry. Their candid reflections on the impact of their music on audiences showcase how songs can become a source of strength and solace during pivotal moments.  One of the episode's standout moments is Tegan's recounting of their iconic hit "Closer," a song that has empowered countless listeners, especially within the queer community. This powerful anthem serves as a testament to the importance of authenticity in music, and Tegan emphasizes how their lyrics can create emotional connections that transcend individual experiences. The discussion also touches on the role of music in therapy and relationships, illustrating how melodies and lyrics can influence our emotional well-being.  Throughout this episode, DJ Hesta Prynn and Tegan Quin explore the idea of music as a healing device, offering insights into how it can foster personal growth through storytelling and vulnerability. They engage in a heartfelt dialogue about the significance of music in navigating life's challenges, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the profound effects of music on mental health and emotional healing.  Join us for this inspiring music journey that not only celebrates the legacy of Tegan and Sara but also invites you to reflect on your own relationship with music. Tune in to discover how music can be a catalyst for change, a source of empowerment, and a vital part of our personal stories. Experience the magic of music as therapy and the joy of connecting with the universal themes of love, identity, and healing.    Music Connection Therapy July 1 LIVE Workshop:  https://mct.hestaprynn.com/july-1 [https://mct.hestaprynn.com/july-1]   Connect with Tegan & Sara:  Substack: https://teganandsara.substack.com/ [https://teganandsara.substack.com/] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5e1BZulIiYWPRm8yogwUYH?si=KMJgWxX_Saye6Xw0C6FGkg [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5e1BZulIiYWPRm8yogwUYH?si=KMJgWxX_Saye6Xw0C6FGkg]   June Playlist: Therapy, DJ Set or Vacation: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/70qa5enke0r7kHtOSPockT?si=9c869d6e19564842 [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/70qa5enke0r7kHtOSPockT?si=9c869d6e19564842]   Connect with DJ Hesta Prynn and Music is Therapy:  https://hestaprynn.substack.com/ [https://hestaprynn.substack.com/]https://www.instagram.com/hestaprynnmusic [https://www.instagram.com/hestaprynnmusic]musicistherapypod@gmail.com [musicistherapypod@gmail.com] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.