The Downward Facing Spiritual Spiral
Social media and technology are dramatically impacting the world, shifting people‘s values and turning human beings into robots. The Spiritual Spiral is here to inspire you to turn off your phone so you can appreciate a more ”analog” lifestyle. Join musician, writer and yoga teacher Eddie Cohn as he discusses the impact of tech and shares personal stories from his own life while also interviewing musicians, yoga teachers and artists to talk about how social media affects the world and what we can ALL do to be more creative, more present and less distracted.
Episodes
Episodes
Tuesday Aug 30, 2022
Polly, The Cos, Hacks & Some Fatal Attraction
Tuesday Aug 30, 2022
Tuesday Aug 30, 2022
After a little hiatus, I'm excited to be back for this week's episode of the Spiritual Spiral as I welcome back actress, writer and my friend, Polly Humphreys, to the show. First off, you have a little bit of homework after you listen to today's episode. You must check out the powerful new documentary on Showtime called We Need to Talk About Cosby, which inspires the beginning of my chat with Polly. We try and make sense of the complex duality of human beings and how a person can make us laugh and seem sincere but inexplicably also be toxic and despicable. Your next piece of homework is to watch the hysterical show Hacks on HBO which is the next topic Polly and I discuss and we end the show by unraveling the apparent frivolous and flippant nature of drug use on television. Oh, I also begin the show talking about the magnificent movie, Fatal Attraction, and why we will NEVER see a thriller that good again. That's your last assignment - WATCH or RE-Watch Fatal Attraction. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or you can buy it on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my music at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions.
Tuesday Aug 02, 2022
Brett Farkas
Tuesday Aug 02, 2022
Tuesday Aug 02, 2022
Today's episode of the Spiritual Spiral is a dive into the world of music and songwriting as LA based guitarist and producer, Brett Farkas joins me on the podcast. Brett is a multi-genre solo artist and session musician who has worked with some of my favorite artists including Aimee Mann, Rihanna and Lord Huron. I met Brett many years ago at a music supervisor showcase and was immediately impressed by Brett's songwriting and musical prowess. Brett grew up outside of Detroit and he begins the conversation by sharing how he first became curious about music and what inspired him to pick up the guitar. He talks about his musical influences and what brought him out to Los Angeles and why Detroit was such an amazing music scene. Brett and I also talk about the impact of tech and social media on our culture and the often dizzying head space created by IG and Tiktok. We touch on many topics including the impact of streaming services, finding quiet time and we both reflect on our own intimate and unique process of songwriting. Brett also shares some eye-raising stories about playing music LIVE in Los Angeles. Also, all the music on today's episode features Brett so be sure to find Brett on Spotify or follow him on IG @brettfarkasmusic. Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or you can buy it on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my music at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions.
Thursday Jul 28, 2022
Algorithm Brains and a Dash of Kate Bush
Thursday Jul 28, 2022
Thursday Jul 28, 2022
What is an algorithm brain? Glad you asked and let me explain. Imagine never having to make a decision for yourself ever again? Sounds fun, right? Scrolling and sitting on your booty all day as Spotify, Netflix, Amazon, IG and Tiktok algorithmically spoon-feed ads and rabbit holes that take you on a hypnotic runaway train. That's the intoxicating and manipulating world of tech in full force as it creates an algorithm brain. I also read a FANTASTIC article from last week's New Yorker. It's entitled Running Up That Hill with Kate Bush, Again. You can Click HERE to read it. If you're like the rest of the world, you've already gobbled up Season 4 of Stranger Things and totally blasting Kate Bush out of your AirPods. Great song and a one of a kind artist. But is the "placement" of Running Up that Hill as poignant and cool as discovering music on your own. As always, thanks so much for listening and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or buy it on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening.
Thursday Jul 21, 2022
Evan Beigel (Visit #2)
Thursday Jul 21, 2022
Thursday Jul 21, 2022
Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I'm excited to welcome Evan Beigel back to the show. This is Evan's second visit and much like our first conversation, we try and tackle some very complicated topics. We talk about the violence in the latest season of Stranger Things and wonder if parents think it's an appropriate show for young children. We discuss parenting and how it may be more difficult than ever to raise children in this fast paced and tech obsessed culture. Evan and I met many years ago working in the music industry so we also talk about creativity, inspiration, balancing social media with creativity and Evan also shares the story of how he began producing music. Oh, and of course my cat Leo makes an appearance AND we talk about golf. I think you'll really enjoy this thoughtful conversation and as always, thanks so much for listening and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or buy it on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions.
Thursday Jul 07, 2022
Lee Hester (Part 2)
Thursday Jul 07, 2022
Thursday Jul 07, 2022
Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I'm excited to welcome back singer/songwriter and producer, Lee Hester, to the show. A few weeks ago, after an hourlong discussion with Lee, I realized we didn't touch on a few topics so I felt compelled to bring him back on the show. Today's episode is Part 2 of my chat with Lee and like the previous episode, all the music features Lee and his band entitled Too Far Moon. Lee and I continue where we left off by talking about creativity, inspiration, juggling marketing with the creative side of songwriting and Lee shares the story behind his band, Too Far Moon. We also talk about the process of songwriting, working in the studio and we discuss the inspiration behind much of Lee's music. Be sure to find Lee on IG either at @leehestermusic or @toofarmoon. As always, thanks so much for listening and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or buy it on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions.
Monday Jun 27, 2022
Golf Stories, a Lump and When Does a Reaction Become an Overreaction?
Monday Jun 27, 2022
Monday Jun 27, 2022
Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I felt inspired to talk about this potentially confusing and derelict society as we are bombarded with an onslaught of reactions. Quick, let's all react! Opinions everywhere. Comments. Finger pointing galore. Yay! And whether it's the news media or the millions of people scrolling away on Twitter, we live in a galvanizing world filled with myopic opinions and over the top reactions. Fun, fun, fun! With all this noise, does anyone out there have time to turn inward? Maybe take a breath? Instead of screaming and commenting on the news, how about we try listening and maybe try to understand why people react the way they do. I know, sounds super boring compared to screaming an opinion, but maybe a more productive option? I share a few personal anecdotes from the past week about an unusual lump plus some eye-opening stories from the golf course. Lots of screaming, yelling and even some F bombs. Don't worry. It wasn't me. I also read an excerpt from Liz Phair's brilliant book, Horror Stories, and I play a couple clips from a recent Bill Maher podcast where he talks about the hypocrisy of the entertainment industry. I also end the show by strumming away on my acoustic guitar. As always, thanks so much for listening and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or buy it on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening.
Sunday Jun 12, 2022
Lee Hester
Sunday Jun 12, 2022
Sunday Jun 12, 2022
Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I'm excited to welcome singer/songwriter and producer, Lee Hester, to the show. A few weeks ago, Lee posted a powerful message on Facebook about the complex duality of our culture and he also shared a beautiful new song entitled, Love Can. I truly resonated with Lee's message surrounding our tech-centric society and I also loved his new song so I felt compelled to have Lee on the show. Not only do I end this episode with Lee's new song but all the music on today's episode features Lee and his side project entitled Too Far Moon. Lee and I begin by talking about the inspiration behind a recent post he shared on Facebook and ultimately what inspired him to write new music. We discuss the complex duality and confusion surrounding tech and social media and he shares an eye-opening story about a music publisher's interest in understanding metadata. We discuss the inherent "value" of music and musicians and why Napster and Spotify may have destroyed not only the monetary value of music but also our culture's appreciation of art. We also talk about the process of songwriting and what it means to feel "inspired." It's a thoughtful conversation about some challenging topics and be sure to find Lee on IG either at @leehestermusic or @toofarmoon. As always, thanks so much for listening and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or buy it on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions.
Sunday Jun 05, 2022
Human Nature and the Runaway Train
Sunday Jun 05, 2022
Sunday Jun 05, 2022
Life is breathtakingly beautiful but too often unpredictable, unfair and tragic. Meanwhile, moving at a frenetic pace, the news media often doesn't give civilization a chance to catch its collective breath. The worst part? There's likely nothing we can do to stop this frenzied runaway train of life so where does that leave us? Are you going to try to stop the train or are you going to get off at the next stop? The past two weeks, we have been pummeled with one tragic mass shooting after another. The pundits, news commentators and both political sides are offering petty perspective while lambasting each other with myopic solutions to a problem that may never be resolved. Knowing life and human nature can feel like an unbridled runaway train, what do we do to manage our own well being and mental health? Today on the Spiritual Spiral, I touch on some challenging, potentially unsolvable problems as I reflect back on the aftermath of the Uvalde shooting. As horrific as that event was, what is equally frustrating is the societal response. The finger potting, the "commentary" and the rush to judgment is relentless. The system is so broken, can anything be done to fix it? I talk about the onslaught of opinions, the non-stop commentary but what does it take to actually make a societal change. I play some clips from a recent Bari Weiss podcast where she speaks to the wonderfully inspiring, Marianne Williamson. Marianne offers some much needed perspective and I also read an excerpt from a recent article in Bari's Substack entitled, To the Class of 2022. Maybe Don't Reach for the Stars. And I'm excited to say I end today's show by playing a new song on my acoustic guitar. As always, thanks so much for listening and remember, I'm also very excited to say my new book SSAFY can be purchased by visiting SSAFYoga.com or buy it on Amazon by clicking HERE and if you enjoy today's episode and you want to support the show, please subscribe to the podcast on iTUNES or Spotify. It's always helpful if you share the show with your friends or head over to iTunes and write a quick review. You can also support the show by becoming a subscriber at www.patreon.com/eddiecohn and on the music side, you can also purchase my new record at eddieconn.bandcamp.com or visit my website www.iameddiecohn.com and sign up for my email list and newsletter. As always, thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Please reach out on IG @eddiecohn with any questions. Thanks for listening.
About the Spiritual Spiral
Social media and technology are dramatically impacting the world, shifting people‘s values and turning human beings into robots. The Spiritual Spiral is here to inspire you to turn off your phone so you can appreciate a more ”analog” lifestyle. Join musician, writer and yoga teacher Eddie Cohn as he discusses the impact of tech and shares personal stories from his own life while also interviewing musicians, yoga teachers and artists to talk about how social media affects the world and what we can ALL do to be more creative, more present and less distracted.