EPISODE 17 - Music Being Life's Compass with Alec Brandl

Brad Miller is one of my former bosses from my high school job, where I worked as a Party Host, at this facility called Flipside. Even though it went out of business, Brad and I have stayed in contact because we always respected one another. Throughout his episode, we discuss how music played a role in guiding him to question everything around him. We both talk about the importance of learning from everyone, even if it's a perspective you're not familiar with. Brad talks about - Hunting with grandpa listening to "Da Turdy Point Buck" - Being introduced to other genres throughout the 90s - Connecting with a higher being listening to hertz frequencies and country music that touches the soul Want to listen to Brad's top songs? Follow our playlist Follow us @soundsoflivingpodcast on Instagram

Christine Brandl is my aunt on my mother's side. We all call her Chrissy, and her and I have had a close relationship growing up. I was lucky enough to share experiences working in the Deaf community since I used to study American Sign Language Interpreting at one point. Christine is a hard worker and determined to keep her peace within her four walls. We talk about how she just lets music come into her life and she decides whether to continue listening to it or not. Music flows in her background of her life. You can hear the water fountain in the background of her episode. Christine talks about - Hearing songs in her childhood that she liked but needed no reason - Paul, her husband, introducing her to live music in her early 20's - Neil Diamond bringing the family together Want to listen to Christine's top songs? Follow our playlist Follow us @soundsoflivingpodcast on Instagram

Christina Clark is a massage therapist that has loved music her whole life. I know Christina because I am friends with her son is Colin Breault. Check out his episode 9 with Colin to get the full picture. Christina has always been very welcoming and open to any conversation you want to have with her. Her episode explores a lot of heavy topics and traumas that she has overcome throughout her life. Music was used as a tool to help her understand and cope with life's challenges that she was presented. Christina talks about - Surviving Stevens-Johnson Syndrome listening to Blondie and Debbie Harry - Self medicating with meth and then rehab - Hollywood Undead and 2CELLOS concerts with her kids Want to listen to Christina's top songs? Follow our playlist Follow us @soundsoflivingpodcast on Instagram

Martin O'Sullivan is a resident at the retirement community, Sagewood. Mr. O'Sullivan and I met while I was working there as a server. His background is in understanding Jazz music and recognizing its importance. He manages the music programs at Sagewood to get his fellow residents involved in watching and being apart of live music. The passion he has for music and keeping Jazz alive is inspiring! Martin talks about - Dave Brubeck Quartet concert at the University of Arizona in 1954 - Being a founding member of both Jazz in AZ, the Arizona Five Arts Circle, and a board member of the Scottsdale Arts Center Association - Becoming a co-producer of Woody's Place Presents at Sagewood Want to listen to Martin's top songs? Follow our playlist Follow us on @soundsoflivingpodcast on Instagram

Alec Brandl has been a day one brother since we were babies. Our relationship has been held by our family and our love for music. During his episode, we explore 3 pivotal moments that music has played a really big role in. Learning how to get back up from hardships using music is the message throughout his episode. Alec talks about - Steve Perry and Journey opening the door to the wonderful world of music and understanding it. - Silk Sonic and Elton John reigniting his passion for music and saving his life. - Elvis gives him the courage to keep on fighting for what he wants and what he believes in. Want to listen to Alec's top songs? Follow our playlist Follow us @soundsoflivingpodcast on Instagram

Addison Brandl is one of my cousins. She and I have had a very strong relationship since we were kids growing up. In her episode, we do a deep dive on Addison's relationships with softball, significant others, and herself. Her honesty and realness about her make her the beautiful person she is. Addison talks about - Softball anthems, career paths changing, and staying motivated. - Feeling your feelings in intimate relationships, accepting your tears, and experiencing them in real time. - Beats and production channeling your inner mind connections. Want to listen to Addison's top songs? Follow our playlist Follow us @soundsoflivingpodcast on Instagram

Adriana Castro-Soto is another one of my classmates from my public speaking class. Currently, she's studying sex education to become a sex therapist. Some of her hobbies include writing fanfics and smut. She is someone who stands up for what she believes in. Adriana talks about - Her father being a mariachi. - "Skrillex" in her middle school years. - The composer from the video game "Genshin Impact" and the rock band "Ghost" Want to listen to Adriana's top songs? Follow our playlist Follow us @soundsoflivingpodcast on Instagram

Angel Galvan was a classmate I met from a Public Speaking class that I took at Phoenix College. Music has been his guide throughout life's struggles for Angel. His desire for understanding the world around him as well as his love for filming have lead him to be the person he currently is today. Cannabis has played a huge role in how he listens and processes music. Angel talks about - Trippie Redd's "Hearing Wish" helping him cope with the growing pains of childhood - An ex-girlfriend introduces Gus Dapperton's "Where Polly People Go Read" - Getting stoned listening to Mac Miller Want to listen to Angel's top songs? Follow our playlist Follow us @soundsoflivingpodcast on Instagram

Tracy Kormos Zwillinger is my mother. She is one of my heroes who has shaped me to become the person I am today. Her episode talks about how she is reminded of the people and life experiences she has through the music she was exposed to. Tracy talks about - Childhood Anthems - College, vet school, and living in her 20s - Adulthood and current jams Want to listen to Tracy's top songs? Follow our playlist Follow us @soundsoflivingpodcast on Instagram

Leigh Orlando-Ward is actually one of my neighbors that I met when I moved from Tucson to Phoenix. He's a genuine dude who focuses his career on sustainability. On Leigh's free time, he enjoys rock climbing and being outside when he gets the chance. During his episode we discuss how he intentionally listens to music and all of the experiences associated with it. Leigh talks about - Tool's "Undertow" album helping him feel his emotions during the time of his parent's divorce - Balmorhea's "Stanger" album teaching him how to listen and relax during stressful times in college - Black Crown Initiate's "Selves We Cannot Forgive" album guiding him through his frustrations of the things he can't control in the workplace Want to listen to Leigh's top songs? Follow our playlist Follow us @soundsoflivingpodcast on Instagram