Tegan Quin Shares Joyful Insights on Music, Emotional Healing, and the Importance of Connection in Life

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) helped shape the final tracklist Listen to the full 33-song playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4s6thxFLtGNsDiuJWIGa0r?si=7e9d675e92f84046 Connect with Hesta: Follow Hesta on Instagram: @hestaprynnmusic Substack: https://hestaprynn.substack.com/

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.

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 June Playlist: Therapy, DJ Set or Vacation: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/70qa5enke0r7kHtOSPockT?si=9c869d6e19564842

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.

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.