River of Suck
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© 2018-2024 Andy Reiner
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You have to suck at something before you can be good at it. River of Suck is real-talk about struggles with confidence, self-doubt and becoming the youest you. Host Andy Reiner and guests ranging from musicians to scientists parse tough questions about maintaining a healthy attitude in the face of impossible-seeming obstacles, fear and "thought piranhas."
36 Episodes
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1 “What if everything just turns out ok?" Visit with Nashville songwriter Melody Walker in this latest episode of River of Suck podcast with an ear to the challenges of being a musician in a changing world. Join the conversation as Melody shares insights on songwriting, addresses sexism in the bluegrass scene, and discusses maintaining boundaries and resilience in the industry. Hear about the formation of 'Bertha,' a Grateful Dead cover band in drag, and of the dark side of TikTok. With a call to action to be better through collaboration, find out why Melody says "Do the stupid thing - Do your worst idea!"
Dive into the River of Suck as fiddle legend, Darol Anger, shares hard-earned wisdom with River of Suck listeners in this fun and insightful episode. Delving into his personal odyssey through time with the violin, Darol explores the significance of technique in music and the importance of pushing one's musical limits. With grace and humor, he navigates through the River of Suck and celebrates its counterpart: the Reserve of Amazingness! Whether you're a fiddler, a musician honing your craft, or an appreciator of acoustic music, this episode is a must-listen.
Live from Fiddle Hell Massachusetts, Andy chats with contemporary mandolinist Jacob Jolliff! From bluegrass to jazz, Andy and Jacob compare notes on their time at Berklee with John McGann, the evolution of their musical goals, the magic of listening, as well as the virtues of getting lost (in the groove)! If you ever wonder what it takes to shred, look no further! You, too, may find yourself wanting to extend the hang.
Violinist, educator, and composer, Christian Howes, joins host, Andy Reiner, on an exploration into the River of Suck. Together, they delve into the art of setting achievable goals, and of finding the best ways to approach practicing. Christian shares his personal journey, exploring fear's role in personal growth and offering practical strategies to conquer it. Listen in for an inspiring conversation chock full of with actionable steps to navigate the River of Suck on your own life's journey!
Join host Andy Reiner and his special guest Judy Hyman in this live episode at Fiddle Hell Online as they explore the journey of her band, The Horse Flies. From working as a librarian to becoming a film scoring composer, Judy shares her experiences of balancing her passion for music with a serious job. Dive into the creative process as they discuss the importance of perseverance, embracing the messy aspects of music, and finding joy in the process. Uncover insights on dealing with challenges, making albums, and the thrill of creating music, and tune in for an inspiring conversation on the River of Suck podcast!"
Julian Carr explains that being a professional skier and cliff jumping world-record holder is less about being fearless than you might think. Sharing his experiences with host Andy Reiner, Carr relays how being cool, calm, and collected in the presence of fear can change your life. This episode promises that fear is not a roadblock and that trusting yourself is key. Carr talks about how he expanded his comfort zone, what can happen if you embrace things you are scared of, and the beauty of being in the moment. Listen to hear how the River of Suck affects even the best athletes.
Being unique in a society that sets expectations and ingrained biases can be a difficult task. However, Kween Werk, our guest, illustrates how her individuality enables her to thrive in her surroundings. As a social justice activist and environmentalist, she acknowledges that being a woman of color has made her feel like an outsider in the spaces she cherishes. Nonetheless, discovering her true self and identity has empowered her to succeed beyond measure. In a stunning outdoor setting, host Andy Reiner and Kween Werk discuss how inclusive spaces are crucial and essential for all individuals, regardless of their identities.
Join jazz violin virtuoso, Jason Anick, as he shares his personal journey through the River of Suck. Jason and host, Andy Reiner, explore strategies for reframing shortcomings, navigating comparisons to others, and reimagining the growth mindset. In a River of Suck podcast first, Jason’s father waltzes into the conversation to share childhood stories about Jason. And Jason reveals a hidden truth: there is no top of the mountain. The episode finishes with a BONUS conversation with River of Suck podcast interns from CU Boulder - on skis, on a chairlift!
Sit down with harmonica master, Chris Turner, as he recounts his wild and often misadventurous stories with host Andy Reiner. Together, they discuss profound topics such as the ways which music keeps us alive, how art is bigger than what we make it to be, and what music really is. From free jazz jam sessions to going through a minefield as a stowaway, Chris reflects on all the chaos that makes being a musician a one-of-a-kind lifestyle, and how the River of Suck doesn’t have to be all that bad.
Embark on a magical journey through the universe of sound guided by the Vibe Wizard herself, electric violist Martha Mooke. Martha has created musical arrangements for the likes of Phoebe Bridgers and Sturgill Simpson, performed alongside Elton John and Philip Glass, and is a trailblazer in strings education. Explore the philosophy of improvisation, listen to host Andy Reiner muse about goals, and shatter doubt from the heart with a throng of electric strings. Hear Martha Mooke connect the body to the mind. Soak in soothing modern soundscapes and learn how to become the youest you.
New York-based musician Melissa Tong, joins River of Suck podcast host, Andy Reiner, for a deep and vulnerable coversation LIVE at Fiddle Hell Online. Follow Melissa’s journey from her experiences with racial and achievement bullying to her rocky path to Broadway (an overnight success in 18 short years). Arriving in NYC to not one single gig, Melissa epitomizes tenacity. Find out why someone might take a million first steps along the way. This essential episode also offers a view into musician’s trade secrets: preparing to feel anxious in high-pressure performance situations. “Sometimes my feelings come out of my eyeballs.”
Six-String Electric Violinist, Tracy Silverman, shares deep thoughts about the emotional side of his musical journey. From the future of string playing to tales of suffering. Learn about high level performance mind techniques. Listen to host Andy Reiner Debunk the FEAR acronym. Visualization before performance, walking a tight wire between seemingly different words, and DANGER - both perceived and real.
Sharing horror stories from their musical pasts, musicians Bonnie and Taylor Sims (of Everybody Loves An Outlaw) invite host Andy Reiner into their Colorado living room for deep conversations in the River of Suck. Confidence and anxiety feedback loops. Gig nightmares. Energy sources. Searching for flow states. Fear management. Self-deprecation. Ruffling feathers. Going viral. How does a long and prosperous journey into love and music survive insane challenges? Warning: Explicit Content.
Travel along the River of Suck with host Andy Reiner and guest Jason Lai for a stunning meditation on the two inescapable qualities of being alive – life and death. Composer, performer, and speaker, Jason shows the importance of vulnerability as he cannonballs into his experience with suck. How can a focus on your body lead to confidence and mindfulness? How can we turn thought piranhas of narcissism and self-doubt into something positive? Don’t forget, we need darkness to see light.
Welcome back to the River of Suck Podcast! Join host Andy Reiner and guest Olivia Meikle as they dive deep into their own experiences swimming in suck. Co-host of WhatsHerName, professor, writer, Olivia explores into the struggles of producing podcasts, and the fulfillment of working hard through the difficult moments. How do you protect yourself in a raging river? A wetsuit, of course! Olivia investigates what one needs to to protect themselves from piranhas and dangerous rocks under the surface.
What is the first step to getting better at something? Realizing you suck at it. Recorded live from a blue-skied park in Nashville, Billy Contreras and host, Andy Reiner, discuss shoving off the shore into the River of Suck and paddling through the cycle of learning, practicing, performing, and sucking. Billy speaks to his experience as a seasoned performer always looking to improve. His answer? “Always be on the cutting edge of yourself”. In this very special live episode, Billy expresses the importance of appreciating the journey rather than the destination.
From Lurkin’ in the parking lot outside Flecktones concerts, to recording and performing with Victor Wooten and Bela Fleck, composer and steel pannist, Jonathan Scales, has surpassed his biggest dreams, yet found them to be a beginning, rather than an end. Discover the mindstate of Fake Buddha’s Inner Child, take a stroll down the Hallway of Possibilities, take a trip to Mauritania, and learn the emotional meaning behind Jonathan’s instrumental music in this heady episode.
Recorded deep in the mine shaft of the Frightmare Compound Haunted House, River of Suck podcast episode 19 is a journey into fear with owner, Josh Holder. After a Halloween season working as a scare actor, host Andy Reiner asks: who goes to haunted houses and why? How do zombies swim in the River of Suck? What scares the folks who build the scenes? Clowns, real weapons, decapitated heads, crashed airplanes - Tune in and live that fear positive life.
How does one manifest success? When is it the right time to take a chance on yourself? What is the point of engaging in conversation - especially when the other participant holds diametrically opposed views? This episode traces the rise of Joe Buckner as he follows his dreams. But while his inspirational ideas are proven in his own boxing gym, Joe’s message is too big to be contained within any walls. And in a time of great polarization, Joe shows us the path to greater understanding.
Masters of music as a platform to bring about change and empathy, Che Apalache sings about a better world. In one of the last golden moments of bands touring in 2020, this Grammy-nominated string band, with members from Argentina, Mexico and the United States, performed in Colorado and sat down with River of Suck host, Andy Reiner. Time travel back to this beautiful moment to learn how Che Apalache found their individual and collective voices - and take away some secrets to find - and use - your own.
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Very relatable and SO inspiring!!👍