DJ Hesta Prynn's Music is Therapy

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   Connect with Tegan & Sara:  Substack: https://teganandsara.substack.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5e1BZulIiYWPRm8yogwUYH?si=KMJgWxX_Saye6Xw0C6FGkg   June Playlist: Therapy, DJ Set or Vacation: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/70qa5enke0r7kHtOSPockT?si=9c869d6e19564842   Connect with DJ Hesta Prynn and Music is Therapy:  https://hestaprynn.substack.com/https://www.instagram.com/hestaprynnmusicmusicistherapypod@gmail.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered how music can reshape our identities and facilitate emotional healing? Join DJ Hesta Prynn in this captivating episode of DJ Hesta Prynn's Music is Therapy, where she sits down with the legendary John Oates, one half of the iconic duo Hall & Oates. Together, they explore the profound connection between music and personal growth, delving into Oates' journey beyond the dazzling lights of fame. As the biggest-selling duo in history, Hall & Oates created timeless tracks that have resonated with millions, including Hesta herself. But what happens when the music stops? This episode is a deep dive into Oates' transformative experiences after stepping away from the spotlight. John Oates candidly shares his decision to rebuild his identity and the pivotal moments that led him to embrace therapy and visualization practices. Discover how he found solace and strength in unconventional therapy methods, ultimately leading him to create a fulfilling life outside the pressures of the music industry. This conversation not only highlights the healing power of music but also emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and emotional well-being. Throughout their discussion, Hesta reflects on her own journey with music and self-love, making this episode a heartfelt exploration of how music as therapy can serve as a powerful tool in navigating life's challenges. As they discuss the intersections of identity and music, listeners will gain insights into the transformative music experiences that can guide us through personal struggles. Whether you're interested in the role of music in therapy and relationships or curious about how music impacts mental health, this episode offers valuable perspectives on emotional healing through music. Tune in to uncover how you can leverage the music connection therapy provides to enhance your personal growth and self-worth. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from two passionate advocates for mental health and creativity. Join DJ Hesta Prynn and John Oates as they navigate the complexities of life changes, decision-making, and the profound impact of music on our emotional landscape. This episode is not just a podcast on self-discovery; it's a celebration of the healing powers of song and the incredible journey of finding yourself through music. Listen now to DJ Hesta Prynn's Music is Therapy and embark on a journey of self-exploration and emotional healing through the universal language of music!   **Send this to the person who knows they need to start over but doesn't know how yet. Read John Oates's memoir May Playlist: Songs that Hold the Feeling for You: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60acajddWy8eNcAX2GOzl6?si=d78f867f3d2244cd    Find the show: https://hestaprynn.substack.com/https://www.instagram.com/hestaprynnmusicmusicistherapypod@gmail.com **Send this to the person who knows they need to start over but doesn't know how yet. Read John Oates's memoir May Playlist: Songs that Hold the Feeling for You: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60acajddWy8eNcAX2GOzl6?si=d78f867f3d2244cd    Find the show: https://hestaprynn.substack.com/https://www.instagram.com/hestaprynnmusicmusicistherapypod@gmail.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Curious about psychedelics? Dr. Priyanka Wali is a board-certified physician who uses ketamine-assisted psychotherapy to treat depression - with music at the core of every session. Research calls music the hidden therapist, and in this episode we get into exactly how it works and why it changes everything. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This conversation is for anyone who has tried everything and still isn't feeling better, and for anyone who has heard the word ketamine and immediately thought of a college party in 1999. TRY THIS: If you or someone you love has been struggling with depression and feels like nothing is working, Google "ketamine assisted psychotherapy near me." It's legal, it's covered by some insurance, and it's closer than you think. Send this to the person in your life who is still waiting to feel better. You know who. Listen to "Health Stuff" https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-health-stuff-301678881/ Dr. Priyanka on IG: https://www.instagram.com/walipriyanka/ May Playlist: Songs that Hold the Feeling for You: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60acajddWy8eNcAX2GOzl6?si=d78f867f3d2244cd  May 17 Music Connection Therapy workshop on Zoom: https://mct.hestaprynn.com/may17 Find the show: https://hestaprynn.substack.com/https://www.instagram.com/hestaprynnmusicmusicistherapypod@gmail.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vienna Pharaon is a licensed marriage and family therapist, author of The Origins of You, and one of the most followed therapists on Instagram. She also played violin at Whitney Houston's wedding! If you've ever wondered why you keep choosing the same relationships, reacting the same way, or feeling stuck no matter how much work you've done, this episode is the answer. May is Mental Health Awareness month, and all month we’ll focus on helping you understand why you feel what you feel, and what to do about it. TRY THIS: Think about a pattern in your life you're tired of repeating. Now ask yourself – what is that pattern trying to protect you from? That's where your origin wound lives. Take Vienna's quiz at theoriginsofyou.com to find out which one is yours. 🎵 May Playlist - Songs That Hold the Feeling For You https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60acajddWy8eNcAX2GOzl6?si=4287c83a40a54ead **And if you want something more specific, email me, tell me what you’re dealing with, and I’ll send you a song Free workshop Sun May 17:  https://mct.hestaprynn.com/may17 📖 The Origins of You by Vienna Pharaon · Vienna on Instagram What's Your Origin Wound FREE quiz: https://1wsm6geg69z.typeform.com/to/d981R7Cl?typeform-source=viennapharaon.com www.newyorkcouplescounseling.com https://courses.viennapharaon.com/the-origin-healing-method Find the show: Substack · Instagram · musicistherapypod@gmail.com Send this to the person who always says they're fine. You know exactly who.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shervin Lainez has photographed the biggest musicians alive (Adele, St. Vincent, David Byrne) and he did it by walking up to artists in New York alleys with no portfolio and a lot of nerve. I met him when he was 22 and shooting indie bands for free, he took life-changing photos of me at the Chelsea Hotel, and watching him become the guy everyone wants to shoot them has been one of my favorite things to witness. Community is my April theme: who passed you around when you were nobody, and why that network of people who believed in you before you had proof is the thing you keep trying to find your way back to. TRY THIS: Think about the first time someone paid you to do the thing you love. Remember how insane that felt. That feeling isn't gone, it's your baseline. Everything you're building now is trying to honor it, not recreate it. April Playlist – Songs That Make Everyone Best Friends for Three Minutes   Shervin Lainez on Instagram Free workshop Apr 18: mct.hestaprynn.com/april18  Find the show: Substack · Instagram  · musicistherapypod@gmail.comSend this to whoever's in the grind with you right now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emmy-winning writer and One Song co-host Diallo Riddle has been building music community for years. We were blind DJ'd together at a corporate gig six years ago — no warning, no prep — and finally sat down to talk about it. This is my April theme: community, where it actually lives, and why finding people who love what you love feels like coming home. TRY THIS: Think of a song you've had strong opinions about for years. Someone out there feels the exact same way. That's your people. 🎵 April Playlist – Songs That Make Everyone Best Friends for Three Minutes 🎙️ One Song podcast | Diallo on Instagram Free workshop Apr 18: mct.hestaprynn.com/april18 Find the show: Substack · Instagram · musicistherapypod@gmail.com Send this to your music person. You already know who I mean.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wonder why the music you loved as a teenager hits different (and always will)? It's my birthday, so instead of interviewing someone else, I'm walking you through the 10 songs that made me — and you might start to hear your own story too. You'll hear the exact way I use songs to connect intention + identity, and I'll coach you on how to create your own list. COME TO THE LIVE SESSION I'm teaching a live Music Connection Therapy session on Zoom. We'll actually do this work together. Saturday March 21st 1PM EST https://mct.hestaprynn.com/bday-training LINKS + RESOURCES Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3GNUTc0NnJVKVTsSfSbTKQ?si=b8cbc2e9534d4079 Substack: https://hestaprynn.substack.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/hestaprynnmusic THE PLAYLIST: 10 SONGS THAT MADE ME Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3GNUTc0NnJVKVTsSfSbTKQ?si=e4425cbcf3774281 Night Swimming – R.E.M. Gratitude – Beastie Boys Yellow Ledbetter – Pearl Jam Sonnet – The Verve Rain On Me – Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande Justify My Thug – Jay-Z In the Light – Led Zeppelin Where You Are – John Summit You’re A Star – Fred again.. & Amyl and the Sniffers(yes, I said 10, no I don’t follow rules perfectly) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is for anyone who has ever said “I can’t meditate.” Maybe you tried it once. Maybe you felt like you were doing it wrong. You’re not. In this episode of Music Is Therapy, DJ Hesta Prynn sits down with meditation teacher Emily Fletcher, founder of Ziva, to talk about what meditation actually is, what it does to your nervous system, and why 60,000 people have learned it from her, including some of the world's highest performers and people who were convinced they couldn’t. The conversation goes much deeper than meditation. We talk about coherence in the nervous system, music as emotional technology, why many manifestation teachings skip the rage and grief step, and what it actually takes to change your internal state. There’s also a moment where Emily turns the mic around and reflects something back to Hesta that lands hard. Hesta cries.She left it in. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at stillness or at life, this episode is for you. In This Episode, We Discuss• Why meditation can give the body rest deeper than sleep• The difference between ritual and ceremony• What coherence vs. dissonance means in the nervous system• The “stress prison” and why humans default to fight-or-flight• Why authenticity vibrates higher than “love and light”• Why many manifestation teachings skip the rage and grief step• The role of pleasure and life force energy in manifestation• What Taylor Swift concerts might teach us about ceremony at scale• Why AI may function as amplified intelligence depending on human consciousness• The vulnerable moment where Emily reflects something powerful back to HestaOne Tool From the EpisodeThe Three-Song Dance Party(from Emily Fletcher’s Ziva Magic manifestation formula)Emily teaches a practice for moving emotional energy through the body using music. A rage or grief song — feel the blockA release song — move the energyA pleasure or hype song — embody the dreamMusic moves emotions through the body much faster than thinking about them.Featured Song: Where You Are - John Summit Pretty Good Year - Tori Amos Music Connection Therapy: Birthday Class - March 21st 1pm est FREE | Zoom It's Hesta's birthday month, to celebrate, Music Connection Therapy is open to everyone. One time. Free. Saturday, March 21st. About an hour. Half writing, half dance party. Let's identify a dream for one area of your life and put it to music.  It's free. It's on Zoom. It's limited to the first 30 people. https://hestaprynn.mykajabi.com/bday-training Monthly Playlist 10 Songs That Made Me These aren't Hesta's favorite songs or the songs she DJs. These are songs that built her.  Now she wants yours. Make your list — ten (or so) songs that made you you. Email it to musicistherapypod@gmail.com. Tell her if she can share it. She wants to know who's out there.  Connect with Emily Fletcher Website: zivameditation.com use code BLISS15 for 15% off all Ziva offerings Instagram: @zivameditation Podcast: Why Isn't Everyone Doing This? — available everywhere Book: Stress Less, Accomplish More Connect With the Show Instagram: @hestaprynnmusic Substack: hestaprynn.substack.com Course: Music Connection Therapy Email: musicistherapypod@gmail.com - questions, thoughts, someone you want on the show, or your 10 songs playlist See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if your phone is having an affair with you? In this episode of Music Is Therapy, DJ Hesta Prynn sits down with Mark Groves — human connection specialist, founder of Create The Love, and host of the top-ranked Mark Groves Podcast (19M+ downloads) — to talk about why we’re all feeling so far apart, even when we’re physically together. Fresh off sobbing through Hadestown — where Orpheus writes a song so beautiful it melts walls and reminds people they’re capable of love — Hesta asks: Where is that song in 2026? Why does everyone — including her — feel emotionally distant from the people they love? Mark doesn’t sugarcoat it. He breaks down exactly how social media mirrors abusive relationship dynamics, why healing can’t happen in isolation, and why the best thing you can do on a date might be leaving your phone at home. This conversation is about presence. Choice. Attention. And what it actually means to show up — not once, but daily.   In this episode, we dive into: Social Media as Abusive Partner: How Instagram mirrors unhealthy relationship dynamics — nothing is ever enough, the algorithm is mysterious, and intermittent rewards keep you hooked The Phone as the Third Person: Why Mark leaves his phone at home on dates and takes one day a week using a Light Phone Instagram Sabbatical: Mark’s six-month break after asking, “I’m not an anxious person — so why do I have anxiety?” “Everything Must Be Healed in Relationship”: Why you can’t fix yourself alone and then bring perfection into partnership Insert Choice Where You Think There Is None: Mark’s challenging reframe on feeling stuck, resentful, or disconnected The Manipulation of Hooks: Why both of us refuse to build platforms on “Here are 5 things you NEED to know” urgency The Return to Analog: Vinyl, dumb phones, tactile experiences — and what they say about our craving for real presence Music as State-Shifter: From China by Tori Amos* to You've Got the Love by Florence and the Machine*, how the right song pulls you back into being human   This Episode Is For You If: You’ve checked your phone instead of looking at your partner You feel like you’re living parallel lives with someone you love You’ve asked, “When did we stop being present?” You suspect your anxiety might not be your personality Monthly Playlist The Love and Happiness Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/07iyBQcQJtSw3PXw7i6S7t?si=a40a5a28e15c42ff  Featured Songs: "You've Got the Love" – Florence + The Machine: The song Hesta plays coming out of the subway to remember she's alive:  https://open.spotify.com/track/6u9RqxALwkjJ1ukB1y8vuP?si=f419c15c78264f8e  "China" – Tori Amos: The teenage anthem about distance that still resonates 30 years later: https://open.spotify.com/track/08OXkYqqvhE7vjTzA9fVKk?si=705963cd1fac4a9b  "Hope" - NF: https://open.spotify.com/track/12cZWGf5ZgLcKubEW9mx5q?si=61e2a1eb2c944973    Connect with Mark Groves Instagram: @itsmarkgroves Podcast: Mark Groves Podcast Website: MarkGroves.com Book: Liberated Love (co-authored with Kylie McBeath) Connect with Hesta Instagram: @HestaPrynnMusic Substack: hestaprynn.substack.com  Music Connection Therapy Course: mct.hestaprynn.com  Have a question you want DJ Hesta Prynn to answer? 📩 musicistherapypod@gmail.com    Got the song that melts walls in 2026? Send it to Hesta — maybe we can build it together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I interviewed my husband about our relationship. Am I insane? Probably. But we’ve been married twelve years, and I had questions. This episode is for anyone who’s ever loved someone and thought, Why is this still so hard?   Marriage is usually discussed in terms of compatibility, communication, and compromise. But we rarely talk about what happens when two people who love each other realize they have no idea what they’re actually building together.   In this episode of Music Is Therapy, DJ Hesta Prynn does something unprecedented: she interviews her own husband, filmmaker Randy Scott Slavin, for raw couples therapy on tape.   What starts as a sweet story about how they met through music turns into something deeper — and more uncomfortable. They fight all the time. She doesn’t know why. And when she finally asks the hard questions — Why do we fight so much? What are we building? Do you still want to choose this? — the answers crack something open.   This conversation is messy, vulnerable, and uncomfortably real. It’s a reminder that loving someone and knowing how to build a life with them are two different things — and that sometimes you have to admit you forgot to dream together.   If you’ve ever had a fight in the car on the way to a rave, this episode is for you. In this episode, we dive into: The Magic Man Shift: How one song helps Hesta choose consciousness over autopilot in her marriage How They Met Through Music: A breakup song, 13,000 stop-motion photos, and “Pictures of You” as their wedding song Why They Fight: The tension between artistic life (Fred again.. weekends) and regular life (Monday responsibilities) The Big Reveal: Two people married for 12 years realizing they have no shared vision for their relationship When the Therapist Is Lost Too: What happens when the expert doesn’t have the answers at home Want vs. Need: Why looking for someone to fill the hole destroys love The Hard Question: Asking “do you even love me?” — and sitting with the answer What They Each Need: Space to create vs. presence when spiraling The Commitment: Learning how to dream together when you forgot how Monthly Playlist The February Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/07iyBQcQJtSw3PXw7i6S7t?si=f460e6034e6f4769 Featured Song: “Magic Man” – Heart The song that shifts Hesta’s state and brings her back to why she chose him. Connect with Randy Randy’s Website: https://www.randyscottslavin.com  NYC Drone Film Festival: https://www.instagram.com/nycdroneff  Can We Go Wrong Music Video: https://youtu.be/XreeB1Ljeew?si=929Ou8XZu7WNgz8v Connect with Hesta Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hestaprynnmusic  Substack: https://hestaprynn.substack.com/  Music Connection Therapy Course: https://mct.hestaprynn.com/   Have a question you want DJ Hesta Prynn to answer? musicistherapypod@gmail.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Money is usually discussed in terms of numbers, strategy, and spreadsheets. But we rarely talk about what money actually feels like in the body. In this episode of Music Is Therapy, Hesta Prynn sits down with Kate Northrup, best-selling author and creator of Relaxed Money, to explore why money is a nervous system experience rather than a math problem. Recording from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland—surrounded by world leaders and billionaires—Hesta shares a raw, personal look at her own relationship with wealth. From the "Rick Ross" Porsche strategy to the yacht fantasies that mask deep-seated insecurities, this episode pulls back the curtain on why high-achieving people continue to feel anxious, even when they're winning on paper. This conversation reframes abundance as a state you practice internally, proving that you can't buy your way into feeling safe—you have to regulate your way there. In this episode, we dive into: The Nervous System of Wealth: Why your body doesn’t understand your bank balance—it only understands safety. The Porsche Paradox: Hesta’s candid story about trying to outrun financial anxiety in a luxury SUV. The Responsibility Trap: Why worrying feels like "productive work" while it’s actually keeping you financially stuck. Childhood Blueprints: How early conditioning and survival responses are still making your adult money decisions. The Magnetism of Calm: Why pressure, urgency, and the "hustle" often repel the very abundance you’re chasing. Safety First: Practical ways to signal safety to your body so you can think clearly and act from power, not fear. This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered why more money hasn’t led to more calm—and what to do instead. Monthly Playlist: The Money Month Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7tOSp6IBYBVFYDD7zEOkpG?si=7535fa44c3ba4aae  Featured Song: "The Devil Is a Lie" – Rick Ross ft. Jay-Z: The anthem for rejecting limitation and claiming power (and the song that inspired Hesta’s Porsche). Connect with Kate: Kate’s Podcast: https://katenorthrup.com/plenty/  Kate’s Nervous System Tools: https://katenorthrup.com/7-steps-for-aligning-with-your-nervous-system-as-you-reimagine-the-way-you-work/  Connect with Hesta: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hestaprynnmusic Substack: https://hestaprynn.substack.com/ Music Connection Therapy Course: https://mct.hestaprynn.com/    Have a question you want DJ Hesta Prynn to answer? Email us:  musicistherapypod@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did a Jay-Z lyric change DJ Hesta Prynn's net worth? Licensed therapist and DJ Heta Prynn shares how a Jay-Z lyric about credit and property ownership transformed her relationship with money, inspiring her to buy her first New York City apartment. In the premiere of Music as Therapy, she introduces a method that uses music to bypass mental resistance and unlock new identities, launching with Money Month—a series on rewiring financial beliefs through song.   Have a question you want DJ Hesta Prynn to answer? Email us at musicistherapypod@gmail.com  Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hestaprynnmusic/ Course Link: https://mct.hestaprynn.com/sales-page Money Month Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7tOSp6IBYBVFYDD7zEOkpG?si=7535fa44c3ba4aaeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.