Why Is This So Hard For You?

Episode 128 brings Derek back to the show, and this one comes with an unusually personal theme. Curtis talks about recently going through a stress test and echocardiogram after having some strange heart sensations, so naturally the only reasonable response was to build an entire episode around heart-related songs.Curtis opens with a moody, atmospheric selection from Porcupine Tree, setting a darker and more reflective tone than usual. Derek follows with a fusion-heavy piece from the Chick Corea Elektric Band, bringing precision, movement, and serious musicianship into the heart-themed mix. Jonathan then shifts gears with a powerhouse rock entry from Pat Benatar, adding big vocals, big hooks, and classic ’80s energy.For the category song, Curtis brings it home with #1 In Our Hearts, featuring a smooth, soulful Kenny Loggins classic that ties the whole episode together almost too perfectly.Health updates, heart puns, prog atmosphere, fusion brilliance, rock drama, and yachtiest closer ever—Episode 128 proves that sometimes the theme chooses you.Curtis Gross is a self-employed video editor.Jonathan Workman is an adult learning consultant based in Wichita, KS.---Make sure you are subscribed to Why Is This So Hard For You. Type Why Is This So Hard For You in your podcast provider, hit that subscription button, and leave us a five-star review. This will make it easier for other podcast listeners to find the podcast.---The intro music is the first 30 seconds of the Ornette Coleman tune "Song X" fed into AI software that attempts to output the song to a solo piano transcription. The outro music is the first 30 seconds of Sonny Rollins' version of the tune "St. Thomas" fed into the same software.

Episode 110 moves from smooth modern soul to cool-jazz precision before taking a sharp left into collaborative pop-funk and full-blown ’70s absurdity.Curtis opens with a rich, groove-driven track from Allen Stone’s APART era, leaning into heartfelt vocals and retro-leaning soul textures. Jonathan follows with a breezy yet intricate performance from alto legend Art Pepper, bringing West Coast jazz tone and melodic improvisation into the spotlight.In the category songs, Curtis highlights a Collaboration/Duet from Herbie Hancock’s Possibilities project—an era where jazz pedigree meets contemporary production and unexpected pairings. Jonathan then closes things out with a bold entry into Worst Of The ’70s, courtesy of Ohio Players—a track that is equal parts funky, bizarre, and impossible to ignore.Soul, jazz, big-name collaborations, and one delightfully questionable funk moment—Episode 110 covers a lot of ground.Audio note: Curtis’ microphone went rogue during this recording session. It’s been fixed going forward.Curtis Gross is a self-employed video editor.Jonathan Workman is an adult learning consultant based in Wichita, KS.---Make sure you are subscribed to Why Is This So Hard For You. Type Why Is This So Hard For You in your podcast provider, hit that subscription button, and leave us a five-star review. This will make it easier for other podcast listeners to find the podcast.---The intro music is the first 30 seconds of the Ornette Coleman tune "Song X" fed into AI software that attempts to output the song to a solo piano transcription. The outro music is the first 30 seconds of Sonny Rollins' version of the tune "St. Thomas" fed into the same software.

This week’s episode leans hard into musicianship, nuance, and the kind of songs that reward close listening. Jonathan opens with an elegant, textural piece from David Snell, spotlighting delicate arrangements and a quietly mesmerizing approach to melody. Curtis follows with a modern progressive selection from Steven Wilson, where atmosphere, dynamics, and meticulous production take center stage.The category songs dig even deeper. Jonathan brings an Original Version from P. P. Arnold, revisiting a song that later found massive success in other hands but hits differently in its earliest form. Curtis closes things out with a Deck Shoes Deep Cut from Jim Photoglo, delivering peak soft-rock songwriting that somehow still flies under the radar.Thoughtful, melodic, and unapologetically deep—this one’s for listeners who like their music choices just a little off the main path.Audio note: Curtis’ microphone went rogue during this recording session. It’s been fixed going forward.Curtis Gross is a self-employed video editor.Jonathan Workman is an adult learning consultant based in Wichita, KS.---Make sure you are subscribed to Why Is This So Hard For You. Type Why Is This So Hard For You in your podcast provider, hit that subscription button, and leave us a five-star review. This will make it easier for other podcast listeners to find the podcast.---The intro music is the first 30 seconds of the Ornette Coleman tune "Song X" fed into AI software that attempts to output the song to a solo piano transcription. The outro music is the first 30 seconds of Sonny Rollins' version of the tune "St. Thomas" fed into the same software.

This week Jonathan kicks things off with a high-energy groove from Tom McGuire and the Brass Holes, bringing tight horns, infectious rhythm, and the kind of modern funk punch that instantly grabs you. Curtis follows with a sweeping, grand-scale track from Kansas, diving into classic progressive rock territory with big melodies and even bigger ambition.In the category songs, Jonathan’s Screen To Stage pick comes courtesy of Flight of the Conchords, delivering the perfect mix of comedy, sincerity, and songwriting chops. Curtis closes things out with a smooth, unmistakably ’80s-flavored duet featuring Luther Vandross and Gregory Hines, because sometimes the only proper ending is pure charisma and velvet vocals.Deep cuts, big swings, and category chaos—exactly how we like it.Curtis Gross is a self-employed video editor.Jonathan Workman is an adult learning consultant based in Wichita, KS.---Make sure you are subscribed to Why Is This So Hard For You. Type Why Is This So Hard For You in your podcast provider, hit that subscription button, and leave us a five-star review. This will make it easier for other podcast listeners to find the podcast.---The intro music is the first 30 seconds of the Ornette Coleman tune "Song X" fed into AI software that attempts to output the song to a solo piano transcription. The outro music is the first 30 seconds of Sonny Rollins' version of the tune "St. Thomas" fed into the same software.

Curtis and Jonathan dig into a mix of impeccable songwriting, genre-blending pop, and the eternal originals-versus-covers debate.Curtis opens the episode with a sharply written, emotionally grounded track from Randy Goodrum, highlighting the kind of behind-the-scenes songwriter brilliance that quietly shaped an era. Jonathan follows with a polished, crossover-era selection from Ronnie Milsap, where country storytelling meets pop craftsmanship at its peak.In the category songs, Curtis brings an Original Version pick from Robert Hazard, revisiting a song that later took on a much bigger life through a more famous reinterpretation. Jonathan counters with a Cover from Lake Street Dive, offering a modern, groove-forward take on a well-known classic and sparking the usual questions about reinterpretation, restraint, and necessity.It’s an episode full of strong melodies, great writing, and thoughtful detours—exactly the kind of musical rabbit holes this show was built for.Curtis Gross is a self-employed video editor.Jonathan Workman is an adult learning consultant based in Wichita, KS.---Make sure you are subscribed to Why Is This So Hard For You. Type Why Is This So Hard For You in your podcast provider, hit that subscription button, and leave us a five-star review. This will make it easier for other podcast listeners to find the podcast.---The intro music is the first 30 seconds of the Ornette Coleman tune "Song X" fed into AI software that attempts to output the song to a solo piano transcription. The outro music is the first 30 seconds of Sonny Rollins' version of the tune "St. Thomas" fed into the same software.