September 2020 – Podcasting Your Global Career

Fingerstyle Guitar Extraordinaire Tim Farrell

Welcome to episode #287 of dHarmic Evolution

Join me as we take a ride today from Nashville to Pennsylvania with the musician, recording and performing artist, composer, educator, and finger-style guitar connoisseur, Tim Farrell.

Growing up jamming with friends and playing rock music, Tim eventually studied classical guitar, shifting from jazz. His eyes and ears were opened to everything that one can do, not only by playing the rhythm and lead but also melodies, bass line, and open strings, the list is endless! He then applied everything he learned from classical to steel-string guitar and combined the techniques and tones available to steel-string. Realizing that this was not just about playing a chord, but telling a story which Tim believes was one of the best compliments he received when he became the first-ever instrumentalist to play at a venue in Florida and someone quoted to him that “your story is in the music”.

Tim’s music has shades of Michael Hedges; it’s like there is practically no limit to what he can do with his imagination on the way he approaches even the tuning of the guitar. Tim, for the most time, has been using standard tuning when he came across alternate tuning with Little Martha by Leo Kottke. He figured out that he was using open E tuning and heard the potentials that open E created and intensely explored it, in fact, he keeps a guitar on hand with that definitive tuning.

Coping with the pandemic
With the current situation, Tim believes that the biggest change was not being able to play and perform his music to a larger crowd. While keeping himself active doing walks, yoga, and taking care of his crops, Tim is streaming concerts every other Sunday. He also has a scheduled online concert and workshop at the Cooperage in Pennsylvania. His concerts with his trio called StringSongs – playing alongside Michael Manring and Christopher Garcia are also currently canceled.

StringSongs
StringSongs was formed when Tim first met Michael on a gig and did some recording together. Eventually, they decided to make it formal, and initially joined by the Grammy-winning piano player and producer, Pat Robinson but later replaced by Christopher due to conflicts in schedule. Tim together with Michael and his fretless bass, and Christopher using a very exotic percussion – they all blend, just perfectly fit, and their music is very unique.

What’s next for Tim?
Watch out for the new solo album that he is working on. And StringSongs – with Michael and Christopher where they are now planning for the recording and rehearsals even during this time of pandemic to come up with new projects

Streaming and Music Industry
In this confusing time where CDs are going away, vinyl making a comeback, where consumers love streaming and artists hate it. Tim, who is also an educator, is continuously sharing his music and develops workshops online and onsite, performs at senior centers and performing art centers. He believes that this is an eye-opener for people to see that there are so many unexpected things that can be done with an acoustic guitar aside from strumming chords or playing solo.

To know more about Tim Farrell’s music and everything that he does, you can support him by playing his music through streaming services, ordering his CDs through his website, supporting him on his online live concerts.

Timestamps:
2:54 How Tim got connected to finger-style acoustic playing
7:52 Alternate Tuning
9:10 Listen to “Joyride to Tranquillity”
13:49 When did he first come across the idea of starting alternative tuning
17:28 Online concert and workshop in Pennsylvania
19:04 Listen to “Rosewood Alley
25:10 StringSongs with Michael Manring and Christopher Garcia
29:38 Tim’s work ethic towards music
33:31 New solo album and plans with StringSongs
36:05 Listen to “Walk Away Renee” written by the Four Tops
40:22 Thoughts about streaming and music business
44:29 Challenges with rehearsing and recording together with Michael and Christopher
49:12: Listen to “Kindred Spirits”
53:20 Coping with the pandemic
55:52 Learn and support Tim Farrell’s music
58:13 Listen to “Connected” by James Kevin O’Connor

Quotes
In some ways, you get to be like the complete composer when you do what you do. Because It is an entire orchestra, it’s not just by playing a chord…and it just brings out so much in the story of what’s being played

And they said to me afterward, you don’t need the words, your story is in the music.

A lot of people expect that you will either be strumming chords or playing a solo, and they don’t realize you can do these other things together. It’s phenomenal to see it open people’s eyes and ears up.

I think the more your style of playing is out there, the better that songwriters will continue to develop songs in general. We will get better music because it incorporates so much imagination and so much beauty into the songs.

Connect with Tim
Website:
www.timfarrellmusic.com
YouTube:
www.youtube.com/channel/UCZeAvq_RNxO90JQeeBi9KvQ
Apple Music:
itunes.apple.com/us/artist/tim-farrell/1749396
Deezer:
www.deezer.com/en/artist/1076837/radio?autoplay=true
Spotify:
open.spotify.com/artist/2ZUazTgHPZia5PfuXsTtyu?si=XmDO2VwGQvOiqmon3gosLQ

StringSongs

Selected links and mentions.
Michael Hedges
Leo Kottke
Michael Manring
Christopher Garcia
Pat Robinson

Connected by James Kevin O’Connor

As always, thanks a lot for being a part of the dHarmic evolution podcast, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and connect with us on social media.

Follow our Podcast on Facebook Twitter Instagram

You can also see the show on The James O’Connor Agency YouTube channel and join our community on dHarmic Evolution Community Facebook Group

Tim Farrell

Shifting the conversation on mental health with Mary Albertoli

Welcome to episode #285 of dHarmic Evolution

Mary Albertoli is a former clinical social worker who is on a mission to execute actionable solutions to help individuals struggling with mental health problems.

She has a Degree in Social Work from Columbia University and has practiced for 12 years, specializing in counseling children, adolescents, and young adults suffering from mental illness.

Even though she left the counseling profession, Mary kept up with the news and statistics in the industry. With shocking numbers of a 56% jump in suicide rates, coupled with school shootings and drug overdoses, Mary knew that something had to be done in order to help the youth population from continuing on the path of self-destruction.

Having worked with both individuals and group session clients between the age of 10-24, Mary knows first hand from experience that individuals in this age group don’t tend to open up a lot.

A lot of youth go through mental problems, but because this isn’t a popular topic in society, they end up feeling either disgraced or ashamed of these new feelings, and instead of talking things out, they instead act out.

Social media in current times has only acted to catalyze the rate at which young adults experience loneliness, depression, and social anxiety.

A lot of teenagers using social media end up experiencing ‘splintered identity’ A phenomenon in which teenagers report feeling very good and inspired about one post and feeling the total opposite in the next post.

This has made them disconnect from their true and authentic self, further isolating themselves, and going through more suffering.

Handling depression when growing up.

Growing up back in the day, it was very unpopular for guardians to help you through tough mental problems. A lot of these issues were merely swept under the carpet – as you’re told to ‘power through the pain’

This has proven to expose unhealed wounds of the past that need to be catered to. The pain that you powered through is the reason for your current suffering. And it can only be solved by having open and genuine conversations about your feelings surrounding the traumatic experience, and how it has affected you.

Mary was able to handle the mental pain and depression that she suffered as a child in her adult life.

Having faced the demons in her closet, Mary was inspired to help others accomplish the same. And this is the inspiration behind ‘The Shift’ – A platform where individuals can connect with counselors, peers, and other individuals, to share issues they’re going through without the fear of feeling judged or condemned.

Mary now hopes that the platform can evolve to be a diverse tool with resources that help all demographics in working through their mental problems.

In conclusion, remember to always live in the present moment, because nothing is more important than life itself. Be loving, kindful, and generous to your neighbor, especially in these fraudulent times, because we’re all going through something, and the only way out, is by supporting each other.

Text hello to the crisis hotline 741741 and a counselor will discreetly attend to you.

Quotes

“It’s easy to think that you’re alone in life when you’re isolated, this coupled with the pandemic facto is why so many people are going through depression right now. And when humans suffer, they only isolate more.” – Mary on the quiet loop of depression

“A lot of young adults are embarrassed by their mental issues because this isn’t something they’re accustomed to. The shift is about changing the conversation so that these individuals can know that they’re not alone, and what they’re going through is normal.”

“The important thing to remember is that nothing is permanent, things change, and they’re still changing on a daily basis. Something better will eventually come – How to cope with the current pandemic”

“I love being in service to other people because it helps me discover myself even more. The mental path that I’ve journeyed through life is successful because I can openly share what I’m going through without feeling alone.” – Mary on why she loves volunteering”

Timestamps

02:48 The shift
05:47 The effects of social media on the youth
08:19 Tools used in the shift
11:13 Finding ways to handle and release stress
13:47 How we’ve come to where we are
16:26 What Mary and her team are doing to help people
18:19 Mary’s defining moment for creating the shift
24:17 Making the difference
25:29 How volunteering has fulfilled Mary’s life
27:50 Experience working with different kids
31:26 The future of the shift

Connect with Mary Albertoli

Website – www.shifttheshow.com

Facebook – www.facebook.com/theshiftseriesofficial/

Instagram – www.instagram.com/theshift_series/

LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/company/theshiftseriesofficial

YouTube – www.youtube.com/channel/UCVFfUOd7grD8dhdik4Sl0Wg

Mentions

Nadia Sarmova
Adrienne Finch
Maureen (Mo) Isern
Kitty Overton

As always, thanks a lot for being a part of the dHarmic evolution podcast, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and connect with us on social media.

Follow our Podcast on Facebook Twitter Instagram

You can also see the show on The James O’Connor Agency YouTube channel and join our community on dHarmic Evolution Community Facebook Group

Mary Albertoli

September 11th 2001, where were you on that day?

Welcome to episode #285 of dHarmic Evolution

Chances are that you know of someone who was in some way affected by the 9/11 terror attacks launched by Al Qaeda in 2001.

Where were you on that day? I for one, remember in complete detail all the events for that day.

I was at a seminar in a hotel conference hall that was filled to the brim with people.

I’m not very sure what the person in charge was teaching about, but I clearly remember someone walking in and began doing a play by play of what was happening in downtown Manhattan.

It all felt so surreal. With 2,977 dead, 25,000 injured, September 11th, 2001 was undoubtedly a horrible nightmare for almost all Americans and our allies and friends throughout the world.

Remembering the survivors.

We have details of the first responders and witnesses over what happened on that day. We, however, don’t have as many details from the families on how the experience was for them.

What has been able to help us understand these scenes from the victims’ perspective are the phone calls that were made between the people trapped in the building and their families.

Technology still hadn’t evolved as much as it has today, and phones played a very crucial role in how the events of that day played out.

For example, The united airlines’ flight 93 which was also hijacked by Al Qaeda terrorists, and was initially intended to blast into the Capitol building crashed into a field in Pennsylvania when the passengers and crew tried to regain control of it after getting phone calls from their family members over what had just occurred in New York.

The value of family

Looking back at the whole incident, and also through the phone calls that were made on that day. One can’t help but appreciate the value of family.

Unfortunately, so many of us take our families for granted, up until it’s too late, and we no longer have the time or resources to be with them.

Be grateful for the family you have. So many people out there would give anything to be with their loved ones who have been taken away from them. If you’re one of the lucky few who still has a family by your side, then be with them before it’s too late for you too.

The Tribute in Light

The two columns which are lit up every year on September 11 from the ground upwards (replicating the structure of the Twin Towers that were destroyed) won’t be projected this year.

Commonly known as the tribute in light, the event has been canceled this year, following concerns brought by the coronavirus pandemic.

Instead of the projections, the National September 11 museum is planning to host an alternative event that will involve buildings across the city illuminating their structures with blue lights.

Timestamps

02:42 Moment of silence for the 9/11 attacks
03:52 How I spent my day on 9/11
05:21 Remembering the first responders
06:35 What the 9/11 survivors experienced.
09:09 Flight 93
10:53 Appreciate the value of family
13:09 The annual blue lights ceremony
21:09 Listen to Speak to me

Selected links

The New York Times – 9/11 Light Tribute to Take Different Shape
History.com – Flight 93
Reel Truth History Documentaries – 9/11: Phone Calls from People Trapped in the Towers | 911 Documentary
NY Mag – 9/11 by the Numbers

Speak to Me by James Kevin O’Connor

As always, thanks a lot for being a part of the dHarmic evolution podcast, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and connect with us on social media.

Follow our Podcast on Facebook Twitter Instagram

You can also see the show on The James O’Connor Agency YouTube channel and join our community on dHarmic Evolution Community Facebook Group

Labor Day With 2020 Vision, A Pandemic Lesson

Welcome to episode #284 of dHarmic Evolution

Labor day is celebrated on the first Monday of September and we all have the U.S Labor movement to thank for it.

This years’ Labor day celebration falls on September 7th for both the US and Canada.

However, most countries celebrate Labor Day on the 1st of May.

The history of labor day.

There are two versions explaining how Labor day began.

Version A

The first version is set in September 1882 by the Knights of Labor, who were at the time, one of the most important labor organizations in America.

This organization held a public parade on September 5th every year to honor workers.

With time, the Central Labor Union secretary Mathew Maguire proposed that the holiday be held on the 1st Monday of September to honor the epic public demonstrations held annually.

Version B

In the second version, labor day was proposed to the Central Labor Union by Peter McGuire, the Vice President of The American Federation of Labor in 1882.

He suggested it be held on the 1st Monday of September stating that the date is perfect because the weather is great during that time, and also, this falls between the July 4th celebrations and Thanksgiving.

The Haymarket Affair.

In May 1886, a time in which most American workers toiled for up to 20 hours a day, thousands of the laborers protested countrywide in different cities to demand an 8-hour workday.

The protesters were attacked by the police in Chicago, which resulted in tons of injuries and the death of six protesters.

Another peaceful protest was planned and the Chicago police once again showed up to man-handle the demonstraters.

An unidentified person exploded a bomb that killed an officer, causing the police to open fire. This resulted in a quagmire which led to the death of a dozen workers and police officers.

Labor day vs May day.

Communists and socialists across the globe decided to go with May 1st as the day to mark the Haymarket affair.

A conference was held in 1904 to make the 8-hour day the standard worldwide. This is what came to be known as Labor Day or International worker’s day.

Effects of the pandemic

The pandemic had different impacts on individuals. While some people are happy about the opportunity to design a new lifestyle for themselves, others are stressing over the new normal, and can barely keep up with reality.

A lot of individuals have developed counterintuitive habits in order to replace their usual habits. And this has proven to be very stressful.

I think what’s important is that we take time to communicate, connect, and bond with our families.

Family is something that a lot of us usually take for granted, oftentimes until it’s too late and we’re in trouble, or realize that we can longer be with them despite their vital roles in our lives.

Winding up, I’d love to advise you on embracing these difficult times with open arms, and taking the time to reassess your life, in order to develop healthy habits to handle life; like spending time in nature or being in service to others.

More about this on DE265 – What are you doing at home

It’s understandable that a lot of people are suffering during this time. Taking a lesson from Paul in the bible, it’s vital that we learn to develop the spirit of perseverance. Enduring through the pain is what leads to growth and progress in life.