Soundtracks

Here’s a little of my life in soundtracks…

I’ve been an avid Spotify person for a long time. I would lose every TV streaming service I have, before giving up Spotify Premium – including anything with Hallmark TV (I KNOW!!!). But it’s true, it’s the only thing I’d pay for if I had to choose only one streaming entertainment source. I can’t function without music. Not even a little. It’s a little scary how many hours I listen to music or podcasts. In my defense, sometimes I leave it on while in meetings or talking to “co-workers.” I’ll turn down the volume instead of pausing and then realize two hours later, it was on the whole time I was in a meeting. Hence . . .

My top artists for 2022, aren’t shocking. But I’m still trying to comprehend why country consistently remains my top genre when it’s not the main thing I listen to. I think Spotify’s algorithms may be a little off. Also, there’s zero chance Luke Combs was in my top five. Like zero chance. But the rest checks out. Also, if you’re wondering what “stomp and holler” is, join the freaking club: https://www.popbuzz.com/music/news/spotify-genre-stomp-and-holler/.

My top five songs aren’t surprising either. My Arms Were Already Around You, is such a beautiful song. It definitely deserves the top spot.

“Oh, my love
You thought I’d left without you
Oh, my love
My arms were always around you
Just say to me
You’ll lie awake this time
You’ll watch me sleep
Straight through the night
No more dreams
Must I sacrifice
My heart is safe
You’ll guard it with your life”

I thought the “My Audio Day” was kind of interesting too. Guess what I was usually doing in the evenings while listening to Spotify? Writing. I was writing a novel about heartache and blended families and how beauty rises from the ashes. The theme matched the writing for sure.

And now that I’ve been boring you (all three of you reading) thoroughly, here are my last couple of shares. I am an avid podcast listener. I listen while getting ready for work in the mornings, on my drive to work, and while doing housework. When I make long drives for doctor’s appointments or road trips, I usually listen to podcasts part of the way, too. I listen more on Apple, but here are the top five from Spotify’s podcasts.

Besides loving wine and hoping to someday make my own, my novel takes place on a couple of vineyards, so . . . that explains 1 & 4. This American Life has been a favorite for years. I adore it. This list would look a little different on Apple, but on Spotify, the list rounds out with April Kirk & Loren Kirk. Their podcast was formerly called “Co-Parenting Past Chaos” – but now they refer to it as “Past Chaos” as they branch out into more than just co-parenting topics now. These two best friends are the wife and ex-wife of the same dude, had a “reality” TV show on TLC, and they’re both former Marine Corps spouses. They talk about all kinds of craziness on their pod. But the reason I continue to listen, is because I admire their focus on their kids which ultimately led to them laying down any struggles (that kicked off their relationship). They started out in the absolute worst mess and chaos. But what has come from it, seven years after it looked as bleak as possible, is an incredible friendship. That’s just beautiful right there.

If you saw my Apple podcasts top listens, it would look like: Being Well (all time fav), all it takes is a goal (Jon Acuff), The Business Reboot podcast (Business Reboot for Creatives), The Wine Makers, and Huberman Lab. Sometimes I throw in Therapy & Theology, Hidden Brain, Untangle, The Goal Digger, and I also listen to SOMM TV on Apple, too.

So, all that for this . . . what does your Spotify Wrapped look like this year? What are your top artists, songs, or genres? What’s your listening “personality?”