Midlife Mixtape

Latest Episodes:

Ep 45 HONY Mixtape Couple Ellen and David Dec 18, 2018

Show notes

“Endlessly curious”: Mixtape mavens Ellen and David talk about what it’s like to be a Humans of New York viral sensation, the midlife relationship that mixtapes built, and why rediscovering yourself is a cure for stagnation. The original Humans of New York post: View this post on Instagram “He was the RA in my freshman dorm. His nickname was ‘Rock.’ He was blonde and skinny and made legendary mix tapes for the dance parties. We never talked much in college, but we became good friends when we reconnected at a reunion. The event was eighties themed. There were a lot of Talking Heads cover songs, and we danced all night. After that we started talking every day. Even though we live on different coasts, we’d find different ways to connect. He’d create scavenger hunts for me. He’d send me on missions to find obscure books and records. And we began making mix tapes together. Both of us come from research backgrounds, so we take our mix tapes very seriously. MMTR is our acronym for the meaning of music: ‘Magic, Meditation, Therapy, Reunion.’ So there’s a lot of MMTR mix tapes: ‘MMTR I,’ ‘MMTR II,’ ‘MMTR III,’ ‘MMTR 80’s,’ ‘MMTR 90’s.’ Then there’s ‘Clan McJangle,’ which is nothing but Scottish Pop. Then we’ve got another called ‘Buzz Gems,’ which is nothing but guitar songs under three minutes that alternate decades as you go down the playlist. Our mix tapes hold us together. Lately we’ve been working on a business together. And if we ever get too frustrated, we just put on our headphones, choose a mix tape, and hit play at the exact same time.” A post shared by Humans of New York (@humansofny) on Nov 13, 2018 at 9:46am PST David and Ellen’s “Buzz Gems” mix was inspired by the Buzzcocks, whose lead singer Pete Shelley passed away last week much too young. I always loved this weird little song. Be homosuperior in your interior this week, k? Thanks as always to M. The Heir Apparent, who provides the music behind the Midlife Mixtape podcast – check him out here!

Ep 44 Moving Consultant Margaret Vandergriff Dec 04, 2018

Show notes

“Grateful for crazy missteps”: Moving consultant Margaret Vandergriff on common mistakes in finding your midlife happy place, the importance of feeling the vibe, and how she turned her own moving missteps into a new career.

Ep 43 Humorist/Playwright R. Eric Thomas Nov 20, 2018

Show notes

“Embrace the mystery”: “Eric Reads the News” columnist R. Eric Thomas on how a playwright became Elle.com’s current events humor columnist, his approach to pop culture osmosis, and drinking eggnog with Maxine Waters.

Ep 42 Listeners’ Most Memorable Teenage Jobs Nov 06, 2018

Show notes

“Perhaps not ideal for a teen”: From the obsolete to the funny to the downright gross, Midlife Mixtape listeners share their most memorable means of earning a paycheck during their teen years. Something to listen to after you vote!

Ep 41 Parenting Author KJ Dell’Antonia Oct 23, 2018

Show notes

“Soak up the good”: KJ Dell’Antonia, author of How to Be a Happier Parent and the former editor of the New York Times’ Motherlode blog, on Gen X’s particular parenting style, “disasters” vs. “situations,” and her #AmWriting podcast.

Ep 40 Headcount Co-Founder Andy Bernstein Oct 09, 2018

Show notes

“Power of the collective”: Executive Director Andy Bernstein talks about how Headcount.org works with musicians to promote active citizenship, Headcount’s rock n’ roll office hours, and the unusual way he earned cash money at his first concert.

Ep 39 Ballerina Aesha Ash Sep 25, 2018

Show notes

“We are multidimensional”: Swan Dreams Project founder Aesha Ash talks about harnessing the power of imagery to challenge socio-economic and racial norms in ballet, being kind to yourself, and a dreamy first recital costume.

Ep 38 Listeners’ First Concerts Sep 11, 2018

Show notes

“Hooked on live shows from that moment on”: From Metallica to Manilow, parking lot panic attacks to pretend roadies, Cow Palace to CBGB’s, Midlife Mixtape listeners answer the question: “What was your first concert, and what were the circumstances?” Shhhhh, don’t tell Barry’s mom that he was the band’s roadie Thanks as always to M. The Heir Apparent, who provides the music behind the Midlife Mixtape podcast – check him out here!

Ep 37 Journalist Barbara Bradley Hagerty Aug 28, 2018

Show notes

“The bear is dinner”: Barbara Bradley Hagerty, author of “Life Reimagined: The Science, Art, and Opportunity of Midlife” on two big secrets to midlife happiness, balancing a short- and long-term life outlook, and a French concert that wasn’t.

Ep 36 Author Rob Sheffield Aug 14, 2018

Show notes

“10,000 conversations about Prince”: Rolling Stone columnist and author Rob Sheffield on how how shared music and memories temper our losses, the benefits to practicing adaptability, and the enduring genius of Disco Naps.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected