Most of us have an old version of ourselves we secretly miss.Not because life was perfect back then.But because we were lighter. Less aware. Less shaped by everything that came after.In this episode of One Song One Story, I sit down with Nora, a Nashville based songwriter, to talk about nostalgia, growth, and the emotional chaos of becoming yourself.Her song choice is:🎶 Dangerous Levels of Introspection by JP SaxeIt opens up a real conversation about:Missing your old self while still being proud of who you are nowThe difference between self awareness and overthinkingWhy introspection can feel comforting and exhausting at the same timeHow songwriting becomes therapy without trying to be therapyTaking the riskier path when the safe option is right thereIf you’ve ever felt stuck inside your own thoughts, or caught yourself romanticising a past chapter, this is for you.👇 Comment your “nostalgia song” below.The track that instantly takes you back to an old version of you.00:00 Intro01:05 Welcome and meeting Nora03:10 Nora’s background and becoming a songwriter06:10 Music as emotional processing08:40 Today’s song reveal09:20 Dangerous Levels of Introspection by JP Saxe11:30 Why this song hit Nora so hard14:05 Missing your younger self vs outgrowing her17:10 When introspection becomes overthinking20:05 Nostalgia, tenderness, and self compassion23:30 Choosing the brave path over the safe one27:10 What this song means now vs when she first heard it30:05 Final reflections and what Nora hopes listeners take away32:00 Where to find Nora and closing

In this radiant and heart-opening episode of One Song, One Story, Shub sits down with his friend and creative inspiration Marc-John Brown — a coach, medicine man, activist, and father — to explore the power of rhythm, voice, and the universal language of music.

Marc-John brings the timeless “Chan Chan” by Buena Vista Social Club, a song that changed the course of his life. What begins as a nostalgic trip to Buenos Aires at age 19 — a sunny day, a sweet coffee, a drifting breeze, and that hypnotic Cuban rhythm — unfolds into a story of identity, ancestry, and soulful connection.

Together they explore:
🌎 The roots of world music and how Afro-Cuban rhythm connects continents and cultures
🪘 Music as resistance — and why beauty often blooms in hardship
🎶 The role of sound in healing, ceremony, and family life
👨‍👩‍👧 How “Chan Chan” became the soundtrack of a household — from washing dishes to bedtime singalongs

Marc-John’s reflections ripple across creativity, spirituality, and love — from discovering rhythm on a metal sink to playing percussion on a Malaysian beach. It’s a conversation about belonging, resilience, and the music that keeps us alive.

Hit play, pour a coffee, and feel the warmth.
Because sometimes the world’s most powerful songs don’t just move you — they become part of your story.

00:00 Introduction and Connection03:28 The Role of Creativity in Life05:47 Exploring Musical Influences08:31 Rhythm and Personal Experiences11:04 The Evolution of Musical Tastes13:41 The Essence of Folk Music16:38 World Music and Cultural Identity19:13 Music's Role in Daily Life21:54 Introducing the Song: El Chan Chan24:23 The Story Behind El Chan Chan27:52 The Indescribable Connection to Music31:21 Music as a Symbol of Resistance33:04 Personal Journey Through Music35:34 The Evolution of a Song's Meaning36:31 Family and Music: A Daily Ritual41:10 Cuban Folklore and Cultural Connection43:39 The Deeper Meaning of the Song45:12 Symbolism and Personal Reflection48:28 Imagining a Cover of the Song49:04 Final Reflections and Connections51:22 Riverside Intro : Outro.mp4

In this deeply personal and beautifully nostalgic episode, Shub from North of Normal sits down with music lover and self-confessed audio nerd Alex Baker — a man with over 2,000 records, a dream of running a “listening bar,” and a lifelong connection to sound.

Alex shares the story behind his song choice: “Have You Heard” by Pat Metheny Group — the tune that first made him cry at ten years old and still moves him decades later. What begins as a simple childhood memory turns into a touching reflection on family, emotion, and the strange power of music to hold us through life’s chaos.

Together, Shub and Alex explore:
🎧 The lost art of listening — from hi-fi systems to headphone rituals
🎵 How a single song can become a comfort blanket through the years
🕊 Why music often says what words can’t — and why that’s enough

It’s a soulful dive into jazz, nostalgia, and the frequencies that make us feel alive.
If you haven’t heard the song yet, pause, listen to “Have You Heard” by Pat Metheny Group, and then come back. You’ll hear this conversation in a whole new way.

00:00 Introduction and Connection Through Music

03:00 Personal Journeys and Reflections on Recovery

05:58 Creativity and the Impact of Parenthood

08:39 The Art of Listening and Audio Quality

11:26 Musical Background and Influences

14:13 Early Musical Memories and Tastes

22:29 Vinyl Culture and Record Collections

24:25 Song Choice and Personal Connection

24:47 The Emotional Connection to Music

29:19 Memories and Music: A Personal Journey

35:06 The Power of Music in Emotional Moments

37:20 Exploring the Impact of a Song

42:17 The Comfort of Familiar Tunes

46:29 Imagining Covers and New Interpretations

50:50 Riverside Intro : Outro.mp4