How Can I Keep from Singing? Episode 4

### Chatmosa Session - How Can I Keep from Singing? Episode 4

In the latest episode of our podcast series, “How Can I Keep from Singing? Episode 4,” the Chatmosa team engaged in a lively exploration of the creative tensions that fuel personal and artistic growth. Hosts Dan, Mojo, and Happy were joined by guests including Cody, highlighting the importance of dualities in life and how embracing them can lead to deeper emotional and musical expression.

The conversation kicked off with an infectious enthusiasm as Dan celebrated the growth of the Chatmosa platform, emphasizing its unique blend of community, creativity, and low-stakes practice. “We’re trying to build a show that couples not taking ourselves seriously with taking ourselves most seriously,” he stated, capturing the essence of their shared mission. The idea of navigating through life’s dichotomies, like stability versus instability and comfort versus tension, became a central theme in the discussion.

Mojo introduced the concept of “eustress” versus “distress,” explaining how certain types of stress can actually be beneficial. He likened this beneficial tension to the structural integrity of a bridge, pointing out that “without tension, a suspension bridge collapses.” This metaphor resonated with the group as they discussed how creative tension can encourage personal growth and resilience. Dan responded to this insight by referencing the book *Antifragile* by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, which highlights how humans can thrive under stress and use it to grow stronger.

At the heart of the episode was the idea of motion and emotion, with Dan articulating that “our job is to create motion and through motion comes emotion.” His call for creative exploration invited listeners to consider how music mirrors this dynamic. As he put it, “As singers, we are storytellers,” and understanding the emotional arc of a song can significantly enhance its delivery.

Cody shared a personal moment of vulnerability, mentioning a challenging conversation he had with his partner. This candor underscored the episode's theme of authenticity, motivating attendees to embrace their emotional truths through creative outlets. In the spirit of actionable insights, the hosts encouraged everyone to engage in low-stakes creative practices to enhance their artistic expressions, stating, “Sometimes you have to just take the 30,000-foot view and other times you have to really dig in.”

Another significant moment arose when the group discussed the foundational aspects of singing, particularly the importance of breath control. They led listeners through a practical balloon breathing exercise, aimed at building lung capacity, a metaphorical nod to building one’s emotional and creative potential. “If it’s too much, don’t do that,” Dan playfully cautioned, reinforcing the need for self-awareness while pushing boundaries.

The conversation closed with a collaborative spirit, as Dan and Happy invited audience members to participate in future episodes, highlighting the community aspect of Chatmosa. Listeners were reminded of the importance of sharing their journeys and continuing to contribute to a dialogue that celebrates the beauty of both suffering and joy in the creative process.

For our audience, the key takeaways from this engaging session are clear: embrace the dualities of life, recognize the transformative power of tension, and participate actively in low-stakes creative practices. As the hosts passionately noted, “We are all trying to become our bestest selves,” inviting everyone to join this ongoing adventure in creativity and expression.

Don't miss out on the rich conversations in the upcoming episodes; join us on this journey of artistic exploration!