Live music is more than an escape. The concert experience can be an intentional quest for self-discovery, revelation and purpose. In this episode, we connect with fellow concert fan Leslie as she shares why, in 2022, she decided to embark on a 99 shows quest to find a deeper sense of healing, meaning and emotional clarity in the live music experience.

Explored during the show:

• Live music's impact on Leslie's childhood and upbringing
• Leslie's first concert experience, highlighting the importance of the venue, the audience, and the sense of community
• Leslie and Chris had a detailed discussion about Yoshi's, a sushi restaurant and concert venue in Oakland, California.
• The role of sensory elements like smell, touch, and sound in creating a memorable experience.
• Her story of a therapist's question, "What makes you happy?" left her struggling for an answer until she realized that music, especially live performances, brought her joy.
• She decided to commit to attending 99 performances to fully immerse herself in this happiness.
• Leslie's personal experiences with music and how it affected her mood and self-understanding.
• Why attending music shows, particularly jazz, folk, rock, and alternative genres, helped her reconnect with herself and rediscover parts of herself she had forgotten.
• The experience of attending shows was therapeutic for her, providing an opportunity to focus on her own emotions and thoughts.
• Why Leslie's experiences with music went beyond mere entertainment, playing a significant role in her personal growth and self-discovery.
• Her approach to the 99 shows journey: rules and personal guidelines
• Self-regeneration and socialization through music festivals
• Why her thirties were particularly challenging, causing her to lose touch with herself.
• Finding solace in reflecting on her experiences through writing articles.
• Wishing she would have seen Tupac live and reflecting on his legacy

Artist mentioned:

• De La Soul
• Talib Kweli
• George Clinton
• Tupac Shakur
• The Roots
• Dru Hill
• Slum Village
• Chico DeBarge
• Erykah Badu