Everyone's Special and No One Is

How does one navigate the stigma around coming out as LGBTQIA+ at work? In this episode, Martin shares his own experience coming out as asexual in his first job, as well as discussing the potential pros and cons of coming out in his current job. Here is the Sounds Fake But Okay podcast episode referenced in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Jicm51on6I4OwmQYWFy8M?si=9427808645d242d7 *** When looking for a photo for the thumbnail of this episode, I was really hoping to find a photo of my old desk with the little pride flags on it. But unfortunately I couldn't find a good photo of it. This is the next best thing, a photo of my desk during the 'test trial' of returning to the office in 2021. The raise/lower mechanism broke, causing it to get tilted like this.

What is it like attending an avant-garde electronic concert in the dark? Martin shares his completely sober experience of having an out-of-body experience while attending an Autechre concert. ... The thumbnail for this episode is a photo of the marquee at Concord Music Hall on the night I saw Autechre! ... Thanks again to my friend Bobby Rethwish for hooking me up with a free ticket! Bobby is also the composer/producer of the theme music for this podcast.

Have you ever had to make a difficult decision about your priorities? In this episode, Martin discusses being at a creative crossroads -- that is, trying to decide which path to take next. The thumbnail photo for this episode is a picture I took at The Museum Campus in Chicago. This is a sign along the road directing you to the various museums, including the FIELD Natural History Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium. I thought this photo was a good symbol for a metaphorical crossroads.

What do repetitive, recurring dreams say about ourselves? What can they reveal about our real-life anxieties and traumas? In this episode, Martin shares some of his recurring dreams in the context of his own fears and insecurities. NOTE: The photo in the thumbnail of this episode is a real-life funnel cloud that I encountered back in 2016! This was right outside my house. I snapped this photo on my phone right before quickly running into my basement to take shelter. Fortunately nothing happened; the funnel cloud did not touch down. (To show contrast between the clouds, I darkened the photo. The original version looked like it was almost daylight, but you couldn't make out the clouds.)

How do you translate a pop song into a solo piano version? In this episode, Martin and his mom discuss the process of arranging, recording, and promoting his new album, "Piano Tribute to Billie Eilish."

What do you do when you love reading but are also insecure about it? What do you do when you want to find a new book but have no idea where to start? In this episode, Martin shares some of his personal experiences with reading, and compares shopping in bookstores to shopping in music stores.

As kids, making friends is easy, but what can you do to make friends as an adult? Martin shares some of his thoughts on friendship and moving, sharing some of his personal experiences on the topic.

Collecting physical media such as books, CDs, and records can be a lot of fun... but when does it become TOO much??? In this episode, Martin shares some of his personal ideas about collecting and budgeting.

Martin gets vulnerable about his body image, weight, fitness, health, etc. Why is it so hard to just love yourself?

Martin shares what it's like to feel attraction without any sexual or romantic desire attached to it.

Martin recaps his experience living in NY for 2.5 months and answers some frequently asked questions! This is the final update!

Martin shares some stories from his second-to-last weekend in New York!!

How does Staten Island compare to Long Island or Randall's Island? How does the weather in Minnesota compare to the weather in NYC? How does my attitude towards creating music now compare to my attitude four years ago?

Martin talks about songwriting and producing while in NY and feeling general lack of creative inspiration lately. Also some updates about visiting Roosevelt Island and going on a road trip to a small town in upstate NY!

Martin reflects on his first time crying in public, back in February 2020. Also sharing some updates from the past week in New York, including getting sick and dealing with smoke from recent NY wildfires.

Sharing my progress visiting 30+ record stores in New York! Also I have a story about how I got two parking tickets...

Martin investigates the mysterious disappearance of mail being sent to him in New York. Also - an experience running alongside NYC Marathoners!

Martin shares some updates about his trip to Coney Island (expectations versus reality). Also there's some interesting office drama that has been unfolding over the past week...

Martin shares his first 'real' driving experience in New York along with some other updates from his second week.

Martin shares some updates from his first week in New York. Stick around to the end of the episode to hear an archived recording from Martin's first week in LA over four years ago!