Life in Seven Songs

• How music taught culture critic Sam Sanders to be grateful for his grief

  As the host and creator of numerous hit culture podcasts, Sam Sanders is known for having a finger on the pulse of pop culture. But growing up strictly Pentecostal in Texas, non-religious music was forbidden – so Sam got resourceful, smuggling CDs into the house in his underwear and watching MTV in secret. At 18 years old, just as he was getting ready to leave for Stanford, Sam’s life was turned upside down. Both of his parents suffered major health crises in the span of a few months, resulting in Sam becoming their caregiver. Years later, Sam would face another devastating double-whammy with the death of his mother followed a month later by a crushing breakup. In this episode, Sam opens up about the music that carried him through – from Janet Jackson videos to soaring gospel tunes to revenge-fueled breakup anthems – and why today, he’s savoring the freedom he’s been chasing his whole life. Here are his songs. Janet Jackson, “Love Will Never Do (Without You)” Stevie Wonder, "Don't You Worry ‘Bout A Thing" Richard Smallwood, "Total Praise" John Mayer, “Stop This Train" Labelle, "Isn't It a Shame" Caroline Rose, “The Kiss” Fleetwood Mac, “Silver Springs”

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• From the South Bronx to Sesame Street: How Sonia Manzano made Maria a Latina icon

  Sonia Manzano knows you think of her as Maria on Sesame Street – and that’s exactly the point. Growing up in the South Bronx in a household “ruled by domestic violence,” TV was Sonia’s refuge as a child – but she never saw anyone who looked like her. Years later, when she landed the role of Maria on Sesame Street, Sonia made a choice. She wouldn’t play a character; she would be herself – on purpose. For 44 years, she served as an authentic and beloved role model for millions of kids. More recently, she’s created another iconic Latina heroine through the animated children’s show Alma’s Way — this one inspired by her childhood self. In this episode, Sonia reflects on growing up “at a time when Latin people were absolutely invisible,” the power of seeing yourself reflected in pop culture, and the music that accompanied her journey. Here are her songs. Numero 6 - Bobby Rodríguez y la Compañía Lamento Borincano - Rafael Hernandez When You Wish Upon A Star sung by Jiminy Cricket [aka Cliff Edwards] Please Mr. Postman - The Marvelettes I Wish I Knew How It Feels to Be Free - Nina Simone Bang! Bang! - Joe Cuba Sextet Sing - Joe Raposo, cast of Sesame Street

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• From Mozart to Drake: The music that moves Misty Copeland

  After 25 years with American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland is taking her final bow this October. Just ahead of her last performance, the groundbreaking ballerina – who made history as ABT’s first Black female principal dancer – joins Sophie to reflect on her journey. From a shy girl nicknamed “Mouse” who grew up without a home for much of her childhood in Southern California, to a stunning career on the stages of Lincoln Center and beyond, Misty’s is a story of defying the odds. In this episode, Misty opens up about her tumultuous upbringing, dancing through six stress fractures, finding love at a nightclub, and the music that has carried her through it all. Here are her songs. Aretha Franklin - Ain't No Way Mariah Carey - Looking In N.E.R.D. - Run To The Sun Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Piano Concerto No 21 in C Major K 467 II Andante J. Cole - Be Free Sade - Kiss Of Life Drake - Nice For What

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• Riding waves and weathering life’s storms with surfer-turned-writer Jamie Brisick

  Jamie Brisick was living the California dream – a pro surfer sponsored by Quicksilver, traveling the world and competing on the ASP World Tour. But beneath the “Malibu Barbie” facade, tragedy was brewing: his brother was descending into a drug addiction that would soon claim his life. Jamie left the world of surfing and reinvented himself as a writer, with his words appearing in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Guardian. But sudden tragedy would soon strike again. In this episode, Jamie shares how music became both an escape from pain and a pathway toward healing. His story shows us how sometimes our greatest losses become our most profound teachers – and that life has an extraordinary capacity to “totally blow you away,” even when it seems utterly broken. Here are his songs.

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• Special Episode: The songs that shaped our listeners’ lives (and Sophie’s, too)

  To celebrate one year of Life in Seven Songs, Sophie answers some burning questions about the show, shares a few songs off her list, and turns the mic to you — our listeners — to hear about the songs tied to your life stories. Here are your songs: Ronan Keating - When You Say Nothing At All Glass Animals - Heat Waves Bob Dylan - Tangled Up In Blue The B-52's - Roam Radiohead - Paranoid Android Carole King - Beautiful U2 - Beautiful Day Stevie Wonder - As Simon & Garfunkel - The Sound of Silence Madonna - Vogue The Police - Every Breath You Take Thank you to everyone who sent us songs. Our inbox is always open [email protected].

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