New Podcast release: Judy Collins

The next episode of "Lives Well Lived", the new podcast I am releasing with Kasia de Lazari-Radek, is now live.

In this episode, Kasia and I speak with Judy Collins. To give you a taste of what she said, here is some of the transcript, lightly edited for clarity.  You can listen to the full episode now, live on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.

The Sweetest Voice

Judy Collins’ voice has been described as the sweetest anyone has ever heard. This sentiment was beautifully echoed by Kasia, who was herself a singer, and now shares her admiration for Judy's timeless voice. Judy reflects on her journey, emphasizing how her voice has taken her to unimaginable places and has been a miraculous gift: "I was given this voice to take care of me and also that I have to take care of it."

A Life of Activism

Judy’s involvement in the 1960s music and political scene was a significant part of our discussion. From singing anti-war songs to supporting civil rights movements, Judy has always used her platform for advocacy. She recalls attending anti-war demonstrations and how today's global conflicts, like those in Ukraine and Gaza, still resonate deeply with her: "In a way, everything in the 60s was much more clear cut than it is for me today. I don't know about you but it's frighteningly different."

Personal Trials and Resilience

One of the most profound parts of our conversation is Judy’s openness about her struggles with alcoholism and her journey to sobriety. Celebrating 46 years of sobriety, Judy shared how this transformation was crucial for her well-being and career longevity: "I was dying. That was that easy. I found a rehab in 1978 and I went there and it all was revealed to me." She also spoke about the tragic loss of her son to suicide and her subsequent dedication to mental health advocacy. Judy’s books, Sanity and Grace and Steps of Recovery, have been instrumental in helping others survive similar traumas.

The Power of Music and Art

Judy describes her performances as a form of meditative reverie, both for herself and her audience: "What I do is to give people in an audience the hour and a half or two hours where they can't make a phone call, they can't talk out loud to their neighbour. They have this precious period of being kind of enmeshed in their own dream state." She sees her role as creating a space where people can dream, reflect, and perhaps find new inspiration for their lives.

A Philosophy of Life

Throughout our conversation, it becomes clear that philosophy plays a significant role in Judy's life. She draws inspiration from stoic thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and spiritual guides like Yogananda. Judy shares how reading Marcus Aurelius helps her maintain perspective: "You have to be in the moment. You have to be living it and doing what you can and then you just have to say, okay, this is it. This is life."

Spiritual Journey

Judy's spiritual journey, influenced by her teacher Antonia Brico and her connection to Yogananda’s teachings, has been a cornerstone of her life. Her practice of meditation and exploration of spiritual philosophies provides her with a profound sense of peace and purpose: "I found something that works for me and helps me. And so I always had the feeling that everybody should be meditating at some point in some way."