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Jazz Therapy

I am a Depth-oriented, jazz-loving psychotherapist using jazz as a means to promote self-reflection, process current events, and to expand consciousness. Serving jazz lovers and those who want to learn about jazz!

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May 19 · 1 hr 20 min
Season 3 Episode 4: Comedian Jack Gallagher on standing in integrity in work and life; the warm soulfulness of the multi-talented Bill Henderson
In this episode, Jesse speaks with legendary comedian/actor/writer/producer Jack Gallagher, about his path as a comedian, doing what is right despite the opinions of others, and how to stand in integrity in work and life. They (laugh a lot on the way) then listen to the vocals of jazz vocalist and actor Bill Henderson. Here are the songs they listen to: * “Baby Won’t You Please Come Home,” (15:25 it begins Henderson), Art Ford’s Jazz Party, October 9, 1958 Roy Eldrige, Buck Clayton (trumpet), Buster Bailey (clarinet), Osie Johnson (drums), Bill Henderson (vocal) * “You are my Sunshine,” Bill Henderson with the Oscar Peterson Trio, Bill Hennderson and Oscar Peterson. * Bill Henderson - vocals * Oscar Peterson – piano * Ray Brown – double bass * Ed Thigpen - drums * “Daydream,” Billie Strayhorn-October 21, 2010-Billie Strayhorn-Duke Ellington’s right hand man This song was recorded in 2010 when he was 84 here-wow! May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
February 5 · 1 hr 17 min
Season 3 Ep 2: A Drumming Legacy: Brother Ruckus on Life, Drums, Standing Up, & the music his of his father, Ralph Peterson
In this episode, Jesse speaks with acclaimed drummer and Berkelee College of Music Alumni Brother Ruckus. Covering his life, they discuss his path to music, his spirituality and how it manifests through his music, and his passion for using his platform and privilege as an artist for political protest. Brother Ruckus and Jesse do a Metta (loving-kindness) meditation for Minneapolis and for immigrants. The two then listen to and reflect on the music of Brother Ruckus’s father, the late, great Ralph Peterson, who, in addition to carrying on the torch of the Jazz Messengers, was a famous drummer, teacher, composer, and bandleader. Come and join us-this is an episode you don’t want to miss! Find Brother Ruckus online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brother_ruckus/ Listen along with us! Links to the songs we listen to in this episode: “El Nino” “The Art of War” “Untitled-Ralph Peterson on Trumpet” www.jazztherapy.com May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
Sep 21, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
Jazz Singer Vivian Lee, The Power of Intention, and the vocals of Carmen McRae
In this episode, Jesse speaks with renowned jazz singer Vivian Lee about her intrepid career, being open to inspiration at all times, and what Carmen McRae teaches us about the power of lyrics. We learn about Vivian’s path to becoming a singer, the unexpected along the way, and how Carmen McRae embodies the power of intention through her vocal artistry. Songs we listen to in this episode: 1.“Perdido,” 1957 New Port Jazz Festival 2. “Round Midnight,” Montreal, 1988 and Her on Monk (Intro to Monk begins at 7;47 , Song begins at 10:37) 3. “Reaching for the Stars,” Billie Holiday song 32:00, Carmen and Dizzy G, 1088 www.jazztherapy.com Thank You for being here. May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul ... everything I do, I choose very, very carefully, because if I don't like it, I can't make you like it. Carmen McRae This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
Sep 5, 2025 · 1 hr 17 min
Season 3 Episode 1 Premiere: Spiritual Director /Author Lori Jean, Embracing our Shadow Side, and Guitarist Pat Metheny
In the Season 3 premiere, we kick off our Jesse talks to Spiritual Director/Depth psychology author Lori Jean about Jung’s concept of the shadow and how important it is to be able to embrace our shadow, and the downsides of the “Positive Psychology” movement. They then listen to jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, perfect for embracing and pondering our shadow sides. “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” ― Carl Gustav Jung “Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people.” ― Carl Gustav Jung LISTEN along with us! Here are the songs we listen to in this Episode: * “Have You Heard?” * “The Moon Song,” Beyond the Missouri Sky (Short Stories), Charlie Haden and Pat Metheny, 1997 * “Last Train,” Pat Metheny Group, 2005? Where to find Lori Jean: www.solworkcreative.com https://substack.com/@lorijeancreative https://medium.com/@lorijeancreative Find Jazz Therapy online: www.jazztherapy.com May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
Aug 7, 2025 · 49 min
Season 2 Episode 11 (Season Finale!): Artist Cooper Salmon, A Worldwide Meditation for Artists, and the music of Guitarist Kenny Burrell
In this episode, Jesse interviews artist Cooper Salmon, MFA. They talk about his passion for art and work as an artist with a visual disability, and then do a worldwide mediation for artists. They then listen to the music of legendary guitarist Kenny Burrell. Songs we listen to in this episode: * “Swingin,” Live the Five Spot Cafe, New York, NY, 1959 * “Mood Indigo,” 1990, Live at the Subway Club, Cologne, Germany * “Midnight Special,” Jimmy Smith and Kenny Burrell, Vienne, France 1990 (Song begins at 6:04) www.jazztherapy.com May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
Jul 17, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
Season 2, Episode 10: Teacher Heidi Witter, A Celebration of Education, and Philly Joe Jones
In this episode, Jesse interviews veteran teacher and marathon runner (and her sister!) Heidi Witter. Heidi shares how being an AA member changed her life, reflects on her spiritual path, and imparts life lessons, wisdom,, and her philosophy on life. Heidi and Jesse do a Loving-Kindness/Metta meditation for Educators all over the world. Finally, they listen to the music of legendary drummer Philly Joe Jones (himself a drum teacher at one point in his storied career!) Songs we listen to in this episode: 1. “Battery Blues,” from “Showcase,” Philly Joe Jones, 1959 2. “Blues for Dracula,” 1958 3. “Nardis,” The Bill Evans Trio, Umbria Jazz Festival, 1978 (Song begins at approximately 16:14) Connect with us! Website: jazztherapy.com Instagram: thejazztherapy Tiktok: jazztherapy Youtube: @thejazztherapyjesse Find us on all streaming platforms now. May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul Music in this episode is brought to you by the Free Music Archive 1. Detector by Gospel of Mars 2. Channeling by Yuganaut 3. Vidala en Verde by Milton Arias 4. What a Day by Albert Berger 5. Maiden Voyage by Jazz at Mladost Club This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
Jul 4, 2025 · 1 hr
Season 2 Episode 9: Realtor Dylan Anderson, Celebrating LGBTQia+, and the Legacy of Lena Horne
In this episode, Jesse interviews Realtor Dylan Anderson. We meditate and celebrate the LGBTQia+ community, and celebrate and listen to the music of singer, Civil Rights Activist and legend Lena Horne. Music we listen to in this Episode: 1. Stormy Weather 2. Something to Live For-14:12 3. Tony and Lena How to Find Realtor Dylan Anderson online: https://dranderson.windermereca.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@dylan.realestate?_t=ZT-8xiyIBXDtyB&_r=1 https://www.instagram.com/yourrealtordylan?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Connect with us! Website: jazztherapy.com Instagram: thejazztherapy TikTok: jazztherapy YouTube: @thejazztherapyjesse Find us on all streaming platforms now. May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul Music in this episode is brought to you by the Free Music Archive 1. Detector by Gospel of Mars 2. Channeling by Yuganaut 3. Vidala en Verde by Milton Arias 4. What a Day by Albert Berger 5. Maiden Voyage by Jazz at Mladost Club This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
May 16, 2025 · 57 min
Season 2, Episode 8: Rigdzin, Jazz, and The Rainbow Body
Connect with us! Website: jazztherapy.com Instagram: thejazztherapy Tiktok: jazztherapy Youtube: @thejazztherapyjesse Find us on all streaming platforms now. May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul Music in this episode is brought to you by the Free Music Archive * Detector by Gospel of Mars * Channeling by Yuganaut * Vidala en Verde by Milton Arias * What a Day by Albert Berger * Maiden Voyage by Jazz at Mladost Club Edited by Anarcovision This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
S2 · E7
Apr 9, 2025 · 47 min
Season 2, Episode 7: "Dr. Joe Gillman, Individuation, and the Music of Herbie Hancock"
In this episode, Jesse talks with renowned pianist and educator and restauranteur Dr. Joe Gillman, about his calling to music, spirituality, jazz, and the path of Individuation, or becoming one's own authentic Self. Through the music of Herbie Hancock, Jesse and Dr. Joe dive deep into this process, and explore why Herbie Hancock, an elder statesman and Bodhisattva, is the epitome of an artist who embodies authenticity on his journey of Individuation. 1. "Driftin": 2. "Maiden Voyage": 3. "I Have a Dream": Joe Gilman’s Twin Lotus Thai: https://www.twinlotusthai.com/ Connect with us! Website: https://jazztherapy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejazztherapy/ Tiktok: jazztherapy Find our podcast on all streaming platforms now. May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul Music in the intro and outro of this episode is brought to you by the Free Music Archive 1. Detector by Gospel of Mars 2. Maiden Voyage by Jazz at Mladost Club Edited by Sage Salmon Media This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
Mar 19, 2025 · 38 min
Season 2 Episode 6: How we bear and thrive amidst Uncertainty and the piano of Erroll Garner
In this episode, Jesse reflects on the growing global uncertainty, her own personal uncertainty, from a Depth-oriented psychological perspective. We talk about how we can care for these states of being, and we mediate. Finally, we listen to the singular piano sound of Erroll Garner, a true original. Connect with us! Website: jazztherapy.com Instagram: thejazztherapy Tiktok: jazztherapy Youtube: @thejazztherapyjesse Find us on all streaming platforms now. May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul Music in this episode is brought to you by the Free Music Archive * Detector by Gospel of Mars * Channeling by Yuganaut * Vidala en Verde by Milton Arias * What a Day by Albert Berger * Maiden Voyage by Jazz at Mladost Club This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
Feb 7, 2025 · 39 min
Season 2 Episode 5: A Deep Dive into Mary Lou Williams’ “Black Christ of the Andes”
In this Special Edition: “Album Therapy” episode, Jesse and the audience listen Mary Lou Williams’s visionary album “Black Christ of the Andes,” honoring San Martin de Porres, the first Black saint in the America’s. Come along for great commentary as we immerse our souls in this creative, dynamic work. Connect with us🎷 Website: https://jazztherapy.com/ Instagram: thejazztherapy Tiktok: jazztherapy Youtube: @thejazztherapyjesse Find us on all streaming platforms now | May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
Jan 6, 2025 · 35 min
Season 2, Episode 4: Breaking our Bad Habits, Self-Compassion, and the resiliency of Phinneas Newborn, Jr
In this episode, Jesse talks about how we can break bad habits from neuroscientific, psychological, and spiritual perspectives. We do a visualization for breaking our bad habits, and are soothed by the piano of Phinneas Newborn Jr. Connect with us: Website: jazztherapy.com Instagram: thejazztherapy Tiktok: jazztherapy Youtube: @thejazztherapyjesse Music in this episode is brought to you by the Free Music Archive Detector by Gospel of Mars Channeling by Yuganaut Vidala en Verde by Milton Arias What a Day by Albert Berger Maiden Voyage by Jazz at Mladost Club Find us on all streaming platforms now. May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
Dec 5, 2024 · 39 min
Season 2 Episode 3: Post: Election Special: The Power of One, Meditation for the USA, and the Genius of Clifford Brown
In this episode, Jesse processes her feelings about the election. She explores the “power of one,” the idea that one person can change a group and the world. We turn to the jazz of Clifford Brown, an artist who exemplified “the power of one” by his elegant genius. Connect with us! Website: jazztherapy.com Instagram: thejazztherapy Tiktok: jazztherapy Youtube: @thejazztherapyjesse Music in this episode is brought to you by the Free Music Archive Detector by Gospel of Mars Channeling by Yuganaut Vidala en Verde by Milton Arias What a Day by Albert Berger Maiden Voyage by Jazz at Mladost Club Find us on all streaming platforms now. May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
Nov 6, 2024 · 30 min
Season 2, Episode 2: Preconceived Notions, Mindfulness and Self Compassion, and the Intensity of Sidney Bechet
In this in this episode, Jesse talks about having preconceived, notions and assumptions, and how she’s been wrong about some things recently. She talks about bringing mindfulness and compassion when we realize we are wrong and how this can help us. Finally, we are so with the beauty of the music of Sidney Bechet. Connect with us! Website: jazztherapy.com Instagram: thejazztherapy Tiktok: jazztherapy Youtube: @thejazztherapyjesse Find us on all streaming platforms now. Music in this episode is brought to you by the Free Music Archive Detector by Gospel of Mars Channeling by Yuganaut Vidala en Verde by Milton Arias What a Day by Albert Berger Maiden Voyage by Jazz at Mladost Club May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
Oct 17, 2024 · 34 min
Season 2, Episode 1: The Monkey Mind, Inner Peace, and the genius of Ahmad Jamal
Welcome back, Jazz Lovers, to the premiere of Season 2! In this episode, Jesse talks about the Buddhist concept of the "monkey mind," how she struggles, and ways we can calm the mind. Finally, we take in the beautiful sounds of Ahmad Jamal (perfect for soothing the monkey mind) Come along and join us! Connect with us! Website: jazztherapy.com Instagram: thejazztherapy Tiktok: jazztherapy Youtube: @thejazztherapyjesse Music in this episode is brought to you by the Free Music Archive Detector by Gospel of Mars Channeling by Yuganaut Vidala en Verde by Milton Arias What a Day by Albert Berger Maiden Voyage by Jazz at Mladost Club Find us on all streaming platforms now. May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
Jun 22, 2024 · 53 min
Episode 10: Shinrin-yoku: The Japanese Art of Forest Bathing, a Meditation, and the genius of Eric Dolphy
In Episode 10, also our Season 1 Finale, Jesse talks about the Japanese concept of "Forest Bathing," how nature is so therapeutic for all of us, and how we can call get outdoors more often. Then, we discuss and listen to the works of bass clarinetist, alto saxist, and flautist Eric Dolphy, a musical jazz genius who was deeply inspired by the birds and nature himself. Here are the links for the songs in this episode 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wui2CUV0PRM&t=1066s 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWCdcA9SUfM&t=2203s 3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03NX_EjGijM&t=3s The clip from an interview I mention with Eric Dolphy: https://youtu.be/LwaH3-xcFpg?si=QGg5RskFSNS2P_2S The documentary on Eric Dolphy I mention, "Full Date" : https://youtu.be/cyYGwJWvL_Q?si=NF5SJ00WAh8bwZg_ May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul jazztherapy.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
Jun 12, 2024 · 55 min
Episode 9: The beauty of immigrants, “Othering” others, and Paquito D’Rivera
In this episode, Jesse talks about all of us being immigrants, celebrating diversity, and how we have a proclivity to “other” those different than us. We listen to the music of Cuban-American immigrant and percussionist Paquito D’Rivera. Songs we listened to: 1. Chucho Valdés & Irakere "Pare Cochero" 2. Paquito D'Rivera "Llévatela" 3. Paquito D'Rivera "Vino Tinto" May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul jazztherapy.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
Jun 7, 2024 · 50 min
Episode 8: Wu Wei: The Art of Not Forcing, and Christian McBride
In this episode, Jesse ponders the Daoist concept of “Wu Wei,” or “Don’t Force,” and how we can all align better with the Tao, or flow of the Universe. We listen to amazing bassist Christian McBride, and do a mediation to help us let go of that which we grasp. Songs we listened to: 1. "Only Trust Your Heart" • Only Trust Your Heart 2. "Brother Malcom - Prologue" • Christian McBride - Brother Malcolm –... 3. "Green Slime" • Christian McBride & Edgar Meyer - Gre... May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul jazztherapy.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
May 23, 2024 · 57 min
Episode 7: Group Therapy, Dying to the Ego, and Red Garland
In this episode, Jesse talks about pianist Red Garland and how his involvement in The Miles Davis Quintet is an example of “dying to the ego.” She applies psychodynamic aspects of group therapy to analyzing this “group” and reflects on the beauty of the music of Red Garland. A mediation for groups in the forms of legislative bodies all around the world rounds out the episode. The music we listened to: Song 1- "You're My Everything" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekbWB6kBW2I&ab_channel=MilesDavis-Topic Song 2- "Billie's Bounce" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uh_ZLGz_ZLk&ab_channel=RedGarland-Topic Song 3- "Stormy Weather" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57IY0wDqdCs&ab_channel=RedGarland-Topic jazztherapy.com May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com
May 16, 2024 · 33 min
Episode 6: Trailblazing Spirituality, Mary Lou Williams, and The War in Gaza
In this episode, Jesse reflects upon the life of the multi-talented Mary Lou Williams, pianist, composer, arranger, and spiritual trailblazer. Then, she guides the audience through a Mett mediation dedicated to ending the War in Gaza Song 1: https://open.spotify.com/album/0rNgP6dA7elgUCINGUUeyI?si=kJia9lDsTMCDaQz1T4Jmqg Song 2: https://open.spotify.com/track/6bJL5YKCocxT3FnzZk4Ioe?si=mstYYYQoS5Op8NevdkOJ3g May Jazz Therapy Soothe Your Soul jazztherapy.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jazztherapy.substack.com

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