In this deeply personal and beautifully nostalgic episode, Shub from North of Normal sits down with music lover and self-confessed audio nerd Alex Baker — a man with over 2,000 records, a dream of running a “listening bar,” and a lifelong connection to sound.

Alex shares the story behind his song choice: “Have You Heard” by Pat Metheny Group — the tune that first made him cry at ten years old and still moves him decades later. What begins as a simple childhood memory turns into a touching reflection on family, emotion, and the strange power of music to hold us through life’s chaos.

Together, Shub and Alex explore:
🎧 The lost art of listening — from hi-fi systems to headphone rituals
🎵 How a single song can become a comfort blanket through the years
🕊 Why music often says what words can’t — and why that’s enough

It’s a soulful dive into jazz, nostalgia, and the frequencies that make us feel alive.
If you haven’t heard the song yet, pause, listen to “Have You Heard” by Pat Metheny Group, and then come back. You’ll hear this conversation in a whole new way.

00:00 Introduction and Connection Through Music

03:00 Personal Journeys and Reflections on Recovery

05:58 Creativity and the Impact of Parenthood

08:39 The Art of Listening and Audio Quality

11:26 Musical Background and Influences

14:13 Early Musical Memories and Tastes

22:29 Vinyl Culture and Record Collections

24:25 Song Choice and Personal Connection

24:47 The Emotional Connection to Music

29:19 Memories and Music: A Personal Journey

35:06 The Power of Music in Emotional Moments

37:20 Exploring the Impact of a Song

42:17 The Comfort of Familiar Tunes

46:29 Imagining Covers and New Interpretations

50:50 Riverside Intro : Outro.mp4