In this milestone 404th episode of Friends Talking Nerdy, Professor Aubrey and Tim the Nerd turn the dial up on personal playlists, march into activism, and spin a classic album in a brand‑new segment. Join them as they explore the music that moves them, the protest that galvanized them, and the songwriting that still surprises them—only on Friends Talking Nerdy.
1. Five Songs for the Soundtrack of Our Lives
What songs would you choose if you could score every moment of your existence? Aubrey and Tim each pick five anthems that capture joy, heartbreak, rebellion, and introspection—and then debate which track best embodies each phase of their life. Their shortlist includes indie classics like “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” (The Smiths) and deep‑cut gems such as “Misunderstood” (Pete Townshend), alongside rock staples like “Start Me Up” (The Rolling Stones), rap anthems like “Lose Yourself To Dance” (Daft Punk) and “8 Mile” (Eminem), and more. They share the stories behind each choice—first concerts, late‑night revelations, and that one song that still gives them goosebumps.
2. Professor Aubrey on the “Tesla Takedown”
From lecture halls to picket lines, Professor Aubrey gives a firsthand account of joining the “Tesla Takedown” protests against Elon Musk. She breaks down what sparked her outrage, the coalition she helped build, and the surprising moments of solidarity she found among fellow activists. Expect insider anecdotes about sign‑making, media soundbites, and why she believes public pressure can reshape the future of tech leadership.
3. Tim’s Tremendous Tapes: Joni Mitchell’s Blue
In the debut of his new segment, Tim’s Tremendous Tapes, Tim dives deep into Joni Mitchell’s 1971 masterpiece Blue. He unpacks why “River” steals the show, and why “The Last Time I Saw Richard” didn't work for him. Tim reveals how Blue taught him about vulnerability, songwriting craft, and the power of a perfectly placed chord change.
As always, we wish to thank Christopher Lazarek for his wonderful theme song. Head to his website for information on how to purchase his EP, Here's To You, which is available on all digital platforms.
Head to Friends Talking Nerdy's website for more information on where to find us online.
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