After almost 3 years, More In Common is excited to be bringing back episodes in a new format and a new host!!

In this episode of the More In Common podcast, hosts Gerren Taylor and Keith Richardson explore the importance of setting boundaries in interpersonal relationships and workplace dynamics. They discuss the challenges of navigating sensitive topics, especially during the holiday season, and provide practical strategies for establishing guardrails in conversations. The hosts emphasize the need for intentionality and emotional intelligence in communication, encouraging listeners to practice these skills in both personal and professional settings. The episode concludes with key takeaways and a call to action for listeners to engage in meaningful conversations.

What does 'being connected with self' actually look like…feel like? It’s impossible to describe, as we explore with Sydney in part 2 of this conversation.

Whether or not we can describe it, what is true from this conversation is that vulnerability and the willingness to express it with yourself and others is a big step in finding that connection.

Once she was willing to be vulnerable with her music it all changed, and her music went to a new level.

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Today, we are with singer/songwriter Sydney Lauren. SYDNEY TELLS STORIES THROUGH HER SONGS. SHE GREW UP SINGING AND WRITING MUSIC JUST OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK CITY, THE PLACE SHE NOW CALLS HOME. THE CITY SERVES AS HER INSPIRATION AS WELL AS HER STOMPING GROUNDS, AND SHE HAS PERFORMED IN NYC VENUES LIKE THE DELANCEY & THE BITTER END.

SYDNEY’S TRAINING IN PIANO, GUITAR AND SONGWRITING ARE CLEARLY REFLECTED IN HER SONGS, WHICH TAKE INSPIRATION FROM SOME OF HER FAVORITE ARTISTS INCLUDING JP SAXE, SARAH BAREILLES, INGRID ANDRESS, AND MORE. HER MUSIC HAS BEEN FEATURED ON “TEMPTATION ISLAND” AND "THE BIGGEST LOSER" ON USA NETWORK.

SYDNEY’S NEW ERA OF MUSIC REPRESENTS A CHAPTER IN HER LIFE LYRICALLY, AND HER AUTHENTIC VISION SONICALLY. SHE DIVES INTO THE EMOTIONS THAT OCCUR DURING HEARTBREAK AND THE SIMPLISTIC HAPPINESS THAT CAN COME WITH LOVE. NEW YORK CITY WILL ALWAYS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN HER MUSIC, WHETHER IT’S A STREET SHE REFERENCES OR THE SUBWAY HOME. SHE’S A STORYTELLER AT HEART AND HOPES TO SING WORDS YOU WERE THINKING BUT DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO SAY.

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Topics we discuss:

• How she got good at her Music
  • Accepting that she is good at it
  • Music built her confidence
• Tracking Downloads and attention
• Being vulnerable through her music
• Turning Around a bad mood
• Creating music that resonates with people
• Understanding Self

References:

• Harkness Method
• Nodes Scene from Pitch Perfect
• Her song Bucket Hat
• Sydney Lauren.com

Credits:

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

All music created by DJ Rufbeats

What is a fact? A fact is something that is true. Yet, today we are so conflicted about our facts because we have decided to conflate them with truth.

Truth is subjective. What is true to you may not be true to me. You may think The Matrix is the greatest cinematic accomplishment of the 20th century. I may think that award belongs to Schindler’s List.

What isn’t true is that either sentiment is a fact. This is merely an opinion one holds. However, we have the tendency to think of our truths as facts and it can create serious issues connecting with others and navigating conversation.

We explore this reality with Sydney in part 1 of our awesome conversation with her.

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Today, we are with singer/songwriter Sydney Lauren. SYDNEY TELLS STORIES THROUGH HER SONGS. SHE GREW UP SINGING AND WRITING MUSIC JUST OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK CITY, THE PLACE SHE NOW CALLS HOME. THE CITY SERVES AS HER INSPIRATION AS WELL AS HER STOMPING GROUNDS, AND SHE HAS PERFORMED IN NYC VENUES LIKE THE DELANCEY & THE BITTER END.

SYDNEY’S TRAINING IN PIANO, GUITAR AND SONGWRITING ARE CLEARLY REFLECTED IN HER SONGS, WHICH TAKE INSPIRATION FROM SOME OF HER FAVORITE ARTISTS INCLUDING JP SAXE, SARAH BAREILLES, INGRID ANDRESS, AND MORE. HER MUSIC HAS BEEN FEATURED ON “TEMPTATION ISLAND” AND "THE BIGGEST LOSER" ON USA NETWORK.

SYDNEY’S NEW ERA OF MUSIC REPRESENTS A CHAPTER IN HER LIFE LYRICALLY, AND HER AUTHENTIC VISION SONICALLY. SHE DIVES INTO THE EMOTIONS THAT OCCUR DURING HEARTBREAK AND THE SIMPLISTIC HAPPINESS THAT CAN COME WITH LOVE. NEW YORK CITY WILL ALWAYS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN HER MUSIC, WHETHER IT’S A STREET SHE REFERENCES OR THE SUBWAY HOME. SHE’S A STORYTELLER AT HEART AND HOPES TO SING WORDS YOU WERE THINKING BUT DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO SAY.

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Topics we discuss:

• Knowing when to walk away from conflict
  • Harkness Method
  • Saying what you don't mean
  • Being Brutally Honest
• Facts vs. Truth
• Accepting Others

References:

• Harkness Method
• Nodes Scene from Pitch Perfect
• Her song Bucket Hat
• Sydney Lauren.com

Credits:

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

All music created by DJ Rufbeats