Episode 29: Illuminating the Underground: PUMA's Jennie Witt on Revolutionizing the Music Scene
Episode Summary:
Get ready to immerse yourself in music, authenticity, and conscious communication with Jennie, the dynamic force behind PUMA! Join us as Jennie shares her unfiltered insights on navigating the music scene and redefining the concert experience. From dissecting trendy buzzwords to advocating for honest dialogue in the wellness community, Jennie challenges conventional thinking with refreshing honesty. Gordon adds depth to the conversation with an intriguing exploration of the intersection between science and spirituality, featuring a captivating debate between Sam Harris and Deepak Chopra. Plus, uncover the passion and purpose driving PUMA's mission to create unforgettable live music events. Whether a music enthusiast or a curious soul, this episode promises to inspire, educate, and leave you craving more. Don't miss out — subscribe now and join us for an unforgettable journey through music and mindful living!
Show Notes:
Segment 1: Introduction to Jennie Witt and PUMA
Timestamp: [00:01:17 - 00:05:05]
Jen welcomes Jennie Witt and introduces the topic: Private Underground Music Association (PUMA).
Jennie shares her excitement about being on the podcast.
Jennie recounts her adventurous twenties in Europe and California, transitioning from a crystal shop job to becoming an event coordinator at a top spiritual center in Los Angeles.
Segment 2: The Birth of PUMA
Timestamp: [00:05:06 - 00:05:05]
Jennie discusses how the pandemic and personal losses inspired her to create PUMA.
PUMA is designed to ensure community gatherings can happen without restrictions.
Jennie's mission with PUMA is to support underground music and provide a genuine platform for artists and fans.
Segment 3: Cannabis Cultivation and Personal Growth
Timestamp: [00:05:06 - 00:06:49]
Jennie talks about transitioning to farming cannabis during the pandemic.
The therapeutic benefits of cannabis and its role in supporting her family financially.
Jennie and her partner's unique position of being in recovery while cultivating cannabis, and the importance of helping others through their cultivation efforts.
Segment 4: Focus on PUMA's Mission and Vision
Timestamp: [00:06:50 - 00:11:01]
Jennie shares the inspiration behind PUMA and its mission to support underground music.
The aim to avoid corporate models and provide a genuine platform for artists and fans.
Jennie's passion for discovering and promoting lesser-known artists, and the rewarding experience of connecting audiences with new talent.
Segment 5: Navigating Future Challenges
Timestamp: [00:11:02 - 00:11:59]
PUMA's structure as a private organization to protect against potential future lockdowns.
Plans for membership recruitment events and exclusive member-only events.
Jennie's vision to break away from traditional festival and concert formats, integrating music with non-traditional elements to create unique experiences for fans and artists.
Segment 6: Marketing Strategies for PUMA
Timestamp: [00:11:06 - 00:11:59]
Jennie shares innovative marketing ideas, inspired by UFC promo videos, to create excitement for PUMA events by highlighting the stories of musicians and the significance of the event locations.
Emphasis on creating a unique identity for PUMA events, making members feel engaged and a part of something special.
Jennie is inspired by the creativity of other event companies and aims to foster a collaborative environment in the music industry.
Segment 7: Upcoming Events and Rock and Roll Brunch
Timestamp: [00:11:57 - 00:15:00]
Introduction of the "Rock and Roll Brunch" event, combining food culture with rock and roll, featuring a flea market and flexibility in timing.
Jennie expresses excitement about the rock culture in Phoenix and the potential renaissance of rock and roll music.
Discussion about the blend of live musicians and DJs to create a unique experience at PUMA events.
Segment 8: Curating Artists for PUMA Events
Timestamp: [00:15:00 - 00:17:24]
Jennie explains her process for selecting artists, focusing on the emotional impact of their performances and balancing industry considerations like popularity and touring schedules.
PUMA's freedom allows Jennie to prioritize artists who create an incredible feeling for her.
Mention of a future event celebrating Texas guitar music and the goal of making every PUMA event feel like a family reunion of superfans.
Segment 9: Integrating Cannabis with PUMA Events
Timestamp: [00:17:24 - 00:20:30]
Jennie talks about the natural connection between music and cannabis, especially within the rock and roll scene.
PUMA plans to incorporate cannabis into events, offering an alternative to alcohol and enhancing the overall experience.
Jennie and Jen discuss the growing trend of mocktail bars and the cultural shift away from alcohol.
Segment 10: Social Impact and Community Engagement
Timestamp: [00:20:30 - 00:24:09]
PUMA's commitment to connecting events with local charities and causes to uplift communities.
Importance of understanding community needs before hosting events to ensure positive impact.
Jennie's dream of integrating regenerative agriculture principles into PUMA events, inspired by Joel Salatin's methods, to benefit the environment while hosting music festivals.
Segment 11: Woodstock 99 Reflections
[00:24:14 - 00:25:10]
Discussion on Woodstock 99 and its impact on music and event production.
Jennie and Jen express their disapproval of the event's management and exploitation of fans.
Reflections on the music that emerged from the festival and how recent events shape musical tastes.
Segment 12: Pandemic Creativity
[00:25:11 - 00:27:17]
The impact of the pandemic on music production and creativity.
Jennie and Jen share differing views on the quality of music produced during the pandemic.
Discussion on how isolation affected DJs versus live musicians and the importance of creative energy.
Segment 13: Music Industry Advice
[00:27:18 - 00:30:01]
Jennie gives advice to newcomers in the music industry, focusing on avoiding unpaid internships and valuing one's time.
Criticism of a monopolistic company exploiting workers and pushing down wages.
Encouragement to stand firm and find a place that values your contributions.
Segment 14: Nashville's Music Scene
[00:30:02 - 00:32:01]
Discussion on Nashville's music scene, including the surprising revelation that many musicians play for tips.
Jennie and Jen's frustration with the exploitation of musicians in a major music city.
Brief tangent on Nashville's status as the bachelorette capital of the world.
Segment 15: Austin's Music Culture
[00:32:02 - 00:34:45]
Austin's thriving music scene and its appeal to Californians and other newcomers.
Jennie's appreciation of Austin's family-friendly approach to music events.
Discussion on the cultural dynamics and migration patterns affecting cities like Austin and Phoenix.
Segment 16: Puma's Vision for Music Events
[00:34:46 - 00:37:17]
Jennie outlines Puma's vision for creating unique music events that go beyond the typical festival experience.
Plans for rock and roll brunches, membership recruitment events, and eventually establishing brick-and-mortar social clubs.
Emphasis on fostering a family-like community where music and culinary experiences are intertwined.
Segment 17: Plant, Body, and Soul - Music
[00:37:20 - 00:38:41]
Jennie shares her current music obsession: The Last Internationale radio station on Spotify.
The influence of the Joshua Tree Music Festival on Jennie’s music discovery.
Jen expresses excitement to explore The Last Internationale’s music.
Segment 18: Exploring Music Festivals
[00:38:41 - 00:40:57]
Gordon recommends the Treefort Music Fest in Boise to Jennie.
Discussion on the diverse and family-friendly nature of Treefort, including its sub-festivals like Comedy Fort and Yoga Fort.
Jennie gives a shout-out to the High Sierra Music Festival, highlighting its magical atmosphere and strong fan-music connection.
Segment 19: Favorite Cannabis Terms
[00:41:01 - 00:43:17]
Jennie’s favorite cannabis term is “blazed,” with a humorous nod to the kids' show Blaze and the Monster Machines.
Nostalgic conversation about code terms like “bowling” for smoking weed during high school.
Jen shares an amusing story about the brand Jeeter and their origin in the music festival scene.
Segment 20: The Art of Slang
[00:43:17 - 00:44:57]
Jennie and Jen discuss the creativity and humor in slang terms, especially within the cannabis community.
Jennie reflects on her time in Spain and the appreciation for English slang that developed from her experience.
The conversation touches on the cultural significance and joy of creating and using slang.
Segment 21: Psychedelic Experiences
[00:44:57 - 00:46:57]
Jennie shares a profound personal story about her first experience with ecstasy, highlighting its impact on her self-perception and mental health.
The discussion addresses the nuanced role of substances in coping with difficult times.
Jennie emphasizes the importance of recognizing how substances can both harm and help, depending on the context.
Segment 22: Jennie's Perfect Day
[00:47:01 - 00:51:00]
Jennie describes her ideal day at the High Sierra Music Festival, including morning soccer games, vendor browsing, and non-stop dancing.
She reflects on her journey to sobriety and the transformative moment at the festival that confirmed her strength.
The segment concludes with Jennie and the hosts discussing the freedom and empowerment that comes from overcoming substance dependency.
Segment 23: Defining Woo Woo
[00:51:14 - 00:53:01]
Jen asks for a definition of "woo woo" and Gordon explains by referencing a debate between Sam Harris and Deepak Chopra.
Discussion on how "woo woo" often involves buzzwords that lack substantive meaning.
Gordon praises Sam Harris for his clarity in debunking vague or pseudo-scientific language.
Segment 24: Buzzwords and Their Impact
[00:53:01 - 00:54:00]
Jen and Gordon talk about the prevalence of buzzwords in various communities, especially yoga and plant medicine.
Jennie criticizes the overuse of terms like "conscious music" and emphasizes authenticity over trendy labels.
Exploration of how buzzwords can create superficial understanding and limit deeper exploration.
Segment 25: Honest Conversations About Plant Use
[00:54:00 - 00:57:00]
Jennie calls for honesty in how people discuss their use of plants, distinguishing between recreational use and medicinal use.
The hosts agree on the importance of clear communication to avoid misleading perceptions, particularly around children.
Jennie highlights the irresponsible labeling of all plant use as "medicine."
Segment 26: Conclusion and Future Plans
[00:57:00 - 00:59:41]
Jen, Jennie, and Gordon discuss including a link to the Sam Harris and Deepak Chopra conversation in the show notes.
Jennie shares where listeners can find her and Puma Music Live online.
The hosts express their appreciation for Jennie and look forward to future collaborations, encouraging listeners to subscribe to their platforms.
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