As 2022 comes to a wrap, our Seventh Scout team wanted to do something extra special for our clients. It’s been an amazing journey working with you, and we’re excited to see what the future holds. We’ve always enjoyed showing our appreciation through unique and thoughtful gifts that reflect our team’s personality and creativity. We know music can have a special effect – bringing joy, sparking imagination, and creating meaningful connections among us! To celebrate this connection and our thanks, we’ve handpicked a collection of songs and podcasts that are personal to us. This gift is meant to motivate you through the day or serve as your next creative inspiration. In this journal, explore the songs and podcasts each Seventh Scout team member curated.
Enjoy this selection we’ve put together just for you 🎶
Lynn's Picks
Song Selection
Tainted Love – Soft Cell
Rhodes had a love for music and a flair for the dramatic, and his playlist certainly reflected that. Tainted Love was a song that was on high rotation and will now always be associated with his playful spirit.
The Root – Magna Carda
Megan Tillman (aka Megz) and her partner Chris Beale are the most ridiculously talented musicians. I have had the privilege of working with both of these wonderful humans…and no, it did not involve music, sadly. And Megz and I share our hometown of New Orleans and a love for storytelling. Be sure to check out her Little Trumpet short film and jump at the chance to see Magna Carda live!
Best of My Love – The Emotions
“Hey Google, Play Disco” Those were the commands that Rhodes started most workdays with…and invariably, that iconic horn and bass intro would start blaring on our office speakers. We saw many hard days together, but disco brightened our spirits.
Way Down in the Hole – The Blind Boys of Alabama
Easter 2021 – Two years into the pandemic and one month before Rhodes passed away. Live music was returning, and we sat on the lawn of the Long Center, enjoying the uplifting and inspiring. I loved watching him sing, clap, and nod along.
Telephone – Lady Gaga, Beyonce
“That “bleeping” telephone booth.”
Rhodes’ bought a 1940’s phone booth to add some flair to our new office. But because of intense back pain, he could not help move this monster. We enlisted friends and family to help, one of which was my partner. As he sat on the sidelines in pain, he pulled my partner aside to ask her for some informal advice. He described his symptoms: intense pain, loss of appetite, and rapid weight loss. I watched as her smile faded into concern. Their conversation led to a new course of exams that uncovered stage four pancreatic cancer. I retell this story in hopes that just one person reads his story, relates to his symptoms, and gets diagnosed earlier. It is a vicious and hard-to-diagnose disease.
Solid As A Rock – Ella Fitzgerald
For Valentine’s Day, I gave Elizabeth (& me!) the gift of dance lessons. Each week, we take time to learn new dances (swing, country, even bachata!) and more importantly, slow down, have fun, and connect. This song is my favorite as it makes me think to the future and getting married. Look out 2023…we are coming for you!
Good Day – Nappy Roots
“We’re gonna have a good day.” It pretty much says it all…sometimes you just have to manifest that day, and this song gets me there.
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free – Nina Simone
When I am having a bad day, this song reminds me that we all struggle with wanting to be understood and feel as though we belong. But when I am having a good day, this song reminds me of all I am grateful for in having a good day. Basically, I love Nina Simone.
Hey Pocky A-Way – The Meters
As a New Orleans native who has lived on the St. Charles/Napoleon parade route as well as the French Quarter, all I need is the first few seconds of this song and the horns to be transported back to the streets of New Orleans and Carnival season.
Baby Driver – Simon & Garfunkel
Early in our relationship, Elizabeth, her sons, and I were cooking together and finding songs to brighten the mood. As we shouted suggestions at the smart speaker, this song eventually played and all four of us danced around the kitchen…singing and dancing along to the song. (And they will likely kill me for sharing this!)
Podcast Reccomendation
The Disconnect: Power, Politics, and the Texas Blackout
Five days without electricity in the energy capital. We slept by the gas fireplace and boiled the water we had stored in our bathtub. How did Texas come to find itself in the dark? As an NPR nerd and KUT board member, I am fascinated by the background of the state deregulating “the grid” and what the future seasons hold for our residents…and Season Two just dropped!
Jenni's Picks
Song Selection
The Seventh Scout office is home to several trinkets, memorabilia, and ‘necessities.’ I use this last term loosely as not everyone considers a bottle of Casa Migos tequila essential quite like us Seventh Scouters. Over the last year, our team has had so many great memories in our office it’s hard to pick a favorite. My song choices were inspired by our office and these memories. There is a lot to look at, draw some inspiration from, and use for a snack break. I wanted my song picks to reflect this and the people who I spend my time with while there. I hope you enjoy these picks and maybe find a new song or ten to add to your music library.
Big Wild – 6’s to 9’s
There is nothing this team can’t do! Everyone is incredibly talented, and together we take ‘be nice & make better’ to heart.
Cool Company – Floatin’
The beautiful view of the Downtown Austin skyline and Lady Bird Lake from our office space.
Amine – Invincible
A reminder that this team pumps out incredible work! Our whiteboard sessions in the conference room are proof!
The Beaches – Money
The collection of artwork, printed client collateral, and trinkets found in all corners of the office. Inspiration is endless!
Amber Mark – Lose My Cool (Franc Moody Remix)
A shoutout to the KUT/KUTX stations that always play on the office speakers, where I discovered this hit!
Bad Bunny – Ojitos Lindos
In honor of the Casa Migos Tequila and numerous lunches from El Tacorrido.
HAIM – Don’t Impress Me Much
We are each other’s biggest fans when it comes to providing support and confidence when we film our own videos or take share photos for social media.
Adele – Can I Get It
Can I get a mint?! Yes, we take daily mint breaks thanks to the endless Lifesaver peppermints from the candy jars.
Diplo – Worry No More
There’s no need to worry when you have the support of this team!
Noah Cyrus – Oh Mine
All the dog toys and treats used to spoil all the pets that work hard at Seventh Scout.
Podcast Recommendations
As far as podcasts go, I’m not big on them. However, I do listen to a few newsy shows. I love the in-depth storytelling on trending headlines. Going a step further and explaining why something is happening and not just relaying information on what is happening.
Today, Explained by Vox
Averaging about 30 minutes an episode, this daily news podcast breaks down the top story of the day. However, the story is not necessarily the most trending. For example, the front page feature article of the New York Times on November 1, 2022 was “Supreme Court Seems Ready to Throw Out Race-Based College Admissions,” but the podcast episode was “The teen’s gambit.” This episode was about a chess star accused of using AI to cheat and circles back to the larger news conversations being had at the time on Meta’s AI and IoT algorithms.
The Daily by The New York Times
Each day the hosts choose an important news story and give an in-depth analysis of the event. Each episode is about 20-30 minutes. The hosts invite other journalists to talk about the event while incorporating interviews with subjects involved in the event. It’s incredibly informative and shares difficult information in an easy-to-digest way.
Emily's Picks
Song Selection
Texas Sun – Leon Bridges (For Texas)
I’ve always loved Leon Bridges’ voice, but since moving to Texas and knowing he’s a fellow Texan, the love has only grown deeper – for both Leon and Texas. I mean, who doesn’t love driving I-35 at sunset to this song?!
777 – Bruno Mars, Anderson Pak (7… duhh)
7… highly regarded as a lucky number and also happens to be a part of the Seventh Scout name?! Life has no coincidences. If you’re looking to get the party started, you can always count on Bruno Mars (& Seventh Scout).
Mrs. Robinson – Simon & Garfunkel (For Dad)
When I was a kid, my dad owned a 1967 white Datsun. We would really only drive it when the weather was nice, as the best way to ride around was with the top off. There were only a couple of CDs we ever put in the “upgraded player in the glove box”, but one was by Simon & Garfunkel, and the first song I always chose was Mrs. Robinson (little did I know the backstory). When my dad would pick me up from school with the top down and this song blasting, I felt like the coolest girl in school.
My Wish – Rascal Flatts (For Parents)
Growing up, my mom had a rotation of CDs in the car, including Keith Urban, Jon Bon Jovi, Dixie Chicks, Aba, and you guessed it… Rascal Flatts. This song was always sung loudest, and in a way, I felt it symbolized my parents’ wishes and reminders for me growing up. Did they love that I got some of the lyrics tattooed on me when I turned 18? Probably not…
Tennesse Whiskey – Chris Stapleton (For Jake)
I’m getting married to my very best friend in June of 2023… and this may or may not be our first dance song! So this one’s for J; life only gets sweeter with you!
Special – Lizzo (Reminder for the ladies & gents)
I love the message of this song. Having a bad day? Play it. Having a great day? Play it. This song is the perfect reminder that we all need – you’re special!
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Freishwimmer, Dionne Bromfield (For the sorority days)
The best of times and the worst of times… sorority days. Whenever I hear this song, I can’t help but think of sorority recruitment! This song feels like four a.m. alarms to wake up, door stacks, and lifelong memories.
Dreams – Fleetwood Mac // Rich Girl – Daryl Hall & John Oats
Alright, I did a twofer here… Classics. Karaoke Worthy. Brings a smile out of everyone. Can be played anywhere, anytime.
I Do – John Legend (For R&B & John Legend.. duhh)
Although my collective song choices don’t reflect this as much, I’m a huge R&B fan and it’s hard to beat Mr. Legend himself. The entire Bigger Love album is one of my favorites, especially for a Sunday-clean-the-house-kind-of-day.
Back Home – Andy Grammer (For Pullman… Go Cougs)
This song has become synonymous with the Washington State University community and has been played at football games since I was in college. The entire stadium sings along, embraces, and alumni shed tears. It doesn’t matter where we go, we always find our way back home. Go Cougs!
Podcast Recommendations
The Psychology of your 20’s.
I don’t listen to podcasts too much any more, but anything that is relatable and informative – I’m in!
Maggie's Picks
Song Selection
Trippin’ – The Futurebirds
One of my favorite songs of all time and reminds me of college and all of my friends! It will always be in my top 5 favorite songs.
865 – Morgan Wallen
The title of this song is the Knoxville Area code, so it has a special place in my heart from the University of Tennessee (go vols).
Halfway Up – The Brook & The Bluff
A song that I could listen to on repeat. It always puts me in a good mood.
All Too Well – Taylor Swift (10-minute version)
I mean, I HAD to include this song! Especially with everything going on with the Taylor concert ticket release nightmare!
Sunrise – Norah Jones
Whenever this song comes on, it reminds me of my mom! She loves Norah Jones, and it will always be a sweet song for me when I miss my mom.
So What – P!nk
My dad will never own up to him saying he loved P!nks music when I was little (but I will always remember!) So What is one of the first songs I remember listening to on the radio with my dad, and to this day, I still love it.
Arizona – Kings of Leon
A dream/goal of mine is to see Kings of Leon in concert, specifically this song.
2 Be Loved (Am I Ready) – Lizzo
First, who doesn’t love Lizzo? And second, this album was released around the time I moved to Austin, so this song may be considered my Austin song!
You Are The Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
This song goes to my hometown, Nashville!
I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
Ultimate song. Always a crowd pleaser.
Podcast Recommendations
The Toast by Jackie & Claudia Oshry
I am not a huge podcast fan, but when I do listen, it is only this one! They are so entertaining and make me laugh!
Eve's Picks
Song Selection
Here – Luscious Jackson
Big Luscious Jackson fan here. This song in particular brings back great memories from college and always makes me tap my feet.
Sugar Kane – Sonic Youth
Another good throwback track that always gets stuck in my head. Makes me think of late nights in the design studio in college.
Sideshow by the Seashore – Luna
One of the first shows I saw after moving to Austin was Luna at Liberty Lunch. Parked in the GAYrage and had burgers and beers at Waterloo Brewing Co before the show. I miss that version of Austin.
Do You Feel It – Holy Wave
One of my favorite songs by one of my favorite Austin bands. Listening to this song instantly transports me to the crowded indoor stage at Cheer Up Charlies.
Blue Flower – Mazzy Star
Just make sure this plays during the opening credits of my future biopic okay?
Morning High – La Luz
My parents didn’t have many cool record albums, but their Ventures albums got me hooked on surf rock at an early age. I love the fresh but familar sounds of Shana Cleveland’s guitar playing.
6000 Dias – Boogerins
Losing myself in the music on a hot summer night at Hotel Vegas in East Austin.
Everything is Simple – Widowspeak
We listen to a LOT of KUTX in the Seventh Scout office and this song got a lot of play this past year. “Everything is simple…until it’s not” – hard relate.
Spark the Day – Magna Carda with Cara Bishop
Another “heard on KUTX” track, with the added bonus that Megz and Chris from Magna Carda have helped Seventh Scout on a few projects.
See No Evil – Television
If I had a time machine, I’d set the controls for CBGB in NYC, 1977. The perfect blend of rock, proto-punk, and new wave. So many good bands. Television is criminally underrated.
Podcast Recommendations
One From the Vaults
One From the Vaults, a trans history podcast by Morgan M Page, brings you all the dirt, gossip, and glamour from trans history! I learn so much when I listen to it.
