Ep. 3 Adrift with Joel Bouchard

Joel Bouchard, a musician, shares how Jack Johnson's “Adrift” has become a steadfast presence in the soundtrack of his life. Ever since his late teens, Joel has connected deeply with this song, which has resonated during countless pivotal life moments, forging memories around friendship, loss, and personal growth.

It was around 2008, when Joel, at 19, was introduced to "Sleep Through the Static" by Jack Johnson. A friend, who embodied the surfing vibe Jack Johnson so effortlessly captures in his music, brought the album to Joel's attention. Jack Johnson, originally from Hawaii, not only delivers mellow tunes but has also infused his work with his passion for environmental causes—donating proceeds from this album to the Ohana Charitable Foundation.

What instantly drew Joel to "Adrift," despite his preference for harder rock, was the song's soothing melodies intertwined with thought-provoking lyrics. These attributes mirrored the influence of his friend, who had become a significant part of his life just before introducing him to Johnson's music. The album was always in the backdrop to many meaningful beginnings, friendships, and experiences.

Jack Johnson, a former professional surfer whose career pivoted due to an accident, brings a uniquely authentic and calming presence to his music. As Joel describes it, Johnson’s talent for capturing peace in his songs and adopting sustainable practices in his work exemplifies an all-around good guy’s ethos. "Adrift" stands out with its touching lyrics and simplicity, containing themes of change and the passage of time.

For Joel, “Adrift” serves as a reflective companion during significant life transitions—be it handling the loss of loved ones or gearing up for another school year. The recurring theme that “this moment keeps on moving and we were never meant to hold on” offers a tender reminder of life's continuity and evolution. These lyrics remind Joel to view change not as loss, but as inevitable.

Joel appreciates the song's simplicity, which allows him to focus on the lyrics despite an auditory processing disorder that often makes it hard to decipher lyrics in other songs. Jack Johnson’s gentle acoustics and clear imagery in “Adrift” offer Joel a comforting space to align his memories and aspirations.

The song’s cyclical nature, speaking to growth and cycles of life, resonates with Joel, especially as he navigates his own journey in academia, working towards a PhD in psychology. The music’s presence stimulates reflection during both beginnings and endings, while his curiosity drives him from one learning pursuit to the next.

Joel’s story highlights how a song can intertwine with life’s significant moments, offering both a shelter and a springboard as we navigate our own paths. Like “Adrift” for Joel, music can be a lasting friend as we float through life’s experiences, gently steering us toward growth and understanding.

Adrift (the song)

You can catch the full episode here or on all popular podcast listening platforms.

To Connect with Joel Bouchard: JBouchard.com

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