In this episode, we explore Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed as a framework for understanding education, power, and liberation. We examine how traditional “banking model” education can reproduce hierarchy by treating learners as passive recipients, and contrast this with dialogical, problem-posing approaches that center shared inquiry, lived experience, and collective meaning-making. These perspectives highlight education as a relational process shaped by social context rather than a neutral transfer of information.We also discuss critical consciousness, praxis, and cultural hegemony as tools for recognizing how systems of domination persist—and how they can be challenged through reflection, dialogue, and action. Situating pedagogy within broader social forces such as colonialism, capitalism, and liberation movements, the episode considers how learning itself can become a site of resistance, transformation, and collective agency. The focus remains on critical awareness, harm prevention, and building collective resilience—offering conceptual tools to recognize structural power, navigate complexity, and support liberatory practice in real-world contexts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we explore how racial and gender caste systems and social class are interconnected, shaping social power, access to resources, and lived experience. We examine how economic hierarchy, racialized caste structures, heteropatriarchy, and institutional power intersect, highlighting how these forces influence identity, opportunity, and collective well-being.These dynamics situate within broader historical processes, including capitalism, colonialism, fascism, and what scholars describe as the “imperial boomerang.” We discuss how fascism can emerge as an adaptive process tied to crisis, hierarchy, and narratives of exclusion, while also reflecting on how these patterns surface in everyday institutions, cultural life, and community spaces. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we examine high-control dynamics across interpersonal, organizational, and political contexts, showing how power operates, how autonomy erodes, and how dependency can be intentionally cultivated. The session focuses on recognizing behavioral patterns as a form of harm prevention and collective resilience.The episode also introduces frameworks for understanding fascism as a developing process rooted in reactionary identity politics, institutional alliances, economic pressures, and organized narratives of fear and purification. We examine how authoritarian movements gain traction, normalize exclusion, and reshape democratic structures—while reflecting on how these tendencies can surface in everyday environments.This session is designed for mental health professionals, creative arts therapists, educators, organizers, and anyone engaged in healing, cultural work, or liberation-oriented practice. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we explore embodied mindfulness as a core liberatory skill—grounded in trauma-informed practice, somatic awareness, and collective care. We examine mindfulness not as a self-optimization technique or individual coping tool, but as a form of choiceless awareness rooted in lived experience, cultural context, and material reality.Drawing on Buddhist traditions, somatic psychology, and liberation psychology, the session distinguishes among absent-mindedness, concentration, and mindfulness and introduces practical approaches to cultivating present-moment awareness of thoughts, emotions, sensations, and relational dynamics. We situate mindfulness within the Praxis Wheel, emphasizing its role in balancing effort, wisdom, conviction, and compassionate action.The episode also critically engages complementary and alternative medicine, clarifying distinctions between evidence-based care, folk and traditional healing practices, and integrative approaches—while addressing ethical concerns, power, capitalism, and false claims. Throughout, the focus remains on embodiment, discernment, and collective wellbeing rather than spiritual bypassing or individualized solutions to structural harm.This session is designed for mental health professionals, creative arts therapists, educators, organizers, and anyone engaged in healing, cultural work, or liberation-oriented practice. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we examine the foundational concepts of Liberation Psychology and the Praxis Wheel, an activist framework central to this workshop. Today’s session examines strategies for navigating diverse cultures, identities, abilities, and neurotypes. This session is designed for mental health professionals, creative arts therapists, and activists engaged in caring and healing work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we examine the foundational concepts of Liberation Psychology and the Praxis Wheel, an activist framework central to this workshop. Today’s session examines strategies for navigating diverse cultures, identities, abilities, and neurotypes. This session is designed for mental health professionals, creative arts therapists, and activists engaged in caring and healing work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we dive deep into the foundational concepts of Liberation Psychology and the Praxis Wheel, an activist framework central to this workshop. Today’s session examines the various types of trauma, how they manifest, and how to navigate them. The discussion covers event-based trauma, relational and developmental trauma, vicarious trauma, and the social dimensions of trauma, including racial, gendered, and transgenerational traumas. This session is designed for mental health professionals, creative arts therapists, and activists engaged in caring and healing work.* 06:57 Understanding Trauma: Definitions and Examples* 10:11 Types of Trauma: Acute, Chronic, and Complex* 14:14 Trauma’s Impact on the Body and Mind* 22:25 Social and Racial Trauma* 31:13 Gendered Trauma and Its Effects* 35:52 Transgenerational Trauma: Passing Down the Pain* 44:30 A Personal Reflection on Racism and Learning* 45:26 Understanding Transgenerational Trauma* 47:10 Trauma Sensitive Practices* 47:34 Psychological First Aid and Immediate Support* 49:01 The Importance of Trauma Sensitivity in Therapy* 52:21 Mindful Regulation and Cultural Sensitivity* 58:49 Phases of Trauma Recovery* 01:06:24 Principles of Being Trauma Informed* 01:14:08 Conclusion and Next Steps This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Week 2 of the Liberation Music Therapy series!Register for next week’s session“Trauma-Informed/Trauma Sensitive Practice”!In this episode, we dive deep into the foundational concepts of Liberation Psychology and the Praxis Wheel, an activist framework central to this workshop. Today’s session examines the origins of Liberation Psychology in anti-colonial and revolutionary movements worldwide, as well as frameworks such as Liberation Theology and Critical Pedagogy. We discuss the importance of being trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive, and how these concepts integrate with our practice as facilitators.* 00:00 Introduction to Liberation Music Therapy Series* 05:18 Understanding Liberation Psychology* 05:39 Historical Context and Movements* 06:30 Liberation Theology and Decolonial Thought* 08:49 Critical Pedagogy and Conscientization* 09:20 Personal Experiences and Privilege* 12:47 Foundations of Psychology* 16:48 Liberation Psychology Principles* 40:00 The Praxis Wheel FrameworkDorian’s Mode is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

Join Dorian Wallace in the first episode of the Liberation Music Therapy workshopseries. This 11-week journey explores how music, mindfulness, and collective care can help demystify capitalist realism and move toward liberation.This session explores the balance between engaged vs. entangled practice, the tension between materialism and spirituality, and how knowledge and wisdom come alive through sound, movement, and solidarity.Chapters* 00:00 – Introduction to Liberation Music Therapy* 05:51 – Understanding Capitalist Realism* 09:44 – Engaged Practice: Materialism & Spirituality* 23:31 – Balancing Knowledge & Wisdom* 38:51 – Liberation Philosophy & Praxis* 44:57 – Closing ReflectionsResources Mentioned* bell hooks — Teaching to Transgress* Paulo Freire — Pedagogy of the Oppressed* Ignacio Martín-Baró — Writings for a Liberation Psychology* Frantz Fanon — The Wretched of the Earth* Mark Fisher — Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative?* Dorian Wallace — Liberation Music Therapy & The Praxis WheelSuggested ListeningSam Cooke – A Change Is Gonna ComeOpening MusicClosing MusicLearn More / Support the Workwww.dorianwallace.comSubscribe → doriansmode.substack.comSliding Scale / Pay-What-You-Can → http://www.dorianwallace.com/payment-options.htmlDorian’s Mode is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Liberation Music Therapist, we explore the foundations of music and music therapy, focusing on how music influences the mind, body, and spirit. Dorian Wallace discusses key concepts such as rhythm, melody, harmony, and musicking and introduces how these elements connect to healing practices within the context of liberation music therapy. This episode emphasizes the importance of challenging capitalist realism and embracing music as a tool for both personal and collective transformation.Key Topics Covered:* Introduction to foundational elements of music therapy, including rhythm, melody, harmony, and silence* Music therapy as defined by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and its use in promoting wellness, managing stress, and more* The concept of musicking: engaging with music as a social and participatory act* Challenging the notion of music as a universal language; instead, music is a cultural universal, deeply shaped by historical, political, and social contexts.* Reflection on how music's healing power is influenced by context, history, and social dynamicsEpisode Highlights:* Music therapy is a clinical, evidence-based practice that helps people achieve individualized therapeutic goals, such as reducing stress, enhancing memory, and improving communication.* Music consists of sounds and silences, and its structure—whether through rhythm, melody, or harmony—affects the mind and body.* The social and political context in which music is created and experienced can dramatically shape its meaning and impact.* Liberation Music Therapy integrates music therapy with social justice efforts, aiming to address systemic oppression and promote collective healing.Links and Resources:* Learn more about Dorian Wallace: www.dorianwallace.com* Subscribe to Dorian's Mode Substack: doriansmode.substack.comCall to Action:If you found this episode insightful, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon at patreon.com/DoriansMode. Your support helps sustain this project and provides access to premium episodes, the monthly online music wellness group, and a listening club. Join the conversation on how music therapy intersects with liberation and justice movements.Reflection Questions:* How do rhythm, melody, and harmony shape your emotional and physical responses to music?* Reflect on the concept of musicking. How does engaging with music as a social act impact your experience of it?* How does music reflect cultural, social, or political contexts, and in what ways does this shape our interpretation of it?* In what ways can music therapy serve as a tool for dismantling systemic oppression and fostering both personal and collective healing?Discussion Questions for Group Study:* How does Liberation Music Therapy differ from traditional music therapy?* Can you think of examples where music has been used to address societal issues or support liberation movements?* How does challenging the belief that music is a universal language affect our understanding of music's role in healing?Group Activity Idea:Music Reflection Circle: Have each participant share a piece of music that has been meaningful in their personal healing or political activism. After sharing, discuss the emotional and social impact of the music and how it connects to broader themes of liberation and healing.Next Episode:Stay tuned next episode, where we’ll dive into the Introduction to Liberation Psychology. We’ll explore how its emergence as a response to systemic oppression and how it intersects with music therapy to support both individual and collective healing. Dorian’s Mode is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doriansmode.substack.com/subscribe