Becoming Sound with Davin Youngs

In 2015, I packed a bag and flew to upstate New York to attend a workshop with Bobby McFerrin. I was a trained opera singer. I had spent years performing on big stages. And when I walked into that room and heard 190 voices singing together, I got a lump in my throat the size of a softball and couldn't make a single sound.

This is a story about what that moment unlocked — and why it took me 30 years to get there.

Performed live at Cooler by the Lake, presented by Story Sessions and Big Shoulders Stories at SPACE, Evanston, IL — May 19, 2025. — Videography: Mark Holman Producers: Big Shoulders Stories / Story Sessions —

Chicago Circle Singing meets the second Wednesday of every month in the South Loop. Find out more: http://chicagocirclesinging.com

Learn about VOXUS - Corporate Collective Singing Keynote: http://voxusexperience.com Learn about The RESET — my voice centered, large-scale sound healing experience: http://theresetsoundexperience.com

Follow along: Instagram: http://instagram.com/davinyoungs

Substack: http://becomingsound.substack.com

 

Davin Youngs explores the paradoxes of pursuing creative expression, embracing uncertainty, and making life changes to center creativity. He shares personal insights, practical advice, and encouragement for listeners to trust their inner wisdom and take small steps toward a more fulfilled, authentic life.

00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Creativity
02:49 Embracing Creative Uncertainty
05:49 The Role of Discomfort in Creative Expression
08:57 Navigating Financial and Creative Risks
11:40 The Importance of Small Steps in Creativity
14:31 Understanding the Nature of Uncertainty
17:29 The Balance of Creativity and Financial Stability
20:18 The Thrill of New Possibilities
23:26 Honoring Your Creative Truth
26:00 Conclusion: Embracing Your Creative Journey

 

 

Davin Youngs shares his journey and upcoming projects in sound healing, focusing on the transformative power of the human voice. He discusses his immersive sound healing experiences, the upcoming virtual workshop 'Singing for Sound Healing,' and the profound impact of collective singing in personal and professional settings.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Road Trip Concept
03:05 Exciting Announcements: Upcoming Events
06:00 Singing for Sound Healing Workshop
11:53 The Journey of Voice and Healing
17:45 Improvisational Singing and Personal Language
23:59 The Power of the Voice in Healing
29:57 Collective Singing and Corporate Experiences
35:33 Conclusion and Invitation to Join resources

 

Davin Youngs shares his personal experience of post-performance emotional lows and explores nervous system regulation with expert Elise Besler. This episode offers insights into managing the inevitable come-down after creative and energetic efforts, emphasizing self-care, boundaries, and normalization.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Vulnerability and Authenticity
02:48 The Aftermath of Performance: Emotional Come Down
05:52 Understanding the Nervous System's Role
08:41 Exploring Sadness and Existential Thoughts
11:42 The Importance of Self-Compassion
14:37 Managing Highs and Lows of Creativity
17:45 Building Capacity for Emotional Resilience
20:42 Navigating Social Media and External Validation
24:00 Creating Sustainable Self-Care Practices
26:40 Ritualizing Recovery After Performance
29:53 Conclusion: Embracing the Creative Journey

 resources

Elise Bessler - Voice Empowerment Coach & Nervous System Specialist - https://elisebessler.com

 

In this conversation, Davin Youngs shares the inspiration behind a new meditation practice that utilizes a subtractive mantra approach. He discusses the significance of mantras in meditation, their ability to connect individuals to universal truths, and the transformative power of silence. The practice encourages participants to explore their inner wisdom and embrace the mystery of existence, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of well-being and interconnectedness.

 

Takeaways:

• The mantra practice resonated deeply with his meditation community.
• Mantras serve as a source of focus and attention in meditation.
• The practice involves a unique subtractive approach to mantras.
• Removing words from the mantra reveals deeper truths.
• Silence is considered the most powerful form of meditation.
• Mantras can help connect us to universal truths and inner wisdom.
• The meditation encourages participants to embrace their feelings and experiences.
• Davin invites listeners to explore the mystery of their being.
• The practice aims to foster a sense of well-being and interconnectedness.

Chapters

00:00 The Birth of a New Meditation Practice

06:31 Exploring the Subtractive Mantra Meditation

10:23 Embracing Silence and Inner Wisdom

In this episode of the Becoming Sound Podcast, Davin Youngs discusses the challenges of creative expression and the fear of judgment from others. He introduces an exercise to help listeners identify who they are concerned about when they think, 'What will people think of me?' By naming these individuals, listeners can diffuse their power and focus on the support from those who truly matter. The conversation emphasizes the importance of authenticity, the inconvenience of personal growth, and the reassurance that one is not alone in their journey of self-discovery and transformation.

 

Takeaways:

• Creative expression often comes with fear of judgment.
• Identifying who you fear judgment from can be liberating.
• The people who truly matter will support your journey.
• Inconvenience is a sign of growth and transformation.
• It's normal to feel hesitation when pursuing authenticity.
• Many fears are based on imagined judgments from tangential people.
• The support of loved ones is crucial during transitions.
• Naming your critics can help you reclaim your power.
• Authenticity often requires making inconvenient choices.
• You are not alone in your journey of self-discovery.

00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges

01:52 The Importance of Vulnerability and Connection

05:42 Overcoming Inhibitions in Creative Expression

11:53 Identifying and Naming Your Critics

17:28 Embracing Growth and Transformation

 

In this episode, Davin Youngs shares his personal reflections on the creative process, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion, vulnerability, and trust in navigating the challenges of artistic expression. He recounts his experiences with recording, the struggles of hustling versus manifesting, and the significance of allowing oneself grace during the creative journey. Through storytelling and insights, Davin encourages listeners to embrace the journey itself as a source of joy and to trust in the timing of their creative endeavors.

Learn more at davinyoungs.com and becomingsound.substack.com

Takeaways

• Self-compassion is crucial in the creative process.
• Vulnerability can lead to growth and connection.
• The number of takes in recording is relative to experience.
• Creative processes often take longer than expected.
• Trusting the universe's timing can alleviate pressure.
• The journey itself is a source of joy, not just the destination.
• Hustling does not equate to manifesting success.
• Feedback and affirmation are vital for creative confidence.
• Embracing discomfort is part of the growth process.
• Allowing oneself grace can lead to better outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

02:42 Navigating Vulnerability in Creative Processes

06:01 The Importance of Self-Compassion in Creativity

08:57 The Journey of Recording and Iteration

12:04 Embracing the Creative Process with Grace

15:03 The Struggles of Hustling vs. Manifesting

17:52 Trusting the Timing of the Universe

20:55 The Role of Self-Compassion in Creative Growth

23:37 Building a Unique Creative Path

26:25 Facing the Abyss of Uncertainty

29:26 The Power of Affirmation and Feedback

32:04 The Journey is the Joy

35:08 Trusting the Process and Letting Go of Control

37:47 Conclusion and Call to Action

Learn more about Davin at davinyoungs.com and find a full video of this sound healing at becomingsound.substack.com

Hey there. Davin, here.

It is my intention to periodically release sound healing recordings for you. If you’re not familiar with my work, each session like this centers my voice and improvisational singing. I may include various sound healing instruments as well as various sampled sound, but more everything you hear is being spontaneously created and it is all inspired my desire to hold sonic space for your well-being.

I will be sharing this first recording for free, but I hope if you enjoy it, you might consider a paid subscription at substack which will be the path to access others in the future.

This recording in particular only utilizes my voice with my looping device and various effects. To me, the voice is the most interesting of all instruments to create with in this space because its nature is so vast. It carries with it such large swaths of information and the potential for deep empathy and connection.

Using my voice here, I am hoping to reunite you with “the space within.” The inner knowing that we all possess that carries the potential to bath us in love and set our minds at ease. The reason we are often not there is not because it isn’t but because we forget. This sonic immersion is a reminder of the space within you carries to truth of you wholeness, inherent well-being and the possibility of homecoming.

I appreciate your ears and your heart.

Big love,

Davin

In this episode of the Becoming Sound podcast, Davin Youngs explores the themes of creativity, mindfulness, and navigating uncertainty in a tumultuous world. He emphasizes the importance of stopping and being present with oneself to find inspiration and clarity. Through practical strategies such as walking, journaling, and connecting with others, Davin encourages listeners to embrace their feelings of overwhelm and uncertainty as part of the creative process. Ultimately, he advocates for self-care and community connection as essential elements for personal growth and emotional well-being.

Learn more at davinyoungs.com and becomingsound.substack.com

Takeaways

• It's okay to feel overwhelmed and lost.
• When you don't know what to do, don't do anything at all.
• Stopping and being present can lead to inspiration.
• You are your own source of inspiration.
• Engaging in mindful practices can help clarify thoughts.
• Walking without distractions can foster creativity.
• Connecting with loved ones can reignite your passion.
• Taking time for yourself is essential for creativity.
• Embrace the journey of uncertainty as part of growth.
• Self-care is crucial in navigating life's challenges.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Context of the Conversation

02:48Navigating Overwhelm and Uncertainty

06:06The Power of Stopping and Mindfulness

11:28Finding Inspiration Within

17:47Practical Strategies for Creative Clarity

23:27The Importance of Connection and Community

29:18Nurturing Your Inner Artist

34:53Conclusion and Encouragement

In this episode of the Becoming Sound Podcast, Davin Youngs explores the intricate relationship between creativity, self-expression, and the concept of selfishness. He emphasizes the importance of community connection and the resistance many face when pursuing their creative passions. Youngs challenges the notion that prioritizing creativity is selfish, arguing instead that it is a necessary act of self-care and a means of serving humanity. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, he encourages listeners to embrace their creative urges and view them as essential to personal and collective growth.

Find more at davinyoungs.com and becomingsound.substack.com

Takeaways

• Creativity is a pathway to freedom.
• Selfishness is often rooted in fear.
• Prioritizing creativity is essential for personal growth.
• Self-care enhances our ability to serve others.
• Creative expression is a fundamental human desire.
• The narrative around selfishness can hinder creativity.
• Engaging in creativity can disrupt old systems.
• Courageous behavior is inherently selfless.
• Community connection is vital for creative expression.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Community Connection

06:39 Exploring Creative Resistance

11:58 The Concept of Selfishness in Creativity

17:27 The Nature of Selfishness and Fear

24:13 The Power of Loving Kindness

29:14 Creativity as a Human Calling

33:59 Prioritizing Personal Creativity

38:29 Courageous Creativity as Service