HardLore Podcast Episode Summary: "PITY SEX with Dr. Britty Drake"

Podcast Information:

• Title: HardLore
• Host/Authors: Colin Young, Bo Lueders, Knotfest
• Episode: PITY SEX with Dr. Britty Drake
• Release Date: May 22, 2025
• Description: Hardcore + Lore = HardLore. Stories from touring life in the hardcore/punk/metal scenes are discussed within biographical conversations with notable weekly guests. Hosted by Colin Young (Twitching Tongues & God's Hate) & Bo Lueders (Harms Way).

1. Introduction and Early Influences (00:00 - 05:00)

The episode begins with Colin and Bo introducing their guest, Dr. Brittany Drake of the band Pity Sex. The hosts share a light-hearted moment about one of Brittany's past interviews, highlighting her humor and personality.

Notable Quote:

• Colin Young (00:10): "The FBI personally escorted you to juvie." (00:10)

Brittany clarifies that it was actually the Michigan State Police, setting a tone of candidness and humor for the conversation.

2. Brittany's Troubling Incident and Its Aftermath (05:00 - 21:00)

Brittany recounts an incident from her youth where she posted a threatening comment on MySpace. This led to her being escorted to juvenile detention, an experience that profoundly impacted her life.

Notable Quotes:

• Brittany Drake (02:07): "From getting expelled in 10th grade for threatening to kill my teacher with an ice skate on MySpace..." (02:07)
• Brittany Drake (05:44): "I was on house arrest, technically, so my mom would have to stay in the car at the venue..." (05:44)

She discusses the challenges of being disconnected from the internet and losing contact with friends during her house arrest, emphasizing the isolation she felt.

3. Journey into Music and Formation of Pity Sex (21:00 - 55:00)

Brittany delves into her musical journey, starting with Christian metalcore and transitioning into other genres. She shares stories about her first bands, Procession and Pity Sex, detailing the dynamics within the bands and the collaborative nature of creating music.

Notable Quotes:

• Brittany Drake (07:50): "I had a guitar when I was in high school... Joined a band at 20 because I didn't want to be a standalone." (07:50)
• Brittany Drake (54:02): "Direwolf into Pity Sex... It was actually their friend who came up with the name." (54:02)

Brittany highlights the influence of various bands and how touring with different groups shaped Pity Sex's sound and her role within the band.

4. Touring Experiences and Band Dynamics (55:00 - 110:00)

The conversation shifts to Brittany's experiences touring with Pity Sex, including memorable moments, challenges, and the evolution of the band. She shares anecdotes about interacting with other bands, navigating the music scene, and the personal growth she experienced through these tours.

Notable Quotes:

• Brittany Drake (84:12): "One of my favorite places, we would practice there... Pyramid scheme. Great venue." (84:12)
• Brittany Drake (94:07): "Pedal is on the tour, which was incredible... We are so blessed." (94:07)

Brittany discusses the emotional and logistical aspects of touring, including balancing her academic pursuits with her commitment to the band.

5. Personal Insights: Psychology, Religion, and Beliefs (110:00 - 130:00)

As a legal psychologist, Brittany provides deep insights into the interplay between psychology, religion, and science. She reflects on her therapeutic experiences, beliefs about the afterlife, and critiques of Freud's theories, bringing a unique perspective to the conversation.

Notable Quotes:

• Brittany Drake (115:14): "I'm agnostic about everything... I am definitely open to it." (115:14)
• Brittany Drake (128:23): "Freud was like, there are unconscious processes that drive our behavior." (128:23)

Brittany emphasizes the importance of understanding unconscious influences on behavior and the parallels she draws between religious and scientific belief systems.

6. Rapid-Fire and Personal Anecdotes (130:00 - 157:35)

The hosts engage Brittany in a rapid-fire segment, touching on her favorite songs, childhood memories, and personal quirks. This segment humanizes Brittany, showcasing her humor, musical tastes, and personal life, including her relationship with her husband, Mike.

Notable Quotes:

• Brittany Drake (136:01): "My favorite childhood memory is going sledding with my whole family and eating chili after." (136:01)
• Brittany Drake (148:17): "I'm obsessed with the song 'Again' by Lenny Kravitz... It's my comfort song." (148:17)

Brittany shares heartfelt memories and funny moments, such as winning a Porygon in Pokémon for her anniversary, highlighting her multifaceted personality.

7. Concluding Thoughts and Words of Wisdom (157:35 - End)

As the episode wraps up, Brittany offers words of wisdom to the HardLore community, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with music and seek understanding in complex emotional landscapes.

Notable Quote:

• Brittany Drake (158:21): "Listen to the song 'Again' by Lenny Kravitz, please, and talk to me about it." (158:21)

She emphasizes the therapeutic power of music and the importance of mutual support within the music and psychological communities.

Overall Insights and Themes:

• Redemption and Growth: Brittany's journey from a troubled youth to a respected band member and psychologist underscores themes of redemption, personal growth, and resilience.

• Intersection of Music and Psychology: The conversation highlights how music serves as a therapeutic outlet and a means of connecting with others, mirroring psychological principles.

• Community and Collaboration: Brittany emphasizes the importance of community within the hardcore and punk scenes, showcasing how collaboration fosters creativity and mutual support.

• Personal Struggles and Coping Mechanisms: Discussions about ADHD, OCD, and past traumas provide a candid look into Brittany's personal challenges and how she overcomes them through music and psychology.

Conclusion:

This episode of HardLore offers an in-depth look into Brittany Drake's life, blending her experiences in the hardcore music scene with her professional insights as a psychologist. Through candid storytelling and engaging dialogue, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and triumphs that shape an artist within the punk and metal communities.