The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Episode: The Jimi Hendrix of the Cello (with Joshua Roman)

Release Date: July 7, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this heartfelt episode of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos welcomes renowned cellist Joshua Roman as her guest. Hosted by Pushkin Industries, the episode delves deep into Joshua's profound relationship with music, his battle with Long Covid, and the transformative journey that reshaped his approach to both his art and life.

Joshua Roman's Early Life and Introduction to Music

Joshua Roman's connection with the cello began at a tender age.

Joshua Roman [03:29]: "It's hard to know exactly the moment when the love of cello took over, but I do remember the day the cello arrived. I was three years old."

Growing up in Oklahoma, a region not particularly known for its classical music infrastructure, Joshua's musical upbringing was heavily influenced by his parents, both church musicians. The constant presence of music in his household fostered a deep-seated passion and community spirit.

Joshua Roman [04:15]: "Music was something that happened at lessons on Thursdays or Wednesdays or whenever that was, and you would practice and prepare for that. But in between, music was all the time."

Frequent relocations during his childhood meant that music became Joshua's anchor, offering continuity and a means to connect with new communities. Whether joining bands in Mississippi or playing with local pianists, music was his universal language.

The Role of Music as a Coping Strategy

From an early age, Joshua recognized the emotional and psychological benefits of music. It wasn't just a hobby; it was a vital tool for emotional regulation and connection.

Dr. Laurie Santos [07:35]: "It also seems like music is super good at helping us regulate our emotions... is this something that you found with music early on, too?"

Joshua Roman [07:49]: "Yes, absolutely. And I would do that with the cello, of course, but I would also do that with the radio and with tapes and CDs and sometimes records."

For Joshua, music provided a sanctuary where he could express and process complex emotions, especially during tumultuous times like adolescence. The state of "flow" he experienced while playing the cello further enhanced his sense of presence and fulfillment.

Joshua Roman [08:55]: "I would obsess over flow... I was always really into that basic idea that you could find a state of awareness or of being that allowed you to have that feeling like time didn't exist."

The Impact of COVID-19 on Joshua's Career and Health

Joshua's burgeoning career as a solo cellist was abruptly halted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

Joshua Roman [12:34]: "Yeah, I think it was March 12th. My manager calls, and an entire year of work was just wiped off the calendar."

Initially, Joshua tried to cope by doubling down on music, streaming daily sessions in an attempt to stay connected despite isolation. However, the repercussions were far more severe than anticipated.

During a crucial performance in Florida in January 2021, Joshua began experiencing a loss of smell—a definitive sign of COVID-19. This led to his positive test result and subsequent cancellation of his concert. Despite a relatively mild infection, Joshua's symptoms persisted, evolving into Long Covid with debilitating fatigue and dysautonomia.

Living with Long Covid and Coping Mechanisms

Long Covid presented Joshua with a myriad of challenges, both physically and mentally. The persistent fatigue was unlike typical tiredness; it was a paralyzing weight that made even simple movements excruciating.

Joshua Roman [19:31]: "It was like I'm wearing a coat of heavy metal or armor underneath my skin embedded in the muscles."

This condition drastically altered his daily routine. Tasks that were once effortless now required meticulous planning and conscious energy management.

Joshua Roman [24:00]: "Now I wake up and meditate as close to 20 minutes as I can get... I have to be really careful, because if I do too much... I really have to think about what's coming in the day, spend a lot more time planning."

Returning to Music: Self-Compassion and Radical Acceptance

After months of sidelining his cello, Joshua made a pivotal decision to reconnect with his passion. The moment he dusted off his cello case and played Bach's Prelude marked a significant emotional and psychological turning point.

Joshua Roman [31:45]: "The cello was in its case for almost three months... I started to play and I started with the famous Prelude by Bach... it was the most moving moment that I'd had with the cello in so long."

This resurgence in music was not merely about returning to his instrument but also about embracing self-compassion and radical acceptance. Joshua redefined his relationship with the cello, allowing himself to play out of love and intrinsic desire rather than obligation.

Joshua Roman [34:16]: "The me of six years ago is like, what the heck are you doing? I don't know if I can swear, so I'm not going to."

Dr. Laurie Santos [35:51]: "Any good coping strategy, whether it's meditation or kind of taking time to exercise or something, if you're doing it in this forced way... it's like not going to work in the way you think."

By shifting his mindset, Joshua transformed his coping mechanisms from forced actions to compassionate engagements, ensuring that his strategies genuinely supported his well-being.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Joshua Roman's journey is a poignant testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of music. His story underscores several key insights:

1. Music as a Lifeline: Beyond its artistic value, music serves as a crucial tool for emotional regulation, connection, and healing.

2. Embracing Self-Compassion: Joshua's shift from obligation to intrinsic motivation highlights the importance of self-compassion in effective coping.

3. Radical Acceptance: Accepting one's limitations and adjusting actions accordingly can lead to profound personal growth and well-being.

4. Adversity as a Catalyst for Growth: Joshua's battle with Long Covid, while undeniably challenging, opened doors to new forms of advocacy and creative expression.

As Dr. Laurie Santos aptly summarizes, "Traumatic experiences like getting Long Covid do suck, but they can also help us grow, often in unexpected ways."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Joshua Roman [03:29]: "I remember the day the cello arrived. I was three years old."
• Joshua Roman [07:49]: "Music was a place where even if I couldn't work through the details, I could feel it, I could express it and get some sort of sense that that was okay."
• Joshua Roman [08:55]: "Flow... a state of awareness or of being that allowed you to have that feeling like time didn't exist."
• Joshua Roman [12:34]: "An entire year of work was just wiped off the calendar."
• Joshua Roman [19:31]: "It's like I'm wearing a coat of heavy metal or armor underneath my skin embedded in the muscles."
• Joshua Roman [34:16]: "Do I actually feel an internal impetus and desire to make music?"
• Dr. Laurie Santos [35:51]: "If you're doing it in this forced way... it's like not going to work in the way you think."

Joshua Roman's episode on The Happiness Lab offers invaluable lessons on coping, resilience, and the indispensable role of passion in navigating life's adversities. His narrative not only inspires but also provides actionable insights for anyone seeking happiness and fulfillment amidst challenges.