Therapy Gecko – "chatting with aldn as geckos"
Podcast: Therapy Gecko
Host: Lyle (Gecko)
Guest: Alden (aldn)
Date: September 5, 2025
Episode Overview
In this unique, open-hearted episode, host Lyle (in full gecko persona) sits down with rising indie pop artist aldn (Alden) for a wide-ranging, philosophical, and playful conversation. The pair discuss everything from the nature of death and reincarnation, aldn’s artistic journey, and experiences with addiction and recovery, to more lighthearted topics like high school shenanigans, skateboarding, gaming, and tour memories—all sprinkled with warmth, humor, and curiosity befitting two geckos reflecting on the human experience.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Persistent Thoughts: Death, Rebirth, and Free Will
[00:17 – 02:16]
- Aldn shares his recurring contemplation about life after death, expressing a hope to “restart” life as himself but with the opportunity to make different choices.
- Lyle draws parallels to deterministic philosophy but appreciates aldn’s belief in free will and personal agency.
- Discussion of reincarnation as a means of achieving inner peace or ascension, referencing spiritual traditions and the “cycle” of lifetimes.
aldn: "I really hope that I, like, restart. I get to restart and play the game again." [00:44]
Lyle: "This is a very… I get lost in deterministic philosophy, but I like this idea that you have so much free will that you could go back and even make different choices." [01:24]
2. Alternative Life Paths & The Allure of Simplicity
[02:16 – 04:49]
- Aldn describes what he'd do differently if he could relive his life, such as moving to LA before New York, or pursuing a simpler life (living in a van, farming).
- He reveals a deep-seated love for music ("in every lifetime, I would make music"), but also the appeal of homebody comforts and rural life.
3. Homebody Tendencies & College Days
[04:49 – 07:13]
- Despite being a touring artist, aldn describes himself as a homebody who mostly works in the studio and plays video games.
- Reflects on brief social periods during his time at VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University), known for its arts scene, and the novelty of unique local bars like Gwar Bar.
4. Friendship, Roots, and Musical Beginnings
[07:13 – 14:51]
- Lifelong bonds with friends from high school and college, many of whom remain his support circle.
- Heartfelt stories about high school, being labeled as “artsy” and “stoner kids” despite not using substances.
- The profound impact of a traumatic breakup in high school—his girlfriend cheated on him with a friend—which catalyzed his journey into songwriting:
aldn: "Looking back at it now… if that didn’t happen, I wouldn’t have started writing music." [13:03]
Lyle: "You transmute the feeling. It's a beautiful thing." [14:36]
5. Substance Use, Addiction, and Recovery
[15:14 – 23:33]
- Aldn opens up about struggles with depression and substance abuse, mainly fentanyl, during college and COVID lockdown.
- Describes the escalation from curiosity and youthful experimentation to addiction, and the intense withdrawals that led him to seek help.
- Honest depiction of rehab: “Honestly? It was a blast… It was like summer camp.”
aldn: “I went to my mom, I was like, I've been addicted to Percocets for like five months.” [21:13]
aldn: “Rehab is like… it really opened my eyes to how bad other people have it sometimes.” [23:00]
6. Philosophical Musings: Intuition & The "Roy" Theory
[24:36 – 26:15]
- The idea that intuition in this life may derive from lessons in past lives (“It’s the intuition that stays”).
- Nerdy reference to the "Roy" life-simulation game from Rick and Morty, imagining each lifetime as another round in the arcade.
7. Urban Exploring, Childhood Mischief, and Early Bonds
[27:12 – 31:16]
- Anecdotes about creatively breaking into the high school football stadium to play prank music at night and steal snacks.
- Affection for “urbex” (urban exploration), even in mundane suburban environments.
8. Community, Fandom, and New Music
[31:20 – 32:47]
- Responding to fan questions, aldn jokes about fan-names (Aldians, Father Strung, etc.).
- Introduces his new album Strung Out Symphony (dropping October 3) and desire to build a brand/community around it.
9. Life as an Artist: Touring, Goals, and Songwriting
[34:39 – 54:14]
- Details on why he prefers LA to NYC (less stress, more space), and the dream of settling in Virginia with a simple, creative home life.
- Honest about his songwriting process—starting with production and vocals at the same time, making music both for personal catharsis and audience connection:
aldn: "I like my songs to be really just like… they're for myself. And if people can relate, that's beautiful." [45:13]
- Touring stories, both good (bonding with Glaive, discovering new cities, the sense of adventure) and challenging (soundcheck mishaps, technical failures).
10. Video Games, ADHD, and Personal Preferences
[39:14 – 41:17]
- Both reflect on their love for gaming and short attention spans.
- Strong takes on Mario Kart World (shared disappointment) and favorites (aldn plays as “Shy Guy”).
11. Mental Health, Therapy, and Finding Relief
[41:31 – 43:10]
- Music as aldn’s main tool for working through difficulties.
- Reservations about therapy: “I just couldn't get past the idea that, oh, I’m paying this person to listen to me.”
12. Dreams, Future Aspirations, and Spiritual Reflection
[54:14 – End]
- Aldn’s desire for gold records, headline arena shows, world travel, and potential new band projects.
- Talks about learning Japanese in school, his interest in touring Japan, and fascination with futuristic cities.
- Final philosophical musings: living “in a matrix,” wondering if this is his 10th life and finally “got it right.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On Life, Death & Personal Growth
- aldn: “Every time you die, you wake up as your baby again and you go through and you learn new lessons.” [24:36]
- Lyle: “The older I get, the more I realize I don't know anything about anything. I become more agnostic towards the world and myself and all things.” [15:22]
On Friendship
- Lyle: “That is so cool… to have a friend who will, like, sit in this with you.” [14:02]
On Recovery
- aldn: "Rehab is like… it really opened my eyes to how bad other people have it sometimes. I felt very privileged… to have been able to be in my parents' house." [23:00]
On Artistic Process
- aldn: “Since I like to produce everything myself, I always start with the production and… vocals over just the bass melody… then keep building it out in little increments.” [43:33]
On Tour Life
- aldn: "On the tour bus and fucking around the whole time… you just teleport to the next city and get all this time in the day to walk around and explore." [49:12]
Comedy/Geeky Moments
- Extended riff on encountering their own clones: sex, murder, or utility?
Lyle: "I'd have sex with him and then I'd kill him." [48:47] aldn: "In that order?"
- The in-depth Mario Kart World critique: "It's a step back in the series. Why would they do that?" [41:17]
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Opening & Death/Rebirth Discussion | 00:14 – 02:16 | | Farming, Homebody Life, College | 02:16 – 07:13 | | Friendships, High School & Cheating | 07:13 – 14:51 | | Substance Use & Rehab | 15:14 – 23:33 | | Intuition, Roy, Philosophical Musings | 24:36 – 26:15 | | Urbex, High School Mischief | 27:12 – 31:16 | | Fan Questions & New Album | 31:20 – 32:47 | | LA vs. NYC, Future Plans | 34:39 – 54:14 | | Gaming, ADHD, Mario Kart | 39:14 – 41:17 | | Songwriting Process | 43:33 – 45:13 | | Touring Stories & Mishaps | 49:01 – 52:27 | | Mental Health, Therapy | 41:31 – 43:10 | | Goals, Aspirations, Japan, Matrix Musings | 54:14 – End (~63:13) |
Final Reflections
The episode beautifully encapsulates aldn’s journey from small-town Virginia to the stage, highlighting both struggle and joy—the power of music to transmute pain, the importance of friendship, and the ever-present question of meaning and destiny. The tone is relaxed, irreverent, and open, making it feel like an authentic late-night chat between friends, full of laughter, vulnerability, and shared curiosity about life’s biggest mysteries.
Album Plug:
Strung Out Symphony releases October 3.
For newcomers, start with the song "I can't believe I let you get away."
aldn: "Shout out to all the people who like my music. I love you forever. You make everything possible." [61:47]
Lyle (Gecko): “I hope that in all 10 million Alden lives, there is a moment where we are sitting here in gecko suits.” [63:00]