In this radiant and heart-opening episode of One Song, One Story, Shub sits down with his friend and creative inspiration Marc-John Brown — a coach, medicine man, activist, and father — to explore the power of rhythm, voice, and the universal language of music.

Marc-John brings the timeless “Chan Chan” by Buena Vista Social Club, a song that changed the course of his life. What begins as a nostalgic trip to Buenos Aires at age 19 — a sunny day, a sweet coffee, a drifting breeze, and that hypnotic Cuban rhythm — unfolds into a story of identity, ancestry, and soulful connection.

Together they explore:
🌎 The roots of world music and how Afro-Cuban rhythm connects continents and cultures
🪘 Music as resistance — and why beauty often blooms in hardship
🎶 The role of sound in healing, ceremony, and family life
👨‍👩‍👧 How “Chan Chan” became the soundtrack of a household — from washing dishes to bedtime singalongs

Marc-John’s reflections ripple across creativity, spirituality, and love — from discovering rhythm on a metal sink to playing percussion on a Malaysian beach. It’s a conversation about belonging, resilience, and the music that keeps us alive.

Hit play, pour a coffee, and feel the warmth.
Because sometimes the world’s most powerful songs don’t just move you — they become part of your story.

00:00 Introduction and Connection03:28 The Role of Creativity in Life05:47 Exploring Musical Influences08:31 Rhythm and Personal Experiences11:04 The Evolution of Musical Tastes13:41 The Essence of Folk Music16:38 World Music and Cultural Identity19:13 Music's Role in Daily Life21:54 Introducing the Song: El Chan Chan24:23 The Story Behind El Chan Chan27:52 The Indescribable Connection to Music31:21 Music as a Symbol of Resistance33:04 Personal Journey Through Music35:34 The Evolution of a Song's Meaning36:31 Family and Music: A Daily Ritual41:10 Cuban Folklore and Cultural Connection43:39 The Deeper Meaning of the Song45:12 Symbolism and Personal Reflection48:28 Imagining a Cover of the Song49:04 Final Reflections and Connections51:22 Riverside Intro : Outro.mp4