SPUD

This device was born from a moment in Fierce Grace, when Abby and Ram Dass held each other—their mics pressed between their chests—and it created a stethoscopic sound. Two heartbeats.

It made me want to create something simple and human—a way to participate in another’s presence through the oldest rhythm there is. 

So here it is. The SPUD. A Somatic Portal for Unspoken Devotion. I think. It’s definitely SPUD. But the acronym might also mean Shared Presence & Unspoken Dialogue, or Shared Pulse Unveiling Device.

You just place the SPUD on your chest (or your partner's) and listen to the sound of two heartbeats.

I made it using toy-quality stethoscopes. They work—but the sound is very faint. I’m hoping to raise enough money to upgrade to Littmann Classic III stethoscopes. I think that’ll make a huge difference.

Eventually, I’d love to 3D print seamless tubing so the connection is even more fluid—but that might be for a future round.

For now, I’m hoping to raise $400 for some really good stethoscopes.

If you can help, I would be forever grateful.