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.