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 can help me decide in the comments. Place the SPUD on your chest (or your partner’s) and listen to the sound of two heartbeats.

My first version used toy-quality stethoscopes. They worked—but the sound was very faint. I’ve since upgraded to Littmann Classic III stethoscopes.

Eventually, I’d love to 3D print seamless tubing so the connection is even more fluid.

I’m hoping to raise enough to keep improving the SPUD, and get it working well enough to make and sell. Any amount helps, and if you’d like to be part of getting it there, I would be forever grateful.