Blind Shovel is an arts and music podcast hosted by designer Michael Olivo. The show is focused on interviewing emerging and established creators about their inspirations, process, and maturation. Released every Tuesday night at 8pm EST.
A long-awaited Blind Shoveldow, this time with musician and scholar Josh Ottum. We discuss surprising productivity, child-rearing, his approach to teaching, industriousness, and much more.Josh's WebsiteJosh's InstagramHeader image: Aaron Redfield, "Josh Ottum", 2018
A Blind Shovel in the round, this time with seasoned illustrator Red Nose Studio. We discuss the origins of his style, the nature of editorial illustration now and then, the winds and turns of his career, and much more.Red Nose Studio WebsiteRed Nose InstagramHeader image: Lesley Wheeler & Karl McComas-Reichl "Self-Portrait" 2025
A two-headed Blind Shovel, this time the dynamic duo Lesley Wheeler & Karl McComas-Reichl. We discuss art relationships, teaching, contemporary poetry, a glimpse at social media fame and much more.Lesley's SubstackLesley's TextilesKarl's WebsiteKarl's InstagramHeader image: Lesley Wheeler & Karl McComas-Reichl "Self-Portrait" 2025
A self-reflective Blind Shovel, this time the great JF Martel (of Weird Studies & Reclaiming Art.) interviews me on my latest book release, Saints & Sand. We discuss fatherhood, my process, the symbols found within the book, and much more.*PROMO CODE for $5 off: "SAINTS2025"Saints & Sand Order PageSaints & Sand PreviewHeader image: Michael Olivo, "Front Cover" 2024
A screen-printed Blind Shovel, this one with illustrator Max Gordon. We discuss our college experience, Belmar, finding one's style, tabling goods across the USA, and much more.Max's InstagramMax's WebsiteHeader image: Max Gordon, "Studio Portrait" 2024
A wood-fired Blind Shovel, this one with publisher and librarian Cullen Beckhorn. We discuss his new anthology Alive Outside, anarchy, the Lookout Arts Quarry, honing his printing processes, and much more.Cullen's InstagramNeoglyphic MediaHeader image: Aapo Rapi, "Alive Outside Cover" 2024
A bellowing Blind Shovel, this one with musician and producer Jesse Korman. We discuss The Number Twelve Looks Like You, the practice of screaming, New Jersey, entertainment, and much more.Jesse's InstagramJesse's WebsiteThe Number 12's InstagramHeader image: Khalid Mohtaseb, 2024
A flattened and etched Blind Shovel, this one with print-maker and fine artist Milo Moyer-Battick. We discuss formalism, the Bay, seeking a reaction, entertainment, and much more.Milo's InstagramMilo's WebsiteHeader image: Milo Moyer-Battick, "The Witness", 2023
A multi-forked Blind Shovel, this one with musician and designer Matt Holmen. We discuss cuisine, his music career, transitioning to design, and much more.Matt's InstagramMatt's WebsiteHeader image: Matt Holmen, "Self-Portrait", 2022
A roasted bean and a side of a Blind Shovel, this one with musician and composer Matteo Roberts. We discuss day jobs, Tonko House, Wisconsin's Phox, film-scoring, and much more.Matteo's InstagramPep Magic's SpotifyPep Magic's WebsiteHeader image: Eleanor Kody, "Portrait of Matteo", 2024
An interactive Blind Shovel, this one with New Media artist Sarah Rothberg. We discuss New Media, studying poetry, teaching, the potential of virtual avatars, and much more.Sarah's WebsiteSarah's InstagramHeader image: Sarah Rothberg, "SUPERPROMPT", 2023
A far-out Blind Shovel, this one with musician Anthony Ferraro. We discuss being on tour, formlessness, Eastern and Western perspectives, Tony's news, casualness, opening a bar, and much more.Tony's WebsiteTony's InstagramHeader image: Allie VM, "Untitled", 2024
An ageless Blind Shovel, this one with musician and entrepreneur Kurt Shore. We discuss running every morning, being a father, finding balance, optimism, the potentially impending micronova, and much more.Kurt's InstagramKurt's YoutubeHeader image: Kurt Shore, "Portrait”, 2024
A bright and poppy Blind Shovel, this one with illustrator and cartoonist Baptiste Virot. We discuss Animal Press, Hermès, social media, vintage French comics, and much more.Baptiste's WebsiteBaptiste's InstagramAnimal Press InstagramHeader image: Baptiste Virot, "Une case issue de ma prochaine bédé (roman graphique) dans laquelle il sera parfois question de fromage (comme d'hab)”, 2024
A tatted-up Blind Shovel, this one with fine artist and tattoo artist Rememburgerme. We discuss Gary Larson and other inspirations, his path to tattooing, Brooklyn, and much more.Devon's WebsiteDevon's InstagramShapeworldHeader image: Devon M, "Sun”, 2024
A chill Blind Shovel, this one with painter Brett Flanigan. We discuss his painting process, train-hopping, letting one's work evolve, and much more.Brett's WebsiteBrett's InstagramHeader image: Brett Flanigan, "Untitled” (Roller painting)", 2019
A zen Blind Shovel in NYC traffic, this one with father and musician Nick Morris. We discuss the impact of sobriety, having a family, Flower Girl, dishwashing, identity, and much more.Nick's WebsiteFlower Girl's SpotifyHeader image: Jason Rusnock, "Nick Morris in the Jungeon", 2017
A delusional Blind Shovel, this one with street artist and painter Ron English alongside filmmaker and designer Constant van Hoeven. We discuss the film Living in Delusionville, the evolution of street art, aging as an artist, Warhol, imprisonment, family, and much more.Ron's InstagramRon's WebsiteConstant's InstagramConstant's WebsiteHeader image: Ron English, "Smiley Grin", 2022
A rosy and peaceful Blind Shovel, this one with illustrator and designer Brett Stenson. We discuss art school, the aesthetics of Milwaukee, the illustrator-designer fusion, working in groups, his fine art carvings, and much more.Brett's WebsiteBrett's InstagramThe Young JerksHeader image: Brett Stenson, "Milwaukie Store Mural", 2024
A bewhiskered Blind Shovel, this one with photographer and film producer David Schoner. We discuss his moustache, New Jersey's film boom, the beauty of the beginning of Pixar's Up, his favorite films, cotton candy, and much more.David's IMDBHeader image: Garden State Film Festival, "David Schoner", 2024
A bombastic Blind Shovel, this one with percussionist and podcast producer Michael Wimer. We discuss Indiana, afro-beat, ritualistic drumming, cultural appropriation, Kendrick & Kanye, podcasting, and much more.Indiana Doomer MusicUnregistered with Thaddeus RussellHeader image: Benedict Jones, "Portrait of Michael Wimer", 2023
A blissful Blind Shovel, this one with cartoonist and musician Ron Regé, Jr. We discuss early zine culture, delivered inspiration, New-Age & the Occult, drumming, channeling the Self, and much more.Ron's WebsiteRon's InstagramHeader image: Ron Regé, Jr, "Short Run 2023 Poster Excerpt", 2023
A soothing Blind Shovel, this one with producer and musician Joe Kelly. We discuss Guitar Hero, the lessons of touring, producing rapper, friendship, the Williams Center, and much more.Forever Losing SleepJoe's InstagramHeader image: Joe Kelly, 2024
A jazzed-up Blind Shovel, this one with horn player Dave Levy. We discuss improvising, lip fitness, his career in Jazz, where to start with Jazz, moving molecules, and much more.Dave's WebsiteDave's InstagramHeader image: Dave Levy, 2020
A nomadic Blind Shovel, this one with painter Adam Lovitz. We discuss living in the sprawl of Philly, Adam's painting process, his approach to teaching, and much more.Adam's WebsiteAdam's InstagramHeader image: Adam Lovitz, "body double" 2021
A warbling Blind Shovel, this one with musician and entrepreneur Mike Mokotow Pelczynski. We discuss AI's impact on music, his musical journey, Polish music, fan-powered royalty distribution, and much more.Forms + ShapesMike's InstagramHeader image: Armando Veve, "Domino" 2018
An episodic Blind Shovel, this one with cartoonist Brandon Graham. We discuss Las Vegas, porn, his latest diary comic, The Fifth Element, Madwoman of the Sacred Heart, and much more.Brandon's BooksBrandon's InstagramHeader image: Brandon Graham, "Untitled" 2024
A reflective Blind Shovel, this one with glass-man Gary Bodker. We discuss efficiency vs innovation, art school, the business of being an artist, fatherhood, and much more.Gary's WebsiteGary's InstagramHeader image: Gary Bodker, "Organic Dinnerware" 2024
A proper loaf of a Blind Shovel, this one with illustrator and musician Pete Gamlen. We discuss editorial illustration, the Shut-Ins, the topology of crumpets, an English death, and much more.Pete's WebsitePete's InstagramHeader image: Pete Gamlen, "Mass Layoffs" 2024
A dripping and oily Blind Shovel, this one with painter Dan Bunn. We discuss graffiti, the technical aspects of oil painting, Jackson Pollack, Pablo Picasso, and much more.Dan's WebsiteDan's InstagramHeader image: Dan Bunn, "Life Force" 2021
An elegant Blind Shovel, this one with cartoonist Margot Ferrick. We discuss the influence of manga, Bora, Dark Souls, comics lettering, Bakune Young and much more.Margot's WebsiteMargot's InstagramThe Rising Stars of MangaHeader image: Margot Ferrick, 2024
A refined Blind Shovel, this one with curator and publisher Dan Nadel. We discuss PictureBox Inc., the curatorial impulse, the flaws and strengths of institutions, R. Crumb, The Lucas, and much more.Dan's WebsiteDan's InstagramHeader image: Dan Nadel
A pious Blind Shovel, this one with devotional artist Anthony Visco. We discuss the museumification of churches, art school in the 60s, faith in Europe, Gaudí vs Matisse, the "bad boys" of the Renaissance, and much more.Anthony's WebsiteAnthony's InstagramHeader image: Anthony Visco, "Family Saints Triptych"
A globe-trotting Blind Shovel, this one with musician Mandla of Ugly Sweaters. We discuss his Zulu name, South Africa, music & church, hardcore, and much more.Mandla's WebsiteMandla's InstagramHeader image: Mandla, "East Bay Love" 2020
A Blind Shovel of ink and pixels, this one with publisher and graphic designer Sam Dyer of Bitmap Books. We discuss Kickstarter, Commodore 64, Metal Slug, high-quality publishing, and much more.Bitmap Books' WebsiteBitmap Books' InstagramHeader image: Sam Dyer "Self-Portrait"
A seasoned Blind Shovel, this one with cartoonist Noah Van Sciver. We discuss BLAMMO, honoring deadlines, his interview channel, Mormonism, and much more.Noah's InstagramNoah's Fantagraphics BooksNoah's Youtube ChannelHeader image: Noah Van Sciver "Self-Portrait", 2021
A hidden Blind Shovel, this one with artist and curator mepaintsme. We discuss the curatorial process, operating an online gallery, elitism, the merits of illustration, his upcoming show at Jack Hanley, and much more.mepaintsme's Websitemepaintsme's InstagramHeader image: mepaintsme, "Logo", 2024
A bold Blind Shovel, this one with illustrator Sam D'Orazio. We discuss the working in animation, screen-printing, gouache, the tiers of Miyzaki films, and much more.Sam's WebsiteSam's InstagramHeader image: Sam D'Orazio, "Self-Portrait", 2021
A chiseled Blind Shovel, this one with designer and furniture-maker Jon Chao. We discuss the the wind, residencies, stools & chairs, designing for your own personal life, and much more.Jon's WebsiteJon's InstagramHeader image: Jon Chao, "Trophies", 2022
A sagacious Blind Shovel, this one with folk musician John Dull. We discuss the intersection of athletics and art, Dull Music, fatherhood, Pete Seeger, and much more.Dull Music's WebsiteHeader image: Dull Music Logo, 1970s
A glistening Blind Shovel, this one with illustrator and art director Sam Bosma. We discuss editorial illustration, art directing in the animation industry, 80's anime, the challenge of comic-making, and much more.Sam's WebsiteSam's InstagramHeader image: Sam Bosma "Critical Education", 2023
A stitched and bewitching Blind Shovel, this one with illustrator and designer Samuel Hayes. We discuss LUCCA MART, refining the techniques of embroidery and air-brushing, animation, and much more.Sam's WebsiteSam's InstagramLUCCA MARTHeader image: Samuel Hayes "Horny fiends in your area", 2022
A spinning Blind Shovel, this one with producer and record label co-runner Brian Durr. We discuss life in Japan, the curation of DISKOTOPIA, his creative process, and much more.Brian's BandcampBrian's InstagramDiskotopia WebsiteHeader image: Brian Durr, "BD1982", 2023
A sun-soaked Blind Shovel, this one with illustrator and art director Alison Dubois. We discuss Bojack Horseman, the art direction of Tuca & Berti, her wonderful horse Kirby, and much more.Alison's WebsiteAlison's InstagramKirby's InstagramHeader image: Alison Dubois, "Tuca & Bertie", 2019
A pixelated Blind Shovel, this one with illustrator and designer Zach Hazard Vaupen. We discuss TTRPGs, the Cartoonist Cooperative, NFTs, Pixel Dog, and much more.Zach's WebsiteZach's InstagramCartoonist CooperativeHeader image: Zach Hazard Vaupen, "Illustration", 2023
An innovative Blind Shovel, this one with designer and sound engineer Matt Caulfield. We discuss skating, biking, the inspiration for his new wallet, Space Cow, and much more.Peeler's InstagramPeeler's WebsiteSpace Cow's WebsiteHeader image: Matt Caulfield, "Peeler", 2023
A subterranean Blind Shovel, this one with musician André Baum. We discuss Berlin, NYC, People People's "Out of Our Hands", collaboration, THX 1138, and much more.Andre's InstagramPeople PeopleBeyondréHeader image: André Baum, 2022, photo by Zack London
A prophetic Blind Shovel, this one with artist and animator Jesse Moynihan. We discuss To Make A Rising, double-therapy, spiritual life, Jesus 2, and much more.Jesse's InstagramJesse's WebsiteJesus 2Header image: Jesse Moynihan, "Forming" page, 2021
A sticky and fine-grained Blind Shovel, this one with fine-artist Alfred Rosenbluth. We discuss the Philly art scene, the human body, horror, his artistic path, and much more.Alfred's InstagramAlfred's WebsiteHeader image: Alfred Rosenbluth, "Kerub", 2021
A self-reflecting Blind Shovel, this one with me, interviewed by the mysterious DIGBEE. We discuss...Michael's WebsiteMichael's InstagramEternal WealthWilliams CenterHeader image: Michael Olivo, "LIGHTENED CUR", 2023
A whirling and blurry Blind Shovel, this one with comic connoisseur Jim Jamie James Bradshaw. We discuss Osamu Tezuka, Tezuka's history and finest works, transformation, the history of gekiga, and much more.Jim's InstagramHeader image: Osamu Tezuka "The Devil Garon", 1960