Blind Shovel

Follow Blind Shovel
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

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.

Michael Olivo

Donate to Blind Shovel


    • Apr 29, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 18m AVG DURATION
    • 100 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Blind Shovel with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Blind Shovel

    Josh Ottum - Sweating It Out & Our Rote Skills

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 81:09


    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

    Red Nose Studio - Living Illustration & The Three Marchers

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 59:47


    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

    Lesley Wheeler & Karl McComas-Reichl - Rita's Roar & The Poet's Pour

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 80:16


    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

    On "Saints & Sand" - JF Martel & Michael Olivo

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2025 75:26


    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

    Max Gordon - Livin' Good & Pullin' Prints

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 68:36


    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

    Cullen Beckhorn - Neoglyphic Media & Obliterating The Impending Monoculture

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 66:41


    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

    Jesse Korman - A Screamer's Life & The Number Twelve

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024 69:50


    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

    Milo Moyer-Battick - Formal Shock & The Cabin's Warmth

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 69:57


    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

    Matt Holmen - Designed Service & The Good Human

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 88:14


    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

    Matteo Roberts - Magically Managing & Pep Talk

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 72:05


    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

    Sarah Rothberg - Pixel Poetry & Humanizing the Virtual

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2024 80:06


    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

    Anthony Ferraro - Form and Void & The Non-Casual

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2024 101:34


    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

    Kurt Shore - Shore Power & Touring Before the Micronova

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 50:02


    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

    Baptiste Virot - Heir to Hergé & The Pull of Animal Press

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 93:25


    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

    Rememburgerme - Gary Larson Cool & BK Tats

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 66:56


    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

    Brett Flanigan - Paint-Hopping & Hawking Jazz

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024 97:24


    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

    Nick Morris - Zen Traffic & The Rise & Fall of Flower Girl

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 56:36


    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

    Ron English & Constant van Hoeven - Living in Delusionville & The Street Art Explosion

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024 85:32


    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

    Brett Stenson - QSL Cards & The Young Jerks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 85:16


    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

    David Schoner - The Death of E.T. & The NJ Film Explosion

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 79:21


    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

    Michael Wimer - Afro-Beat & Indiana Doomer Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2024 76:02


    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

    Ron Regé, Jr - Xerox'd Beginnings & The Cartoon Utopia

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 77:40


    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

    Joe Kelly - Forever Losing Sleep & A Fire Lit By Guitar Hero

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 58:51


    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

    Dave Levy - Moving Molecules & An Excellent Embouchure

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2024 73:10


    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

    Adam Lovitz - Child-Coded & A Philly Journey

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2024 79:06


    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

    Mike Mokotow Pelczynski - Powered By Fans & The Cloud's Sound

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 87:53


    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

    Brandon Graham - Surviving The Red Planet & Brandon Things

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2024 137:18


    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

    Gary Bodker - The Unbreakable Mr. Glass & Taking Care Of Business

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 86:46


    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

    Pete Gamlen - Petey Royale & Crumpets, Please

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2024 77:08


    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

    Dan Bunn - A Long Technical Journey & Oily Observations

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 72:06


    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

    Margot Ferrick - Bora Visions & Eggy Swans

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 80:51


    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

    Dan Nadel - PictureBox Inc. & The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 66:11


    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

    Anthony Visco - Mummified Churches & The Sin of The Art That Answers

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2024 68:24


    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"

    Mandla - A Zany Zulu & His Ugly Sweaters

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2024 65:41


    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

    Bitmap Books - Publishing Pixels & The Allure of Commodore 64

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 50:30


    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"

    Noah Van Sciver - Joseph Smith & Not Entering Sandman

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 64:13


    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

    mepaintsme - Curious Curation & The Embrace of Anonymity

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 76:36


    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

    Sam D'Orazio - Kayfabe Social Media & Debating Howl's

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2024 77:10


    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

    Jon Chao - Less Wind & The Spiritual Stool

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 62:57


    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

    John Dull - Dull Music & Virtuous Athletics

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 76:09


    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

    Sam Bosma - Un-flexing & Fantastical Hexing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 70:30


    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

    Samuel Hayes - LUCCA MART & Enchanting Embroidery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2024 70:57


    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

    Brian Durr (BD1982) - Diskotopia & Embers Passed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2024 72:43


    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

    Alison Dubois - Tuca & Berti & A Horse Named Kirby

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2024 67:30


    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

    Zach Hazard Vaupen - The Cartoonist Cooperative & TTRPGs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2024 78:37


    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

    Matt Caulfield - Peeler & The Mother Of Invention

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2023 43:51


    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

    André Baum - Berlin & Beyondré

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 71:45


    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

    Jesse Moynihan - The Final Days of Forming & The Early Life of Jesus 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2023 115:46


    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

    Alfred Rosenbluth - Slithering Embodiment & The Destroyed Mold

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2023 98:27


    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

    Michael Olivo - It's Me

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2023 95:54


    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

    Jim Jamie James Bradshaw - On Tezuka & Boundless Transformation

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2023 73:27


    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

    Claim Blind Shovel

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel