Commonplace

Computers and the internet aren't fun anymore, but Mesha Maren is trying to change that. Alongside Juliet Escoria, she's launched the new site Zona Motel, a place for the literary community to share what excites them and makes them curious. She's also the author of the novels Shae, Perpetual West, and Sugar Run.Sign up to recieve Zona Motel in your email inbox here.COLUMN: The Projectionist #2 Middle Eastern Miracle Films

Summer time is here, the days are warmer, school is letting out, and Commonplace is back. 'Gone The Sun' author Joel Peckham takes us to Camp Manitou, a place he's returned to at multiple points in his life, first as a camper, then as an adult navigating an incredible loss, then later on in life, navigating his father's memory loss. Buy 'Gone the Sun' from Joel's website here.Listen to episode 41 with Rachael Peckham here.The return of Commonplace is all because of the generosity of others, the producers of the show pledge to return this generosity by continuing to work towards strengthening an incredible artistic community made up of artists of all walks of life. Thank you.

This week on Commonplace, we have filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon (@elainemcsheldon, director of King Coal (@kingcoalfilm) which is now available via @povdocs. The documentary showcases how the coal industry looms over West Virginia both economically and culturally, honoring the work of those in the past while acknowledging the need to move forward. In our conversation, we talk about the struggles of independent filmmaking and how it shaped the documentary, her entry into the medium and the success of Heroine, and why she narrates the documentary even though she was initially hesitant.  Stream King Coal via POV here.

his week on Commplace, we're joined by guitarist Adam Meisterhans (@meisterhansworld), known for his work as a member of Slaughter Beach, Dog (@slaughterbeachdog) and Rozwell Kid (@rozwellkid). He's also performed with the likes of Tyler Childers, John R. Miller and John Inghram. In our conversation we talk about seeking connection through music, how playing multiple genres forces him to keep learning, and how he came to be a member of Slaughter Beach, Dog. 

his week on Commonplace, photographer Michael Sullivan (@michaelsullivan.photo) is in to talk about his debut zine “Library, a collection of photographs of Cabell County public libraries. In our conversation, we walk about why he's drawn to them as a subject matter, his entryway into the medium, and the importance of being intentional in your work. You can find his website here.

his week on Commonplace, we have podcaster and New York Times bestselling author Clint McElroy (@mrbethere). Alongside his three sons, he produces and performs the popular roleplaying podcast The Adventure Zone, and writes a graphic novel series based on the show. In our conversation, we talk about the rehearsals for the @hartinthepark production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, adapting the podcast from audio to page, and the importance of being present and using memory in creative work. 

This week on Commonplace, artist and gallery manager Courtney Childers Chapman (@spilledmilkstudios_) is in to talk about the galleries at @marshalluartanddesign including an upcoming show by @brandyjefferys and @chrisdemaria76, and the launch of the Downtown Huntington Art Walk on May 17th. She also talks about how overseeing galleries informs her work, and how her work has shifted in the last few years.  Find information on the Downtown Huntington Art Walk here.

This week on Commonplace, we're celebrating our 50th episode with Robb Coleman (@laserofhate) of @massingwv who have just released their EP “Rejuiced.” The EP includes re-recordings of previously released songs that have evolved in the live show as the band has evolved. In our conversation, we talk about how this has helped songs reach their full potential, how the band's song sale helped build their creative skills, and Guitar Hero as a tool for music discovery. 

This week on Commonplace, filmmaker Jeff Boggess is in to talk about taking over the West Virginia-centric streaming community Vandalia TV, his mockumentary "Burnt Factory," and the community to be found in submitting to, and attending, film festivals. Plus, writer Ryan Faulkner reads his short story "Big Bill." On Friday, April 19th at the West Edge Factory, Ryan will be appearing alongside Ashleigh Bryant Philips, Juliet Escoria and Evan Gray as part of the Ham's House Reading Series. 

This week on Commonplace, we're sitting down with singer-songwriter Ginger Wixx (@gingerwixx). She's currently prepping for the release of her first EP. We talk about what it was like recording, the craft of songwriting, and the community and cutting teeth that come with performing at open mics. 

Filmmaker and educator Tijah Bumgarner (@tijahb) has been instrumental to the new filmmaking BFA at @marshallu @marshalluartanddesign. In our conversation, we talk about the long road to the new program, the culture shock that comes from being a small town West Virginian that moves to California, and when she knew that she wanted to return home to teach. 

Commonplace is back this week after winter break! We're celebrating with the release of Tucker Riggleman & the Cheap Dates' (@thecheapdates) new album Restless Spirit, we talk with frontman Tucker about his writing process, being apart of the Shepherdstown scene of the late 00s/early 2010s with bands like Prison Book Club and The Demon Beat, and how it's never too late to evolve. 

To wrap up the year, Nathan reflects on the episodes released in the last 12 months, and takes phone calls from previous guests to learn about where they've been, and the road ahead. Special thanks to Elliott Stewart, Emma Allen, KD Jones, Josh Dyer, and Jake Farley.

This week on Commonplace, we have musician Michael Valentine (@theemichaelvalentine). Writing, film, music, board games, he does a little bit of everything. On December 21st, his @goodtimeshowhuntington will stage The Good Time Christmas Carol, his adaptation of the holiday classic. In our conversation we talk about his tradition of celebrating local talent and Christmas music, his drive to create, and how he simply just makes things he'd want to see. 

This week on Commonplace, we're joined by Chef Mike Costello who, along with his partner Amy Dawson, operate Lost Creek Farm (@lostcreekfarm) in Harrison County, West Virginia. The farm uses food as a vessel for storytelling, centering the cuisine in both its regional and economic contexts. The chefs and their Farm and Forage Supper Club has been a semi-finalists for the Beard Foundation Awards, and they've been featured in The New York Times and on Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. In our conversation we talk about combining journalism skills with cooking skills, how cooking can be a form of archival work, and the history and memories behind some of the dishes they serve.  Find out how to support their kitchen and classroom project here.

This week on Commonplace, we're joined by filmmaker Jillian Carney Howell (@jillianlovesfilm). She's nearing five years with Disney, currently in the role of production management, and heads @shineonwv, a non-profit dedicated to spotlighting artists from the mountains. In addition to shepherding others projects, she writes and directs her own work, the latest being the documentary ZANE, about her best friend with an intellectual disability. 

Hello June is in fresh off the release of their critically acclaimed album "Artifacts." We talk about how her songwriting process has changed over the years, the moment that making music and being a band became more serious for them, and their proudest achievements have been so far in their musical journey.

Rachael Peckham's 'Alight: Flights of Prose' explores the plane crash that killed her grandfather and two uncles, and the family grief and trauma that comes with such a tragedy. In our conversation, she talks about exploring this subject matter through writing, how she ended up at Marshall University (a school with its own aviation related trauma) and wanting to stick to the truth while still telling a good story. Buy 'Alight: Flights of Prose' here.

This week on Commonplace, we talk to Abe Partridge (@abepartridge) about his music, his paintings and his podcast Alabama Astronaut which explores the songs of a group of churches known more for snake handling than they are their music. 

Comedian Josh McDonald has been a fixture of the Huntington comedy scene for over a decade, in 2017 he released 'Hero in Town,' West Virginia's first stand-up comedy special. In today's Commonplace, he talks about going to Shepherd University during a period where the music scene there included The Demon Beat, Rozwell Kid and the Fox Hunt, what Huntington comedy was like in the era of the Funny Bone, and how he shapes his material from the stage.

Michael Cerveris is a two-time Tony Award winner, actor, musician and Huntington is his hometown. He'll be back home August 19th to join the Appalachian Film Festival for a screening of Oscar-nominee Elaine McMillion Sheldon's newest film King Coal where he will join the director in conversation on stage after the film. Find tickets for the festival here. In our conversation, Michael and Nathan talk about his roots doing community theater in Huntington, how The Who's Pete Townshend helped him step into the role of 'Tommy' on Broadway, and performing with music legend Bob Mould.

Nathan is on vacation this week, so no new Commonplace. Instead, we're pulling from the college radio archives to present an interview with Julien Baker conducted just two months after the release of her debut album Sprained Ankle. Originally aired January 2016.

This week on Commonplace, to celebrate one year of doing the show the tables get turned and host Nathan Thomas (@_nrthomas ) gets interviewed by public radio storyteller Zack Harold (@zack.harold). The two talk about journalism, showing interest in music, and the inspirations behind Commonplace. Hear Zack's latest radio piece here.

This week on Commonplace we're joined by @blenkoglasscompany artist Alex Burdette (@beautifulburd_). In the conversation, we talk about his journey from working in tourism to working in glass, the intersection where art meets production, and how some of Blenko's most notable pieces are made.

Rachel Allinder of Foundry Theater returns for a longer sit-down about running a theater, the return of the Appalachian Film Festival and more! Check out the new Commonplace substack here.

Nate Cesco is one of Nathan's oldest collaborators and closest friends. He's also moving from the Huntington-area soon so Nathan conducts an exit interview, the two talk about sketch comedy, making art, and moving to a new city.

You've seen him on TV, and heard him on the radio, now hear @shelem304 this week on Commonplace. In our conversation we talk about his writing process, learning how to produce, and the importance of bringing energy and connecting with an audience.  You can see him at The Clay Center in Charleston, W.Va. on June 10th for a sneak peek at his upcoming album. Buy tickets to that show here.

This week on Commonplace, Brad Goodall (@brad_goodall) is in to talk his new album Made in America! In our conversation we cover the process of writing the album, lessons learnt from performing in New York and with Ona, and challenging yourself creatively after finishing a large project.

This week on Commonplace, folklorist and author Emily Hilliard is in to talk about her new book Making Our Future: Visionary Folklore and Everyday Culture in Appalachia! We talk about how she became interesting in becoming a folklorist, Fasnacht, pro-wrestling and her incredible record label @spinstersounds !  Also, Nathan is dealing with seasonal allergies. Your headphones aren't messed up, he's just sniffly.

Fresh off attending the SXSW conference, this week on Commonplace we have Dave Lavender (@dlavende)! Whether it's his work with the West Virginia Film Office, or being the President of Hope in the Hills who put on @healingappalachia, he's someone who stays busy by doing his best to help those around him. We talk about exciting developments in the film world, fighting stigma, and what drives him to help.On April 6th, Healing Appalachia will present their third annual spring donation based live stream featuring performances from last year's festival and brand new interviews, plus Tyler Childers and the Food Stamps full set.

This week on Commonplace we have a staple of the @huntingtoncomedy scene Angie Davis @angiedavisheartspeen ! She's in to talk about her writing process, some of her most memorable shows, and what got her into doing stand-up. On Saturday, March 25th, she's hosting @femmefestappalachia, a music and arts festival celebrating women and non-binary artists. We also hear from one of the festival organizers Annie from @livingroombandofficial.

This week on Commonplace, a double feature! Filmmaker Marshall Scott is in to talk about his debut feature film 'Brain Rot,' and Rachel Allinder of Foundry is here to talk about the return of the Appalachian Film Festival (submissions open now)! Nathan talks to Marshall Scott about his writing process, influences, and using his prior experience making a web screen as his own personal film school.

This week on Commonplace, as sort of a companion episode to the last show we have @jewelcitybarber. In our conversation Jacob talks entering the field, what it was like to run a business during the COVID-19 lockdown and the importance of community when it comes to building a business.

his week on Commonplace, a first for the show: a tattoo artist. @_jakefarley of @westendtattooclub speaks on what led him to the industry, the process of becoming a tattoo artist, and the trust between artist and customer.

This week on the show we have Lilly Dyer (@photodyeries ), a multidisciplinary artist who works in photography, video and most recently sculpture. They've directed videos for @thejimpolak and @lls.wv and organizes @localizationwv in Huntington. During the conversation we talk about her foray into sculpture, the reoccurring theme of gender in her work, WrestleMania and Miss Piggy.

For the first episode of 2023, we've got the incredible Nichole Westfall @cocoispainting_ , an artist who works on playful and colorful murals. One of her most recent works can be seen at the Ritter Park tennis courts. During the conversation, we talk about her art style, how she came to murals and more.

This is a good place for a first-time listener to start. A sample of the conversations we've had so far in the first six months of the show while updating listeners as to what the guests have been up to since their episode. We'll hear from Buni Muni, Heath Holley, Cody Cannon, Lindsay Emmite, and Leah Gore, and hear some of the music that has been performed on the show, too.

"Come listen to Nathan and I talk bad about capitalism. Wax poetic over chefs I've worked under and compare tasting notes for Mountain Dew live wire," that's how guest KD Jones describes this week's Commonplace. We also talk about the lessons Jones learnt working in Charleston restaurant kitchens, and Campbell's Creek recovery from summer flooding. Find Chef KD Jones on Instagram here.

Whether it's helping promote music from bands like @allyfletcherwv @thejimpolak and @lls.wv or giving artists a platform at their monthly Limelight nights at @theloudwv the pair of @djdrunkle and @josh.dyer.395 are hard at work at @exclaimrecords. They talk about that work, how the label started, and their goals this week on Commonplace.

This week on Commonplace we're joined by @jeremyshortmusic! He has a new single out TODAY called "(Falling Into A) Trance)" with an album coming out this January called 'Happy Trees.' You may know Jeremy from Sasha Colette & the Magnolias, Downtown King and Short & Company. In the interview he talks about nerding out over guitar magazines, how career so far, and transitioning from one era of your artistic life to the next.

This week on Commonplace we have Jake Wheeler from @lls.wv who are releasing the full length album "Barn" on @exclaimrecords TODAY! We talk about the new album, going from being a solo DIY project to expanding to a full band, and much more.

This week on Commonplace we have @hollyforbesmusic! Last fall, Holly's powerful voice led to a top ten finish on @nbcthevoice, we talk about how this run changed her career, her musical upbringing and how an Elton John cover led her to performing for baseball legend Roger Clemens.

This week on Commonplace we have Emma Allen from @summitpointpunk who have a full length album Vulnerable out TODAY! It's an honest and open album that they'll play in full at their @heckyeahfestwv headlining set. In the conversation, also dropping Friday, we talk about writing songs about hard to talk about topics, finding the gear that makes the sound in an artist's head a reality, and the joy of long songs. And professional wrestling, obviously.

his week on Commonplace, we have @zaylukas! Known for high energy and collaborations with @shelem304 @lilxdroopy and @gardenn._ , the conversation covers everything from using live shows to help the writing process to the importance of collaboration.

Meeting at the intersection of food and art, @nomleah brings care and consideration to everything she does. Whether it be working on visual art, or creating baked goods with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, her work follows a goal of always challenging herself and to never stop learning. We talk about all that, and the @localizationwv art show in this week's Commonplace.

Ally Fletcher is a storyteller, taking on the role of the midnight emo cowboy to write honest songs about macabre things. You can see her perform Saturday, October 15th at Localization at the West Edge Factory.

A mainstay of the Huntington DJ scene, Charlie Brown Superstar is known for eclectic sets ranging from genres like house music to country funk, to 2000s indie dance. His latest project is the Joyful Noise version of Tyler Childers and the Food Stamp's 'Take My Hounds To Heaven.' He talks with Nathan about how he puts together a DJ set, why he stays in Huntington, and growing up in the *eastern* panhandle. You can keep up to take with Charlie Brown Superstar here, and buy a copy of the newest Tyler album here.

lil droopy is a rapper whose latest work is the Blurred Lines EP. He's also plays guitar in The Long Lost Somethins. droopy talks to Nathan about the experience of writing and recording an EP during the COVID lockdown, his first experiences performing onstage as lil droopy, and more.

Lindsay Emmite is a multimedia artist who is a regular at art vending events in the Huntington area, known for her use of bright colors, they work to express joy through art. In today's episode of Commonplace, she talks to Nathan about the importance of making friends with other artists, what inspires her and why expressing that joy is a radical act.

Dylan Smith is a music video director that specializes in high energy rap videos made on a low-budget. He's worked with 3D Geo, CityPhil, Shelem, and previous Commonplace guests Mr. Awful and Buni Muni. He'll be releasing a video with rapper Father, who will be performing at The Loud on Saturday Sept. 24th, later this month.

Commonplace gets a little funky this week with Parry Casto (also known as Funkle Sam) of The MFB, and organizer of Funktafest. They talk about his instantly recognizable stage persona, the energy he brings to performing live, and the origins of Funktafest. They also talk about Nathan's apartment which coincidentally Parry used to live in.