COZY ZONE with Ben Weber

My guest is Jeremy Bloom, a multi-disciplinary artist, director, and writer. I met him at Northwestern University’s summer theater camp and his sweet, gentle, artistic brightness has nourished my artist self throughout my years of living in New York. We meet at Housing Works Bookstore Café to have a cozy conversation about books as sacred,…Read more FOUR: Old Friends in Housing Works Bookstore Cafe

Ana Cantorán Viramontes (Interdisciplinary Artist) invites me to her Flatbush, Brooklyn guest room where we chat about her first plays in Puebla, Mexico (starring her cousins), the tumult of landing in New York, and finding her artist self at Naropa University. With a $65 billion grant (based on the 2018 subsidy from the United States…Read more THREE: Ana Cantorán Viramontes | In The Guest Room

Drew Petersen (Artistic Director, Trusty Sidekick Theater Company) takes me to the basement bar of Beecher’s Handmade Cheese where we chat about immersive theater, Drew’s punk rock beginnings, and the future cultivation of theater for young audiences. With a $2.62 million grant (based on the daily income from NYC’s George Washington Bridge, Verrazano Bridge, and Hugh…Read more TWO: Drew Petersen | Beecher’s Handmade Cheese

It’s 2020. Cozy Zone with Ben Weber is back with double the heart, triple the cozy, and quadruple the shtick. I chat with Cozy Zone Foundation Trustee Dr. Vincent Pougash and with a budget of $9.95 billion, (the 2017 U.S. Government budget for the NSA) I create a project for Sculpture At River Market . Also,…Read more ONE: Ben Weber | Cozy Zone Revival

“O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!” Why it’s Kevin Townley’s cozy zone, published today, October 16, 2018, in celebration of his birthday. On March 10, 2017, Kevin and I lounged in the resplendent lobby of The Marlton Hotel, where I was drenched with Kevin’s kindness and wisdom. Drawing from his artful life as a singer, actor,…Read more Kevin Townley at The Marlton Hotel

I had the honor of chatting with Penelope in her cozy Crown Heights apartment on September 16, 2017. Listening back to the audio, I was reminded of my own rawness and of Penelope’s generosity and creative curiosity. Penelope and I met at The New Victory Theater where I was lucky enough to get some professional…Read more Penelope McCourty in Number Six

Cozy Zone with Ben Weber is back! Diving in deep with this podcast and art making, Ben sends his latest dispatch from the Reckoning Room, a creative space in his new Kensington, Brooklyn apartment. Ben takes us on a tour, processes his feelings, and presents an inaugural podcast performance. Enjoy #cozyzone friends! Also, go buy…Read more Ben Weber in the Reckoning Room

Ben and Daniel Goldman (Scientist) have been friends since Kindergarten. They went to Hebrew school together. They played Magic: The Gathering together. And, when they got their Learner’s Permits, they spent a lot of time hanging out at Colectivo Coffee in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Last Christmas, Ben and Daniel got together at Colectivo Lakefront like two machers and…Read more EPISODE 55: Daniel Goldman at Colectivo Lakefront

Cozy Zone with Ben Weber is back! In the opener to Episode 55: Daniel Goldman at Colectivo Lakefront, Ben gives an update of what he’s been up to during his 8-month Cozy Zone sabbatical, outlines his “Cozy Zone Cozy Code” and offers a circlesong called “Mira One” made on Loopy HD. Mentioned in this episode:…Read more EPISODE 55: Opener

Jonathan Marballi is an actor, comedian, and improviser living in Los Angeles. He has appeared on House of Cards, Broad City, and Inside Amy Schumer. Jon and I met while rehearsing the play “Manuscripts Don’t Burn” which we performed on Governors Island in Summer 2011. We also collaborated on a strange bit of downtown theater called “Falcore” about wealthy…Read more EPISODE 54: Jon Marballi in Madison Square Park

In May 2016, I gave my sperm to help two dear friends have a baby. On February 22, 2017, she arrived! Now, I have so many feelings.

Stephen Sheffer is an actor, a writer, a singer, a doer, and a tall, sweet handsome. I had the privilege to cozy up to Stephen in Prospect Park to talk about our child artist selves, the outdoors, and fear. Photo: Production still from LES SALTIMBANQUES, directed by The Price Brothers Enjoy these tracks! TRACK 1: Intro Themesong…Read more EPISODE 53: Stephen Sheffer in Prospect Park SIDE E

Stephen Sheffer is an actor, a writer, a singer, a doer, and a tall, sweet handsome. I had the privilege to cozy up to Stephen in Prospect Park to talk about our child artist selves, the outdoors, and fear. Photo by Stephen Sheffer Enjoy these tracks! TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong…Read more EPISODE 53: Stephen Sheffer in Prospect Park SIDE D

Stephen Sheffer is an actor, a writer, a singer, a doer, and a tall, sweet handsome. I had the privilege to cozy up to Stephen in Prospect Park to talk about our child artist selves, the outdoors, and fear. Enjoy these tracks! TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong “Shriek” by Ben Weber…Read more EPISODE 53: Stephen Sheffer in Prospect Park SIDE C

Stephen Sheffer is an actor, a writer, a singer, a doer, and a tall, sweet handsome. I had the privilege to cozy up to Stephen in Prospect Park to talk about our child artist selves, the outdoors, and fear. Photo by JD Urban Enjoy these tracks! TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong…Read more EPISODE 53: Stephen Sheffer in Prospect Park SIDE B

Stephen Sheffer is an actor, a writer, a singer, a doer, and a tall, sweet handsome. I had the privilege to cozy up to Stephen in Prospect Park to talk about our child artist selves, the outdoors, and fear. Enjoy these tracks! TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong “Post Boos” by…Read more EPISODE 53: Stephen Sheffer in Prospect Park SIDE A

Dearest Cozy Zone Friends! Please enjoy The Cozy Zone Foundation 2016 Annual Report featuring important statistics and a pitch for each of the seventeen projects devised for The Cozy Zone Foundation including: EPISODE 36 – Sally Weber: “The Reading Community Center” EPISODE 37 – Skyler Sullivan: “Jamaste” EPISODE 38 – KD Diamond: “Figure One” EPISODE…Read more The Cozy Zone Foundation 2016 Annual Report

Ellice is a sweet friend from Cedarburg, WI  I met in Brooklyn. She makes me laugh and feel loved. Image: Structures in Japan Follow along with these gorgeous tracks: TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong “Christmas Day” by Ben Weber TRACK 3: Intro by Ben Weber TRACK 4: “Cozy Zoning” by Ellice Plant and Ben…Read more EPISODE 52: Ellice Plant in the Brooklyn Whole Health Office SIDE E

Ellice is a sweet friend from Cedarburg, WI  I met in Brooklyn. She makes me laugh and feel loved. Image: Paper Trees Follow along with these gorgeous tracks: TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong “Earth and Aether” by Ellice Plant, Katie Grimm, Nicolette Dixon, and Ben Weber TRACK 3: Intro by Ben Weber TRACK 4:…Read more EPISODE 52: Ellice Plant in the Brooklyn Whole Health Office SIDE D

Ellice is a sweet friend from Cedarburg, WI  I met in Brooklyn. She makes me laugh and feel loved. Image: Wisconsin or Japan? Follow along with these gorgeous tracks: TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong “Cumbia” by Ben Weber TRACK 3: Intro by Ben Weber TRACK 4: State Your Problem TRACK 5: Teacher Self TRACK 6: Constellation…Read more EPISODE 52: Ellice Plant in the Brooklyn Whole Health Office SIDE C

Ellice is a sweet friend from Cedarburg, WI  I met in Brooklyn. She makes me laugh and feel loved. Image: A View from Ellice’s Nice Office Bathroom Follow along with these gorgeous tracks: TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong “Collom Balem” by Ben Weber TRACK 3: Intro by Ben Weber TRACK 4: Embracing the Chaos…Read more EPISODE 52: Ellice Plant in the Brooklyn Whole Health Office SIDE B

Ellice is a sweet friend from Cedarburg, WI  I met in Brooklyn. She makes me laugh and feel loved. Follow along with these gorgeous tracks: TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong “Skylight” by Ben Weber TRACK 3: Intro by Ben Weber TRACK 4: My Office TRACK 5: Treatment TRACK 6: Ayurveda TRACK 7: Outro by Ben…Read more EPISODE 52: Ellice Plant in the Brooklyn Whole Health Office SIDE A

On Saturday June 6, 2015 I spent the day in one of my coziest zones: FIGMENT NYC on Governors Island. On Side G, I meet Ruby Pearl, a toddler, who shares her thoughts about The Octonauts and blowing up balloons. She is flanked by her entourage Mommy, Daddy, and Bubbe. Photo by Melanie Rieders

Terrance Brown is a master of fitness. He visits Planet Fitness five to six times a week. Terrance is also an attractive, caring, thoughtful, and generous man. He will train you through his company Okami Fitness. Please enjoy our intense, courageous, vulnerable, and moving conversation! TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong “Pizza Shawty” by Ben Weber…Read more EPISODE 51: Terrance Brown at Planet Fitness SIDE E

Honeybears, I feel sick to my stomach that we just elected Donald J. Trump President of the United States. I wanted to soothe myself and you by making a special Cozy Zone episode. Please enjoy! Much love, Ben

Terrance Brown is a master of fitness. He visits Planet Fitness five to six times a week. Terrance is also an attractive, caring, thoughtful, and generous man. He will train you through his company Okami Fitness. Please enjoy our intense, courageous, vulnerable, and moving conversation! TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong by Ben Weber TRACK…Read more EPISODE 51: Terrance Brown at Planet Fitness SIDE D

Terrance Brown is a master of fitness. He visits Planet Fitness five to six times a week. Terrance is also an attractive, caring, thoughtful, and generous man. He will train you through his company Okami Fitness. Please enjoy our intense, courageous, vulnerable, and moving conversation! TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong by Ben Weber TRACK…Read more EPISODE 51: Terrance Brown at Planet Fitness SIDE C

Terrance Brown is a master of fitness. He visits Planet Fitness five to six times a week. Terrance is also an attractive, caring, thoughtful, and generous man. He will train you through his company Okami Fitness. Please enjoy our intense, courageous, vulnerable, and moving conversation! TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong by Ben Weber TRACK…Read more EPISODE 51: Terrance Brown at Planet Fitness SIDE B

Terrance Brown is a master of fitness. He visits Planet Fitness five to six times a week. Terrance is also an attractive, caring, thoughtful, and generous man. He will train you through his company Okami Fitness. Please enjoy our intense, courageous, vulnerable, and moving conversation! TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong by Ben…Read more EPISODE 51: Terrance Brown at Planet Fitness SIDE A

Lisa Locascio is the Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing in English at Wesleyan University. One time, she made me a woo woo with Blue Curacao at her dad’s basement bar in River Forest, IL and I puked up Ethiopian food all night. She holds a BA from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, an MFA from New…Read more EPISODE 50: Lisa Locascio in the Altar Room SIDE E

Lisa Locascio is the Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing in English at Wesleyan University. One time, she made me a woo woo with Blue Curacao at her dad’s basement bar in River Forest, IL and I puked up Ethiopian food all night. She holds a BA from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, an MFA from New…Read more EPISODE 50: Lisa Locascio in the Altar Room SIDE D

Lisa Locascio is the Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing in English at Wesleyan University. One time, she made me a woo woo with Blue Curacao at her dad’s basement bar in River Forest, IL and I puked up Ethiopian food all night. She holds a BA from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, an MFA from New…Read more EPISODE 50: Lisa Locascio in the Altar Room SIDE C

On Saturday June 6, 2015 I spent the day in one of my coziest zones: FIGMENT NYC on Governors Island. On SIDE F I meet musicians Dan Gitlin and Joan Hacker who are hard at work on their project Garbage Barge. Photo by Daniel Rose  

Lisa Locascio is the Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing in English at Wesleyan University. One time, she made me a woo woo with Blue Curacao at her dad’s basement bar in River Forest, IL and I puked up Ethiopian food all night. She holds a BA from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, an MFA from New…Read more EPISODE 50: Lisa Locascio in the Altar Room SIDE B

Lisa Locascio is the Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing in English at Wesleyan University. One time, she made me a woo woo with Blue Curacao at her dad’s basement bar in River Forest, IL and I puked up Ethiopian food all night. She holds a BA from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, an…Read more EPISODE 50: Lisa Locascio in the Altar Room SIDE A

Valoir is an opera singer, a painter, a jazz drummer and an aficionado of Downton Abbey. She is also my beloved colleague, former office neighbor, and dear, sweet friend. In April, Valoir invited me for an evening of cozy wonder atop The High Line. We dined to-go style at Chelsea Market and snuggled into the lounge chairs of the “Diller…Read more EPISODE 49: Valoir on the High Line SIDE E

Valoir is an opera singer, a painter, a jazz drummer and an aficionado of Downton Abbey. She is also my beloved colleague, former office neighbor, and dear, sweet friend. In April, Valoir invited me for an evening of cozy wonder atop The High Line. We dined to-go style at Chelsea Market and snuggled into the lounge chairs of the “Diller…Read more EPISODE 49: Valoir on the High Line SIDE D

Valoir is an opera singer, a painter, a jazz drummer and an aficionado of Downton Abbey. She is also my beloved colleague, former office neighbor, and dear, sweet friend. In April, Valoir invited me for an evening of cozy wonder atop The High Line. We dined to-go style at Chelsea Market and snuggled into the lounge chairs of the “Diller…Read more EPISODE 49: Valoir on the High Line SIDE C

Valoir is an opera singer, a painter, a jazz drummer and an aficionado of Downton Abbey. She is also my beloved colleague, former office neighbor, and dear, sweet friend. In April, Valoir invited me for an evening of cozy wonder atop The High Line. We dined to-go style at Chelsea Market and snuggled into the lounge chairs of the “Diller…Read more EPISODE 49: Valoir on the High Line SIDE B

Valoir is an opera singer, a painter, a jazz drummer and an aficionado of Downton Abbey. She is also my beloved colleague, former office neighbor, and dear, sweet friend. In April, she invited me for an evening of cozy wonder atop The High Line. We dined to-go style at Chelsea Market and snuggled into the lounge chairs…Read more EPISODE 49: Valoir on the High Line SIDE A

On Saturday June 6, 2015 I spent the day in one of my coziest zones: FIGMENT NYC on Governors Island. On Side E, I chat with Denny Daniel about his collection of old and fascinating objects, The Museum of Interesting Things. Denny Daniel Presents: The Museum of Interesting Things TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong…Read more FIGMENT NYC 2015 SIDE E – The Museum of Interesting Things

WT McRae is prolific and talented multi-disciplinary artist. He is an actor, clown, director, designer, writer, devised theater collaborator, teaching artist, circus coach, curriculum designer, consultant, arts administrator, visual artist, knitwear maker, print media designer, painter, and sculptor. I had the honor to meet with WT in his home in Astoria, Queens and then head to midtown…Read more EPISODE 48: WT McRae on Babel Day SIDE E

WT McRae is prolific and talented multi-disciplinary artist. He is an actor, clown, director, designer, writer, devised theater collaborator, teaching artist, circus coach, curriculum designer, consultant, arts administrator, visual artist, knitwear maker, print media designer, painter, and sculptor. I had the honor to meet with WT in his home in Astoria, Queens and then head to midtown…Read more EPISODE 48: WT McRae on Babel Day SIDE D

WT McRae is prolific and talented multi-disciplinary artist. He is an actor, clown, director, designer, writer, devised theater collaborator, teaching artist, circus coach, curriculum designer, consultant, arts administrator, visual artist, knitwear maker, print media designer, painter, and sculptor. I had the honor to meet with WT in his home in Astoria, Queens and then head to midtown…Read more EPISODE 48: WT McRae on Babel Day SIDE C

WT McRae is prolific and talented multi-disciplinary artist. He is an actor, clown, director, designer, writer, devised theater collaborator, teaching artist, circus coach, curriculum designer, consultant, arts administrator, visual artist, knitwear maker, print media designer, painter, and sculptor. I had the honor to meet with WT in his home in Astoria, Queens and then head to midtown…Read more EPISODE 48: WT McRae on Babel Day SIDE B

WT McRae is prolific and talented multi-disciplinary artist. He is an actor, clown, director, designer, writer, devised theater collaborator, teaching artist, circus coach, curriculum designer, consultant, arts administrator, visual artist, knitwear maker, print media designer, painter, and sculptor. I had the honor to meet with WT in his home in Astoria, Queens and then head to midtown…Read more EPISODE 48: WT McRae on Babel Day SIDE A

Spencer Lott is filled with puppet genius and a most generous spirit. He is a master performer, puppet maker, educator, and collaborator. Spencer invited me into his puppet studio for an inspiring chat about art, fear, and inspiration. Enjoy SIDE D where we devise our collaborative project commissioned by The Cozy Zone Foundation. Track 1: “The…Read more EPISODE 47: Spencer Lott in his Puppet Studio SIDE D

Early on June 12, 2016, we experienced one of the deadliest mass shootings in American history. A man armed with a legally purchased Sig Sauer MCX assault rifle, opened fire on the Latin Night crowd at Pulse, a gay dance club in Orlando, Florida. He killed 49 people and wounded 53. Trying to find the words to…Read more #WeAreOrlando

Spencer Lott is filled with puppet genius and a most generous spirit. He is a master performer, puppet maker, educator, and collaborator. Spencer invited me into his puppet studio for an inspiring chat about art, fear, and inspiration. Enjoy SIDE C! Feast upon Mr. Lott’s fabulous creative work: www.misterlott.com Check out his show “Blossom” at Dixon Place Fridays…Read more EPISODE 47: Spencer Lott in his Puppet Studio SIDE C

Spencer Lott is filled with puppet genius and a most generous spirit. He is a master performer, puppet maker, educator, and collaborator. Spencer invited me into his puppet studio for an inspiring chat about art, fear, and inspiration. Enjoy SIDE B! Feast upon Mr. Lott’s fabulous creative work: www.misterlott.com Check out his show “Blossom” at Dixon Place Fridays…Read more EPISODE 47: Spencer Lott in his Puppet Studio SIDE B

Spencer Lott is filled with puppet genius and a most generous spirit. He is a master performer, puppet maker, educator, and collaborator. Spencer invited me into his puppet studio for an inspiring chat about art, fear, and inspiration. Enjoy SIDE A! Feast upon Mr. Lott’s fabulous creative work: www.misterlott.com Check out his show “Blossom” at Dixon…Read more EPISODE 47: Spencer Lott in his Puppet Studio SIDE A