Decoding the Creative

Art can heal our wounds.  Art can bring us together.In this episode, we dig deep and get personal about the role of the arts in healing us during difficult times, both in consuming creative things and in the creating process itself.And a brief content warning: this episode discusses themes of loss and social isolation, among other sensitive matters.Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok -- @DecodingTheCreative

Season 3 of the podcast is here! In this season, we will be exploring the phenomenon of social isolation and how the arts can serve as an antidote to this critical issue in society. In this episode, we explore the basic building blocks of social isolation -- the pressures of adult life, socioeconomic challenges, and more. We also discuss how this issue affects men in particular and how men should bear a specific role in remedying the problem. In our Diversity Spotlight segment, we shine a light on rapper Shaw Calhoune and author Zoje Stage. Check them out!Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe to the podcast on your platform of choice. 

In this episode, we talk to Max Getz AKA Dead Motel, about the process by which a musician finds their sound. Why and how do musicians change genres? Is this change indicative of something deeper and more personal? We explore all of this and more in this conversation.Follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @decodingthecreative

In this episode, we talk to Alissa Redmond from South Main Book Company about the surprising success of local bookstores across America.  Along the way, we talk about how bookstores serve as unique multicultural spaces in cities, and we explore how brick-and-mortar spaces can be places where ideas can be freely discussed. It's a great conversation. 

So, you write a song about someone in your life. You spill your guts in lyrical form and your feelings explode into a melody. And then, the next day, you have to face that person again. This is the dilemma we discuss with the Charlotte-based rock band Faye in this episode about their song, "No Vibes." It's a fascinating exploration of how intimate songwriting can be, and how that vulnerable art form can be exposing for the artist in certain circumstances.Follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @DecodingtheCreative

In this episode, we talk to painter Julia Lawing about the unique craft of impressionist painting, and how creatives of every discipline embody their own work. How does a painter experience painting? How does a musician encounter music in their body? These are the questions we explore in this delightful conversation.Follow us on TikTok and Instagram, @DecodingtheCreative ! 

In this episode, we talk to comedian Matt Dameron about the exciting and strange experience of doing stand-up comedy. Along the way, we talk about the rise and fall of various social media apps, the nature of cancel culture… whatever that is... And so much more.Follow us on TikTok and Instagram -- @decodingthecreative 

In this episode, we talk about JOBs. That's right -- we talk about how you earn your living and how it impacts your creativity… or the absence thereof. Ben and I have worked a lot of different day jobs, and each one has impacted our ambitions differently, so we give you all the dirty details of our time in the workforce.Follow us on TikTok or Instagram -- @DecodingTheCreative !

In this episode, we talk to Matt and Tim from the organization Charlotte Is Creative about the state of the arts scene in Charlotte. Along the way, we discuss the nature of maturing as a creative individual, and what it means to bridge the gap between the arts and the world of big business & finance. It's a fantastic conversation for creatives and arts enthusiasts alike!Follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @decodingthecreative

How can we expand our definition of wellness? How can we pursue betterment in new and effective ways? These questions strike to the core of Ron Millward's work with Balanced Veterans Network, an organization that seeks to provide "wellness... for veterans and their families." In this episode, we talk to Ron about the power of alternative therapies and how individuals can channel their creative skills into opportunities that are not inherently artful by nature. Check out some of our older episodes in the podcast feed -- we have great conversations with songwriters, sculptors, advocates, and more!

In this episode, Nolen Bivens from Americans for the Arts joins the pod to discuss the future of arts advocacy. Where is the field going, and what do creatives need most in our modern economic environment? What is coming down the legislative pipeline to help the arts? We answer all these questions and more in a wide-ranging discussion about all things creative.

In this episode, Nate McGaha from Arts North Carolina joins the show to teach Ray and Ben the fundamentals of arts advocacy. Along the way, they discuss the nature of the arts as an industry, and they explore the delineation between for-profit creative work and nonprofit initiatives. It's a fantastically interesting and crucial conversation for creatives and enthusiasts alike.Follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @DecodingtheCreative

You can mourn many different kinds of losses in your life.That's one of the central themes in Ray's song, "Sunday Mourning Hymnal." In this episode, Ray takes the guest chair as Ben Evans and Alex Rust interrogate him on all the complexities of writing vulnerable lyrics. They discuss Ray's departure from his religion and how a person has to build new structures of meaning and purpose in the aftermath of deconstruction. Follow Ray on Instagram and TikTok -- @SundayMourningHymnals and follow the podcast on IG and TikTok too -- @DecodingtheCreative

In this episode,  we talk to rapper Shaw Calhoune about the nature of inspiration and how creative people can find new ideas practically anywhere if they know how to look for them. Along the way, we talk about the state of the hip-hop genre among so many other topics. All in all, it's a great episode. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @DecodingtheCreative !

How have your artistic endeavors changed you?In this episode, we talk about the subtle and not-so-subtle ways that an artist's knowledge informs their perspective as a consumer. As we grow and change as creative people, our understanding of creativity changes as well. We also check in with some of our former guests on how their perspectives have changed over time too!So all in all its a great conversation.Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe on your platform of choice!

In this episode of our songwriting series Songs I Shouldn't Explain,  Charlotte-based rock band Oh! You Pretty Things joins us to discuss their new song, Say Nothing. We discuss the vulnerability of sharing lyrics with a band, and we talk about how bands can incorporate the individual creative influences of each bandmate. Honestly, it's just a fun conversation.Follow us on TikTok and Instagram -- @DecodingtheCreative !

In this episode of the podcast, musician and podcaster Casey Cavaliere joins us to compare and contrast the real-world fulfillment of his band The Wonder Years and the unique rewards of his podcast The Record Process. Along the way, we talk about the challenges and obstacles that creatives face as we navigate a truly weird era in history. Follow us on Instagram and TIkTok for additional content -- @DecodingTheCreative!

Dogs. Depression. Nerf gun battles. This episode has it all! In this installment of our series Songs I Shouldn't Explain, we talk to the band Outatime! about their song Husky Fight. We discuss the value of exploring your mental health through creative work, and we also have a great conversation about finding creative inspiration in unusual places. Honestly, the whole conversation is a breath of fresh air.Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe to us on your podcast platform of choice!

In this episode, we talk to artist and community organizer Kat Cornelius AKA TuxedoKat about the nature of real community and how social media can impact artists in positive and negative ways. Along the way, we talk about the radical acceptance encountered at drag shows, and so many other subjects. It's a great conversation. Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @DecodingTheCreative !

To what extent does geography define our creative destiny? In this episode of the podcast, Angela Medlin joins us to discuss how the act of relocating to a different city can make a huge difference in your creative opportunities. We also discuss the challenges that can arise from uprooting your life and moving. It's a fascinating exploration of what it means to remain true to your craft as life throws obstacles in your way!Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe on your platform of choice!

How does a musician express meaning without lyrics?On this episode of our mini-series Songs I Shouldn't Explain, we talk to the instrumental band Cave Paint about their song “A World of Their Youth.” We explore the way instrumental music challenges our ideas about meaning in songs in general. We also discuss the unique creative processes surrounding music that doesn't gravitate around lyrics. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for additional content -- @DecodingTheCreative

Healing hurts sometimes.In this episode, Hayley Moran from Haylo Healing Arts Lounge joins the podcast to explore the unique ways that tattoo work can facilitate emotional healing. Along the way, we discuss the nature of tattooing as an art form and how gender norms can inform an artist's approach to their work. It's a fascinating discussion about how artists of every discipline can approach their work with intention and care.Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more content -- @DecodingTheCreative!

What inspires a person to write thoughtful lyrics, and what sustains them in their craft over time? In this episode, we talk to Ben Liebsch from the band You, Me, and Everyone We Know about his approach to writing lyrics, and how our creative perspectives evolve as we grow and mature as individuals. It's a fascinating discussion about the discipline of being a lyricist. We also talk about poverty, homelessness, and the complexities of addiction.Follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @DecodingTheCreativeMake sure to rate, like, and subscribe to the podcast on your platform of choice!

Happy Black History Month!In this special episode of the podcast, we talk to musician Eric Mackey about the contributions of black artists to American arts. We explore how the black experience plays out on individual levels and systemic levels, and we discuss how we can better center the contributions of others into our shared understanding of music and more.Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more content -- @DecodingTheCreative !

How do issues of poverty and privilege impact the creative endeavors of the individual? This is the center of our conversation in this episode as we discuss the finer points of how socioeconomic class plays a role in the arts. We explore famous (and not-so-famous) examples of artists who come from a place of wealth, and we talk about how our own backstories inform our work as well. We also shine a spotlight on what some of our former guests (AKA PodPals!) have been up to lately. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @DecodingTheCreative !

In Episode 24, we talk to Sarah Hahn  from Bloom Movement Artistry about the unique ways that athleticism, artistry, and self-expression converge in her discipline as an aerial artist and trapeze artist. We discuss the fundamentals of fire breathing, and we explore how Bloom Movement Artistry's work can be a space to cultivate a celebration of diversity and inclusion. Follow us on Instagram or TikTok for additional content -- @DecodingTheCreative!

Sometimes lyrics are designed to paint a vivid landscape for listeners, igniting the imagination and allowing new ideas to form. In this episode of our series "Songs I Shouldn't Explain", Noah Khorey from the band Colony Collapse talks to us about their new song Dead Cellar. He explains how songwriters can use abstract and cryptic lyrics to create vivid imagery for listeners. We also explore how metalcore has matured as a genre, and how heavy music can provide a place to try new and radical creative concepts. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for lots of great content -- @DecodingTheCreative!

How do our sources of inspiration change over time? This is the question we contemplate with poet Bree Bailey in a wide-ranging discussion about the nature of creativity in adulthood, and how the angst of our adolescence evolves into something more complex and yet unmistakably beautiful as we grow and mature over our lives. Along the way, we discuss the concept of classic literature and how to use poetry as a mindfulness exercise for your mental health, among so many other ideas. Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe to the podcast on your platform of choice, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok for additional content at @DecodingTheCreative!

Is songwriting a matter of inspiration... or is it a matter of hard work and radical vulnerability?In the first episode of Season 2, musician Elijah Bisbee joins the podcast to discuss the discipline of songwriting. We explore the idea of inspiration as a fleeting emotion, and we examine the strange, curious nature of obsession in our creative endeavors. And of course, Elijah shares some of his most profound sources of inspiration both in life an in art. Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe to the podcast to keep with future episodes! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @DecodingTheCreative.

The past year or so has been an eye-opening experience for artists across the world. In our final episode of Season 1, Alex Rust joins the podcast to discuss our takeaways from a remarkable and strange year. What lessons can we learn from this uncanny season of our lives? We explore all this and, as always, we share our inspirations from music, video games, and beyond.Follow us on Instagram and TikTok — @DecodingTheCreative !

Sometimes gratitude gives us an existential crisis. In this Solo Sessions episode, Ray Hartsfield explores how contemplations of thankfulness can lead to recognizing privilege in all its forms, and how we often give ourselves way too much credit for our own creative achievements. To what extent are we even in control of our own fates? And if we are not totally in control, how can we better understand the lives of others? Ray frames this discourse about gratitude by reflecting on his own spiritual beliefs and how they intersect with his creative endeavors.Follow us on TikTok and Instagram  -- @decodingthecreative !

Sometimes a single conversation can make a monumental difference in the pursuit of wellness.In the first installment of our Solo Sessions episodes, Ben Evans shares his journey into becoming more aware of his mental health struggles and how connecting with others can be an opportunity for vulnerability and growth. Along the way, we also share some valuable mental health resources for people facing struggles and challenges... and we want to hear your ideas too! Reach out to us on Instagram or TikTok at @decodingthecreative with your best practices and invaluable insights regarding mental health betterment.

Last year was weird and terrifying, wasn't it?In this episode of the mini-series Songs I Shouldn't Explain, Ray and Ben talk to Madison Lucas from the Charlotte-based rock band Modern Moxie about their new song Big Wave. They explore the peculiar ways that lockdown influenced our creative endeavors. They also discuss  the political and cultural turbulence of the past few years and the lessons learned along the way. And a quick content warning -- this episode contains various references to touchy topics like right wing nationalism, the pandemic and other elements of recent national politics . If that makes you uncomfortable, this may not be the episode for you and that's okay. We'll see you soon on another episode. Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe to the podcast on your platform of choice... and follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @decodingthecreative on both platforms!

Is it invigorating or exhausting to juggle multiple creative pursuits at the same time? Maybe it's a little of both! In Episode 20, Ray and Ben talk to artist and photographer Deanna (Dee) Biles about the balancing act involved when you have multiple artistic ambitions that sometimes compete with one another for your time and attention. How do you decide which endeavor deserves your effort most? What is the value of planning and organizing your creative hustles? And how does social media inform (or misinform) our creative behaviors? They discuss all this and more in this thoroughly enjoyable episode.Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe to the podcast on your platform of choice... and listen to our old episodes! They're full of enlightening insights from creatives of every persuasion. 

Creative folks are a neurotic bunch. Maybe mindfulness can help us.In Episode 19, photographer Sam Interrante returns to discuss his experiences with yoga and meditation, and how these practices can benefit artists far and wide. How can artists pursue wellness while sharpening their craft at the same time? What does it look like when people cultivate a broader view of wellness that extends beyond pills and therapy? We discuss all this and more, with a few jokes about drum circles thrown in for good measure.Follow us on social media!Instagram: @decodingthecreativeTikTok: @decodingthecreative

Jazz music... I just don't get it. In this special episode of "The Enthusiast's Guide..." mini-series, we talk to musician Courtney Puckett about her lifelong appreciation for the genre and why it resonates with her on an emotional level. Along the way, we discuss why people form their preferences in the first place, and how a musician creates an embodied relationship with the music they perform. Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe to our podcast on your platform of choice... and follow us on social media for more exciting content!Instagram: @decodingthecreativeTikTok: @decodingthecreative

In this installment of the "Songs I Shouldn't Explain" mini-series, Ray and Ben talk to Quay Jones from the metal band S'efforcer about their thought-provoking song Colorblind. They explore the notion of heavy music as a place for radical honesty and difficult conversations, and how the arts can be a place to tear down stigma surrounding taboo subject matter. A quick content warning -- this episode contains references to subject matter that may be uncomfortable for some listeners. We discuss religion and religious extremism, self-harm, substance use, and mental health issues. If you are not in the right mental headspace for this conversation, it's okay -- we'll see you again soon on another episode. S'efforcer - Colorblind lyricsThe colors all in bloomThe angels out of tuneNow all that's said and done, brings a cursing to our bloodMisdirection buried in the dirt of all that wasThe garden and the sacred seedThe shepherd without his sheepAsunder we grow in intentionThe denouement of a dogmaRevere for affliction, grateful for acheCicatrix of stigmataThe colors all in bloom, the angels out of tuneSo cross these crimson hues, to see the burden of bad fruitThe heart will be weighed in its timeWithered dianthus, bleeding dryThe heart will be weighed in its timeWithered dianthus, bleeding dryIs the weight upon your aching feet enough to bury me?Empty words fueling contention, the flame that promises redemptionTake away, and leave all with nothingAll who ask and beg to feel somethingSwear to your faith, and swear to your hate,To say a page holds the shame to my faceThe hate you leave in the end, doesn't mean you'll live once againThe colors all in bloom, the angels out of tuneCross these crimson hues, to see the burden of bad fruit

In Episode 18, Ray and Ben discuss the nature of habitual creativity and how artists can cultivate healthy routines in their everyday lives. Can we rely upon the ephemeral nature of inspiration to keep us going, or is creativity a matter of consistent and continued practice? They explore all these ideas and more, while sharing some words of wisdom from former guests and their own inspirations as well.

In the new mini-series "Songs I Shouldn't Explain", Ray and Ben talk to songwriters about the painful, uncomfortable, and awkward truths buried deep in an artist's work. In this episode, Riley Smith of the alt-pop duo RYLY joins the pod to analyze their song Till The Morning, and we discuss the value of music as a platform for art that can be both deeply meaningful and fictional at the same time. 

In Episode 17, Ray and Ben are joined by videographer and photographer Bob McCoy to discuss the unique experience of capturing live events on camera, and the growth in digital content over the past few years. What is it like to capture live events as they unfold? What is the role of the music video as a facet of the musician's digital presence? How did the pandemic impact live events, and what is the future of life event streaming? They discuss all these questions and more. 

Sometimes you want to understand a certain art form... but you just don't get it. In this new "Enthusiast's Guide" mini-series, Ray and Ben speak to artists in frequently misunderstood fields of creativity about the reasons behind their enthusiasm, and the simple methods that consumers can use to find enjoyment and connection.  In this episode, Sarah Ann Harvey of Pile Press (@pilepress on Instagram) joins the pod to discuss the finer points of poetry and how a person can more effectively approach the medium.

In Episode 16, Ray and Ben talk to actor, singer/songwriter, and improv artist Emma Rose about the way anxiety can influence an individual's creative endeavors in the short-term and long-term. Do mental health struggles compel artists forward or hinder their pursuits? Does discomfort have a place in the toolkit of the modern artist? And why do comedians make their audience so nervous when they perform? They answer all these questions and more... or, at the very least, they try their best. 

In Episode 15, Ray and Ben talk to spoken word artist and vocalist Jonathan Gerlach about the value of brutal honesty in creative works, and how this brutal honesty can be liberating and challenging at the same time. They also explore the growth of poetry as a medium for expression and the nature of spoken word performance, and how this art form fits into a larger context within the local music scene.

In Episode 14, Ben and Ray talk to musician Daniel Howie about the comparison between his experiences in the 80's tribute band Cassette Rewind and his prior work in Sugar Glyder and other forays into the indie music space. What is the artistic value of cover music? How do these two parallel universes of creativity -- original music and cover music -- relate, and how do they differ in terms of rewards and opportunities? They discuss all this and more, with a few tangents about the meaning of life along the way. 

In Episode 13, Ray and Ben talk to photographer Sam Interrante about the creative process itself and how the intention of the artist shines through their creative approaches and final products alike. Is creativity a matter of magical inspiration, or is it rooted in understanding the machinery of your craft? And what is the ethical responsibility of photographers to ensure they are creating work that affirms the humanity of their subjects? They explore all this and more in a broad-ranging and deeply insightful discussion.

How do our creative endeavors interact with mental health struggles like depression and anxiety? In Episode 12, Ray and Ben talk to comedian, writer, and director Jacques Belliveau about his new film Reggie: A Millennial Depression Comedy and how his pursuit of wellness has informed his creative work. They also discuss the usefulness of self-deprecation and the role of artists in providing answers, among many other subjects.

In Episode 11, Ray and Ben talk to architect, designer, and musician Zane Gray about the nature of creative identity. Is creativity something you do, or does it have more existential implications regarding who you are as a person? And what happens to your sense of identity when a creative venture faces criticism or falls apart altogether? They discuss all of this while examining their own personal experiences in the process. 

In Episode 10, Ray and Ben contemplate the discomfort of promoting your own creative works, and the necessity of sharing your ideas in digital spaces and beyond. How can artists mindfully and intentionally promote their own work online, and how does the reign of social media air or hinder this effort? Later in the episode, they speak with promoter and artist rep Cody Frain about the complexities surrounding live event promotion and the struggle to create a sustainable local music scene. 

In Episode 9, Ben talks with his bandmates from The Road to Milestone about the value of a band's name and the complexities surrounding branding your creative work in the digital era. They examine other bands and their branding strategies, and they explore the necessity of momentum when deciding to keep a band name or cast it aside in favor of something new and fresh. 

In Episode 8, Ray and Ben are joined by author and illustrator Brian Anderson to discuss the nature of self-criticism and self-doubt. They explore the burden of perpetual editing and revision, the value of methodology, and a slew of other subjects. 

In Episode 7, Ray and Ben take a moment to contemplate the lessons they’ve learned about creativity during the past year. They discuss their hopes for a return to normalcy after the pandemic, and they share resolutions for crafting a better creative landscape going forward. Before that, they share a few of their favorite inspirations. Follow the podcast on Instagram -- @DecodingTheCreative -- for bonus content and more!