Eager To Know

We are back with Chicago-based author David Jay Collins to discuss the second installment of the three-part Summerdale horror series. David is just the best guest. We hope to have him back when Summerdale III is released in the fall of 2025. His latest novel, Single & Cooking, is available on his website. https://davidjaycollins.comp

My conversation with artist and author Dmitry Samarov. This is a great episode. good stuff here…. https://www.dmitrysamarov.com

This is an exciting re-release, a compilation of my conversations with abstract painters. All of these artists are smart and talented with a keen sense of how we relate to the world around us. Be sure to check out the full Eager To Know episodes for all 5 of these artists:   A New World Artist Darren Jones Jeff Cote The Choice Parade Sheila Arora Painter William Conger   Links to all 7 episodes can also be found at: eager2know.com

This compilation episode weaved together the stories of six past Eager To Know guests who are songwriters. Good stuff.

On this Eager To Know re-release, we speak with a person who is both a scientist and a punk rocker. It was refreshing to discuss a topic I am very passionate about, but don't discuss often—science. Thank you, Karen, for creating such a great episode with me. https://linktr.ee/karenchemistry

This episode was a great conversation about many aspects of sound and music. After re-listening, I am very pleased with it —well done, Wellington! https://linktr.ee/williebones

Join me on this short but interesting conversation with the founder of Eli Tea Bar in Andersonville, Chicago.  We speak about building a small business, entrepreneurship, and bubble tea! https://www.eliteabar.com

What a pleasant surprise this guest was. I  never knew of improv as a tool for regular people. I am grateful to actor, coach, and improv expert, Meridith Grundei, for speaking to us a few years back. Please enjoy this re-release. https://www.meridithgrundei.com @thisimprovisedlife @meridithgrundeicoaching

This is probably my favorite Eager To Know episode. George's emotional storytelling really resonates with me. Listening to this again makes me grateful I started this podcast and captured this conversation. The Hoffheimer gallery in Chicago represents George. https://hofheimergallery.com https://www.georgeklauba.com https://www.rickymceachernartist.com

This is the re-release of a top-downloaded Eager To Know episode - my interview with tattoo artist Chad Koeplinger. Chad took this discussion to places I didn't expect, and I was both surprised and pleased. Be sure to follow him on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/chadkoeplingertattoo/ https://www.rickymceachernartist.com

It's one of my favorite Eager To Know episodes, maybe because the guest is a longtime friend. We speak about our childhood experiences and how they shaped our view of the world. It was such an excellent discussion. https://www.frederickspeers.com https://www.rickymceachernartist.com

This was an interesting interview with author and artist Audrey Niffenegger. Be sure to check out the Friends of The Harley Clark website to learn about the restoration project Audrey is involved with. https://www.friendsofharleyclarke.org https://www.audreyniffenegger.com https://www.rickymceachernartist.com

Author Carmelo Estrich speaks to me about his book Star Wars Multiverse. What a fun guest - great job. It is always fun to discuss a topic so broad and interesting as Star Wars. Star Wars Multiverse on Amazon https://www.rickymceachernartist.com/  

My conversation with Chicago-based artist and educator William Conger. Thank you William for letting us see your studio and having a great discussion. https://williamconger.com https://www.rickymceachernartist.com

We spoke to my Chicago yoga instructor about meditation and a regular yoga practice. Thank you, Lance, for being a great teacher and informative guest. https://www.rickymceachernartist.com

Chicago-based abstract artist Sheila beautifully expressed her process, inspiration, and joy of painting in this excellent talk. Thank you, Sheila, for speaking with us back in 2020. https://www.instagram.com/sheilarora/ https://www.rickymceachernartist.com

Metalsmithing and applied design with John Rais. Thank you, John, for speaking with us.  Be sure to explore his wonderful work at:   https://www.johnraisstudios.com

This conversation is a gem, so I'm glad I re-listened it. thank you, Josh.

Berlin-based artist Johnny Abbate sat with us to share his story and inspiration. Be sure to check out his Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/johnnyabbate/ https://www.rickymceachernartist.com

Unique, bright colorful artwork - Morgan Sims is an artist I met in Chicago. I was delighted he agreed to sit down with me. Be sure to explore his varied artwork.   https://www.instagram.com/morsims https://www.rickymceachernartist.com

Enjoy our conversation with Chicago artist Teresa James - this is a great listen! https://teresajamesart.com https://www.rickymceachernartist.com

I was thrilled when PINUPS creator Christopher Schulz agreed to speak with me a few years ago, and I am happy to share it with you all again. Please be sure to check out his clever, beautiful magazine. https://www.pinupsmag.com https://www.rickymceachernartist.com

P-town, astrology, Joan Crawford, and gay culture - we cover it all in this lengthy conversation. Thank you, Joe, for being such an interesting guest. https://www.josephaddeo.com https://www.rickymceachernartist.com

This episode is a conversation about the mind and body through the tools of writing, meditation, and fitness. Thank Georgia for laying this out in a sensible manner. https://asyouarewellness.com https://www.rickymceachernartist.com

Our conversation with the brilliant and talented Christina Haggopian.  She shares a bit of her story and insight on what is next. https://hagopianink.com https:/www.rickyartist.com

A conversation with installation artist Eli Sobel. Eli is a fascinating, creative guy; we are very grateful he spent time with us. https://www.rickymceachernartist.com/

A wonderful conversation with fine artist Daniel Sroka. We speak about his creative process and the business of creativity. Be sure to explore his work at  https://www.danielsroka.com https://www.rickymceachernartist.com/

We speak with Chicago-based artist Darren Jones about his creative Journey. Darren is an inspiring example of a successful transition from the corporate world to being a working artist. http://darrencjones.com https://www.rickymceachernartist.com/

Great conversation with Chicago-based painter Luis Guzman.  This episode precisely represents the original vision of the Eager To Know podcast. Be sure to explore Luis' work at: https://www.artgulu.com www.rickyartist.com

We are going to 2020 when fellow artist Frederick Nitsche interviewed me about my then-upcoming solo art exhibit, MOMENT.  I did a decent job outlining the show's inspiration and approaches for various paintings. Be sure to explore the virtual walk-through of the show at the link in the episode notes. https://www.rickymceachernartist.com/moment-show

This episode is a fascinating conversation. We spoke with voice actor Joe Bianco back in 2019 and it is one of our best. It is always great learning about something new. Thank you Joe for speaking with us.  https://www.actorjoebianco.com www.rickyartist.com

Chicago-based artists Karen Perl and William Dolan met with  Ricky to discuss structures, alleys, rollercoasters, and Chicago.  A diverse conversation with two talented artists. https://karenperl.com  https://www.dolanart.com www.rickynartist.com

A re-release of another valuable episode - this time with martial arts instructor Jason Bender.  There are lots of inspiring ideas and motivating concepts here. https://www.bendermartialarts.com www.rickyartist.com

What a great guest; honest, insightful, and moving.  Paul Hamilton is a pianist, teacher, and artist.  This is our conversation from 2020 before I had any personal musical experience - Thank you, Paul. https://www.kuriousman.com www.rickyartist.com

Just one year out of the corporate world, Mark was in a new life as an artist when we did this interview. This is a refreshing conversation as we discuss this new adventure he is starting. Please check out Marc's work at https://www.marcbenja.com hwww.rickyartist.com

Our guest, filmmaker Lori Felker, did a great job.  I had many questions about this creative format, and Lori answered them all. Please explore her work at: https://www.felkercommalori.com www.rickyartist.com

What a wonderful conversation with mentalist Mark Toland. Mark is very thoughtful and enjoyed re-listening to this episode to the end. Be sure to check out Mark's genuinely amazing work at www.marktoland.com www.rickyartist.com

I am grateful Peter Barker agreed to speak and perform for us years ago. The conversation reveals the relationship between his music and mental illness. It is honest, insightful, and helpful. Bandcamp www.rickyartist.com

This conversation is with an actor and a painter, starting in their respective fields. We are going back to 2019 in this Eager To Know episode.  Explore Hannah Ruwe and Kevin Slattery's websites/Instagram to see what they have been up to since this conversation. https://www.hannah-ruwe.com https://www.instagram.com/lillehummer/ www.rickyartist.com

This re-release is a wonderful conversation with an incredible artist. We are very grateful he sat down with us back in 2019. Be sure to explore his work at his website. Thank you Jesús. https://www.jesusemmanuelvillarreal.com www.rickyartist.com

Fundamental ideas are discussed in this episode. Helen is the owner of the popular Chicago restaurant Uncommon Ground, and she beautifully articulates her journey, and lessons learned. Chicago listeners can visit Uncommon Grounds Lake view location  https://www.uncommonground.com www.rickyartist.com

A favorite guest of all time re-released, Summerdale author David J. Collins. We love this guy; we find him interesting,  informative, and inspiring. Stay tuned for future episodes with this author. Check out all of his work at: https://davidjaycollins.com https://www.rickymceachernartist.com

These special guys offer incredible insight into the songwriting and creative process. I am very grateful the gay folk duo They Won't Win sat with me in 2019 to record this interview. Be sure to enjoy their music on Spotify. Thank you, Danny and Greg. www.rickyartist.com  

This past E2K episode received the most positive feedback, our talk with The Rialto Report's April Hall. Very excited to re-share this. Be sure to explore their podcast and full archives at https://www.therialtoreport.com https://www.rickymceachernartist.com/www.rickyartist.com

It was Fantastic talking with this talented photographer.  I very much enjoyed re-listening to this  Eager To Know episode. Explore everything that she is up to at https://www.benedictelassalle.com

Another Eager To Know re-release, this time with artist, designer, and educator John McDavitt. I've known John well over the years, so hearing one of our first conversations is extra special. @artofjohnmcdavitt www.rickyartist.com

This re-release is a must-listen. We learned a lot from our conversation with Juan de Lascurain. Explore www.dreambigworld.com  and see all he has created since this interview.

You will learn much from this conversation with the speaker, author, and coach, Allie Pleiter. This Eager To Know re-release is full of wonderful insights about learning to write more productively. https://alliepleiter.com/ www.rickyartist.com

We are thrilled to re-share our first podcast ever recorded - with the incredible artist Robert Porazonski. Robert's artwork is beautiful and interesting, and he is the sweetest person ever :) Please be sure to explore his work at  www.rporazinski.com

This episode feels like a free life coaching session. A most interesting guest, Paul has an active, creative mind and offers listeners many ways to be positive, productive, and motivated. leapdaycreative.com https://www.rickymceachernartist.com/www.rickyartist.com

This was our first interview with a musician, Brian Cloutier of BESTMAN. It was a wonderful conversation, though a bit long - Stick with it. Re-listening, I can see the attempt to position myself as a creative peer, a fellow artist, and not just an interviewer. https://open.spotify.com/artist/2EEtQGWKg8Q4NsRnjJ4dsM?si=UsfUV8stQUKnFpl-N-zRkA www.rickyartist.com