Exploring Creativity

Anna Irene Lewis is a contemporary artist who has found a calling challenging her realistic art style by painting some of the most amorphous scenes possible: nebulous clouds. The depth and spectrum of lights and colors that she is able to incorporate into her pieces is mesmerizing. We have ben trying for months to get her on the show so I am psyched we could finally connect. In this conversation we explore how she came upon this unique art style, her experience with vipassana meditation, and we dabble in the importance and interpretation of our dreams. So many good nuggets in here. You guys are going to love it.Check our Anna's art on her website and follow her on social media to see whats coming soon and what events you can find her at:Website: www.AnnaIreneLewis.comSocial Media: @AnnaIreneArt

Where does sales training and a passion for personal development intersect? According to Braxton its in the willingness to start your own cult.... that is, to start a cultural movement, and decide today to take control of your own life and create the life of your dreams. Braxton's story and passion for what he does is palpable. His confidence makes you believe that he is an expert and you can be too. His sense for personal and group energy has been cultivated by his sales experience and practicing the 80:20 rule, allowing others the space to be the person they want to be.You can support Braxton by following him on Instagram @ Braxxonbraxx or head over to amazon to by his book Lets Start a Cult: the Power of Radical Belief. It will change your life.https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Start-Cult-Radical-Belief-ebook/dp/B081VQK6LS

Continuing from the stellar conversation from last episode, Emanuel and I dive right back into the future form of immersive video games, the result of the recent presidential election, and the impact of violent media on our collective consciousness. Emanuel's passion for developing immersive media experiences comes from a unique understanding of the importance of shared experience to facilitate bonding. Even the impact of watching a movie or a play together can generate a shared experience that allows us to come together through a common understanding. The effect of this cannot be understated. This is why some of the classic books are still read in schools today. This is another epic one for the books.Remember to support Emanuel by following him on social media:Facebook: Emanuel WazarInstagram: @Modax.fitnessWebsite: www.Realitysynthesis.xyz

I pride myself on having an open mind, especially when it comes to other peoples experiences. But what about when you try to comprehend the experience of a completely different being, like a dog or a bird, or even a computer? Emanuel Wazar is a 3D designer and VR film maker who has taken these thoughts right up to their bitter end. It was an absolute pleasure picking his brain about topics like the difference between simulation and reality, the connection between life and pain, the Fermi paradox, modern myths, and so much more. I had such a tough time pulling myself away from this conversation that we decided to do a part two. So if you like what you hear here, then please stay tuned for more.You can support Emanuel on social media:Facebook: Emanuel WazarReality Synthesis Technologies: realitysynthesis.xyzInstagram: modax.fitness

Paul Grossman is a life long drummer and musical enthusiast who has opened my eyes to many things in the music world that I would not have been exposed to otherwise. From guitar hero to musical theory, to contemplating the meaning on life, Paul has been a great resource for me from multiple fronts. In this conversation we discuss his musical journey to drumming, the process of recording an album during the COVID era, what it feels like to get "lost in the music", and so much more. You can support Paul by following his band on social media:Facebook.com/crashingatlasbandInstagram: @crashingatlasAnd you can find their music on Spotify, or Apple Music, or anywhere you get your music.

As many of you probably know, I am very interested in personal growth and being your true self, and the more I learn about habits of people who seem to be living their dreams, I see some common practices emerge. specifically mindfulness practices like Yoga and Meditation.My guest today is an old friend of mine, Bree Hollis. Bree is a yoga teacher and all around amazing soul. Our paths keep seeming to cross since college and it has bee a pleasure to see how her passions have led her to the life she is living now full of love for the world. In this episode we discuss some of the benefits of yoga, the purposes behind different techniques, and the effect it has had on her life. You can support Bree by following her on Facebook: BreAnn Hollis or Instagram: Breezy_moonbaby

Stephen James the Artist is a New York based musician who has learned from experience that life has more color to it when chasing what you love instead of chasing the almighty dollar. His experience and integrity set him apart from other artists trying to make a splash in the world controlled by media powers and social narratives. In this conversation we explore the value of staying true to yourself and telling your story, we discuss the origin of our true power, the link between music and spirituality, and so much more. Check out Stephen James the Artist on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephenjames.theartist.9Or on Instagram @Stephenjamestheartistand definitely check out his new music video for his new single called Runnin here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwXeXbiwZUY

Dungeons and Dragons is a game that many have heard of and everyone has a different view of. For many fantasy nerds, like yours truly, the game holds a magical space in my mind. It is almost like a Mecca that I believe might change me fundamentally if I ever decided to go there... But this is A GAME we are talking about! any game with that kind of hype is definitely worth checking out.In this episode I am guided into the world of D&D by Legendary Dungeon Master, Porter Henson, aka, Portorian Greengard. Prior to this episode I got a chance to sit in with Porter on one of his sessions to get my first taste of the game and how the magic reveals itself. There is so much more to this game than meets the eye. The subculture is amazingly diverse and inclusive, there are numerous technologies that have been developed to accent the game and enhance the experience, and there are even documented therapeutic benefits to playing the game even one time!Porter's passion for the game is palpable and only made me want to play even more. You can find Porter on Facebook: John Porter Henson. Check out the D&D section of your local games shop, look out for local gaming collectives, check out online resources like Role20 or D&D Beyond for a look at what the game looks like played. But for a first perspective, here is my conversation with Porter Henson.

In this episode we approach the underground world of graffiti art from a different angle with a man called "Enuph". You may not think of graffiti as a spiritual practice but for Enuph it definitely is. In this conversation we dive deep into the inner recesses of the mind to discuss the connection between trauma and art and how art is therapeutic, the effect of corporate and commercial america on our creativity, how spirituality is missing in todays youth and the importance of reawakening that spirituality, the real power of music and how it can be used to heal or cause harm, tips for getting comfortable with silence, the remedy for growing up in a dog eat dog world, how science is a religion, and we discuss the mechanism behind how emotions get translated into powerful works of art that have stood the test of time. Get ready for this one, because this was one conversation I never wanted to end.

Get ready to dive into the underground world of graffiti art culture. Marty and I have been on some solid adventures back in the day, but nothing compared to some of the stories from a day in the life of a graffiti artist. Marty has no formal art education but has over and over in his life found himself attracted to creating works with whatever medium he could get his hands on. In this episode we discuss the origins of different styles or schools of graffiti art, why skateboarding is a gateway drug, how graffiti and urban art is making its way into the mainstream, ways to practice creativity with ADHD, and the importance of self expression.Check out Marty's art on Instagram @LowKeyOriginals and Facebook: Marty Nagel.

Life is a crazy unpredictable ride that takes you to all sorts of places to meet all kinds of people. It's particularly interesting when certain characters in your story keep popping up in places you wouldn't expect. Rogerio is shaping up to be one of those people for me.Rogerio Coutinho is an up and coming graphic designer and art culture enthusiast whose love of many forms of media has led him to expressing himself in very unique art forms that blend styles from different regions and time periods. You can find his work on instagram @coutinhoiregor. In this episode we talk about the cyclical nature of fashion and trends in culture, personality types, spirituality vs religion, why talented artists like Pablo Picasso spent so much time and effort trying to draw like a child, and so much more. Rogerio's diverse approach to his art gave me a new perspective of the pure innocence of creativity, and how we can define creativity at its core.

Amy Mitchell is a New York based real estate agent with a creative knack for setting herself apart from the pack. Her creative approach to audience building came from a breakthrough she had while exploring new territory, dance. Like many millennials, once she had a taste of passion and flow, she knew she wanted more of that in her life, and that led her to a career change into real estate, another passion for her.In this conversation we talk about Amy's journey from the corporate world to autonomy through real estate, the importance of authenticity in whatever you're doing, flow and out of body experiences from dance, and we learn about the most important tool we have for uncovering our unconscious biases - exposure.You can support Amy on instagram @ AmyyyyyM

Dawn Johnsen is a professional photographer who has been perfecting her craft for over a decade. In this episode we discuss her journey to finding her calling, what makes a "good photograph", the dark ages and how that relates to creativity, understanding the history of an art form, and so much more. Dawn and I go way back, and I had a blast sitting down and picking her brain. I know you all will too!Dawn is currently the Lead Photographer and Original Stitch, a mens fashion company in San Francisco CA. You can find her work at DawnElizabethPhoto.com or on Instagram @ DawnElizabethPhoto.

Brendan Kadey is an abstract artist from Colorado who found his calling in life while taking an elective class in college. I remember seeing his art for the first time at a concert and I was immediately mesmerized. He has learned from some of the great visionary artists of our time but is forging his own path forth while having a great time doing it. In this episode to talk about topics like finding your calling, the best ways to be creative, learning the power of letting go and much more. So much to learn from this man. I hope you guys enjoy this.You can support Brendan by following him on instagram: BrendanKadey, Facebook: Brendan Kadey Gallery, and his podcast called the Brendan Kadey Podcast.

TJ is a classically trained theater performer who has taught himself to play multiple instruments, and is not afraid to diversify his repertoire and try new ways of performing. He recently released the comedic rap debut of a character of his called Half-Squatch. TJ and I go way back and I was stoked to see how he is spending his quarantine time. In this conversation we explore the origins and dynamics of the creative process, how to get in and out of character, the unexpected connection between sports and art, how to let go of the judge in your head, and so much more.You can support TJ by following him on social media @TJGANSER. He is doing some live musical performances on Instagram, check out the music video for Prune That Bush by Half-Squatch on facebook or youtube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6SEjONRRe4

In this episode I sit down with my friend Dru Serkes to learn about his creative process in the many areas of his life where he expresses himself creatively. We dive into some deep topics like the value of perspective during times of distress, the importance of setting goals and working with a deadline, how to get into flow states, and where inspiration comes from.Dru is an exceptional performer and musician who has performed on the biggest stages and started grassroots bands working from the bottom up. He has spent the most recent part of his career traveling with and performing various broadway shows including Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages, Man of La Mancha, and Guys and Dolls. He has taught himself to play multiple instruments solely for the love of music. Needless to say he has the voice of an angel and is one of the most provocative actors I've ever seen on stage. Dru is working on multiple music releases with two new singles out now in addition to a music video. You can support him by checking out his website www.DruSerkes.com.

In this episode we meet Joe Taylor who is a singer songwriter and is venturing into a new domain - starting his own bean to bar chocolate company called Jungle Cat Cacao which features a 60% cacao chocolate bar called the Jagu-Bar to help bring awareness to the endangered Jaguar of South America. We dive into topics like the origin of creativity, how to stand out in business, how to overcome writers block, and what makes a great piece of art. I learned a lot from this deep dive with Joe. Hope you all enjoy it!You can find Joe's chocolate at JungleCatCacao.com and his music at PigZenSpace.com

Keith and I discuss his creative process, the importance of creativity, and how it is present in all aspects of life. We touch on deep topics like identity and expression, and we uncover the source of ammunition for life's battles.

Conversation with Alex Manos. Artist, Producer, Explorer. We explore the creative process, the importance of creativity, habits, and what happens after death.

Introduction to the experiment called Exploring Creativity. I will be interviewing creative individuals from all walks of life to learn about what creativity really is and how important it is to our lives.