Poiesis Podcast

I recently met Miranda Aisling Hynes at a event called Makers Monday at the Artist's Asylum in Somerville, MA. The event itself is sponsored by Miranda's Hearth, an Organization founded by Miranda with the mission of bringing people together around doing creative work and building relationships.  Maker's Monday is one of a number of recurring, monthly event's run by Miranda's Hearth members (aka. Embers). Other monthly events include a potluck dinner, a waltz night (often with live music), book club gatherings, a creative writing night, and more.. Talking with Miranda that night I became intrigued by her philosophy on art and making, and sensed a potential connection with what she is  doing and my own explorations around the concept of Poiesis.  Miranda studied fine art painting during her undergrad years and went on to earn a masters in Community Art Education from Lesley University.  In this episode Miranda shares many useful insights on a range of topics including: the creative process the notion of Art vs. making how to build relationships  entrepreneurship for artists and makers and more... Links from the show: Miranda's Hearth Miranda's paintings Don't Make Art, Just Make Something Abstract Expressionism ​Stanley Lewis Ablerto Giacometti ​The Tempest Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Masters program at Lesley Community Art Hotel People mentioned: Jaclyn Wood Mathew Reese Kara Kulpa ​Show notes: Origins of the name Miranda’s Hearth. [4:09] A community based on creative exploration and authentic relationship. [6:42] One of the most common forms of creating common shared experiences is creativity. [8:06]  Miranda talks about viewing Art as a vehicle for creating community. [8:35] Don’t Make Art, Just Make Something. [9:53] Because I couldn’t draw realistically with a Pencil,  thought I couldn’t be an artist. [12:16]  Abstract Expressionism and Miranda’s thought’s where her paintings might go. [16:34] How Miranda is able to be attentive to the many varied projects of the ‘Hearth’. [19:32] Why most entrepreneurial ventures fail. [20:54] An introverted extrovert. [24:12] Inviting to participate vs. asking people for help. [26:08]    Making a business out of confronting your flaws and working your growth edge. [27:22] Miranda talks about finding a healthy relationship between business and Art. [30:43] ‘…just make something…’  [33:51]

Josh Brogadir is a man on the go. When he's not anchoring the early morning news, or filling in on the sports desk at WCVB Channel 5 in Boston, he is likely acting in a locally shot movie or commercial. He also co-hosts the Framingham Access tv show, Novel Ideas, reviewing books and interviewing authors. In addition to reviewing books, he has done  voice-over work on numerous books and video games. Josh thrives on being involved in a variety of different projects.  In this interview we explore the ins and outs of what goes into making a decision to follow your dreams, and how to assess the risks involved. Josh shares great stories about his journey from being a school teacher in Framingham, to moving across the country with his wife, to becoming a news anchor, and then an actor in film, television and commercials.   Links from show: JoshBrogadir.com Patriot's Day Novel Ideas Old Colonial Cafe Consiglios WCVB Chanel 5 Access FraminghamWBUR 90.9 WRNI NECN NBC Universal Boston Casting CPcasting Hollywood East Christine Wyse NewEnglandFilm.com Impact Unit Mighty Mighty Bosstones Cajon A Prayer for Owen Meany The Hotel New Hampshire The World According to Garp The Son of the Circus The Almighty Buck Cold Car The Bourbon Chasers Slackville Players Strong Poison People mentioned: Howard Cosell Dicky Barrett John Irving Carol Lynn LuckTim Koh Kerry Flynn Dorothy Sayers William LaBov RD Sahl Show notes: A passion for storytelling. [4:48] Josh’s thoughts on good reporting. [6:12] Finding balance between one’s own interests and the bigger story. [7:09      ] Josh does not want Chicken Parmesan every Thursday night at Consiglios. [10:14] We could all definitely get better and smoother and more polished... [12:28]  On always wanting to be a sports guy and live a multi-tiered existence. [14:58] Josh on being a school teacher, and making a choice to pivot careers. [16:48] On assessing risk with regard to career stability. [23:02] How freelance news reporting allows Josh freedom to audition for acting roles. [27:15] In search of stories with more depth. [29:49]  That time Josh’s sister goes on a job interview, and finds Josh a wife. [33:15] The benefits of a supportive spouse. [35:40] Playing the trumpet. [38:17] Using voice to develop characters. [45:06] What Josh’s news tone isn’t. [48:25] Josh’s mentors. [50:00] Josh's unique approach to reading books. [53:50] On staying fit and being a competitor. [58:32] Thoughts on good acting. [61:01] Tips for actors in the city of Boston. [68:08]

The first incarnation of this blog and podcast, Poiesis Studio, was actually a practice group for actors and filmmakers. We used to meet at the Democracy Center in Harvard Square, Cambridge. It was there that I first met, Nicole Mazzeo. Her educational organization Pleasure Pie was sponsoring an ongoing discussion group called Sex Positive Boston. Curious to see what they were about, I eventually ventured into one of the meetings. A bit nervous, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself welcomed into a meeting space of very diverse folks talking with one another openly and honestly about their sexuality. I was struck how genuine and sincere people were, and how much they seemed to get out of having this space to share their thoughts and feelings on sex and relationships. As someone who leads therapy groups, I felt keenly aware of the presence and skill with which the facilitator, Nicole led this group. Nicole thinks outside of the box, and brings a boon of wisdom in this episode. Enjoy!   Links from the show Pleasure Pie Bitch Magazine Sex Positive Boston Center for Sexual Pleasure and HealthPervocracy Weebly Shamble Meditation Center Brookline Occupy Boston Her Towel Head People mentioned Megan Andelloux Nina Hartley Show notes  Nicole talks about sex eduction and what the term Sex Positive means [4:39] The beginnings of Nicole’s journey toward becoming a sex educator. [7:37] Nicole talks about early challenges around sexuality. [10:12  ] Feminism, Bitch Magazine, and Sex positivity. [11:58  ] Zine making and the origins of Pleasure Pie. [14:51] The ups and downs of teaching teenagers about consent. [16:53] Slut and prude shaming. [23:08  ]    Nicole’s approach to leading discussion groups. [27:54] Some of Nicole’s inspirations. [32:38] Response to some random questions. [35:20 ] Nicole’s final provocative question for listeners. [43:07]

Susan Campbell's writing on communication and personal coaching consultations have helped me greatly. She is a psychologist, a prolific writer, and a life coach in Sebastopol, California. Her latest book is 5 Minute Relationship Repair. I also highly recommend her other books Getting Real, and Truth in Dating. She has a passion for inspiring and fostering progressive change in the world, and channels this through her writing, work with clients, and training of other coaches in her Getting Real approach. I’m excited that she is on this podcast. Her wisdom flows with such ease, it could be easily missed if you’re not paying attention. I recommend listening closely and/or repeatedly, as she relates profound and practical thoughts, ideas and perspectives on such thing as:   Exponential change Getting real Coaching organizations Communication during conflict The current political climate  and more... Links : SusanCampbell.com Getting Real 5-Minute Relationship Repair Truth in Dating Authentic World NTL Institute  T groups Human Potential Movement Gestalt Therapy The Tim Ferriss Show MakeTheFuckingFilm.com Music from the show People mentioned: Virginia Satir Fritz Perls Rollo May Jim Bugental John Grey George Leonard Marilyn Rosanna Barrett  Show notes: The big picture - culture change, conflict, and adaptation. [4:25] Exponential change - population, animal species extinction, climate. [5:44] Susan’s early skills in high school leading to a career in helping. [8:57] Susan’s mentors. [9:50] In love with the Gestalt Therapy and Human Potential point of view. [11:35] The Getting Real Work. [14:02] Noticing the difference between reality and fear stories. [15:50] Thoughts on coaching for organizations of people. [18:13] Developing the witness. [22:10] Communication in times of political conflict. [23:22] The recent election and developmental tasks. [26:24] Taking the blame out of it. [28:58] A new world view. [31:28]  A bridge from a new world to us as individuals. [33:39]  Susan’s passion for training and mentoring coaches. [37:16] 5 Minute Relationship Repair - Susan’s most recent book. [39:07] Mindfulness [42:09]

I had a chance meeting with Menon Sudheep about a year ago, and quickly found myself in a conversation about trance music, Brian Eno, and Indian micro-tonal composition. I had a feeling I would be talking with him again. I recently caught up with Menon via Skype in Bangalore India. He was kind enough to take some time and share of his thoughts on music composition for film.  In the conversation we touch on among other things: Menon’s current film project in India How to approach scoring an Indian Film. Contrasting song structures between western pop and Indian musicals. Harmonic music vs. tonal and microtonal music. Bach. Aaahhh, Bach...

I first encountered Stephen Levine through his writing. In particular his book, Poiesis: The  Language of Psychology and The Speech of the Soul, which I began reading in the summer of 2004, before I started the Expressive Therapies graduate program at Lesley University. If you have noticed the name of my blog and my podcast, you can see that this book, along with Steve's chapters in the book Principles and Practices of Expressive Therapies, made just a wee bit of an impression on me. While I was at Lesley, Steve was not faculty there, and I only encountered him once in a brief workshop on creative process. I remember thinking that the way he talked reminded me of Christopher Walken. I now know Steve is a Brooklyn boy. Maybe there’s a connection? A quick google search reveals that Christopher Walken grew up worlds apart, in Queens. In any case, Steve’s accomplishments are too numerous to cover here. Briefly though, he is the Paul Celan Chair of Philosopy and Poetics in the Arts, Health, and Society Division at The European Graduate School in Switzerland. He is also the Dean of the Doctoral Program in Expressive Arts there. He along with his wife, Ellen Levine, founded THE CREATE INSTITUTE in Toronto, in 1994. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy, and another in anthropology. He is a trained psychotherapist and Expressive Arts Therapist. He has authored numerous books, and is a passionate social/political activist. I was both thrilled and terrified when he agreed to be on my podcast. I felt as though I had wandered into a dragon’s den. As it turned out, the dragon was exceptionally kind hearted and down to earth.  In this episode, we cover a lot. Steve shares some of the stories and numerous pearls of wisdom from his poietic life journey. I can't help but feel we only scratched the surface. There are a couple of glitches with the sound, but over all it does not interfere, or matter so much, as we settle into our conversation. There is one point around the 20 minute mark where my audio freaks out and goes into skip mode. You might notice a quality change in the microphones I'm using after that.  I didn't edit this out because I feel like the discussion around this part is an important part of the conversation. So listen in as Steve shares stories on everything from:       -  his involvement with Students for a Democratic Society     -  his thoughts on social political critique     -  the meaning and practice of poiesis     -  therapeutic presence     -  approaching art-making     -  the history of philosophy and Heidegger and more... Links: The European Graduate School CAET Creative Arts in Education Therapy: Eastern and Western Perspectives THE CREATE INSTITUTE The Living Theater Poiesis: The Language of the Psychology, and the Speech of the Soul SDS Lesley University Principles and Practices of Expressive Therapy: Toward a Therapeutic Aesthetics The Imperative of Responsibility Being and Time The Denial of Death I am Love The Golden Notebook Giovanni’s Room Rashomon Butoh People mentioned: Martin Luther King Jr.Paul Celan Denise Fujiwara Heidegger Ellen G. Levine Judith Malina Julian Beck Hans Jonas Aron Gurwitsch Husserl Ernest Becker Paolo Knill Shaun McNiff Elizabeth Gordon McKim Hegel MarxJacob Moreno Donald Trump Bernie Sanders Doris Lessing James Baldwin Roy Hart

Links from the show: This is My Brave Weighted blankets Wasted Madness American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Blue Day Books Girl Interrupted  Shawshank Redemption Inside Out Stress BallsJenga DBT Skills Training Manual People mentioned: Joanne's Mom Brené Brown Marsha Linehan Marya Hornbacher Andrew Solomon   Carl Rogers Kurt Vonnegut Show notes: Joanne’s super cliche answer to Rob's super cliche question. [3:31] Joanne’s various friend crushes. [5;50] Why Joanne chose occupational therapy over clinical psych. [7:20 ] Full-on sensory integration. [10:29]  The magic of weighted blankets. [13:34] Back to the friend crushes. [16:42] This is My Brave. [20:07] Suicide Prevention. [22:28] Joanne and I attempt to explain axis 2 disorders. [24:49] Defining Depression. [27:19] Occupational therapy applications for treating depression. [28:27] Getting rained on. [30:02] Jenga as therapy?! [31:08] Rob tries to impress Joanne by using the word ‘proprioceptive’. [33:17] Free puppies for all, and advocating for ground up, community based programs. [33:40] Books Joanne has gifted. [36:27] Planning OT groups in acute inpatient psych hospitals. [38:32] Joanne’s morning routine. [40:12] A visit from future Joanne. [42:20] The best laid plans. How Joanne got through her own bout with depression. [47:18] Rapid fire questions (more theft from Tim Ferriss). [48:47]  Joanne’s nuanced belief’s about forensic patients, et. al.. [50:42]

In this episode, Canadian born filmmaker, Albert M. Chan, known for his films, The Commitment, and, Ancestors of the Future, Descendants of the Past, talks about success, and how he balances his various careers as an actor, a filmmaker and an electrical engineer who holds a Ph.D. from MIT…not to mention being a Dad, and a husband. Also in this episode Albert talks about: - how he was able to cast Golden Globe, Emmy, and Drama   Desk nominated actress, Tina Chen for one of his films. - How he got his first breaks as an actor in Boston. - His approach as a filmmaker. - How his background as an engineer informs his acting and filmmaking. - And the current screenplay he is working on. Albert's website MIT Descendent’s of the Past Ancestor’s of the Future Sag-Aftra The Commitment  Straeon Studios The Crying Game CP Casting Boston Casting LDI Casting Christine Wyse Casting Ghosts of Girlfriends Past Brotherhood The Actors Green Room in NYC and LA Sundance Screenwriter's Lab The Opposite of a Fairytale - short film Vanu inc. Stage  - Bowie live album MaketheFuckingFilm.com People mentioned: Tina Chen Cira Felina Bolla Kevin McCormick Bill Doherty Jr. Ross Meyerson Minor White Vanu Bowes Amar Bowes Adele David Bowie  Mackelmore Show notes While getting Phd in Electrical Engineering, Albert discovers MIT’s offerings in tennis, basketball, and photography. [4:04] Working as an engineer for a start up, enables Albert to be selective about his acting. [8:21] How Albert uses his engineering skills in acting and filmmaking. [10:00] How Albert was able to cast Golden Globe, Emmy, and Drama Desk nominee Tina Chen, for his film Descendents of the Past, Ancestors of the Future. [12:50 ] The 180 rule. [14:21] Albert’s advice on camera movement for independent filmmaking. [16:25] Immigration story from China. [18:37] Directing while you’re acting, and how it’s about the team. [21:31] Albert’s film, The Commitment, and the power of Storytelling to make sense of things. [27:43] What sets Albert apart as an actor? [29:33] Albert’s frequency of training classes. [33:25} Adventures in coaching. [35:09] Rob goes on a 5 minute rant about the expense of acting classes. [36:36] Albert deftly and gracefully extolls the virtue’s of being coached and doing scene work.[40:48] Albert’s current feature film project, Incarnations. [48:42]  Working on screenplay for Incarnations, and submitting it to Sundance Screen Labs. [50:49] Rob becomes concerned he ‘may be missing things’. [55:38] Pause for albert to greet the babysitter. [56:59] Albert’s near term, non-bucket list. [58:47] Knowing your type as an actor. [1:00:02] Vanu Inc. the startup Albert works with designs cellular infrastructure. [1:03:32] Albert’s views on success. [1:08:09]

Emily Sheehan is an upcoming, award winning, filmmaker fresh out of the Boston University Graduate Filmmaking program, who has been featured in Variety Magazine as a filmmaker to watch.  Her short film, After, won 3rd place in the Boston Redstone Film Festival in 2015. In the same year, she was awarded the $5000 Adrienne Shelley Production Grant  for young female filmmakers, to make her film, Skipping Stones. Her documentary, Adaptation, also won 3rd place in the best film category for the 2016 Boston Redstone Film Festival. She is currently in post-production with her film Borderline, which explores the devastating effects of addiction. Emily is well spoken, charming, and funny. Whether you are brand new, or a seasoned veteran with the process of making film, this episode covers a lot of ground, and provides some great nuggets of practical information for filmmakers. In this conversation we delve into Emily's creative process, discussing:  Emily’s journey from theater to filmmaking Developing a story idea into a screenplay As a director, exploring themes and questions Thoughts on vulnerability, nudity, addiction Short film form vs. longer narrative formats How to communicate with actors Pros and Cons of various cameras Being stranded on a desert island Links from the show: Emily's website Her director's reelEmily's film, After Boston University The Golden Compass Wheel of Time series Pan’s Labyrinth  Justified t3i Alexa Canon c100 camera Emily used for After. Great camera, but not the best for low-light. Sony f3   camera used for Skipping Stones - higher dynamic range  Shogun External Recorder Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera  very high resolution, and versatility with the lenses DaVinci  for color correcting and color grading 5d mark III  has a full frame sensor MaketheFuckingFilm.com People mentioned: Bryan Sih Jan Egleson Guillermo del Toro Philip Pullman Tim Ferriss Show notes: How Emily goes from theater in High School to Filmmaking at Boston University  [4:15] The art of making a short film vs. a longer/ feature length film. [9:05] Exploring the feeling of a fragile reality breaking in Emily’s film, After. [11:07 ] In short film, having one theme, and asking the audience a definitive question/s. [16:31] Emily’s latest film Borderline, exploring the impact of addiction. [18:55] Art/ filmmaking as therapy. [20:18]   To be or not to be, vulnerable? [24:32] Emily’s friend, Bryan Sih, suggests interviewing people. [26:20] Trauma, body image, nudity, self acceptance. [28:13] Emily reflects on words of her mentor - filmmaker, and BU professor, Jan Egelson. [34:45] The development of Borderline’s screenplay [35:46] Breaking the story down into clear beats - Emily (and Jan’s) approach to screenwriting. [37:03 ] Emily sense of freedom while shooting her documentary, Adaptation, in China. [44.24]  On directors working with, and communicating with, actors. [46 :54] Cameras, Emily’s thoughts on. [56:40] The difference between color grading, color correcting, and the Black Magic Pocket [1:00:16] Emily says, full frame is the way to go. [1:07:22] The one tv series Emily would choose were she stranded on a desert island. [1:11:05] What Emily attributes her award winning success in filmmaking to. [1:15:48] Emily’s morning routine. [1:19:02]  Last thoughts on becoming a filmmaker: don’t be the tool. [1:30:03]