The Cultured Podcast

In its final episode, Michelle Khouri sits down with the women behind the scenes, the “OGs of the OG” of FRQNCY Media's own The Cultured Podcast. Michelle reminisces with her team-turned-family about what Cultured has meant to them on their journeys in podcasting, with FRQNCY and with each other. Listen to this episode to hear the story of how Cultured changed Enna Garkusha's, the show's producer, whole life, including meeting her future husband, the kismet of how Becca Godwin came into her role as Associate Producer, and how the first emails between Jessica Olivier, FRQNCY's lead content strategist, and Michelle started it all.

An illustrator, educator and overall joyful person, Kate Bingaman-Burt approaches her artistic outlets with intention and commitment to community. Kate's first project of drawing her own credit card statements everyday and coming up as an artist during the graphic design boom of the mid 2000s inspired her signature style, or her “confident wonk,” as she coins it. Her expressions of consumerism and her hand-drawn technique, a way to put the humanity back into art, continues to be the essence of her work. Listen to this episode to hear Kate's philosophy on “good nervous,” teaching through the pandemic and being an active participant in your life.

A true hyper-creative who knows no bounds, Drew Tetz is a trained graphic designer, a one-time professional Yoyoer, and now a widely celebrated vinyl record animator. Using his spin on the early motion picture tool, the phenakistoscope, Drew has even animated records for some of his musical heroes, like the band Bright Eyes. Listen to this episode to hear Drew “nerd out” and “shout out” to the creators and innovations throughout history that have inspired his work. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

We're rewinding back to April 2018 to revisit our episode with FRKO, who has since flexed on some major collaborations, like with Reebok and Redbull, and continues working with some of the biggest names in hip hop on album artwork. FRKO's sense of humor and knack for capturing the essence of life on the streets has landed him on the radars of some of the biggest names in hip-hop. In fact, FRKO has drawn multiple covers for Action Bronson, including the artwork for Mr. Wonderful, and the artwork for Gucci Mane's "All My Children." FRKO joins Michelle on The Cultured Podcast to discuss his earliest influences and how the streets of Atlanta shapes his art.

We're rewinding back to October 2018 to revisit our episode with Collins Provost, who has since been expanding her artistry — spray painting and working on murals with her husband, and designing shirts for Thrive Unltd., which is meant to empower indigenous communities. Lakhota artist Collins Provost finds healing and self expression through her intricate and vibrant beadwork. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to uncover Collins' deep-rooted journey as an artisan and how her Native American heritage both inspired and challenged her individual path.

We're rewinding back to March 2018 to revisit our episode with Raymond Carr, who has since worked on a Disney+ show called Earth to Ned, made his own Afrofuturistic sci-fi adventure film called Joyriders, and worked on Space Jam 2. It's hard to imagine anything more surreal than the stories Jim Henson Company-trained puppeteer Raymond Carr brings to this episode of The Cultured Podcast. Raised by Christian clowns, Raymond spent his childhood touring the country in a pink 18-foot trailer with his family. Raymond shares how his nontraditional upbringing inspired his career in puppetry, which has since led him to perform everywhere from Madison Square Garden to Iceland.

We're rewinding back to May 2018 to revisit our episode with Danielle Deadwyler, who has since been up to quite a lot, including landing a recurring role in HBO's Watchmen and writing, directing, and producing her own experimental short film, CHOR(E)S. Danielle is a multimedia artist who uses her body as her primary medium, including through on-screen and on-stage acting, dance and performance art. In her conversation with Michelle, Danielle discusses her method, process, and motivations. Danielle and Michelle discuss how the goal of Danielle's art—whether it be in a traditional acting role, an abstract performance, or life itself—is to explore the chaos of life and how we can flow freely within it.

From the moment Michelle Norris began picking her own outfits as a child, she knew she had an affinity for bold self-expression. Today, Michelle is celebrated in the photography world for her striking shapes, playful perspective and rich palettes. And when it comes to color play, no hue is off limits. Once told by an art teacher that she did not understand color, Michelle's own personal color theory color has become the language her art speaks fluently. Listen to this episode to hear why Michelle advocates for ditching the little black dress and instead rocking a celebration of you. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

Daniel Popper is larger than life in the art world. Known for his large-scale public art installations, Daniel creates fantastical structures designed to invite spectators to interact directly with them. From music festival audiences having psychedelic experiences with his installations, to students perched under his piece at the Nelson Mandela School of Science and Technology, Daniel's work has intrigued and inspired crowds worldwide. Listen to this episode to hear what Daniel claims is his most psychedelic experience in life so far. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

After studying neuroscience at Columbia and spending years researching in an Alzheimer's lab, Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya felt compelled to tell the stories of science in a creative and impactful way. A multidisciplinary artist who describes her pieces as an explosion or color and joy, Amanda and her work are now globally celebrated for being creative connective tissue between the communities of science and art. And while her work is honored in museums, galleries, and prestigious publications, Amanda is using this unique time in history to focus on public art and awakening the next generation of badass women scientists. Listen to this episode to hear Amanda explain the parallels between women in STEM and dark matter. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

Tammy Kanat plays with color and imagination as she weaves magical portals through textile. Spontaneous by nature, this jewelry designer turned textile artist is a testament to following the evolution of your dreams. By embracing her unique weaving style and celebrating the imperfection of loose threads, Tammy's work has hung in prestigious galleries, such as the National Gallery of Victoria. Listen to this episode to hear why Tammy gives the greenlight to cuddling her pieces. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

After a difficult childhood, Hillary Klug knew her ambition would be the key to building a new life for herself. When faced with the decision of pursuing buck dancing, fiddling, or singing, she chose to take on all three. Simultaneously. With the guidance of her beloved mentor and the support of her massive YouTube following, Hillary's multi-faceted performance style has skyrocketed from its Tennessee roots to become a global sensation. And as the Black Lives Matter movement sends ripples throughout 2020, Hillary has committed to uncovering and sharing the hushed African history of the Appalachian art forms she practices with a passion. Listen to this episode to hear how Hillary refuses to be fearful of mistakes, both in her art and in difficult conversations about race. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

In Lino Lago's "fake abstract" paintings, classical portraiture peeks out from under blankets of modern hues, showcasing what happens when the traditional crashes into contemporary. In this episode of The Cultured Podcast, Lino calls Michelle from Spain to share the methodology behind his work. With translation help from his son, Nojus, a conversation spanning languages, eras, and epochs takes place, unpacking the power of both tradition and revolution. Listen to this episode to witness the theme of tension move from art on canvas to the perspectives offered within this very conversation. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

Born three years before the collapse of the Soviet Union, Svitlana Zavialova ("Wu Woman") grew up knowing what it was like to not have water and how to do homework by candlelight. In these dark formative years, Svitlana decided she had two choices: exit the earthly plane or take full blown action toward her dreams, dreams that turned reality when she became a world champion Wushu artist. Now, Svitlana performs martial movement, an art designed for combat, to express the multiplicity of human emotion. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to hear how Svitlana founded a new method of martial art, how that art fosters a growing community, and why that community sees Svitlana as more than an artist, but a modern day philosopher. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

While Jean-Pierre Roy has been hunkered down in his Brooklyn studio creating hyper realistic world-altering paintings for years, this practice feels different during the time of COVID-19. Without access to museums, galleries, or even the NYC subway, Jean-Pierre paints the connective tissue in his paintings from the world before to the unprecedented time today. As an artist who toys with the concept of uncertainty, Jean-Pierre's work is more poignant than ever. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to hear how watching the Empire Strikes Back on VHS influenced Jean-Pierre's world-building fantasies. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

In 2018, Elisa Valenti was a Pharmacy Director treating patients' skin with ointments and elixirs. Today, Elisa is a contemporary figurative artist who considers her work to be the medicine she provides to healing bodies. Exploding in the art scene, her fresh perspective is reshaping the way we perceive and celebrate women's forms. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to hear how Elisa found her artistic muse in an old photo she used to hate. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

At 39 years old, Lisa Congdon embarked on an art career that would quickly transform her into a pillar within the art community. And while her art began as a way to navigate a dark period in her life, today, her vibrant and heart-centered illustrations are celebrated worldwide because of their ability to inspire and bring people together. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to hear why Lisa ultimately thanks her brother for her pivot from a career in education to a career as a full-time artist. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

In lieu of a new episode this week, we are joining @cult45podcast in their call for a #podcastblackout. We stand AGAINST racism, legalized slavery, white supremacy, and police brutality. We stand against the violent, unapologetic, unpunished murder of black lives. We stand with our black family. #blacklivesmatter A message from Cultured host Michelle Khouri: Fuck legalized slavery. Fuck systemic racism. Fuck patriarchal capitalism. Fuck white supremacy. USE YOUR SUPERPOWERS, NON-BLACK FOLK. WE AREN'T ALL MEANT FOR THE FRONT LINES. SOME OF US ARE MEANT TO CHANGE SYSTEMS FROM THE INSIDE. SOME OF US ARE MEANT TO REDISTRIBUTE WEALTH. SOME OF US ARE MEANT TO CHANGE LEGISLATION. SOME OF US ARE MEANT TO CAUSE RIPPLES WITHIN RACIST COMMUNITIES. USE YOUR POWER. USE YOUR PRIVILEGE. HOWEVER YOU CAN. Our black and brown family has had to bear this burden for far too long. It's time for us to step up. Change won't happen overnight but, if you haven't started working on this already, start NOW. To my black family: I love you. You're so needed in this world. Don't let the oppressors fool you - they oppress you because you are innately POWERFUL. Your sense of self, connectedness, and unwavering soul threaten those who feel meek and small. Never forget that their oppression is a projection of their own feelings of unworthiness and powerlessness.

For Okuda San Miguel, his art is his church. And a church is just another canvas--literally. Okuda uses geometric shapes and vibrant colors to bring new life to forgotten buildings and overlooked walls all across the world, often splashing in references to classical art or figures from his own life. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to hear what famous painting Okuda regularly visits and how he continues to draw inspiration from this piece in his work. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

Tracie Cheng's paintings blend abstract with figurative, structure with freedom. Her sweeping line work means something different to every viewer, taking on the role of architectural Rorschach blotches. For Tracie, those lines offer a release from the constraints of perfectionism and into the free flow of pure expression. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to learn about Tracie's process and hear how this former architect ultimately found purpose and peace in painting. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

When others see letters and words, artist Rylsee sees a puzzle to play. From the structure of the letters and the hierarchy of the words, to the composition of his illustrative translation, Rylsee finds meaning in every nook and cranny of the world around him. But more than just meaning, he finds a sense of optimism and hope. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to get a peek into Rylsee's process and learn how one unfortunate ink spill inspired the future vision for his art. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

The yarn on Victoria Villasana's bold textile art isn't the only thing flowing on this episode of The Cultured Podcast. From her creative process to her thoughts on success, Victoria allows flow to guide her path as an artist. And now she has flowed to the top of the art scene with her multidimensional work that is both uniquely playful and purposeful in its intention. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to learn how the story of one bad day turned into artwork that now hangs in galleries, in the homes of celebrities, and on the walls of city streets. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

While Michael Murphy's art may play tricks on your eyes, you will remain clear on one thing: his work creates a visual experience unlike any other. As a young boy in Ohio, Michael was obsessed with making his own toys. Now, a celebrated perceptual artist, Michael continues that dream. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast, recorded in Michael's studio in East Williamsburg, to hear how one of his installations was championed by two opposing political groups, and how this particular piece may have been viewed over 200 million times, yet was missing something crucial. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

Famed Atlanta hypercreative Barry Lee suggests that the beauty of art and self-expression is that the work of another queer artist with a disability will tell a completely different story than theirs. A painter, muralist, writer, illustrator, public speaker, and educator, Barry Lee creates art that is intentionally accessible to everyone. And they prove accessible doesn't equate to simple, as their work takes on complex meanings that hint to his own personal struggles. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to learn the secret dark side of their bright and friendly public mural on the Atlanta Beltline. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

You can't rain on Sophia Michahelles and Alex Kahn's parade because, well, they are the parade. As the Co-Creative Directors of PAW (Processional Arts Workshop), Alex and Sophia have traveled the world studying processional arts and the profound effect parades and pageant puppetry have on local culture and community spirit. Now, they apply their depth of knowledge and artistic vision to large-scale and site-specific parades like the New York Village Halloween Parade. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to learn which U.S. president was spotted happily admiring one of their puppets at the White House. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

The experience of the modern woman, or a woman of any era for that matter, is anything but comfortable. Jillian Evelyn fits that warped experience onto canvas with her paintings of contorted female figures. By marrying the sensation of stretching oneself to society's expectations with her own personal experiences, Jillian creates beautifully bold paintings that stir reflection through personal discomfort. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to learn how Jillian's previous career in shoe design still finds its way into her work. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

When it comes to Jeremy Biggers' work, expect no lip service. But do expect lips. Robust, realistic, and, sometimes, unsettling lips. These mouthy paintings have become iconic in Dallas, Texas. And as the city's official "Hardest Working Multi-Hyphenate," Jeremy's expression extends beyond paintbrushes and into every medium he can get his creative hands on. Through his brand Stem & Thorn, Jeremy explores themes of personal identity and race through his unique style of portraiture, as well as photography and cinematography. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to find out what medium Jeremy plans to tackle next as his artistic empire scales. Hint: We're particularly excited. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

Jessica Mullis' art has taught her the skill of going with the flow...the watercolor flow, that is. At one time, Jessica considered herself strictly a graphic designer. But after a few chats with spiritual healers and quality time with a watercolor set, she witnessed the layers of her own artistry emerge...in the form of otherworldly moonscapes. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to find out where Jessica's art is headed next and how she recently used it to help heal her community of Dayton, Ohio, in a time of tragedy. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

Creativity runs strong in Adelaide's gene pool. Raised by a family of musicians and artists, it comes as no surprise that Adelaide's paintings often emerge alongside the creation of her music. In her newly released EP, Clementine Season, Adelaide (AKA "Lady Clementine") explores the many ways we experience love. Her innate musical ability paired with her longtime passion for poetry birthed this folksy, lyrical, and vulnerable first album. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to discover how Adelaide went from an International Affairs student to a singer, songwriter and visual artist. You might even get an exclusive sneak peek into Potato Season... Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

The act of openly creating large-scale murals in public is a surprisingly intimate experience for artist Sanithna Phansavanh. Splashing life into Atlanta's city walls, Sanithna's work stirs community conversations while paying homage to philosophical themes, identity, scale and even the power of feminine energy. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to discover why Sanintha enjoys stepping back and seeing his art come to life from a couple of blocks away. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

Corrina Sephora is more than a celebrated metal sculptor, she is a connector. Her art connects the cosmos to the ocean, the concept of transformation with permanence, and even her own energy with that of her now deceased mother. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast as Corrina connects the dots from a childhood living off the land with her father to a thriving career in art. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

Adam Koch does more than design beautiful sets, he builds one-of-a-kind theatrical experiences that immerse wide-eyed audiences into other worlds. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to hear how Adam fuses his imagination and artistic talent to transform otherwise empty spaces – including rivers and fields – into large-scale theatrical masterpieces. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

Molly Brodak takes her artistic talent into the kitchen with intricately designed baked goods that appear almost too beautiful to eat...but don't dare tell her that. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to learn how this bank robber's daughter endured a childhood unlike any other and forged herself a creative path filled with poetry, visual art, cookies and cakes. Visit culturedpodcast.com for full transcripts of this episode and links to things mentioned.

We visit Allie Bashuk at her vibrant home in East Atlanta, Georgia. While sitting at her kitchen table, Allie and Michelle explore what it means to be a community builder (as the co-founder of Dream Warriors), creative connector (as the director of Goat Farm Arts Center), and installation designer. Allie dives deep into how she turns spaces into works of art through Brutal Studio, which she runs with artist Sara Santamaria. www.alliebashuk.com

Lakhota artist Collins Provost finds healing and self expression through her intricate and vibrant beadwork. Listen to this episode of The Cultured Podcast to uncover Collins' deep-rooted journey as an artisan and how her Native American heritage both inspired and challenged her individual path.

What does it mean to be a character actor? Learn from one of the best in the biz - Matty Cardarople, who's carved out a niche for himself as Hollywood's go-to clerk. Catch him on Stranger Things, Jurassic World, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, and a laundry list of other hits. On this episode of The Cultured Podcast, Matty talks about his love for poetry (including his chapbook "Space Cadet"), his focus on kindness, and his vision for moving beyond supporting roles.

Elyse Defoor is a talented Atlanta-based artist who wears her heart on her canvases. She has painted with oil enamel, drawn with charcoal, sculpted with black aluminum, collected textiles, and worked in many other mediums. Her work focuses on intimacy and the rawness of human relationships. She hopes to heal herself and others through her work, and certainly, she seems to be accomplishing just that. Get ready to dig deep into your feelings on this episode of The Cultured Podcast.

Leonidas Trampoukis turns spaces into living sculptures. Michelle Khouri visits this architect and interior designer at the new Brooklyn studios for LOT, the design firm that he co-owns with his wife, Eleni Petaloti, to get an inside look at what it takes to design a space that looks as good as it feels. 

The Cultured Podcast is back from summer break, and there's no one better to immerse us back into our world of arts and culture than actor, filmmaker, author and host of the That One Audition podcast Alyshia Ochse. Alyshia is best known as “Lucy" opposite Matthew McConaughey from the Golden Globe-nominated HBO series True Detective. Currently, Alyshia is recurring on the CW show Life Sentence, USA show The Purge and HBO series Ballers.

Danielle Deadwyler is a multimedia artist who uses her body as her primary medium, including through on-screen and on-stage acting, dance and performance art. In her conversation with Michelle, Danielle discusses her method, process, and motivations. Danielle and Michelle discuss how the goal of Danielle's art—whether it be in a traditional acting role, an abstract performance, or life itself—is to explore the chaos of life and how we can flow freely within it. 

Mexico City-based Paul Fuentes takes graphic design in a unique direction with his pastel-drenched photo mashups. Paul's delightfully surreal pop art creations will make you do a double take. His designs are optical illusions that seamlessly blend otherwise unrelated subjects into one perfectly absurd image. Paul is an artist whose inspiration is fueled by joy, and he cultivates both by moving through the world with open eyes and an open heart.

Toy sculptor and connoisseur Travers Cooke gives The Cultured Crew an inside look at the world of toy art and its many subcultures. During his conversation with Michelle, Travers explains how his love of science fiction cinema and 80s pop culture inspire the custom toys he designs. He walks us through the process of creating art toys, whether through digital sculpting or by using traditional materials like casts, molds, oil-based clays, and waxes.

Montréal-based artist Laurence Vallières is right at home in the three-dimensional world. Armed with cardboard, wood, hot glue and a little varnish, Laurence reanimates discarded materials into massive gorillas, elephants, geckos, and other creatures. Laurence and Michelle discuss her transition from waitress to full-time artist, and the leap of faith it required. Laurence walks us through her technique and the key role mathematics plays, while Michelle explores her talent for creating movement in her wor

While he may have “stuttered” his initial freestyles years ago, lifelong word aficionado Vincent Van Pro now spits rhymes with the best of them. Michelle and Vincent discuss the importance momentum plays in freestyling, how he recovers after a blunder, and the key difference between freestyle and traditional rapping.

Blackout poet John Carroll joins us on The Cultured Podcast to chat about the art of redaction. What John describes as “part word search, part art project” began as a writing experiment during a dark chapter of his life. His blackout journey started as an anonymous experiment veiled by the name Make Blackout Poetry. That experiment has now catapulted John to the forefront of a movement.

A prolific TV creator, writer and producer, Felicia Henderson is responsible for some of the most iconic small-screen characters of the last few decades. She joins Michelle on The Cultured Podcast to detail her legendary career and reveal the common thread that knits her wildly diverse shows together. She and Michelle explore Felicia's propensity for writing familial relationships and how she creates a range of characters, from fantastical to realistic.

Michelle is joined by paper artist and typographer Alia Bright to dig into a longstanding art form that remains unfamiliar to many people today. Alia is a proficient graphic designer, but it wasn't until she discovered the art of paper quilling that she uncovered her voice as an artist. Armed with scissors, tweezers and patience, Alia transforms paper strips into pop-culture characters, abstract geometry, and stunning typography. She strikes a poised balance between play and precision in all of her work.

FRKO's sense of humor and knack for capturing the essence of life on the streets has landed him on the radars of some of the biggest names in hip-hop. In fact, FRKO has drawn multiple covers for Action Bronson, including the artwork for Mr. Wonderful, and the artwork for Gucci Mane's "All My Children." FRKO joins Michelle on The Cultured Podcast to discuss his earliest influences and how the streets of Atlanta shapes his art.

Sweeping award shows and racking up critical acclaim, FX's "Atlanta" is a masterpiece in tone. One of the masterminds behind its success is the show's director and co-executive producer, Hiro Murai. Hiro joins Michelle to break down his role on Atlanta and how he came to join forces with the show's creator Donald Glover. He highlights his career directing music videos and explains how his aesthetic in that genre translates to this narrative series.

On this bite-sized Breakdown, Michelle delves into what the word “contemporary” means in the worlds of visual arts and dance. She uncovers the origins of the contemporary spirit and how its unrestrained form breaks from tradition, both on the canvas and through the body. Her spotlight on this genre gives texture and background to the work of previous Cultured guests Juel D. Lane, the contemporary dancer featured in Episode 13, and Tami Katz-Freiman, the contemporary art curator featured in Episode 14.

Artists like Hannah Pearman prove that a canvas can hold much more than just paint. By using fluid (or watered-down) acrylic paints, Hannah brings to life the majestic blue and green hues that found in the rich ecosystems of her native country, New Zealand. Her abstract creations honor the enormity of our surroundings, from the cosmos to our planet's deep seas (which she refers to as an Earth-bound cosmos).