Zen Noodle Pie | Candid Conversations On Comfort & More

The past couple of weeks have provided so many opportunities for me to be disappointed in myself but NONE of them insurmountable. Sometimes we have to parent ourselves. I gave myself several talkings to and reminded myself again and again how very lucky I am. Thankful for so many things this holiday season. Thankful for you. Take good care of yourself! xo, KMD

Author, painter and independent film producer, Manny Torres, stops by for a very candid visit!

Super fab visit with Nerdkween, (artist moniker worn by Atlanta's Monica Arrington). We bond over the hope that we can continue to transform in our golden years and the recent revelation that music is energy, the creation (and experience) of which, connects living creatures of all levels!

It's been quite a month of highs and lows. I had to take a moment in this intro to honor beloved, Dr. Dilip Kumar Bhowmik, who left this earthly realm this month. A great loss for so many and a brilliant light of influence that will be carried on by all who knew him. A couple of weeks before that I had the pleasure of catching up with Knoxville pal, Johnny Sughrue. I'm so happy that he is now based in Atlanta and I get to see his handsome face at many a show. He's always a good one to share a laugh, a beer, and memories with. Johnny shares how his band, The Judybats, name came about, what he does to stay balanced and in shape, and something I didn't know about his dance skills. I'm always delighted to learn something new about an old friend. Enjoy this episode and thanks for sticking with Zen Noodle Pie. Stay well!

Hello folks. I needed to check the acoustics in various areas of our home today and took the opportunity to record an episode about what's been on my mind. I hope my ramblings help someone out there; even if just to forget your troubles for a bit. Thanks for listening! xo, kmd

Lyricist and Vocalist for Love Letter and one of the hosts of “Coldlanta” podcast, Carrie Hodge, drops by for a candid conversation!

Author of “The Game-Changer's Guide to Radical Success” and friends with host KMD since college, Tevis Rose Trower drops in for a remote visit from Woodstock, NY on Superbowl Sunday.

After a nearly 2 year pandemic and home renovation hiatus, ZNP returns with recurring New Year's guest, Kim Murrey.

Your ZNP hostess checks in between guests to share an experience with anxiety and general shoot the breeze

New Year’s Day episode with Return guest, Kim Murrey.

Double-header at the EARL, Atlanta, GA 12/30 and 12/31. Ring in the New Year with The Coathangers

Come see us LIVE Dec 20 at the Star Bar, Atlanta, GA!

Without further ado, I present you the traditional ZNP Thanksgiving feel-good visit with Mr. John Speaks! Safe Travels everyone and Thank You for listening to Zen Noodle Pie.

Listen to the end for a rare stream of KMD’s cover of “Pearl” by Tommy Roe, recorded exclusively for Cabbagetown Chronicles.

There’s a fresh face on the scene and she’s quickly becoming a local favorite! Tyler-Simone Molton stops by for her first ever solo interview to chat about the whirlwind beginnings and continuing momentum of her band, Lesibu Grand. We talk how the band got started, what her musical influences are, our shared obsession with teeth and pink hair! Tyler has had her share of anxiety and we touch a bit on that but then dive right back into our girl hang. We share faux-mimosas and could’ve spent all afternoon kicking back and listening to tunes. Look out world, this lady’s going way beyond local! Enjoy this visit with Tyler-Simone.

Songwriter and front man for recently reunited Atlanta trio, Young Antiques, drops in for a chat with KMD. This is a great example of how you can run in the same circles for years with a person and never have had a full on conversation! We trace Blake’s musical evolution (as a lover and a writer) from the evangelical gospel of his childhood through Top40 radio, and the discovery of Ramones, Dinosaur Jr and Replacements that made him wanna grab a guitar and see what might happen! Blake shares his experiences with anxiety and how he manages to get past it today. Please enjoy this getting-to-know-you with Blake Rainey.

We kick off another Season of Zen Noodle Pie by hanging out with Opera trained vocalist and stylish sneaker enthusiast, Leif Westermark! Leif is lyricist and lead singer of new Atlanta band, Rosser. (See them LIVE Fri 13th of Sept opening for KMD at Atlanta’s own EARL.) we converse about many things from charms of the Finland wilderness, terrors of the Australian outback and the wild range of pets Leif has had thus far. He’s had his share of struggles and panic and these days is able to find a balance between healthy lifestyle, catching thrills now and then (skydiving), and the right meds! I thoroughly enjoyed our chat and hope you do too.

First Pod of 2019! Solo Check in. #SurvivingRKelly #InfinityMirrors etc

Happy Holidays #ZNPPodcast listeners! My gift to myself is also a gift to you- this wonderful rich visit with dear friend, artist, jewelry maker, and so much more, Lisa Marie Welch. She is a wealth of knowledge on so many topics that light up my brain- just an inspiring joy to be around. You know when someone is both calming and invigorating at the same time? that is my LM. Love her to pieces and so happy she could lounge and hang with me right before Christmas. I was pleased to find out she has lent her voice to a track on the new Flying Mystics LP -human vocals integrated and fully bathed in healing tones and music! She gifted me a CD and I can’t wait to hear it. Enjoy this chat on your travels or while cooking and we’ll see you in 2019!

It’s Round 3 In what has become a Zen Noodle Pie tradition, a pre-turkey gab fest with good friend, musician and lover of sports, Mr. John Speaks! For the third time we convene on the tail end of an election and right in the midst of NFL season frustration and we let it out. We also talk about the Young Antiques new album coming soon! Once again we could have talked for hours so this episode will get you through nearly 1.5 hrs of your journey. Hang with us and travel safe. Zen Noodle Pie is so thankful for listeners and guests and newly emerging traditions that help me keep my anxiety in check. Much thanks!

Baker, singer, author, entrepreneur, and bringer of positive energy, Orran Booher, stops by ZNP studio bearing a slice of no-bake pumpkin spice cheesecake- now available at his hot new establishment, Bakerdude! Orran IS Bakerdude and I was pleased as punch to get to know him better. Enjoy our visit and check out the new location at the Beacon in Grant Park! -Or order delivery and perhaps Orran himself will show up at your doorstep. This guy really does it all and with so much on his plate, he relays the importance of taking time to be still, hand on the heart, breathing, and allowing solutions to show themselves for whatever may arise.xo

The Rock*A*Teens drummer and bar manager for new Grant Park Atlanta hang, Buteco, T Ballard Lesemann (the third) stops by Zen Noodle Pie studio to chat about his drumming history, RATs new album, and the challenges and bonuses of opening and running a happening joint. We reminisce on touring with bands in the 90s, Halloween costumes, and things you see as a kid that can still creep you out as an adult. And that name I couldn’t bring to mind in the intro? Don Shanks! Enjoy my visit with TBL III !

ZNP meets up with Jennifer Leavey of iconic Atlanta band, Catfight!, to hear about her new amusingly named projects - Leucine Zipper and the Zinc Fingers and the Wussy Pillows. A biology professor at Georgia Tech and lover of science, Jennifer found a way to put science and rock music in a beaker and create something entirely fresh and entertaining. Our visit takes a nice meander around Atlanta local music memories, seeing through today’s often dark social climate, and solo bike-riding as a great stress reliever and clear-your-header. Enjoy this super comfy candid visit!

Keep up with the Good Graces on the website

Enjoy the Spotify Playlist I speak over HEREEnjoy my lead single, Wild Weed, from Harness (heard here under this episode’s intro) on YOUTUBE

Loving this visit with DJ (on hiatus) specializing in vintage Peruvian psychedelia and one of my all time favorite immigrants, Suzy Moran! We reminisce on our years ago trip to Macho Picchu and Suzy shares some intel she has gathered working in health care and how she made it through a recent health scare. We agree on the importance of leaving technology at home and taking a walk! Keep moving! Enjoy!

Make-up artist based in Nashville, Kim Murrey, spends Jan 1 with KMD over some classy hair of the pink poodle (rosé). NYE dance moves are discussed as are early 90s roommate shenanigans, the art of dressing out loud, and united efforts to curb plastics! #GoStrawless. Enjoy this fun first visit of the new year!

Happy New Year! KMD checks in solo with some thoughts on the new year and a run down of holiday happenings! Hope 2018 has been good to you so far!

Happy Thanksgiving Week! I am thankful for so so many things, including my man, Speaks, willing to return for a fun-filled catch-up on some of our favorite topics: sports, laughter, music and food. Of course we had to touch on some current events, they are Unavoidable! The holiday season is an instant balm to what ails me and this sesh definitely left me feeling great! Hang out with me and John on your way to Turkey or that Tofurky. Wishing you much to be Thankful for and a safe landing wherever you're destined!xo

Certified music practitioner and teacher, Michelle Friedman, stops by to share why her experience with anxiety caused her to seek a cardiologist, how music can effect heart rate and healing, and why we should all add a mixolydian to our self-care tool box! It's all about good vibrations folks!

Enjoy this visit with long-time friend, Gayle Rej, one half of Ultra Popcorn Theatre Company and co-director of their inaugural production, "TV", one of a 3 part Play entitled, America Hurrah by Jean-Claude van Itallie (1966 NYC premier). Gayle is also my favorite Vegan and we really dig in to what true veganism really is.

Things get Deep! It's beyond our control. I've known Steve Beach forever (literally decades) as one of many music loving friends and husband to one of my besties. It wasn't until years later that I discovered we had a mutual need for creative flow and freedom. As one that creates music at once experimental, ambient, chaotic and soothing, Steve Beach paints landscapes with sound. We talk about humanity's need for defined order and the flip side that makes us want to destroy barriers. Such conversations are not a rarity with Mr. Beach. I'm happy to share this one with you! 

It's KMD's first interview performed as a married lady! And luckily this guest, world traveler, documentary maker and post-production aficionado, Douglas Savage, is captive in the Zen Noodle Pie studio (which also has a comfy guest bed).  Douglas graciously let me interrogate him on everything from family heritage to how he stays healthy and maintains relationships while splitting time between three continents. Staying centered is key to staying even-keeled!  He put up with some silliness- but he did pour us some wine before, so...excuses excuses....Enjoy! And thank you for listening to Zen Noodle Pie!  

Escape to India in part 2 of my visit with Three Merians! This woman should write a book. The sights, sounds, smells- She really took me there! Ancient spiritual teachings a plus. I highly recommend taking this one in while reclined, eyes closed. Enjoy the ride! And thanks for coming back for more Zen Noodle Pie.

It's another solo waxathon! (what?) Where I unexpectedly meander down a cosmic rabbit hole. Hang out with me now and Join ZNP next time for Part 2 with Three Merians! She was ailing from strep throat! Feel better Ms. Merians! And as always, thanks for listening to Zen Noodle Pie.xo

It's our first 2-parter! with very special guest, Three Merians! Three recently spent 4 months in India and was invited to share travel tales; but once we got going, there was so much to learn at every turn I (happily) got waaaay off track and invited her back to continue in "part 2"!  In this episode, Three shares tales of a childhood in Woodstock, NY; her evolution to "soft-core" veganism; and the unexpected jobs she found herself rocking! Please enjoy this episode and stay tuned for part 2, Episode 37 (Aug 29).

You can find Ehrich Hozenjah on FacebookEnjoy the wonder of Hozenjah on YouTube Rock Star, author, and reluctant dog whisperer, Ehrich Hozenjah, takes time from his busy schedule to visit with Zen Noodle Pie. Long a mystery to many, Hozenjah divulges more than one music legend on whom he had an influence and opens up about his childhood spent in Africa. Not without a classic reckless rock & roll past (let your imagination run wild), these days Hozenjah keeps it steady paying mind to hydration, vitamin intake and meditation. Enjoy!

Happy Independence Day! Some thoughts on this day as KMD flies 1st solo episode and gives some shout-outs to regular listeners! Special Bonus a cappella medley of songs from latest Straw Polly covers set, movie review of new cinematic release, Baby Driver, and more! 

Mitchell performs her piece, One Shot, shooting a single arrow through sheets of paper where it stays, suspended. Mitchell's piece, Limousine. Acrylic latex on wood panel and black neoprene. 72 X 180 in. ZNP welcomes multi-media artist and all around warm spirit, Kirstin Mitchell, to talk about her most recent exhibit, Midnight at the Oasis (at Hathaway Gallery until July 11) and her re-entry into the art world using her given name, having performed as Kiki Blood for years. She describes the Kiki Blood years as a necessary time for exploring aggression and the return to herself as permission for softness. Staying busy a must for excitable types- and working on immense pieces keeps the whole body involved. We talk meditating on color and the need for sharing food and laughs with friends at dinner parties. Please enjoy this vibrant episode!Official Bio:Kirstin Mitchell is a multi-media artist living in Atlanta, GA.In 2017, Mitchell has shown at University of Georgia and been selected as a highlight in Art in America for an experimental studio exhibition during her Eyedrum Studio Fellowship. She performed a solo show at the Atlanta Contemporary in March 2016, and has performed with the support of the Franklin Furnace Fund and the Brooklyn International Performance Art Festival. She has shown in galleries and art centers in Atlanta, New Orleans, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and internationally in Austria and Italy. Mitchell's work has also been reviewed in Art Papers and Flash Art magazines. Find out more and keep informed on what's next at www.kirstinmitchell.com

Musician, nurse practitioner, and most recently, outspoken proponent and activist for Narcan, Andy Gish, stops by to share what's up in her life and to school me and others on the power and availability of Narcan to reverse potential overdose episodes. I've been cheering on her crusade to get Narcan behind as many counters as possible, be they bars, coffee shops or book stores! I think she also squeezed the first pod tears out of me! yes we went there. Please enjoy this very important, candid conversation!

Enjoy this conversation with musician, producer and cuisine enthusiast, Dan Dixon! Dan winds up giving a pretty clear How-To for making real butter at home. Sometimes the best things begin with the quality of the raw ingredients- this goes for both food AND recording! Dan also shares a stretch of time when he realized meds were dampening his critical voice- a voice crucial to him as a producer. He since has found nature hikes to be the best constant to keep his life in balance. Buon ascolto!

Get a sneak peak at new material from writer, musician and Montessori school teacher, Mary O Harrison, as she stops by for a chat with ZNP! It’s Live Show week & KMD gets the skinny from her good pal on the Virginia Plane recording experience and what to expect at their Cinco de Mayo show at 529 (Atlanta). Harrison also shares some Eastern coping methods for managing anxiety and the comfort found in classic black and white movies. Enjoy!

Musician, Coffee Shop owner and current drummer for Straw Polly, Fran Capitanelli, stops by to share some laughs and opens up about experiences with panic attacks, his segue to the early morning coffee world, the quest to make the metronome disappear while playing drums (it's like floating) and the quest for the perfect pair of socks. Enjoy! 

Listen in on this in depth conversation between myself, KMD, and Atlanta drummer-in-demand, John Speaks.  John is one of those people that brings the cheer. Always a happy encounter.  We talk about his journey from being a kid, riding his BMX to the small-town vinyl shop and drumming on the school snare, to playing full sets in (today) three rock bands and, most recently, being called upon to bring his charming drum style to the screen in Lee Daniels television drama, Star, with Queen Latifah. As I suspected, my pal John doesn't have a whole lot of anxieties. Maybe the drums are key! Though, as he shares, the drums do cause some anxiety in a recurring dream... Enjoy!

Artist, writer and front woman for shooting star band (they shone so bright for just one night!) Ignitor Fool, Lisa Kemp, chats with me, KMD, after a morning walk.  Lisa is responsible for the shimmery Astral Heart cover art. She had a few nerves coming into our chat- we worked through it and foraged through our ancient writing journals in a Kemp- created LYRIC game that may have created a whole new tune! I'm so proud of my pal for stepping out of her comfort zone to pod with me.  Enjoy!

Join me, KMD, and  a former bandmate, Elliott Inspace (Melt Or May), as we trip down memory lane. Elliott's lyrics always tickled me but meanwhile he was writing about his anxieties! some of which he shares for our listeners. Elliott always seemed to have cutting edge technology at his fingertips back in the day, so it's only fitting that he now heads one of the leading drone companies, filming everything from Atlanta Falcons to aerial scenes for Tyler Perry. Check out American Drone Industries on Instagram.

It's a full-on pow-wow with former Opera Singer and Roller Derby girl, Shell Ramirez! :) I just had to write that. Most recently, Shell has been working with multiple child-focused non-profits; the most exciting one to me is Soccer in the Streets where she helps keep refugee kids active and focused. Shell shares her experience with social anxiety among adults whether at a party or simply entering a coffee shop full of strangers. Enjoy this honest and entertaining episode with my pal, Shell Ramirez!

Who Loves ya, Baby? Show yourSELF some love and get your sweet HEART checked out! February is Heart Health month and the ever-charming and suave voiced, Michael Overstreet, stops by to chat with ZNP regarding recent embarkment on a new life chapter, comfort found in cooking for others, the draw of worldwide marathons and mountain climbing, and how taking charge of his health lead him to a discovery of a family shared, manageable condition and he is Spreading the Word! Learn more about Familial Hypercholesterolemia at thefhfoundation.org .

KMD's good pal and star twin (April 19!), Marnie Bell-Ferguson, stops by to chat aromatherapy! Marnie's done a lot of research and found ways to use essential oils for everything from helping her middle school boys with their studies and enhancing restful sleep to concocting natural deodorants for home and family! Another tool in our self-care tool box!

Real estate developer and Spec E30 racing enthusiast, Philippe Pellerin, takes a break to pow-wow with ZNP about his journey from strip malls to historic preservation, how staying busy keeps him relaxed, and how speeding around a race track was love at first drive.

Ever-effervescent artist and musician Tyson Meade shares stories of Shanghai, hot pants in Saudi, his artistic trajectory, and how peace can be found by flipping through vinyls.