Podcasts about art how

Visit our Substack for bonus content and more: https://designbetterpodcast.com/p/susan-magsamen-and-ivy-ross In school, art is often positioned in curricula as an enrichment subject, not a core skill like math or language arts. But those of us who pursue the arts instinctually recognize that there is something in creative expression that is foundational to the human experience. Susan Magsamen, executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, has spent years studying the effect art has on our mind and body. Her research is surfacing profound health and longevity benefits created through poetry, music, painting, and other arts. Susan recently collaborated with Ivy Ross, Chief Design Officer for Consumer Devices at Google, to co-author a fascinating book called Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. We speak with Susan and Ivy about how they found their way into collaborating on the book, why we are “wired for art,” how practicing art can actually extend your lifespan significantly, and how they bring the ideas in their book into their work to reduce stress and help teams perform at their peak. Bios Ivy Ross Ivy Ross is the Vice President of Hardware Design at Google, where she led the creation of the award-winning design language for Google's hardware products. With a background spanning executive roles at Calvin Klein, Swatch, Coach, Mattel, and Gap, Ivy blends design, science, and psychology to drive innovation. Her work has earned over 240 design awards, and she has been recognized by Fast Company, Business Insider, and Surface magazine as a creative leader. A former jewelry designer with works in major museum collections, she is also a sought-after speaker and contributor to books on creativity, leadership, and design. Susan Magsamen Susan Magsamen is the founder and executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and co-director of the NeuroArts Blueprint with the Aspen Institute. With over four decades of work at the intersection of the arts and neuroscience, she has developed tools and programs to support health, learning, and social equity through aesthetic experiences. A published author and entrepreneur, Susan also founded Curiosityville and Curiosity Kits, and has advised numerous organizations across public health, education, and the arts. *** Premium Episodes on Design Better This ad-supported episode is available to everyone. If you'd like to hear it ad-free, upgrade to our premium subscription, where you'll get an additional 2 ad-free episodes per month (4 total). Premium subscribers also get access to the documentary Design Disruptors and our growing library of books, as well as our monthly AMAs with former guests, ad-free episodes, discounts and early access to workshops, and our monthly newsletter The Brief that compiles salient insights, quotes, readings, and creative processes uncovered in the show. Upgrade to paid ***

In this episode, I'm talking about what's really been on my mind lately. First, we get into relationship skills—the ones many of us never learned and why so many people end relationships when things get hard. Then, a little culture check: what's going on with Meghan Markle, brand timing, and who gets the freedom to try (and fail) publicly. And finally, a reminder we didn't know we needed—why so many of us are starving for art, beauty, and aesthetics…and how they might just be the medicine we've been missing. Resources Mentioned: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us Connect With Me: Website: myleik.com Instagram: @myleik Community: Myleik & Mommas Newsletter: Sign up here Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the voice holding you back isn't your inner critic… but your ego dressed up as protection? If you've ever spiraled after sharing something vulnerable or avoided creating because it might not be “good enough,” this episode is for you.

In this episode, Sam and Caron will share how the Center for Teaching and Learning, and Employee Engagement (CTLEE) at PVCC is leveraging the power of technology in order to better serve the college as a hub of innovation.  Why did the newsletter go away?  How are they launching on demand content with YouTube shorts?  The CTLEE is letting go of the past and moving into the future by learning, changing and iterating.Books References-Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform UsSusan Magsamen and Ivy RossThe Art of Gathering: How We mMeet and Why it MattersPriya ParkerCenters for Teaching and Learning: The New Landscape in Higher EducationMary C. WrightNew CTLEE Youtube Channel- http://www.youtube.com/@PVCCCTLEEToastEDU Podcast Website- https://learn.maricopa.edu/courses/1260717

In this episode of Cool People Big Ideas, Lauren talks with Ann Hood, author of The Stolen Child, Comfort, and Morningstar, to talk about storytelling, grief, and the choices that shape our lives. Ann shares her thoughts on creating characters that feel real, balancing truth and fiction, and using art as a way to heal. They talk about time travel in stories, the fun and challenge of writing in different genres, and how personal loss affects creative work. Ann talks about the power of decision-making, explaining how every choice can affect a lifetime in surprising ways. If you're a writer, a reader, or someone interested in the power of art, this episode offers a look at life's important moments and the stories we tell to understand them.What to Listen For:- The Essence of Fiction: Why fiction matters and how it helps us understand the world.- The Role of Art: How creativity—from knitting to writing—helps and changes us.- Decisions and Regret: Talking about the “what-ifs” of life through stories.- Grief and Writing: How personal loss affects Ann's work and her journey to creating the Gracie Belle imprint.- The Stolen Child: The story behind Ann's novel, including the connection of time, memory, and art.- Knitting and Healing: The calming practice that helped Ann's recovery.Takeaway:Every decision is a part of life. Through her writing and personal stories, Ann Hood reminds us that it's never too late to use creativity, find meaning in grief, and enjoy storytelling.

In episode one of our Makers series, Kelly and her daughter Claire speak with neuroscientist Susan Magsamen and Google's Chief Design Officer Ivy Ross about how art and creativity affect our brains and bodies. Their book Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us reveals that making isn't just a hobby but a fundamental human need that improves wellbeing, helps process trauma, and enhances learning. Susan and Ivy explain how singing to babies releases oxytocin, how arts education closes achievement gaps, and why creative expression matters for everyone from CEOs to doctors to children. Check out Kelly and Claire's new children's book Marianne the Maker - you can pre-order HERE. To celebrate the release of Marianne the Maker, Penguin Young Readers is matching each pre-order with a donation of the book to Save the Children's early education programs in the U.S. — up to 2,000 books. Pre-order your copy today and help inspire a love of reading in the lives of children who may not otherwise have access to books. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The world needs more of Maggie Stephens' joyful perspective on art and creativity — and it's why I am SO excited to have her on the show. Maggie is an Austin artist who, in her own words, "Makes things out of things," giving found objects a new life in her installations.  Listen to hear more about her work, how she fills it with stories, how she finds inspiration in the most unlikely places, and why having more FUN might be the secret to it all. If you need to spark some joy back into your art, this episode is for you! Make sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss a thing! And don't forget to come hang with me on Instagram @jodie_king_ Interested in being a guest on a future episode of Honest Art? Email me at amy@jodieking.com! Resources mentioned: Learn more about the Color Course for Rebels: https://www.jodiekingart.com/ccfr Stay in touch with Maggie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magpieinyoureye/  Check out some of Maggie's work here: https://www.madebymagpie.com/  ByGeorge Clothing Store: https://bygeorgeaustin.com/   Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life's Purpose by Martha Beck: https://amzn.to/3EO9dII  Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen: https://amzn.to/42VTG3O  Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6  How are you liking the Honest Art Podcast? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and let us know!     Watch this full episode on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64Vn6NF5BfiwLNTSb_VnDA  For a full list of show notes and links, check out my blog: www.jodieking.com/podcast    

From lullabies to movie soundtracks to workout playlists, music has the capacity to change how we feel. But what is the evidence that music's effects can transform physical health? On our new podcast miniseries, Music and Health, we'll explore the power of music to heal our minds, bodies, and even communities.  On the first episode of this series, host J. D. Talasek is joined by Renée Fleming and Susan Magsamen. Fleming is an opera soprano, actress, and long time advocate for the healing powers of the arts. She recently edited a book called Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness. Magsamen founded the International Arts + Mind Lab, and created the NeuroArts Blueprint. They discuss health and arts research, current initiatives to use the arts to heal, and how this vital approach to care can be expanded.  This series is produced in collaboration with Susan Magsamen and Leonardo journal. Resources Read Renée Fleming's book, Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness, to learn more about how music and the creative arts are being used for health. The book was also recently reviewed in Issues by Susan Fitzpatrick, who called Fleming's introduction “beautifully written, providing a lyrical and comprehensive summary of the main ideas in the book.”  Learn more about Susan Magsamen's work by visiting the International Arts + Mind Lab website, and check out Magsamen and Ivy Ross's book, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us.  Visit the NeuroArts Blueprint website to find information on how the creative arts impact the brain. You can also find more information about and apply for the Renée Fleming Neuroarts Investigator Award.  Visit the Sound Health Initiative website to learn more about the partnership between the National Institutes of Health and the Kennedy Center to research the potential of music to treat a wide range of conditions.  Listen to the Real Young Prodigys' song “Where My Bus At” and learn more about how the song helped inspire change in Louisville. Thank you to the Real Young Prodigys for allowing use of their song in this episode! 

Magsamen and Ross emphasize the transformative power of art, in all its forms. It impacts neural circuitry, physiology, and behavior, enhancing physical and mental well-being, reducing stress, improving cognitive function, and fostering social connections. They highlight the importance of integrating the arts in healthcare, education, and community building. Susan Magsamen is the founder and executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthethics (known as the IAM Lab) at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she's a faculty member in the Department of Neurology. Ivy Ross is Chief Design Officer of Consumer Devices at Google and has led teams that have won hundreds of design awards. She's a National Endowment for the Arts grant recipient and was ninth on Fast Company's list of the 100 Most Creative People in Business in 2019. Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross are Co-authors of Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. (Random House 2023)Interview Date: 10/14/2024 Tags: Susan Magsamen, Ivy Ross, doodling, E.O. Wilson, salience, neuro arts, neuroaesthetics, improv, endocrine system, James Pennebaker, Stuart Brown, play, neurosynapses, John Krakauer, Art & Creativity, Health & Healing, Personal Transformation

Susan Magsamen is the founder and executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthethics (known as the IAM Lab) at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she's a faculty member in the Department of Neurology. Ivy Ross is Chief Design Officer of Consumer Devices at Google and has led teams that have won hundreds of design awards. She's a National Endowment for the Arts grant recipient and was ninth on Fast Company's list of the 100 Most Creative People in Business in 2019. Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross are Co-authors of Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. (Random House 2023)Interview Date: 10/14/2024 Tags: Susan Magsamen, Ivy Ross, aesthetic mindset, curiosity, playful exploration, sensorial experience, colored pencils, color is a vibration, chromasonics, Art & Creativity Health & Healing, Personal Transformation

As we step into a new year, this episode focuses on carrying forward lessons from the past and setting intentions that align with our creative values. We discuss the importance of authenticity, self-trust, and aligning with what truly matters to build a fulfilling creative journey. It's about starting the year connected to your heart and working from a place of truth, respect, and internal motivation.     Key Themes:   Caring Without Controlling: Learning to give your creative projects attention without forcing them into rigid expectations. Understanding the balance between care and control to allow your creativity to thrive.   Telling the Truth in Art: How striving for perfection can block authenticity. Embracing imperfection as a pathway to genuine, truthful expression.   Setting Boundaries for Growth: The importance of respecting your creative endeavors, even if others don't. Choosing collaborators who align with your values and vision.   Working From the Heart: Connecting with your core values to stay internally motivated. Staying aligned with what matters most in your creative life.   Building Confidence and Trust: Developing the confidence to trust yourself and your creative instincts. Exploring the unknown aspects of your creativity and embracing the journey of discovery.     What You'll Learn: How to start the year with clarity, intention, and authenticity. Practical ways to align your creative work with your personal values. Strategies to let go of perfectionism and embrace your unique voice. The power of boundaries in fostering meaningful creative relationships. Begin your year inspired and focused with this conversation about creativity, truth, and setting a strong foundation for the months ahead.   -- (Photo by Zetong Li on Unsplash)   ...And if you're loving the show, don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, SHARE IT with your friends, and VISIT OUR WEBSITE for even more content!  www.WayoftheArtist.com 

We often fill up our free time by listening to a favorite song, watching a movie or going to a museum. But have you ever considered that art can also work as a medicine? Susan Magsamen is the founder of the Arts + Mind Lab at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the co-author of “Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us.” In this episode, she discusses her groundbreaking research on the health benefits of art. If you want to learn more about the NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative, visit neuroartsblueprint.org--If you aspire to be a System Catalyst and need resources to help you on your journey, subscribe to our newsletter. To learn more about our mission and our partners, visit systemcatalysts.com.Subscribe to our YouTube channel This podcast is produced by Hueman Group Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can we improve our business brain by participating in art? My guest did the research to confirm this;  it's called neuroaesthetics.Ivy Ross is the Vice President, Design for Hardware at Google.She was trained at Harvard Business School for general management with outstanding record of achievement with Fortune 500 companies in retail, direct mail, and manufacturing environments. One of nine executives selected by Fast Company Magazine to represent the new face of leadership . Selected by Business Week magazine as one of the 25 most innovative global business leaders working within a corporation. Business Insider recently named her one of the 15 Most Powerful Women at Google.She is the coauthor of "Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us".Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-small-business-radio-show--3306444/support.

https://Art2Life.com - Judy Tuwaletstiwa, a multidisciplinary visual artist, writer, and teacher, had no idea she was an artist for many many years. After being told she was ‘no artist' by her 7th-grade teacher, she didn't create art until later.  Judy shares her insights on aging as a liberating gift, allowing her to focus on what truly matters. We explore her vision of art as a mysterious, transformative force and she tells me more about an ongoing project, which aims to help people understand how to integrate art into every life stage.  I know you'll love the inspiring stories based on Judy's teaching experiences, including a viral TikTok that demonstrates the power of art in self-exploration. She shares influences that shaped her artistic path, including lessons from a tumultuous childhood, transformative travels, and meaningful collaborations.  Join us to reflect on creativity, intuition, and the enriching exchange of insights between generations, offering valuable takeaways for artists and educators alike in this episode of the Art2Life Podcast. ================================ LISTEN IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN… [6:38] Her grandmother's positivity and magic helped overcome generational wounds [12:35] How Van Gogh brought Judy back to cresting art  [17:01] Providing art-based workshops to help young boys experience healing  [23:23] What brought Judy back to sharing her art 15 years later  [28:21] A soul-searching camping trip in the Southwest at age 41  [34:24] How Judy created her “Songs of the Earth from Space” series  [37:38] Art has no mistakes; it's a doorway that leads you somewhere  [42:32] Intergenerational exchange enriches learning  [46:14] Growing old is a gift because it brings freedom and clarity on what truly matters  ================================ RESOURCES MENTIONED Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl: https://a.co/d/76PPPWP Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross: https://a.co/d/gYqRrK7  Frog Dreaming: https://frogdreamingbooks.com/index.html ================================= CONNECT WITH JUDY TUWALETSTIWA Judy's artwork: https://www.judytuwaletstiwa.com/  Gma Judy on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@judytuwaletstiwa  Judy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tuwaletstiwa/ ============================= CONNECT WITH NICHOLAS WILTON AND ART2LIFE: Get the Free COLOR TIPS PDF: https://workshop.art2life.com/color-tips-pdf-podcasts/  Follow the Sunday Art2Life Vlog: https://art2life.lpages.co/sign-up-for-the-a2l-vlog/  Follow Nicholas Wilton's Art on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholaswilton/  Follow Art2Life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art2life_world/?hl=en  Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Art2Life  #Art2Life #FineArt #AbstractArt #ModernArt #Contemporary

We're students of the creative process, and so is Adam Moss, author of The Work of Art: How something comes from nothing. Formerly the editor-in-chief of New York magazine, these days Moss is on a quest in his studio to understand painting and through it the mysteries of the act of creation.  Questions about why people create—and the diversity of process across mediums—led Adam to write his book, which features interviews with a host of inspiring folks. Kara Walker, Tony Kushner, Sofia Coppola, Stephen Sondheim, Barbara Kruger, Ira Glass, Samin Nosrat, Marc Jacobs, David Simon, and many more share their approach to the work they do in the book.  We talk with Adam about the red threads that run through such varied creative expressions, finding the right creative partners, how to feed creativity, and how his own work has been influenced by his investigation into how creativity unfolds.  Visit our Substack for bonus content and more: https://designbetterpodcast.com/p/adam-moss Bio Adam Moss was the editor of New York magazine, The New York Times Magazine, and 7 Days. As editor of New York, he also oversaw the creation of five digital magazines: Vulture, The Cut, Daily Intelligencer, Grub Street, and The Strategist. During his tenure, New York won forty-one National Magazine Awards, including Magazine of the Year. He was an assistant managing editor of The New York Times with oversight of the Magazine, the Book Review, and the Culture, and Style sections, as well as managing editor of Esquire. He was elected to the Magazine Editors' Hall of Fame in 2019. *** Premium Episodes on Design Better This ad-supported episode is available to everyone. If you'd like to hear it ad-free, upgrade to our premium subscription, where you'll get an additional 2 ad-free episodes per month (4 total). Premium subscribers also get access to our monthly AMAs with former guests, ad-free episodes, early and discounted access to workshops, and our new enhanced newsletter The Brief that compiles salient insights, quotes, readings, and creative processes uncovered in the show.   Upgrade to paid *** Visiting the links below is one of the best ways to support our show: Wix Studio: With Wix Studio, agencies and enterprises can create, develop and manage exceptional web projects with hyper efficiency. And if you're worried about the learning curve eating into time you don't have, don't be. Wix Studio is intuitive by design, so your entire team can hit the ground running. For your next project, check out wixstudio.com. Wine Access: We love wine, but often feel overwhelmed by the options out there. But we recently joined Wine Access who not only ship to your door some of the world's most inspiring wines, they also educate subscribers with full color information cards that accompany each bottle. You should totally join The Waitlist Wine Club. Just visit wineaccess.com/waitlist and use Promo Code: DESIGNBETTER for $25 off your first shipment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Believe the hype—art can transform your life.In this episode of Flow Radio, hosts Steven Kotler, Dr. Michael Mannino, and Ryan Wickes explore the powerful connections between creativity, longevity, and the future of human-AI collaboration. Tune in for a fresh look at how an “aesthetic mindset” influences aging, cognitive health, and the amount of flow in your life. Plus, get the low down on how partnering with AI can boost your creative potential far beyond a run-of-the-mill brainstorm. This is a must-listen for anyone wanting practical tips to lead a happier, healthier, and more creative life.  Join the discussion by leaving your questions for future Afterthoughts episodes in the comments. In This Episode: 01:36 Art vs. Altruism 04:06 Creativity and Longevity 06:19 The Role of AI in Future Jobs  11:10 Wisdom and Creativity as We Age 17:32 Brain Damage and Creativity 28:27 Hacking Creativity with Daydreaming35:12 Microflow and Daily Art Practice 42:08 Can AI Be Truly Creative? About The Guest: Steven Kotler is a New York Times-bestselling author, an award-winning journalist, and the co-founder and executive director of the Flow Research Collective. He is one of the world's leading experts on human performance. He is the author of eleven bestsellers (out of fourteen books), including The Art of Impossible, The Future is Faster Than You Think, Stealing Fire, The Rise of Superman, Bold and Abundance. His work has been nominated for three Pulitzer Prizes, translated into over sixty languages, and has appeared in over 110 publications, including academic journals such as Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews and Psychophysiology, and mainstream publications like The New York Times Magazine, Wired, Atlantic Monthly, Wall Street Journal, TIME, and the Harvard Business Review. Dr. Michael Mannino is the Director of Programs at the University of Miami's Institute for Data Science and Computing, focusing on AI projects across various domains. He holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience and a Master's in philosophy, with expertise in embodied cognition, critical thinking, and the philosophy of mind. As a professor of philosophy and ethics for over a decade, Michael integrates his academic background with a passion for peak performance, flow science, and the mind-body connection. He is also an athlete, musician, and avid learner, and serves on the Singularity University Miami Chapter. Episode Resources: Book: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross Book: The Mature Mind: The Positive Power of the Aging Brain by Gene Cohen Book: The Wisdom Paradox: How Your Mind Can Grow Stronger As Your Brain Grows Older by Elkhonon Goldberg Article: Eric Kandel's Research on Aesthetic Experience Podcast: John Kounios on Mood and Creativity  Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you're interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview⁠⁠ ‍ Follow Flow Research Collective: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com⁠ ‍ Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world's leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.

In this episode of Flow Radio, Steven Kotler and Dr. Michael Mannino sit down with Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, co-authors of Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. These groundbreaking experts explain how making and experiencing art changes the way we think, feel, and perform. From our ancient past to cutting-edge science, find out why art isn't just beautiful—it's fuel for your brain. Learn how just 20 minutes of creative practice can boost your mental edge, unlock more flow, and supercharge problem-solving. Plus, discover how AI is revolutionizing art creation and opening new frontiers in human-machine creativity. Tune in to unlock practical insights for tapping into your creative genius. In This Episode: 00:03  The Intersection of Art, Brain, and Performance 02:11  How Susan and Ivy Became Pioneers in Their Fields 05:04  Bridging Art and Science 09:10  Why We're Wired for Art 14:22  Art as Medicine 22:52  Flow States and Creativity 30:57  Current Research 37:46  Daily Practices for Enhancing Creativity 43:24  AI and Art 48:22  Why Neuroesthetics Matters for Everyone About The Guest: Ivy Ross is the Vice President of Design for the Hardware organization at Google. Over  the past six years, she and her team have launched 50+ products winning over 240  global design awards. This collection of hardware established a new Google design  aesthetic that is tactile, colorful, and bold.  A winner of a National Endowment for the Arts grant, Ivy's innovative metal work in  jewelry is in the permanent collections of 12 international museums.   Ivy has held executive positions ranging from head of product design and development  to CMO and presidencies of several companies, including Calvin Klein, Swatch, Coach,  Mattel, Bausch & Lomb, and Gap.  Ninth on Fast Company's list of the 100 Most Creative People in Business 2019, Ivy  believes the intersection of arts and science is where the most engaging and creative  ideas are found.   Most recently, Ivy co-authored with Susan Magsamen Your Brain on Art: How the Arts  Transform Us.  Susan Magsamen is the executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab (IAM Lab), Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics, a pioneering neuroaesthetics initiative from the Pedersen Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is the co-director of the NeuroArts Blueprint with the Aspen Institute and co-author of the New York Times Bestseller, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. Susan studies how the arts and aesthetic experiences measurably change the brain, body, and behavior and how this knowledge can be translated to inform health, wellbeing and learning in medicine, public health and education. Episode Resources: Book website: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us Lab: The International Arts + Mind Lab Social: YourBrainonArtBook Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you're interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview⁠ Follow Flow Research Collective: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠ Website: https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/ Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world's leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.

Today's episode focuses on the narrative style of therapy, and it's a topic that we haven't covered on the podcast before. We always want to explore new therapeutic approaches and the various ways they can offer healing and support for more women. Everyone needs to know about the different therapies that are available to them. Join us to learn more! Dr. Lyneia Richardson is a mother, healer, and licensed psychologist, and she works as a maternal mental health advocate dedicated to revitalizing the spirit of all mamas. She received her BA in psychology from North Carolina A&T State University and a master's in mental health counseling from Johns Hopkins University. After earning a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Howard University, she focused her work on decolonizing therapy and education through a mothering praxis. She is currently a professor of counseling at McDaniel College and the proud owner of Melanated Women's Therapy LLC. Dr. Richardson recently published Mothering As A Work of Art, an anthology collection of personal narratives exploring the multiple dimensions of black mothering aimed at changing the narrative on mothering and what it means to mother in contemporary times. In today's episode, she discusses these topics and the value of using narrative therapy as a pathway through healing birth trauma.  Show Highlights: The narrative approach: to externalize and separate yourself from the problem (It's the opposite of self-blaming and internalizing issues, challenges, and traumas.) Understanding the difference between storytelling and narrative The common experience for women of all races in not being listened to by their doctors and nurses Dr. Richardson's personal birth story and her work with social justice and advocacy to amplify the voices of black mothers The challenge in advocacy work Broadening the network to have a bigger outreach to help moms Collective healing and community healing Empowerment through a support network Trying to normalize the struggle when social media makes everyone else's life look perfect Mothering As A Work of Art: How the book came to be Being a creative mom The value of sharing stories as a form of healing and therapy Resources: Connect with Dr. Lyneia Richardson: Website, Melanated Women's Therapy LLC, Instagram, and Mothering As A Work of Art Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be a better support in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

We will be mixing it up today and taking on the persona of a book friend and reading one of their favourite genres, subjects, or formats. What are the lessons learned from this exercise? We shall find out! Books mentioned on this episode: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen, Dragon Palace by Hiromi Kawakami, translated by Ted Goossen, A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid, and Flying Witch by Chihiro Ishizuka.

https://Art2Life.com - As an artist, the thought of not knowing what comes next is bothersome. But “not knowing” is often necessary. Sometimes we have to spend time pondering what's next. We need to give ourselves space and time to sit with the discomfort of uncertainty. We have to get comfortable with the phenomenon of doing and not knowing.  I'm painting right now. I'm doing one thing at a time, uncertain what I will do next. I'm simply being present with what I'm making.  In this episode of the Art2Life Podcast, I explore finding clarity by sitting in a place of not knowing. Join me on the journey of not knowing.  ================================ LISTEN IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN… [1:33] The idea that clarity comes from not knowing  [11:35] Knowing everything will eventually come together  [14:11] Understanding the fundamentals as your foundation  [15:57] Embracing vulnerability in your art  [21:20] Sharing your ideas to bring them to life  ================================ RESOURCES MENTIONED Adam Wolpert's Art: http://www.adamwolpert.com/ Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Brain-Art-Arts-Transform/dp/0593449231/ ============================= CONNECT WITH NICHOLAS WILTON AND ART2LIFE: Get the Free COLOR TIPS PDF: https://workshop.art2life.com/color-tips-pdf-podcasts/  Follow the Sunday Art2Life Vlog: https://art2life.lpages.co/sign-up-for-the-a2l-vlog/  Follow Nicholas Wilton's Art on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholaswilton/  Follow Art2Life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art2life_world Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Art2Life  #Art2Life #FineArt #AbstractArt #ModernArt #Contemporary

Welcome to Season 6, Episode 5 of Art Is… a podcast for artistsEpisode Overview:In this episode, we welcome Michelle Wolodarsky, who discusses her dedication to a diverse art practice that includes painting, film, and performance. Lauryn, Isotta, and Michelle talk about balancing passion with the hard work required in an artist's journey. Michelle shares her strategies for advancing her art career, the challenges of achieving financial sustainability as an artist, and the importance of building a supportive community around one's practice.Topics Covered:1. The Artist's Journey and Financial Considerations:  - Balancing passion and labor.  - Courage needed for the artist's journey.  - The necessity of a day job to reduce financial pressure on art practice.  - Lauryn's experience in gallery and publishing, and her skills in sales and business.2. Art School Mentality vs. Art Market Reality:  - The anti-commercial mentality of art school versus the commercial reality of the art market.  - The skewed timeline from emerging to mid-career artist.  - Entrenched gatekeeping and elite trickle-down in the art world.3. Michelle's Approach to Art:  - How her conceptual, intuitive abilities shape her practice.  - Redefining conceptual art through writing, painting, performance, and film.  - Using painting to world-build through performance and film.  - Developing a scriptwriting and creative writing practice for poetry.  - Receiving feedback from respected peers.4. Patience, Timing, and Personal Growth:  - The importance of patience in the artistic journey.  - The value of timing in research and learning.  - Maturing as an artist and understanding you're not different from anyone else.  - The role of ego and staying present.5. Building Genuine Connections and Lauryn's Insights:  - Better relating to each other and forging authentic connections.  - Avoiding art speak and showing up as an authentic human being.  - Benefits of an introductory consultation session with Lauryn from Curated Splash.  - Pitfalls of comparing yourself to others.  - Financial transparency and the reality of an artist's career as seen in the Beyond the Studio Podcast Episode.Stay updated with future episodes by subscribing to Art Is… on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media for more behind-the-scenes content and updates. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the creative journey.Check out Michelle Wolodarsky's work Watch this episode on Youtube or on SpotifyLearn more about Isotta at @isottapage and see her work Sign up for Isotta's Sculpture NewsletterLearn more about Lauryn @curatedsplash and her coaching work Curated Splash Resources Learn more and read podcast transcriptsFollow the podcast at @artispodcastOriginal music by Black Wonder TwinsFollow them @blackwondertwinsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/art-is/donations

Connect with Chenchao Liu on LinkedInVisit SILREALs websiteVisit Asia Business Podcast Full show Transcript below Summary and TimestampsOverviewIn this episode of the Asia Business Podcast, host Art Dicker interviews Chenchao Liu, the founder of SILREAL, a management consulting firm focusing on healthcare and Sino-European business exchanges. Chenchao shares his journey from China to Germany, his transition from science to business, and the mission of bridging the healthcare sectors between China and the West. They discuss the unique collaboration opportunities in pharmaceuticals and healthcare services between China and Europe, navigating political barriers, and the impact of regulations like IP protection and data sharing laws. The conversation delves into the challenges and trends reshaping the industry in China, including the aging population, health consciousness post-COVID, and the dynamics of foreign companies adapting to China's volume-based pricing system. Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Episode and Guest00:41 Chenchao Liu's Journey from China to Germany and Founding SILREAL01:49 Bridging Sino-European Business in Healthcare02:54 Exploring Recent Projects and the Impact of SILREAL's Work05:03 Opportunities for China-Europe Collaboration in Healthcare08:20 Navigating Political Barriers in Sino-European Relations16:23 The Impact of Regulations on Cross-Border Healthcare Collaboration21:15 Macro Trends Shaping the Healthcare Industry in China31:16 Concluding Remarks and How to Connect with Chenchao Liu TranscriptArt: [00:00:00] Welcome everybody to another episode of the Asia Business Podcast. I'm your host, Art Dicker. Today we have the absolute pleasure of being joined by Chenchao Liu. Chenchao is the founder of SILREAL, a management consulting firm specializing in the healthcare sector [00:00:15] and fostering Sino European business exchanges.Art: Welcome Chenchao.Chenchao: Thank you, Art. Thank you for having me. Art: Yeah, we've been talking. We've been talking a few times over the last couple of years or so, and [00:00:30] it just seemed natural that we do a podcast. We've had long conversations, the two of us just talking about some of these things we're going to get into.Art: So it's, like I said, it's natural. We just record an episode about it. And, you were born in China, but you've lived in Germany for more than 20 [00:00:45] years now. And I was wondering if you could share a bit about your own kind Your own story behind the founding of SILREAL and then also help the audience understand a bit more kind of work you do to bridge the European Chinese markets in life [00:01:00] sciences.Chenchao: Yeah, thank you, Art. Thank you for really inviting me and I respect and follow your work for a while and appreciate that I could share some of my story here. Yeah, as you mentioned, yeah, I was born in [00:01:15] China in Qingdao, historical city connected to Germany. And I came to Germany when I was 13. So I went to elementary school, and I studied chemistry in Munich.Chenchao: And had very devoted concentration interested into [00:01:30] science and was very active. I high school already for Olympics and later for Mustang Institute ATH. But I realized later that due to the internship I did with consulting firms that I'm really belong to the business world.Chenchao: I [00:01:45] want to work with people. I want to be in real impact making. And yeah, so I after graduation, I went to consulting firm, I did a lot of projects for hospitals and also for private equities [00:02:00] in 2017 when I realized that I wanted to Do more things with China. I said to myself look into the mirror.Chenchao: You cannot just look like this way. It's better that you could do something content wise with the country [00:02:15] where you're from. And yeah, I started to advise some Chinese firms who come to Europe and vice versa. And yeah, and what is really entrepreneurial journey. Nobody has taught me how to build business, so really try and [00:02:30] arrow and yeah, I think it's combination of hard work, persistent and also support of others.Chenchao: We have thright and have again, some traction, have project from federal menstrual health and the state governments help some big [00:02:45] pharma like AstraZeneca. And yeah, I really want to be the bridge in life science healthcare between China and the West. Art: And can you talk a bit about some of the sort of the projects that you've worked on recently and[00:03:00] or so, some, so give the audience a really some context for some actual to the extent you're allowed to talk about it, but I know also we'll get into it.Art: You've got quite a. Number of wonderful endorsements on your websites from the projects you've worked on, but just [00:03:15] to give the audience a bit of wrap their heads around the actual kind of consulting work and so forth that you do. Chenchao: Yeah, thank you, Arthur. So basically, we have three main sectors of industries.Chenchao: We serve for health [00:03:30] care, life science and public sector. We have done digitalization project for health care providers in Germany. I helped them to modernize their 6000 employee. System of hrs and consolidate over [00:03:45] 20 entities. And also to transform how they track employee working time and management of the post recruitment retention.Chenchao: So other project we have done is really to bring [00:04:00] public and private sector together to tackle Corona diseases. To learn from each other between German China when it's come to for example, COPD. I think the strengths we can bring here is really to understand the [00:04:15] policy, understand the legal justice nature.Chenchao: But also to bridge, what does it make the difference between how Germany and China handle different disease areas. And lastly, as I mentioned for the government public sector we do [00:04:30] oftentimes delegation trips for ministry level for experts from insurance for hospital representative to really to understand how big countries like China, Israel and the U.Chenchao: S. Playing around in the [00:04:45] digitalization. And that's why I think it's very crucial especially in this age to have a active dialogue because I do think, as you mentioned, the before the trip for by the chancellor, there's this avenue of collaboration [00:05:00] is still very strong within the healthcare.Art: Yeah, let's jump into that, jump ahead into that question. The, in an ideal scenario, devoid of political barriers, and we'll get into those, maybe some of those political barriers in a 2nd, but, what are some of the [00:05:15] unique opportunities for collaboration between China and Europe in the, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology.Art: Health care services, because it seems like there's you've already hit on it a bit. There's naturally a lot of synergies. There's just by listening to some of the projects [00:05:30] you've supported so far. So without politics in the mix, what would be the, some of the more of those kind of natural synergies between between China and Europe in these sectors?Chenchao: Yeah, thank you. I think due to a large population, 1. [00:05:45] 5 billion in people in China, and it's already is the second biggest market in healthcare and pharmaceuticals and it's posed to become the biggest one but if you look at the per capital expenditure China is still lagging very [00:06:00] far behind.Chenchao: It's only around 10 percent or less, Of that expenditure per capita compared to European level. So there's a lot of to catch up and I think aging population China and also very high pressure for, [00:06:15] a younger generation birth rate. So there's a lot of issues within the society and also the plague by the chronic diseases in various forms.Chenchao: I just mentioned COPD, but there's also other ways and the cancer [00:06:30] and, uh, heart related diseases. And I think this is also very important after the COVID, like how to also in the community diseases are prevented. Measurement and the very [00:06:45] important role China can have. So I think this is really laid the ground for multinationals to really look into China and the force of their expansion.Chenchao: And despite all the attention we have touched on, I think there's a lot [00:07:00] of company. Are just announced even further and stronger presence in China, like as Seneca's new research facility in Hong Kong. In Heim also mentioned the billion of investment [00:07:15] going on. So there is still very strong sense that the market due to the high population, due to also the infrastructure because China is still at home.Chenchao: of a very strong, supplier for biosimilar and and [00:07:30] APIs for big pharmaceuticals around globe. So it's very crucial to have a healthy relationship with China to keep supply chain safe and secure. Art: Yeah, and that's actually in contrast a little bit to what's been going on in the U. S. [00:07:45] these days.Art: It's more and more Chinese companies are potentially Congress is in an election year here in the U. S., as is looking at more and more Chinese companies. And now that's extended to the bios and pharmaceutical sector as well, which is, I guess people thought might [00:08:00] happen, but maybe not so quickly.Art: So that's it seems like Europe is not it is quite different, which is I guess not surprising but that's been in the news here in the U. S. too. And it's living here in San Diego, California, where I know a lot of those, the Chinese companies and U. S. companies, [00:08:15] this is a place where they work together.Art: It's I don't know, a little bit disheartening to see that happening, but but I guess there's. Anyway, I won't get into the concerns but now that we do put let's say, we put politics to some of the tensions into the mix. How is that starting [00:08:30] at all to influence cooperation between China and Europe?Art: Like I said, China in the US, I think that's already definitely having an impact, but do you see that having an impact at all between China and Europe? Yeah, definitely. Are there are [00:08:45] big impacts. The question is like how, long term and how quantifiable other impacts. I think everything is put into perspective.Chenchao: I think compared to other industries health care amount climate are still Thank you. [00:09:00] Very strong, constructive avenue of collaboration, but I do agree with your assessment. There's a difference between US China, European China relationship, and I think underlined by the trip by Chancellor Scholz from [00:09:15] Germany with three ministers and all state secretary level people, three days.Chenchao: Very long stay. So it's a really strong signal not only to China, but to the rest of the world that we need a very strong dialogue. We need a very [00:09:30] strong, and the Stanford, even we cannot agree on everything on every issues. But I think this kind of. Very pragmatic approach that we need China also to solve major conflicts in Middle East in Ukraine, Russian conflict, [00:09:45] and others.Chenchao: I think this is just to serve, the best interests of the people who ultimately, At the say in the democracies in the West. So I think when it's come to industry politics I do believe that, of course [00:10:00] Europeans want to, have the access to Chinese market. At the same time, it's very critical.Chenchao: Look at at, also from the legislative and legal point of view, China. The IP laws, the cyber security laws, and also the [00:10:15] limitation data transfer. These are all the problems, especially also for R& D intensive industry like pharmaceuticals, biotech. And so this is a strong position for European part to get China more to create [00:10:30] a, a fair competition environment.Chenchao: So this has been a very strong agenda of the trip as well. I personally, as I said, I was organized of the delegation trip myself for the ministry level. And last year I was [00:10:45] invited for the delegation trip by the climate minister from Germany. So I do see a very strong willingness to collaborate.Chenchao: And to willingness to, to collaborate in field where common dialogue is [00:11:00] possible. And I'm very hopeful to see, and just to stay by Germany in June the economy, Mr. Habeck is going to China as well. So I do think that's within this year very crucial both to the election, as you mentioned, yes.Chenchao: [00:11:15] But also some very highly watched elections within the states in Germany. So yeah so China West relation has always been very significant. Art: Yeah, that's, I think there's, that's a great point. Look at that three days and high [00:11:30] level visits like that. And that's really, I don't think there's many other countries that do that.Art: So of course, certainly not the United States, but there's, that's that As you said, really would show a sign of commitment to the relationship and the markets [00:11:45] opportunities both ways even. And I did also read that Chancellor Schultz said that IP protection, you hit on it.Art: There is was maybe the chief concern of German companies. And I wonder if. We can get into that as a bit of a side [00:12:00] topic. Is that a is that still a concern for German companies in these sectors we've been talking about? Or is that more, let's say, in some of the traditional auto or other sectors that German companies have been also quite strong in is that I'm [00:12:15] talking about IP protection in China.Art: I know, because, of course, I practice law cross border there, and I can certainly. The audience, if they've been listening to me, know that I think that IP protection in China has gotten significantly better than it was [00:12:30] when I first started going over there. But I, like I said, Chancellor Schultz said that's still a primary concern for German companies.Art: Do you see that in your industries as well? Chenchao: I think one say it's reputation is hard to build but easy to lose, [00:12:45] right? So once you have a not very good reputation when it comes to IP protection, IP enforcement, and it's very hard to build back the reputation. I do agree on legislative level, China has already made progress and [00:13:00] had also You know enforce the law and to punish some of the companies who infiltrate the IP so I think I totally agree with your assessment, but the other hand, when it's come to all our confidence in Chinese market, when it's come to [00:13:15] IP, it is still very low slope recovery. So that's concern remains. And because there's also the effect of those high pace of regulatory changes in China, right?Chenchao: So we, we see A new laws coming in rapid [00:13:30] speed, there's no time to read, to digest, to understand the comment, not like the legislative cycles we know from the democratic system in the U. S. or in Europe, in the European Union. Everything's slower, people have time to debate, to [00:13:45] comment, and to see the final draft of the law might be totally different.Chenchao: In China, you have to really keep up the pace to understand the new laws, what is impact for the business. And I think the other very current issue art is also [00:14:00] when it's come to espionage law in China, and this has also direct. Impacting the pharmaceuticals company because the audit and the inspections for this kind of factory and sites who are [00:14:15] producing products directly for the European U.Chenchao: S. market are scrutinized. And but not in the direct way. It's just, as I said, a lot of confidence, fear of to be imprisoned, fear of to be Questions on the [00:14:30] airport that's why many inspectors are refusing to fly to China to do their audit job, which is very concerning because even there's nothing happened alone, this kind of angst, this kind of uncertainty is not very good [00:14:45]confidence for business.Chenchao: And we know if their sites and the manufacturer entities are not a certified, they are not allowed to sell products in the board. And. This doesn't only harm business, it just can harm patient's health, safety, [00:15:00] and patient care. So we really have to act fast and to come to a really good pragmatic agreement.Chenchao: So there's reinstalled the confidence. I think at the end of the day, we cannot regard business or economic ize only on paper, [00:15:15] on legal. But rather on people's perception, we have to regain the confidence we have to regain that China is a reliable partner and not just being said, not just put on paper, but lived by [00:15:30] example.Chenchao: I think this is also an effort we, both sides, need to make an effort. Art: Yeah, and I see that on the U. S. China side as well, there's a perception and, it's hard to say exactly [00:15:45] what the reality is, but there's a perception. That recently, especially that it's not safe for executives to travel to China.Art: And even the U S state department has put out a travel advisory last year about that did warning executives [00:16:00] to, from, for traveling from the U S to China that they may get questioned or may not be able to come back on the exact flight they had originally planned and so forth. So even if those concerns, or even if that's not exactly the way it is in reality.[00:16:15]Art: There's those perceptions, like you said, and that affects real business decisions and planning for investments and audits, like you said it does affect things. And I'll stick with regulations because you mentioned the anti espionage law and, a lot of that has also to do with [00:16:30] some of the.Art: The data regulations that come out, and those have also come out and been implemented very quickly and almost the regulators are trying to catch up because companies have concerns. How do I implement the PIPL in my business? And this doesn't [00:16:45] add up and this doesn't make sense. And the regulators, particularly the cyber security administration there, they've had to.Art: Been in catch up mode, I think, especially the last couple of years. So how have these regulations, of course, Europe is very in Germany, and I'm very familiar with [00:17:00] GDPR and how have these regulations for especially the PIPL in China, the data protection law, how has that affected cross border healthcare collaborations and data sharing recently?Chenchao: Yeah. Thank you, Arda. I think this is [00:17:15] very crucial questions. I think in that field is very also innovative, new, of course, the get challenged by the industries, big tech companies but the AI act, digital market act. So there's a lot of initiative [00:17:30] legislations where your European union employs to be very on the frontier of the regulation of the digital era.Chenchao: GDPR has been for a long time. I think it is very restrictive law. It's protects [00:17:45] the data very strongly, and it's also becomes even, people criticize to be very bureaucratic to be very, noisy. But somehow in the international level, it's also receives a positive [00:18:00] example set by the European Union.Chenchao: This is when it's come to China, also some positive thing to, to tell about the China because the privacy law. It has been improved, has been introduced, and also follow some of the [00:18:15]patterns by GDPR as a good leadership in that regard. But again, the law is only has its value when it's enforced, right?Chenchao: So this is a discrepancy, I think, not only a problem China faces, but in many countries [00:18:30] as well. But in that regard, China is definitely doing better. But, and also there's a concession, I think, also due to the recent diplomatic warm up that China allows data outflow again of company related data for big [00:18:45] companies.Chenchao: I think this is very important to rebuild the trust, rebuild the confidence. I think, similar to the topic of the capital outflow, very sensitive, but also very important topic. And because China need to [00:19:00] have confidence and the favorite investors and company. So I think this was the right step.Chenchao: And I do think this has to be even more in the long term to be rebalanced, renegotiated. When it comes to other legislations as you mentioned, [00:19:15] espionage law, I think in general speaking they are very, of course follow a certain pattern of, what happens in the U. S.,Chenchao: Following the 9 11 Patriot Act. So China tries also to have very strong [00:19:30]regulations and legislative, toolboxes to, to survey and also monitor citizens, companies, and to have very strong executive powers in case of unseen danger for the national security.Chenchao: But the [00:19:45] law is, it's very expensive and very widely weak interpreted. And this is also led to the suspicion and also the threat and by people who read the law just to be very hard to [00:20:00] appropriate when which case applies, which not, I think it does need more concretized formulation to make sure that, no more operations, especially in the very crucial areas in pharmaceutical [00:20:15] manufacturing are not hindered and prohibited.Chenchao: And because I think China as a nation of a modern industry is very keen to become a leadership in digital [00:20:30] health in, in, in clinical trials providers. And also to be, very strong out licensing production site. So China itself need to say a very open environment. And I think the government is more and [00:20:45] more keen to understand that it's not just do a favor for a foreign company, but more and more it's actually very imperative for China.Chenchao: For the Chinese firm to succeed on the global stage, Art: that's a good point. That's a [00:21:00] good way of putting it that, that, maybe in some ways it felt like the regulations are there to protect local Chinese companies, but at some point you don't want to keep protecting them if it means, if it prevents them from becoming globally competitive.Art: So we, and we [00:21:15] touched on the. The market opportunities a bit and some of the macro trends that are shaping the industry and the opportunity there in China. But I wanted to go back to that a bit still. There's an aging population in China and there's also a global increase in kind of [00:21:30] the health consciousness post COVID, especially in China.Art: I noticed when I was living there. So what macro trends do you believe are continuing to reshape the industry in China and pulling. Foreign companies to, to keep working there and keep looking for [00:21:45] opportunities. Chenchao: Yeah, I think China has been facing multiple fronts of challenges, right? I think the big factor you just mentioned is the COVID wave which the implication repercussions are still to be failed and to be seen [00:22:00] and to be recovered.Chenchao: And we have a lot of issues within this company and, we have very strong loss confidence in the stock market in Hong Kong. Almost two digits trailing off value was webbed out and [00:22:15]we have a problem with the company who don't want to go IPO at all. We have property market is collapsing which makes up to almost a one fifth of the GDP.Chenchao: So there's a lot of big issues within the [00:22:30] company within the country. And we have a declining population, we, the population already picked and not only that the number, but also, especially we're talking about an area in India, the population is still very young there under [00:22:45]30 where here is aging very rapidly.Chenchao: And and then also, I think this is something which people hardly want to talk about. Is, we know that the government is very powerful, where it's strong and very directive. But [00:23:00] once you come to people's reproduction the limitation is also to be observed, right? So you cannot dictate everything.Chenchao: And so it's very important to create a society and environment where people feel safe, feel protected, feel [00:23:15] supported to have children. And also to cope with the fact, okay, what do we do as government, as a society, if the birth rate is not increasing, so we have to make people more productive to make sure that we create the opportunity [00:23:30] for people, especially in the health care sector, when it comes to care nursing, I think.Chenchao: And we have a lot of things to catch up when it comes to the systematic education where already a lot of things have been, transferred and learned from the West, especially when [00:23:45] it comes to machinery and automobile, but now it's have to shift more to health care and service areas. And which is already taking place, and this is why China needs open dialogues, open collaboration [00:24:00] with us.Chenchao: It's not only just keep the markets open, but keep the people safe, keep the patients served. And this is something we have to have a longer run, longer view to make sure this is happening. I think this is a very, [00:24:15] pressing issue the Asian population. But I do think, we, we can create a system where it's also the, questions linger in the second level when it's come to the problem of who call, the residency.Chenchao: There's [00:24:30] come to the issue like universal income, and it's a very big disparity of wealth disparity of big. So this are all connected dots, when it's come to the question why people don't want to give birth, why we don't have confidence in [00:24:45] the country to thrive and So I think this is take a long run to, to rebuild everything.Chenchao: But I think it's very good start to really, to ensure very valuable and needed jobs like nursing, healthcare professionals, [00:25:00] and also to tackle the problem of youth unemployment. Art: Yeah, lots of macro challenges there. And it's you're right. The, also the government there, it takes some somewhat of, I guess you could call it like a [00:25:15] paternalistic kind of approach in some ways it doesn't, in some ways it's very hands off, maybe two hands off, but one way it does take the a very, It does get very involved, and especially compared to the U.Art: S. where, the U. S. where health care costs are pretty, pretty out of [00:25:30] control. China has this volume based pricing system to try to control health care costs as best as it can. I know I've used the public health system in China and some of the public hospitals, and I'm amazed at how inexpensive the costs [00:25:45] are.Art: Now, of course, if you're looking, if you're going into the hospitals there in Shanghai, you see they have this very expensive equipment. But they're using it at a mass production kind of scale. You use a CT scan there. It's like a factory. They're getting people in and out. [00:26:00] So I wonder for at least maybe going back to the volume based pricing that a lot of the government requires for firms, including foreign firms that are doing business there.Art: How have foreign firms, let's say from Germany or the EU how have they [00:26:15] struggled with that policy? In, in, In their market approach in China, or maybe they've just learned to adapt to it, right? Maybe it's more similar to some of the pricing policies that they've faced in Europe. The US, of course, is [00:26:30] those companies probably face less of that.Chenchao: Yeah, I think this is a very interesting and impactful for questions. And when it comes to access to healthcare providers and [00:26:45] access to the best solution, innovation and pharmaceuticals. So I think when it comes to procurement strategy, Chinese government, and this is also where you see, central government's power compared to capitalism driven forces in the U.Chenchao: [00:27:00] S. Where, 18 percent GDP are spent on healthcare, where a lot of money is spent, but the outcome is not where we, good compared to much of the cheaper system in the European Union. But when it comes to China, I think there's a lot of reforms happening, [00:27:15] for decades.Chenchao: We have different reforms of Chinese FDA to national it got products and administration. So a lot of things have been changed. And I also, over the 30 provinces in China have been also consolidated to [00:27:30] one central pricing negotiation scheme within central government, which also voice.Chenchao: It's a provincial government competing each other and to set a different level of pricing, which can not be benefiting the patient or [00:27:45] hospital system. So the power of central government negotiates on pricing is very huge. And in China, for many in therapeutic areas, we already see the lowest price.Chenchao: Globally, even lower than some [00:28:00] African countries. So China is very strong when it comes to pushing the price down over 90%. Did a deduction reduction is not a rare. So the questions as you ask, what does it mean for their foreign companies? I think [00:28:15] still many companies, of course, they fall. They say, okay, under certain price, we don't want to play anymore.Chenchao: But big names and the big companies still being not only, I think, just to be in the [00:28:30]market, to please the government, to really be not screwing in nice. It's also because a question of how long the view you took at it. So because I think big companies operating the more strategic long term in decades, not in [00:28:45] years.Chenchao: So they know that it's very important to stay within the system. And they also know the system can work against them in short term, but it can also improve in favor of them in short term. Because Chinese systems is always [00:29:00] dynamic and very flexible. And and also to be fair Chinese population is huge.Chenchao: And that's why even the price is low, even the, perfect margin percentage wise is low, but the absolute number is still [00:29:15] enormous. And I think the second point, Art, is also to mention, because we have observed a strong censorship in China, of course, but, of course, the people and patients can still access a lot of [00:29:30] information outside of China.Chenchao: And they learn and know a lot about innovation happening in China. In the pipelines and the new introduction of drugs, and they want to get it, and they want to say, Hey, why we don't have it. Why is only [00:29:45] access in the Europe and American market. It's a pressure come also from bottom, and this puts the government also in the position to even they don't want to let in maybe too many foreign drugs because they want to promote [00:30:00] the domestic brands, domestic company, also because they're expensive, they don't want to, pay from the, insurance scheme, though, but I think this is very good.Chenchao: Dynamics to help to balance the power to not [00:30:15] only one side to dictate what is sold on the market, but also to make sure and, compared to the extreme in the U. S. That only let the market a player in company to dictate the price and the scheme. So [00:30:30] I think this is what China needs, a balanced approach.Chenchao: I think Europe has a pretty good example to set when we look at Denmark, Germany where it, there's a market dictation, but also government [00:30:45] monitoring. And I think this is a way to go. Art: Yeah, that makes sense. And that's a very good point. You mentioned about it's not just necessarily a top down approach from the Chinese government that they have to be responsive to what [00:31:00]their consumers or the constituents want and they hear about drugs overseas and say, why is that not available here?Art: That's a great point. I think by this interview, you've made it very clear with the audience that this is a topic you can speak very clearly about [00:31:15] and very and a real depth. And I wonder if, 1st, I would encourage again, people to check out your company and website, this great testimonials and endorsements from the companies that you've worked with.Art: It's really impressive, very big name companies. So I can tell the work you're [00:31:30] doing as a. Has a big impact and is getting results. And I wonder if people want to reach out to you. After listening to this show, what's the best way for people to reach out to you? Is it LinkedIn or is it go to your website or all of the above?[00:31:45]Chenchao: Yeah. for for asking. Yeah. I think I'm very easy, accessible to be found on LinkedIn or very easy c.liu@silreal.com. Yeah, happy to hear your [00:32:00] feedback and your comments also on the conversation right now I'm having with art and also have help to any endeavors that might come across.Chenchao: very much. Art: Yeah, that's great. We'll put a link up to the site on the show notes as well. [00:32:15] And and I'm sure people will reach out to you. So once again, Chen Chao, thank you for coming on. It's been a pleasure talking with you.   https://www.asiabusinesspod.com/

Connect with Pilar on LinkedInVisit YCP SolidianceVisit Asia Business Podcast Full show Transcript below Summary and TimestampsOverviewIn this episode of the Asia Business Podcast, host Art Dicker interviews Pilar Dieter, CEO of YCP Solidiance, an Asia-focused strategic advisory firm. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the Asian market, focusing on China's decreasing foreign direct investment (FDI) and the strategies for diversifying supply chains due to geopolitical tensions and supply chain resiliency. Pilar provides insights into the factors leading to net capital outflows from China, the impact of global perceptions on investment, and the shift toward domestic consumption driving growth in China. The conversation also covers the trend of businesses de-risking by moving operations from China to Southeast Asia, India, or nearshoring to places like Mexico, and how YCP Solidiance facilitates this transition. They delve into industry-specific shifts, the increasing interest of Chinese companies in outbound investment, and the importance of strategic and post-merger integration services in navigating the complexities of the Asian market. The episode wraps up with how companies can reach Pilar and YCP Solidiance for strategic advice and support. Timestamps00:00 Welcome to the Asia Business Podcast with Pilar Dieter00:57 Deep Dive into China's Business Landscape01:49 Navigating Supply Chain Resilience and Diversification03:21 The Future of Foreign Direct Investment in China06:05 De-risking Strategies for Global Supply Chains11:20 Exploring New Markets: The Shift in Asian Investment Patterns23:09 The Role of Strategic Advisory in Global Business Expansion28:07 M&A Trends in Asia: Insights and Opportunities36:03 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information TranscriptArt: [00:00:00] Welcome everybody to another episode of the Asia business podcast. I'm your host, Art Dicker. And today we have the true pleasure of welcoming Pilar Dieter. She is the chief executive officer at YCP Salidians. YCP Salidians is an [00:00:15] Asia focused strategic advisory firm with 17 offices worldwide, predominantly in Asia.Art: Welcome, Pilar. Pilar: Thank you, Art. It's a true pleasure to be here. Thanks for having me. Art: Yeah, we've talked about [00:00:30] doing this for a while now. And we both had recent visits to China. And so I think we've got plenty to talk about. We're gonna I think China is going to be a big part of what we talk about today.Art: But as we said at the top, your firm is a big presence all throughout Asia. And I think it's [00:00:45]going to be interesting to do a bit of comparison between different parts of that region and see what's going on. So I'm happy to get into it today and really looking forward to it. Pilar: Absolutely. I'm looking forward to the exchange as well.Art: Great. Let's off maybe with With China. And I [00:01:00] know you guys work a lot with the sort of the top fortune 500 companies there. But also you work with them throughout Asia and beyond. And we've seen a lot of statistics come out lately where looking at the net capital outflows from China after [00:01:15] years and years of inbound investment increasing year after year.Art: And do you see that trend reversing anytime soon? And if so, the trend of the negative outflows, negative inflows, I should say. Do you see that trend reversing [00:01:30] anytime soon? And if so, what sectors might it reverse in? Pilar: I think the way to determine whether or not this is something that would reverse is it's first important to understand why that F.Pilar: D. I. into China has decreased over the last few years. So there's a couple, [00:01:45] I would point to three things. Two are obvious, one might be a little less obvious. So I would point to number one, really the supply chain resiliency move. This concept of. Diversifying supply chains. This isn't a sudden thing.Pilar: We can track [00:02:00] this back to really 2016 2015 era, even before trade tariffs were starting to come into play. So a lot of conversation around why diversification matters in supply chains. That's 1 of the reasons that you're starting to see a little bit of that [00:02:15] decline in F. D. I. The other one, another obvious element is the geopolitical tension.Pilar: Lots of media attention that's driving and easily influencing the way that U. S. corporations or multinational corporations are really viewing China with a bit [00:02:30] more of a fine tooth comb before making really readily decisions to make big investment into China because of the beauty of the growing market and the size of the market.Pilar: But I'd say the third and maybe less obvious. Point that would be directed to why [00:02:45] FDI in China is decreasing is when you actually talk to some of the bank leadership in China, they will actually point to a decrease due to companies moving liquid capital out of China as a result of interest rates coming down [00:03:00] markedly And that, I think, when we looked at what was happening during COVID times, China interest rates were obviously quite high compared to other countries, making it a little bit more of an attractive play.Pilar: So now, with the decrease continuing that seems to be something that [00:03:15] others, especially domestically or regionally, that I was talking to when I was in Shanghai a couple days ago or weeks ago were also pointing to. But to your point about, Given these realities of why FDI has declined, do I see this trend reversing?Pilar: My short answer is [00:03:30] no, not in the short term and for the USA, most decidedly, not in this election year. The two main reasons I would point to for this, though, would really be, while China still would like to maintain strong performance on [00:03:45] investment, when GDP numbers and their aggressive growth target of 5 percent that's been stated by Xi Jinping.Pilar: What we end up seeing is the investment lever of GDP is something that has been a big driver for them achieving their growth rates. But at this point in [00:04:00] time, the investment lever is taking a back seat. To some of the consumption activities that they're trying to really influence and push.Pilar: So I would say, looking internally in China, they're really going to be focused more on domestic consumption to be able to drive that [00:04:15] growth. And then the second reason why I would say that the trend might not be reversing, at least within this next year, Is US companies are just continuing to face more scrutiny within their own organizations.Pilar: Whenever I see clients trying US [00:04:30] clients in particular, trying to make decisions on deeper investment in China, whether that's through acquisition or through basic investment into greenfield or brownfield plants, or even finding new supply base that might actually be Chinese based. [00:04:45] It's coming with a very high higher bar in terms of scrutinizing whether or not it's the right partner.Pilar: So bottom line not reversing I would say within the foreseeable future being at least 12 to 18 months out Art: Yeah, and I'm [00:05:00] sure you got this question a lot when you visited China as well, both even from friends and business people in China, asking you maybe when, when do you think things will get better as far as the investment there and stuff.Art: I certainly got that. I just got back and got that a lot. [00:05:15] And I agree. It's part of it is it's. It's perception and reality, right? The reality is the Chinese economy is not doing well. And so that probably, as you said, might be the biggest factor, even beyond anything we read about in the news [00:05:30] and the headlines and the politics of of of, not great relations between the U S and China right now.Art: And at the same time I hear what you're saying too, with some of my own clients getting internal pushback for any, anything that, you know, because, and again, [00:05:45] that might be more of just as much perception of what they see in the headlines of the wall street journal or whatnot, and say why are we investing there more?Art: I thought it was getting harder, whether or not that's true or not. That's at least we can say that perception is there, and that's not going to help make [00:06:00] that fight any to get increased investment any easier internally, like you said. You see then, I guess it goes without saying that companies are de risking from China and moving either to Southeast Asia or India, if [00:06:15] it's manufacturing or even coming back closer to home let's say, Mexico.Art: Do you, are you actually with, internally at your firm trying to position yourself? As a bridge for that that de risking, where clients say we've [00:06:30] really valued all the advice you've given us in China we see you have offices all throughout Asia.Art: How have you guys been helping clients through that process a lot recently? Pilar: It would be relatively [00:06:45] relatively easy to say absolutely a hundred percent. I think that it wants, we want to caveat this a bit because I think the question oftentimes when our clients come to us and say, hey, here's our direction.Pilar: We've decided we need to de risk or sometimes the [00:07:00] terminology becomes anti fragility and that concept really means putting us putting our company or the client in a state where we are not subjected to the exogenous effects of any global economic player. [00:07:15] That could impact our business so detrimentally.Pilar: So put another way. Make us bulletproof, help us figure out what can we do, whether it's, taking these out of China and putting them into Southeast Asia, bringing things [00:07:30] nearshore, reshore, friendshore, back over to Mexico. Those are the common go tos. But what we have found is it helps to actually bring the client before they come to us with, here's our decision.Pilar: We want to take factories or [00:07:45] take suppliers out of China and move them to somewhere else in the world. We say let's take a step back and try to understand what is your objective here? And a lot of times when you really peel those layers back, what you're starting to hear the client say is we don't want to have another [00:08:00] COVID impact our complete business.Pilar: We also don't want another, whether it's a pandemic or it's a landshoreman strike in Los Angeles, or it's some kind of labor union strike in Europe, or it's pirates [00:08:15] in the Panama Canal, all of these global realities is what's causing us to reconsider. Are we securely operating and supply chain is the natural 1st place to go.Pilar: When you hear companies jump immediately to, we need to. [00:08:30] de risk and reshore. I think those can actually they're not mutually exclusive, so when you can separate them, you can actually unpeel a lot more on this de risking piece as opposed to the reshoring piece. But to come back to the [00:08:45] specifics of your question, are we seeing clients wanting this?Pilar: Yeah, definitely. We have one client, for example, in Furniture manufacturing, right? So a sector that is very well entrenched in China, they had been sourcing probably 70 percent of [00:09:00] their products out of China maybe doing some sub assembly in places like Mexico, and this was an American company and what they decided, and this was probably about a year or two after COVID lockdown ended and they said, [00:09:15] we really want to figure out a way to.Pilar: Bring this back home. So we want to double down on our investment in Mexico. Now, as you rightedly pointed out at the onset, we're more of an Asia based firm, but because we recognize the need for this [00:09:30] kind of pivot, we made a small investment in Guadalajara, Mexico, where we now have a small team that supported specifically these kinds of requests.Pilar: And this example on the furniture company is not, is only one, but I think it highlights the point where we took this [00:09:45] client and said Okay. What are the components or products that are coming out of China for you? We did the cost arbitrage of which products were the most expensive to relocate versus those that might be easier to relocate and wouldn't disrupt their supply chain too dramatically, but bring them additional cost [00:10:00] savings.Pilar: And in doing that, we ended up going through a, an MNA process in Mexico to help them find not just suppliers, but actually some manufacturing footprints that they could. Absorb and take over and move on. So in that example, I would argue that it [00:10:15] wasn't so politically driven. There wasn't the motivation was more on cost management.Pilar: China is no longer the cheapest place to source furniture. Not to say that Mexico is significantly cheaper, but when you put the landed cost calculations into play, [00:10:30] you do start to see. Some benefits there. Art: Yeah. And shipping, like you said, the risk of factory shutdowns, that's not necessarily a political risk.Art: China, I guess everything can be somewhat political but that's the, The supply chain disruptions, [00:10:45] that, that's something that is maybe wasn't as much of an issue, but you're seeing your clients and helping your clients price that additional risk into their calculations and then it's at a place like Mexico makes more sense.Art: I wonder if that's going to be, or, if you're seeing that as a trend for not just. [00:11:00] traditional multinational companies, American or European based, but even Asian companies and even Chinese companies realizing, Hey maybe this whole, the potential for supply chain disruption, obviously it affects our business as a Chinese manufacturer just as [00:11:15] much.Art: Maybe we need to diversify our own supply chain out into other parts of the world. And are you seeing that directly or indirectly? And how would you describe that phenomenon?Pilar: Yeah, I would. And I think it's very industry specific. So [00:11:30] what you find is when these companies that are the larger players decide to make any kind of further investment outside of China, their ecosystem that they have spent decades truly building up in China, which is what makes China such a [00:11:45] beautiful manufacturing prowess because they did masterfully put together complete communities really in certain industries that would be pockets for Supporting those large manufacturers take.Pilar: Automotive is the easy go to [00:12:00] example. So when you have the large, the starting point of those big companies saying, okay we've been manufacturing in Chongqing for decades, and all of our component suppliers are conveniently just [00:12:15] kilometers away from us. We now are going to make our next investment.Pilar: We're not shutting anything down. We're not moving anything away, but we're making our next investment in Fill in the blank, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, wherever. And as a result of that, we are asking you, Mr. [00:12:30] Supplier, to make a move as well. Are we seeing this mass exodus of complete comprehensive supply chains not evacuating China and moving elsewhere, but making their further investment overseas?Pilar: Yes, I would say that from our firm's standpoint, [00:12:45] we're seeing an uptick in the inquiry. About how to make that possible. We also have seen an increase in our clientele mix. Normally our clients were predominantly Western clientele with certain. A lot of [00:13:00] Japanese and a lot of Indian domestics also as our key clientele, but not so many Chinese.Pilar: Native domestic clients up 2 years. That and their inquiries are all about export opportunities. Where can I [00:13:15] be outside of China that can also be a market opportunity for me to serve these customers that have always been part of my ecosystem and are now possibly opening up a whole new market for me to be a part of?Pilar: So I would say that we [00:13:30] are seeing that as far as the companies that we're finding, looking for overseas, going outside of China Japan is another one. So we at YCP, our founder is Japanese. We were born [00:13:45] in Japan. We are publicly listed and traded on the Japanese stock exchange. And our largest revenue contributor in terms of our firm is our Japanese office.Pilar: Given that I'm now coming at you with a perspective of the [00:14:00] Japanese mindset and what their businesses are starting to do and looking at the Asia, Asia picture. And when they look at that Asia map, a lot of our Japanese clients are starting to have an elevated focus in [00:14:15] expanding artifi, not China.Pilar: There's a Japanese India corridor that's starting to open up. You can see with Kishida just here last week all of the increased investment ambition that they have, that Japanese have for for the U. S., which [00:14:30] is not to be understated. And really what you're finding there are some very salient examples that we work in more in the retail and consumer goods categories, as well as food and beverage, that these Japanese companies are seeking [00:14:45] outbound opportunities.Pilar: Amen. And I'd love to hear your thoughts on this to art, but I think one of the One of the examples we have with some Chinese companies, and I'm going to give you to illustrate how Chinese [00:15:00] companies without that whole ecosystem example, I laid out in the beginning on the automotive case, but how some Chinese companies are starting to view outbound investment.Pilar: And. The first thing I would highlight is one of our clients is in the artificial intelligence and [00:15:15] technology sector, and clearly, AI plays a very sensitive role, especially when you're talking about Chinese AI looking to invest outside of China. But in this case they, we are working with this company to find joint venture partners [00:15:30] because their ambition to get out of China is exceptionally high because they are worried that the market cap in China is already too low for them as well as already quite inundated with domestic players that have more [00:15:45] government influence. The 2nd indicator I would share with you. The 2nd client I would share with you is no surprise in the energy sector, a solar panel manufacturer in China. Who is eagerly exploring where they can be moving [00:16:00] to in what markets are going to be welcoming and accepting of their equipment and products.Pilar: In the US and Europe. So couple that with a lot of the, you have Janet Yellen just recently returning from her visit and making a very pointed [00:16:15] statement about no anti dumping. We don't need your overcapacity problems to influence us. And solar panels is right up there on the list. So this is an example to where you can see the overcapacity element, [00:16:30] which is a structural challenge.Pilar: China has is another factor. That's going to play into more Asian companies seeking those outbound investment opportunities. I would say.Art: Yeah, that mirrors like you alluded to that that mirrors what I'm seeing too. What you [00:16:45]described is in your role as a strategic consultant is very similar to my role as a legal consultant.Art: It's that, that shift from have starting to see Chinese companies have more and more interest to go outbound and needing professional advice. [00:17:00] And, willing to pay for that professional advice, which is, was not as in the old days was a little bit harder. So that's an an interesting development.Art: And I also think that the similarly, like clients are coming to the U S or out of China, not [00:17:15]so much because because as you said, China is so competitive, right? And so it's actually. Maybe the second example you use is better with the solar panels or where there's a more less competition and more.Art: There's at least some margin to have in the US being a high [00:17:30] margin place for a lot of different products still compared to China. That seems to be the biggest push that I've seen for companies as well. Art: And it's interesting you mentioned the AI case. I totally get that. That's. Yeah, that for a lot of reasons, I could see that there be there would [00:17:45] be limitations on what they can potentially, their ceiling in China, what they can do there.Art: And so that makes if they have the fundamental technology that may totally make sense that they would be looking to move out or sooner rather than later. Yeah. And it also begs the question where, you know, The whole [00:18:00] domicile of these companies and, like moving around, is it Singaporean companies and Chinese company?Art: You can, of course you can say the same thing about U. S. companies, right? That so many multinational quote U. S. companies get less than half their revenue from the U. S. And so [00:18:15]what does that make them, right? So many French. Fashion companies make much more money in China than they make in Europe.Art: So are they a Chinese fashion brand or are they, L'Oreal or something like that? Certainly if you ask them, they would never say so, but knowing some people that work at L'Oreal [00:18:30] but yeah I, it's, And I guess that gets to my, my, my next question, of the the solar panel example and the potential for dumping anti dumping countervailing duties on on exports to the U S and [00:18:45] E and EU potentially, how much, cause that's so much of a must be so much of what goes into your analysis of, for your, and advice for your clients.Art: Do you ever, Market that as [00:19:00] it's not necessarily like a standalone like service Hey, we also offer this political risk advisory bucket of us as a service, or it's just always part of what you do. You don't have to break it out as a separate kind of business line or separate cut because there are firms that's [00:19:15] clearly this do that, right?Art: So I don't know if you're thinking of integrating that kind of a service into what you already do. Pilar: Yeah, I wouldn't say we do it to the degree of the risk factors that a company like control risks, for example, might do, or even a law firm [00:19:30] like yours. But when you talk about a go to market strategy, you will oftentimes find that the pestle analysis and what's going on with, political instability and perceptions of a Chinese entity coming into a certain [00:19:45] market. What? How will that withstand the test of time and built on that macroeconomic perspective on the industry and that market we then go ahead and build out some of the detailed strategic plan of how do you bring your product to [00:20:00] this market?Pilar: Who are the distributors? What's the channel? Who are the customers? The competition? Typical strategy engagement. What I will share, and I think that this is actually quite fascinating, is I recently had a Chinese client who was exploring the [00:20:15] U. S. market, and they asked us, as part of our go to market roadmapping, and again, like I shared in the beginning, We aren't extensive in the U.Pilar: S. But when we have Chinese clients who are working with our China team, and they have a U. S. element, they bring in our small team in the U. S. [00:20:30] to help them with this. And this client on a call, Chinese executive said, now, tell me when we're going through the site selection phase of this project.Pilar: We really need to understand what regions in the U. S. are [00:20:45] amenable to working with Chinese people. very much. And where are the risks the highest because of gun policy, these were, it didn't necessarily take me back, but it just it was not a typical question [00:21:00] when doing these kinds of risk analyses and.Pilar: Ability to work in a certain country, those are things that you just don't think of people being so concerned with, but it was a legitimate fear and a legitimate. Component that went into the decision [00:21:15] making process for this company of where do we even want to go? Is it Texas, Alabama or Minnesota?Pilar: And. The reasons we're not just, an Excel spreadsheet rationale of a cost savings benefit analysis. So it comes into a lot [00:21:30] more of the social factors of how these. Foreign companies are starting to invest to Art: well, that's interesting. I have, I don't know if I've heard exactly that kind of a question, but I have heard that kind of it's I'm no longer [00:21:45] surprised if that came up either in a client inquiry, you and I probably think why is that so relevant?Art: We're not to diminish the, not to diminish that there is a real, Problem there with crime and gun violence and all of that sort of thing, but wouldn't necessarily. Yeah, [00:22:00] you and I wouldn't think of that as being a material factor in deciding, like you said, site selection. But yeah, Pilar: more generally, Art: yeah, things have changed.Art: There's a couple things there. One is I think there's probably a sensitivity more broadly to, [00:22:15] especially from Chinese companies or any international companies of how they'll be perceived in the local community, right? And so culturally they'll fit in. And so for that, so that's relevant. Whereas maybe we wouldn't think that should be relevant.Art: But these days, it maybe it [00:22:30] is. And so some states, like you said, Texas might be a little more open these days to foreign to, to companies coming in with foreign investment than others. And then you've got, That's would go back to what we said more at the top of this whole perception [00:22:45] versus reality.Art: Again, got crime and gun violence is definitely a problem. That's that is a reality. But maybe the perception in, let's say, China of how bad things are in the US, it could be even worse. So that we're [00:23:00] all somewhat of and we're the same way here. We're all a bit of a victim of. Where we get our information from, right?Art: So Pilar: absolutely. Art: Yeah. I was, cause, cause I've, I, we've talked about some of the clients that you've worked with anonymously. We've talked about some of the [00:23:15] clients you've worked with before since stories I've heard one to one talking with you over coffee, but I thought it would be great if you could share with our audience any more specific examples of.Art: How you walk the client through the whole process, [00:23:30] right? Because I think What you do, of course, is very valuable, but still, there's probably, and I expect, especially with Chinese clients, there's still some, a bit of a learning curve for them. On how the value they get from working with you.Art: So I'd be curious [00:23:45] how you what's the typical process, especially for a new client coming on board, how you help them solve the strategic problem. Pilar: Yeah thank you for the question. I think. With the clientele makeup that we have, as I mentioned before, Western clients, and I put [00:24:00] Japan in that bundle and let's just for argument's sake, put India in that bundle too, probably represent about 80 to 90 percent of our clients.Pilar: So our volume of Chinese clients is small, but growing mightily which I'm very proud of. So taking it from the perspective of [00:24:15] that larger massive clientele who come to us, they typically come to us and their problem statement is, I need to grow. The only region geographically that's growing for our industry is Asia Pacific.Pilar: Help me figure out how to crack [00:24:30] that. And many times, especially with multinationals, they've got a very solid footprint already. It's not as if they need the one on, what is India's GDP and population? What they're really after is, you know, help me [00:24:45] understand how to compete locally, and this is becoming more and more relevant for our China clients as well.Pilar: So the kind of services that they are looking for that we often are being asked to support them in is both [00:25:00] formulating that strategic plan. And then actually delivering it, so what that turns into is sitting down with the client and saying, let's get a both an inside out and an outside in perspective.Pilar: Let's understand your business operations, [00:25:15] understand your business model. Look at what your core services are. How do we expand that core and grow beyond it? Whether that means other products, other geographies, other partners, and then how do we even go well beyond that core for the [00:25:30] future, 10 to 15 year vision?Pilar: And that might be, going into something that is so foreign to what they are today. If they're an HVAC company, for example, going beyond the core might mean, okay, let's go from, Heating and venting and just air conditioning units [00:25:45] into something like building security. That's adjacent, but then what would be way out there?Pilar: Maybe we can start getting into, artificial intelligence for temperature controls in cities where [00:26:00] climate change is affecting the way in which those the air quality and pollution is working. But, that's moonshot. So we, they come to us and say, how do we grow the core, expand the core and go well beyond the core?Pilar: And what are some of those immediate? [00:26:15] Activities that we need to take on. So those initiatives take anywhere from, 2 to 4 months and it's very intensive because like I said, inside out means we talk with client outside in means we're going out and doing field research. So we're speaking with their [00:26:30] customers and competitors to really get a perspective of the market, because as I like to say, to my clients, your opinion on what you should do while possibly interesting is totally irrelevant.Pilar: The market is what matters. So we're always [00:26:45] telling our client. You have to understand what your customers are after and where they're going instead of just forcing your opinion, which is probably very closely aligned to be fair, but you really need that outside in. Once we have that whole [00:27:00] map identified, we build out the whole execution plan.Pilar: We then go into delivery mode and that delivery mode looks a lot like a business transformation exercise. It's. Activating anything from a sales and marketing [00:27:15] perspective. It's implementing some organizational changes, adopting a new digital strategy and technology innovation program within that company as well.Pilar: And that's all done under kind of our guidance and leadership to carry that through. And that's really [00:27:30] where the value is. We have a tagline that you'll find on our website that's called Strategy Delivered. And that's exactly what it is. It's the delivery of that strategy or a strategy they've already defined elsewhere.Art: Got it. Okay. [00:27:45] That's fantastic because I, I can I can tell just by going on the website that you have these wonderful testimonials, which I'm sure it didn't take too much prodding to get from your clients because they've seen, they all seem quite happy with the work that you've done at this.Art: That's what [00:28:00] struck me as I don't see many firms with that many amazing kind of testimonials on their site. So it's just a tribute to the work that you guys do. And the last thing I wanted to touch on because I know speaking of your firm, I know historically so much of The work that you've done over the years has been M.Art: N. A. [00:28:15] Related and, and the testimonials also speak to that. So I wonder if you could comment a bit about obviously M. N. A. or globally has slowed down. As you mentioned, the interest rates changing, increasing over the last few years, and [00:28:30] I'm sure that's 1 of the primary factors. D.Art: What are you seeing? Any trends in the region as far as M. N. A. Activity and. And who is active and who and how things may or may not change in the near future. Pilar: Yeah, no, I think you've hit on [00:28:45] it and just, 1 of the things I was looking into is just as far as Chinese M& A deals and how they have slipped.Pilar: It's been pretty severe. So when you look at M& A deals in 2023, they were at about 2, 500, according to [00:29:00] S& P. When you look at 2022, the year before, they were. At 2, 598. There it's just, it's a small decline, but it's definitely directional and going in that area. And in 2019, they were the lowest for [00:29:15] the whole decade at.Pilar: Just at 2, 500 this seems to be the sweet spot number for the last 5 years. What. We anticipate is we do see a little bit of uptick in our M and a practice. But it is, again, industry [00:29:30] centric, so some of the categories where we see it is energy. So some of our clients in the energy space, whether it be oil and gas, new energy, battery storage and energy transmission and then also on [00:29:45] the telecom media and technology, the sector that seems to be driving as well.Pilar: There's also, in terms of our anecdotal experience, automotive, we're seeing quite a bit, and we would actually bundle the EV piece under there, more so [00:30:00] than energy, but on that mobility piece, just to give you a case example, we are working right now on 2 separate deals tied to China, and it's 1 of them is, On the buy side, the other on the sell [00:30:15] side.Pilar: So on the buy side, it's in the automotive aftermarket, and this, sheds light on foreign companies open to and willing to invest in acquiring Chinese players. Not opposed to finding a Chinese [00:30:30]company that would be a good fit from, A product standpoint for export, a product standpoint from getting deeper into the market.Pilar: So it's to hit both. The valuations Art: are probably pretty attractive these days, especially for Chinese. That are pegged to the Chinese [00:30:45] capital markets for P ratios and stuff, so forth. Pilar: Exactly. Exactly. And then, on the sell side example, we've got one company that does have a plant there and in.Pilar: Latin America, and they are in the process [00:31:00] of trying to explore not for geopolitical reasons, purely just owner ready to exit. They are also looking to explore potential buyers from anywhere in the world, and they have their hypothesis is we believe the buyer should be a Chinese buyer. [00:31:15] And that's been an aggressive play on the sell side.Art: And, for those kind of I'm curious how you work with folks because a lot of these companies in Asia that you might be working with and are acquisitive [00:31:30] in these days are they green at all? Do you have to walk them through more of the process as far as, how you, you think about going about a deal and on, then on the backend, getting ready for the, the post merger integration.Art: How has your team traditionally [00:31:45] helped companies, let's say maybe that are a little less experienced in M& A. Pilar: Yeah, there's, there is a bit of the not just on The tactics of acquisition and deal transaction, but also on the on the landscape of the markets that we're [00:32:00] talking about.Pilar: So sometimes when the remit or the mandate is a pan Asia, and we showcase Indonesian company, a Thai company, a Chinese company, and a Japanese company, there's a separate section outlining, here's a Japanese. [00:32:15] that you need to be aware of on top of, everything else. So that's something to be thinking about with regards to helping companies do this.Pilar: It's actually quite common that the individuals within these organizations that are working [00:32:30] on these deals come with enough background in, in transactions, whether they're bankers themselves and they've just gone in house. Or that they've done deals within the company before and they just get it.Pilar: Or a third example is they may be private equity owned. And so they're [00:32:45] having the PE guys get involved in the project. So either way, the amount of education possibly needed and how the transaction works isn't necessarily something that we're finding ourselves having to do. I will share though, that on the post merger [00:33:00] integration, that's a key core competence of ours.Pilar: And that's, Essentially, when you look at our founder and I started, I gave you that whole Japanese background, but our founder, Japanese gentleman by the name of Yuki Ishida, he actually is former Goldman Sachs guy. [00:33:15] So he's Columbia university educated, spent a lot of time in the States, but has that knack for investments.Pilar: And so when YCP was first started, it was all on the concept of Taking M& A deals [00:33:30]and then helping them implement and integrate and realize the synergies that they went after in the first place. So we go through and do PMI all the time with clients. And what I think is most telling is we ourselves are quite acquisitive and [00:33:45] having done, on record, I think we've probably finished about.Pilar: three, maybe four deals in the last two years. So we ourselves walk our talk. We have a very structured methodology. How does the first hundred day plan go? How many BD [00:34:00] interactions do you have? What's the HR and the closing activities? So it's it's kind of part of our DNA. But when talking about, what are clients doing in China right now with regards to M& A, I think that there is definitely heightened interest again and it's [00:34:15] encouraging to see because, like you said, the valuation is there, but I would argue that it's probably some of the smaller sized companies that don't have to go through so many hoops to jump through in the boardrooms at your fortune fifties, where they've got a little bit of a concern around [00:34:30] making deeper investment in China.Art: That makes sense. But no, nevertheless, you guys are well positioned I think, I would guess, especially because you have your DNA in Asia and the deep experience there and that focus there. I imagine the PMI is, so much of it is [00:34:45] just as much kind of the cultural integration as it is anything else, and that put, I can't think of anyone, more focused than you guys on in Asia.Art: So I think that's probably, it's another thing that makes you guys stand out. To help on that part of the process. Pilar: [00:35:00] Thanks. Art: Yeah I think. Pilar I think people listen to this, there's going to be no shortage of people that want to reach out and it could be anywhere from an inquiry, about potential, potentially helping them or or, other ways to work with you.Art: What is [00:35:15] traditionally the best way people can reach out to you? Is it LinkedIn or go to the, your website or how should people contact you? Pilar: Yeah, that's a great question. And both are very valuable. So my LinkedIn is publicly available. I encourage people to follow up with [00:35:30] me.Pilar: I'm quite responsive there. And then also, yes, our website does have. Direct access with reforms to to reach our team and your inquiries, if they are specific to a certain geography or a certain industry. Are directed to the [00:35:45] most appropriate partner within our firm. As you mentioned, there's about 400 plus people in our organization and we've got well over 20 partners.Pilar: So there's a lot of industry specialization and there's also a lot of geographic specialization. And I'm always happy to make sure that you're [00:36:00] connected to the right folks as well. Art: Great. Thanks Pilar for joining. It's been fascinating. I think we hit on a lot of topics that, that are really hot and in the news these days.Art: And I think the audience will get quite a bit out of listening to this episode.Pilar: Art, like I said at the beginning, I was, I've been looking forward to [00:36:15] this. So thank you for making it happen. And we're excited to be partnering and collaborating with you.Pilar: So congratulations on this great podcast program. You've been developing and driving for the last few years. Art: Thanks. Much appreciated. Thank you again for coming on the show.   https://www.asiabusinesspod.com/

Kathy Sullivan is an artist on a mission to help first responders de-contaminate their brains. She is the co-founder of Ashes 2 A.R.T. that refers to Mindful Decontamination which addresses the need to mindfully decontaminate from a shift just as one would be required to physically decontaminate. Kathy launched this program a few years ago with the help of a northern Virginia Fire captain. Listen to this compelling conversation and see how you can begin to de-contaminate your brain.    ABOUT THE GUEST Kathleen Sullivan, MAAT, ATR, SME, NORA Council Member, Executive Director Ashes2A.R.T. Kathy Sullivan is the co-founder of the Ashes2A.R.T. program and the Mindful Decon Initiative which have been providing preventative wellness techniques to First Responders since 2017. Incorporating the creative arts and self-regulating techniques, Ms. Sullivan has established a clear protocol to decrease cumulative and traumatic stress in the emergency services profession. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recruited Kathy as a council member to their sister organization,  National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) in 2021. Presentations and partnerships include: Critical Incident Stress Management World Congress, Recovery Centers of America, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, Virginia EMS Symposium, National Association of Mental Illness, NIOSH, George Mason University, Inova Emergency General Surgery, Surgical Critical Care and Trauma Virtual Symposium, Missouri Department of Corrections,and George Washington University CE, and Revital Colorado. Previously published in the Journal of Clinical Social Work, Ms Sullivan is currently collaborating with George Mason University testing the physiological effects of specific wellness techniques on First Responder emotional health; currently in the process of being published. Ms. Sullivan has been trained in: CISM, Havening, EMDR (I), P.E.A.T., EFT, Reiki II, QiGong, Trauma Informed Nature Based Expressive Arts, and first level Hypnosis. CONNECT WITH KATHY https://ashes2art.org/ Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us https://a.co/d/hcTRQLj     +++++ FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911.myshopify.com/products/toolkit The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.    

Ever wondered how art affects your brain and body? In my latest Note, I explore this connection.There is a whole field of study dedicated to it, called Neuroaesthetics.I cover how the intersection of the arts and health can help with reducing pain, aiding in military mental health recovery, and how enriched environments can heal and improve lives. I cover the breakthrough work from Marian Diamond, John Krakauer, Omar Ahmad, Promit Roy, the Kata Design Studio, Hunter Hoffman and David Patterson.This article was inspired by the Book of the Week “Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross”This week's Note is definitely a must-read for anyone passionate about the intersection of art, science, and health.

After a career in the corporate world, Jennifer underwent a significant life transformation by transitioning to a career as a botanical artist and educator. This shift aligned with her values around nature, creativity, and connection.Listen to hear more about:The New Zealand landscape and what it means to Jennifer. How Jennifer made a shift from a corporate career to art and teaching. What Jennifer enjoys most about teaching art and nature journaling.The similarities and differences between botanical art and nature journaling. The pitfall of perfectionism.Nature journaling in a conference setting. Nature journaling for self-care. Selling nature art at markets.  To see Jennifer's work you can visit her website https://jenniferduval-smith.com/ and connect on Instagram @jenniferduvalsmithart.Two artists that Jennifer mentioned as being influential on our journey were Sandra Morris and Leslie Alexander.The books that Jennifer mentioned during the conversation were:Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross.Find Your Unicorn Space: Reclaim Your Creative Life in a Too-Busy World by Eve Rodsky-----------------Sign-up for Journaling With Nature's Newsletter to receive news and updates each month. You can support Journaling With Nature Podcast on Patreon. Your contribution is deeply appreciated.Thanks for listening!

There is an increasing body of scientific evidence demonstrating a phenomenon humans across cultures have long known intuitively: we are biologically wired for art. Engaging in the arts transforms our neural circuitry in deep ways that we are only beginning to uncover, and studies are showing how the arts can help us live longer, stave off cognitive decline, reduce our stress hormones, nurture the development of young minds, reduce the impacts of PTSD, and more. Joining us in this episode are two individuals at the forefront of the movement to translate this groundbreaking research to medicine, public health, education, the workplace, and other real world applications. Susan Magsamen is the director of the International Arts and Mind Lab at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where her research focuses on how our brains respond to artistic experiences. Ivy Ross is an acclaimed jewelry designer and Vice President of hardware design at Google. Together, they coauthored the 2023 New York Times best seller Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. Over the course of our conversation, Susan and Ivy discuss the emerging field of neuroaesthetics, how the arts can make us healthier, smarter and happier, and how we can incorporate more art into our everyday lives.In this episode, we discuss: 2:40 - How Susan and Ivy's paths led them to neuroarts7:46 - What does it mean to be in a “flow state”? 15:12 - An introduction to neuroaesthetics and neuroarts 18:33 - Surprising impacts the arts have on health 25:58 - The health benefits of creating art in community 29:51 - What “aesthetics” means in the context of Susan and Ivy's studies 33:53 - The science behind how the arts support healing 39:45 - Practical tips for someone who wants to begin engaging with art 46:32 - Dispelling the myth of “high art vs low art”Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross are the co-authors of Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us (2023).Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross can be found on Instagram at @yourbrainonartbook.Visit our website www.TheDoctorsArt.com where you can find transcripts of all episodes.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our show, available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you know of a doctor, patient, or anyone working in health care who would love to explore meaning in medicine with us on the show, feel free to leave a suggestion in the comments or send an email to info@thedoctorsart.com.Copyright The Doctor's Art Podcast 2024

To save 15% off an Apollo device, click THIS LINK and use code PERLMUTTER at checkout.

AI vs Art: How do copyright rules work and is the law keeping pace? Guest: Valentine Goddard, lawyer and member of the AI Advisory Council of Canada on AI Policy and Governance Canada's place in a post-American World Guest: Kim Richard Nossal, professor emeritus of political studies.Centre for International and Defence Policy. Queen's University and author of Canada Alone: Navigating the Post-American World What mistakes did police make in their response to the Uvalde shooting? Guest: Steve Ijames, former assistant police chief for Springfield, Missouri, has led training sessions on active-shooter situations for police agencies since the mid-1990s Food addiction and how to fight it  Guest: Dr. Vera Tarman, medical director, Renascent, and author of Food Junkies: Recovery from Food Addiction Canada's emission cuts unlikely to hit 2030 target, auditor general says Guest: Jerry V. DeMarco, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Office of the Auditor General of Canada Icelandic Faultline has awakened after 800 years Guest: Mike Burton, a volcanologist at the University of Manchester

Margo is joined by listener favorite guest Beth Buffington. Beth is a licensed illustrator, and an online digital illustration instructor, creative coach, and podcaster. Like most creatives, she has been drawing since she was old enough to hold her favorite red crayon. After graduating with a degree in art and graphic design, Beth began her creative career working for “in-house” corporate art departments. 
After years of corporate communications, she decided to focus on her personal creative passions, by starting her own business. Her work has grown into several facets including home decor products, course creation and her latest creative outlet, adventure exploring and podcasting.   Margo and Beth discuss: Beth's creative path from in-house designer to entrepreneur The importance of making time for self-improvement and finding joy in learning something new Benefits of using technology, like Procreate, to create art anywhere Challenges of rejection and finding a supportive community in pursuing creative work How she discovered her passion for teaching Balancing creative pursuits with other responsibilities The power in consistent creativity and its effect on health Her upcoming course, free workshops and podcast And more!   Mentioned in this episode: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen   Connect with Beth: https://www.bdi-create.today/windowsill https://bdi-celebrate.today/ Create Today Podcast https://www.instagram.com/b.b.buffington_celebratetoday/ https://www.facebook.com/BDIcreatetoday https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbbuffington/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNR_jaR-CnBXIHC5RVTnQg https://www.skillshare.com/profile/Beth-Buffington/4859209   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill  

Note: I'm taking next week off for the new year and to work on my next book—this month's More Things bonus episodes has thus been moved to this upcoming Thursday, and you'll see the next LKT episode on January 2!This week we talk about Venezuelan, Guyana, and the British.We also discuss oil deposits, gold, and the Geneva Agreement.Recommended Book: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy RossTranscriptIn 1581, Dutch colonists arrived in South America, setting up a colony along the northern coast—but that embryonic settlement, called Pomeroon, was wiped out about a decade and a half later by the British; and survivors from Pomeroon then founded a new settlement on the back of an existing but abondoned Portuguese fort, located on an island in the middle of a river, that was an offshoot of the major regional waterway, the Essequibo River—they took over this fort, and then eventually retook Pomeroon from the British, with the help of their allies, the French.The specifics of all this conquering and reconquering aren't terribly important, though: what's important to know is that this settlement was located in a strategic area, globally, because it allowed Europeans to grow incredibly valuable crops, like sugarcane, in an region that was accessible to ocean-traversing vessels, and in a location that was an established crossroads for local trade, which made acquiring local resources a lot easier, and getting workers for these plantations at lot simpler, as well.All of which has meant this region—like many other scattered throughout the world, but especially those with natural ports and located somewhere near the equator—was a somewhat tumultuous, violent place for a long while, in large part because all these Europeans kept popping in to kill and take and build and destroy existing buildings and to fight with each other, while also leaving a lot of dead locals and destroyed local infrastructure and ecosystems in their wake.Following that initial period of back and forth, though, things calmed down a bit, and the Dutch fleshed out their holdings, vastly expanding the scope of their plantations, even to the point—and this was fairly controversial at the time—that they allowed English planters to join them from 1740, onward, which increased the scope of the plantations thereabouts still-further.In February of 1781, some British privateers showed up, captured the main settlements, and then left, and in March of that same year two Royal Navy sloops arrived and did the same, conquering the area for the British Crown until the French showed up, beat the local British forces, and occupied the colony; though a peace deal back in Europe resulted in this colony being handed back to the Dutch in 1783.In 1796 it was reoccupied by the British, the Dutch retook it, holding it from 1802 until 1803, then the British took it again during the Napoleonic Wars, and it became an official British territory in mid-1814.That was the end of that second period of conflicts, as the big, violent rush to claim as much area as possible during the Age of Discovery was beginning to wane, there was a sort of peace, in some aspects of the word, at least, emerging between European powers, and many of these entities were finding they made more money by trading than by fighting with each other all the time.That said, a more fundamental conflict remained in this area, as the Spanish held a neighboring territory, the border between that territory and this one held by the British typically delineated by the Essequibo river.So the Spanish were busy with a series of colonial independence movements when the British rolled up this collection of plantations and habitations on the east side of the Essequibo river, and thus the Spanish didn't really have anything to say on the matter, despite at times having claimed portions of the territory the British were now claiming as their own.And maybe partially because of that distraction on the part of Spain, Britain's new, official maps that were drawn in 1835 showed British Guiana, the name of its new, official territory thereabouts, beginning at the Orinoco River, not the Essequibo, while neighboring Venezuela's maps showed the latter river as the border.When the government of the relatively newfound state of Venezuela, which is what that neighboring Spanish territory became, realized that their neighbor was claiming territory they thought of as their own on their maps, they complained, threatened, and negotiations began, but no compromise was reached and in 1850 the two governments agreed to not occupy the disputed area along their shared border.Less than a decade later, though, gold was discovered in that disputed area, and British settlers almost immediately moved in and started setting up formal mining infrastructure, alongside a company through which they could profit from it.The Venezuelan government continued to complain and attempted to solve the disagreement through arbitration, but the British weren't keen to do so. This led to Venezuela breaking diplomatic relations with the British in 1887, and it asked the US for help, and when the US suggested that the UK enter arbitration, they were told no, even when then-President, Grover Cleveland, said that the US might have to intervene if the British didn't do something, based on the Monroe Doctrine, which basically says European powers shouldn't meddle in the Western Hemisphere, or else.The British eventually said okay to arbitration in 1897, and a decision handed down in 1899 gave 94% of the disputed area to British Guiana—and the Venezuelan government was perhaps predictably fairly upset about this outcome, but both sides formally accepted this new boundary in 1905.What I'd like to talk about today is a new rift resulting from a fresh batch of resources discovered in this long-contested area, and how that rift could spark still-further conflict.—In 1958, British Guiana was divided into official administrative regions, and that led to the dissolution of an historical region called Essequibo, after the river that bisected it.In 1962, as the European powers were undergoing a phase of decolonization in the wake of WWII, Venezuela re-stated its position that the claim it made to the territory back in the 19th century was legit and should never have been questioned or legalized away, and part of its argument was that the British had a deal with the Russians back when that arbitration effort was completed, the folks on the arbitration board—who were supposed to be objective—allegedly were swayed by that alliance to rule in favor of the Brits.The British said this is nonsense, as did the government of British Guiana, but this remained in dispute—and still is to this day in dispute, in some corners of policy and diplomacy—until British Guiana gained independence from the British, as a dominion, in 1966, becoming the nation of Guyana, with those arbitration-established borders still in place, and they remained in place when it became a republic in 1970, as well.Shortly after that independence was attained, though, Venezuela started taking action of diplomatic, economic, and military varieties to retake the territory it considered to be its own, and to have been unfairly stolen from it, arguing—and this is just one of the many arguments it has made toward this intended end—that the Geneva Agreement that it, then-British Guiana, and the British signed in 1966 nullified the original arbitration agreement the parties signed earlier that established the still-in-place, British Guiana-favoring border.That new agreement also said that the signatory nations would solve all disputes through dialogue, though, which is part of why recent saber-rattling by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been so shocking to many, as even though this has been an, again, tumultuous and violent area for a long time, in recent memory it's been tumultuous, but mostly peaceful, despite those long-simmering resentments from Venezuela about this perceived violation of trust and wholesale theft of a region it considers its own.On December 3, 2023, Venezuela held a referendum that asked voters if they reject the 1899 arbitration agreement, if they support the 1966 agreement, if they agree with the government's stance that the International Court of Justice has no say in this matter, if they agree that the Venezuelan government should be able to oppose Guyana's claims about the region, and if they think the government should turn the disputed region into a new Venezuelan state called Guayana Esequiba, granting all locals Venezuelan citizenship as a consequence.Low turnout was reported at polling stations for this referendum, but the official results indicated that more than 95% of voters responded "yes" to each of those five questions, and despite that low turnout and claims that the government may have falsified these results, they've been using those "yes" numbers as part of their justification for seemingly moving forward with an annexation of the region—though as of the day I'm recording this at least, and this could change before this episode goes live, that annexation is only on paper, not a practical, real-life reality.Now, part of why that vote and the results and the government's response to the results are so shocking is that this region has been governed by Guyana in its many governmental guises for generations; this isn't an area that's gone back and forth between the two countries in recent memory—it's been well and truly Guyanan for a long time, and the people living in the region, all 125,000-or-so of them, out of Guyana's total 800,000-ish population, would tell you the same if you asked them. It also makes up something like 2/3 of Guyana's total landmass.In 2015, though, oil was discovered just off the coast of this disputed territory, and that led to calls by then, as today, Venezuelan President Maduro, to take this territory back; Venezuela has a lot of oil already, but these new reserves were looking to be sizable, and this new discovery had the potential to further enrich already rapidly enriching, from the sale of oil in other reserves, Guyana—so through some lenses, it made sense to to try grab the land attached to these reserves if possible, both to get that money, and to prevent a neighbor with whom they've long had all sorts of conflicts from getting that money, as well.That call eventually died down a bit; it remained, but wasn't at the forefront of conversation the way it was in 2015, when Venezuela was in the midst of a Presidential crisis that Maduro was likely keen to conceal a bit, moving the spotlight to something else, and ideally something nationalistic in nature.So while getting that money was probably a big part of that renewed push, there's a good chance that political expediency and trying to get both the public and the media to look at something else, something potentially titilating in the sense that the possibility of military action tends to be titilating, and something that might rile up the nationalistic base in support of their president, rather than encouraging them to continue questioning that president's legitimacy, which was otherwise a major topic of conversation.In October of 2023, a consortium of fossil fuel interests, led by Exxon Mobile, announced the discovery of a significant new reserve of oil and gas, marking the fourth such discovery in 2023, alone.That announcement ran parallel to increasingly bad news for Venezuelan president Maduro, who is incredibly unpopular with Venezuelans, for all sorts of alleged corruption and driving the economy into the ground, and who is up for election in January of 2024, that election almost certain to be rigged, though the US has offered him incentives to not rig the election, allowing it to be free and open and fair, in exchange for lessening some of the oil export sanctions the country has been operating under for a long while.So the state of play is that Maduro would almost certainly like to rig this upcoming election the way he has previous elections, keeping his hold on power as a consequence, and he kind of has to rig it if he wants to win, based on his popularity numbers, but he could potentially better those numbers by allowing something closer to a free election, getting sanctions lifted, the economy improving a bit, and he could possibly goose his numbers further by raising the Essequibo issue once more, riling up the nationalistic base and thus, possibly benefitting from those lifted sections while also winning the election with the minimum of corruption required on the back of pro-Venezuela fervor.That's one theory of what he's up to, at least, as there's a chance he's ramping up to just move into the contested region, start setting up shop, guarding roads and claiming the area for Venezuela based on those historical claims.But that option is considered to be quite risky by many analysts, as military action of that kind, annexing a neighbor's internationally recognized territory, in the western hemisphere, could be a step too far, bringing neighboring militaries, including Brazil's, which already has troops on the border because of this dispute, into the conflict, alongside forces or other types of support from the US.What might be better, instead, for his seeming purposes, at least, is to just keep on rattling that saber, raise the possibility of annexing the area, maybe make some deals with the Guyanan government, threatening the whole time, and consequently grabbing some small piece of the territory, or maybe just economic, monetary rights to some of the assets—deals instead of land—and that would still be more than he started with, alongside those aforementioned election-related benefits that could help him stay in power, without having to do much in the way of election fraud.This is all speculation at this point, though, as the public face of this burgeoning crisis is the threat of a much larger, wealthier, more powerful nation and military telling their smaller, weaker neighbor that a significant portion of their land is not theirs, and will therefore be incorporated into that larger neighbor.That's not unheard of—it's similar to the claim made by the Russian government about Ukraine, recently, pre-invasion—but it's also not super common in the modern world, as the taking of territory in this way has been disincentivized by international structures and alliances that generally make the consequences of doing so a lot weightier than the benefits of acquiring that bit of land.We're entering a new, post-Ukraine-invasion age, though, in which a lot of those prior norms and expectations are being challenged or upended, neighbors invading neighbors, maybe gesturing at a new norm, but some of these governments maybe just hoping to get in while the getting is good, righting perceived wrongs and grabbing what they can before the international order gets wise and implements some new system of carrots and sticks, assuming—not without reason—that it will make more sense for everyone, in the aftermath, to just leave things where they are at that point, rather than trying to put the pieces of the former setup back together in some way.The governments of Venezuela and Guyana had a meeting in the nearby island of St. Vincent recently, in which they agreed to an 11-point declaration, which included a mutual promise not to use force against each other, no matter what, and to avoid escalating the conflict in any way—but their disagreement over who should have jurisdiction here, with Guyana pointing at the International Court of Justice, and Venezuela saying that Court should have no say in the matter, could complicate these discussions before they really start, making any progress a slogging, pit-trap laden effort.Show Noteshttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-67635646https://time.com/6343549/guyana-essequibo-region-venezuela-dispute/?utm_placement=newsletterhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-67645018https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-opposition-referendum-machado-guaido-0f615a5aa835a4cae7d83403321c6c6dhttps://www.semafor.com/article/12/07/2023/guyana-venezuela-tensions-drive-us-military-exerciseshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Venezuela#2006_changeshttps://apnews.com/article/guyana-venezuela-essequibo-oil-united-nations-maduro-fd9e3a3275de8d88dc0a0982f8e7cda4https://archive.ph/VMWiRhttps://www.france24.com/en/americas/20231214-venezuela-guyana-presidents-meet-to-de-escalate-tensions-over-disputed-oil-rich-regionhttps://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/15/venezuela-and-guyana-agree-not-to-use-force-in-essequibo-disputehttps://www.reuters.com/world/americas/venezuela-tells-world-court-referendum-go-ahead-despite-guyana-resistance-2023-11-15/https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/dec/14/guyana-venezuela-essequibo-maduro-kenneth-mohammedhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Guianahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essequibo_(colony)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Kyk-Over-Alhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guyana%E2%80%93Venezuela_territorial_disputehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guyana This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Sex and creativity…what do they have in common? Turns out, a LOT more than you may think. But how do we tap into those similarities? And how can we use them to improve BOTH? Even both at the same time?  It's what I'm digging into on this episode of the Honest Art Podcast. Tune in to see the correlation between sex and creativity, and how improving one almost always improves the other.   Make sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss a thing! And don't forget to come hang with me on Instagram @jodie_king_. Interested in being a guest on a future episode of Honest Art? Email me at amy@jodieking.com! Resources mentioned: Studio Elite: https://www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite    The Proceedings of the Royal Society (B), Creativity Linked to Active Sex Life: https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna10253413  Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://amzn.to/3teWYzH  Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross: https://amzn.to/3RqGDzQ   The Creative ACT: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin: https://amzn.to/3Nupu7o  Sara Blakely, Founder of Spanx: https://www.instagram.com/sarablakely/?hl=en  Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6  For a full list of show notes and links, check out my blog: www.jodieking.com/podcast  

In this podcast episode, Babafemi Taiwo, MBBS, and Vincent Crisostomo discuss the evolving treatment landscape for aging people living with HIV, encompassing the clinical and external resources necessary to support physical and psychosocial health. The topics discussed include:• Mindful prescribing and understanding the impact an HIV diagnosis can have on one's mental health, including social isolation• How to address patients' needs and establish a trusting relationship within the confines of a 15-minute clinic visit• How research is helping healthcare professionals better understand this clinical situation and discover opportunities to equalize metrics• The critical role of social workers and community organizations in patients' overall care• Accessing federal HIV disability resources• Informed patient–provider discussion and counseling on medical decision-making regarding ART• How healthcare professionals can move toward clinical practice that leaves no one behindPresenter:Babafemi Taiwo, MBBSGene Stollerman Professor of MedicineChiefDivision of Infectious DiseasesNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicago, IllinoisVincent CrisostomoDirectorAging ServicesSan Francisco AIDS FoundationSan Francisco, CaliforniaLink to full program:https://bit.ly/3TqVnl1 

Website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram- @perksofbeingabookloverpod FaceBook- Perks of Being a BookLover. To send us a message, go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find out more about Kelcey Ervick on her website kelceyervick.com This week we chat with Kelcey Ervick whose graphic memoir The Keeper: Soccer, Me, and the Law That Changed Women's Lives Amy discovered after our friend and former guest, Bethany, told us about what a great book it was. Kelcey is the author of four books but The Keeper is her first foray into a full graphic experience. She weaves her own personal story of being a high school and Division I college soccer player with the history and effect Title IX has had on women in all areas of their lives, not just in sports. If you loved the feminist bent of the movie Barbie, this book will give you similar vibes. The Keeper has been recommended by the NYT Book Review, Publisher's Weekly, School Library Journal, and was the winner of the state literary prize of Ohio, the Ohioana Book Award, which has been awarded to other notable authors including Celeste NG, Ross Gay, and John Scalzi. Even if you aren't a sports fan (and I am not), you will thoroughly enjoy this book. Remember, that in Season 10, Amy has a new project which is to give listeners book recommendations. If you're looking for a book set in Romania, or a book about rabbits, or a book about changelings, or anything in between, send us a message and we'll recommend a similar read you can add to your nightstand. Books Mentioned in this Episode: 1- The Keeper: Soccer, Me, and the Law That Changed Women's Lives by Kelcey Ervick 2- The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens 3- The Bitter Life of Bozena Nemcova: A Biographical Collage by Kelcey Ervick 4- The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Graphic Literature edited by Kelcey Ervick and Tom Hart 5- Good Talk by Mira Jacob 6- Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi 7- Fun Home by Alison Bechdel 8- Pretending is Lying by Dominique Goblet 9- The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron 10- Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland 11- Wild Seed by Octavia Butler 12- Mind of My Mind by Octavia Butler 13- Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler 14- America Redux by Ariel Aberg-Riger 15- Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen 16- Landings: A Crooked Creek Farm Year by Arwen Donahue 5 Star Book Recommendation by a Fellow Book Lover Barbara K. - @msbarbarasbookshelf - Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak Podcasts mentioned-- The To Read List Podcast (Jul 2020 episode)

Website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram- @perksofbeingabookloverpod FaceBook- Perks of Being a BookLover. To send us a message, go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find out more about Kelcey Ervick on her website https://kelceyervick.com This week we chat with Kelcey Ervick whose graphic memoir The Keeper: Soccer, Me, and the Law That Changed Women's Lives I (Amy) discovered after our friend and former guest, Bethany, told us about what a great book it was. Kelcey is the author of four books but The Keeper is her first foray into a full graphic experience. She weaves her own personal story of being a high school and Division I college soccer player with the history and effect Title IX has had on women in all areas of their lives, not just in sports. If you loved the feminist bent of the movie Barbie, this book will give you similar vibes. The Keeper has been recommended by the NYT Book Review, Publisher's Weekly, School Library Journal, and was the winner of the state literary prize of Ohio, the Ohioana Book Award, which has been awarded to other notable authors including Celeste NG, Ross Gay, and John Scalzi. Even if you aren't a sports fan (and I am not), you will thoroughly enjoy this book. Remember, that in Season 10, Amy has a new project which is to give listeners book recommendations. If you're looking for a book set in Romania, or a book about rabbits, or a book about changelings, or anything in between, send us a message and we'll recommend a similar read you can add to your nightstand. Books Mentioned in this Episode: 1- The Keeper: Soccer, Me, and the Law That Changed Women's Lives by Kelcey Ervick 2- The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens 3- The Bitter Life of Bozena Nemcova: A Biographical Collage by Kelcey Ervick 4- The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Graphic Literature edited by Kelcey Ervick and Tom Hart 5- Good Talk by Mira Jacob 6- Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi 7- Fun Home by Alison Bechdel 8- Pretending is Lying by Dominique Goblet 9- The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron 10- Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland 11- Wild Seed by Octavia Butler 12- Mind of My Mind by Octavia Butler 13- Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler 14- America Redux by Ariel Aberg-Riger 15- Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen 16- Landings: A Crooked Creek Farm Year by Arwen Donahue 5 Star Book Recommendation by a Fellow Book Lover Barbara K. - @msbarbarasbookshelf - Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak Podcasts mentioned-- The To Read List Podcast (Jul 2020 episode)

Did you know that a simple artistic act like coloring could lower cortisol levels and boost your long-term productivity? Discover the transformative power of art in this episode as Whitney connects with Lisa Kendall, an artist and certified therapeutic art and life coach. They dive into the incredible benefits of slowing down and engaging in creative activities, whether you consider yourself an artist or not.   In today's conversation, you'll learn about the world of therapeutic art coaching and how it delves into your subconscious in ways talk therapy might not. Lisa shares her personal journey of healing through art, along with inspiring stories of clients who have experienced profound transformations. If you've ever wondered how to bring more awe and happiness into your daily routine, this episode provides valuable insights and guidance. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that promises to inspire your creative spirit and help you find new ways to heal through art.   Here's what to look forward to in today's episode Therapeutic Art Coaching defined along with its benefits How art making might lower your cortisol levels The process of making art lets your subconscious speak through image An exercise you can do when anxiety creeps in How the metaphor of going fishing supports kids A common art myth busted! Hint: art is NOT a waste of time Lisa shares her personal story with how art has helped her heal Some sage advice - do something that gives you a sense of awe What can women be asking themselves more? How can I tap into my joy to bring more happiness into my life?   Lisa and I would love to know what you connected with from today's episode - do you already have an artistic practice in place or are you inspired to implement one? Share today's episode on Instagram and be sure to tag us - @‌lisa.kendall.therapeuticartand and @‌Whitneywoman!   Connect with Whitney: Instagram l Website l Season to Shift Mastermind l Electric Ideas Podcast   Connect with Lisa Kendall: Instagram l Website Books mentioned: The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen

Tara sits down with the co-authors of “Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us,” Ivy Ross & Susan Magsamen, to discuss the importance of including art in your daily life, how just 20 minutes in nature can lower cortisol levels and increase focus and making versus beholding. They also discuss the science of neuroaesthetics and the power it has to transform traditional medicine and build healthier communities.Follow “Your Brain on Art” on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourbrainonartbook/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089357061217&mibextid=LQQJ4dLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-brain-on-art/-----Visit the “Your Brain on Art” Website: https://www.yourbrainonart.com/---Follow Dr. Tara on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtaraswartTwitter: https://twitter.com/TaraSwartLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taraswartTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drtaraswart

Kelly talks to Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross about the science behind art. The pair have written the book “Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transforms Us.” “We now have scientific proof that the arts are essential to our very survival.” “Your brain loves a good metaphor.” “Curiosity is a building block of flourishing.”

➡️ Where You Can Find Paul AsmarYouTube:  @paulasmarCamelbackTrading: CamelbackTrading.org

ABOUT Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross:Susan's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-magsamen-6345918/Ivy's Profile: linkedin.com/in/rossivyWebsites:Website: www.yourbrainonart.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourbrainonartbook/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-brain-on-art/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089357061217&mibextid=LQQJ4d BIO - Susan Magsamen:Susan Magsamen is the founder and executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab (IAM Lab), Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics, a pioneering initiative from the Pedersen Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her body of work lies at the intersection of brain sciences and the arts—and how our unique response to aesthetic experiences can amplify human potential. Magsamen is the author of the Impact Thinking model, an evidence-based research approach to accelerate how we use the arts to solve problems in health, well-being, and learning. In addition to her role at IAM Lab, she is an assistant professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins and serves as co-director of the NeuroArts Blueprint project in partnership with the Aspen Institute.Prior to founding IAM Lab, Magsamen worked in both the private and public sector, developing social impact programs and products addressing all stages of life—from early childhood to the senior years.  Magsamen created Curiosityville, an online personalized learning world, acquired by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 2014 and Curiosity Kits, a hands-on multi-sensory company, acquired by Torstar in 1995.An award-winning author, Magsamen has published eight books including The Classic Treasury of Childhood Wonder, The 10 Best of Everything Families, and Family Stories.Magsamen is a Fellow at the Royal Society of the Arts and a strategic advisor to several innovative organizations and initiatives, including the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture, the American Psychological Association, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Brain Futures, Learning Landscapes, and Creating Healthy Communities:  Arts + Public Health in America. BIO - Ivy Ross:Ivy Ross is the Vice President of Design for the Hardware organization at Google. Over the past six years, she and her team have launched 50+ products winning over 240 global design awards. This collection of hardware established a new Google design aesthetic that is tactile, colorful, and bold. A winner of a National Endowment for the Arts grant, Ivy's innovative metal work in jewelry is in the permanent collections of 12 international museums. Ivy has held executive positions ranging from head of product design and development to CMO and presidencies of several companies, including Calvin Klein, Swatch, Coach, Mattel, Bausch & Lomb, and Gap. Ninth on Fast Company's list of the 100 Most Creative People in Business 2019, Ivy believes the intersection of arts and science is where the most engaging and creative ideas are found. SHOW INTRO: Welcome to season five of the next level experience design podcast. It's kind of amazing when I think of it… now five seasons… wow.This season will be no different than the previous ones where we continue to have great discussions with visionary leaders from various industries and professions. These dynamic dialogues based on our acronym DATA - design, architecture, technology, and the arts crosses over disciplines but maintains a common thread of people who are passionate about the world we live in and human's influence on it, the ways we craft the built environment to maximize human experience, increasing our understanding of human behavior and searching for the New Possible.As we jump into this new season thanks go to VMSD magazine. You will find the archive of the NXTLVL experience design podcast on VMSD.com. VMSD is the publisher of VMSD magazine and brings us, in the brand experience world, the International Retail Design Conference. The IRDC is one of the best retail design conferences that there is bringing together the world of retailers, brands and experience placemakers every year for two days of engaging conversations and pushing the discourse forward on what makes retailing relevant.Thanks also goes to Shop Association the only global retail trade association dedicated to elevating the in-store experience. SHOP Association represents companies and affiliates from 25 countries and brings value to their members through research, networking, education, events and awards. Check then out on SHOPAssociation.orgOK, let's dig in... With our first interview of the season with two remarkable women Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross whose recent book “Your Brain on Art has garnered huge attention since its recent release. But first a few thoughts on art and making...****************When I was about 9 years old and my mom had me in an after school art program at a local painting studio near my childhood home. Thursdays, as it would turn out, became the single time of the week where the outside world disappeared and I entered into a place of pure creativity and innovation which many years later I would discover was called “flow.”Even to this day Thursdays seemed to hold a special body memory for me of calm and an internal sense of both peace and joy. Thursdays somehow carry a different energy from me that I think was implanted in my body all those years ago where my creative passion was fully expressed.For years I would paint on Thursdays and that turned into a passion that became a profession as an architect. I wasn't great at math or physics but I was pretty confident about my skills in art and I knew that there was something specific about the feeling that I had in going to this small art studio that was because of the things I was doing as well as the place that I was doing it in. So studying architecture was always grounded in this idea for me of creating places that moved people emotionally. It didn't matter to me too much whether you loved it or hated it, although I would have preferred you loved it. But my goal was always to connect to people on an emotional level to find the right combination of materials and finishes space volumes and textures and all those other things that we have in our architects toolbox and how we moved through and experience space from a mind – body emotional perspective.I think early on I developed an aesthetic mindset. I seemed to have a high level of curiosity, a love of play and open-ended exploration, a keen sensory awareness and a drive to engage in activities as a maker or beholder. Through my architecture studies at McGill University I discovered principles of experience rooted in ritual and that there was a very different physical and emotional feeling connected to participating in ritual versus simply watching them. I was always very interested in how people participated in space. How they participated in the making of their experiences because I always believed that in making we brought something unique to the world that humans were capable of doing better than any other creatures on the planet. I developed a keen interest in ontological design - basically put - that the things we make return the favor by in part making us who we are. Our neurobiology reacts to the environment around us and so our mind body state is directly influenced by what we experience in the built environment. Our brains are in a feedback loop of making and being made by experience.The Irish poet John O'Donoghue once said “art is the essence of awareness” and I find that particularly relevant to how we experience the places that we build and how we interact with them. What I learned as a young artist on Thursday afternoons was that somehow in the making of things I became acutely aware of my mind body state as well as my surroundings.As I started to create and design retail places it seemed that everywhere I walked the world around me became more relevant I was tuning in to everything that I could see and hear. When in the middle of trying to solve a design challenge, I seemed to tune into things that might not have otherwise been apparent to me.What I found interesting was that this attunement to the environment around me also grew a connection between my sensory experiences and my appreciation of art. As I engaged more fully in the environment around me and the various kinds of arts I also learned more about myself. During the recent pandemic I turned to painting to help navigate the uncertainty and ambiguity of a global crisis that had left everything that I had believed to be true and a path that I had created for myself professionally in flux. Art it seemed became the grounding mechanism that calmed my nervous system that brought joy amidst uncertainty.Over the past few decades as a creative architect I've become acutely aware that the environment around us has a profound effect on our mind body state, our sense of well-being, our feelings of joy, community, connection, belonging, relevance. Being exposed to the arts provided context and meaning, a way for me to understand where I stood in the grand scheme of things. And art also gave me a sense of agency of being able to have a sense of control and to bring things into the world that had never been there before.And so, because of all of these understandings I have a deep appreciation for the book recently published by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross called “Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us.”This book is wildly successful because I believe it is a writing whose time has come. It brings forward the ideas that the arts are fundamental to who we are as people and that long before we had written language we danced around fires sang songs, made drawings on walls and shared the meaning of our lives with each other by being in community, in relationships, participating in rituals and making. And so, it's not surprising that the arts in all of its forms visual,  literary, dance, sculpture and others are part of who we are as individuals and as members of a broader human whole.When I bought this book I thought that it would help me understand the neuroscience of what was happening in my brain as I stood in front of a painting. But it did more than that. It helped to unpack why I was led to feel certain ways about my experience of art in general including paintings, dance, musical theater, poetry, a good movie and a great book.It was chock full of examples and great research on how the arts are used in healing practices and health care industry to augment patient recovery. It looked at how the arts are being used in education, though not nearly enough, to enhance learning.Your brain on Art also brought me greater understanding about making music and how memories are tied to our experiences of hearing music. That's why it's likely you can clearly remember tunes from your childhood and tag them to early childhood experiences. Or why your playlists from your high school years probably are still able to be recalled with ease. And why I can remember the high school dance and my girlfriend at the time and the song Lucky Man by Emerson Lake and Palmer and that kiss.The book dives into understanding arts and the neurodivergent brain and play and how these are critical to our development.And if all of that wasn't quite enough it digs into the idea of how the arts support flourishing and asks the question - What constitutes a good life? I did not know that there is a burgeoning subfield of neuroscience and psychology now dedicated to identifying and understanding the neural mechanisms that contribute to a state of flourishing. And Your Brain on Art brings to light some of the neuroscience related to creativity, awe and wonder.Your Brain on Art is a collaborative effort between two remarkable women who together combine neuroscience and creative vision into a must-read book.Susan Magsamen has over 35 years of experience in developing effective learning programs rooted in the science of learning and is an active member of the brain sciences research, arts, education and social impact communities. She currently serves as Executive Director of the International Arts and Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at the Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins University where she is also a faculty member. She is also the senior advisor to the Science of Learning Institute at Johns Hopkins University. She works with both the public and private sectors using arts and culture evidence based approaches in areas including health, child development, workforce innovation, rehabilitation and social equity.Ivy Ross is the Vice President of Design for the Hardware organization at Google. Over the past six years, she and her team have launched 50+ products winning over 240 global design awards. This collection of hardware established a new Google design aesthetic that is tactile, colorful, and bold. She is a winner of a National Endowment for the Arts grant, and her innovative metal work in jewelry is in the permanent collections of 12 international museums. Ivy has held executive positions ranging from head of product design and development to CMO and presidencies of several companies, including Calvin Klein, Swatch, Coach, Mattel, Bausch & Lomb, and Gap. Ninth on Fast Company's list of the 100 Most Creative People in Business 2019, Ivy believes the intersection of arts and science is where the most engaging and creative ideas are found. ABOUT DAVID KEPRON:LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/david-kepron-9a1582bWebsites: https://www.davidkepron.com    (personal website)vmsd.com/taxonomy/term/8645  (Blog)Email: david.kepron@NXTLVLexperiencedesign.comTwitter: DavidKepronPersonal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidkepron/NXTLVL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtlvl_experience_design/Bio:David Kepron is a multifaceted creative professional with a deep curiosity to understand ‘why', ‘what's now' and ‘what's next'. He brings together his background as an architect, artist, educator, author, podcast host and builder to the making of meaningful and empathically-focused, community-centric customer connections at brand experience places around the globe. David is a former VP - Global Design Strategies at Marriott International. While at Marriott, his focus was on the creation of compelling customer experiences within Marriott's “Premium Distinctive” segment which included: Westin, Renaissance, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels and Gaylord hotels. In 2020 Kepron founded NXTLVL Experience Design, a strategy and design consultancy, where he combines his multidisciplinary approach to the creation of relevant brand engagements with his passion for social and cultural anthropology, neuroscience and emerging digital technologies. As a frequently requested international speaker at corporate events and international conferences focusing on CX, digital transformation, retail, hospitality, emerging technology, David shares his expertise on subjects ranging from consumer behaviors and trends, brain science and buying behavior, store design and visual merchandising, hotel design and strategy as well as creativity and innovation. In his talks, David shares visionary ideas on how brand strategy, brain science and emerging technologies are changing guest expectations about relationships they want to have with brands and how companies can remain relevant in a digitally enabled marketplace. David currently shares his experience and insight on various industry boards including: VMSD magazine's Editorial Advisory Board, the Interactive Customer Experience Association, Sign Research Foundation's Program Committee as well as the Center For Retail Transformation at George Mason University.He has held teaching positions at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), the Department of Architecture & Interior Design of Drexel University in Philadelphia, the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (L.I.M.) in New York, the International Academy of Merchandising and Design in Montreal and he served as the Director of the Visual Merchandising Department at LaSalle International Fashion School (L.I.F.S.) in Singapore.  In 2014 Kepron published his first book titled: “Retail (r)Evolution: Why Creating Right-Brain Stores Will Shape the Future of Shopping in a Digitally Driven World” and he is currently working on his second book to be published soon. David also writes a popular blog called “Brain Food” which is published monthly on vmsd.com. ************************************************************************************************************************************The next level experience design podcast is presented by VMSD magazine and Smartwork Media. It is hosted and executive produced by David Kepron. Our original music and audio production by Kano Sound. The content of this podcast is copywrite to David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design. Any publication or rebroadcast of the content is prohibited without the expressed written consent of David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design.Make sure to tune in for more NXTLVL “Dialogues on DATA: Design Architecture Technology and the Arts” wherever you find your favorite podcasts and make sure to visit vmsd.com and look for the tab for the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast there too.

Today, I am speaking with Susan Magsamen, founder and executive director of the International Arts & Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics - a pioneering initiative from the Pedersen Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is also an assistant professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins and serves as the co-director of the NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative in partnership with the Aspen Institute. Susan's is the co-author of the New York Times bestseller, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. It is a journey through the science of neuroaesthetics that offers proof of how our brains and bodies are transformed when we participate in the arts and aesthetic experiences.

Did you know that just 20 minutes of art a day is as beneficial as exercise and mindfulness? Or that participating in one art experience per month can extend your life by ten years? Our guests Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen talk about their new book, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. Together they explore the new science of neuroaesthetics, which explains how the arts can measurably change the body, brain, and our behaviors. This is the first installment in a three part series we're running called, Mundane Glory about learning not to overlook the little things in your daily life that can be powerful and evidence-based levers for increased happiness. In this episode we talk about:Their definition of the arts and aesthetic experiencesHow they see nature as, “the highest form of art”How simple actions like humming in the shower & gardening can be categorized as art experiencesHow you don't have to be good at making art to benefit from itThe difference between “makers” and “beholders” of artWhat they mean by art being a part of our evolutionary DNAHow engaging in the arts can help strengthen our relationships and connectivityHow arts and aesthetic experiences create neuroplasticity in the brainHow society's emphasis on optimizing for productivity has pushed the arts asideThe four key attributes that make up a concept called an “aesthetic mindset”The benefits of partaking in a wide array of art experiencesThe importance of infusing play and non judgment into the art you makeHow art can be a form of meditation and mindfulnessHow artistic experiences can extend your life, help treat disease and relieve stressHow the arts affect the way we learnThe emerging field of neuroarts and neuroaestheticsHow food fits into the arts categorySimple ways to integrate the arts into our daily livesTechnology's relationship to the artsAnd the importance of architecture and your physical space as a form of artFor tickets to TPH's live event in Boston on September 7:https://thewilbur.com/armory/artist/dan-harris/themightyfix.com/happierFull Shownotes: https://www.tenpercent.com/tph/podcast-episode/ivy-ross-susan-magsamenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to the MWSA Podcast for Monday July 31st! He's on a mission to cure degenerative eye diseases and other issues afflicting our bodies. We had a fascinating conversation with drug developer and research professor at the School of Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo, Sachdev (Satch-dev) Sidhu (Sea-doo), who told us about the Canadian-based, and first drug of its kind that could treat incurable eye diseases. Alberta's default electricity rate is expected to soar in August to the highest its ever been in our province's history. We talk with Joel MacDonald, the founder of EnergyRates.ca about what Albertans NEED to know in order to save hundreds of dollars on their energy bills every month. And…could you actually ‘build a better brain' through music, dance and poetry? That's the focus of the New York Times bestseller “Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us”. We talk about the ‘health benefits' of the ‘Arts' with a man who is passionate about the topic;, our ‘on-call' family physician - Dr. Ted Jablonski! 

Today, I'm joined by Susan Magsamen, Founder and Executive Director of the International Arts + Mind Lab at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Applied Neuroscience. She's also the co-author of Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us, which explores how aesthetic experiences impact the human brain and body.  In our conversation, Susan shares where her fascination for the intersection of art, science, and education stems from. She describes the research and writing process for Your Brain on Art, and goes into detail about some of the standout sections of the book, including the role art can play in community building and physical healing. So much of Susan's work is centered around the extraordinary ways art measurably changes the brain, body, and behavior. By breaking down the silos between scientists and artists, this knowledge can be translated into specific practices that advance individual and communal wellbeing. Your Brain on Art is an approachable starting point for understanding how humans are wired for the arts and ways we continue to evolve through creative expression.  Susan is also the Co-Director of the NeuroArts Blueprint. We dive into the five-year global initiative she and her team are building in the field of neural arts. Their goal is to ensure art becomes a part of mainstream medicine and public health conversation. Listen, rate, and review to Art Heals All Wounds on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Castbox, or on your favorite podcast platform.Topics Covered:●      How Susan and co-writer Ivy Ross brought Your Brain on Art to life ●      Key terms and concepts related to the neuroscience of art ●      Examples of the physiological, psychological, and sociological impacts of art ●      What gives Susan hope about how art can support communities in addressing certain social issues●      Insights from research that shows how art can impact the progression of certain diseases and disordersGuest Info:●      NeuroArts Blueprint Website ●      Arts + Mind Lab Website●      Your Brain on Art Website Follow Me:●      My Instagram ●      My LinkedIn●      Art Heals All Wounds Website●      Art Heals All Wounds Instagram●      Art Heals All Wounds Twitter ●      Art Heals All Wounds Facebook●      Art Heals All Wounds Newsletter

This episode is brought to you by WHOOP, BON CHARGE, and Joovv. Today on The Dhru Purohit Podcast, Dhru and Susan Magsamen discuss how we can use art to transform our neurocircuitry and help heal our bodies and minds. Susan Magsamen is the founder and director of the International Arts + Mind Lab Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Susan cowrote the book Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us with Ivy Ross. In the book, Magsamen and Ross offer compelling research that shows how engaging in an art project—from painting and dancing to expressive writing, architecture, and more—for as little as 45 minutes reduces the stress hormone cortisol, no matter your skill level, and just one art experience per month can extend your life by 10 years. In this episode, Dhru and Susan dive into:-How art can radically transform the body and brain (00:30)-How we're wired to engage with art (2:31)-The connection between art and nature (8:03)-Susan's story and how she got into the mind-art connection (10:03)-Using art as a way to connect to ourselves and the external world (18:03)-Rewiring the brain with art (35:16)-Carving out time for art: the minimal viable dose (40:49)-Enriching your environment for inspiration and creativity (44:42)-Establishing new connections in the brain (51:39)-The default mode network: daydreaming and letting your mind wander (59:11)-What we're missing by removing art from school (1:07:42)-Integrating art, science, and culture (1:10:03)-The connection between plant medicine and awe (1:19:50)-How art and creativity can extend our life span and help us flourish (1:28:02)-First steps to bringing art experiences back into your life (1:31:28)Also mentioned in this episode:-Neuroartsblueprint.org-Artsandmindlab.org-Yourbrainonart.com-Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform UsFor more on Susan Magsamen, follow her on Instagram @susanmagsamen, Facebook @susan.magsamen.9, or through her website, Artsandmindlab.org.WHOOP is a personalized digital fitness tracker and health coaching platform that monitors your physiology 24/7 and provides personalized recommendations based on what your body needs. To get yours, go to join.whoop.com and get your first month free with code DHRU15.BON CHARGE is a holistic wellness brand with a HUGE range of evidence-based products to optimize your life. Right now, my community can go to boncharge.com/DHRU and use coupon code DHRU to save 15%.Enhance your health with red and infrared LED light therapy with Joovv. Right now, Joovv is offering an exclusive offer on your first order. Head over to Joovv.com/dhru and apply my code DHRU. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Susan Magsamen is an expert in neuroaesthetics—a field that highlights the power of art and aesthetic experiences to heal and transform our brains and bodies. This conversation offers an indulgent dive into her deep well of wisdom. From managing uncertainty and skill transfer to nostalgia and embodiment, we discuss a sweeping range of subjects covered at length in a book she recently co-authored with Ivy Ross: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. Please enjoy.

As we come to the final weeks of school, our thoughts seem to naturally drift to what we will be seeing and doing when the next school year starts. In today's episode, Tim talks to Janet Taylor about the issues on teachers' minds as we start planning for fall. Listen as they discuss how teachers are feeling overworked, their thoughts about administrative support, and their perspectives on student engagement. Finally, Tim asks for listener feedback as to what issues you are thinking the most about for the next school year. Resources and Links Getting Apathetic Students Invested in Art How to Advocate from the Top Revitalizing Your Teaching for the Year Ahead

Professor Susan Magsamen is the founder of the International Arts + Mind Lab at the Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She and Ivy Ross, he VP of design for hardware at Google, have written a book that explains what happens when we engage with art and why it's so essential for good health. It's called 'Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us.'

On Passion Struck, I am joined by Susan Magsamen, the founder of the International Arts + Mind Lab and co-founder of NeuroArts BluePrint. Our conversation revolves around her recently published book, “Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us,” which explores the latest scientific research that highlights the inherent human capacity to create and appreciate art and how it has the potential to bring about transformative changes in our lives. In This Episode, Susan Magsamen And I Discuss Her Book "Your Brain on Art" On the podcast, Susan Magsamen argues that although the arts are often seen as a luxury or entertainment, activities like painting, dancing, and architecture are essential to our well-being. They believe that we are at the cusp of a cultural shift where the arts can offer powerful and accessible solutions to improve the lives of everyone. We go through the changer world of neuroaesthetics and why they must be viewed as a have-to-have. Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://passionstruck.com/susan-magsamen-how-the-arts-transform-us/  Brought to you by Green Chef. Use code passionstruck60 to get $60 off, plus free shipping!” Brought to you by Indeed. Head to https://www.indeed.com/passionstruck, where you can receive a $75 credit to attract, interview, and hire in one place. --► For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to: https://passionstruck.com/deals/  Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! --► Prefer to watch this interview: https://youtu.be/mpeXW51AezU  --► Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnRMiles Want to find your purpose in life? I provide my six simple steps to achieving it - passionstruck.com/5-simple-steps-to-find-your-passion-in-life/ Want to hear my best interviews from 2022? Check out episode 233 on intentional greatness and episode 234 on intentional behavior change. ===== FOLLOW ON THE SOCIALS ===== * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passion_struck_podcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnrmiles.c0m  Learn more about John: https://johnrmiles.com/ 

Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross (Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us) are researchers and authors. Susan and Ivy join the Armchair Expert to discuss how important it is to participate in the arts, why room designs can affect moods, and how technology can be used to improve quality of life. Susan and Ivy explain how humans are feeling beings that have learned to think, that writing down a secret can reduce your stress levels, and what being in a completely silent room would be like. Susan, Ivy, and Dax discuss the importance of play, humans perpetual state of aesthetic fatigue, and why people feel most comfortable in curved spaces. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we talk to pioneering art & science researcher Susan Magsamen along with vice president of design for hardware products at Google, Ivy Ross, about their new book Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us.While sometimes considered opposites, art and science are unequivocally linked in ways we're still figuring out. Not only does our way of thinking and living impact our art, but art also has an impact on how we think and live.

Lisa and Lauren, Co-founding Directors of Art is Moving, chat with Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen about their new book, "Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us." A great deal is covered in the conversation including how the education system fails students when it comes to taking an art break, why fear plays a huge role in understanding the positive impact of art, and much more. Watch the conversation or listen to it on most podcast platforms. We all have a sense that the arts are “good for us.” Now, we have a deeply researched and engaging new book that explains why. Arts and aesthetic experiences rewire the brain—with significant implications for addressing the global health and wellbeing crisis. The arts are also a catalyst for helping us to flourish, build strong communities and learn better—even doctors are prescribing museum visits!In Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us (March 21, 2023; Random House), co-authors Susan Magsamen, Founder and Director of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Ivy Ross, Vice President of Design for the hardware product area at Google, explain the emerging field of neuroaesthetics and what it means for our lives. Neuroarts is the study of how arts and aesthetic experiences change the brain, body, and behavior and how this knowledge can be translated to advance health and wellbeing for billions of people. Pouring over the data, Magsamen and Ross found that just 20 minutes of art a day makes a huge difference as either the maker or the beholder. Think: Singing in the shower. Microdosing coloring books. Dipping into a sound bath between meetings. Forest bathing over lunch. Through the power of these aesthetic experiences, circuits and neuropathways in your brain are activated, altering a cascade of physical and mental changes including anxiety and stress. Short bursts of art—no talent required—will enhance your life, whether you are eight or 80 years old. In fact, one or more art experiences a month can extend your life by ten years. Packed with dozens of studies and interviews with leading scientists and artists including David Byrne, Your Brain on Art shows how to take advantage of everyday art and aesthetic experiences, including: Sound: how vibration and frequencies are being used to optimize creativity and cognitionArchitecture: why the built environment affects how we think, feel and performVisual Arts: how painting and mask making can alleviate PTSD and trauma  Nature: how access to the natural world relieves stress and anxiety Dancing: why people with Parkinson's Disease and stroke have improved movement Music: how what we hear has a profound effect on your memory Thanks to Your Brain on Art, we are now proving that the arts are not just nice to have—they are essential to our very survival. We'll be in touch soon to discuss coverage possibilities with you. More at https://www.yourbrainonart.com/Support the show

talkPOPc Participant Sam explores humor, emotions, and art with talkPOPc Resident Philosopher Nicholas WhittakerTimestamps:00:20: Defining Cognition: Brain activity, movement, feelings. 01:55: Instances of Art: Anything created by human beings to evoke emotion in others. 04:25: Conscious Rational Thought as Cognition: Is humor cognition? A physical spasm? 07:00: The Essence of Art: How do we represent it in an image? How well can you capture the real world?11:25: Older Definitions of Art: Burke and poetry as the perfect art. Prompting emotion. Yet perfect is subjective.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/talkpopc)

1:10 - Author Carolyn Schlam discusses her new book “The Joy of Art: How to Look At, Appreciate, and Talk about Art”. Schlam has set out to write a book that guides the art viewing experience from an artist's perspective.27:19 - Artist Terrell James discusses her work. James is a master of colorful abstraction based on the influence of landscapes. Her work is exhibited worldwide and can be found in major collections like MFA Boston, MFA Houston, the Menil Collection and the Whitney Museum of American Art.69:45 - The week's top art headlines

Today I talk with new Thriller author Connor Sullivan. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of his debut book Sleeping Bear, and really liked it. For those who like mega best-selling author Jack Carr's books (he has been on the podcast in two prior episodes) I know you will enjoy Connor's book as well. As always, don't tune out, as we dig into a lot of different topics besides Connor's new book! Connor Sullivan attended the University of Southern California, where he was the recipient of the Edward W. Moses Award for Creative Writing. During college, he interned for Warner Brothers reading screenplays before relocating with his family to the Gallatin Valley in Montana. His first novel is Sleeping Bear. What some people are saying about Connor's debut novel: “SLEEPING BEAR is one of the very best thrillers you'll read this year. It's one of those rare novels that keeps getting better and better and better.” — James Patterson— James Patterson “SLEEPING BEAR clamps you in its jaws and doesn't let go.  A fierce, relentless beast of a novel!”— Tess Gerritsen “Authentic, compelling, and utterly gripping.”— Robert Dugoni “SLEEPING BEAR is the best kind of thriller, an ice-water hit to the veins. With enviable talent, Connor Sullivan introduces himself to the book-loving public, earning a spot on the shelf among Brad Thor, Vince Flynn, and Jack Carr. Don't miss this stunning debut.” — Gregg Hurwitz Topics Discussed:  * What was it that inspired Connor to become an author * How Connor overcame a major sports injury, and had to change his direction in life * Why did Connor use Alaska for his story as his primary location  * How he was an odd-ball while going to film school at USC * How he came up with his writing process * Why hard work can allow you to overcome most obstacles in life * How even though his father is a best-selling author himself Connor had to find his own way * Why becoming an author and making a living at it is so difficult * Why books just don't happen they take years to write * Understanding everyone sucks when they learn something new it is just the way it goes * Why having focus and organizational skills is important in everything you do * Some advice for those looking to become a writer * Why Gary and Connor recommend Stephen Pressfield's book “The War of Art” * How the housing boom in Montana is completely out of control and pricing locals out of their own hometowns * Why you shouldn't buy a house right now * Gary's opinion on the housing market and why this one is a little different than previous booms Episode Resources: * Connor's website: https://connorsullivanauthor.com/ * Gary's online courses for living more rural and finding the simple life: https://thesimplelifenow.com/course-catalog/  * The Simple Life Website: https://thesimplelifenow.com  *Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

Today I talk with new Thriller author Connor Sullivan. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of his debut book Sleeping Bear, and really liked it. For those who like mega best-selling author Jack Carr's books (he has been on the podcast in two prior episodes) I know you will enjoy Connor's book as well. As always, don't tune out, as we dig into a lot of different topics besides Connor's new book! Connor Sullivan attended the University of Southern California, where he was the recipient of the Edward W. Moses Award for Creative Writing. During college, he interned for Warner Brothers reading screenplays before relocating with his family to the Gallatin Valley in Montana. His first novel is Sleeping Bear. What some people are saying about Connor's debut novel: “SLEEPING BEAR is one of the very best thrillers you'll read this year. It's one of those rare novels that keeps getting better and better and better.” — James Patterson— James Patterson “SLEEPING BEAR clamps you in its jaws and doesn't let go.  A fierce, relentless beast of a novel!”— Tess Gerritsen “Authentic, compelling, and utterly gripping.”— Robert Dugoni “SLEEPING BEAR is the best kind of thriller, an ice-water hit to the veins. With enviable talent, Connor Sullivan introduces himself to the book-loving public, earning a spot on the shelf among Brad Thor, Vince Flynn, and Jack Carr. Don't miss this stunning debut.” — Gregg Hurwitz Topics Discussed:  * What was it that inspired Connor to become an author * How Connor overcame a major sports injury, and had to change his direction in life * Why did Connor use Alaska for his story as his primary location  * How he was an odd-ball while going to film school at USC * How he came up with his writing process * Why hard work can allow you to overcome most obstacles in life * How even though his father is a best-selling author himself Connor had to find his own way * Why becoming an author and making a living at it is so difficult * Why books just don't happen they take years to write * Understanding everyone sucks when they learn something new it is just the way it goes * Why having focus and organizational skills is important in everything you do * Some advice for those looking to become a writer * Why Gary and Connor recommend Stephen Pressfield's book “The War of Art” * How the housing boom in Montana is completely out of control and pricing locals out of their own hometowns * Why you shouldn't buy a house right now * Gary's opinion on the housing market and why this one is a little different than previous booms Episode Resources: * Connor's website: https://connorsullivanauthor.com/ * Gary's online courses for living more rural and finding the simple life: https://www.thesimplelifenow.com/course-catalog/  * The Simple Life Website: https://www.thesimplelifenow.com  *Make sure to signup and be a member of The Simple Life Insider's Circle at: https://www.thesimplelifenow.com/the-simple-life/

Blockchain, NFTs’, Cryptocurrency, Gaming & Art: How have these and the idea of ‘Play’ impacted our minds and the economy. Listen in to this interview with Jason Brink the CMO of Gala Games as he simplifies our understanding of Blockchain technologies and how it relates to our everyday life. Referenceshttps://500px.com/p/crimsoncannonballHashmask: https://opensea.io/assets/0xc2c747e0f7004f9e8817db2ca4997657a7746928/14578Gala GamesPlayMirandus.comFind us online:Website:http://www.clss.studioEmail:leah@leahsmithson.comchanningsmithson@gmail.comHang out with us on Instagram:@leahsmithsonart@justglazechanningEarn yield on digital assetshttps://apps.apple.com/app/bitrue/id1435877386Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/leahsmithson)

[ART]How do artists maintain different disciplines, working in various mediums? [FIGHT] If you are curious about watching fights and seeing the best in MMA, look no further than UFC 254: KHABIB VS. GAETHJE --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/artfightpodcast/support

Valeria interviews Carolyn Schlam. Carolyn is an award-winning American painter, sculptor and glass artist born and raised in New York City. She studied painting with Norman Raeben, youngest son of the Yiddish writer Sholem Alecheim, in Carnegie Hall Studios, and glass-making at Urban Glass in Brooklyn. She currently maintains her painting and collage studio at 14 Gitana Avenue, Camarillo, CA 93012 and is currently working as an artist in residence at the Glass Arts Collective in Westlake Village, CA. Carolyn is also a published author. Her book, “The Creative Path: A View from the Studio on the Making of Art,” is a treatise on art making from philosophical, psychological, practical and spiritual points of view and was published in 2018 by Skyhorse Publishing. Her latest book, “The Joy of Art: How to Look At, Appreciate and Talk About Art” is an art appreciation course from the artist's lens, and is now available for purchase at booksellers everywhere. Carolyn's books for children, “Art Smarts: A Primer for the Young Artist” and “The Alphabet Club” are available through her studio. In 2013, Carolyn was named one of the 48 finalists in the Smithsonian Museum Portrait Competition. Her portrait, “Frances at 103” was exhibited in the National Portrait Gallery for one year and was subsequently acquired by the Museum. It is in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture. In 2018, her “Mother and Child” joined the prestigious Cedars Sinai Art Collection. Carolyn has a strong interest in donating works to organizations and collections, especially those with a feminist orientation, and encourages interested parties to contact her. Carolyn Schlam's portraiture is infused with emotional content, expressing the vulnerability and longing of her mostly female subjects. She explores portraiture in its many aspects– traditional, in which appearance and character are foremost; expressionistic, in which the inner life is heightened; and stylized, in which the image becomes iconic. She is known for her use of exuberant color, elegant drawing and modern design.   To learn more about Carolyn Schlam and her work please visit: https://www.carolynschlam.com/ For Intro-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/aquestforwellbeingpodcast Podcast Page: https://fitforjoy.org/podcast   — This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life to the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

Our Guest: Dr Natasha Andreadis, more commonly known as Dr Tash. She is a qualified and experienced gynaecologist, fertility and hormone specialist. Dr Tash is also a Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility (CREI) sub-specialist, making her uniquely qualified to manage infertility and hormonal issues. She believes in a holistic and integrative approach to health and has a particular interest in the impact of nutrition, lifestyle and environment on reproductive health. She wants people to lead healthy lives and have healthy babies. In 2000, Dr Tash graduated from Medicine at the University of NSW. After many years of further study and practice, she became a fellow of the Royal Australian New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). Before that, she underwent generalist training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney. In 2008, Dr Tash won the RANZCOG award for the highest mark in the Oral MRANZCOG exam. In her final year of subspecialty training, she was a research fellow at Oxford, United Kingdom and Utrecht, the Netherlands. She is committed to sharing her knowledge and enjoys teaching as a clinical lecturer at the University of Sydney Central Medical School. She is the host of the women's health podcast, The Fanny Mechanic and runs a monthly Dr Tash Book Club. She also loves to give her patients a look at the latest evidence with her informative and entertaining video blogs. Dr Tash loves running and working with female athletes and coaches on menstrual cycle education. She has worked with FitBit and ModiBodi, consulting on women's health. Her current research interest is in Music Therapy and its role in managing stress and anxiety related to gynaecological and fertility treatments.   Topics Include: Types of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) available in Australia When someone should consider looking into ART How long someone should try naturally for a baby before seeking help Who is and isn't a good candidate for IVF Success rates of IVF Quality or quantity of eggs - which is the most important thing in IVF A walk through what happens during an IVF cycle starting from when a couple decides this is the path they would like to take The number of IVF cycles that are needed or even recommended before moving onto a different treatment option The 3-5 most common misconceptions Dr Tash needs to address with patients when educating them on IVF You can find Dr Tash below: Email: info@drandreadis.com.au Website: www.drandreadis.com.au Instagram: @dr_tash_the_fanny_mechanic  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrTashTV/  Facebook group: The Fanny Mechanic Podcast Group Book Club: Dr Tash Book Club You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCigB6qFpX_-dthVSPkvOCTw/videos   

3:32: COVID Tipping 8:38: Art: How big is too big? 12:53: Animal crossing 16:54: DBAF Update 22:02: Zoom callback 25:53: COVID Purchase review 33:02: Books! 36:10: Unsocial Media 41:09: Fake Meat 43:09: Mocktails 43:54: Being creative during quarantine 46:50: macOS updates are LIES As always [starting now] send any and all audio and video questions to poatpodcast@gmail.com. Don't forgot to rate and review—assuming it's a 5 star review. Listen on Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, or anywhere podcasts are played. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anthony-ledonne/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/anthony-ledonne/support

Conversamos un poco sobre las mejores caricaturas que nos dejó esta década. Así como también las mejores películas de animación (24:27) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Score some great insights and clinical pearls from Dr. Christine Won on the incredibly important topic of sleep medicine during this live recording at CHEST! On this episode we’ll tackle why we sleep, how to treat insomnia, the “Z-drugs” and more! ACP members can claim CME-MOC credit at https://www.acponline.org/curbsiders (CME goes live at 0900 ET on the episode’s release date).  Show Notes | Subscribe | Spotify | Swag! | Top Picks | Mailing List | thecurbsiders@gmail.com Credits Written and Produced by: Cyrus Askin MD, Matthew Watto MD, FACP  Infographic: Matthew Watto MD, FACP Cover Art: Kate Grant MBChB DipGUMed Hosts: Stuart Brigham MD; Matthew Watto MD, FACP; Paul Williams MD, FACP    Editor: Matthew Watto MD, FACP; Emi Okamoto MD Guest: Christine Won, MD MSc Sponsor The American College of Chest Physicians Time Stamps 00:00 Intro, disclaimer, guest bio 06:10 Guest one-liner 10:15 Picks of the Week*: Become Your Child’s Sleep Coach (book) by Lynelle Schneeberg; Sleep in Art: How artists portrayed sleep and dreams in the last 7000 years (book) by Meir Kryger; The Toxic Avenger (film); Ballistyx Jump Rope; Weird Al - The Essentials 12:28 Case of Mr. S. Andman; Why we sleep 16:04 Spiel on how sleep affects health, testosterone 21:05 How much sleep do we need; Teens and sleep 28:05 Spiel to patients self medicating with sedatives; CBT for insomnia (CBTI) including online CBTI 32:10 Sleep hygiene, naps 34:10 Z drugs 39:17 How sleep apnea differs in women 41:52 Sleep trackers (wearables); Blue blockers and screens 45:00 Audience questions: Alarm clocks; Cultural sleep issues;  Shift work; Melatonin; 5-hydroxytryptophan 55:45 Outro *The Curbsiders participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising commissions by linking to Amazon. Simply put, if you click on my Amazon.com links and buy something we earn a (very) small commission, yet you don’t pay any extra. Goal Listeners will gain a broad overview of the purpose of sleep, its implications for promoting health and preventing disease, tips for improving sleep quality, plus answers to the most common sleep questions from patients. Learning objectives (After listening to this episode, you should be able to...) Explain the theories behind why we sleep and recognize the link between sleep, overall health, and various comorbid conditions Counsel patients about sleep and recall tips to improve their own sleep Answer common questions about over the counter supplements and prescription medications used for sleep  Discuss approaches to therapy for insomnia, specifically the role of prescription medications in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy and sleep hygiene Disclosures Dr. Won reports no relevant financial disclosures. The Curbsiders report no relevant financial disclosures.  Citation Won, M, Williams PN, Brigham SK, Askin C, Watto MF. “#184 Update in Sleep Medicine: LIVE from CHEST 2019!”. The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast. https://thecurbsiders.com/episode-list November 25, 2019.

We’ve got our very first official guest on the podcast, Sofía Campoamor! Sofía wrote our theme music, which is just one of many reasons we’re obsessed with her, and you should be too. Listen in for our favorite Thanksgiving recipes, where Sofía is hiding from her fans, Jerome’s attempt at ASMR, and some breaking news for Kenyon in the world of music. Check out Sofía here: Bandcamp: https://sofiacampoamor.bandcamp.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sofiacampoamormusic/ ...and her new music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH5Lq_1wRaM Fact Chequé - Marsha Norman won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for her play: 'night Mother - A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving was released in 1973 and is, in fact, 30 minutes long. Moment for the World - King Kong is here and the NYT has some things to say: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/08/theater/king-kong-review.html - Toy Story 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDXYRzerjzU Give Thanks for the ART: - How to make a hand turkey: https://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-Hand-Turkey/ - Do a Turkey Trot: https://www.runnersworld.com/races-places/g24520619/turkey-trot-races/ - On Writing by Stephen King: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2000/oct/07/biography.stephenking Send It! - Andy Baraghani: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/andy-baraghani-cooking-and-identity - Harry Potter and the Sacred Text: http://www.harrypottersacredtext.com/ - Steve Reich: https://www.theguardian.com/music/tomserviceblog/2012/oct/22/steve-reich-contemporary-music-guide ...and if you wanna watch Andy stick his hands in a turkey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw4lBrezHLA Episode 5 Playlist: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/122231954/playlist/7MkkQrdtx0Yu8iypWkQ0RL?si=OF5XoN7oRBi_mf7KN2ht2g Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/playlist/episode-5-we-love-hand-turkeys-with-sof%C3%ADa-campoamor/pl.u-DdANrRdsldE1WL PS: Listen to Jerome and Sofía as smaller humans here: https://soundcloud.com/justduetwithjerome/ep-11-sofia Send us stuff at welovethatpodcast@gmail.com!

I have a new podcast to share with you today on the topic of "Falling in Love with Yourself." I feel this is such an important topic because we really do need to value and love ourselves in order to live happy, fulfilled lives where we are able to give back at our fullest capacity and live up to our highest potential.   Just an example from my life yesterday:  I knew I wanted to sit down and record this podcast first thing, but I woke up in a terrible mood.  I had a headache, my muscles were aching in my back, and overall I wasn’t feeling very positive.  Just the thought of sitting down at my computer to record this podcast felt impossible. So instead of forcing myself to do what I didn’t actually have the capacity to do, I paused and checked in with myself. I knew I had a choice: I could dive into work and my to do list and probably have a pretty grumpy day...  OR I could really honor and take care of myself first, even though I had a million things to do on my list. I knew I needed to slow down and take care of myself. So I tidied up my room and chose a YogaGlo class (I highly recommend Yogaglo if you struggle with keeping up a home yoga practice) and I found a class with Elena Brower on how to, "Value yourself to Master Yourself." The whole class was about taking the time to take care of yourself. I realized, "I really need to have an innate sense of value in order to take care of and fall in love with myself..." Owning my innate value has been a big part of my inner work over the last few years, and I have come a long way.  Valuing myself shows up in how much money I earn, how healthy my relationships are, what I choose to wear and how I create the environment around me. What I found was: valuing myself is a choice. And you too can choose to start valuing yourself, right here, right now. After my morning yoga practice and self-care time, I felt SO much better and I sat down to record this podcast feeling so filled up with love that I couldn’t wait to share with you all. In this episode, I share: Tips and Tools that Have Helped me Fall in Love with Myself How to Move Past Resistance Around Self-love and Self-care How to Turn Self-love into an Art How to Create a Sustainable & Enjoyable Meditation Practice More information about my upcoming online course, Vision There are only 5 days left to receive $100 off when you join Vision.  I hope to see you there! Warmly, Meredith