Jeff Berman is a multi-instrumentalist, improvising artist, and composer whose work reflects his global musical vision. He has developed a genre-extending concept on mountain dulcimer, vibraphone, and percussion, that has allowed him to collaborate across stylistic boundaries with a diverse group of artists from across the globe. In this interview on Art and Inspiration with William Rock, Jeff articulates the somewhat mysterious history of the dulcimer and shares some of his experiences of playing cross-culturally with musicians worldwide - including Tuvan throat singers. He also plays several songs on two different types of dulcimers.

Vietnam war veterans Kathleen Trew Swazuk and Joe Diener engage in a dialogue on Art and Inspiration with William Rock. Kathleen was an army nurse stationed at Long Binh, Vietnam. She is the author of "Wartorn Heart/ Poems and art inspired by the Vietnam War." Joe was wounded during the war and this dialogue is the first time in fifty years that he was able to speak of his experiences in Vietnam. This podcast was recorded at Art and Inspiration presents "Wartorn Heart" at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh.

Poet and educator Michael Wurster is interviewed on Art and Inspiration with William Rock. Michael is a founding member of The Pittsburgh Poetry Exchange and for over forty years he has encouraged and mentored poets. In this dialogue, he articulates his poetic influences and offers insights into his own successful methods of offering poetry to a community. He also shares several of his own poems.  Joining the dialogue is artist/poet Alyssa Sineni.

Poet, educator and humorist Deena November is interviewed on Art and Inspiration with William Rock. Deena grew up in a household where writing and reading was strongly encouraged. She speaks of her academic experience both as a MFA student and also as a creative writing professor. Deena also talks of the impact of motherhood on her poetry. She shares several of her poems including "Passover in Scranton" and "My Mother Never Prepared Me for Mr. T."

Artist Kim Barry is interviewed on Art and Inspiration with William Rock.  Beginning at the age of 4, Kim Barry has had a lifetime of exposure to varying forms of arts education.  Kim speaks of the "great experience" of hanging on the street with kids doing Graffiti as a teenager and how it informs her current work. She explains street art has levels of artistic integrity. Kim talks of her pop-up studios she has created in Los Angeles, Florida and Pittsburgh. She describes pop-ups as experimental creative spaces that have a capacity to embrace an artists creative vision.

The Huffington Post noted Vanessa German is “one of 30 contemporary art makers under 40 that you should know about.”  Vanessa German is the founder of “The Love Front Porch” and the “Art House” in Pittsburgh’s Homewood section.  Her “Stop Shooting We Love You” yard signs have garnered international attention.  In this interview with William Rock on Art and Inspiration, Vanessa speaks of fully embracing creativity and imagination and to thoroughly trust the eternal wisdom of our deepest instincts. She speaks of how the neighborhood kids themselves created “The Love Front Porch" and how “Art House" has tapped into a momentum for giving.  Vanessa’s art and sculpture is exhibited worldwide and she states she is proud of being a self-taught artist.  Vanessa German has pioneered the spoken-word opera and in this Art and Inspiration interview you will hear her perform her piece “If my hands were anything other than hands.”

Pat DiCesare promoted the Beatles concert in Pittsburgh on

In this interview on Art and Inspiration with William Rock,

Pat DiCesare was a hit songwriter and recording artist at