In this episode, Marisa interviews award-winning illustrator, author and designer Dave Szalay. While growing up in Ohio, Dave was always doodling in school. After studying graphic design, owning his own ad agency and teaching, he returned to school to receive his MFA in Illustration. With five published, picture books, Dave gives a behind the scenes look into the world of creating children’s literature. From drawing monsters and animals to nature and Abraham Lincoln, Dave hopes that his whimsical images bring joy and make reading fun for all children.

Follow Dave on Instagram @daveszalayillo

Check out his website at https://www.daveszalay.com

Buy his books here or at your local bookstore

In this episode, Marisa interviews writer, comedian, and screen and voice actor, Ryan McCabe. Ryan’s commitment to character and comedy was established at a young age when he called himself The Riddler after watching Jim Carrey in Batman Forever. Now in LA, Ryan works in the dubbing industry and trains with The Groundlings, performing improv and stand-up comedy. He has also written seven poetry books and is currently producing a new comic called Henry Fowl in Black Sheep. Full of laughs and experience, Ryan creates work that is authentic to him, reminding artists to enjoy the creative process and to not be afraid to fail.

Follow Ryan @hurricabe

Purchase his poetry books at Sabor y Cultural in LA or on Amazon

In this episode, Marisa interviews professional LA dancer, choreographer and teacher Malia Baker. Malia grew up doing competition dance in Colorado, and moved to Los Angeles at age 18. After 10 years of living in LA, Malia reflects on her dance journey from training and performing to choreographing and teaching. They also talk about her most recent collaboration with Bob’s Dance Shop, where she toured internationally with Purple Disco Machine and Sofi Tukker. Whether she’s dancing in front of large crowds, on screen, or in the studio, Malia slays any performance and brings the fun!

Check out Malia’s jazz class at TMilly on Tuesdays from 1-2:30pm

Follow @maliabaker

In this episode, Marisa interviews visual artist Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer. Growing up in both America and Europe, Emma took ballet and drawing classes. She refined her painting technique at the Florence Academy of Art, and found her creative voice in an MFA program at Central Saint Martins. Now living in Italy, Emma’s surroundings of nature, religion, and hunting culture inspired her first solo exhibition, “The Scapegoat.” Originating from a biblical myth, Emma’s retelling begs the question, “what is the scapegoat of our society?” Like her grandmother, Audrey Hepburn, Emma approaches art as service and works to capture empathy.

Follow Emma @ekhferrer

Check out her website at https://www.emmaferrer.com

Happy 2025 and Season 6 of ARTifacts! In this episode, Marisa interviews French, visual artist Aurélie Brown. Growing up, Aurélie was influenced by the lush landscapes and food culture in Normandy. After moving to California, Aurélie found her creative voice by doing the 100 Day Project where she painted one work every day for 100 days. She turned her passion into a business, and always encourages setting aside time for the things you love.

Follow @aureliebrownart

Check out her website at https://www.aureliebrownart.com

It’s the 50th episode of ARTifacts! In this episode, Marisa interviews makeup and special effects designer and puppeteer, Tony Gardner. Originally from Ohio, Tony went to film school in California only to drop out to work on the music video for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Tony takes a look at his work through a movement lens, sharing how he crafts characters like Billy Butcherson in Hocus Pocus to puppeteering Chucky with seven people. With years of experience in the industry, Tony is full of stories and encouragement and believes in saying yes to any opportunity.

Follow Tony @tonygardner

Check out his company at https://alterianinc.com

Check out Kyra Gardner’s podcast, “Flesh & Blood & Bone” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify where they talk more about Tony’s career.

In this episode, Marisa interviews New York-based comedian, video producer for Betches Media, actress, writer, and hopeless romantic, Tess Tregellas. With a background in theatre and improv, Tess’s work focuses on physical comedy and immersive storytelling. They talk about her wedding-themed antics from running around Central Park in a wedding dress to performing her comedy show, “My Life as a Rom-Com.” Tess also shares her experience touring with Max Davidson in "Stand-Up Magic," being a content creator, and producing her new variety show “EPIC.”

Follow Tess @tesstreg

Buy tickets for her show EPIC on November 10th in NYC at https://caveat.nyc/events/tess-tregellas-crash-my-wedding-11-10-2024?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaajLg85EfP_--BHGl7Rfc38yNdGkK3hnZi4yZogXRvGbkwxRHajXcr_rqk_aem_-gOGP-PBklxI0oPx7CMRmQ

In this episode, Marisa interviews digital creator and owner of Wild Eyes Visuals, Cameron O’Neill. Growing up, Cameron made his own videos for school projects and sporting events, and then built his clientele through networking in the fitness industry. From working with local businesses and weddings to health and wellness brands, Cameron is dedicated to expanding his business and creating diverse, engaging content.

Follow Cameron @cameronjoneill

Follow Wild Eyes Visuals @wildeyesvisuals

To hire him, dm or email him at [email protected]

In this episode, Marisa interviews fashion designer Asha Ama Bias-Daniels. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Asha learned how to sew and create clothes from her parents. Influenced by 70s fashion and Beyoncé, Asha’s work can be seen in museums, on Tim Gunn’s Project Runway, and on Lizzo’s Special Tour. Most recently, she created dance costumes for the Cincinnati Ballet, and shares the process of collaborating with award-winning, choreographer Rena Butler. Asha also talks about her upcoming project with Cincinnati’s Blink Festival, where she will debut her new collection, “Who Do You Say That I Am?”

Follow Asha @asha_ama

Check out her website at https://www.ashaama.com

In this episode, Marisa interviews lead singer of the band Post Saga, Danna O’Connor. Formed in 2017, the Cleveland band is comprised of seven members who blend various genres and instruments to create a unique pop-rock sound. With two EPs and the release of their new EP "Circles," Marisa chats with Danna to share more about the band's history, music creation process, and upcoming tour. With Danna’s heartfelt lyrics and the band’s catchy melodies, Post Saga brings the party to any live performance.

Follow Post Saga @postsaga

Check out their website and upcoming shows at https://www.postsaga.com

Listen to their new EP “Circles” on Spotify and other music platforms now!

Buy tickets to their EP release party for Saturday, July 27th @ 8:30pm EDT at the Studio West-Trellis Rooftop https://postsagamerch.square.site/product/psepshow/19?cs=true&cst=custom