Beyond + Back Podcast

TRT: 57:58 - EXPLICIT language // ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 8/18/18

Nathan Carter

In this debut episode of the Beyond and Back podcast, I speak with my friend fine artist and musician Nathan Carter in his Brooklyn art studio.

We're hearing from Nathan at a time when he's just spent about three years working on an entirely new project, a real departure from his previous work, and fortunately it's proving to be a success for him. 

Nathan barely graduated high school, but went on to art school and then graduate school at Yale, and we discuss the natural tension between learning art theory and just making a lot of art.

Nathan shares some formative memories he has about being a creative child. We talk about what it's like to have two parents who supported his creativity and believed that being an artist is a legitimate life choice. These types of experiences color our attitudes about creativity and whether or not we believe that we're allowed to be creative. 

We also discuss Nathan's approach to creating, which invites some vulnerability, a healthy feeling of fear and an element of risk and recklessness.

This conversation is free form and we use words that some people find offensive. You'll also hear two songs from The Dramastics that might whip you into a frenzy. So listen with caution.

LINKS:

• Follow Nathan Carter on Instagram

• Casey Kaplan Gallery

• The Dramastics on SoundCloud

Here's a video of Nathan and the Dramastics performing live at his exhibition at the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas. Nathan and I designed the capes together and I sewed and painted them.

TRT: 1:00:11 - EXPLICIT language - ORIGINAL AIR DATE 8/18/18

In this episode we go Beyond + Back with award-winning independent filmmaker Allison Anders.

How do I introduce Allison Anders? I will give you the highlight reel: 

• Her films include Border Radio, Mi Vida Loca, Gas Food Lodging, Sugartown, Grace of My Heart

• She’s received a Peabody Award and a MacArthur Genius Grant

• She's a loving mother and friend, a multi-faceted survivor

• And she's badass

I interviewed Allison at her home in Pasadena, California. Before I finished setting up the microphones in her cozy kitchen, we were already having a great conversation. I gotta tell you, we get real right away — In the first few minutes, we discuss her film Things Behind the Sun, which deals with the subject of sexual abuse similar to what Allison experienced in her own life, so be advised if that’s a sensitive or triggering subject for you.  

Other topics we discuss include the state of the DIY ethic, how mentorships should come about, how to connect with actors, and how she often starts a project with a question.

It’s really fun talking with Allison Anders. I love her warmth, her wisdom and her humor. I’m inspired by her bravery in writing through very difficult subjects with honesty and heart. That’s a level of openness and vulnerability that leaves a lot of room for discovery.  And it engages the healing potential of creativity. Healing for her as the creator, potentially healing for the people who watch her films, too.

The songs and snippets you heard throughout the interview were from Allison’s films:

• Snippet 1: "Sixteen Ways" by Green on Red from Gas, Food, Lodging soundtrack

• Snippet 2: from the trailer for her film Border Radio

• Snippet 3: audio excerpt from her film Mi Vida Loca

• Snippet 4: from her film Border Radio

• Snippet 5: audio excerpt from Gas Food Lodging

LINKS

• Allison Anders on IMDB

• Ring of Fire

• Things Behind the Sun

• Gas Food Lodging

• Mi Vida Loca

TRT 1:01:01 // ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 9/1/18

In this episode, we go beyond & back with WK Binger.

He’s owned a tree removal service for over 30 years but recently he opened the Vintage Sewing Center & Museum in Tulsa Oklahoma. Yes, you read that right. 

On a recent trip to Tulsa, I decided to find the vintage sewing machine museum my aunt had told me about. I knocked on the door of what looked like a residential home. When a man with a grand mustache answered, I have to admit I thought I was in the wrong place. But as we’ll find out, WK Binger is a unique individual.

Sewing is very dear to my heart, in fact I named my company Featherweight Studio after my 1948 Singer Featherweight sewing machine. But this episode is not just for sewing enthusiasts. I invite you to slow down and listen and open your mind. This episode may inspire you to take a left turn creatively and remind you it’s never too late to learn something new. In fact, if you don’t try new things you might miss out on part of your calling.

It’s about falling in love with a machine and giving back to a community. 

It’s about creating without fear and being open to following the thread to see where it takes you.

It’s also about opening doors, because when I opened the door to the vintage sewing center & museum I had no idea what I was in for.

He just wanted to upholster his boat and go fishing, and a year and a half later he’s the founder of the Vintage Sewing Center & Museum — which is now open in Tulsa Oklahoma.

I hope that listening to this episode inspires you to open your mind or to open a new door — listen to someone or something you might not normally listen to, learn a completely new skill, maybe give something away, or somehow challenge yourself to find that edge of failure and see how it opens up your creativity.

I’ve been guilty of talking myself out of many things, many ideas and opportunities. But if we just follow the thread of our creativity, what might unfold? Where might we find ourselves, a year and a half from now?

AUDIO featured in this episode:

• Theme music by Davíd Garza

• My own recordings of vintage machines from the museum:

1. Wilcox and Gibbs chainstitch 1928

2. Wheeler & Wilson W-9 1889

3. Samantha (7-33)

• "The Sewing Machine" by Betty Hutton with Joe Lilley and His Orchestra and Vocal Group

LINKS:

• Vintage Sewing Center & Museum Facebook page

TRT 55:14 // ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 9/15/18

In this episode, we go beyond & back with Kime Buzzelli.

Kime is an accomplished painter and owns The End Yucca Valley, a vintage oasis in the Mojave Desert featuring clothing, jewelry, textiles and art.

I spoke with Kime in her secret new art studio in the high desert near Joshua Tree, California.

Kime’s new studio in the high desert of California

I met Kime a couple years ago on my first trip to Joshua Tree. I came to know her as a tastemaker, stylist, costume designer and a supporter of artists - she was one of the first shop owners to carry my one-of-a-kind art-to-wear jackets. 

For a long time, I had no idea of Kime’s career as a painter — she’s shown in galleries and had partnerships with major brands. It wasn’t something she readily mentioned, which still kind of shocks me.

I was really curious why she didn’t mention that sooner, and I wanted to see her new work. That’s when I found out she hadn’t been painting.

What would cause an accomplished artist to experience a creative block?

In this episode we talk about that creative block, putting in the hours toward your creative practice, what we’ve learned from our work and much more.

AUDIO featured in this episode:

• Theme music by Davíd Garza.

• First break: “Waves” by Chelan

• Second break: “Dear Miracle” by Chelan

• Third break: “What We Know Now” by Chelan

• Fourth break: “What We Know Now” by Chelan

• Fifth break: “Dear Miracle” by Chelan

  All Chelan tracks from the new record Dear Miracle
  

Special thanks to our episode sponsor:

The Hole in the Wall

LINKS:

• Kime Buzzelli’s website and Instagram and Twitter

• The End Yucca Valley’s website and Instagram

• The now-closed Show Pony shop

TRT 1:03:51 // ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 9/29/18

From Seattle, Washington, we go beyond & back with musician and entertainer Robert Lopez.

Perhaps best known as El Vez, the Mexican Elvis, Lopez is a lifelong creator, starting in his teenage years in the Los Angeles punk scene and continuing to make art today with his latest creation, Mr. Bob and The Unhappy Hour.

He is a singer, songwriter, actor, a sincere trickster. He'll make you laugh and cry. He’s calculated and spontaneous, regal, radical, and subversive, his personal is always political. He is many things at the same time. 

This conversation rattled me a bit and I spent a lot of time reflecting on it. I invite you to listen for yourself, please forgive if I am more clumsy than usual, and at the end I’d like to share with you what I’ve learned. 

I talked with Robert Lopez in the kitchen of his beautiful Seattle home.

AUDIO featured in this episode:

• Theme music by Davíd Garza.

• First song: “Sonica USA” by Alejandro Escovedo

• Second song: “Don’t Push Me Around” by The Zeros

• Third song: “Esta Bien Mamacita” by El Vez

• Fourth song: “En el Barrio” by El Vez

• Fifth song: “Samba Para Tí” by El Vez

Special thanks to our episode sponsor:

The Tractor Tavern

LINKS:

• Under the Big Black Sun book

• The Zeros

• Soap Plant

• Catholic Discipline

• Decline of Western Civilization

TRT 1:03:51 // ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 10/13/18

From Mill Valley, California, we go beyond & back with songwriter, musician & entrepreneur Jerry Harrison.

Jerry Harrison may be best known for being in two extremely influential bands: The Modern Lovers and Talking Heads. He’s had great success as a music producer with bands including Live, No Doubt, and most recently Le Butcherettes, He’s been involved in film, start-ups, he’s in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, he’s maintained a creative career for over 50 years and he has a knack for knowing where to invest his energy. 

In this conversation we talk about self-doubt, family bonds, ghosts, art & academia, and collaborating with large personalities. I want to thank Jerry for how present and forthcoming he was in this conversation, and I’m excited to share it with you. 

AUDIO featured in this episode:

• Theme music by Davíd Garza.

• First song: “Remain Calm” by Jerry Harrison from Walk on Water

• Second song: “Life During Wartime (live)” by Talking Heads

• Third song: “Girlfriend” by The Modern Lovers

Special thanks to our episode sponsor:

Bananas At Large - specializing in equipment for music, audio and video production since 1974.

TRT 1:02:31 // ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 10/27/18

From Los Angeles, California, we go beyond & back with musician, actor & visual artist Tunde Adebimpe of TV on the Radio.

Tunde Adebimpe is probably best known as the singer of TV on the Radio, one of my favorite bands. The band was founded by Tunde and Dave Sitek in 2001 in Brooklyn and they’ve released 5 studio albums, but as we’ll find out Tunde didn’t intend to become the lead singer of a successful band. He actually went to New York for film school, but while he was there he explored all avenues to his creativity. Now, In addition to being a musician, he’s also a working actor, often collaborates with other artists, and when we spoke, he was preparing for his first solo art show at a gallery in LA. 

In this conversation, we talk about giving ourselves permission to do more than one thing, how art can save lives, and how we can use our creative outlets to help process the difficulties and trauma we experience. We talked in Tunde’s garage studio, so do enjoy the sound of passing cars in the background. 

I talked with Tunde for about an hour and 40 minutes. I had to edit out a lot of great stuff to keep this episode to an hour! If you’d like to hear the entire unedited interview, please visit my Patreon page.

AUDIO featured in this episode:

• Theme music by Davíd Garza.

• First song: “Staring at the Sun” by TV on the Radio from Young Liars EP

• Second song: “I Was A Lover” by TV on the Radio from Return to Cookie Mountain

• Third song: “You” by TV on the Radio from Nine Types of Light

• Fourth song: “Trouble” by TV on the Radio from Seeds

• Fifth song: “Wolf Like Me” by TV on the Radio from Return to Cookie Mountain

• Sixth song: “Family Tree” by TV on the Radio from Dear Science

TRT 1:01:39 // ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 11/24/18

From Los Angeles, California, we go beyond & back with musician, singer & songwriter Aimee Mann.

Aimee Mann began her career as a musician in the 1980s. Early on, she had a breakout hit, “Voices Carry” with her band Til Tuesday, but that experience has not defined her career. Since then she has created a body of work as a solo artist, winning Grammy Awards and nominations for an Oscar and a Golden Globe for her work on the soundtrack to the movie Magnolia. She maintains her own signature voice and songwriting style, yet she’s adept at collaborations and transitions, including a successful move from a major record label to releasing work on her own independent label for over a decade.

In this episode we talk about talent versus hard work, her approach to songwriting, and why Aimee thinks it’s important to say yes. We spoke in Aimee’s home in Los Angeles, California.

I was so surprised to hear Aimee describe herself as not having musical talent when she started out.  But it’s oddly encouraging, isn’t it? “It’s not all bolts from the blue” means that with practice, determination and focus, we can get better. And why do we need to have innate talent in order to give ourselves permission to pursue creativity? Why not let ourselves be beginners, why not see where practice can take us? Choose that thing we love or feel obsessed with, and begin to put in those 10,000 hours. I’ll admit, I know what it’s like to attempt something creative, be unhappy with the initial results and then tell myself maybe I’m not cut out for it. It’s easy to be hard on ourselves in that way. But what happens when we commit to a creative practice, when we approach our creative desires with devotion?

Aimee Mann says that hard work pays off, and she’s got a successful career to prove it. So let’s say yes to opportunities and devote ourselves to our creativity, whether it’s songwriting, gardening, cooking, whatever it may be. Who knows where that hard work will take us?

THANK YOU TO LARGO AT CORONET FOR SPONSORING THIS EPISODE

This episode is brought to you by Largo, the legendary nightclub in Los Angeles known for live music, comedy & collaborations. Located at the old Coronet theatre on La Cienega Blvd, this venue is devoted to listening and laughter. Largo has hosted a community of performers including musicians, comedians and actors, such as Jon Brion, Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple, Elliott Smith, Tig Notaro, Judd Apatow, Phoebe Robinson & many more. The vibe at Largo is always intimate and special, so do visit whenever you’re in LA. 

AUDIO featured in this episode:

• Theme music by Davíd Garza.

• First song: “Save Me” by Aimee Mann from Magnolia soundtrack

• Second song: “Crazytown” by Aimee Mann from Charmer

• Third song: “Voices Carry” by Til Tuesday from Coming Up Close: A Retrospective

• Fourth song: “Rollercoasters” by Aimee Mann from Mental Illness

TRT 59:23 // ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 12/8/18

From Oakland, California, we go beyond & back with musician, singer, songwriter, playwright & actor Billie Joe Armstrong.

Krissy Teegerstrom & Billie Joe Armstrong

Billie Joe Armstrong is best known for his band Green Day. In the past three decades since they formed in the East Bay of California, they released a dozen studio albums, sold over 85 million records worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. Having accomplished more than enough for a lifetime already, what I find fascinating about Billie Joe is that he continues to push himself creatively, adapting their album American Idiot into a Broadway show, acting in films, and just this year he debuted a new band, The Longshot, releasing new music and touring small clubs. 

In this episode, we talk about the solitude needed to nurture a creative seed versus the fortitude needed to share it with the world, the benefits of encouraging others, and what we can accomplish when we keep pushing past our comfort zones.  I spoke with Billie Joe in his studio in Oakland, California. 

THANK YOU TO 1-2-3-4 GO! RECORDS FOR SPONSORING THIS EPISODE

This episode is brought to you by 1-2-3-4 Go! Records, an independent record store with locations in Oakland and San Francisco. These righteous record stores are open 363 days a year and carry all types of new and used vinyl. They’ll pay you good money for your used records, they’ll special order vinyl for you, and at the Oakland shop they offer live in-store performances open to all ages and they have a great old school photo booth. If you love vinyl and great customer service without an attitude, visit them in person or online at www.1234gorecords.com! 

AUDIO featured in this episode:

• Theme music by Davíd Garza.

• First song: “Love is for Losers” by The Longshot

• Second song: “Brain Stew” by Green Day

• Third song: “Long Time Gone” by Norah Jones & Billie Joe

• Fourth song: “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day

SPONSOR FEEDBACK

“I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you that what you came up with for the sponsorship copy was PERFECT. It came out so well and I'm really pleased to have been apart of the episode. It was a great conversation. As I listen to more of these I feel like the beginning of the conversation is this gathering of raw materials and by the end they've been put together or chiseled away in to this really amazing piece. It absolutely demands a full listen. You're doing a great job, I'm looking forward to the next one and let me know if you ever need anything!” — Steve S.



LISTENER FEEDBACK

“I’m an artist /musician/writer and massive green day fan for about 25 years; started my career w/ a Green Day zine in 97! Just wanted to thank you for this amazing piece of work. Im a prolific culture creator freak and love what I do— but my brain is wild and the interview couldn’t have come at a better time. . . Hearing this was vital! Plus, I literally havent gotten a chance to listen to my hero get so deep in his feels since fucking kurt loder did “green day raw” in like 95!!! Im an og punk bruja who loves growing up, towards universality— but I hate how complacent journalism can get! Even during this political era. People are either scared to cry or fight. I get that! But its necessary to get real right now. So thank you! “ — Cristy R.

“Hello Krissy, I just finished listening to your podcast with Billie Joe. As a 17 year old aspiring musician, I really enjoyed how in depth this conversation goes. It brought up a lot of my insecurities when it comes to making music and being creative. Me and my band are the only people in my high school that make music, and there isn't many people who would support us for it. One thing that you mentioned that I really enjoyed was that being creative has many benefits besides financial ones… I find comfort in knowing that if I can't make a living making music, I can still get that rewarding feeling for completing a song or performing for people. This episode really revealed that to me, and encouraged me to stay creative and keep making things for myself, and for others.” — Luke

“I just wanted to thank you for sharing your podcast with Billie Joe Armstrong. I have been big fan of his art since I was 12 years old, all the way back in 1992. I came across your podcast from a fan website “greendayauthority” that reposted it. I enjoyed both yours and his outlooks on creativity and the processes we all must figure out. I used to play in band and haven’t even picked up a guitar in years because life/work happened. Your pod cast inspired me to pick it back up. For no other reason than it used to make me happy. Thanks again.” — Josh

“Just finished listening to your podcast interview with Billie-Joe Armstrong. I'm a podcast AND Green Day fan so this one was a real must for me. It got me thinking about how I use my downtime, and in fact, why I call it downtime in the first place. Surely it could be up-and-down time? I have kids, a wife, a job etc. and I regularly convince myself that I don't have time to open up the reflective and creative part that I know exists within me. I play guitar and affords me some time to be able to transfer some of my experiences into music which I always enjoy. I always played in bands when I was in my teens and twenties. My wife is an art teacher and I think she's able to do the same sometimes within her artistic abilities. Hopefully we'll teach our kids the importance of the space that you talk about; the fun and creative space but also a time to allow ourselves to be vulnerable and explore parts of ourselves that we wouldn't do otherwise. Anyway, I just thought I'd drop you a line after listening to the episode; I really enjoyed it! I particularly liked the part where you talked about the moment you give someone a cookie that they have always loved and then wait for their expression. I'll look to do the same. Thanks so much & love from the U.K,” — Rob

“Such an inspiring episode! I've been working on a long essay about the importance of Green Day in my life, recovering from depression and anxiety. This gives me a lot of fuel to get it done and share it! Thank you!” - Adolescent Girl

“With regards to the comments about Bowie playing a character;
This inspired me to write something on a Post-It note which will eventually become a song. I just wanted to share that the inspiration I thought you're talking about inspiration has inspired me to this.
Loosely, this little Post-It note alludes to the concept of how I, as a musician and performer, transform into somebody I like better then myself when I'm on stage. You can very well say I'm writing a song for all the songwriters... And Billie, if you're reading this let's work on this together?
See you on the 19th on stage...”
-Junkyard Triumph

“I really enjoyed this very much. Thank you to you both so much for creating this conversation! It honestly, made me remember much more vividly, of all the significant 'times of my life' in which Green Day (or more specifically, Billie Jo) has played such a huge role for me. Emotionally, mentally, spiritually.. so Inspirational on so many levels, I grew up (literally) right alongside every album, teaching myself guitar riffs (& having children 🙂) Now, I too, with my own adult children (3 out of 4) My oldest daughter, now 25, the first concert I took her to see was Green Day for her 16th Birthday. Truly as inspiring of an artist as ever, 25 years later! 💓👏😊” - Lisa Smith

“Your Smash Everything with Billie Joe Armstrong episode 10 is so good! I love how deep you were able to get into how he creates. Thank you both for sharing your important insights and experience to make lasting art.”

“Thank you so much for the brilliantly inspiring interview with Billie Joe. The discussion was so revealing regarding the creative process which are transferable to any creative situation. I myself was stuck in a rut about 8 years ago being a single mom with my world falling apart at my feet. One amazing moment at a GD gig in Dublin Marley Park changed my life forever. Billie Joe chose me to go on stage albeit the fact I was dressed as a nun. That kind and wonderful experience helped me break through my depression at the time. I moved back to the UK. Went to University. Graduated with a degree last year at the age of 45. I have now started to write a book which gives me so much creative pleasure. I never thought I was creatively capable enough, but like you and BJ said, we easily forget how creatively unrestricted we were as children and i have discovered now that I did still have that creativity within me, I just forgot how to access it because of how we are nurtured negatively by today's world to just get on with things in life in the way others expected us to be. I am now following my heart and dreams. Nothing may come of it successfully but I now don't care anymore. I am enjoying the process and that is enough for me and my happiness. I've shared this podcast with my son who has just turned 18 and he struggles with allowing himself to be creative although I and others see how creative he actually he is, despite having Aspergers. He's great at Art and loves nothing more than spending hours playing his guitar, bass and piano. I hope he will see that we are all creative and that he should be as creative as he wishes to be and fuck what pigeon hole society wishes to place him in. Thank you both so very much. “ Charmaine, Birmingham, UK xx

TRT: 50:19 // ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 6/29/19

RECORDED IN SHERMAN OAKS, CA, WE GO BEYOND AND BACK WITH ARTIST & DESIGNER PAUL FRANK.

Paul Frank in Sherman Oaks, CA, January 2019

Paul Frank is best known as the co-founder of Paul Frank Industries, a multi-million dollar company that found success in the mid-1990s with his iconic characters like Julius the Monkey.

In this first of two episodes with Paul Frank, we talk about the beginnings of his creativity, what influenced his early work, where Julius the monkey came from and the fun and the function that comes from just figuring things out yourself. 

EPISODE SPONSOR:

BIG SWIG WATER

This episode is brought to you by Big Swig Water! Founded in Austin, Texas, Big Swig sparkling water comes in EIGHT unique natural flavors, including Jalapeño Pineapple, Watermelon + Mint and PARTY PICKLE. You heard me. You can find Big Swig water clear across Texas and at www.bigswigwater.com.

Thank you, Big Swig, for supporting the Beyond + Back podcast.

LINKS:

• PAUL FRANK ON INSTAGRAM

• EPISODE 3 WITH WK BINGER

• SUPPORT BEYOND + BACK PODCAST VIA PATREON

• BUY THE NEW BEYOND + BACK BANDANA

SONG CREDITS:

• THEME MUSIC BY DAVÍD GARZA

• ALL SONGS IN THIS EPISODE ARE BY DAVÍD GARZA, EXCEPT FOR “GARDEN PARTY” BY RICKY NELSON