Please consider supporting The WTS and becoming a WTS+ member. https://www.patreon.com/thewts    Grady Hillhouse is a civil engineer and creator of Practical Engineering, a YouTube channel devoted to explaining the man-made infrastructure of the world surrounding us. His videos teach us about how aquifers and dams work, or how water towers supply our homes with water. You’ll learn about the importance of culverts, how pavement works, and how electrical transmission lines and traffic signals work. And this just scratches the surface.   Grady’s first book, Engineering in Plain Sight: An Illustrated Field Guide to the Constructed Environment, which is set to release on November first, is already the Amazon #1 Best Seller in Home Design Buildings & Construction.    A recent video on Practical Engineering was all about debunking construction myths, a topic I thought would be a lot of fun to talk about on this podcast. And while we’re at it I’ll throw in some of my own woodworking myths.     Practical Engineering on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PracticalEngineeringChannel 

Construction myths, with Grady from Practical Engineering (Ep. 45)

Creative Culture is about art and how it influences culture. Conversations with an eclectic mix of creative people: makers, artists, musicians, filmmakers, authors, comedians and more.

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In this episode of Creative Culture, I talked to mixologist and professional bartender Leandro Di Monriva  @TheEducatedBarfly  about the art of mixing cocktails and what it takes to be a bartender. We chatted about everything from things that annoy bartenders to the tools of the trade. And if you've been thinking about setting up your own home bar, Leandro shares his tips, including the spirts you'll want to have on hand, the tools you'll need, and the types of glassware. And yes, we learn if James Bond was correct in ordering a martini "shaken, not stirred" or if that's nonsense! The Educated Barfly on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/  Support Creative Culture on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/creativeculturepod 

The art of cocktails. Was James Bond right? With Leandro DiMonriva (EP 86)

Has social media fundamentally changed the way we perceive art? Can art me quantified by the number of eyeballs that view it? In this episode of Creative Culture, I talked with CJ the X, @cjthex a creator and philosopher whose work explores the intersection of art and our cultural engagement with social media. CJ's content, ranging from thought-provoking videos to critical essays, offers a fresh perspective on art's subjectivity and the influence of digital platforms on creative expression. We navigated through various topics, including the challenges and triumphs of the creative process, the impact of social media on art, and the essence of making art that resonates both personally and publicly. Key takeaways from our conversation:  The "Mr. Beastification" of art  CJ's approach to content creation emphasizes depth and thoughtfulness, urging creators to prioritize substance over viral appeal.   The importance of "aesthetic sincerity" in art, where the value of creative work stems from genuine expression rather than strategic analytics.   The challenge of balancing creative integrity with the pressures of social media metrics and audience expectations.   The concept of "doing" as the core of artistic identity, underscoring the need for creators to engage actively with their craft.   Insights into navigating the digital landscape as an artist, including the pitfalls of content commodification and the pursuit of meaningful engagement.   The potential of social media as a tool for artistic expression, despite its inherent tensions with traditional notions of artistry.   Reflections on the evolving definition of art in the digital age and the role of creators in shaping cultural conversations.   Watch CJ's videos: https://www.youtube.com/@cjthex  Read CJ's essays: https://cjthex.com/  Support Creative Culture on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/creativeculturepod 

Can art be objectively bad? With CJ the X (Episode 85)

This episode of Creative Culture is a look into the enchanting world of historical fashion with the talented Vasi Birchwood who not only dons but also meticulously crafts her own historical attire that she wears daily. We explored Vasi's journey into hand sewing and her passion for bringing the clothing of the working-class Victorian era and her Volga Tatar heritage to life. Our conversation touched on the practicality and comfort of historical garments, debunking common misconceptions about corsetry, and the deeper connection these clothes offer to our ancestors and past cultures. Vasi's approach to living intentionally, through sustainable fashion and a deep respect for craftsmanship, offered a refreshing perspective on the significance of what we wear and how it connects us to history and identity.   Key highlights of the episode include:    Vasi Birchwood's expertise in creating authentic historical fashion by hand, focusing on working-class Victorian and Volga Tatar garments. The practical benefits and comfort of wearing historical clothing, challenging modern perceptions of discomfort associated with it. The significance of historical attire in connecting with one's heritage and the broader cultural implications of fashion throughout history. The importance of sustainable fashion practices and the critique of fast fashion's impact on society and the environment. Vasi's personal journey into sewing and the therapeutic aspects of handcrafting garments. The role of clothing in living intentionally and fostering a deeper connection to the materials and processes involved in garment creation.  Visit Vasi's YouTube channel  Consider supporting the podcast on Patreon!

Is Fast-Fashion Destroying Culture? With V.Birchwood (Episode 84)

In this episode of Creative Culture,  I talked with Electric Linda, a master tattoo artist hailing from Norway about tattoo art. With over two decades of experience, Linda brings a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and artistic wisdom to the table. Known for her dynamic and colorful photorealistic tattoos, as well as being a specialist in coverups, Linda has won over 50 international tattoo awards. Beyond her tattoo mastery, she's also a passionate entrepreneur, running both a successful tattoo studio and an online store inspired by tattoo art. This conversation explores the depths of tattoo culture, artistic expression, and the personal journeys intertwined with every inked piece. Main takeaways from the show include:  The evolution of tattoo placements and societal perceptions over the past two decades. Insights into the personal and emotional significance tattoos hold for individuals. The intricacies of tattoo artistry, from photorealism to coverups, and the technical skills required. The importance of artist-client relationships in the tattoo process and how it shapes the final artwork. The impact of social media and television on the tattoo industry and individual artists' careers.  Help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/creativeculturepod  Watch Creative Culture on YouTube! Electric Linda on YouTube

Why is everyone getting tattoos? What you need to know. With Electric Linda (EP 83)

Welcome to Creative Culture, a podcast that explores the myriad ways people express their creativity. In this episode, I spoke with Lloyd Barnes  @LloydB   a professional magician and illusion creator. Lloyd not only develops magic illusions for magicians globally but also shares his expertise through detailed tutorials on his YouTube channel. His approach to magic combines ingenuity and creativity, and in this conversation, he dives into the intricacies of his craft, offering a unique perspective on magic and illusion.   Main Takeaways:   • The Art of Illusion Creation: Lloyd discusses his process of developing new magic tricks and the challenges of balancing technical skill with presentation. • The Impact of Technology on Magic: Insights into how advancements in technology have shaped modern magic and illusion. • Ethics in Magic: Lloyd shares his views on the ethics of revealing magic tricks and the distinction between exposure and education in the magic community. • Personal Journey into Magic: A look into Lloyd's personal journey and how he transformed challenges into a thriving career in magic. • Magic as a Universal Language: Exploring how magic transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, connecting people worldwide.   Listeners of this episode will gain a deeper appreciation for the art of magic and the creative process behind illusion creation. Lloyd Barnes's journey from overcoming personal challenges to becoming a renowned illusionist is not only inspiring but also a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance. Whether you're a magic enthusiast or simply curious about the world of illusion, this episode offers valuable insights and an engaging conversation.   Check out Lloyd's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LloydB    Support Creative Culture! https://www.patreon.com/creativeculturepod 

Construction myths, with Grady from Practical Engineering (Ep. 45)

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