Creative Differences

In this episode, I chat with burlesque performer Somerset O'Neil. We talk about what burlesque is (and isn't), how audiences should react, and about the changes in the Memphis scene. We discuss how she prepares for a performance and how complicated the costuming process can be. She also shares some entertaining stories about when things go wrong on stage.

For More information about Somerset: https://www.facebook.com/somersetoneil13

For More information about Richard: http://www.richardalester.com

For All Season One Episodes: http://www.azbeststudios.com

In this episode, I talk to actress Charisse Norment. We discuss the plays, shorts, and films she has been in. She dishes on the trials of making independent movies, and shares her joy of performing Shakespeare with school children. She also talks about how she prepares for a role, and what can happen when she gets too far into it.

For more information about Charisse: https://www.facebook.com/cnorment08

For more information about Richard: http://www.richardalester.com

In this episode, I sit down with Adam Guerrero at the Cooper Young Farmer's Market. We discuss Adam's efforts to transform vacant lots in North Memphis into urban farms. His ultimate goal is provide much needed nutrient rich foods to an area that has very few options. The gardens are also a way to empower the community and stop outsider gentrification. Adam tells us the best ways to transform rough soil, and talks about what the city is, and isn't, doing to help his group out.

For More About Urban Gardening in Memphis: https://www.facebook.com/pages/GrowMemphis/168594983199516

For Adam's Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/smartmulememphis/kickstart-the-north-memphis-farmers-collective

For More About Richard: http://www.richardalester.com

For All Season One Episodes: http://www.azbeststudios.com

In this episode, I talk to photographer John Upton about his upcoming show, Walter Waters: The Un-Legacy of a film failure. The exhibit is about a fictional director who goes made and destroys the prints of his 3 films. The photos are the only remaining stills from those movies. We also discuss current events, small towns, and personal biases.

John's Show Takes place on August 7th, 2015 6-9 at Cowork at 902 S. Cooper in Memphis, TN.

For more information about Richard A Lester: http://www.richardalester.com

Season Two starts off with filmmaker Rachel Taylor. We chat about her short Avarice, fantasy films, and our goals as writer/directors.

For more information about Rachel:

http://www.pianomanpictures.com/avarice.html

https://twitter.com/rachelmtaylor12

For more about Richard:

http://www.richardalester.com

For this episode, I decided to do a little something different. Instead of sitting down with an artist in the usual sense, I spoke with animal lover Beth Spencer about her pet rescue work. We also talk about the ongoing problems with the MAS, and discuss ways that you can help dogs and cats find a permanent home.

For more about Beth:

memphispetsalive.org

For more about Richard A Lester:

richardalester.com

In this episode I sit down with writer Danian Jerry. We discuss his novel in progress, his upcoming graphic novel, and the merits of Stephen King. Danian takes us through his love of music and how he has brought that into his passion for writing.

For more information about Danian Jerry:

https://www.facebook.com/danian.jerry

For more information about Richard A Lester:

http://www.richardalester.com

In this episode, I sit down with the members of post punk band, The Family Ghost. We discuss their new album, No Dreams, heartache, sadness, and sampling! These guys are really funny, and we laughed a lot during this.

For more on The Family Ghost:

Bandcamp: http://thefamilyghost.bandcamp.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Family-Ghost/186887244679777

For more about Richard A Lester:

http://www.richardalester.com

For this episode, I talked with Josh Shipp, Jason Pulley, and James Hoffman about their reunion show. The guys have spent the past decade or so recording/playing under the names Mrs. Fletcher, The Adversary, and To Serve Man.

In this episode, I sit down with hip hop artist Marco Pave'. We discuss his meteoric rise, his upcoming trip to L.A., and the struggles Memphis faces as a city. He shows that he is just as concerned about helping the community as he is with his own success.

For more on Marco: http://www.facebook.com/IAMKINGPAVE/

For more on Richard: http://www.richardalester.com