Scientist, author, TV presenter, teacher, musician, and visual artist Liz Lee Heinecke, Kitchen Pantry Scientist, stops by for a visit. Liz's passion for science and education has taken her on many inspiring adventures. We discuss the importance of finding your niche, the value of collaboration, and what it means to be a role model.

Author, speaker, theologian, and pastor Clint Schnekloth returns for a second appearance on our podcast! We discuss the impact of Clint's first book, boundary-pushing in the arts, and the problem of leaders who don't want to be too interesting. Also: Humans always fall in love with robots.

Author and educator Roseanne Cheng and the Rundmans are neighbors, and they meet for the first time live on the podcast! She writes young adult novels, and helps schools and parents to teach literature to kids. Her organized and practical approach to a creative life is inspiring! Plus she shares her favorite word "ostensibly," and Jonathan shares his least favorite word "great."

Songwriter, fiddler in the bluegrass supergroup Barnstar, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Jake Armerding exudes inspiration, wisdom, and maturity! A must-hear for musicians, performers ...and everybody else, too! We discuss industry conferences like Folk Alliance and SXSW, confidence, humility, the need for mentors, and the power of mystique. Take notes!

Designer and jewelry artist Tia Salmela Keobounpheng of Silvercocoon officially meets the Rundmans after years of peripheral acquaintanceship. Discussion topics include: the discovery of an artist's creative voice, the freelancer's strategies on social media, how new technology can lead to a creative epiphany, parenting, and our shared Nordic heritage. Also, stewardship of artistic materials...you have to eat the donut hole!

Songwriters, musicians, and performers George Baum and Michael Bridges of the duo Lost And Found join us at the eve of their band's retirement. We discuss their unconventional 29-year career, their prioritizing of the Three Ms (message, money, and music), various lessons learned from KISS, and their stated goal as a band: "that strangers would become friends."

Poet (and Jonathan's cousin!) Beth Roberts is our first family-member podcast guest! We discuss hyperbole, poetic license, the raising of personal artistic standards, and Jonathan's struggle to balance artistic passion with the paranoia over inward wankery. Plus, Beth reads to us two poems: the new "Sober," and "Learning to Spell" from her 2001 book BRIEF MORAL HISTORY IN BLUE.

Comedian, folk humorist, and musician Mary Mack was on our earliest wish-list for guests on our podcast, so we're thrilled to have her on this episode! You've seen her on NBC's Last Comic Standing, heard her on NPR's Wits and Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, and smelled her annual Holiday Meat Raffle variety show wafting down from Minneapolis. She's funny and inspiring. Listen!

Actor, dancer, singer, and life coach Dawn Trautman brings her laser focus and inspirational vibes to the Rundman kitchen table. A must-listen episode for the freelance performer, we discuss the myth of the overnight sensation, how to build a personal brand, advice for rural Midwesterners who want to work in showbiz on the coasts, life on the road, and what it's like to audition for a broadway show. "I cannot not lead!" Jonathan and the Dawns, unabashed! Get ready.

Voiceover artist, improv comedian, and actor Taj Ruler brings her sparkle and insight to the Rundman kitchen table. Taj shares the "yes, and" philosophy of improv comedy, and provides a glimpse behind the scenes of a commercial voiceover recording session. Plus, we discuss vulnerability, safety, euphoria, chasing the dragon, and being an introvert in showbiz!