Art can heal our wounds.  Art can bring us together.

In this episode, we dig deep and get personal about the role of the arts in healing us during difficult times, both in consuming creative things and in the creating process itself.

And a brief content warning: this episode discusses themes of loss and social isolation, among other sensitive matters.

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Season 3 of the podcast is here! In this season, we will be exploring the phenomenon of social isolation and how the arts can serve as an antidote to this critical issue in society. In this episode, we explore the basic building blocks of social isolation -- the pressures of adult life, socioeconomic challenges, and more. We also discuss how this issue affects men in particular and how men should bear a specific role in remedying the problem. 

In our Diversity Spotlight segment, we shine a light on rapper Shaw Calhoune and author Zoje Stage. Check them out!

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In this episode, we talk to Max Getz AKA Dead Motel, about the process by which a musician finds their sound. Why and how do musicians change genres? Is this change indicative of something deeper and more personal? We explore all of this and more in this conversation.

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In this episode, we talk to Alissa Redmond from South Main Book Company about the surprising success of local bookstores across America.  Along the way, we talk about how bookstores serve as unique multicultural spaces in cities, and we explore how brick-and-mortar spaces can be places where ideas can be freely discussed. It's a great conversation. 

So, you write a song about someone in your life. You spill your guts in lyrical form and your feelings explode into a melody. And then, the next day, you have to face that person again. This is the dilemma we discuss with the Charlotte-based rock band Faye in this episode about their song, "No Vibes." It's a fascinating exploration of how intimate songwriting can be, and how that vulnerable art form can be exposing for the artist in certain circumstances.

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In this episode, we talk to painter Julia Lawing about the unique craft of impressionist painting, and how creatives of every discipline embody their own work. How does a painter experience painting? How does a musician encounter music in their body? These are the questions we explore in this delightful conversation.

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In this episode, we talk to comedian Matt Dameron about the exciting and strange experience of doing stand-up comedy. Along the way, we talk about the rise and fall of various social media apps, the nature of cancel culture… whatever that is... And so much more.

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In this episode, we talk about JOBs. That's right -- we talk about how you earn your living and how it impacts your creativity… or the absence thereof. Ben and I have worked a lot of different day jobs, and each one has impacted our ambitions differently, so we give you all the dirty details of our time in the workforce.

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In this episode, we talk to Matt and Tim from the organization Charlotte Is Creative about the state of the arts scene in Charlotte. Along the way, we discuss the nature of maturing as a creative individual, and what it means to bridge the gap between the arts and the world of big business & finance. It's a fantastic conversation for creatives and arts enthusiasts alike!

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How can we expand our definition of wellness? How can we pursue betterment in new and effective ways? These questions strike to the core of Ron Millward's work with Balanced Veterans Network, an organization that seeks to provide "wellness... for veterans and their families." In this episode, we talk to Ron about the power of alternative therapies and how individuals can channel their creative skills into opportunities that are not inherently artful by nature. 

Check out some of our older episodes in the podcast feed -- we have great conversations with songwriters, sculptors, advocates, and more!