In this episode, Nolen Bivens from Americans for the Arts joins the pod to discuss the future of arts advocacy. Where is the field going, and what do creatives need most in our modern economic environment? What is coming down the legislative pipeline to help the arts? We answer all these questions and more in a wide-ranging discussion about all things creative.

In this episode, Nate McGaha from Arts North Carolina joins the show to teach Ray and Ben the fundamentals of arts advocacy. Along the way, they discuss the nature of the arts as an industry, and they explore the delineation between for-profit creative work and nonprofit initiatives. It's a fantastically interesting and crucial conversation for creatives and enthusiasts alike.

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You can mourn many different kinds of losses in your life.

That's one of the central themes in Ray's song, "Sunday Mourning Hymnal." In this episode, Ray takes the guest chair as Ben Evans and Alex Rust interrogate him on all the complexities of writing vulnerable lyrics. They discuss Ray's departure from his religion and how a person has to build new structures of meaning and purpose in the aftermath of deconstruction. 

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In this episode,  we talk to rapper Shaw Calhoune about the nature of inspiration and how creative people can find new ideas practically anywhere if they know how to look for them. Along the way, we talk about the state of the hip-hop genre among so many other topics. All in all, it's a great episode. 

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How have your artistic endeavors changed you?

In this episode, we talk about the subtle and not-so-subtle ways that an artist’s knowledge informs their perspective as a consumer. As we grow and change as creative people, our understanding of creativity changes as well. We also check in with some of our former guests on how their perspectives have changed over time too!

So all in all its a great conversation.

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In this episode of our songwriting series Songs I Shouldn't Explain,  Charlotte-based rock band Oh! You Pretty Things joins us to discuss their new song, Say Nothing. We discuss the vulnerability of sharing lyrics with a band, and we talk about how bands can incorporate the individual creative influences of each bandmate. Honestly, it's just a fun conversation.

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In this episode of the podcast, musician and podcaster Casey Cavaliere joins us to compare and contrast the real-world fulfillment of his band The Wonder Years and the unique rewards of his podcast The Record Process. Along the way, we talk about the challenges and obstacles that creatives face as we navigate a truly weird era in history. 

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Dogs. Depression. Nerf gun battles. This episode has it all! In this installment of our series Songs I Shouldn't Explain, we talk to the band Outatime! about their song Husky Fight. We discuss the value of exploring your mental health through creative work, and we also have a great conversation about finding creative inspiration in unusual places. Honestly, the whole conversation is a breath of fresh air.

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In this episode, we talk to artist and community organizer Kat Cornelius AKA TuxedoKat about the nature of real community and how social media can impact artists in positive and negative ways. Along the way, we talk about the radical acceptance encountered at drag shows, and so many other subjects. It's a great conversation. 

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Follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @DecodingTheCreative !

To what extent does geography define our creative destiny? In this episode of the podcast, Angela Medlin joins us to discuss how the act of relocating to a different city can make a huge difference in your creative opportunities. We also discuss the challenges that can arise from uprooting your life and moving. It's a fascinating exploration of what it means to remain true to your craft as life throws obstacles in your way!

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