This week, we're thrilled to spotlight Vera Bianchini, a dynamic force in the film festival circuit with over a decade of experience.

In this episode, Vera takes us on a journey from her film school days to becoming the director of her own festival, all while championing underrepresented voices in cinema. Let's dive into the highlights of this enriching conversation.

🔍 Key Chapters:

📽️ We also dive into Vera's story and her impactful work with the Minnesota Film Festival (MFF). Learn how she champions underrepresented voices in cinema and transforms cultural events into engines of economic growth. From navigating a male-dominated industry to the invaluable mentorship that shaped her career, Vera shares it all.

🎬 Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Minnesota Film Festival! Discover the festival’s submission process, the economic benefits it brings to local communities, and the efforts to attract international filmmakers. Plus, we explore the idea of a mockumentary series about the unique community of festival workers.

💡 Whether you’re passionate about film, community building, or the creative economy, this episode is a treasure trove of information and indispensable advice. Don’t miss out on Vera’s personal anecdotes and professional insights!

Minnesota Film Festival

March 19th - 23rd, 2025

Zeitgeist Arts, Downtown Duluth, MN

—

All Demystifying the Creative Economy Details:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.demystifyingthecreativeeconomy.com/

Say hi to on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dce.podcast⁠ 

YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/AsherJames⁠⁠⁠

Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app or the Spotify app: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Embark on an explorative journey with our special guests, Kevin Jacobson of Story North Productions and the remarkably talented watercolor artist, Sam Nielsen of Art by SJ Nielsen, as they weave tales of their unique documentary project capturing America's national parks.

With Kevin's seasoned background in television news storytelling and Sam's artistic evolution from hobbyist to professional painter, the duo shares their serendipitous meeting and the inception of a collaboration that promises to splash the grandeur of nature onto watercolor canvases, while also casting light on local cultures and economies.

Art by SJ Nielsen

Story North Productions

Watercolors Documentary

Support the Doc on Kickstarter

—

All Demystifying the Creative Economy Details:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.demystifyingthecreativeeconomy.com/

Say hi to on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dce.podcast 

YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/AsherJames⁠⁠

Leave a review on the Apple Podcast app or the Spotify app: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Today we engage in a fascinating discussion with Steph Love about her inspiring endeavors in the creative economy and the ripple effect of her work on communities far and wide.

Listen in as Steph shares the story of founding Positive Energy Outdoors, a beacon for inclusive outdoor activities. We celebrate the victories and hurdles in creating programs that welcome a tapestry of participants, and how this commitment to diversity is transforming the landscape of outdoor education.

This narrative isn't just about growth; it's a testament to the power of inclusive spaces and the enduring influence of Steph's legacy in the realm of recreational accessibility.

"I still remember the day I hung up my white coat, a symbol of my medical career, to embrace a path less traveled." - Sarah Bamford Seidelmann.

Today, Sarah joins us to share her transformation from physician to shamanic healer and entrepreneur. Her tale is both inspiring and instructive, guiding us through the struggles and breakthroughs that come with trading conventional success for a life of deeper purpose.

Sarah opens up about the sabbatical that reshaped her world and the shift towards personal development, offering insights on how to navigate the creative economy while staying true to one's internal 'feel good' compass.

Marty's life story could easily be mistaken for a modern-day Odyssey, a journey marked by transformation, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

In our premiere episode, we sit down with the marketing maestro behind Aimclear to unearth the narrative of a band drama nerd turned entrepreneur. His eclectic experience—from crafting jingles to building a marketing empire—is not just a tale of personal triumph but also a masterclass in how to thrive in the creative economy.