I spoke to my friend Emma aka Punk Hands about her journey. Emma is a Pennsylvania native who moved to Portland, Oregon and works in the pet store industry. Emma is also a musician who sings under the moniker Punk Hands.  In our conversation we talk about Emma's origin story, BLM, supporting local businesses, COVID19 and social inequality. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes. 

Links to Punk Hands 

https://instagram.com/punkhands

punkhands.bandcamp.com !

ShanaLee Hampton's Mask 

https://genuinelywhatever.com/collections/face-masks/products/empathy-face-mask-by-shanalee-hampton

I spoke to Richmond, Virginia based entrepreneur and creator , Akasha. Akasha is a friend of DJ Kitana ( Episode 148) and is involved in many communities. Some of those communities include the Burner Community, Table Top Games, Warhammers, Production and Youtubing. In our conversation Akasha discusses the importance of taking a leap of faith and investing in yourself to turn your passions to a profession. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes. 

To follow Akasha's endeavors please review the links below. 

Akasha's Gaming Channel

I spoke to Southern Maine resident, Madeline Weber. Weber is originally from the upstate New York/Binghamton area and recently moved to Maine in 2020.  Weber has connected me with past guests on the show such as Marinna ( Episode 121) and Olivia Dwyer ( Episode 94). Weber is currently a Confections Consultant and has had experience in modeling for community brands. Weber expresses her love for defining her own beauty standards and exploring vintage clothing and cosmetology. In our conversation we cover discussions around validation, freedom of expression and finding enjoyment in exploring different mediums for creativity. Find out More on Dreams Not Memes. 

I spoke to  Artist Jackie and the Wizard(Jamie). They are from Pawtucket, Rhode Island and often play in the Providence area.  The dynamic duo has toured throughout the northeastern area of the US in various independent spaces and value representation and community. In our conversation Jackie shares her story about how she became a live performer and her experiences with cultivating online music events during COVID-19. Find out more on Dreams Not Memes. 

Links 

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6liydM9NgltLsJNUAWedlp

Bandcamp

https://artistjackie.bandcamp.com/?fbclid=IwAR2-v-Yq5emPufZ0B8_S15iWk7isXLThM2OrTS217ACRmKN_E6XQXkWolAI

I spoke to the founders of Deep Space Devices, a boutique pedal company in Northern Alabama.  Taylor Adams ( Design)  and Clint McDuffie( Business/ Mechanics) share their insights about the start of their pedal company and the art of entrepreneurship and quality process improvements as a creative. Deep Space Devices, have gained the respect of various music technology conventions (NAMM , Stompbox, etc) and have developed comradery in the music pedal industry with many other boutique organizations. Learn more about Deep Space Devices on Dreams Not Memes. 

Links

Deep Space Devices Site 

www.deepspacesdevices.com

Taylor Adams Portfolio 

www.tayloradams.art 

I spoke with Kansas City based activist and entrepreneur, Jennifer McCartney. McCartney is the founder of Kansas City Heroes a 501c3 non profit that helps people with disabilities, senior citizens, the houseless, veterans, and single-parent homes by providing acts of kindness.  From building a porch for a single mom of 7, to house work, yard work, handyman work, getting clothing and food for families, getting furniture and so much more. In our conversation we spoke about the origin of Kansas City Heroes, supporting houseless individuals in COVID-19 and what it has been like to collaborate with other non profits to support others. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes. 

Links 

https://kc-heroes.org/

I spoke to Montana native, Callie Benjamin about her journey as a creative, songwriter, and personal experience with music. Benjamin aspires to continue her journey in a place where she can always challenge herself and learn as a creator. Benjamin is a Berklee alumnus and has had experience with the Montana music community and Boston music community. We discuss the importance of being self-aware, reflecting on your own trauma, and setting your own personal boundaries and goals as a creator.  Find out more on Dreams Not Memes. 

To listen to Callie head to Soundcloud to check out her project DAEM. 

https://soundcloud.com/HernameisDAEM?fbclid=IwAR30pPlkcw_Yo1PfuOsmwX1hg-4eceP6prKbXHXWQkZIZ3ApomirxvM8aKk

I spoke to Skyler Husebye a folk-punk artist from North Dakota.  In our conversation, we spoke about internet subcultures, folk punk, the challenges of touring in North Dakota, and their experiences with rebranding themselves as an artist. Tune in on Dreams Not Memes to learn more about Skyler's story and their projects. 

Bandcamp

https://straightlinearrival.bandcamp.com/

Spotify 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5aqGLMSq41Z9GJryfxhypU