The Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” might be the Citizen Kane of pop albums. But what happened with the aborted follow-up, “Smile”?

How and why did the project go off the rails and get shelved...only to grow in reputation over the decades and fuel the “Brian Wilson is a Genius” flame?

Well, the rest of us may not be geniuses, but we can all relate to family pressures,professional expectations, and even personal demons.

All are hot topics our guest — author David Leaf -- serves up in fine form in his latest book, “SMILE: The Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson.” David brings personal insight from decades as Brian’s friend and preeminent biographer, including a firsthand account of that fabled project’s nail-biting path to completion in the early 2000s.

What does #geniusAF MARK MOTHERSBAUGH do to stay centered and inspired? The prolific film composer and Devo co-founder reveals the helpful daily practice he’s maintained for half a century. Mark also shares tales of Wes Anderson and how our “deficits” can lead to transformative super powers.

Andrew Westover, PhD of Atlanta’s High Museum serves up inspiring ways he and his colleagues are evolving — and preserving — the role of art museums in our civic and personal lives as "a place for you to be."

Biographer Warren Zanes unpacks one of rock and roll’s greatest WTF moments – Bruce Springsteen’s release of the seminal “Nebraska” album. It was shaggy! Imperfect! A work totally alien to our current, carefully-curated social  media culture. Zanes book on the album is the basis for a new motion picture "Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere." Warren also shares valuable lessons from his other legendary subjects, Tom Petty and Garth Brooks.

“Just existing can be hard, Maybe living is an art…” Amanda Shires sings on her new album, “Nobody’s Girl.” This collection of songs is at once triumphant and raw, documenting the aftermath of a very public divorce. So how’s she holding up? Amanda talks frankly about her current state, the benefits of night gardening, and the personal impact of songwriting legends like John Prine and Billy Joe Shaver.

How does singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega conquer creative dry spells? (Hint: Form is your friend!) Also - caregiving in a time of widespread crisis and how it informed her acclaimed new album, "Flying With Angels." PLUS! Her inside scoop on a legendary career.

#caregiving #songwriting #selfcare

Get coached on plowing through self-imposed road blocks. Also...nifty tips for Life Organization and beginning with the end in mind.

Maybe this could power up your next project: creative rules from classic Looney Tunes animator Chuck Jones. This framework is a frequent go-to for our guest, Producer-Composer-Creative Director Brandon Bush (Megan Moroney,John Mayer). From the outside, Brandon looks to be in constant maker mode, also creating music for Film, TV, Video Games and Live Theater. How does he stay grounded and inspired?

Anger can fuel you work, but don't let it be the headline...so says Actor-Comedian Scott Thompson (The Kids In The Hall). In a conversation taped at City Winery in Atlanta, Scott dares to go deep and personal, including revelations about God, Pee Wee Herman and Arnold Schwarzenegger. (Scott is a regular on Schwarzenegger's current Netlfix series FUBAR.)

His latest standup special (“Dana Gould: Perfectly Normal”) is now available on YouTube and iTunes. Hear how this widely-revered comedian once aced his audition for SNL, but didn’t make the cut (SPOILER: Things worked out!) Plus...other tales from an eclectic career that includes writing for The Simpsons and Parks and Recreation.  Also -- Dana shares the work and life inspiration he takes from the late David Lynch.