This is Here For The Moment, a podcast that gives me an excuse to have and record conversations with my community of friends, family, and neighbors. We may not be intergalactically famous, but we’re no less inspiring and no less impactful on the world. Plus, I have my own selfish reasons. I know that one day, when I’m old and tired of TV and the news, hopefully wise enough to avoid scrolling myself into oblivion, I will dig up these recordings—some of which I’ll never share on the podcast—and I will delight in their beauty. So really I’m like a squirrel, hoarding away nourishment for winter, leaving myself a trail of episodes to help me find my way back to these precious moments with my community. Right here and right now, I am Collin Whitlock of the Show & Tell Neighborhood, and this podcast is Here For The Moment. 

Our guest today is Leo Castronovo, an inspired creative with the rare and coveted gifts of ambition and follow through. He’s a sculptor, painter, designer, stop-motion animator, writer, dungeon master, baker, who knows what else? Also, he’s 12 years old. This kid is a real piece of work, and I should know—I’ve had the pleasure of tutoring/mentoring Leo for the last five years or so and we’re still teaching each other something new every week. This moment you’re here for is a brief glimpse into the sort of teaching environment Leo and I have crafted for one another. 

A warning to the listener, our discussion delves deep into spoiler territory for quite a few shows—Stranger Things, mostly, but also at least one major spoiler for The Wire, a few minor plot points of Lost, and finally, spoilers for Shera and the Princesses of Power. Thank you for finding a way to be here for this moment with Leo and me today.