Kites and Strings

Today's episode features a discussion with Steve's daughter's 3rd grade teacher, Liz Smith, but it has nothing to do with his daughter, their experience in school, or really even Liz's experience as a teacher.  It is much more about Liz's transition and re-invention when she realized that her role in education did not bring the joy that it once did. 

She shares her passion for people, connection and her community, and about how these factors and values motivate her.  Her history of taking small steps outside of the norm and being her own person from tattoos, to hair styles to new piercings is explored and we recognize how her passions and intuition pushed her through the difficult  chapter of  relinquishing job security and "throwing her degrees away" in order to do what feels right. 

We learn about emotional intelligence and some of the ways that she teaches kids and adults about the importance of being astutely aware of their feelings, especially joy, anger, fear, and anxiety.  In the end, this is an excellent episode in that it explores the kite and string concept so completely and possibly from the perch of an industry that is not immediately looked at as creative.

https://serendipityyogaandwellness.com/
Instagram - @serendipityyogaandwellness
Facebook - @serendipityyogaandwellness
Twitter - @serendipityyw

Here's how you can find Kites and Strings out there in the interwebs.
Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: [email protected]

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer and  all other original music is from Purple Planet Music and PurplePlanet.com  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

Today's guest is NPR Tiny Desk, punk-folk musician, Sunny War.   She is an amazing, largely self-taught guitarist who played and developed her songwriting chops to literally survive homelessness and addiction as a teen in LA.  Like the other two released through Hen House Studios, her most recent LP, Simple Syrup is gathering amazing reviews throughout the world.  It's been called "delectable,"  "significant and fluent,"  and a "perfect album for  dreary morning." (Atthebarrier.com, Americanhighways.org, BCTV.org).  Forbes review of the album was equally positive and they call Sunny a "poet with a downcast gaze and virtuosic mastery of an instrument."  And believe us, this only scratches the surface.  

Kites and Strings had a wonderful time interviewing Sunny who came off a European tour with George Benson in early July and and who is back on the road, criss-crossing North American with stops in Canada and on both coasts.  We catch up with her while she is in Portland and about a week before she makes her way through the Midwest and an August 26th date at the Wexler Group Trail Mix Acoustic Concert Series that Steve founded and directs. 

We had some delays in getting Sunny War on and we wanted to air this episode before the August 26th date, so Steve is joined by a guest co-host in the person of Anastasia Robieson because Catherine is in Zimbabwe til the end of the month. 

What is learned in this episode is that Sunny War, despite her lived life, is a joy.  As is clear in her songs, she is very honest and tells it like it is.  Her sharing about a mean uncle, frustrations with loosing youthful omnipotence, voting, corporations, and even feeling bored of her own music after long a career is surprisingly refreshing. 

Thanks for joining us and we hope you enjoy this episode of Kites and Strings:

Sunny's Website - http://www.sunnywar.com/
Instagram - @sunnywarmusic
Twitter - @sunnywar
Facebook - @sunnywarmusic
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbkvZUD6w-3QWR4qjJQpP-w

For tickets to the Wexler Group Trail Mix Acoustic Concert Series featuring Sunny War:
https://www.trailmixmusic.org/reservations-donations-merch

Here's how you can find Kites and Strings out there in the interwebs.
Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: [email protected]

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and  this episode's music breaks featured tracks performed by Sunny War.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

We've had a full Summer - a bunch of good and some not so good, but we're set for season three.  Steve and Catherine use this episode, which is our 75th, to discuss hopes for this season and since we are not the type of show that has a whole season of guests lined up, we used today's episode to expressly challenge ourselves and to request help from the listeners in the task of identifying and securing specific types of creatives and creative fields.  We will continue to follow a similar format and will do all that we can to  bring forth creatives who represent many different media and genres, and we will find folks who are at varying levels of managing that kite and string conundrum.   

In essence, we're looking forward to another season of Kites and Strings and would love to engage the listenership even more in this season. 

Here's how you can find Kites and Strings out there in the interwebs.
Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: [email protected]

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and  this episode's music breaks featured tracks performed by the Uh Oh's and Butterfield Creek.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

Yeah, it's been a a bit since our last episode.  We've been winding down season 2 and it's bitter sweet that we are ending our 2nd season today. It's a blast doing this podcast, but it is a lot of work and a break is needed.   Hold tight though, there will be a season 3 in just a couple months  or so, and we're looking forward to the guests and conversations we will have. 

For now though, we have a special treat for the the season 2 finale.  Kites and String's very first guest, Anastasia (Stasia) Robieson, comes back and sits in the interviewer's seat. Although, it really is much more of a fun conversation about why we create, who we create for, and we discuss a bunch about dune grass, pine trees, con-artists, New Orleans street performers and Dennis Rodman.  In short, we have a ball. 

In addition , today's show features musical samplings of Stasia's band with her husband, Josh, The Uh Ohs, as well as the band she is bandmates with Steve in, Butterfield Creek.

Stasia's  band, The Uh Oh's website .  https://www.uhohsmusic.com/
Instagram - @the_uh_ohs
Facebook - @uhohsmusic
Anastasia's Heart Punch Designs via facebook @HeartPunchDesigns
Heart Punch Designs on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartPunchDesigns

@heartpunchdesigns

 Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: [email protected]

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and  this episode's music breaks featured tracks performed by the Uh Oh's and Butterfield Creek.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

In this episode, Steve and Catherine have the distinct pleasure of interviewing NLS Huncho, or  just "Huncho."  He's a rapper/musician, but he's also so much more.  What is most evident is that he is truly a nice guy who defies the image of thug rapper with a need to show out as in control, always f*cking b*itches, and flashing money and guns.  Instead he has found that when he lets his raps just flow, what comes out are much more vulnerable expressions. We learn that he has always liked his music, but through his newest truer and more expressive efforts, he has come to love it. His most recent EP is called "Anxiety, ADHD and Arrogance," and it is available on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music.

In our talk with Huncho, we learn about his coming to rap and hip hop later than most  due to his church upbringing, his cont'd singing in choir,  his failing out of college twice while back home in California before being encouraged  to follow his dreams at Dillard University. We also learn just how similar he finds his role as a rapper is to his Pastor father's role. We meet with him while his is at Dillard, and we learn that Huncho has truly come into his own,  finding an an ideal fit in their music management degree program, and dropping some of his best work yet while at Dillard.  What we learn too that his work has taken new forms, including sewing and creating clothing. 

A brief listen to this episode will convey just how much fun we had talking to this very enjoyable person, who has finding a way to just do it as a string grabber and kite flyer. 


NLS Huncho's YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/c/Upn3xtEnt
Instagram:  @nlshuncho
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/Nlshuncho

Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: [email protected]

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and  this episode's music breaks featured tracks performed and provided by our guest, NLS Huncho.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

We had a blast talking with Emily Dolan Davies. She's a London, UK-based drummer who has certainly found her way to some of the biggest stages and in some of the coolest studios touring and recording with the likes of Brian Ferry, Thomas Dolby, The Darkness, and Kim Wilde, with whom she is about to go on the road with.  We caught up to her after Steve saw her on the Netflix music documentary, "Count Me In"  where Emily was one of the featured drummers right there alongside, Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stuart Copeland of the Police, and Roger Taylor of Queen, among others.  All creatives who play a unique role of keeping time and order for their musical partners. Kind-of like being a sonic string.

What Steve saw in Emily in the film, "Count Me In," was on display in this episode of Kites and Strings, and that is that Emily is so much fun and so loves her job as a band's time-piece, all while getting totally lost in the sheer glee of beating a drum with a stick.  We certainly hear about her work, her drummer origin story, her high-points and some of her low points.  Emily is quite candid about how she has used drums as a vessel in which to throw her most difficult situations and feelings, and she finds that her chosen instrument never fails to give back.

In addition to drumming, we hear about other creative ventures, such as having her own podcast and a mobile recording business, as well as her generous want to assist and support young musicians who are trying to break into music industry and/or drumming.  So settle into your drummer throne and enjoy listening to how Emily Dolan Davies grabs her string and flies he kite.

Emily's website:  https://www.emilydolandavies.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilydolandavies
IMdb page for Count Me In, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6889042/
Twitter: @Emilydrums
Instagram: @emilydrumscom
Podcast:  Emily Is Live

Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: [email protected]

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and  this episode's music breaks featured tracks performed and provided by our guest, Emily Dolan Davies.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

Today's guest, Dom Flemons, co-founded the Carolina Chocolate Drops in 2005, and on their third studio album, Genuine Negro Jig   they won the 2010 Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album.  His 2018 album, Black Cowboys,  recorded on the Smithsonian Folkways label, was nominated for a 2019 Grammy in the same category, and he has been nominated for two Emmys. Most recently he was awarded the prestigious 2020 United States Artist Fellowship and his 2014 album , Prospect Hill   with Omnibus Records, has been re-issued.

He has adopted the moniker "American Songster," and this was not him just claiming a title that sounded cool. Nope, its earned.  not only by way of the awards and high-praise he has received for his contributions to 20+ album collaborations, along with his seven solo albums, but also because he puts in the work researching what he plays.

We learn so much from Don in this episode, not the least being that he has let his interest in his heritage and the music he has identified with over the years pull him into some very fruitful rabbit holes.  So yes, he's a historian, but he's also allowed his ongoing education about cultures in which he's identified,  as well as about the music, it's origins stories and about the instruments used to create such music. And of course, he's become a master on many of those instruments over the years.  Check of the links below to learn more about Dom Flemons, but in the mean time, settle in for some string grabbing and kite flying with Dom Flemons.

Dom's website  -  https://theamericansongster.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DomFlemonsMusic/
Instagram - @domflemons

To purchase tickets at the June 10, 2022, Wexler Group Trail Mix Concert Series (the series founded by Steve) featuring Don Flemons    https://www.trailmixmusic.org/

Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: [email protected]

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and all other original music by purple planet music at https://www.purple-planet.com.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

Amber Roper is a fibers artists, considered by Saatchi Arts to a "Rising Star" in their elite group of 35 under 35 international artists in 2020.  She is founder of the Bluhen Studio in London, England, which translates to "Flourish and Blossom," and you will soon learn how perfect this name is for Amber.

Amber grew up in London, and despite initial wanting's to break free, like many a restless young-adult, she stayed-put given her being accepted to the prestigious Central Saint Martins University.  She found the philosophy of that institution to be a perfect fit, especially given her needing a bit of a hand-up.   Her background is modest, being first-generation-college from  working class family, and with many siblings.  Frankly speaking, many (including Amber)  would not have called her university material. Complicating things more, she learned  that she was carrying a diagnosis of Dyslexia, which answered many questions for Amber. 

Amber Roper is amazing in her recognition that support in the form of having her creativity be not only be recognized and seen, but to also be "championed" by her parents, and more recently her musically-inclined partner.

Amber has since graduated from Central St. Martins, she has exhibited internationally, garnered critical acclaim, awards and notable, a tremendous sense of balance and appreciation for her role as a a new mom, and an artist.  That is what drew us to her and it was a total pleasure to talk with Amber Rober. 

Amber's website:  https://thebluhenstudio.london/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebluhenstudio/  or @theBluhenstudio

Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: [email protected]

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and all other original music by purple planet music at https://www.purple-planet.com.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

In bygone days you had a closet full of board games, or you kept them on a shelf in the basement, and every now and again you'd gather folks around the table to play.  And aside that one story we had about the broke dude in Atlantic City inventing the game Monopoly, until the last decade or two, there was no attention paid to the idea that somebody created those games, that experience, or the gaming environment, which is the term oft-used in our discussion today. 

Our guest is Jason Schneider.  He is one of the creatives who has helped bring board games back to the fore.  We have a great discussion about the phenomenon of gaming, the types of games, the different elements of a game and how, despite the growing presence of video games, table-top games remain  the real deal. This is especially true for people wanting actual human connection, like that which is experienced playing a rambunctious party game, a strategic thinker with your nerdy friends, or a cooperative game on family game night.

As the VP of Product Development at Gamewright, a game company with over 200 titles that focuses on family friendly games, Jason knows the business, and he provides a tremendous peak inside the process of creating games; from the initial idea to development to testing to marketing and finally to that game being on your dining room table. Maybe that game being played tonight in your home is one of Gamewright's super creative games, like Slamwich, Sushi Go, Super Mega Lucky Box, Gubs, Forbidden Planet , Abandon All Artichokes  or any other game  in Gamewright's massive, highly acclaimed catalogue.

So it's your move, press play and enjoy your journey through the Kites and Strings environment with Jason Schneider.

Gamewright Games     https://gamewright.com/
Facebook - @gamewright

Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: [email protected]

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and all other original music by purple planet music at https://www.purple-planet.com.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

Áine Rose Daly is a young actress who's career would be squarely in the "taking flight" category.  Early on she was in an episode of Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan,  she's been in a music video or two and she was in the critically acclaimed film, Boiling Point, which can be streamed on Amazon Prime. Also available on Amazon Prime is the three-season action/thriller Hanna, which is where Kites and Strings (well, Steve) first saw her.  Áine was amazing in her role - first as girl 242 in season one and all over the screen in seasons two and three when 242 becomes Sandy Phillips. And speaking of transitions, Áine is also in the werewolf film, Eight for Silver, which was renamed The  Cursed in the States, where it opened in February 2022. 

One would think  that acting is her passion.  But you might be wrong.  In this episode you will learn that she enjoys her job as an actor, where she gets to be other people,  but you will also find that she taps her most creative and expressive parts when creating music. 

We learn about her start as an actor, what its like being on the set, especially in the productions of Boiling Point and Hanna, and we'll learn about her process as an actor and as a musician.  We're happy to share a couple of her songs in this episode and we hope you have a great time as we explore string grabbing and kite flying with London-based Áine Rose Daly.

Áine's IMDb     https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10441597/
Instagram - @ainerosedaly
YouTube: "Places"  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATex3-Ug8VA


Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: [email protected]

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and all other music is by Purple Planet at Purpleplanet.com.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.