We recently had our first listening party at the studio, and it offered a chance to sit back, relax, put the needle on the record, and create a killer podcast episode in the process. After a deep and meaningful play-through of the latest LP from 5th Child (aka Stephen Brown), the artist himself graciously talked about the creativity and craft that went into making the LP. As Stephen just turned 40, this record marks several pivotal junctures in his life and career, and we covered a lot in the lively, candid conversation. Ready for baba ganoush in a rustic cabin outside Jackson, anyone?

NOTE: Since this was a listening party, we don’t have our usual podcast music to start it off, but actually, some much better tracks. And it’s best to have Synesthesia cued up on your playlist, so you can join the party, too.

Being president of Downtown Jackson Partners is the privilege of a lifetime for Liz Brister. She grooves on planning for the future and “really thinking about things differently." In the effort to entice more businesses and people downtown, she says, "we are turning it upside down.” One of the recent upside-down-turners for Mississippi’s capital city has been the Levitt AMP Music Series—a set of 10 free concerts each year for the next three years—that’s lighting things up and bringing everybody out. Artists. Foodtrucks. Families. Community. “It is a wonderful thing to see,” says Liz. As for what's coming up for downtown in the City With Soul, Liz adds, "Just watch what's gonna happen, 'cause it's exciting." Listen in and get the full story.

And don't miss any of the remaining shows in the Levitt AMP Series at historic Smith Park:

• July 4: Stars, Stripes & Symphony with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 – 9 p.m. at the Old Capitol (Classical)
• September 10: Soul City Swingers, 5 – 8 p.m. (Funk and Soul)
• September 17: Cary Hudson, 5 – 8 p.m. (Country, Folk, Blues and Rock and Roll)
• September 27: The Wailers, 4 – 7 p.m. (Reggae)
• October 1: Grits and Greens, 5 – 8 p.m. (Psychedelic Y'Alt Rock)

Let The Sparks Fly is the podcast about inspiration and creative fire, hosted by MWB.

Acclaimed chef Nick Wallace knows very well the highs and lows of culinary creativity. In this episode, Nick and Marc delve into the joys of cooking, whether for the crowds at JXN Food and Wine Festival, while trying to conjure up new recipes at the midtown kitchen at 4 in the morning, or just among friends who happen to stop by for a beer and smoked trout. Listen to find out what can be gained from the heartfelt lessons of Grandmother Miss Lennell, the importance of hanging on to thousands of your own jam-packed, hand-written notebooks, and what it means to have a share in mentoring the next generation of local, budding talent.

Let The Sparks Fly is the podcast about inspiration and creative fire, hosted by MWB.

Ed Foose started out as a kid in his room, playing around and putting stories together. He'd get his toys - Matchbox cars, action figures, whatever - and use them to bring short, simply-animated or video stories to life. Flash forward a decade or two, and he’s still making cool stuff in his room. The edit tools and toys may have changed, but the process really hasn’t. In whatever creative endeavor you’re engaged in—whether finding an alternative route to work, or creating a full motion-graphics video—Ed says, “You’ve got to trust yourself.” Listen in to get the full story.

Let The Sparks Fly is the podcast about inspiration and creative fire, hosted by MWB.

At MWB, Emily Foose is known as someone who walks into a room and instantly makes everything better. First, with her bright, cheerful personality. And second, with her beautiful illustrations. Join Emily and host Marc Leffler as they chat about playground superheroes, carefree timelessness, and finding the time to doodle creatively, whatever kind of doodling it is that you do like to do. And, check out some of the drawings from Emily's sketchbook on the MWB Instagram post.

Let The Sparks Fly is the podcast about inspiration and creative fire, hosted by MWB.

For this episode, host Marc Leffler is happy to welcome lifelong friend and compatriot in many creative endeavors, Denny Burkes. In a brave attempt to put all inside jokes aside, the two talk rather seriously about the groundwork needed to truly take flight, improvisationally speaking. And, all the astounding generations of Jackson music, going-way-back-when to right now. And, the incredible importance of mentors, musical and otherwise. Then Denny somehow still remembers how to play a masterful solo he learned in 10th grade.

Let The Sparks Fly is the podcast about inspiration and creative fire, hosted by MWB.

Ever since he can remember, young Krishton has loved wild critters of all kinds. And dancing. And magic. And writing. And robotics. And practically anything else he comes across that’s captivating and cool. LTSF Host Marc Leffler, who’s also Kris’s robotics coach, sits down to chat about the inspiring, creative aspects of all these things and more—just as this imagination-filled go-getter sets his sights on new adventures ahead.

Let The Sparks Fly is the podcast about inspiration and creative fire, hosted by MWB.

Actor, singer, poet, VO talent, and yes, futures trader Lenita Harris joins us to talk about getting in the creative flow—and reaching those elusive "breakthrough moments" —without beating your head against the wall. And we go in search of the binder full of big ideas that she lost so long ago. Exclusive bonus: You also get to hear about an evolutionary/revolutionary idea from host Marc Leffler for a toddler toy that's so crazy, it just might work. (NOTE: Don't try this at home. Please don't.)

Let The Sparks Fly is the podcast about inspiration and creative fire, hosted by MWB.

How do we each, personally, tap into our creativity? Get it going, flowing, inspired up, fired up? What’s the deal behind all those big ideas? Find out in a new podcast from MWB Studios called Let The Sparks Fly, all about inspiration and creative fire. In actual conversations with actual people, host Marc Leffler delves into this crazy thing we call creativity. Spirit. Spark.

Wherever you get your podcasts, get into Let The Sparks Fly, a new podcast from MWB Studios.