Life With Strings Attached

In this episode of Life With Strings Attached, Jamie Gale sits down with luthier Isaac Jang — one of the most admired voices in the modern guitar world — to explore what it means to build instruments that don’t just sound beautiful, but feel meaningful.

From a decade-long apprenticeship with Kathy Wingert to launching his own shop steps from Hollywood Boulevard, Isaac shares the personal philosophies and small decisions that shape his world-class guitars. The conversation moves gracefully between legacy, craft, family, faith — and how joy itself can be built into wood and wire.

Whether you're a player, a builder, or someone searching for direction in your own work, this episode is a reminder that excellence isn’t about ego — it’s about intention.

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Isaac Jang:
https://www.isaacjangguitars.com/
https://www.instagram.com/isaacjangguitar/
https://www.facebook.com/isaacjang910?locale=nl_NL
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Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world.

Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached.

You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content.

My Patreon:   / businessofguitar  
LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVM...
LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale

J. Galen Buckwalter is a research psychologist with over 30 years of experience exploring the intersection of psychology, technology, and human behavior. 

He started his career as a research professor at the University of Southern California and later developed a behavioural outcomes research program at Kaiser Permanente. But many will know him best as the mind behind the groundbreaking assessment and matching system for eHarmony.com.

Now, as CEO of psyML, Galen is harnessing psychology and AI to build digital systems that support individual growth. His research has taken him to the cutting edge of neuroscience—he’s a participant and scientist in a groundbreaking brain-machine interface trial aimed at restoring function after spinal cord injury, giving him unprecedented access to his own neural activity.

And beyond the lab? Galen is the frontman of Siggy, a pre-punk band of psychologists that’s rocked underground venues across LA. He’s written over 70 songs and is now exploring ways to integrate the sounds of his own brain activity into music.

Today, we’re diving into his incredible journey, the future of AI and psychology, and maybe even a little music. Welcome to Life With Strings Attached, J. Galen Buckwalter!

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J Galen Buckwalter: https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=CKTzCmcAAAAJ&hl=en
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Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world.

Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached.

You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content.

Watch the video version on YouTube:
🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached

Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry:
🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase
🔗 Jamie Gale

Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.

Over the last two decades, Michihiro Matsuda has crafted some of the most innovative and inspiring guitars in the world. His work seamlessly blends tradition and creativity, reflecting his deep Japanese heritage and culture. The principles of contemplation and reflection—so central to Japanese philosophy—are evident in every instrument he builds.

Born and raised in Japan, Michi’s passion for music, guitars, and craftsmanship led him to the world of lutherie. After an apprenticeship with the legendary Ervin Somogyi, he established his own studio in the San Francisco Bay Area. He also trained in instrument repair under Frank Ford at Gryphon Stringed Instruments, where he remains part of the repair team.

For Michi, guitar making is about more than just sound—it’s about identity, expression, and the relationship between builder, player, and instrument. His guitars are deeply personal, fluid yet simple, and always unique. He hopes that each Matsuda guitar offers not just a tool for music, but a meaningful experience for those who play them.

It’s an honor to welcome to the show, Michihiro Matsuda.

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Matsuda Guitars: https://matsudaguitars.com/
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Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world.

Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached.

You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content.

My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar
LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVMbIY5dvQDvgzlqOd
LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-strings-attached/id1738968493
All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale

Watch the video version on YouTube:
🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached

Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry:
🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase
🔗 Jamie Gale

Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.

Today on Life With Strings Attached, we have a truly inspiring guest—luthier Simon Padalka, the mastermind behind Padalka Guitars. Simon’s journey into guitar-making began in 2011 in his hometown of Krasnodar, Russia. Though he earned a master’s degree in architecture in 2012, his passion for craftsmanship and design led him to trade blueprints for tonewoods, fully dedicating himself to building boutique electric guitars and basses.

Coming from a family of architects, Simon developed a deep appreciation for high-quality materials, structural integrity, and refined aesthetics—elements that are now signature traits of his instruments. By 2015, with the support of his family, he expanded his workshop and introduced new models that became the foundation of the Padalka brand.

Simon’s reputation grew internationally as he showcased his work at prestigious events like the Holy Grail Guitar Showin 2018, followed by NAMM in 2019 and 2020. However, in 2022, faced with geopolitical challenges, he made the bold decision to leave Russia and restart Padalka Guitars in Canada, joining Dingwall Guitars along the way.

Now based in Canada, Simon has refined his craft to an even higher level, focusing on a limited number of builds per year—just 5 to 10—ensuring each instrument embodies his signature blend of refined design, flawless craftsmanship, and phenomenal playability.

Simon, welcome to the show!

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Padalka Guitars: https://www.padalka-guitars.com/

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Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world.

Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached.

You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content.

My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar
LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVMbIY5dvQDvgzlqOd
LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-strings-attached/id1738968493
All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale

Watch the video version on YouTube:
🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached

Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry:
🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase
🔗 Jamie Gale

Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.

Today on Life With Strings Attached, we’re joined by Eric Weigeshoff, the visionary luthier behind Skytop Guitars. 

With a background in design and film, Eric approaches guitar-making as both an art form and an immersive experience. His passion for rock climbing and the natural world informs his craft, leading him to create guitars that are not only sonically rich but also visually striking.

What truly sets Eric’s work apart is his innovative side-soundport design—foregoing the traditional soundhole, he directs the guitar’s resonance toward the player, creating an intimate and immersive playing experience without sacrificing projection. His instruments bridge time-honoured craftsmanship with modern innovation, offering a connection between musician and instrument that is deeply personal.

Beyond building extraordinary guitars, Eric is dedicated to making each client a part of the journey. When you commission a Skytop Guitar, you’re not just purchasing an instrument—you’re collaborating in its creation, watching it evolve from raw wood into a one-of-a-kind expression of your artistry.

Eric, welcome to the show!

Skytop Guitars: https://www.skytopguitars.com/

Join the Patreon: patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar

~

Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world.

Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached.

You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content.

My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar
LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVMbIY5dvQDvgzlqOd
LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-strings-attached/id1738968493
All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale

Watch the video version on YouTube:
🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached

Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry:
🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase
🔗 Jamie Gale

Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.

What does it mean to redesign a cultural icon?

Ric Riordon was already a well-established designer when, over two decades ago, he and his team were asked to redesign the trophy for the Academy of Country Music Awards. 

The original had barely changed since the mid-’60s, so the team were taking on quite a challenge: replacing a recognisable icon that had been in the hands of famous musicians for almost half a century.

Ric joins me this week to share the full story and discuss the role of imperfection in art and why humans are designed to design. With a rich career over three decades – having shaped iconic brands in corporate and entertainment sectors and designed over 800 album packages – Ric certainly has plenty of wisdom and insight to share.

Ric's work: https://www.culturecuedesign.com/
The Fussy Gardener: https://www.fussygardener.com/

Join the Patreon: patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar

Watch the video version on YouTube:
🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached

Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry:
🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase
🔗 Jamie Gale

Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.

How in the world do you get your first guitar build in Steve Vai's hands?

Well, you take some big risks and make some bold choices, and Stephen McSwain has certainly done plenty of both.

From hand carving horror-themed installations for Slash to working with world-renowned visual artists, Stephen has time and again gone where no luthier has gone before – and come back with plenty of amazing stories.

He joins me this week on Life With Strings Attached to tell a few of them and talk about some of the valuable lessons he's learned through it all.

McSwain Guitars: mcswainguitars.com

Join the Patreon: patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar

Watch the video version on YouTube:
🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached

Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry:
🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase
🔗 Jamie Gale

Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.

Michael had his dream job working for the US Forest Service – until the sight of a luthier's workshop turned his interest in guitars into an obsession that couldn't be ignored. 

Now, Michael is a master guitar maker with over 25 years of experience crafting exquisite acoustic guitars in Fort Collins, Colorado. Renowned for his signature designs featuring art nouveau and art deco inlays, his guitars are celebrated worldwide for their natural beauty and craftsmanship. Drawing from his past as a soil scientist, he brings a unique perspective to his work, emphasizing sustainable wood selection and a deep connection to nature.

Beyond the workbench, Michael is a sought-after presenter, educator, and the host of Luthier on Luthier, a podcast for Fretboard Journal Magazine, where he dives into the world of guitar making with fellow craftsmen. Recently, Michael returned the favour and had myself on his podcast as a guest. 

Listen to it here: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/luthier-on-luthier-jamie-gale/

He joins me this week to talk about taking big leaps, bringing the scientific method into the workshop, and staying in love with guitar making.

Bashkin Guitars: bashkinguitars.com

Watch the video version on YouTube:
🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached

Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry:
🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase
🔗 Jamie Gale

Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.

Here's part 2 of my conversation with visual effects artist Kosta Lagis, whose credits include blockbusters like Prometheus, Man of Steel, and Deadpool.

In this episode, we dive deeper into Kosta's experience with generative AI and what this technology means for the future of artists and creatives.

We also explore the role of religious and unifying narratives in culture and the question of whether we really have free will. We covered so much in this conversation, and I want to thank Kosta for being so generous with his time and insights.

Kosta's credits: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4903106/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar

Watch the video version on YouTube:
🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached

Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry:
🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase
🔗 Jamie Gale

Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.

With over 25 years of expertise in film, advertising, and industrial design, Kosta Lagis has worked on blockbuster movies like Prometheus, Man of Steel, and Deadpool, as well as high-profile commercials for brands such as Huawei and Mobil. He's currently the creative Director for Computer Graphics at The Mill in Shanghai.

With a deep technical foundation in illustration, photography, digital imaging, and audio production, he now explores the creative and ethical implications of AI-driven imaging technologies. 

As well as hearing his views on the role of AI, I wanted to talk with Kosta about his incredibly varied career, life in China, the magic of cinema, the cultural role of religious narrative, and lots more – unsurprisingly, this was a long conversation. We've split it into two parts, with part two coming next week.

Kosta's credits: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4903106/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar

Watch the video version on YouTube:
🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached

Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry:
🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase
🔗 Jamie Gale

Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.