Modern Romantic

Maija Katak Lukin is an artist, hunter, fisher, sewist, crafter, baker, advocate, leader, and so much more.
She lives a big life in little Kotzebue, Alaska - one that weaves together creativity, community, and stewardship of the Arctic land and waters her people have lived with for thousands of years.
Maija has served as Mayor of Kotzebue, as Superintendent of Western Arctic National Parklands (overseeing 9 million acres of parkland), and is now the Native Relations Program Manager for the National Park Service in Alaska. She’s also the author of Create Like an Iñupiaq! a book that teaches everything from sewing traditional garments to filleting salmon with an ulu.
There’s no single way to capture the scope of her life — and that’s exactly why you need to join us for this conversation. Find her patterns and book here: https://ahluspatterns.squarespace.com

In this episode, we sit down with Amy and Dusty Droz, the creative duo behind Dux Somnium Games, an indie studio crafting immersive tabletop worlds where immersive storytelling meets strategy.

From sketching their first game concepts to building full-fledged adventures, Amy and Dusty share how imagination, collaboration, and a love for community and family fuel their creative process. Together, they explore what it means to bring people around a table to connect, dream, and play, and why games are one of the most enduring forms of storytelling.

Whether you’re a lifelong gamer, a storyteller at heart, or just curious about how ideas come to life, this conversation is full of insight, laughter, and creative sparks.

Learn more and check out their games at https://duxsomnium.com/

Ilana Zaks is a “fearless, refreshing, and commanding” violinist whose performances have graced some of the world’s most iconic stages from Carnegie Hall to the Berliner Philharmonie.
By age 22, Ilana was already a first violinist with the Seattle Symphony and Seattle Opera. Today, she continues to share her dynamic artistry through concerts, innovative projects like Sound Worlds, and by teaching the next generation of musicians.
In this delightful and impressive chat, Ilana talks about how music moves her, and how her relationship with music impacts the world around her. Learn more about Ilana at https://www.ilanazaksviolinist.com

Anne Elise Teeling, is a Brooklyn-based soprano whose voice and storytelling captivate audiences nationwide. From starring as Eurydice in Orphée aux enfers to performing Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Anne Elise brings characters and music to life with depth and heart.
This year (2025) alone, she’s won top prizes in national competitions, debuted new roles, and joined the New York chapter of Opera on Tap. Beyond the stage, Anne Elise writes short stories, exploring human connection through words as well as song. Learn more: www.anneeliseteeling.com

We're thrilled to have actress and author Susan Berger back on the show - to discuss her new book, and talk about what she's been up to since we last chatted a year and a half ago. Find more about Susan here: www.susanbergeractor.comIf you want to preview and provide feedback for her new book Lord Byron's Daughter, please contact us: [email protected]

In this fun episode, Emily and Trey sit down with glass artist Jenn Justad for an inspiring conversation about the art and science of glass blowing. Jenn shares her journey from discovering glass at a summer camp to becoming a skilled creator whose colorful, functional pieces bring joy to everyday life.

They dive into the behind-the-scenes world of glass blowing, how molten glass moves, why teamwork matters in the studio, and how something as simple as a favorite cup can transform daily rituals. Jenn also talks about the challenges and delights of art fairs, the tactile magic of her work, and her belief that art should be touched, used, and loved, not just displayed.

Full of warmth, humor, and a touch of science, this episode will leave you seeing glass, and creativity itself, in a whole new light. Find Jenn online at www.justadglass.com

Tricia Copeland is an award-nominated fantasy and YA author who believes magic can be found everywhere: in sunsets, in stories, and in the worlds we create. From her Kingdom Journals series to dystopian adventures and paranormal tales, Tricia transports readers into realms where the extraordinary feels just a page away. She’s also the host of the Finding the Magic podcast, where she explores the wonder behind books and their creators. Learn more about Tricia on her website: https://triciacopeland.com

Steven L. Anderson is an Atlanta-based artist, curator, and Co-Director of Day & Night Projects, an artist-run gallery he helped launch in 2016.
Since 1996, Steven’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the U.S., and can be found in collections from Microsoft to Coca-Cola to the National Park Service. His sketchbooks even have a permanent home in Emory University’s archives.
Steven is not only a celebrated artist (and winner of major grants like the 2023 Idea Capital award), but also a creative explorer who has taken his practice from Atlanta to New York to France, blending art, community, and curiosity wherever he goes.

You’ve seen her work on Lady Gaga, Solidad O’Brien, 50 Cent, and possibly your cousin’s wedding photos, now hear the story behind the brush.
Jenny Greene-Magliano is a top-tier makeup artist working across film, TV, fashion, and private clients in the Hudson Valley and NYC. She’s the calm in the chaos, the glam in the grit, and the secret weapon behind so many iconic faces.
We talk artistry, work ethic, weird moments on set, and what it means to help someone feel like their best self.

No guest - just a candid chat about art, maple syrup, forgetting what year it is, Trey at seven years old eating a strawberry, fresh figs, bread baking, The Rivers of London, how you know you're in love, getting swept away, and how maybe, just maybe we should start a podcast.