Products of the Mind: A Conversation About the Intersection of Business + Creativity

Products of the Mind Episode 16: Srinivas Rao, the Unmistakable Creative

Welcome to Episode 16 of Products of the Mind. On this episode, I speak with Srinivas Rao, author and host of Unmistakable Creative podcast.

But First…Brandon Uttley

Brandon Uttley joins us to talk about his new book, Pod Castaway.

• Podcast: Go For Launch
• Brandon’s book, Pod Castaway on Amazon
• To get the first 3 chapters for free plus a 3-part email series on how to launch a podcast, go to io/PodCastaway

Srinivas Rao

About his show, Unmistakable Creative: “The thread that ties them all together is that they’re just insanely interesting people that are up to fascinating things in the world…I’m a curator of insanely interesting people.”

From blogging to hosting Unmistakable Creative, tune in today for Srinivas Rao—author, digital story teller, curator of interesting people, and of course—podcaster.

Hear about the evolution from blog to podcast. Get insights on naming the show; using the internet to make unmistakable things; finding fascinating people and content; and designing the “unmistakable.”

Also: stories that attract people; the “craft” of podcasting; finding the ethos of your work; and, why not to go to business school.

• Podcast: Unmistakable Creative
• Srini’s book The Art of Being Unmistakable
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• SoulPancake Videos here

Thanks for Checking Out Products of the Mind!

If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the top and bottom of this page.

Also, please consider taking the few seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes. They’re very helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and I read every one.

Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or your favorite podcast app to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live.

Here are instructions on how to subscribe, rate, and review the show in iTunes.

The Credits

Products of the Mind is produced by Mana Monzavi.

As always, the music for this episode was provided by Le Chateau. The track name is “Bury You.” Go buy it on Soundcloud!

This episode and these show notes © 2016 David Lizerbram

Products of the Mind Episode 15: Wilco Guitarist and Jazz Legend Nels Cline

Welcome to Episode 15 of Products of the Mind. On this episode, I speak with Wilco guitarist and jazz legend Nels Cline.

“We wanted to be hippies; we wanted to be Rock & Roll wizards.”

Not everyone who goes to L.A. makes it big, but some people who are from there can go all the way. Today we speak with Nels Cline, guitarist for indie rock megastars Wilco and longtime solo artist (including with his band The Nels Cline Singers) and collaborator with countless other music legends. Nels talks about growing up in West L.A.; being “one half” of a set of twins; cultural music lessons in public school; and inspiration from Ravi Shankar.

From sitar to guitar, Nels unravels his journey to finally making it big with Wilco.

Hear what it’s like to survive as an artist: Volvo trips from L.A. to the bay; the struggle to make rent; regular life “getting in the way” of the dream; and opening for Primus.

And of course we learn about Nels’ inspirations, including (but certainly not limited to): Humble Pie, Jimi Hendrix, and John Coltrane.

Other musical gems:

• Yes
• King Crimson
• The Yardbirds: Happenings Ten Years Time Ago
• Manic Depression (Jimi Hendrix)
• Geraldine Fibbers wiki
• Wilco’s Impossible Germany (live)
• Best Coast
• Cibo Matto

Nels Cline Homepage

Nels’ Twitter @nelscline

The songs played in this episode:

• “Impossible Germany” by Wilco – Buy it on iTunes
• “The Wedding Band” by The Nels Cline Singers – Buy it on iTunes

Thanks for Checking Out Products of the Mind!

If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the top and bottom of this page.

Also, please consider taking the few seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes. They’re very helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and I read every one.

Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or your favorite podcast app to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live.

Here are instructions on how to subscribe, rate, and review the show in iTunes.

The Credits

Products of the Mind is produced by Mana Monzavi.

The theme music for this episode was provided by Le Chateau. The track name is “Bury You.” Go buy it on Soundcloud!

This episode and these show notes © 2016 David Lizerbram

Welcome to Episode 14 of Products of the Mind. On this episode, I speak with Seth Siegel, author of Let There Be Water.

Seth Siegel

“If you have a country like Israel which is mostly desert, and it has achieved this water status of self-sufficiency of even being a water superpower, then why can’t everybody do that?”- Seth Siegel (On why he is an optimist on the future for water.)

Israel is over 60% desert yet still manages their water resources better than any other place in the world.

Did you know our current drought wasn’t expected to hit until 2025; or that there are over 4,600 water authorities in Texas alone? On this episode author and water expert Seth Siegel tells us about the research journey that led him from listening to a lecture from the Council on Foreign Affairs to doing over 200 hundred interviews with Israeli water experts.

Seth’s book tells the success story of Israel’s ability to manage this precious resource, and this interview is an informative peek inside. We discuss topics like the socialization of water; how crises impact policy; agricultural reform; and, why the United States should look at Israel as a successful model for water management. And if that’s not enough, we’ll learn how this author got to produce a Broadway musical, for which he was nominated for a Tony award.

• Seth’s Website: http://www.sethmsiegel.com/
• Let There Be Water on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Let-There-Be-Water-Water-Starved/dp/1250073952
• Let There Be Water Website: http://www.sethmsiegel.com/book/
• Sorek Water Desalinization Plant: http://www.ide-tech.com/blog/case-study/sorek-israel-project/
• Man of La Mancha [on Broadway]: http://www.broadwaymusicalhome.com/shows/mancha.htm

Thanks for Checking Out Products of the Mind!

If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the top and bottom of this page.

Also, please consider taking the few seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes. They’re very helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and I read every one.

Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or your favorite podcast app to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live.

Here are instructions on how to subscribe, rate, and review the show in iTunes.

The Credits

Products of the Mind is produced by Mana Monzavi.

As always, the music for this episode was provided by Le Chateau. The track name is “Bury You.” Go buy it on Soundcloud!

This episode and these show notes © 2015 David Lizerbram

Welcome to Episode 13 of Products of the Mind. On this episode, I speak with Tom Schwab, Digital Marketing Engineer and John Lee Dumas of EOFire.

John Lee Dumas

First we hear from John Lee Dumas of EOFire. John takes a few minutes to talk about his new project, The Freedom Journal. You can check out The Freedom Journal and contribute to the Kickstarter on TheFreedomJournal.com.

Tom Schwab

What is inbound marketing? Should I blog or podcast for my business? How do I build-up my e-commerce business? What does nuclear engineering have to do with sales and marketing? If these questions have plagued your business, listen in to digital marketing engineer Tom Schwab.

Tom tells us about his career trajectory from running nuclear reactors in the Navy, to operations, to sales and marketing for a Fortune 500 company. Tom explains the importance of systems; how he came to own his own distributorship; and how his business solution is like Preparation H.

Also in this discussion: submarine life; golfing with the Emir of the U.A.E; how to turn customers into advocates; and the move from blogs to podcasts.

Learn more about Tom’s first gig in the Navy: http://www.navysite.de/cvn/cvn72.html

More about Tom’s business and how he can help yours here: http://tmschwab.com/

Tom on Twitter: @TMSchwab

Finally, you can find Tom’s giveaway at TMSchwab.com/Products

Thanks for Checking Out Products of the Mind!

If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the top and bottom of this page.

Also, please consider taking the few seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes. They’re very helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and I read every one.

Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or your favorite podcast app to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live.

Here are instructions on how to subscribe, rate, and review the show in iTunes.

The Credits

Products of the Mind is produced by Mana Monzavi.

As always, the music for this episode was provided by Le Chateau. The track name is “Bury You.” Go buy it on Soundcloud!

This episode and these show notes © 2016 David Lizerbram

Products of the Mind Episode 12: Jeromy Cox, Comic Book Professional, Talks Colors & Comedy

Welcome to Episode 12 of Products of the Mind. On this episode, I speak with comic book artist and stand-up comedian Jeromy Cox.

Jeromy Cox

“I love artists; but if you don’t realize how crazy artists are and you’re an artist, you’re missing something.”

Today we chat with Jeromy Cox: a comic book artist, comedian, and occasional TV and film actor. We discuss the history of comic book coloring and the transition from traditional book coloring to modern digital coloring. We also gain insight on companies like Image Comics, Wildstorm, and Marvel.

From using dry erase markers on computer screens to developing the current hand-drawn computer animation technology, Jeromy walks us through the difficulties of coloring comics “back in the day.” We, also hear about how he used his artistic talents for video games and theme rides, “hanging out with Ted Turner,” and being nominated for an Eisner Award.

Other Topics: Attack of the Killer Tomatoes; Zombie Love; managing artists; Leave it to Chance; Mage; doing stand-up comedy; being a pirate in a Russell Crowe movie; and acting on America’s Most Wanted.

Twitter: @JeromyCox

Jeromy’s Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/Jeromy-Cox/e/B00JFEV8M6/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Jeromy’s site: http://www.mostfunnest.com/

Zombie Love

Other Things Discussed in this Episode:

• Our drink of the day: http://www.greenflashbrew.com/2015treasurechest/
• Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, the TV series
• Mage
• Eisner Awards
• Image Comics: http: https://imagecomics.com/
• Leave it to Chance
• Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World
• Understanding Comics
• The notorious Rob Liefeld Levi’s Jeans Commercials: Here and Here

Thanks for Checking Out Products of the Mind!

If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the top and bottom of this page.

Also, please consider taking the few seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes. They’re very helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and I read every one.

Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or your favorite podcast app to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live.

Here are instructions on how to subscribe, rate, and review the show in iTunes.

The Credits

Products of the Mind is produced by Mana Monzavi.

The theme music for this episode was provided by Le Chateau. The track name is “Bury You.” Go buy it on Soundcloud!

This episode and these show notes © 2015 David Lizerbram

Products of the Mind Episode 11: Phil Davis, Professional Namer of Things

Welcome to Episode 11 of Products of the Mind. On this episode, I speak with Phil Davis of Tungsten Branding.

Phil Davis, Professional Namer of Things

What do businesses like P.O.D.S., Big Earth Landscape Supply, and Starmark Pet Products have in common? They all needed help naming their brand, and Phil Davis of Tungsten Branding helped them name their vision.

Ever wonder how to create a commonly understood name for your brand that can still be owned? Have you had problems with restrictive domains? Do you know how the size and scope of your company can impact brand naming and recognition? Can’t decide between The Pope and Lady Gaga as your spokesperson? Listen in as Phil explores the common issues that entrepreneurs and large businesses alike deal with when it comes to naming their brand or rebranding their name.

Also: what’s unique about Tom’s Shoes, how to not get stuck in the left-brain world, and how kickboxing and exercise can purge your brain of that pesky creative carbon buildup.

Learn more about Phil Davis and Tungsten Branding here: http://tungstenbranding.com/

Some things mentioned in this episode:

• http://starmarkacademy.com/
• http://www.pods.com/
• http://try.avumo.com/
• http://www.toms.com/
• http://www.bigearthsupply.com/

Thanks for Checking Out Products of the Mind!

If you enjoyed today’s show, please consider taking the few seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes. They’re very helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and I read every one.

Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or your favorite podcast app to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live.

Here are instructions on how to subscribe, rate, and review the show in iTunes.

The Credits

As always, the music for this episode was provided by Le Chateau. The track name is “Bury You.” Go buy it on Soundcloud!

Products of the Mind is produced by Mana Monzavi.

This episode and these show notes © 2015 David Lizerbram

Products of the Mind Episode 10: Star Wars Trademarks

Welcome to Episode 10 of Products of the Mind. On this episode, I get into some of the highlights and lowlights from the ever-expanding galaxy of Star Wars trademarks.

I remember eagerly waiting in line with my parents to see Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. It was May 1980, and I was a few months shy of 4 years old. Little did I know that 35 years ago, the world would be eagerly awaiting yet another Star Wars epic.

The Star Wars movie saga began on May 25, 1977, and the Star Wars trademark saga began shortly thereafter. Let's hop on our landspeeders and take a tour of some Star Wars trademark highlights (and lowlights.)

The first trademark application including the words "STAR WARS" was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on July 27, 1977. The application listed two types of goods: comic magazines and toy action figures. The first Star Wars comic book came out in July 1977, so that was no problem. However, the action figures themselves weren't actually available at that point. In fact, despite the demand, the figures ended up not being ready by Christmas of that year, so, instead, kids were given an empty cardboard box that acted as a gift certificate. The toys were supposed to be delivered by June 1978. This is all very hard to imagine in today's instant on-demand world.

By the way, that empty box is now very valuable. As of this writing, one of them is for sale on eBay for $7,995.

Interestingly, the first record of a Star Wars-related trademark filing was an application by Lucasfilm to register THE FORCE for t-shirts. That one was filed on July 14, 1977.

Shortly after those initial applications, the STAR WARS trademarks started rolling in...posters (had that), t-shirts (that too, of course), action playsets (ditto), and chewing gum (I think I missed out on the gum)...watches, paint sets, lunch boxes, socks and pajamas (trust me, I was looking pretty cool), board games and puzzles...

And, of course, "Entertainment Services-Namely, the Production and Distribution of Motion Pictures."

Of course Lucasfilm and its associated companies sought trademark protection for all the most well-known characters: Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Yoda, and so on. But over time, they cast a wider net. Eventually they obtained trademark registrations (many of which have expired) for obscure characters such as Prune Face, Tooth Face, and Sy Snootles & the Bebo Band (the band playing at Jabba's palace in Return of the Jedi, of course).

They registered not just Wicket the Ewok (that registration was for shampoo; after all, who wouldn't want a glossy coat of Ewok fur?), and the same character under his full name, Wicket W. Warrick, but also Willy the Ewok. Yes, even the characters from the not very good 1985 TV movie Ewoks: The Battle for Endor made the cut.

And speaking of not very good, I'll just leave this screen shot from the USPTO here for you to enjoy:

Sadly, there's no trademark registration on file for Rootleaf Stew, which is what Yoda was cooking when he first met Luke in The Empire Strikes Back. An actual recipe for the stew was created by Chef Craig Claiborne for a 1983 NPR radio drama. It looks pretty good. And also, why isn't NPR doing any cool sci-fi radio dramas nowadays? Enough with actual news coverage and public affairs programming; I want my tax dollars going towards more Star Wars stuff.

Lucasfilm used to have a registration for A NEW FORCE AT BREAKFAST, the tagline for the 1980's C-3PO'S breakfast cereal.

Not much of a breakfast eater? That's OK, maybe you'll enjoy some wine from SKYWALKER VINEYARDS.

Lucasfilm has protected not just the names, but also the shapes of some of its iconic characters, including R2-D2 and C-3PO.

They've also protected some of the distinctive sounds associated with Star Wars, such as the sound of a lightsaber being activated, which is described as "a crescendo beginning with a snapping sound followed by a hiss sound" (click here to listen) and Darth Vader's labored breathing, described as "the sound of rhythmic mechanical human breathing created by breathing through a scuba tank regulator" (click here to listen.)

Earlier this year, Lucasfilm began filing trademark applications for STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS. But of course, that won't be the end of the Star Wars saga, not by a long shot.

STAR WARS ROGUE ONE (which takes place between Episodes III and IV) will be released in December 2016, followed by Episode VII, Episode VIII, and more to come. You can be sure that Lucasfilm will continue to keep things busy at both the box office and the trademark office. And I'll keep you posted when any Star Wars trademark news appears on my radar.

Until then, fly casual, and MAY THE 4th BE WITH YOU.

Thanks for Checking Out Products of the Mind!

If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the top and bottom of this page.

Also, please consider taking the few seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes. They’re very helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and I read every one.

Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or your favorite podcast app to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live.

Here are instructions on how to subscribe, rate, and review the show in iTunes.

The Credits

As always, the music for this episode was provided by Le Chateau. The track name is “Bury You.” Go buy it on Soundcloud

This episode and these show notes © 2015 David Lizerbram

Products of the Mind Episode 9: Alissa Haight Carlton, Ruling the $3.9 Billion Quilt World and Casting Project Runway To Boot

Welcome to Episode 9 of Products of the Mind. On this episode, I speak with Alissa Haight Carlton of the Modern Quilt Guild.

Alissa Haight Carlton

Did you know quilting is the largest hobby industry at $3.9 billion a year? I didn’t either. Alissa Haight Carlton informs tells us about the massive industry, its history, and the difference between modern and traditional quilting.

Get Alissa’s take on living the L.A. life, and how she went from working in reality T.V. to being wrapped up in her passion: Quilting. Hear about how she utilized blogs to transform the quilt industry, elevate the status of modern quilting, and establish the Modern Quilt Guild. And just in case you were dying to know how shows like Project Runway get cast, Alissa fills us in on that process as well.

Learn more about Alissa, her work, and Modern Quilting here: http://www.alissahaightcarlton.com/

Alissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alissahaightcarlton/

More on Modern Quilting and patterns in Alissa’s book Modern Minimal: 20 Bold & Graphic Quilts here: http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Minimal-Bold-Graphic-Quilts/dp/1607054868

Looking for a Quilt Guild? Check it out: http://www.themodernquiltguild.com

Interested in QuiltCon? More info here: http://www.themodernquiltguild.com/events/quiltcon-2015

Thanks for Checking Out Products of the Mind!

If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the top and bottom of this page.

Also, please consider taking the few seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes. They’re very helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and I read every one.

Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or your favorite podcast app to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live.

Here are instructions on how to subscribe, rate, and review the show in iTunes.

The Credits

As always, the music for this episode was provided by Le Chateau. The track name is “Bury You.” Go buy it on Soundcloud!

This episode and these show notes © 2015 David Lizerbram

Products of the Mind Bonus Episode 3: Michael Skubic, Founder of Old Harbor Distilling

Welcome to Bonus Episode #3 of Products of the Mind. On this episode, I speak with Michael Skubic of Old Harbor Distilling.

Michael Skubic

From Bio-Chem to business admin, Michael tells us about his start at Hess Brewing after college and eventually founding Old Harbor Distilling.

Want to know how to distinguish real craft spirits from the fake stuff? Michael gets into this and illuminates us on how to be creative in a highly regulated industry.

Old Harbor’s website: http://oldharbordistilling.com/

Twitter: @Old_Harbor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldharbordistilling/

Click here to find out more about Old Harbor’s Indiegogo campaign:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/old-harbor-bar-barrels-campaign#/

Other things mentioned in this episode:

• Elmer T. Lee Bourbon: https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/brands/elmer-t-lee-single-barrel

• Taphunter: http://www.taphunter.com/

• Lucero: http://luceromusic.com/site/

• St. George Distilling: http://www.stgeorgespirits.com/

• Koval Distilling: http://www.koval-distillery.com/newsite/

Thanks for Checking Out Products of the Mind!

If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the top and bottom of this page.

Also, please consider taking the few seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes. They’re very helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and I read every one.

Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or your favorite podcast app to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live.

Here are instructions on how to subscribe, rate, and review the show in iTunes.

The Credits

As always, the music for this episode was provided by Le Chateau. The track name is “Bury You.” Go buy it on Soundcloud!

This episode and these show notes © 2015 David Lizerbram

Products of the Mind Episode 8: Exploring the Puzzles of Fine Art and Jiu-Jitsu with Joshua Krause

Welcome to Episode 8 of Products of the Mind. On this episode, I speak with Joshua Krause.

The full show notes for this episode can be found at productsofthemind.net/joshua

Joshua Krause

What is art? Can art be anything? Are “creative professionals” artists? When is the best time to be creative? Joshua gives us his answer to these questions and much more.

We also talk about what’s happening to the art world; Joshua Tree; Death Metal; and that “fighting, struggling, joint-breaking, soul-testing, spirit-breaking, humbling, “mother-effer of a puzzle” known as jiu-jitsu.

How is jiu-jitsu a puzzle? What role does the ego play in jiu-jitsu and art? What happens during ego death? Listen in for Joshua’s take on these questions and more.

A few of the many things Joshua talked about in this episode include:

• DJ Shadow
• A Tribe Called Quest
• Lurker of Chalice and Leviathan
• VI
• Deathspell Omega
• Joshua Tree National Park
• The Integratron

Check out Joshua’s website: krauseart.com

And on Instagram @joshuakrause

Joshua’s preferred charity, the International Rescue Committee: http://www.rescue.org/

Thanks for Checking Out Products of the Mind!

If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the top and bottom of this page.

Also, please consider taking the few seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes. They’re very helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and I read every one.

Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or your favorite podcast app to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live.

Here are instructions on how to subscribe, rate, and review the show in iTunes.

The Credits

As always, the music for this episode was provided by Le Chateau. The track name is “Bury You.” Go buy it on Soundcloud!

This episode and these show notes © 2015 David Lizerbram